Lighting device for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle and method for operating a lighting device

Abstract

A lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), the lighting device having at least one exterior vehicle light (4) and a control device (3), wherein the exterior vehicle light (4) has a light-emitting surface which has at least two independently controllable sections (10a, 10b, 10c, 11a, 11b, 20, 21a, 21b) each comprising at least one light source, wherein the control device (3) is configured to operate the exterior vehicle light (4) in at least two operating modes such that the total light intensity of the exterior vehicle light (4) lies within a range (16) which is limited by a minimum value (14) and a maximum value (15), said at least two operating modes each being associated with a geometric outer appearance shape of the exterior vehicle light (4) which is defined by the light sources operating in the operating mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one exterior lamp / exterior light and a control device, wherein the exterior lamp has a light-emitting surface having at least two independently operable sections, each including at least one light source. Furthermore, this invention relates to a motor vehicle and a method for operating such a lighting device. Background Technology

[0002] Motor vehicles typically have multiple exterior lights, which are designed at least in part for improved visibility of the vehicle during the day and / or at night, for improved occupant visibility, and / or for signaling to other road users. Examples of this type of exterior light are taillights (also called rear lights or taillights), daytime running lights, headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Currently, exterior lights designed in motor vehicles comply with potentially regional or national regulations regarding light intensity, mounting height, switching logic, and other parameters that can be broadly referred to as illumination values.

[0003] However, various exterior lights, especially those that improve visibility to other road users, are also used as differentiating design features by vehicle manufacturers and / or vehicle designers. This development has been particularly facilitated by new solutions for exterior lights using light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and / or lasers. These lighting technologies for realizing exterior light sources achieve, for example, the integration of regulatory requirements for lighting functionality, specific illuminance values, and design requirements to provide customized exterior light designs for motor vehicles.

[0004] This means that the design of currently known exterior lights for motor vehicles, i.e., together with a fixed appearance design, can not only meet the regulatory requirements for lighting functions, such as daytime running lights or taillights, but also achieve comfort and / or driver assistance functions, such as anti-glare high beams, adaptive turn signals, and dynamic flashing lights. However, a disadvantage in the increasingly feature-rich and digitalized world is that current lighting devices for motor vehicles only achieve fixed, preset lighting designs. This means that design differences, especially in the geometry of exterior lights, are presented through different hardware solutions using diverse arrangements of light sources and / or different types of light sources. At this point, high-quality aesthetic designs are mostly combined with the most advanced equipment solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device that is improved in comparison.

[0006] To achieve this objective, in lighting devices of the type described at the beginning, according to the invention, the control device is configured to operate the exterior lights in at least two operating modes such that the total light intensity of the exterior lights is within a range defined by a minimum and a maximum value, said at least two operating modes being associated with the geometric shape of the exterior lights defined / determined by the light source operating in the operating modes.

[0007] As is known within the scope of this invention, a novel exterior lighting technology for providing segmented control has been achieved, manufacturing switchable surface exterior lights divided into independently operable segments. These segments achieve different appearances of the exterior lights through various electrical control schemes, i.e., using different operating modes, thus realizing different graphics / designs. This is achieved, in particular, by the corresponding design scheme of the exterior lights and, especially, by the control logic given by the control device, in order to meet regulatory requirements for lighting functions, and in particular, to meet regulatory requirements for the overall luminous intensity of the exterior lights and the operating light source, and, if necessary, the total luminous intensity related to their operating mode. This means that, based on the independent operability of at least two segments of the exterior lights, different operating modes are provided by the control device, wherein in each operating mode, requirements for total luminous intensity, and, in particular, for at least one other illumination value, are met, thus the total luminous intensity lies within a range defined by minimum and maximum values.

[0008] The exterior light has a light-emitting surface, which can be formed by one or more light-emitting units, such as at least one OLED and / or at least one LED matrix. The light-emitting surface is further divided into segments, each formed by at least one (single) light source, and defining a portion of the light-emitting surface. If segmented OLEDs are used, these segments are obtained by dividing the segmented OLEDs into segments; in other words, each segment is formed by a portion of the OLED serving as a light source. If an LED matrix is ​​used, a segment can have one LED as a light source, but additionally or alternatively, multiple LEDs can be combined into a segment.

[0009] Therefore, specifically, the segments can be formed by segmented OLEDs of the exterior lights and / or at least one LED matrix of the exterior lights. Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have been proposed for use in motor vehicles for some time. Known technologies particularly involve dividing planar OLEDs into a defined number of independently operable segments. In particular, matrices of conventional light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been proposed for headlights, for example, to achieve functions such as adaptive headlights.

[0010] Therefore, this type of technology can be used to implement different designs using the same hardware; however, these designs should still meet all, especially, the requirements of the access technology. This means that for each operating mode, the total light intensity is ensured to be within the corresponding range by a control device. Of course, compliance with other requirements can also be achieved from the perspective of the control device, which will be elaborated on below. Here, it is proposed that this technology be used, in particular, for exterior lights where changes in the geometric shape of the exterior light do not affect its illumination function, and therefore the exterior light is suitable for a specific design, especially for better visibility of the vehicle itself as an illumination function. In particular, at least one exterior light can be a taillight and / or a daytime running light. Other illumination functions, such as adjustable illumination range, are generally not provided with this type of exterior light, but the proposed solution is also suitable in principle for other exterior lights, such as headlights, provided that they are always used in standard mode, such as normal low beams.

[0011] The lighting device implementation according to the present invention not only meets the requirements, especially those of access technologies and / or regulations, but also provides high-quality, and particularly personalized, designs. The fundamental lighting technologies required for this purpose, such as LED matrices and / or segmented OLEDs, are already available as current prior art.

[0012] This invention enables the manufacture of exterior lights in the same manner for a variety of different desired designs, independent of the designs to be applied later in the motor vehicle, because the geometric appearance is provided by the actual operating mode to be used. For example, different choices can be made for exterior lights designed with the same structure during vehicle configuration. However, it is particularly advantageous to also envision changing the operating mode during use, especially in a user-controlled manner, to provide a personalized design. In other words, personalized designs are provided not only during vehicle configuration but also during use, especially in conjunction with an expanded digital business model. This invention provides a feasible solution for different geometric appearances for at least one exterior light, thus offering selectability and / or adjustability of different lighting designs, especially on the user side, while satisfying at least one requirement in the preset set of requirements / requirements (Anforderungssatz), specifically, satisfying at least one requirement in terms of light intensity.

[0013] Here, within the scope of the present invention, two alternative implementation methods are conceivable, and thus two implementation strategies that not only enable variable, especially personalized, lighting designs for exterior vehicle lights, but also meet the requirements of the set of requirements, particularly regarding the illumination values ​​described at the beginning.

[0014] Therefore, in a first alternative embodiment of the invention, it can be specified that the control device is configured to force the operation of at least one first segment of the segments in each operating mode. This means that, under this first principle, a static luminous portion of the exterior light, i.e., the first segment, is defined, wherein the first segment ensures at least one requirement of the exterior light, specifically satisfying its illumination function. This static luminous portion is combined with a variable portion (the remainder or the second segment) serving as a surface for personalization / design adaptation. Specifically, it can be specified that the at least one first segment forms and / or defines the outer boundary of the exterior light, and / or the control device operates the at least one first segment in each operating mode to ensure the existence of a minimum light intensity. Thus, the first segment may, for example, have a fixed area and a defined light density to meet minimum requirements, particularly regulatory requirements, such as ensuring a minimum light intensity at a required spatial angle. In addition to the at least one first segment that is operated in principle, one or more variable second segments are supplemented, which present a variable portion of the illumination function. Here, in a suitable design, the overall design (i.e., the first and second sections) can be such that, when all the first and second sections are operating (at maximum brightness in the case of dimmability), the total luminous intensity is below the maximum value, because the corresponding requirements for total luminous intensity are automatically met through all conceivable operating modes. In addition to complying with the total luminous intensity requirements for lighting functions, especially taillights and / or daytime running lights, this type of first section can also purposefully meet requirements for the extension range of the geometric shape of the exterior lights, such as minimum extension range and / or mandatory positional requirements. Thus, in particular, a statically operating edge region section, meaning one that operates in every operating mode, can be used as the first section, so that the first section does not undergo operational changes in different operating modes. Therefore, for example, the edge of the surface enclosing the exterior lights or the corner outline of that surface for possible requirements can exist and remain unchanged.

[0015] It should also be noted in this regard that, in general, control devices can also be configured to comply with requirements for geometric shape, especially minimum extension range and / or preset lighting positions in other ways, for example, disallowing operating modes that do not meet geometric shape requirements, especially in terms of regulations and / or access technologies.

[0016] According to a second alternative embodiment of the invention, the control device can be configured to selectively operate all segments in different operating modes such that the total luminous intensity of the exterior lights is within a range defined by minimum and maximum values. This means that the second principle is based on exterior lights having segments capable of being personalized only, and here defines minimum requirements for each individual operating mode, thus defining each individual luminous portion (segment) to ensure that at least one requirement, particularly in terms of luminous intensity, is still met in each operating mode. Of course, other requirements in terms of illumination values, such as those concerning position, brightness, and the number of actively operated segments, can also be considered by the control device for all operating modes.

[0017] Therefore, the first principle, namely the first implementation, involves using a fixed area, namely at least one first segment of the surface, to meet the requirements, while the second principle meets the requirements by using the working logic within the overall luminous surface of the exterior light as a minimum configuration.

[0018] In a general improvement of the invention, the control device may have a memory storing data records / data record items describing operating modes. The control device is configured to establish and / or modify at least one data record and / or select one operating mode from the operating modes based on user input data obtained from the vehicle's input device. This means that the vehicle's input device can be used to accept user input data, particularly in a user interface provided by the control device itself, if necessary. For example, it is conceivable that such a user interface provides graphical representations of exterior lights and their sections, where different operating modes can be displayed to the user, especially the driver of the vehicle, by highlighting operating and non-operating sections in different ways. This not only allows the driver to select a geometric shape according to their preference and thus choose an operating mode from a preset number of operating modes, but also, in embodiments, allows the driver to establish and / or change existing operating modes themselves, for example, by interacting with individual sections, particularly in an input device including a touchscreen. Suitablely, if the requirements for lighting functionality have not been ensured through static means, a boundary condition algorithm can be applied to the input device. This algorithm prevents unacceptable geometric shapes and, consequently, unsatisfactory operating modes based on the requirements of a set of requirements, particularly those stored in the memory of the control device. For example, if a user attempts to deactivate too many segments via the input device, thereby no longer ensuring a minimum total light intensity, the corresponding input can be rejected, and a prompt can be output if necessary.

[0019] Therefore, the processability of user input data within the control device enables the personalization of the exterior lighting's visual appearance not only during vehicle configuration but also during use. In particular, this allows for the development of digital business models based on paid access to, for example, specific operating modes currently reserved for higher configuration levels. To this end, the control device can communicate directly or indirectly with a server, and can also download data records from the server for other operating modes when necessary.

[0020] Especially when there are many segments, the setting of the geometric appearance and operating mode on the user side can be simplified by allowing the user to select preset light emission patterns. Therefore, it can be stipulated that, especially when there are segments with multiple light sources that can be at least partially and independently controlled by the control device, and / or when the number of segments in the segment group is large, especially more than eight, multiple preset light emission patterns for multiple segments and / or light sources are stored in the memory for the user to select.

[0021] In a suitable improvement of the invention, the control device may be configured to adjust the brightness of individual light sources, particularly all light sources and / or segments, especially by selecting the DC current amplitude and / or by pulse width modulation, wherein at least two operating modes are characterized by different brightness levels of specific light sources and / or specific segments, particularly for maintaining within a range of light intensity. By adjusting the brightness of each individual segment, i.e., through dimmability, the control device is provided with another degree of freedom, which can, for example, be used to prevent exceeding the maximum value of light intensity in a given operating mode. Thus, a minimum value can also be achieved when fewer segments are operating. As will be explained in detail later, dimmability also helps to provide the same effect on the light intensity of all segments within a given control principle. To achieve this dimmability, linear dimming can be performed, for example, by adjusting the current amplitude and / or pulse width modulation (PWM).

[0022] In this case, the control device can be configured to adjust the brightness of segments of different sizes and / or numbers of light sources that can be variably controlled in terms of operating modes, such that at least all segments that can be variably controlled in terms of operating modes have the same light intensity during operation. In this way, a particularly simple combination of operating modes can be achieved in terms of total light intensity, because it can operate with fixed parameters.

[0023] However, it can also be stipulated that at least the sections that can be variably manipulated in terms of operating modes have the same light density and / or irradiation characteristics. This, in turn, leads to a simplified overall control scheme in terms of the combination of operating modes and / or checking whether requirements are met, particularly in terms of light intensity.

[0024] In particular, in an advantageous embodiment, the control device can be configured to use at least two operating modes, which describe fixed preset / predetermined parameters for the number of operating segments and / or dimming methods, and have the same total light intensity. This means, for example, that a fixed preset for the number of luminous segments and their dimming methods can be specified, enabling switching between two geometric shapes without changing the total light intensity. The prerequisite is that each individual segment has the same light density and illumination characteristics during operation, which can be achieved, for example, by a segmented OLED light source. It is also possible, as described, to achieve corresponding combinations by adjusting the brightness (dimming) balance in the differences in the size or number of light sources. If at least some of the operating modes have the same total light intensity, it is also suitable for use in motor vehicles, especially when switching during operation, because there will be no sudden change in light intensity for other road users, for example.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having at least one lighting device according to the invention. All embodiments of the lighting device according to the invention can be similarly transferred to the motor vehicle according to the invention, and thus the advantages already described can also be obtained by the motor vehicle according to the invention. In particular, the motor vehicle may also include input devices associated with the lighting device for establishing, modifying, and / or selecting operating modes.

[0026] Finally, the present invention also relates to a method for operating a lighting device for a motor vehicle, wherein the lighting device has at least one exterior lamp and a control device, wherein the exterior lamp has at least two independently operable sections having at least one light source, and the method is characterized in that the control device operates the exterior lamp in at least two operating modes such that the total luminous intensity of the exterior lamp is within a range defined by a minimum and a maximum value, said at least two operating modes being associated with the geometric shape of the exterior lamp determined by the light source operating in the operating modes.

[0027] This also applies here, whereby minimum and maximum values ​​can be defined by requirements, particularly regulatory and / or access technology requirements, wherein, of course, other requirements of the requirement group can also be considered, particularly those relating to the extent of extension and / or location of the geometric shape. In general, embodiments of the lighting device according to the invention are also applicable to the method according to the invention, thereby achieving the advantages already described. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Other advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below and from the accompanying drawings.

[0029] in:

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a motor vehicle according to the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 The first operating mode in the first embodiment of the exterior vehicle lights is shown.

[0032] Figure 3 The second operating mode of the first embodiment of the exterior vehicle lights is shown.

[0033] Figure 4 The third operating mode of the first embodiment of the exterior vehicle lights is shown.

[0034] Figure 5 The first operating mode of the second embodiment of the exterior vehicle lights is shown.

[0035] Figure 6 The second operating mode of the second embodiment of the exterior vehicle lights is shown.

[0036] Figures 7 to 9 Other operating modes of the second embodiment of the exterior vehicle lights are shown.

[0037] Figure 10 The light intensity of the second embodiment for the exterior vehicle light is shown.

[0038] Figure 11 The first operating mode of the third embodiment of the exterior vehicle lights is shown.

[0039] Figure 12 The second operating mode of the third embodiment of the exterior vehicle lights is shown.

[0040] Figure 13 The first operating mode of the fourth embodiment of the exterior vehicle lights is shown.

[0041] Figure 14 The second operating mode of the fourth embodiment of the exterior vehicle lights is shown, and

[0042] Figure 15 The fifth embodiment of the exterior vehicle light is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a motor vehicle 1 according to the present invention is shown. The motor vehicle 1 has a lighting device 2 according to the present invention, which, in addition to a control device 3, includes two taillights 5 and two daytime running lights 6 as exterior lights 4. The control device 3 is associated with an input device 7 of the motor vehicle 1, which preferably includes a touchscreen.

[0044] Each of the exterior vehicle lights 4 includes a light-emitting surface with multiple light sources, the light-emitting surface being divided into multiple sections, each having at least one light source. These sections can be operated independently of each other, hereby via control device 3. Control device 3 is now configured to operate each of the exterior vehicle lights 4 in at least two operating modes such that the total luminous intensity of the exterior vehicle lights remains within a range defined by a minimum and a maximum value. In addition to maintaining the total luminous intensity within the defined range, it is also preferable that the control device considers at least one additional requirement from the set of requirements, such that this requirement is met for each of the operating modes. The additional requirement may, for example, relate to the illuminated location and / or the illuminated spatial extension range derived from the operating section. It should also be noted here regarding luminous intensity that the corresponding requirement, i.e., the range defined by the minimum and maximum values, can, in principle, also be defined for different spatial angle ranges. For example, a main illumination area can be defined without glare, in which the exterior vehicle lights 4 should be sufficiently clearly visible. However, the minimum and maximum values ​​are typically preset by a spatial angle distribution that can be correspondingly defined in the requirements. The requirements of the requirements group, especially the minimum and maximum values ​​for light intensity, can be obtained from regulations, licensing rules, etc. It should also be noted that total light intensity is understood to be the light intensity obtained by considering all operating sections.

[0045] The defined geometric shape of the exterior lights is obtained from each operating mode of the different segments within the operating section, and this geometric shape is associated with the corresponding operating mode. This type of adjustable or, in particular, selectable geometric shape of the exterior lights can be understood as a design.

[0046] The exterior light 4 can have at least a basically surface-shaped luminous surface, which is partially realized by one of the segments. Therefore, by means of the independent operability of the segments, the corresponding part of the luminous surface can be brightened to obtain a geometric pattern (luminous pattern), thus obtaining the geometric appearance shape of the exterior light 4.

[0047] Through the corresponding design scheme of the exterior vehicle light 4 and the corresponding configuration scheme of the control device 3, as described above, under the condition of satisfying at least one requirement of the preset requirement group, each exterior vehicle light 4 achieves selectability and / or adjustability of different geometric appearance shapes, i.e. different light emission designs on the user side, which should be more accurately described below with specific examples.

[0048] therefore, Figures 2 to 4 The illustration shows a first, specific embodiment of the exterior vehicle light 4 according to the invention, in the example shown, the rear vehicle light 5 (taillight), and its control scheme. Here, to illustrate operation in different operating modes, sections not shown in shaded areas are understood as on, and sections shown in shaded areas are understood as off.

[0049] For example, as from Figure 2 As obtained in the diagram, the exterior light 4 includes a segmented OLED 9 within the housing 8, which has three independently operable segments 10a, 10b, and 10c controlled by the control device 3; thus, each of these segments forms its own light source (partial OLED). Figure 2 In the operating mode shown, all three segments 10a, 10b, and 10c are run. Figure 3 In the operating mode shown, only segment 10b is run, but segments 10a and 10c are not run. Figure 4 In the operating mode shown, only segments 10a and 10b are running, while segment 10c remains dark.

[0050] In simple reference Figures 2 to 4 In the first embodiment shown, segment 10b can be designed as a first segment that, on the one hand, ensures a minimum total light intensity, but on the other hand, also ensures that the visible portion of the exterior vehicle light 4 extends across the entire width to meet the spatial dimension requirement, which is another requirement. Therefore, when segment 10b is used accordingly as the first segment, this segment, in principle, operates in all operating modes and ensures that these requirements are met, thus satisfying the requirements in terms of minimum light intensity and horizontal spatial extension.

[0051] But Figures 2 to 4 A second design scheme of the present invention can also be conceived in the implementation, in which there is no fixed, always-running first segment, but rather the control device 3 automatically checks and ensures that the requirements in the requirement group are met, especially when the user selects the operating mode. This is achieved by preventing unauthorized, requirement-violating operating modes from being fed back to the user at the input device from the outset when the user establishes and / or modifies the operating mode via the input device 7. For this purpose, a boundary condition algorithm can be set in the input device 7.

[0052] This and the following implementation of the exterior vehicle light 4, for example, involves the use of segmented OLEDs, but it is obvious that it can also be achieved using an LED matrix. In the case of an LED matrix, segments can be defined by individual LEDs and / or groups of LEDs.

[0053] Figure 5A second embodiment of the exterior vehicle light 4 is shown. The exterior vehicle light can be used as a taillight 5 and a daytime running light 6, and again, within the housing 8, there is, for example, an LED 12 forming a first segment 11a and four segmented OLEDs 13. Each individual segmented OLED acts as a light source to form another, independently operable second segment 11b. Therefore, in each operating mode, to ensure a minimum total light intensity and spatial extension in width, the segment 11a, which forms the first segment and is formed by a single light source (LED 12), is operated via the control device 3. However, all other segments 11b can be freely selected for operation, such as by... Figures 5 to 9 The different operating modes are shown as illustrated. Figure 5 All segments 11a and 11b are running in the middle, while Figure 6 Only section 11a is running. Figures 7 to 9 The diagram shows the partial operation of segment 11b under different geometric shapes, i.e., with different designs.

[0054] Figure 10 It shows the use of Figures 5 to 9 The total light intensity of the second embodiment l v The schematic diagram further shows the range 16 defined by the minimum value 14 and the maximum value 15 as required. It can be seen that the individual light source, specifically segments 11a and 11b, is designed such that, when only the first segment 11a is operating, see label 17 (corresponding to...). Figure 6 The total light intensity is approximately above the minimum value of 14. Conversely, according to... Figure 5 When running all sections 11a, 11b and all light sources, the total light intensity is approximately below the maximum value of 15, see label 18. Figures 7 to 9 The remaining operating modes are between labels 17 and 18, of which only label 19 is shown as an example. Figure 7 This refers to half of the cases in the running segment 11b.

[0055] Here, it should also be noted that, in Figures 5 to 9 In some implementations, it is also conceivable that the brightness of a single light source, and consequently segments 11a and 11b, can be adjusted, for example by means of linear dimming via current amplitude and / or by pulse width modulation dimming (PWM dimming). Thus, there is another degree of freedom that can be used to maintain the range 16.

[0056] Figure 11 and 12A third embodiment of the exterior vehicle light 4 is illustrated, in which the exterior vehicle light corresponds to the second embodiment without segment 11a, i.e., the exterior vehicle light includes only OLEDs 13 in the housing 8, each having a separate portion of the OLED that defines segment 11b. In this case, instead of ensuring the minimum value 14 and the spatial extension requirements by operating segment 11a in all operating modes, the control device 3 checks the requirements for all operating modes to ensure overall compliance with the requirements in the set of requirements.

[0057] according to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The fourth embodiment of the exterior vehicle light 4 includes only a single segmented OLED 13, each of which, as a light source, defines a segment 20. All segments 20 can be operated independently. In this case, all segments 20 operate with the same brightness, i.e., the same light density and the same radiation characteristics. Therefore, by pre-setting the number of luminous segments 20 for a fixed operating mode, it can be easily ensured that switching between two designs, i.e., two operating modes, is possible while maintaining a constant total light intensity. This can also be achieved using LEDs in an LED matrix as the light source. Therefore, despite completely different designs, it is still possible to... Figure 13 and 14 The same total light intensity was obtained because exactly the same number of segments 20 were run.

[0058] Figure 15 This illustrates how, according to a fifth embodiment of the exterior light 14 (the exterior light has a segmented OLED 13, where individual light-emitting diodes of the OLED define segments 21a and 21b), the dimensional requirements of the exterior light 4 can be met by defining a constant, always-operating segment 21a of the edge region. In this case, segment 21a also forms a first segment that operates statically in each operating mode, ensuring that the entire surface of the exterior light 4 is enclosed identically for all operating modes. In other designs, all edge segments 21a and 21b can be used as the first segment, thus always completely enclosing the boundary.

[0059] Finally, it should be noted that the features can obviously be reasonably transferred between different implementation methods, which, for example, involves the dimmability of the light source in a single segment, the design of the first segment, the use of an LED matrix / OLED, and the determined control scheme. In general, segments can also be formed using multiple light sources, such as multiple LEDs.

[0060] In addition, such as in Figure 1As shown, in addition to the processor 22, the control device 3 may also have a memory 23, in which data records for different operating modes are stored. The user can select one from the data records, for example, via the input device 7. Other data records can also be downloaded, for example, from the Internet, after the user has paid the corresponding fee. In some embodiments, the user can also create new data records, i.e., new operating modes, and modify them via the input device 7.

Claims

1. Lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), having at least one external vehicle light (4) and a control device (3), wherein The exterior light (4) has a light-emitting surface which has at least two independently controllable segments (10a, 10b, 10c, 11a, 11b, 20, 21a, 21b) each comprising at least one light source, characterized in that the control device (3) is designed to operate the exterior light (4) in at least two operating modes which are each associated with a geometric outer appearance of the exterior light (4) defined by the light sources operating in the operating mode, such that the total light intensity of the exterior light (4) lies within a range (16) defined by a minimum value (14) and a maximum value (15), the control device (3) being designed to force at least one first segment (10b, 11a, 21a) of the segments to operate in each operating mode, wherein the at least one first segment (10b, 11a, 21a) forms an outer boundary of the exterior light (4), the control device (3) operating the at least one first segment (10b, 11a, 21a) in each operating mode to ensure the minimum value of the light intensity.

2. The lighting device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that The segments (10a, 10b, 10c, 11a, 11b, 20, 21a, 21b) are formed by segmented OLEDs (9, 13) of the exterior light (4) and / or at least one LED matrix of the exterior light (4), and / or at least one of the at least one exterior light (4) is a rear light (5) and / or a daytime running light (6).

3. The lighting device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The control device (3) is designed to selectively operate all segments (10a, 10b, 10c, 11a, 11b, 20, 21a, 21b) in different operating modes such that the total light intensity of the exterior light (4) lies within a range (16) defined by a minimum value (14) and a maximum value (15).

4. The lighting device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The control device (3) has a memory (22) in which data records describing the operating modes are stored, wherein the control device (3) is designed to create and / or modify at least one of the data records and / or to select one of the operating modes on the basis of user input data obtained from an input device (7) of the motor vehicle (1).

5. The lighting device (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that A plurality of preset light emission patterns for a plurality of segments (10a, 10b, 10c, 11a, 11b, 20, 21a, 21b) and / or light sources are stored in the memory (22) for selection by a user.

6. The lighting device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The control device (3) is designed to adjust the brightness of individual light sources and / or segments (10a, 10b, 10c, 11a, 11b, 20, 21a, 21b), wherein at least two of the operating modes are characterized by different brightness of determined light sources and / or determined segments (10a, 10b, 10c, 11a, 11b, 20, 21a, 21b).

7. The lighting device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The segments (10a, 10b, 10c, 11a, 11b, 20, 21a, 21b) which can be variably controlled at least in terms of operating mode have identical optical density and / or illumination characteristics.

8. The lighting device (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that The control device (3) is designed to adjust the luminous intensity of the segments (10a, 10b, 10c, 11a, 11b, 20, 21a, 21b) of different sizes and / or numbers of light sources, which are at least variably controllable in terms of operating mode, such that at least all segments (10a, 10b, 10c, 11a, 11b, 20, 21a, 21b) that are variably controllable in terms of operating mode have the same light intensity when in operation.

9. The lighting device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The control device (3) is designed to use at least two operating modes, which describe a fixed presetting of the number and / or dimming of the segments (10a, 10b, 10c, 11a, 11b, 20, 21a, 21b) in operation and have the same total light intensity.

10. Motor vehicle (1) having a lighting device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. A method for operating a lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), wherein The lighting device (2) has at least one exterior vehicle light (4) and a control device (3), wherein the exterior vehicle light (4) has a light-emitting surface with at least two independently controllable segments (10a, 10b, 10c, 11a, 11b, 20, 21a, 21b) each comprising at least one light source, characterized in that the control device (3) operates the exterior vehicle light (4) in at least two operating modes such that the total light intensity of the exterior vehicle light (4) lies within a range (16) defined by a minimum value (14) and a maximum value (15), the at least two operating modes each being associated with a geometric outer appearance shape of the exterior vehicle light (4) determined by the light sources operated in the operating mode, wherein the control device (3) is designed to operate at least one first segment (10b, 11a, 21a) of the segments in each operating mode, wherein the at least one first segment (10b, 11a, 21a) forms an outer boundary of the exterior vehicle light (4), the control device (3) operating the at least one first segment (10b, 11a, 21a) in each operating mode to ensure the presence of the minimum value of the light intensity.

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