Lighting device and method for controlling a lighting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a lighting device. The lighting device can notify a light emitting scene specified by a setting rule and a light emitting scene not specified by the rule according to signaling of a main signal line. The start of the signaling notification at the start time (t0) is notified by a change in the main signal line from the second logic level to the first logic level. If the lighting device is to set a light-emitting scene that is not specified by a rule, the level of the main signal line is changed from a first logic level to a second logic level before the end of a waiting time (Tx). On the contrary, if the level of the main signal line does not change to the second logic level before the end of the waiting time (Tx), the light-emitting scene specified by the rule is enabled. If the level of the main signal line is changed to a second logic level before the end of the waiting time (Tx), a light-emitting scene with an unspecified rule is enabled according to the PWM signaling notification of the light-emitting scene to be set.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention provides a method for controlling a lighting device, wherein the lighting device can set a lighting scene specified by a rule and a lighting scene not specified by the rule. Background Art

[0002] Individual lighting devices in a car require signals from the corresponding master controller in order to enable and perform the desired lighting function of the corresponding lighting device. Typically, there are multiple requirements for a lighting function. For example, in the case of tail lights, these requirements may be: turn left, turn right, brake, tail light.

[0003] The above features are required by law and OEMs may require additional lighting dynamics, such as “leaving home”, “returning home”, in order to differentiate solutions.

[0004] Typical car manufacturers do not want to provide additional wiring for these lighting functions associated with the light pole, because the additional wiring increases the cost of the wiring harness and increases the complexity of the wiring harness. Generally speaking, car manufacturers prefer to use PWM coding for the main signal functions of the corresponding lighting device. Here, the control device sends a PWM coded command in the form of a PWM coded signal via the main signal line to the corresponding lighting device. The control unit of the lighting device recognizes the PWM coded command in the PWM coded signal and executes the command recognized in this way.

[0005] Each PWM signal on the main signal means that the control unit of the lighting device must recognize the pattern in the PWM coded signal of the main signal. The problem is that the recognition of the PWM coded command by the control unit of the lighting device requires processing time.

[0006] The specifications of the automobile manufacturers usually stipulate the time that may elapse between the start of a PWM coded command and the actual setting of the lighting device to the desired lighting scene.

[0007] These specifications are usually available for the most important control functions.

[0008] In current implementations, additional processing time is added between the start of a PWM coded command and the setting of the desired lighting scene due to the provision of an additional command function. This is particularly problematic if regulatory requirements are no longer met as a result.

[0009] The control unit of the corresponding lighting device repeatedly polls the signal to avoid false detection. This makes the problem worse.

[0010] In today's low-end applications, signal detection is done by switching a static signal ON / OFF (high / low) to trigger the main lighting function (e.g. taillights, turn, stop...).

[0011] To enable specific functions (such as "Home", "Leaving Home"), switch to dynamic display mode using a specific cable, or modulate PWM mode to the signal normally used for the main function to avoid additional wiring.

[0012] To do this, a fixed time is reserved after the signal switches from low to high to detect the PWM pattern. If no valid PWM pattern is detected and the input signal remains high, the main function turns on. Waiting for PWM pattern recognition can cause undesirable delays in turning on the main function. Summary of the invention

[0013] Therefore, the purpose of this application is to reduce system cost and avoid significant delays when using PWM mode on existing wiring.

[0014] This object is achieved by the technical teaching of the independent claim. Improved examples may be the subject of the dependent claims.

[0015] Technical Solution

[0016] The proposed method solves the problem of additional wiring or additional delays for PWM detection by separating the detection intelligence for the main functions of the lighting device required by the regulations from the detection intelligence for specific additional functions not required by the regulations. Through the technical teachings presented here, the required functions can be provided without additional wiring and with almost no delay.

[0017] This ensures that the instrumentation overhead for a specific function does not cause additional latency for the main function.

[0018] Figure 1 One of the signaling notification methods of this solution is shown:

[0019] By separating the detection intelligence for functions subject to rule restrictions and functions not subject to rule restrictions, it is ensured that the detection overhead for functions not subject to rule restrictions does not cause additional delays for functions subject to rule restrictions.

[0020] When the signaling notification starts, the control device switches the logic level of the main signal line to a first logic value (e.g., "high"). If the vehicle control device wants to enable a function specified by the rules of the lighting device, the logic level of the main signal line is maintained at the first logic level for a time longer than the time Tx. If the vehicle control device wants to enable a function not specified by the rules of the lighting device, the logic level of the main signal line is maintained at the first logic level for a time shorter than the time Tx, and is changed to a second logic level (e.g., "low") before the time Tx from the start of the signaling notification expires.

[0021] If the logic level of the main signal line remains at the first logic level for a time longer than the time Tx after the start of the signaling notification of the control device, the control unit of the lighting device recognizes that the function specified by the rule should be enabled. Therefore, the time delay between the start of the signaling notification and the actual activation of the function of the lighting device restricted by the rule is limited to the period Tx. Once the function specified by the rule is enabled, the control device of the lighting device recognizes that the lighting device should stop executing the function specified by the rule by the change of the level on the main signal line from the first logic value to the second logic value.

[0022] If, after the start of the signaling notification of the control device, the logic level of the main signal line remains at the first logic level for a time shorter than the time Tx, the control unit of the lighting device recognizes that the function not specified by the rule should be enabled. Usually, the control unit of the lighting device can use the PWM signal to identify the type of function not specified by the rule that the lighting device should perform. This signaling notification and detection process takes time. The time delay between the start of the signaling notification and the actual activation of the function of the lighting device that is restricted by the rule is now no longer limited to the period Tx. Instead, it essentially depends on the type and length of the longest PWM sequence. Once the function not specified by the rule is enabled, the control device of the lighting device recognizes that the lighting device should stop executing the function not specified by the rule because the level on the main signal line changes from the first logic value to the second logic value after a longer time.

[0023] By specifying a fixed time Tx after the primary function (function subject to rule restrictions) is enabled, the entire time required to reliably identify the pattern of the specific function (function not subject to rule restrictions) can be avoided from being added to the primary function as a delay or waiting time. This scheme allows multiple specific (function not subject to rule restrictions) for the function subject to rule restrictions on one signal line based on the ability to recognize multiple PWM signatures (patterns). There is no additional overhead in the time before the primary function (function subject to rule restrictions) is enabled.

[0024] Therefore, the document proposed here describes a method for controlling a lighting device, whereby the lighting device can set a lighting scene specified by rules and a lighting scene not specified by rules. The lighting device preferably sets the lighting scene according to signaling notification via a main signal line.

[0025] The proposed method preferably comprises the following steps:

[0026] - signalling the start of the notification at time (t0) by a change from the second logic level to the first logic level on the main signal line;

[0027] - if the lighting device is to set a lighting scene not specified by the rule, the level of the main signal line is changed from the first logic level to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) starting from the start time (t0) expires, and then the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set is performed by a PWM modulation change with a PWM modulation period between the second logic level and the first logic level, and the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set is ended by keeping the level of the main signal line at the first logic level for a time longer than the PWM modulation period;

[0028] - if the level of the main signal line does not change to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, the lighting scene specified by the rule is enabled;

[0029] - if the level of the main signal line does not change to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, and if the level of the main signal line changes to the second logic level after the waiting time (Tx) expires, deactivating the lighting scene specified by the rule;

[0030] - if the main signal line level changes to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, a lighting scene not specified in the rule is enabled according to the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set;

[0031] -If the level of the main signal line changes to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires and the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set has ended, and if the level of the main signal line changes from the first logic level to the second logic level after the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set has ended, the lighting scene not specified by the deactivation rule is disabled.

[0032] The corresponding lighting device corresponds to the method. Preferably, the lighting device is configured to be able to set a lighting scene specified by the rule and a lighting scene not specified by the rule. Typically, the lighting device sets the lighting scene according to the signaling notification performed via the main signal line. The lighting device typically detects the start of the signaling notification at the start time (t0) by detecting a change from the second logic level to the first logic level on the main signal line. If the level of the main signal line does not change to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) starting from the start time (t0) expires, the lighting device preferably enables the lighting scene specified by the rule when the waiting time (Tx) starting from the start time (t0) expires. If the level of the main signal line does not change to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) starting from the start time (t0) expires, that is, the lighting scene specified by the rule is enabled, then when the level of the main signal line changes to the second logic level after the waiting time (Tx) expires, the lighting device deactivates the lighting scene specified by the rule again.

[0033] If the level of the main signal line is changed from the first logic level to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) from the start time (t0) expires, and if PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set is performed by a PWM modulation change with a PWM modulation period between the second logic level and the second logic level, and if the level of the main signal line is changed from the first logic level to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) from the start time (t0) expires, and if PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set is performed by a PWM modulation change with a PWM modulation period between the second logic level and the second logic level, and if PWM ) to notify the end of the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set or if the signaling notification time (i.e., until the predetermined period ends at the PWM signaling notification end time (T PWMmax )) to reach the end of the signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set, the lighting device activates the lighting scene not specified by the rule. If the level of the main signal line changes to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires and the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set has ended, and if the level of the main signal line changes from the first logic level to the second logic level after the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set has ended, the lighting device deactivates the lighting scene not specified by the rule again. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 Schematic signals for signaling a lighting scene not specified by the rules and schematic signals for signaling a lighting scene specified by the rules are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 1

[0036] Figure 1 Part a shows a schematic signal for signaling to notify a lighting scene not specified by the rules. By means of a rising edge from the second logic level to the first logic level on the main signal line, the control device of the vehicle signals the control unit of the lighting device to notify the start time t0. Typically, the control unit of the lighting device starts a timer with the signaling notification of the start time t0. If a change from the first logic level to the second logic level occurs by a falling edge within the waiting time Tx, the control unit of the lighting device recognizes that a lighting scene not specified by the rules should be set. It is not yet clear which lighting scene not specified by the rules should be set. This information is provided by the following PWM signaling notification. At the end of the predetermined period at the PWM signaling notification end time T PWMmax After that, or when the level of the main signal remains at the first logic level for longer than the PWM period T PWM When , the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene not specified by the rule to be set ends. Figure 1In the example of part a of FIG. 4 , signaling is performed by a falling edge from a first logic level to a second logic level to notify the deactivation of a lighting scene not specified by the rule.

[0037] Figure 1 Part b shows a schematic signal for signaling to notify the lighting scene signal specified by the rule. Through the rising edge from the second logic level to the first logic level on the main signal line, the control device of the vehicle again signals the control unit of the lighting device to notify the start time t0. Typically, the control unit of the lighting device uses the signaling notification of the start time t0 to start the timer again. If no change from the first logic level to the second logic level occurs through a falling edge within the waiting time Tx, the control unit of the lighting device recognizes that the lighting scene specified by the rule should be set. Typically, when the waiting time Tx expires, the lighting device therefore sets and enables the lighting scene specified by the rule. Figure 1 In the example of part b of FIG. 4 , signaling is performed by a falling edge from a first logic level to a second logic level to notify deactivation of a lighting scene specified by a rule.

[0038] other

[0039] The above description is not intended to be complete and does not limit the present disclosure to the examples shown. Other variations of the disclosed examples can be understood and implemented by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the drawings, the disclosure and the claims. The indefinite article "one" or "an" and its word form changes do not exclude a plurality, and the mention of a certain number of elements does not exclude the possibility of more or fewer elements. A single unit can perform the functions of multiple elements mentioned in the present disclosure, and conversely, multiple elements can perform the functions of a unit. Multiple substitutions, equivalents, variations and combinations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] Unless otherwise stated, all features of the present invention can be freely combined with each other. This applies to the entire document provided here. Unless otherwise stated, the features described in the figure description can also be freely combined with other features as features of the present invention. It is obviously not intended to limit the individual features of the exemplary embodiment to the combination with other features of the exemplary embodiment. In addition, the physical features of the device can also be restated as method features, and the method features can be restated as physical features of the device. Therefore, such restatements are automatically disclosed.

[0041] In the foregoing detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. The examples in the description and drawings should be considered illustrative and should not be considered as limiting the specific examples or elements described. Multiple examples may be derived from the foregoing description and / or drawings and / or claims by modifying, combining or changing certain elements. In addition, those skilled in the art may derive from the description and / or drawings examples or elements not literally described.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a lighting device, in, The lighting device is capable of setting a lighting scene specified by a rule, and The lighting device is capable of setting lighting scenes not specified in the rules, and The lighting device sets the lighting scene according to the signaling notification via the main signal line. The method comprises the following steps: notifying the start of the signaling notification at a start time (t0) by a change from a second logic level to a first logic level on the main signal line; If the lighting device is to set a lighting scene not specified by the rule, before the waiting time (Tx) starting from the start time (t0) expires, the level of the main signal line is changed from the first logic level to the second logic level, and then a PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set is performed by a PWM modulation change with a PWM modulation period between the second logic level and the first logic level, and the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set is ended by keeping the level of the main signal line at the first logic level for a time longer than the PWM modulation period; If the level of the main signal line does not change to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, enabling the lighting scene specified by the rule; If the level of the main signal line changes to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, the lighting scene not specified by the rule is enabled according to the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set.

2. The method for controlling a lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising the following steps: If the level of the main signal line does not change to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, and if the level of the main signal line changes to the second logic level after the waiting time (Tx) expires, deactivating the lighting scene specified by the rule, and / or If the level of the main signal line changes to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires and the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set has ended, and if the level of the main signal line changes from the first logic level to the second logic level after the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set has ended, the lighting scene not specified by the rule is disabled.

3. A method for controlling a lighting device, in, The lighting device is capable of setting a lighting scene specified by a rule, and The lighting device is capable of setting lighting scenes not specified in the rules, and The lighting device sets the lighting scene according to the signaling notification via the main signal line. The method comprises the following steps: notifying the start of the signaling notification at a start time (t0) by a change from a second logic level to a first logic level on the main signal line; If the lighting device is to set a lighting scene not specified by the rule, before the waiting time (Tx) starting from the start time (t0) expires, the level of the main signal line is changed from the first logic level to the second logic level, and then a PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set is performed by a PWM modulation change with a PWM modulation period between the second logic level and the first logic level, and the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set is ended by keeping the level of the main signal line at the first logic level for a time longer than the PWM modulation period; If the level of the main signal line does not change to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, enabling the lighting scene specified by the rule; if the level of the main signal line does not change to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, and if the level of the main signal line changes to the second logic level after the waiting time (Tx) expires, deactivating the lighting scene specified by the rule; If the level of the main signal line changes to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, the lighting scene not specified by the rule is enabled according to the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set; If the level of the main signal line changes to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires and the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set has ended, and if the level of the main signal line changes from the first logic level to the second logic level after the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set has ended, the lighting scene not specified by the rule is disabled.

4. A lighting device, in, The lighting device is configured to be able to set a lighting scene specified by a rule, and The lighting device is configured to be able to set a lighting scene not specified by the rules, and The lighting device is configured to set the lighting scene according to a signaling notification via a main signal line, The lighting device is configured to detect the start of the signaling notification at the start time (t0) by detecting a change from the second logic level to the first logic level on the main signal line, and The lighting device is configured to: if the level of the main signal line does not change to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, enable the lighting scene specified by the rule when the waiting time (Tx) expires, and Wherein, the lighting device is configured as follows: If the level of the main signal line changes from the first logic level to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) starting from the start time (t0) expires, and If subsequently a PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set is performed by a PWM modulation change with a PWM modulation period between the second logic level and the first logic level, and If the level of the main signal line is kept longer than the PWM modulation period (T PWM ) to notify the end of the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set, or if the signaling notification time (T PWMmax ) to achieve the end of the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set, Then the lighting scene not specified by the rule is enabled.

5. The lighting device according to claim 4, in, The lighting device is configured to: if the level of the main signal line has not been changed to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, then after the waiting time (Tx) expires, deactivate the lighting scene specified by the rule by changing the level of the main signal line to the second logic level, and / or The lighting device is configured to: if the level of the main signal line changes to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires and the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set has ended, and if the level of the main signal line changes from the first logic level to the second logic level after the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set has ended, then deactivate the lighting scene not specified by the rule.

6. A lighting device, in, The lighting device is configured to be able to set a lighting scene specified by a rule, and The lighting device is configured to be able to set a lighting scene not specified by the rules, and The lighting device is configured to set the lighting scene according to a signaling notification via a main signal line, The lighting device is configured to detect the start of the signaling notification at the start time (t0) by detecting a change from the second logic level to the first logic level on the main signal line, and The lighting device is configured to: if the level of the main signal line does not change to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, enable the lighting scene specified by the rule when the waiting time (Tx) expires, and The lighting device is configured to: if the level of the main signal line has not been changed to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, then after the waiting time (Tx) expires, the lighting scene specified by the rule is deactivated by changing the level of the main signal line to the second logic level, and Wherein, the lighting device is configured as follows: If the level of the main signal line changes from the first logic level to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) starting from the start time (t0) expires, and If subsequently a PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set is performed by a PWM modulation change with a PWM modulation period between the second logic level and the first logic level, and If the level of the main signal line is kept longer than the PWM modulation period (T PWM ) to notify the end of the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set, or if the signaling notification time (T PWMmax ) to achieve the end of the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set, Then the lighting scene not specified in the rule is enabled. The lighting device is configured to: if the level of the main signal line changes to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires and the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set has ended, and if the level of the main signal line changes from the first logic level to the second logic level after the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set has ended, then deactivate the lighting scene not specified by the rule.

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