Lighting device and method for controlling a lighting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a lighting device, which lighting device can be set to a rule-defined and a rule-undefined light emission scene in accordance with a signaling on a main signal line. The signaling is signaled by a change from a second logic level to a first logic level on the main signal line at a start time (t0). If the lighting device is to be set to a rule-undefined light emission scene, the level of the main signal line is changed from the first logic level to the second logic level before the end of a waiting time (Tx). If, in contrast, the level of the main signal line is not changed to the second logic level before the end of the waiting time (Tx), a rule-defined light emission scene is activated. If the level of the main signal line is changed to the second logic level before the end of the waiting time (Tx), a rule-undefined light emission scene is activated in accordance with a PWM signaling of the light emission scene to be set.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention proposes a method for controlling a lighting device, wherein the lighting device can be set to a rule prescribed light emission scene and to a rule not prescribed light emission scene. BACKGROUND

[0002] Independent lighting devices in a car need a signal from a respective master controller in order to activate and execute the required lighting function of the respective lighting device. Usually, there are multiple requirements for the lighting function. For example, in the case of a rear light, these requirements can be: left turn, right turn, brake, rear light.

[0003] The above-mentioned functions are legally required and in order to distinguish the solution, the OEM can require additional lighting dynamic displays, for example "away from home", "back home".

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

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

[0006] The specifications of the car manufacturer usually specify a time that can elapse between the start of the PWM coded command and the actual setting of the desired light emission scene by the lighting device.

[0007] These specifications can usually be used for the most important control functions.

[0008] In the current implementation, additional processing time between the start of the PWM coded command and the setting of the desired light emission scene is added due to the provision of additional command functions. This is particularly problematic if the legal requirements are no longer met thereby.

[0009] The control unit of the respective lighting device repeatedly polls the signal in order to avoid false detections. This makes the problem even worse.

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

[0011] To enable specific functions (such as "home" or "away"), use a specific cable to switch to dynamic display mode, or modulate the PWM mode onto the signal normally used for the main function to avoid extra wiring.

[0012] Therefore, a fixed time is retained after the signal switches from low to high to detect the PWM mode. If no valid PWM mode is detected and the input signal remains high, the main function is enabled. Waiting for PWM mode recognition would cause an undesirable delay when enabling the main function. Summary of the Invention

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

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] The proposed method addresses the issue of additional wiring or delay in PWM detection by separating the detection intelligence for the primary functions of the lighting fixture 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 functionality can be provided without additional wiring and with virtually no delay.

[0016] This ensures that the detection overhead for specific functions does not cause additional delays for main functions.

[0017] Figure 1 One signaling notification method of this scheme is shown:

[0018] By intelligently separating the detection of rule-restricted functions from those of unrestricted functions, it is ensured that the detection overhead of unrestricted functions does not lead to additional latency for rule-restricted functions.

[0019] When the signaling notification begins, the control unit switches the logic level of the main signal line to a first logic value (e.g., "high"). If the vehicle control unit wants to enable a function of the lighting device as specified by the rules, the logic level of the main signal line remains at the first logic level for a period longer than time Tx. If the vehicle control unit wants to enable a function of the lighting device not specified by the rules, the logic level of the main signal line remains at the first logic level for a period shorter than time Tx, and changes to a second logic level (e.g., "low") before the time Tx from the start of the signaling notification expires.

[0020] If, after the signaling notification from the control device begins, the logic level of the main signal line remains at the first logic level for a period longer than time Tx, 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 rule-restricted function of the lighting device is limited to time period Tx. Once the rule-restricted function is enabled, the control unit of the lighting device recognizes that the lighting device should cease executing the rule-restricted function by observing the change in the level on the main signal line from the first logic value to the second logic value.

[0021] If, after the signaling notification from the control unit begins, the logic level on the main signal line remains at the first logic level for a period shorter than time Tx, the control unit of the lighting fixture recognizes that a non-rule-defined function should be enabled. Typically, the control unit of the lighting fixture can use a PWM signal to identify the type of non-rule-defined function that the lighting fixture 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 rule-restricted function of the lighting fixture is no longer limited to the time period Tx. Instead, it essentially depends on the type and length of the longest PWM sequence. Once the non-rule-defined function is enabled, the control unit of the lighting fixture recognizes that the lighting fixture should stop performing the non-rule-defined function because the level on the main signal line takes a longer time to change from the first logic value to the second logic value.

[0022] By specifying a fixed time Tx after the primary function (rule-restricted function) is enabled, the entire time required to reliably identify the mode of a specific function (unrestricted function) can be avoided as a delay or wait time added to the primary function. This scheme, based on the ability to identify multiple PWM signatures (modes), allows for multiple specific (unrestricted) functions on a single signal line for the rule-restricted function. There is no additional overhead before the primary function (rule-restricted function) is enabled.

[0023] Therefore, the document presented herein describes a method for controlling a lighting device, whereby the lighting device can be configured with both prescribed and unprescribed lighting scenes. Preferably, the lighting device configures the lighting scene based on signaling notifications transmitted via a main signal line.

[0024] The proposed method preferably includes the following steps:

[0025] - The signaling notification at the start of time (t0) is notified by the change from the second logic level to the first logic level on the main signal line;

[0026] - If the lighting device needs to set a lighting scene not specified by the rules, 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. Then, the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set is made by the PWM modulation change with a PWM modulation period between the second logic level and the first logic level. 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 period longer than the PWM modulation period.

[0027] - If the level of the main signal line does not change to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, the light emission scenario specified by the rules is enabled;

[0028] - 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, then the light emission scenario specified by the rule is disabled.

[0029] - If the main signal line level changes to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, then the PWM signaling notification for the lighting scene to be set will enable the lighting scene not specified in the rule;

[0030] - 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 for 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 for the lighting scene to be set has ended, then the lighting scene not specified in the rule is disabled.

[0031] The corresponding lighting device corresponds to this method. Preferably, the lighting device is configured to set both a rule-defined lighting scene and a rule-undefined lighting scene. Typically, the lighting device sets the lighting scene based on signaling notifications via the main signal line. The lighting device typically detects the start of the signaling notification at start time (t0) by detecting a change in the main signal line from a second logic level to a first logic level. If the level of the main signal line does not change to the second logic level before the expiration of the waiting time (Tx) from start time (t0), the lighting device preferably enables the rule-defined lighting scene when the waiting time (Tx) from start time (t0) expires. If the level of the main signal line does not change to the second logic level before the expiration of the waiting time (Tx) from start time (t0), i.e., the rule-defined lighting scene is enabled, the lighting device deactivates the rule-defined lighting scene again when the level of the main signal line changes to the second logic level after the expiration of the waiting time (Tx).

[0032] If the level of the main signal line changes from the first logic level to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) from the start time (t0) expires, and if the PWM signaling notification for the desired lighting scene is subsequently given 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 made to be longer than the PWM modulation period (Tx), then the desired lighting scene is notified by PWM signaling. PWM The signaling signaling for the desired lighting scene is maintained at the first logic level for a specified period of time, indicating the end of the PWM signaling notification. Alternatively, the signaling notification time may be elapsed from the start time (t0) until the predetermined period ends at the PWM signaling notification end time (T). PWMmax If the signaling notification for the desired lighting scene ends, the lighting device enables a lighting scene not specified in the rules. 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 for the desired lighting scene 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 for the desired lighting scene has ended, the lighting device deactivates the lighting scene not specified in the rules again. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 The diagram shows schematic signals for issuing signaling to notify light-emitting scenes not specified in the rules and schematic signals for issuing signaling to notify light-emitting scenes specified in the rules. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1

[0035] Figure 1 Part a illustrates the schematic signal used to issue a signaling notification for a lighting scenario not specified by the rules. The vehicle's control unit signals the lighting unit's control unit to notify the start time t0 via a rising edge from the second logic level to the first logic level on the main signal line. Typically, the lighting unit's control unit uses the signaling notification at start time t0 to start a timer. If a change from the first logic level to the second logic level occurs via a falling edge within a waiting time Tx, the lighting unit's control unit identifies that a lighting scenario not specified by the rules should be set. It is currently unclear which lighting scenario not specified by the rules should be set. This information is provided via the following PWM signaling notification. The predetermined period ends at the PWM signaling notification end time T. PWMmax Subsequently, or if the main signal level remains at the first logic level for a period longer than the PWM period T. PWM When the PWM signaling notification for a lighting scenario not specified by the rules to be set ends, the signaling is terminated. Figure 1In part a of the example, a signal is sent via a falling edge from the first logic level to the second logic level to notify the deactivation of lighting scenes not specified by the rules.

[0036] Figure 1 Part b illustrates the schematic signals used to issue a signaling command to notify the prescribed lighting scene signal. The vehicle's control unit again signals the lighting unit's control unit to notify the start time t0 via a rising edge from the second logic level to the first logic level on the main signal line. Typically, the lighting unit's control unit uses the signaling at start time t0 to notify the timer to restart. If no change from the first logic level to the second logic level occurs via a falling edge within the waiting time Tx, the lighting unit's control unit recognizes that the prescribed lighting scene should be set. Typically, when the waiting time Tx ends, the lighting unit thus sets and activates the prescribed lighting scene. Figure 1 In part b of the example, a signal is sent via a falling edge from the first logic level to the second logic level to notify the rule-defined lighting scene of deactivation.

[0037] other

[0038] The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive and does not limit this disclosure to the examples shown. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed examples based on the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the claims. The indefinite article “a” or “an” and its inflectional variations do not exclude a plurality, and reference to a certain number of elements does not exclude the possibility of more or fewer elements. A single unit can perform the function of multiple elements mentioned in this disclosure, and conversely, multiple elements can perform the function of one unit. Various substitutions, equivalents, variations, and combinations are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0039] Unless otherwise stated, all features of the present invention can be freely combined with each other. This applies to the entire document provided herein. Unless otherwise stated, the features described in the accompanying drawings can also be freely combined with other features as features of the present invention. It is clearly not intended to limit the individual features of the exemplary embodiments to combinations with other features of the exemplary embodiments. In addition, physical features of an apparatus can also be restated as method features, and method features can be restated as physical features of a device. Therefore, such restatements are automatically disclosed.

[0040] In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings. The examples in the specification and drawings are to be considered illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the specific examples or elements illustrated. Multiple examples can be derived from the foregoing description and / or drawings and / or claims by modifying, combining, or altering certain elements. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can derive examples or elements not explicitly described from the description and / or drawings.

Claims

1. A method for controlling lighting devices in a vehicle, in, The lighting device can set up a prescribed lighting scene, and The lighting device is capable of setting up lighting scenarios not specified by rules, and The lighting device sets the illumination scene based on signaling notifications sent via the main signal line. The method includes the following steps: The signaling notification is made at the start time (t0) by the change from the second logic level to the first logic level on the main signal line; If the lighting device needs 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 the PWM signaling notification of the lighting scene to be set is made 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 period 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, the light emission scenario specified by the rule is enabled; If the level of the main signal line changes to the second logic level before the waiting time (Tx) expires, then 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 in a vehicle 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, then the light emission scenario specified in the rule is disabled, 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 for the desired lighting scene 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 for the desired lighting scene has ended, then the lighting scene not specified by the rule is disabled.

3. A lighting device for a vehicle, in, The lighting device is configured to set a prescribed lighting scene, and The lighting device is configured to set up lighting scenarios not specified by rules, and The lighting device is configured to set the illumination scene based on signaling notifications transmitted via the main signal line. The lighting device is configured to detect the start of the signaling notification at start time (t0) by detecting a change in the main signal line from a second logic level to a first logic level. The lighting device is configured such that 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 activated when the waiting time (Tx) expires. 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 the desired lighting scene is subsequently notified via PWM signaling of 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 made longer than the PWM modulation period (T) PWM The PWM signaling notification for the desired lighting scene is maintained at the first logic level for a period of time (t0) to indicate the end of the signaling notification, or if the signaling notification time (T) elapses from the start time (t0). PWMmax This completes the PWM signaling notification to achieve the desired lighting scene. Then, any lighting scenarios not specified in the rules will be enabled.

4. The lighting device in the vehicle according to claim 3, in, The lighting device is configured to: if the level of the main signal line has not changed to the second logic level before the expiration of the waiting time (Tx), then after the expiration of the waiting time (Tx), the lighting scene specified by the rule is deactivated by a change in 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 desired lighting scene 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 desired lighting scene has ended, then the lighting scene not specified in the rule is disabled.

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