Apparatus for improving night vision ability of vehicle driver and control method thereof

Abstract

An apparatus for improving the night vision ability of a driver of a vehicle includes a controlled reduction in the pupil diameter of the driver and a retention of the reduction over time in order to improve the visual ability of the driver of the vehicle, all of which are adapted according to the pupil dynamics of the driver of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a vehicle interior component including a bracket, a lighting apparatus configured to emit pulsed light according to a sine wave emission that varies with a regular period between 10 s and 30 s, and a control device; a switching device and a user profile adjusting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver, comprising a controlled reduction of the driver's pupil diameter and the maintenance of said reduction over time. Furthermore, the invention relates to a control method of the device for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver. Background Art

[0002] Driving in low light conditions, particularly at night, is difficult and dangerous due to the reduced visual ability of the vehicle operator required to control the situation outside the vehicle.

[0003] The pupil of the eye allows ambient light to enter the interior of the eye in order to focus the image on the retina. The pupil is controlled by the iris, which can either constrict the pupil (miosis) or dilate it (mydriasis), depending on the ambient light (i.e. the amount of light in the environment). Both effects occur as a natural reaction of the eye to light or dark environments.

[0004] Particularly in low light conditions, the pupil dilates, increasing its diameter in order to capture as much light as possible, thus making it easier to see. In other words, the pupil adapts to the current ambient light conditions.

[0005] However, this increase in pupil diameter brings disadvantages associated with common situations that arise in low-light conditions, particularly during nighttime driving.

[0006] One disadvantage occurs when there is a sudden increase in ambient light, such as when approaching the headlights of an oncoming vehicle.

[0007] In this case, the vehicle driver is dazzled due to the sudden light flux entering through the dilated pupil. When such a change in ambient brightness occurs suddenly, the pupil does not have time to react to constrict the pupil, so dazzle cannot be avoided. As a result, the vehicle driver is temporarily unable to see, creating a risk during the driving situation.

[0008] Other disadvantages arise due to light entering through the peripheral region of the dilated pupil (ie when it has its largest diameter).The periphery of the refractive components of the eye (cornea and lens) exhibit optical defects due to refractive errors resulting from the shape of the eye or cornea.

[0009] When light passes through the peripheral area, the influence of the existing optical aberrations increases. As a result, it causes blurred vision when looking at distant objects, and eye fatigue can have a negative impact on the visual ability of vehicle drivers in particular. This phenomenon is called night myopia.

[0010] All of the above effects affecting the vehicle driver's visual ability may be further exacerbated due to the vehicle driver's age, due to him / her suffering from visual pathology such as cataracts, or due to him / her undergoing eye surgery such as LASIK surgery or intraocular surgery that may affect the ocular surface of the eye.

[0011] In particular, following cataract surgery, as light passes through the structures of the eye it undergoes uneven refraction and scattering, which can result in glare, halos, flares, and / or dysphotopsias in the form of glare around light sources in low light environments when the pupil dilates.

[0012] Therefore, the glare phantom impairs the perceived visual quality and comfort of the vehicle driver.

[0013] Several patent documents address the posed problem and disclose the use of lighting devices that are specifically arranged inside a vehicle in order to assist the vehicle driver during nighttime driving or during driving in low-light conditions.

[0014] Some of the lighting devices considered as a first group according to the invention are designed to operate continuously during night driving in order to reduce the diameter of the pupil of the vehicle driver in anticipation of changes in ambient light produced in said low light conditions. Some examples may be DE4218436A1, US4905125A or US20110235361 A1.

[0015] Other lighting devices considered as a second group according to the invention are designed to operate only under certain suddenly changing light conditions, such as when the high beam headlights of an oncoming vehicle are detected or when a vehicle enters or leaves a tunnel.

[0016] The lighting device operates so as to adapt the diameter of the pupil of the vehicle driver when the impending ambient light change is detected by predicting the impending situation using appropriate equipment. Therefore, in the situation, the lighting device sometimes works. Some examples may be WO2022 / 122853 A1, WO2021 / 093532 A1 and DE102008043601A1.

[0017] The present invention falls within the framework of the first group mentioned above, ie lighting devices designed to operate continuously during night driving.

[0018] Although the solutions disclosed in the first group achieve a reduction in pupil diameter, avoiding the above-disclosed disadvantages, it has been shown that the pupil tends to dilate over time, despite the lighting device still being operational. As a result, the positive effects on the visual abilities of the vehicle driver are not maintained over time, but rather disappear as the pupil dilates.

[0019] The phenomenon is attributed to the visual accommodation process responsible for maintaining optimal vision under changing lighting conditions.

[0020] Visual accommodation is the adjustment of the eyes to different brightness levels.

[0021] When changing from light to dark, and vice versa, visual accommodation is first performed by a sudden increase or decrease in pupil diameter.

[0022] In the first step of the visual accommodation process, the diameter of the pupil reaches its minimum value when the brightness changes from dark to light, and reaches its maximum value when the brightness changes from light to dark.

[0023] However, when the eye adapts to new brightness conditions, the diameter of the pupil increases or decreases according to the new brightness until the diameter of the pupil becomes stable.

[0024] Therefore, according to the visual adaptation process, the minimum pupil diameter that provides the above-mentioned positive effect during night driving only lasts for a few seconds. Therefore, the positive effect cannot be maintained over time.

[0025] Additionally, there is high inter-person variability in pupil dynamics due to different factors that affect pupil responses when ambient light conditions change, such as age, genetic factors, visual pathology, eye surgery, etc.

[0026] Therefore, as a natural reaction, the pupil's dilation and contraction in light and dark environments does not occur in the same way for all vehicle drivers. Instead, the way the pupil reacts to light changes varies depending on the factors mentioned above.

[0027] This means that there is no proportional relationship between the light intensity required to constrict the pupil of a particular vehicle driver and the percentage reduction achieved.

[0028] Therefore, each specific vehicle driver requires a specific light intensity to achieve a target degree of miosis.

[0029] In view of the above-mentioned disadvantages, the object of the present invention is a device for improving the night vision ability of a vehicle driver, including a controlled reduction of the driver's pupil diameter and the maintenance of said reduction over time so as to improve the visual ability of the vehicle driver, and in addition, all of this is adapted according to the pupil dynamics of the vehicle driver. Summary of the invention

[0030] The present invention is defined and characterized by the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe additional characteristics thereof.

[0031] Vehicles according to the present invention may include, but are not limited to, cars, caravans, vans, trucks, buses and the like.

[0032] Since the device is arranged in a vehicle having the specific light characteristics claimed, a controlled reduction in pupil diameter can be achieved.

[0033] Firstly, this prevents sudden changes in ambient light from dazzling the vehicle driver.

[0034] Additionally, this prevents nighttime myopia caused by light entering through the peripheral area of ​​the pupil when the pupil is dilated.

[0035] Since the light directly emitted by the lighting device is diffused, the light does not fall on the eyes of the vehicle driver, thus avoiding visual discomfort to the vehicle driver.

[0036] In addition, diffuse light strikes the illuminated object from multiple angles, thereby achieving uniform and homogeneous illumination, i.e. light spread in all directions. This allows a more efficient reduction in the diameter of the pupil.

[0037] Since the emitted light is not continuous but pulsed light emitted according to a sinusoidal emission with the claimed specific characteristics, the diameter of the pupil can be maintained over time according to the maximum reduction of the pupil diameter and thus the positive effect of this maximum reduction can be continuously maintained during night driving. In particular, the claimed period in the range between 10 and 30 s ensures that the pupil does not have enough time to dilate due to the adaptation process.

[0038] Since the emitted light can be specifically controlled according to a user profile selected by a user profile adjustment device, which user profile takes into account factors influencing the pupil dynamics of each vehicle driver, a reduction in pupil diameter can be achieved in all cases, i.e., the device is made effective for each vehicle driver regardless of specific factors such as age and / or eye pathologies.

[0039] Thus, since the invention takes said factors into account by defining different user profiles, the light emission can be adjusted in each specific case to ensure that on the one hand a reduction in pupil diameter is achieved and on the other hand this is done efficiently. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The description is accompanied by a set of figures which illustrate preferred embodiments but do not limit the invention.

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle interior comprising a device according to the invention for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver is shown.

[0042] Figure 2 A front view of the vehicle driver's face is shown to indicate the eye plane OP.

[0043] Figure 3 A perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle interior component, in particular a sun visor, forming the device is shown.

[0044] Figure 4 A front view of the inside of one of the half-shells of the visor showing a support as part of the device.

[0045] Figure 5 An exploded view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] Figure 6 An exploded view of a lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0047] Figure 7 A sine wave corresponding to the irradiance received by the eye plane due to the first pulse of light is shown.

[0048] Figure 8 A sine wave corresponding to the irradiance received by the eye plane due to the second pulse of light is shown.

[0049] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a control system for controlling a device 10 for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver is shown.

[0050] Fig.10 A schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle interior comprising a device according to the invention for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver is shown, wherein percentile values ​​for three different vehicle drivers are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figure 1 The specific configuration of the device 10 for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver according to the present invention is shown. It comprises a vehicle interior component 1, a switch device 1.4 and a user profile adjustment device 2, wherein the vehicle interior component 1 is specifically a sun visor.

[0052] Due to the relative position of the visor with respect to the driver's eyes, this configuration is particularly advantageous as it allows the device for improving night vision to provide lighting that achieves three functions, namely, reducing pupil diameter, being outside the field of view to prevent glare, and at the same time being sufficiently close to the eyes to control energy consumption.

[0053] The invention also contemplates other configurations, not shown, in which the vehicle interior component 1 is, for example, a pillar A, a roof lining or a roof console.

[0054] Returning to the specific configuration shown in the figures, the operating position of the device 10 corresponds to the stowed position of the sun visor 1 in which it rests on the main surface of the roof lining.

[0055] Considering that the device 10 of the present invention only works in low light conditions when the sun visor 1 is in the retracted position, the two devices, namely the sun visor as an anti-glare device and the device 10 for improving night vision, can achieve their specific functions without compromising each other.

[0056] The device 10 of the invention for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver is therefore configured to operate in a fixed position, which in this specific case corresponds to the stowed position of the sun visor 1 .

[0057] Figure 4 The inside of the visor 1 is shown in order to understand in detail some of the main components forming the device 10, in particular, it comprises the bracket 1.1, the lighting device 1.2, the control device 1.3 and the switch device 1.4.

[0058] The bracket 1.1 serves as a support for some components forming the device 10. In this particular case, the bracket 1.1 comprises one of the half shells made of plastic material, which forms the body of the visor 1. Typically, the bracket 1.1 comprises at least a portion of the vehicle interior component 10.

[0059] The lighting device 1.2 comprises at least a lighting device 1.2.1 and a light diffusion device 1.2.2, and is arranged on a bracket 1.1.

[0060] The lighting device 1.2.1 is configured to emit light having a wavelength in the range between 420 and 750 nm, ie the spectrum visible to the human eye.

[0061] According to a specific configuration, the lighting device 1.2.1 is configured to emit light with a wavelength in a range between 420 and 500 nm. This specific configuration is advantageous because it allows to optimize the energy consumption of the lighting device 1.2.1. In addition, this specific range allows to stimulate autonomous photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (IpRGCs) in order to improve the awareness of the vehicle driver D.

[0062] According to another specific configuration, the lighting device 1.2.1 is configured to emit light with a wavelength in the range between 620 and 700 nm. This specific configuration is advantageous because it promotes relaxation and calmness of the vehicle driver D, and this effect can be advantageous in some cases. In addition, this specific wavelength range provides beneficial effects for the cornea and the visual system in general.

[0063] according to Figure 5 In the specific configuration shown in FIG. 1 , the lighting device 1.2.1 comprises a single LED arranged in a printed circuit board 1.2.8. Figure 6 In the specific configuration shown in , the lighting device 1.2.1 comprises three LEDs arranged on a common printed circuit board 1.2.8.

[0064] The invention is not limited to the type, number and specific arrangement of the lighting devices 1.2.1, as long as they allow the eye planes OP, OP', OP" of the vehicle driver D, D', D" to receive an irradiance that is defined in detail later.

[0065] The light diffuser 1.2.2 is configured to diffuse the light emitted by the lighting device 1.2.1 and emit the diffused light toward the vehicle interior. The light diffuser 1.2.2 allows obtaining a uniform and soft lighting that is scattered in multiple directions, distributed more evenly, encompasses a wider area, and does not create noticeable shadows so as not to dazzle the vehicle driver D, D', D".

[0066] according to Figure 5 In the configuration shown in , the light diffusing means 1.2.2 is arranged perpendicular to the printed circuit board 1.2.8 comprising the lighting means 1.2.1.

[0067] Optionally, the lighting device 1.2 may further comprise light guiding means 1.2.3 located between the lighting device 1.2.1 and the light diffusing means 1.2.2, so as to distribute and homogenize the light directly emitted by the lighting device 1.2.1.

[0068] The use of light guides 1.2.3 are particularly advantageous since they allow providing a very compact arrangement since the light guides 1.2.3 facilitate light distribution in a reduced area according to the thickness of the vehicle interior component 1. This particular configuration therefore facilitates integration of the device 10 in the vehicle interior component 1 in general and in particular in the example shown in the figures where the vehicle interior component 1 is a sun visor, in said sun visor 1.

[0069] Furthermore, the use of light guides 1.2.3 allows the expenditure on energy and components to be optimized, since LEDs alone are sufficient to achieve a uniform illumination.

[0070] according to Figure 5 In the specific configuration shown in , light directly emitted by the lighting device 1.2.1 (i.e., the LED shown in the figure) is received and distributed by the light guide device 1.2.3. In this specific case, the light guide device includes a light pipe body 1.2.1.1, which receives the light directly emitted by the lighting device 1.2.1 through one of its ends.

[0071] In order to extract light from the light guiding means 1 .2.3 it further comprises light extraction means 1 .2.3.2 arranged to extract light and guide it to the light diffusing means 1 .2.2.

[0072] Furthermore, the light guiding device 1 .2.3 may comprise attachment means 1 .2.3.3 in order to secure its relative position with respect to the lighting device 1 .2.1 and in this way facilitate use of the light emitted by the light guiding device 1 .2.1 .

[0073] In addition, the formation Figure 5 The assembly of the lighting device 1.2 shown in also comprises several casings 1.2.4, 1.2.5, 1.2.6 for protecting the components forming the assembly, ensuring their relative position and allowing the assembly to be attached to the bracket 1.1.

[0074] According to this specific case, the light guide means 1.2.3 are arranged between a first housing 1.2.4 and a second housing 1.2.5 which surround them. In addition, the lighting means 1.2.1 provided in a printed circuit board 1.2.8 are attached to both the first and second housings 1.2.4, 1.2.5 and are covered by a third housing 1.2.6 which protects said final subassembly 1.2.1, 1.2.8 and allows to establish an electrical connection with the control means 1.3 which will be described in detail later.

[0075] in addition, Figure 5 The assembly shown in comprises a decorative frame 1 .2.7 which can be seen from the interior of the vehicle together with the light diffusing means 1 .2.2.

[0076] according to Figure 6 In the configuration shown in FIG. 1 , the light diffusion means 1.2.2 is arranged in parallel to a printed circuit board 1.2.8 comprising the lighting means 1.2.1 (ie the three LEDs shown in the figure).

[0077] According to this particular configuration, light emitted directly by the lighting device 1.2.1 is received by the light diffusing device 1.2.2 for emission into the vehicle interior.

[0078] For simplicity, the housing is not shown in this figure. However, the present invention also contemplates that they are conveniently added to the assembly to achieve the same Figure 5 The components shown in FIG. 1 have the same functions as described in FIG.

[0079] The specific design, components and interactions therebetween forming the lighting device 1.2 will depend on the specific vehicle interior components in which the device 10 is arranged. Therefore, the present invention contemplates other options not shown in the drawings.

[0080] As mentioned above, the device 10 for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver further comprises a control device 1.3 and a switch device 1.4.

[0081] The control means 1.3 are configured to control the light emitted by the lighting device 1.2 so as to achieve the object of the invention, namely a controlled reduction in the driver's pupil diameter and the maintenance of said reduction over time so as to improve the visual ability of the vehicle driver D, all of which is moreover adapted to the pupil dynamics of the vehicle driver D. Figure 4 As shown, the control device 1.3 is physically arranged in the bracket 1.1 and is connected to the lighting device 1.2 via wiring 1.5.

[0082] For the purpose of a controlled reduction in the driver's pupil diameter and maintenance of said reduction over time, the control means 1.3 is configured to provide instructions to the lighting device 1.2 to emit pulsed light according to a sinusoidal emission varying with a regular period in the range between 10 s and 30 s, wherein each period comprises a minimum radiant flux value greater than 0.

[0083] More specifically, the lighting device 1.2 is configured to emit pulsed light so that when the pulsed light falls on the eye plane OP, OP', OP", the irradiance received by the eye plane OP, OP', OP" follows a sine wave that varies with a regular period in the range between 10 and 30 s, wherein the irradiance in the lowest point of each cycle is in the range between 2 and 25 nW / cm2 and the irradiance in the highest point of each cycle is in the range between 30 and 60 nW / cm2.

[0084] In particular, Figure 7 and Figure 8 An example is shown in which a sine wave corresponding to the irradiance received by the eye plane OP, OP', OP" is shown, when the lighting device 1.2 starts emitting light, starting from the lowest value of the radiant flux.

[0085] like Figure 2 As shown, the eye plane OP, OP', OP" is a plane covering the eye area of ​​the vehicle driver defined by the vehicle Z direction and the vehicle Y direction, which contains the center point E, E', E", that is, the center point between the right eye and the left eye, where the driver's eye position is defined according to ISO 4513:2022.

[0086] Obviously, depending on the distance between the lighting device 1.2 and the vehicle driver D, D', D", said lighting device 1.2 will be configured to emit more or less radiant flux so that the eye plane OP, OP', OP" eventually receives the specific irradiance defined above.

[0087] Said distance, in turn, depends mainly on the specific location in the vehicle of the device 10. As mentioned above, the device 10 may be arranged, for example, in a sun visor, in an A-pillar or in the roof lining.

[0088] On the other hand, depending on the percentile value of the vehicle driver, the eye plane OP, OP', OP" defined by the center point E, E', E" can be located at a different position from the lighting device 1.2, such as Fig.10 As shown, that is, the eye plane OP, OP', OP" can be farther away from or closer to the lighting device 1.2.

[0089] However, the range of irradiance values ​​provided above is defined to ensure proper functioning of the device 10 by covering any eye plane OP, OP', OP" position and therefore any vehicle driver D, D', D" percentile value.

[0090] In order to adapt the controlled reduction of the driver's pupil diameter according to the pupil dynamics of the vehicle driver D, D', D", the device 10 also comprises Figure 1 and Fig. 9 The user profile adjustment device 2 is shown in FIG.

[0091] The user profile adjustment device 2 allows the vehicle driver D, D′, D″ to select between at least a first user profile UP1 and a second user profile UP2 , which are different from one another.

[0092] The invention contemplates defining more than two of said user profiles UP1, UP2, ..., UPn.

[0093] The lighting device 1.2 emits a first pulse of light L according to the first user profile UP1 UP1 And emit different second pulse light L according to the second user profile UP2 UP2 Therefore, the lighting device 1.2 emits pulsed light L according to the corresponding user profile UP1, UP2, UPn UP1 , L UP2 , …, L UPn .

[0094] As an example, Figure 7 The first pulse light L corresponds to the eye plane. UP1 The received irradiance is a sine wave. It consists of a sine wave that changes with a regular period of 30 s, with an irradiance of 15 nW / cm2 at the lowest point of each cycle and an irradiance of 60 nW / cm2 at the highest point of each cycle.

[0095] As an example, Figure 8 The second pulse light L corresponds to the eye plane. UP2 The received irradiance is a sine wave. It consists of a sine wave that changes with a regular period of 10 s, with an irradiance of 5 nW / cm2 at the lowest point of each cycle and an irradiance of 30 nW / cm2 at the highest point of each cycle.

[0096] The user profiles UP1, UP2 may be defined based on a number of factors that differentiate one vehicle driver from another based on the visual capabilities of each vehicle driver. The relevant factors may be age and / or eye pathologies, such as LASIK surgery, cataracts, intraocular lenses, etc., and / or other factors.

[0097] According to a specific embodiment, the age classification defining the user profile can be divided into three groups, namely, vehicle drivers under 40 years old, vehicle drivers between 40 and 60 years old, and vehicle drivers over 60 years old; according to the classification of eye lesions, it can be divided into four groups, namely, vehicle drivers with artificial lenses, vehicle drivers with cataracts, vehicle drivers who have undergone surgery using lasers such as LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), or vehicle drivers with other eye lesions.

[0098] Therefore, the user profile adjustment device 2 may include a first menu for selecting an age group and a second menu for selecting eye pathology information. Specific combinations of the above groups between them will result in different user profiles UP1, UP2, ..., UPn.

[0099] like Fig. 9 As shown, the user profile adjustment device 2 is connected upstream to the control device 1 . 3 , so that the user profile selected from at least the first user profile UP1 and the second user profile USP2 is transmitted to the control device 1 . 3 .

[0100] Said selected user profile is therefore an input for a control device 1.3 for controlling a lighting device 1.2 connected downstream to the control device 1.3, in particular according to said user profile UP1, UP2.

[0101] The user profile adjustment device 2 may be connected to the control device 1.3 via a wireless communication protocol, such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, radio frequency, a cloud-based communication interface or any other communication protocol. Alternatively, the user profile adjustment device 2 may be connected to the control device 1.3 via a non-wireless communication protocol such as LIN (Local Interconnect Network) or CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0102] The user profile adjustment device 2 may comprise, for example, a smartphone, a computer or an HMI device which forms part of the vehicle, ie a dashboard or a screen which is arranged, for example, directly on the vehicle interior component 1 .

[0103] Hence, depending on the selected user profile, the control means 1 . 3 sends instructions to the lighting device 1 . 2 to emit light taking into account the selected user profile in order to adapt the controlled reduction of the driver's pupil diameter according to the pupil dynamics of the driver D of the vehicle.

[0104] In summary, the control device 1.3 is configured to provide the following instructions to the lighting device 1.2: (1) emitting pulsed light according to a sinusoidal emission varying with a regular period ranging between 10 s and 30 s, wherein each period comprises a minimum radiant flux value greater than 0, (2) emitting light taking into account the user profiles UP1, UP2 defined by the user profile adjustment device 2, so that the lighting device 1.2 emits a first pulsed light L according to the first user profile UP1 UP1 And emit a second pulse light L according to the second user profile UP2 UP2 , the first and second pulse lights are different.

[0105] In particular, the first pulse light L UP1 and the second pulse light L UP2 It may differ due to the duration of the cycle and / or the values ​​corresponding to the lowest and highest points of the cycle.

[0106] Furthermore, the control device 1.3 is configured to provide the following instructions to the lighting device 1.2: - (3) The pulsed light emitted when the lighting device (1.2) is emitting light is not modified when the radiant flux from the vehicle's external environment changes. Therefore, the device does not include any sensor means for controlling the device according to the light conditions from outside the vehicle.

[0107] Finally, the switch device 1.4 is configured to switch the lighting device on and off.

[0108] The switch device may be physically arranged in the vehicle interior component 1, such as Figure 3 As shown, or arranged at another location that is easily accessible to the vehicle driver D. Likewise, they can communicate with the control device 1.3 as user profile adjustment device 2 via a wireless or non-wireless communication protocol.

[0109] Preferably, the switch device 1.4 is manually controlled by the vehicle driver D to improve night vision during driving.

[0110] The invention also relates to a method for controlling the above-mentioned device for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver. The method comprises the following steps: - a user profile is selected by the profile adjustment device 2 between the first user profile UP1 and the second user profile UP2, - the above-mentioned lighting device 1.2 arranged in the bracket 1.1 of the vehicle interior component 1 is turned on by the switch device 1.4, - instructions are provided to the lighting device 1.2 by a control device 1.3, said control device being configured to control the emitted light: (1) emitting pulsed light according to a sinusoidal emission varying with a regular period ranging between 10 s and 30 s, wherein each period comprises a minimum radiant flux value greater than 0, (2) Taking into account the input of the user profile adjustment device 2, light is emitted so that the first user profile UP1 provides a first pulsed light L UP1 And the second user profile UP2 provides a second pulsed light L UP2 , the first pulse light and the second pulse light L UP1 , L UP2 is different, (3) The pulsed light emitted when the lighting device 1.2 is emitting light is not modified when the radiant flux from the vehicle's external environment changes.

Claims

1. A device (10) for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver, comprising: Vehicle interior component (1), comprising: a) bracket (1.1), b) A lighting device (1.2) arranged in the bracket (1.1), comprising: i. lighting devices (1.2.1) configured to emit light having a wavelength in the range between 420 and 750 nm, ii. a light diffusing device (1.2.2) configured to diffuse the light emitted by the lighting device and emit the diffused light into the interior of the vehicle, c) a control device (1.3) configured to control said light emitted by said lighting device (1.2.1), a switch device (1.4) configured to switch the lighting device (1.2.1) on and off, The device (10) for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver further comprises a user profile adjustment device (2), wherein the user profile adjustment device is configured to allow the vehicle driver (D) to select between a first user profile (UP1) and a second user profile (UP2), wherein the user profile adjustment device (2) is connected upstream to the control device (1.3) so that the first user profile (UP1) and the second user profile (UP2) are inputs for the control device (1.3), The control device (1.3) is connected to the lighting device (1.2) downstream, and the control device (1.3) is configured to provide the following instructions to the lighting device (1.2): - (1) emitting pulsed light according to a sinusoidal emission varying with a regular period ranging between 10 s and 30 s, wherein each period comprises a minimum radiant flux value greater than 0, (2) emitting light taking into account the input of the user profile adjustment device (2) so that the first user profile (UP1) provides a first pulsed light (L UP1 ) and the second user profile (UP2) provides a second pulsed light (L UP2 ), the first pulse light and the second pulse light (L UP1 , L UP2 ) are different, - (3) when the radiant flux from the vehicle's external environment changes, the pulsed light emitted when the lighting device (1.2) is emitting light is not modified.

2. The device for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver according to claim 1, wherein: The illumination device is configured to emit light having a wavelength in the range between 420 and 500 nm.

3. The device for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver according to claim 1, wherein: The illumination device is configured to emit light having a wavelength in the range between 620 and 700 nm.

4. The device for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver according to claim 1, wherein: The switch device is manually activated by the vehicle driver.

5. The device for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver according to claim 1, wherein: The lighting device (1.2) further comprises light guiding means (1.2.3) located between the lighting means (1.2.1) and the light diffusing means (1.2.2) in order to distribute and homogenize the light directly emitted by the lighting device (1.2).

6. The device for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle interior component is a sun visor.

7. A method for controlling a device (10) for improving the night vision of a vehicle driver, comprising the following steps: - selecting a user profile between a first user profile (UP1) and a second user profile (UP2) by the profile adjustment device (2), - a lighting device (1.2) arranged in a bracket (1.1) of a vehicle interior component (1) is switched on by a switch device (1.4), wherein the lighting device (1.2) comprises: i. an illumination device (1.2.1) configured to emit light having a wavelength in the range between 450 and 750 nm, and ii. a light diffusing device (1.2.2) configured to diffuse the light emitted by the lighting device and emit the diffused light into the vehicle interior, wherein the user profile adjustment device (2) is connected upstream to the control device (1.3) so that the first user profile (UP1) and the second user profile (UP2) are inputs for the control device (1.3), wherein the control device (1.3) is connected downstream to the lighting device (1.2), - providing the following instructions to the lighting device (1.2) by a control device (1.3) configured to control the light emitted by the lighting device (1.2): (1) emitting pulsed light according to a sinusoidal emission varying with a regular period ranging between 10 s and 30 s, wherein each period comprises a minimum radiant flux value greater than 0, (2) emitting light taking into account the input of the user profile adjustment device (2) so that the first user profile (UP1) provides a first pulsed light (L UP1 ) and the second user profile (UP2) provides a second pulsed light (L UP2 ), the first pulse light and the second pulse light (L UP1 , L UP2 ) are different, (3) When the radiation flux from the vehicle's external environment changes, the pulsed light emitted when the lighting device (1.2) is emitting light is not modified.

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