Method for operating a lighting device for a motor vehicle, lighting device and motor vehicle

Abstract

A method for operating a lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), wherein the lighting device (2) has at least one exterior light (4) and a control device (3), wherein the exterior light (4) has a luminous surface (14), the luminous surface having at least two independently controllable segments (15, 15a, 15b), each comprising at least one light source, wherein in at least one dynamic operating mode (3) of the control device (3), a pseudo-random or random, time-varying lighting operation of the segments (15, 15a, 15b) of the dynamic group, which is described by a temporal sequence of control schemes, is performed, wherein the respective control scheme for each segment (15, 15a, 15b) of the dynamic group describes whether it should be operated and / or at what brightness it should be operated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a lighting device for a motor vehicle, wherein the lighting device comprises at least one exterior light and a control device, wherein the exterior light comprises a lighting surface having at least two independently controllable segments, each comprising at least one light source. The present invention also relates to a lighting device and a motor vehicle having such a lighting device. Background Art

[0002] Motor vehicles typically have a plurality of exterior lights designed, at least in part, to improve the visibility of the vehicle during the day and / or at night, to improve the field of vision for occupants, and / or to signal other road users. Examples of such exterior lights are taillights (also known as rear lights or taillights), daytime running lights, headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Currently, exterior lights on motor vehicles are designed to comply with relevant regional or country-specific legal requirements for light intensity, installation height, switching logic, and other parameters generally referred to as lighting values.

[0003] However, various exterior lights, especially those that enhance visibility for other road users, are also used as differentiating design features for vehicle manufacturers and / or vehicle designers. This development is being facilitated, in particular, by new concepts for exterior lights that use light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and / or lasers. These lighting technologies for implementing the light sources of exterior lights make it possible, for example, to combine legal requirements for lighting functions, specific lighting values, and design requirements to provide tailored exterior light designs for motor vehicles.

[0004] This means that the exterior lights currently known for motor vehicles can be designed in such a way that, while maintaining a fixed exterior design, they can not only meet the legal requirements for lighting functions such as daytime running lights or taillights, but also implement comfort and / or driver assistance functions such as anti-glare high beam, cornering lights, and dynamic flashing lights. However, with the increasing functionality and digitalization, it is disadvantageous that existing lighting systems for motor vehicles only offer fixed, predefined light designs. This means that design differentiation, especially in terms of exterior light geometry, is achieved through different hardware solutions that use diversely arranged and / or different types of light sources. In this case, a high-quality exterior design is often associated with the most advanced equipment options.

[0005] EP 1 488 447 B1 describes an electroluminescent flame simulator that can be used for decoration, but can also be used as a warning element or emergency lighting in road traffic. The flame simulator comprises at least two light sources that can be illuminated randomly, sequentially, or semi-randomly to produce a flickering and moving light effect that corresponds to a real flame.

[0006] US 2007 / 0183152 A1 relates to an animated light source comprising a plurality of solid emitters and a control circuit. The emitters can be selectively powered to produce an appearance of light moving within a generated light beam.

[0007] US 8378781 B1 discloses a system for controlling a light chain, wherein each light or each group of lights has an associated microcontroller. Due to the use of a clear identification code, brightness and color information can be specifically associated with the light.

[0008] AT 512 544 A1 describes a method for producing a running light effect on a light conductor arrangement. The light conductor arrangement is intended to have at least two light input locations with respectively associated light sources, wherein the light conductors are designed to guide the input light and emit it in response to contamination formed on the light conductors. The brightness of the input light sources can be controlled over time according to a predefined dimming curve.

[0009] DE 10 2015 119 549 A1 relates to a vehicle with a signal light and a method for generating a direction indication for following traffic. It is proposed that, in order to generate a direction indication for following traffic to bypass the vehicle, an optical mixing effect generated by a first signal light and an optical mixing effect generated by a second signal light are implemented in the same mixing direction. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution for the exterior lights of a motor vehicle which improves visibility and draws greater attention.

[0011] To achieve this object, a method of the type mentioned at the outset is provided with the features specified in claim 1 according to the invention.

[0012] In other words, an actuation strategy can be understood as a control map that determines the pattern / appearance of the exterior lights. This control map preferably indicates which segments of the luminous surface of the exterior lights should be operated at what brightness. This means that each segment, at least those segments to be operated in an illuminated manner, is associated with a target brightness value (target brightness). The actuation strategy varies over time in pseudo-random or random proportions. The pseudo-randomness or randomness can particularly preferably relate to at least the selection of the segments to be operated in an illuminated manner and / or the selection of the segments whose brightness is to be varied, i.e., to be operated in a variably illuminated manner. In some embodiments, the pseudo-randomness or randomness can additionally or alternatively relate to the target brightness. In general, the segments are preferably at least partially dimmable, meaning that the control device can control the brightness of the segments by assigning the target brightness of the actuation strategy.

[0013] Within the scope of the present invention, a dynamic light pattern is generated by temporally varying the pattern of the exterior light, specifically its luminous surface, through temporal variations using a temporal sequence of activation strategies. While it is generally conceivable to use a sequence of fixed, predefined, or predefined activation strategies outside the present invention, the present invention provides for at least partially pseudo-random or random determination of the activation strategies for a particularly dynamic, aesthetically pleasing, and eye-catching effect. Pseudo-random or random activation by the control device specifically means that, for at least a portion of the time steps in which the segments are activated by the control device, a pseudo-random or random selection is made as to whether or not the segments in the dynamic group are to be operated and / or at what brightness the segments in the dynamic group are to be operated.

[0014] In other words, within the scope of the present invention, the luminous surface is generally divided into individually controllable segments. Thus, the exterior light has a luminous surface that can be formed by one or more light-emitting units of the exterior light, for example, at least one OLED and / or at least one LED matrix. The luminous surface is further divided into segments, each of which is formed by at least one (single) light source and defines a sub-area of ​​the luminous surface. If segmented OLEDs are used (which is particularly preferred according to the present invention), the segments are formed by segmenting the segmented OLED; in other words, each segment is formed by a partial OLED as the light source. If an LED matrix is ​​used, a segment can have a single LED as the light source, but in addition or alternatively, multiple LEDs can be combined to form a segment.

[0015] Specifically, the segments can be formed by segmented OLEDs and / or at least one LED matrix in an exterior light. Applications of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) for motor vehicles have been proposed. Known technologies implement, in particular, the division of a flat OLED into a defined number of independently controllable segments. Conventional light-emitting diode (LED) matrices have been proposed for headlights, for example, to implement functions such as steering-controlled lighting.

[0016] In this case, it can be particularly advantageous to provide that all segments have the same light density and / or illumination characteristics. In other words, the outer surface can be designed to form a so-called Lambert emitter, in which the light density and illumination characteristics (angular distribution) of each segment are identical. This type of implementation can be particularly advantageous when using OLEDs as a uniform surface light source, which can be divided into segments of equal size, for example.

[0017] In summary, the present invention relates to the implementation of a dynamic, at least partially pseudo-random, temporally variable light pattern based on segmented exterior lights. In other words, the exterior lights appear to have a vivid pattern, thereby creating a new exterior effect and providing a vehicle lighting system with a high-quality appearance. Dynamic operating modes produce a dynamic light pattern that is more visible and more noticeable, particularly without increasing glare. The at least pseudo-random lighting function can, in particular, indicate a specific vehicle configuration, a specific vehicle state, or a specific driving mode (e.g., an at least partially autonomous vehicle), an energy-efficiency mode, etc. In short, at least one of the at least one dynamic operating mode can indicate an operating state of the vehicle, particularly at least partially autonomous operation and / or the activation of a specific driver assistance system.

[0018] The dynamic operating mode can be used when the vehicle is parked, for example, for a so-called coming home function and / or leaving home function, but is particularly advantageous when the vehicle is in motion. When used in motion, it is advantageous to take into account certain predefined requirements for the lighting function that the exterior lights are to fulfill. These may be defined by the lighting function itself and / or by regulations set during manufacture or by legal regulations, in particular also by entry-related regulations (permits).

[0019] In other words, when operating at least one exterior light in a dynamic operating mode, the control device can be configured to meet at least one requirement from a set of requirements, wherein this requirement can be implemented as at least one specific boundary condition related to the pattern of the exterior light and / or limiting the actuation options. In other words, the present invention can be used to generate dynamic, lifelike light patterns using hardware with a segmented luminous surface, while still meeting all requirements, particularly those for access control, and thus being readily usable during vehicle operation. In particular, at least one of the at least one boundary condition (and thus requirement) can be provided as compliance with at least one fixed total brightness value for all illuminated segments in a temporal sequence and / or compliance with at least one predetermined geometric extension of the geometric pattern defined by the illuminated segments. This means that in the dynamic operating mode, it can be ensured that, in particular, the total brightness (e.g., total light intensity) remains the same in each time step, i.e., through each actuation option, wherein the at least one total brightness value is particularly preferably within a range bounded by a minimum and maximum value. This range can, for example, be derived from other and / or other predefined specifications. Particularly advantageously, in the dynamic operating mode, the pattern is dynamically, at least pseudo-randomly, varied without causing a change in the overall brightness, so that the overall brightness resulting from the luminous surface of the exterior light, in particular the total light intensity for at least one solid angle and / or solid angle range, remains constant. This results in a dynamic, vivid light image without altering the basic exterior effect of the exterior light. In other words, due to improved recognizability, attention is drawn to the exterior light without compromising its purpose, namely, its lighting function, thereby ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The at least one total brightness value, serving as a total light intensity value, in particular relates to a specific solid angle or solid angle range. In embodiments, multiple total light intensity values ​​for different solid angles and / or solid angle ranges may also be used.

[0020] In addition to the boundary conditions regarding the required total brightness, other requirements regarding the control unit can also be ensured, which can be summarized as boundary conditions for determining the actuation strategy. Other requirements may concern other light values, in particular homologation-relevant parameters of the exterior lights. For example, the requirements may concern the geometric extent of the geometric shape of the luminous surface, where the geometric shape is defined by the luminously operated segments and, therefore, their luminously operated light sources. For example, the requirement may be that the continuous geometric area defined by the luminous segments does not fall below a certain minimum extent and / or does not exceed a certain maximum extent.

[0021] In summary, the dynamic, at least pseudo-random, lighting operation described herein can also meet the requirements of the overall set of requirements for exterior lights, subject to certain limitations. It is proposed that this be used, in particular, for exterior lights whose lighting function is unaffected by dynamic changes in the pattern and is particularly well-suited for dynamic light patterns, thus providing improved visibility for the vehicle itself as a lighting function. In particular, the at least one exterior light can be a taillight and / or a daytime running light. While these types of exterior lights typically do not have other lighting functions, such as an adjustable illumination range, the proposed concept is also generally suitable for other exterior lights, such as headlights, when used in standard mode, such as normal low beam and / or the coming / leaving home function.

[0022] Thus, the method according to the present invention, and correspondingly the lighting device according to the present invention, not only achieves compliance with, in particular, access control requirements and / or regulatory requirements, but also provides a high-quality, in particular dynamic design to enhance recognition and / or attract attention and / or provide a particularly aesthetically pleasing appearance of the vehicle, in particular also at night when in motion. The basic lighting technology required for this, such as segmented OLEDs and / or LED matrices, is already available as state-of-the-art technology. Random number generators that can include hardware and / or software components also exist in the prior art and can be used within the scope of the present invention, for example, deterministic random number generators, non-deterministic random number generators, and / or hybrid forms for pseudorandom numbers.

[0023] As already mentioned, the control unit can determine the control strategy based on at least one boundary condition related to the pattern of the exterior lights and / or limiting the determination of the control strategy. The boundary conditions do not necessarily have to relate to the requirements of the overall set of requirements, but can also be set to configure the dynamics of the pattern, i.e., the dynamic light pattern, so as to produce a desired overall impression. For example, it can be provided that at least one of the boundary conditions describes the minimum and / or maximum and / or fixed number of segments to be operated in a dynamic group and / or to be operated in a variably illuminated manner, and / or the minimum and / or maximum brightness of segments to be operated in an illuminated manner, and / or the minimum and / or maximum and / or defined step size of the brightness from one control strategy to the next, and / or the determination of segments to be operated at constant brightness. Thus, the boundary conditions can be used, for example, to define the range within which pseudo-random or random control is performed. Numerous possible exemplary embodiments are contemplated, a few of which will be described in more detail below by way of example.

[0024] In a particularly advantageous refinement of the present invention, provision can be made for using different, particularly spatially contiguous, dynamic groups of multiple elements of exterior lights with different boundary conditions, particularly dynamic groups located on different sides of the vehicle. For example, different requirements may be imposed on the different dynamic groups, as is known from taillights located at the corners of the vehicle and extending from the rear to the right and left sides. Thus, for example, there may be a requirement that at least a portion of the luminous surface oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle be operated with a lower brightness, particularly a lower total light intensity. This type of design, as described herein, allows for different maximum total light intensities and / or total light intensities, or overall brightnesses, to be maintained constant, to be defined for the different dynamic groups in this and similar cases. Advantageously, at least a portion of a pseudo-random or random algorithm, typically a deterministic algorithm, can be selected for the same control strategy for at least two dynamic groups, optionally also as a common deterministic algorithm to provide a consistent overall pattern for the exterior lights. In this case, it may also be particularly advantageous to use at least one common boundary condition for at least two of the multiple dynamic groups of exterior lights. This particularly advantageously allows the individually controllable segments of the exterior lights to be divided into locally continuous dynamic groups. This has the advantage that the contributions of the individual groups to the overall brightness of the exterior lights can be configured differently. This allows for compensating for the different contributions of the segments to the overall brightness, for example due to different illumination angles, while still achieving the same overall brightness overall during dynamic control.

[0025] At this point it should also be generally stated that, under the boundary conditions describing the total brightness value to be adhered to for the entire dynamic group and when the theoretical brightness is determined pseudo-randomly or randomly for the segments to be operated in a differently luminous manner, a particularly advantageous design of the present invention can provide that, after determining the theoretical brightness for the segments to be operated in a luminous manner for the dynamic group, the sum of all theoretical brightnesses is determined and compared with a preset total brightness value to determine a deviation value, wherein the deviation value is uniformly and correctively distributed to all theoretical brightnesses, optionally taking into account the minimum and / or maximum brightness as another boundary condition, as a sum of all theoretical brightnesses distributed in a corrected manner to the segments to be operated in a luminous manner to produce a preset total brightness value.

[0026] The invention provides that, in at least one of the at least one dynamic operating modes, the control device actuates the segments in successive time steps, wherein the switching intervals are defined as multiples of the time steps, and in order to determine a temporal actuation strategy for the sequence, each associated with a time step:

[0027] - for each switching interval, pseudo-randomly or randomly selecting a first subset of dynamic group segments with inactive segments running statically for the switching interval and a second subset of active segments running in a time-varying manner for the switching interval,

[0028] In each switching interval, the brightness is changed only for the active segments in respective time steps, in particular increasing and / or decreasing monotonically over time within the switching interval and / or according to a fixed step size predefined as a boundary condition.

[0029] Therefore, according to the present invention, during the switching time interval, the brightness of a second subset of illuminated segments is gradually changed, wherein in particular, the segments of the first subset are also illuminated, and the second subset is determined pseudo-randomly or randomly, resulting in an overall image that is dynamic but still stable and aesthetically pleasing. As described, the brightness variation can be limited, for example, by boundary conditions. This also applies to the absolute target brightness. Of course, the degrees of freedom remaining due to the boundary conditions can also be selected pseudo-randomly or randomly to further promote a dynamic and diverse impression.

[0030] Here, it is provided that, when a fixed total brightness value is predefined as a boundary condition, the change is performed over the time steps of the switching interval in such a way that, in particular, the brightness increases and decreases for a corresponding pair of active segments cancel each other out. In the latter case, an even number of active segments is selected accordingly. Thus, if a step size is predefined as a boundary condition, it can be provided that the brightness is always increased when the next time step for a specific active segment is reached, and correspondingly, the brightness for another active segment, which is at least temporarily associated with this segment, is decreased according to a predefined fixed step size. This ensures that the predefined fixed total brightness value is maintained within the switching interval.

[0031] The initial brightness distribution at the beginning of the first switching interval, i.e., in particular the first control strategy, can be fixedly predetermined, but is preferably determined pseudo-randomly or randomly, in particular with regard to the boundary conditions limiting the total brightness, as explained above, by setting the uniform distribution of the deviation values. Different strategies are conceivable for the subsequent switching intervals.

[0032] Therefore, another specific refinement of this embodiment variant can provide that a new brightness is pseudo-randomly or randomly determined as a starting point for the first time step of the next switching interval, at least for the currently active segments (in particular for all segments of the dynamic group that used the brightness used in the last time step of the previous switching interval), or as a starting point for each switching interval, in particular at least for the active segments. The variant in which the target brightness is continued to be used between switching intervals has a certain continuity and a slightly more stable dynamic pattern, while a higher level of liveliness can be achieved by pseudo-randomly or randomly reselecting the brightness for at least some of the segments of the dynamic group.

[0033] Before discussing further specific variants of the present invention in detail, it should be noted that the control device can of course be configured to use a plurality of different dynamic operating modes, for example, to enable user selection, or, in a preferred embodiment, to display different operating states of the motor vehicle, in particular at least partially automated operation and / or the activation of specific driver assistance systems, by using a plurality of different dynamic operating modes. Finally, for improved clarity, identically acting method components and parameters for the specific variants of the dynamic operating modes shown here are labeled with the same names, even though a plurality of different variants of these dynamic operating modes can be implemented and thus made available in a single control device.

[0034] In a second advantageous specific variant of the dynamic operating modes of the method according to the present invention, provision can be made for the control device to actuate the segments in successive time steps in at least one of the at least one dynamic operating modes, wherein a switching interval is defined as comprising one or more time steps, and a pseudo-random or random actuation scheme is determined for each switching interval, comprising a first subset of dynamic group segments having segments that are switched off and operated non-illuminated for the switching interval, and a second subset of segments that are switched on and operated illuminated for the switching interval. Provision can advantageously be made for the brightness of the switched-on segments to be selected pseudo-randomly or randomly for each switching interval. In a simple specific implementation variant, a new, pseudo-random, or random pattern is ultimately generated for each switching interval (which can also correspond to one of the time steps). In particular, a random or pseudo-random target brightness can be predefined for each of the existing segments to be operated illuminated. In other words, in each switching interval, a certain number of segments of the second subgroup that are to be operated illuminated and switched on are assigned at least pseudo-random target brightness values, while the remaining segments that are to be operated dark and switched off are assigned a target brightness of "zero." Advantageously, boundary conditions can also be used to specify at least one pseudo-random or random range, such as a minimum and / or maximum brightness for the segments to be operated illuminated, and / or a fixed number of segments to be operated illuminated. In this regard, it is also advantageous to use an animation approach, which is conceivable in switching intervals that include multiple time steps. It can then be provided that the switched-on elements are switched on and / or off gradually over multiple time steps of the switching interval, to or starting from maximum brightness. For example, a linear ramp can be used to adjust downward (or upward, in the case of a new target brightness) the current brightness to zero (or the new target brightness, if the segment is also a member of the new second subgroup).

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of this variant, provision can also be made to use a plurality of switching intervals that are staggered in time such that, despite the gradual switching on and / or off, a fixed overall brightness value for the dynamic group is retained. Thus, staggered switching intervals can be used such that, for example, linear ramps complement each other when switching on and off, so that, despite, for example, patterns (operation patterns) transitioning into one another in a fluid manner, a constant, fixed overall brightness, in particular, overall light intensity, is achieved.

[0036] In a third embodiment of the present invention, for accurately determining the control strategy in the dynamic operating mode, the control device controls the brightness of pseudo-randomly or randomly selected segments to be operated in a variably luminous manner according to at least two triangular pulses offset in time, in particular such that the staggering of the triangular pulses maintains a fixed overall brightness value for the dynamic group. The at least two triangular pulses can be defined by a few parameters, according to which the brightness of the segments to be operated in a variably luminous manner is initially increased and then decreased, or initially decreased and then increased, within a brightness interval. The at least two triangular pulses can be configured to not start simultaneously, but different time periods can result in at least two of the at least two triangular pulses starting or ending simultaneously. Once a segment has completed a triangular pulse, another segment can be pseudo-randomly or randomly selected and initialized with this triangular pulse, with the process then being repeated. Other brightness-determining functions are also possible in other conceivable embodiments, such as sinusoidal pulses, but this may complicate the supplementation of the fixed overall brightness at that time.

[0037] In a suitable, general development of the present invention, provision can be made for at least one static group to be used in addition to at least one dynamic group, comprising at least one segment, which is different from the at least one dynamic group element and is continuously switched on or off, in particular with a constant set brightness. This allows a certain basic structure to be fixedly predefined, for example, serving as a static framework for the temporally dynamic behavior of the dynamic group. However, static groups of this type can also be used to meet different requirements, such as those already required above, such as those in access technology, or to simplify the fulfillment of such requirements. For example, if a specific geometric extent of a geometric pattern is to be achieved, a suitable development in this regard can provide that at least one of the at least one static group includes a segment that is constantly illuminated, at the edge of the luminous surface, in particular showing its corners. In this way, the boundaries of the luminous surface of the exterior light are essentially visible. At this point, it should be noted that within the scope of the present invention, it is of course also possible to integrate the static group into the dynamic group in terms of control technology, for example as a segment within the dynamic group that operates with a fixed brightness or is fixedly disconnected, as explained above as a boundary condition.

[0038] With various exterior lights, it is particularly advantageous to consider the overall design of the vehicle, specifically the arrangement of the exterior lights on the vehicle and the overall impression of the exterior lights arranged on the same or adjacent sides. Therefore, a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention may provide that the lighting device includes two exterior lights, particularly those arranged symmetrically with respect to at least one axis of symmetry and / or spatially adjacent to one another, that are associated with one another and have a cooperating dynamic group for determining a common actuation strategy. This means that at least two of the exterior lights can be operated in a coordinated manner. For example, the same boundary conditions apply to the exterior lights. In a particularly advantageous example, the two associated exterior lights may be arranged symmetrically on the sides of the vehicle, with the actuation strategies being mirrored so that the respective patterns are symmetrical with respect to the vehicle center of the respective side. This may involve, for example, two daytime running lights and / or two taillights.

[0039] In summary, the functional logic described herein can be implemented on each vehicle side, for example, so that all exterior lights, and therefore all flat lighting units, within one vehicle side or even on adjacent vehicle sides are included in the control operation. This means that a determination algorithm can, for example, determine the actuation strategy on each vehicle side, in particular the segments to be operated and their brightness levels. For example, in a so-called four-distribution lighting system, two exterior lights can be seen as logical lighting groups on each vehicle side. However, it is particularly preferred that the execution of the functions be implemented symmetrically between the right and left vehicle sides. This means that the overall light pattern provided by the dynamic operating mode for the entire vehicle is always symmetrical with respect to the vehicle's central axis. This means that the symmetry requirement, which is important for access control, can also be met at all times, specifically at each time step.

[0040] In summary, especially with respect to the illustrated variants, it should also be noted that, as already mentioned, pseudo-random or random operating ranges can be parameterized via boundary conditions. This means that the permissible brightness range for a segment can be defined globally or for individual segments, particularly from 0 to 100% of the available brightness or any other combination of available brightness levels. The functional logic described here can be implemented independently for each existing planar lighting unit. It is understood that, especially for lights with multiple lighting units, the functional logic can be implemented for each exterior light, etc. However, the dynamic group can also, of course, form only a sub-area of ​​a light unit or the entire luminous surface. This does not necessarily have to correspond to a specific light unit, but can also define a sub-area of ​​the light unit and / or cover the entire light unit.

[0041] In addition to the method, the present invention also relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, wherein the lighting device comprises at least one exterior light and a control device, wherein the exterior light comprises a lighting surface having at least two independently controllable segments, each comprising at least one light source, and wherein the control device is designed to carry out the method according to the present invention. The motor vehicle according to the present invention comprises a lighting device according to the present invention of this type. All embodiments of the method according to the present invention apply accordingly to the lighting device and, therefore, to the motor vehicle, thereby also achieving the advantages already described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Further advantages and details of the invention will emerge from the exemplary embodiments described below and with reference to the drawings.

[0043] in:

[0044] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle according to the present invention,

[0045] Figure 2 shows the design of the exterior lights,

[0046] Figure 3 shows a possible initial control scheme for a first embodiment of the method according to the invention,

[0047] Figure 4 shows an actuation concept for the switching interval in a first embodiment variant,

[0048] Figure 5 shows a control concept for a third exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention,

[0049] Figure 6 shows a control scheme for a fourth exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention,

[0050] Figure 7 shows the available triangular pulses running offset with respect to one another,

[0051] Figure 8 shows possible definitions of the dynamic and static regions for the first variant, and

[0052] Figure 9 A possible definition of the static region for the second variant is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Figure 1The 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, has two taillights 5 and two daytime running lights 6 as exterior lights 4. The control device 3, which can include at least one controller, for example, is designed to communicate with a further measuring system 7.

[0054] Each exterior light 4 includes a lighting surface with multiple segments, each segment having at least one light source. The segments can be controlled independently of one another by the control device 3 in time steps, the length of which can be, for example, 5 to 30 ms, and which can be defined by a clock signal (Takt) of a bus used for communication with the exterior lights. The lighting surface of the exterior light 4 can be provided by one or more lighting units of the respective exterior light 4 . The lighting units can be implemented, for example, as segmented OLEDs and / or LED matrices, whose segments can be controlled independently of one another. In an LED matrix, a segment can be formed by one or more individual relays. Preferably, one or more OLEDs are used that function as Lambertian emitters, so that the light density and illumination characteristics (angular distribution) of these LEDs are consistent for all segments.

[0055] Control device 3 is designed to carry out the method according to the present invention, that is, in particular, to operate exterior lights 4 in at least one dynamic operating mode. Whether a dynamic operating mode is used, or which of a plurality of dynamic operating modes is used, can be correlated with a signal from another vehicle system 7 and can indicate, for example, a movement of the vehicle or, more generally, an operating state of the vehicle. For example, it is conceivable to use the or one of the dynamic operating modes in at least partially autonomously operated vehicles 1.

[0056] In dynamic operating mode, the light pattern changes over time, creating a dynamic light pattern. The light pattern is defined by the segments that are illuminated and their brightness, as these segments are dimmable. This temporal variation is defined by a sequence of actuation strategies, where each actuation strategy for each segment contains information about whether the segment should be illuminated and at what brightness (the target brightness) it should be illuminated. An actuation strategy can thus be understood as a form of actuation map that generates the pattern, with the individual segments being pixels or dots.

[0057] In particular, the control strategy is determined at least partially at least pseudo-randomly, i.e., pseudo-randomly or randomly. To this end, the control device 3 includes a random number generator 8 that provides pseudo-random or random numbers. Numerous designs of this type of random number generator 8, which can be implemented as corresponding software and / or hardware components, are known in the prior art and do not require further explanation here.

[0058] In a determination unit 9 of the control device 3 , an actuation strategy for the control can be determined, at least partially utilizing pseudo-randomness or randomness achieved by a random number generator 8 , as will be explained in greater detail below. When determining the actuation strategy and to define a timeframe, boundary conditions can be taken into account, which can be stored, for example, in a memory device 10 of the control device 3 . A control unit 11 uses the determined actuation strategy to correspondingly actuate the exterior lights 4 . Furthermore, the boundary conditions can be diverse and, for example, include requirements such as maintaining a total brightness, such as, for example, total light intensity, within at least one brightness range, particularly within a corresponding light intensity range; maintaining a certain geometric shape of the exterior lights 4 , particularly a certain geometric extent; and so on. Ultimately, this type of requirement set ensures that the desired lighting function, for example, as specified by regulations and / or access regulations, is met and, in the case of the daytime running lights 6 and taillights 5 , is perceptible to other road users. However, the boundary conditions can also define a range within which pseudo-random or random operation can occur, or define an appearance characteristic that is supported to a certain extent for all control scenarios, in particular also within the scope of a set of requirements. For example, the boundary conditions can describe a minimum and / or maximum and / or fixed number of segments to be operated in a dynamic group for a dynamic light pattern, and / or a minimum and / or maximum brightness of segments to be operated in an illuminated and / or variably illuminated manner, and / or a minimum and / or maximum and / or a defined step size of the target brightness from one control scenario to the next, and / or the determination of segments to be operated with constant brightness.

[0059] Dynamic operating modes can spatially extend in various ways with respect to the exterior lights 4 , their light units, and luminous surfaces. For example, the dynamic groups requested by the dynamic operating mode in a segment can be defined so that each existing light unit independently executes the functional logic, meaning that the determination unit 23 determines an actuation strategy for each existing light unit. Of course, it is also conceivable to define only subregions of individual light units, or to define dynamic groups that describe light units covering the subregions of the respective light units. Furthermore, it is conceivable to determine an actuation strategy for each exterior light 4 , thus determining an actuation strategy for each exterior light 4 for each change. This could, in particular, include all segments and all light units within the exterior light 4 . Furthermore, it is conceivable to determine the actuation strategy from the vehicle side, for example, simultaneously considering all exterior lights 4 on the vehicle side, such as the rear or front. However, a particularly preferred embodiment is one in which the actuation strategy is determined axisymmetrically between the left and right vehicle sides. This means that the overall pattern of the dynamic operating modes of the entire motor vehicle 1 or the entire lighting device 2 is always axisymmetric with respect to the vehicle center (vehicle longitudinal axis), thereby also meeting the symmetry requirement. This may respectively involve, for example, the reversing lights 5 and the daytime running lights 6 .

[0060] In a specific embodiment, it is particularly preferred, as will be explained in greater detail below, to prescribe a fixed, temporally constant total brightness as a boundary condition, in the form of total brightness values, for example, total light intensity values ​​for different spatial angles or spatial angle ranges. This ultimately results in a quasi-static light pattern or pattern that meets the requirement for constant photometric values ​​while still exhibiting a dynamic nature that significantly improves perceptibility and recognition.

[0061] Figure 2 A specific, exemplary embodiment of an exterior light 4 is shown, which comprises a segmented OLED 12 , which is arranged in a housing 13 and, as a single luminous unit, defines a luminous area 14 . Parts of the segmented OLED 12 form segments 15 .

[0062] In other exemplary embodiments, the segments 15 can also be formed by individual LEDs or groups of LEDs of an LED matrix. As already explained, a plurality of lighting units, for example a plurality of LEDs 12, can also be used.

[0063] The following will explain in more detail how a random light pattern with a constant, fixed overall brightness value can be generated for a dynamic group based on a first specific embodiment. The boundary condition of a fixed, fixed overall brightness value therefore means that the sum of all the theoretical brightnesses of the control scenarios remains constant over time. Alternatively, the average value of the theoretical brightness for all segments 15 should be constant, i.e., should correspond to a target average value. It should also be noted that the dimmability of the segments 15 can be achieved, for example, by the driver via pulse width modulation.

[0064] In this first exemplary embodiment, the following parameters are determined as boundary conditions:

[0065] the minimum brightness of the segments 15 to be operated luminously, ie the permissible minimum theoretical brightness for each segment 15 ,

[0066] the maximum brightness of the segments 15 to be operated luminously, ie the maximum permissible theoretical brightness for each segment 15 ,

[0067] - fixed total brightness value,

[0068] the duration of the switching interval in time steps, ie the duration of the interval during which the specific segment 15 remains active and is now operated in a variably luminous manner,

[0069] a fixed number of segments 15 to be operated in a variable luminous manner, ie the number of possible active segments 15 ,

[0070] A defined step size of the brightness from one activation strategy to the next, which defines by how much the target brightness of the individual active segments 15 can be changed per time step.

[0071] In a variant of this first exemplary embodiment, constant segments 15 can also be determined, ie, segments 15 that are operated luminously and are to be driven with a constant, always identical target brightness.

[0072] The fixed overall brightness value does not necessarily have to be expressed as the overall brightness value, since, for example, knowing the number of segments 15 suffices to determine a target mean value for the set brightness, which, when adhered to, also always results in the same fixed overall brightness value.

[0073] It should be noted that the boundary conditions must, of course, be coordinated with one another to ultimately arrive at a solution. For example, it must obviously be true that the maximum brightness is greater than the target average, which in turn must be greater than the minimum brightness. Furthermore, it should be noted that it is also conceivable to define, for example, the minimum and maximum values ​​of the target brightness segment-specifically. This can also apply to other parameters or boundary conditions, such as the step size. However, the boundary conditions are defined here for all segments 15 of the dynamic group.

[0074] In the dynamic operating mode, at the start of the dynamic operating mode, an initial control strategy is used. Figure 3 Shown for Figure 2 , in which all segments 15 are already defined as part of a dynamic group. The numbers shown in the grid indicate the brightness values, for example on a scale of 0 to 255, with which the segments 15 at the corresponding positions are actuated. The different shadings indicate the resulting pattern of the exterior lights 4. This initial actuation scheme can either be fixedly preset, or it can be determined randomly or pseudo-randomly by means of the determination unit 9, of course in such a way that the boundary conditions are observed. Figure 3 The initial control concept shown in satisfies, for example, a minimum brightness of 50, a maximum brightness of 250, and a fixed overall brightness value represented by a target average value of 120.

[0075] The first switching interval is also Figure 3 . For the first switching interval and all subsequent switching intervals, the inactive segments 15 of the first subgroup of segments 15 to be operated statically and the active segments 15 of the second subgroup to be operated in a time-varying manner within the switching interval are selected pseudo-randomly or randomly, or more precisely, depending on the boundary conditions, the fixed number of segments 15 to be operated in a time-varying luminous manner is selected. In other words, at the beginning of each switching interval, the number of active segments 15 defined as the parameter "fixed number (of active segments 15)" is selected pseudo-randomly or randomly. The random numbers required for this are generated by a random number generator 8. Over the duration of the switching interval, in each instruction, i.e. for each time step, the theoretical brightness of the active segments 15 of the second subgroup is changed in such a way that the target average value (and thus the fixed total brightness value) remains constant. This is done, for example, by Figure 4 . In this case, a switching interval 16 comprises, for example, five time steps 17, wherein, for example, again to simplify the illustration, the fixed number of active segments 15 is selected to be 4 and the fixed step size is selected to be 20. In this control scheme, the setpoint brightness 18 for the active segments 15 is highlighted.

[0076] In this case, two of the active segments 15, which are an even number of fixed steps, are linked to each other (this can also be selected pseudo-randomly or randomly, just like the fixed directional change (increase or decrease) of the target brightness 18), so that the changes in the target brightness 18 always cancel each other out and the total brightness still corresponds to the fixed total brightness value. Within this switching interval 16, the remaining target brightness 19 (not highlighted) remains constant, that is, completely unchanged (inactive segments 15).

[0077] After the end of this switching interval 16, the first and second subgroups, i.e., the inactive and active segments, are redefined. In a first variant, which creates a more stable, yet dynamic, impression, the starting point is the target brightness 18, 19 in the last time step 17 of the preceding switching interval 16. In a second, more dynamic variant, the target brightness 18, 19 can be redefined pseudo-randomly or randomly, in particular at least for the newly active segment 15 (target brightness 18). The change from one actuation strategy to another naturally occurs within predefined limits (via minimum and maximum brightness).

[0078] In a second embodiment, multiple, locally continuous, but elementally distinct dynamic groups can be defined for the segments 15 of the exterior light 4 . This localized division into dynamic groups has the advantage of enabling individual dynamic groups to be configured differently, particularly for inputs to a fixed total brightness value. This allows for compensating for the different contributions to the total brightness from different segments 15 , for example due to different illumination angles, while still achieving an overall constant, uniform total brightness even with dynamic control.

[0079] In this second embodiment, the following parameters may be used to define boundary conditions and dynamic groups:

[0080] - group definition, i.e. the number of dynamic groups and the association of segments 15 with dynamic groups, wherein each segment 15 may only be assigned to one dynamic group,

[0081] constant segments 15 , i.e. segments 15 that are to be controlled with a setpoint brightness that is constant over time, wherein such segments 15 can also be assigned to a dynamic group, so that ultimately all segments 15 of the exterior light 4 are assigned to the dynamic group,

[0082] - an initial value for the segments 15 to be operated in a variably luminous manner, which determines the initial setpoint brightness for all non-constant segments 15 at the start of the dynamic operating mode and can be defined individually for each segment 15 to be operated in a variably luminous manner or can be determined globally; alternatively, the setpoint brightness for the initial control strategy can of course also be determined pseudo-randomly or randomly, as in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0083] - the update time, i.e. the number of time steps between two changes of the theoretical brightness of a dynamic group, which can be defined individually for each dynamic group or globally for all dynamic groups,

[0084] a fixed total brightness value, which can be defined individually for each dynamic group or globally for all dynamic groups; ideally, the fixed total brightness preset for all dynamic groups is divided across the dynamic groups into a fixed dynamic group total brightness value applicable to the dynamic group,

[0085] The minimum and maximum brightness of the luminously operated segments 15 as already determined above, wherein a dynamic group-specific definition is possible here, but also a global definition is also possible.

[0086] At the start of the dynamic operating mode, an initial control scheme is used again, which, as described above, can be predefined but either pseudo-randomly or randomly determined, in which a specific segment 15 is clearly associated with a constant setpoint brightness if it is to be controlled with a constant setpoint brightness.

[0087] In a second exemplary embodiment, after the parameterized update time of a dynamic group has expired, a new target brightness for the corresponding dynamic group is determined cyclically, thereby updating the control scheme. A new random number is generated by a random number generator 8 as the target brightness for each segment to be operated in a variable light-emitting manner. It is also generally accepted that a non-specific generator, a specific generator, or a mixed approach (e.g., a specific generator with an initial value that is, for example, dependent on the current time) can be used as random number generator 8. Any random number distribution can be used, such as a uniform distribution or a normal distribution.

[0088] Returning to the second embodiment, when updating the control strategy for at least one dynamic group, the random number to be used as the target brightness is, of course, subject to minimum and maximum brightness limits, and optionally limited to the specific dynamic group. If, when determining the new control strategy for at least one dynamic group, it is found that the sum of the target brightnesses of all segments of the dynamic group thus determined does not agree with the fixed total brightness value for the dynamic group, a brightness to be balanced is generated as a deviation value. This brightness to be balanced is evenly distributed across all segments of the dynamic group to be operated in a variable light manner.

[0089] It should be noted that the newly determined target brightness, and therefore the newly determined control strategy, can be used directly after determination to control the segments of the dynamic group. However, in a variant, it is also conceivable, especially when the update time includes multiple time steps, to adjust the target brightness value of the last control strategy brighter or darker to the newly determined target brightness value within the update time to achieve a smooth transition.

[0090] In a third embodiment of the method according to the invention, for each control scenario, a new pseudo-random or random pattern can also be generated by partially disconnected segments 15. Here, the following parameters describing the boundary conditions can be used expediently:

[0091] - minimum and maximum brightness as described above,

[0092] the duration of the switching interval in time steps, ie the duration of the interval in which the switched-on segment 15 is operated luminously,

[0093] A fixed number of segments 15 to be operated luminously, ie the number of segments 15 to be operated luminously per switching interval.

[0094] In a third embodiment, a predetermined, fixed number of segments 15 to be operated in an illuminated manner, i.e., switched on, are pseudo-randomly or randomly selected, and a pseudo-randomly or randomly correlated setpoint brightness is achieved, while the remaining segments 15 of the dynamic group, a first subset, remain off, i.e., in particular, are correlated to a setpoint brightness of 0. The setpoint brightness for the switched-on segments 15 (forming the second subset) lies between a minimum and maximum brightness predefined as a boundary condition. In this case, in a variation of this third embodiment, the switching on and off can be animated, for example, with a linear ramp from the last setpoint brightness or switched-off state to the new setpoint brightness or switched-off state.

[0095] Figure 5 This is explained by way of example by showing a sequence of actuation strategies for a square luminous surface consisting of 8×8 segments in this case. Here, a switching interval 16 comprises three time steps 17, during which the actuation strategy remains completely unchanged. The filled-in numbers, i.e., the target brightness, correspond to the target brightness for the switched-on segments 15 of the second subgroup, while the blank areas correspond to the switched-off segments 15 of the first subgroup, i.e., the target brightness is zero. It can be seen that the actuation strategy, and thus the switched-on segments 15, changes at the beginning of the next switching interval 16.

[0096] In a fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least two offset triangular pulses can be used to generate opposite light motions, which means that when the segments 15 are brightened, they are dimmed in different ways at the same time to produce a constant, fixed overall brightness.

[0097] For example, the following parameters can be used here:

[0098] - the minimum and maximum theoretical brightness of the ramps connecting the corresponding triangular pulses,

[0099] the ramp interval for the respective triangular pulse, ie the duration of the interval in which the relevant segment 15 changes from minimum theoretical brightness to theoretical brightness and back or from maximum theoretical brightness to minimum theoretical brightness and back again,

[0100] A fixed number of active segments 15 , ie, the segments 15 whose setpoint brightness is to be adjusted according to the triangular pulses at any given time.

[0101] In this fourth embodiment, pseudo-randomness or randomness is present in the selection of the respective segments 15 of the dynamic group to be affected by the triangular pulses. As an initial control scheme at the start of the dynamic operating mode, a fixed number of segments 15 are randomly or pseudo-randomly selected, and one of the triangular pulses is obtained in each case in association. In order to prevent all triangular pulses from starting at the same time, the initial target brightness is randomly or pseudo-randomly defined between the minimum and maximum target brightness of the triangular pulses. Figure 6 An exemplary initial control scheme is shown in . Figure 7 The course of triangular pulses 25, 26 is shown by way of example, wherein half the ramp interval duration 20 is shown by way of example for triangular pulse 24. At time 21, the main body of ramp pulse 26 ends, so that now there is a pseudo-random or random change from the previous segment in time period 22 to the new segment in time period 23.

[0102] Although exemplary embodiments have been shown so far in which the dynamic group includes all segments 15 of the luminous area 14 of the corresponding exterior light 4 , it is also conceivable to exclude at least some segments 15 from the dynamic group so that they form a static group. Figure 8 Shown for Figure 2 An example of OLED 12, in Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , the shaded segments 15 a belong to at least one static group and the non-shaded segments 15 b belong to at least one dynamic group. For example, in this way, a conventional static light pattern can be retained as a supplement to a dynamic light pattern, etc. Figure 9 In the example of , the segments 15a of the static group to be operated statically (shown again in hatching) are selected as edge segments, so that a defined geometric extent of the luminous area 14 always exists, since these segments 15a are always operated luminously.

[0103] However, it should be pointed out that, as has already been explained in particular in the first and second exemplary embodiments of the method according to the invention, such “static segments” can also be included in the dynamic group by corresponding boundary conditions.

Claims

1. A method for operating a lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), wherein: The lighting device (2) comprises at least one exterior light (4) and a control device (3), wherein the exterior light (4) comprises a lighting surface (14) having at least two independently controllable segments (15, 15a, 15b) each comprising at least one light source, wherein in at least one dynamic operating mode of the control device (3), a pseudo-random or random, time-varying lighting operation of the segments (15, 15a, 15b) of the dynamic group is performed for at least one dynamic group comprising at least two segments (15, 15a, 15b), described by a temporal sequence of control schemes, wherein the respective control scheme for each segment (15, 15a, 15b) of the dynamic group describes whether the segment should be operated and / or at what brightness. It is characterized by: In at least one of the at least one dynamic operating modes, the control device (3) actuates the segments (15, 15a, 15b) in successive time steps (19), wherein the switching interval (16) is defined as a multiple of the time step (17). In order to determine the actuation strategies of the time sequence, each associated with a time step (17): - for each switching interval (16), pseudo-randomly or randomly selecting a first subgroup of segments (15, 15a, 15b) of a dynamic group of inactive segments (15, 15a, 15b) operating statically for the switching interval (16) and a second subgroup of active segments (15, 15a, 15b) operating in a time-varying manner for the switching interval (16), - in each switching interval (16), the brightness is changed in each time step (17) only for the active segments (15, 15a, 15b), The control strategy is determined based on at least one boundary condition which is related to the pattern of the exterior lights (4) and / or which limits the determination of the control strategy, wherein at least one fixed total brightness value of all segments (15, 15a, 15b) which are operated in a time sequence is maintained as at least one of the at least one boundary condition, and the changes are carried out in the time step (17) of the switching interval (16) in such a way that the brightness increases and decreases cancel each other out.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that At least one predetermined geometric extension of a geometric pattern defined by the luminously operated segments (15, 15a, 15b) of the dynamic group is used as at least one of the at least one boundary condition.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one of the at least one boundary condition describes a minimum and / or maximum and / or fixed number of segments (15, 15a, 15b) to be operated in an illuminating manner and / or to be operated in a variably illuminating manner in a dynamic group, and / or a minimum and / or maximum brightness of the segments (15, 15a, 15b) to be operated in an illuminating manner, and / or a minimum and / or maximum and / or a determined step size of the brightness from one actuation scenario to the next, and / or a determination of the segments (15, 15a, 15b) to be operated with constant brightness.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Different dynamic groups of multiple elements of the exterior light (4) with different boundary conditions are used.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The dynamic groups used are spatially continuous dynamic groups or dynamic groups oriented toward different sides of the motor vehicle (1).

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that At least one common boundary condition is used for at least two of a plurality of dynamic groups of exterior lights (4).

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Within the switching interval (16), the brightness is changed monotonically increasing and / or decreasing over time and / or according to a fixed step size that is predefined as a boundary condition.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The brightness increases and decreases for a pair of active segments (15, 15a, 15b), respectively, cancel each other out.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that As a starting point for the first time step (17) of the next switching interval (16) at least for the currently active segment (15, 15a, 15b), or as a starting point for each switching interval (16), a new brightness is determined pseudo-randomly or randomly.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that A new brightness is determined pseudo-randomly or randomly as a starting point for the first time step (17) of the next switching interval (16) for all segments (15, 15a, 15b) of a dynamic group that used the brightness used in the last time step (17) of the previous switching interval (16), or as a starting point for each switching interval (16) for at least the active segments (15, 15a, 15b).

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that In at least one of the at least one dynamic operating modes, the control device (3) controls the segments (15, 15a, 15b) in successive time steps (17), wherein a switching interval (16) is defined as comprising one or more time steps (17), and for each switching interval (16) a control scheme is determined pseudo-randomly or randomly, the control scheme comprising a first subgroup of segments (15, 15a, 15b) of a dynamic group having disconnected segments (15, 15a, 15b) operating in a non-luminous manner for the switching interval (16) and a second subgroup of segments (15, 15a, 15b) operating in a luminous manner for the switching interval.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The brightness of the switched-on segments (15, 15a, 15b) is also selected pseudo-randomly or randomly for each switching interval (16), and / or the switching-on of segments (15, 15a, 15b) to maximum brightness or the switching-on segments (15, 15a, 15b) starting from maximum brightness are performed step by step over a plurality of time steps (17) of the switching interval (16).

13. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that In at least one of the at least one dynamic operating modes, the control device (3) controls the brightness of pseudo-randomly or randomly selected segments (15, 15a, 15b) to be operated in a variably luminous manner based on at least two triangular pulses (25, 26) offset in time, so that a fixed total brightness value for the dynamic group is maintained by the offset of the triangular pulses (25, 26).

14. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The segments (15, 15a, 15b) are formed by segmented OLEDs (12, 24) of an exterior light (4) and / or by at least one LED matrix of an exterior light (4), and / or at least one of the at least one exterior light (4) is a tail light (5) and / or a daytime running light (6), and / or all segments (15, 15a, 15b) have the same light density and / or illumination characteristics.

15. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The dynamic operating mode is used when the motor vehicle (1) is stationary and / or when the motor vehicle (1) is in driving operation, and / or at least one of the at least one dynamic operating mode displays an operating state of the motor vehicle (1), the displayed operating state including at least partially automatic operation and / or the action of a determined driver assistance system.

16. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that In addition to the at least one dynamic group, at least one static group is used, which comprises at least one segment (15, 15a, 15b) and is different from the at least one dynamic group element, the segments (15, 15a, 15b) of the static group being permanently switched on or off.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that At least one of the at least one static group comprises a constantly luminous segment (15, 15a, 15b) on the edge of the luminous surface (14).

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The section at the edge of the luminous area (14) forms a corner.

19. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The lighting device comprises two exterior lights (4) associated with one another, which have a cooperating dynamic group for determining a common actuation strategy, the two exterior lights being arranged symmetrically with respect to at least one axis of symmetry and / or spatially adjacent.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that Two exterior lights (4) associated with one another are arranged symmetrically on the sides of a motor vehicle (1), wherein the actuation is mirror-imaged in such a way that the corresponding patterns are symmetrical with respect to the vehicle center of the respective side.

21. A lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), wherein: The lighting device (2) comprises at least one exterior light (4) and a control device (3), wherein the exterior light (4) comprises a luminous surface having at least two independently controllable segments (15, 15a, 15b) each comprising at least one light source, and wherein the control device (3) is configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A motor vehicle (1) comprising a lighting device (2) according to claim 21.

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