Method for operating a lighting device of a vehicle, lighting system of a vehicle, and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a method (42) of operating a lighting device (14) of a vehicle (10), a lighting system (12) of a vehicle (10), and a vehicle (10). The lighting device (14) has at least one lighting element (16), an actuator (22) and a control device (24). The lighting element (16) has a plurality of controllable segments (18) with an associated power supply circuit (20). The control device (24) has at least one control algorithm (26). An illumination area (34) formed by the illumination elements (16) is adjusted on the basis of a control algorithm (26) of the control device (24) such that the illumination area (34) formed by the illumination elements (16) coincides with a desired illumination area (36). The control device (24) adjusts the lighting area (34) formed by the lighting elements (16) on the basis of the mechanical actuation degree determined by the control algorithm (26) and / or the virtual actuation degree determined by the control algorithm (26).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a method for operating a lighting device of a vehicle, a lighting system of a vehicle, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Prior art includes tracking mechanisms for lighting devices, for example to ensure that the light formed by the lighting device follows the path of the road. Thus, the lighting of the road area in front of the vehicle can be adjusted, especially in the case of a bend, to ensure appropriate visibility conditions for the driver.

[0003] WO 2021 / 170509 A1 and WO 2022 / 207578 A1 disclose a general method for controlling a light pattern. The light pattern is segmented and the widths of the different segments of the light pattern can be modified. The light intensity values ​​of the first segment and the second segment can be interpolated based on the matrix arrangement of the light pixels. According to WO 2022 / 207578 A1, the road contour can be taken into account. This is called a "virtual cornering light" (also called a virtual turn).

[0004] US 10,025,424 B2, EP 1 234 716 B1 and KR 10-1934750 B1 disclose general lighting devices, in which a part of the lighting device can be moved with the assistance of a motor to adjust at least the direction of the illumination area provided by the lighting device. This is called a "mechanical cornering light" (also called mechanical cornering). Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, in order to adjust the illuminated area of ​​the lighting device, the known methods either rely on the mechanical mobility of individual components of the lighting device or on the modification of the light intensity values ​​of individual light elements. The motivation for implementing the various methods is that, for example, a glare-free high beam can be optimally realized by means of a virtual cornering light, while a dynamic cornering light can be optimally realized by means of a mechanical cornering light. However, these methods are based on different technical implementations. Therefore, the overall method of operating the lighting device has been based on the selection of one of two fundamentally different technical implementations to date. In this context, a specific technical implementation (i.e. mechanical or virtual cornering light) is selected based on performance considerations and / or a focus on a functional group.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to eliminate or at least reduce the disadvantages of the known methods and corresponding lighting systems. In particular, there is a need to provide a method for operating a lighting device of a vehicle and a corresponding lighting system, which method and corresponding lighting system allow the combination of different technical methods of mechanical and virtual cornering lights to reduce performance losses and achieve synergistic effects of various advantages.

[0007] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are indicated in the dependent patent claims and in the following description, and each of these embodiments may represent an aspect of the present disclosure either by itself or in (sub)combination. Some features are explained in terms of methods, others in terms of devices. However, the corresponding aspects can be appropriately transferred between them.

[0008] According to one aspect, some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for operating at least one lighting device of a vehicle. The lighting device has at least one lighting element, one actuator and one control device. The control device is coupled to at least the lighting element and the actuator. The lighting element has a plurality of controllable segments with associated power supply circuits. The control device has at least one control algorithm. The method comprises at least the following steps: - adjusting the lighting area formed by the lighting elements based on a control algorithm of the control device so that the lighting area formed by the lighting elements coincides with the desired lighting area.

[0009] In this process, the control device adjusts the lighting area formed by the lighting elements based on the mechanical actuation degree determined by the control algorithm and / or the virtual actuation degree determined by the control algorithm.

[0010] The degree of mechanical actuation indicates that the lighting area formed by the lighting element is adjusted based on a movement of the lighting element or a part of the lighting element caused by the actuator.

[0011] The virtual actuation degree indicates an adjustment of the lighting area formed by the lighting element based on a change in a duty cycle of a power supply circuit of at least one segment of the lighting element.

[0012] This provides a method which advantageously combines two implementation methods which are technically different in principle, in order to achieve, for example, a universal single control algorithm which can simultaneously implement a glare-free high beam and a dynamic cornering light. As a result, the formed lighting area can be adjusted to the lighting area formed by the lighting elements in a manner which is more suitable to the requirements than hitherto. Here, the possibilities for modification are increased compared to previous methods, since both mechanical cornering lights and virtual cornering lights can be used to adjust the lighting area in the desired manner. This has the effect that the advantages of two technical implementations which are usually different can be combined, thereby increasing the functionality and diversity of the lighting device compared to previous lighting devices. Hitherto, the combination of various methods has been prevented, in particular because the use of mechanical cornering lights has an impact on the virtual cornering lights. In the present case, the control algorithm of the control device is used in particular to compensate for the interaction between the conflicting technical methods in order to ensure an optimal solution for adjusting the lighting area.

[0013] According to another aspect, some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a lighting system for a vehicle. The lighting system has at least one lighting element, an actuator and a control device. The control device is coupled to at least the lighting element and the actuator. The lighting element has a plurality of controllable segments with associated power supply circuits. The control device has at least one control algorithm and is configured to adjust the lighting area formed by the lighting element based on the control algorithm of the control device so that the lighting area formed by the lighting element coincides with the desired illuminated area. The control device is configured to adjust the lighting area formed by the lighting element based on a mechanical actuation degree determined by the control algorithm and / or a virtual actuation degree determined by the control algorithm. The mechanical actuation degree indicates that the lighting area formed by the lighting element is adjusted based on the movement of the lighting element caused by the actuator. The virtual actuation degree indicates that the lighting area formed by the lighting element is adjusted based on a change in the duty cycle of the power supply circuit of at least one segment of the lighting element.

[0014] The advantages achieved by the above method are also achieved in a corresponding manner by the lighting system explained here. In particular, the lighting system provided is a lighting system that combines two embodiments that are technically different in principle and can compensate for the interaction between the different technical embodiments.

[0015] In this case, the lighting device can be understood to refer to all components required to operate the lighting device. This means that the lighting device is not simplified to the lighting tool itself, but also includes control devices and other components (such as actuators).

[0016] The lighting system may have a single lighting device or multiple lighting devices. Individual components within the lighting system may be jointly assigned to multiple lighting devices. For example, the lighting system only requires one control device. However, typically, each lighting device has a lighting element assigned to a corresponding actuator.

[0017] The method can also be used to jointly control lighting devices of a lighting system. Therefore, the method can also be configured to jointly control multiple lighting devices of a lighting system of a vehicle. In this case, the lighting area is jointly formed by multiple lighting devices or lighting elements of lighting devices.

[0018] In the present case, a lighting element refers to the sum of components configured to generate light. A lighting element may have a plurality of individual, usually separate lighting means. In this context, a lighting means may be understood to refer to an individual component configured to generate light.

[0019] A segment of a lighting element may refer to an individual lighting tool or a group of lighting tools combined into a unit. The same power supply circuit may be provided for a lighting tool group so that all lighting tools of the group are controlled in the same way (eg, connected in parallel).

[0020] A supply circuit may be understood to mean in particular a control circuit for a lighting element or individual segments of a lighting element. In particular, the supply circuit is configured to provide a voltage and a current to a segment of the lighting element so that the segment of the lighting element is stimulated to emit light. The lighting area of ​​the lighting element is formed based on the light emission of all the segments of the lighting element. In particular, the supply circuit makes it possible to adjust the intensity of the light emission of the segments of the lighting element. In other words, the luminous intensity, the light intensity and optionally the light color can be adjusted by a corresponding change of the supply circuit.

[0021] The control device is preferably coupled to the supply circuits of the segments of the lighting element.The control device can then output control signals to influence the supply circuits so that the emission properties of the segments assigned to the respective supply circuits can be adjusted.

[0022] Alternatively, it is also possible to provide only one supply circuit which is assigned to all segments of the lighting element and is configured to vary the supply parameters of the segments independently of one another.

[0023] The segmentation of the lighting elements allows to modify individual areas of the overall lighting area formed by the lighting elements. This enables the lighting area to be adjusted in a number of different ways.

[0024] The lighting means preferably comprises a light emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, other types of lighting means, such as a halogen lamp or the like, may also be used.

[0025] As an alternative to the actuator, other mechanical actuating elements such as motors or other types of drives such as magnetic drives, pneumatic drives or hydraulic drives may also be provided, which are configured to move at least one component of the lighting device, in particular the lighting element or a part thereof.

[0026] Typically, the control device has at least one data processing device in which the control algorithm is stored or executed. In particular, the control device can be coupled to a storage device. Parts of the control algorithm can be stored in the storage device.

[0027] Alternatively, part of the control algorithm can also be external to the control device. For example, part of the control algorithm can be stored in an external server. The control device can have a communication device or be coupled to such a device to allow communication with the external server. The data exchange between the control device and the external server then enables the overall execution of the control algorithm. This reduces the requirements on the control device. In addition, it also makes it possible to centrally execute the control algorithm in the external server. Since the external server can be coupled to multiple control devices, the database of the control algorithm can be expanded in this way, so that due to the larger database, optimized decision-making behavior and thus optimized control strategies can be provided.

[0028] In the present case, the desired illuminated area can be understood to mean a spatial area that can be illuminated in an optimal manner by the illumination area formed by the illumination device to ensure optimal visibility conditions for the driver of the vehicle. Typically, the desired illuminated area corresponds to a spatial area of ​​the road that extends forward from the vehicle to a certain distance, such as 20 m or more, preferably 35 m or more, further preferably 50 m or more, further preferably 100 m or more.

[0029] The mechanical actuation degree and the virtual actuation degree indicate the percentage of the change of the lighting area formed by the lighting element to be performed. For example, the mechanical actuation degree may indicate the percentage of the total displacement or rotation travel of the lighting element or part of the lighting element achieved by the actuator.

[0030] The degree of mechanical actuation may also take into account in particular the actual position of the lighting element within the displacement or rotational travel that is possible with the actuator.

[0031] In simple terms, the degree of mechanical actuation may indicate, for example, that the illumination area formed by the lighting element will be rotated by 5° in a certain direction, or that the lighting element will be displaced by 5 mm in a certain direction. This will generally result in a change in the illumination area formed by the lighting element. In the case where the light emission formed by the lighting element is deflected (e.g. by at least one mirror), the transmittance may need to be taken into account. Thus, a rotation of the lighting element by 5° based on the mirror, in particular in the case where the mirror is spherical, may result in a rotation of the illumination area formed by the lighting element by more or less than 5° relative to the plane formed by the longitudinal axis of the vehicle or the vertical axis of the vehicle.

[0032] The exact influence of the movement of the lighting element by the actuator on the lighting area formed by the lighting element can be determined by calibration measurements and stored in the control device. Based on the calibration, the degree of mechanical actuation can be adjusted accordingly, for example by a proportionality factor.

[0033] The virtual actuation degree may also indicate that the illumination area formed by the lighting element will be rotated by 5° in a certain direction. Alternatively or additionally, the virtual actuation degree may indicate that the light intensity of a partial area of ​​the illumination area formed by the lighting element will be increased or decreased. Therefore, the control device may output a corresponding control signal to the power supply circuit assigned to the corresponding segment of the lighting element so as to obtain a modification of the illumination area formed by the lighting element by changing the control voltage and the control current of the segment of the lighting element. For example, in the case where the illumination area is arranged only in front of the vehicle, some segments of the lighting element may be deactivated. However, in the case of a turn, for example, it is necessary to modify the illumination area corresponding to the rotation around the vertical axis of the vehicle, the virtual actuation degree may indicate that some segments of the lighting element will be enabled, and if possible, other segments will be deactivated to ensure that the entire illumination area formed by the lighting element is different from the direction directly in front of the vehicle. On the contrary, the illumination area may therefore correspond to the area corresponding to the rotation of the illumination area around the vertical axis of the vehicle, that is, in the horizontal plane formed by the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and the transverse axis of the vehicle. With regard to the virtual actuation degree, the transmittance caused by the deflection of the light emission formed by the lighting element may also be taken into account.

[0034] Finally, both the degree of mechanical actuation and the degree of virtual actuation may indicate a rotation of the illumination area formed by the illumination element in a horizontal plane starting from the normal direction. Here, the normal direction corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Thus, the illumination area formed by the illumination element may be readjusted relative to a non-rectilinear road contour (in particular in a horizontal plane). Of course, in this case, "readjustment" means adjusting the illumination area so that the road portion in front of the vehicle is optimally illuminated.

[0035] In an optional embodiment, as a supplementary or alternative measure, an adjustment of the lighting area in terms of height can also be considered and this height can be specified by a mechanical actuation degree and a virtual actuation degree. This means that the lighting area can also be varied in a corresponding manner in the vertical direction (for example by rotation about the vehicle transverse axis). The actuator can be configured so that the lighting element can be moved accordingly. For example, irregularities in the ground can be compensated in this way. In a corresponding manner, certain segments can be controlled in a suitable manner by modifying the supply circuit, so that a variation of the vertical component of the lighting area is effectively ensured.

[0036] In an alternative, the mechanical actuation degree and / or the virtual actuation degree may indicate that the illumination area formed by the illumination element should be adjusted by a certain ratio (eg, percentage) based on a certain mechanism (ie, a virtual bending light or a mechanical bending light).

[0037] The control algorithm preferably takes into account a mechanical threshold value of the mechanical degree of actuation and / or a virtual threshold value of the virtual degree of actuation. The mechanical degree of actuation is less than the mechanical threshold value. The virtual degree of actuation is less than the virtual threshold value. This means that the mechanical threshold value and the virtual threshold value indicate upper limits of the mechanical degree of actuation and the virtual degree of actuation. The threshold values ​​can avoid unnecessary configurations. For example, in this way, it can be avoided that the lighting area is adjusted only based on the mechanical degree of actuation or only based on the virtual degree of actuation. Thus, light artifacts (such as flickering) can be advantageously avoided, which may occur in special states of the system.

[0038] Alternatively, the mechanical threshold value and / or the virtual threshold value can be predetermined. The control system is therefore particularly compact.

[0039] In an alternative, the mechanical threshold value and / or the virtual threshold value may also be adjustable. In this case, the threshold value may be adjusted as required, for example depending on the respective vehicle configuration and / or driving situation and / or other influences (e.g. external influences). For example, the adjustment may be made by the control device based on acquired sensor data. Alternatively or additionally, the control device may receive additional information (e.g. information about the state of the vehicle), for example, from a higher-level vehicle control device.

[0040] In some embodiments, the control algorithm also takes into account at least the road trajectory. For example, the road trajectory can be detected by at least one sensor coupled to the control device.

[0041] Alternatively, the sensor may include at least one of a radar sensor, a LiDaR sensor (LiDaR: Light Detection and Ranging), a camera, and an infrared camera. As a preferred option, a plurality of the aforementioned types of sensors may also be combined.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle may have a position sensor coupled to the control device. Based on position data received by the position sensor (e.g. based on a global navigation satellite system), information about the road trajectory can also be obtained. For this purpose, for example, the determined vehicle position can be compared with trajectory data stored in a storage device coupled to the control device.

[0043] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the road trajectory can also be received from an external cloud server (e.g. based on a communication device coupled to the control device). The communication device is configured to communicate with the external server. The external server can then transmit information about the road trajectory, in particular the vehicle position, to it.

[0044] In some embodiments, the desired illuminated area depends at least on the road trajectory. The desired illuminated area can then be adjusted (in particular readjusted), in particular taking into account the characteristics of the road trajectory. For example, the desired illuminated area can be adjusted in this way with respect to a road trajectory that does not run in a straight line (for example with respect to a turning area).

[0045] Optionally, the method further comprises the following additional steps: - detecting objects within the desired illuminated area by means of a sensor coupled to the control device, and - adjusting the light emission of at least one segment of the lighting element based on a control algorithm of the control device at least in dependence on the detected object.

[0046] Alternatively, the lighting system or lighting device further comprises a sensor coupled to the control device. The sensor is configured to detect an object within the desired illuminated area. The control device is configured to adjust the light emission of at least one segment of the lighting element based on a control algorithm of the control device at least in dependence on the detected object.

[0047] Typically, the illuminated area formed by the lighting element also at least partially illuminates the oncoming lane. By means of the inventive developments described here, the illuminated area formed by the lighting element can be adjusted in terms of light emission to ensure that objects (e.g. oncoming vehicles or even vehicles ahead) within the desired illuminated area are not dazzled by the light emission caused by the lighting device. The sensor for detecting the object may be one of the above-mentioned types of sensors.

[0048] Alternatively, in adjusting the light emission, the control algorithm takes into account the movement of the lighting element caused by the actuator. Here, the overall nature of the proposed method and lighting system is evident, because when the control device adjusts the light emission of at least one segment of the lighting element to avoid dazzling external objects, the control device can adjust the lighting area taking into account previously determined parameters (such as the degree of mechanical actuation and / or the degree of virtual actuation). In other words, this ensures a control algorithm with contextual awareness so that the light emission is adjusted as needed while taking into account previously determined parameters.

[0049] Preferably, the light emission of at least one segment of the lighting element is adjusted based on a change in the duty cycle of the power supply circuit for at least one segment of the lighting element. Here, the advantages of implementing different technical methods in combination are obvious. Mechanical movement of the lighting element usually only causes a change in the lighting area formed by the lighting element relative to the outer limits. However, the detected object can be arranged within the lighting area, that is, surrounded by the lighting area on all sides. Mechanical movement or rotation of the lighting element (mechanical cornering light, also called mechanical cornering) can only provide limited remedial measures to ensure that the light emission is adjusted to the object. In contrast, the virtual control based on the virtual cornering light (also called virtual cornering) can basically also be used to provide additional functions. Here, the control based on the virtual cornering light can be used to reduce or avoid dazzling objects in the actual lighting area. For example, the light intensity of those segments of the lighting element that affect the part of the lighting area where the object is located at this point in time can be reduced. In other words, through the control based on the virtual cornering light, the light emission of those segments in the lighting element that correspond to the position of the object in the lighting area can also be reduced precisely. In this way, even the part of the area located inside the lighting area can also be adjusted in terms of light emission to ensure that the object is not dazzling, or at least the light intensity in the area of ​​the object is reduced. Thus, a lighting system is created with increased functionality and increased comfort, including with regard to objects outside the vehicle.

[0050] In some embodiments, the control algorithm also takes into account at least the relative speed of the detected object when adjusting the light emission. The relative speed is determined based on at least one sensor. The sensor may include one of the sensors of the type described. This enables the control device to determine how the movement of the object develops relative to the lighting area formed by the lighting device in the case of simultaneous movement of the vehicle. Thus, the light emission of the segments of the lighting element can be adjusted in advance before the object even reaches the respective partial area of ​​the lighting area. Thus, the functionality of the method and the lighting system can be further enhanced based on a further development of the situational awareness of the control algorithm.

[0051] Furthermore, the control algorithm preferably takes into account at least one of the traffic density, the vehicle speed and the steering behavior of the driver of the vehicle. This enables the situational awareness of the control algorithm to be further enhanced. For example, in the case of high traffic density, it can be provided that the illumination area formed by the lighting elements is adjusted in any case so that the oncoming lane is not illuminated, or at least illuminated less than in other driving situations. For example, the vehicle speed can be used to determine how far in front of the vehicle the illumination area will illuminate the road area. For example, information about the steering behavior of the driver can be received from a higher-level vehicle control device. In the case of an unstable (flexible) steering behavior of the driver, the illumination area formed by the lighting elements can also be adjusted so that the tolerance range of the oncoming lane is taken into account. Ultimately, this provides a control algorithm with situational awareness, so that the illumination area formed by the lighting elements can be adjusted in a variety of different ways according to the needs of the respective driving situation.

[0052] The lighting system is preferably configured to perform the methods described herein.

[0053] Alternatively, the method is designed as a computer-implemented method. This means that the basic control mechanisms can be executed with the help of one or more data processing devices.

[0054] According to another aspect, the present disclosure also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described herein. The advantages achieved by the method described herein are also achieved by the computer program product in a corresponding manner.

[0055] According to another aspect, the present disclosure also relates to a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described herein. The advantages achieved by the method described herein are also achieved in a corresponding manner by the computer-readable storage medium.

[0056] According to another aspect, some embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to a vehicle having a lighting system as described herein. The advantages achieved by the method described herein are also achieved in a corresponding manner by the vehicle shown herein.

[0057] For the purposes of this disclosure, a vehicle may particularly include land vehicles, that is to say, off-road and on-road vehicles, such as passenger cars, buses, heavy goods vehicles and other utility vehicles, among others. The vehicle may be manned or unmanned.

[0058] All features explained in relation to each aspect can be combined alone or in (sub)combination with other aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The present disclosure and other advantageous embodiments and further developments thereof are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: - Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram of a vehicle having a lighting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, and - Figure 2 A simplified schematic diagram of a method for operating a lighting device of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals represent the same elements, is intended to describe various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent individual embodiments. Each embodiment described in the present disclosure is intended to be used as an example or illustration only and should not be interpreted as being superior or superior to other embodiments. The illustrative examples contained herein do not claim completeness and do not limit the claimed subject matter to the precise form disclosed. Various modifications to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. Therefore, the described embodiments are not limited to the embodiments shown, but have the greatest possible field of application compatible with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0061] All features disclosed below with reference to the exemplary embodiments and / or drawings may be combined with features of aspects of the present disclosure, including features of the preferred embodiments, alone or in any sub-combination, as long as the resulting combination of features is valuable to a person skilled in the art.

[0062] For purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means, for example, (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all other possible combinations if there are more than three elements. In other words, the term "at least one of A and B" generally means "A and / or B", i.e., "A" alone, "B" alone, or "A and B".

[0063] Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram of a vehicle 10 having a lighting system 12 is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] According to this embodiment, the lighting system 12 has two lighting devices 14 arranged in parallel. Generally, the lighting system 12 may also have more or fewer lighting devices 14.

[0065] Each lighting device 14 includes at least one lighting element 16 having a plurality of segments 18 (see Figure 1(Enlarged view in the lower left corner). The segment 18 comprises a single or multiple lighting means 19, such as light emitting diodes.

[0066] Furthermore, each lighting device 14 comprises a power supply circuit 20 having a transistor 21 (switching device). In general, each lighting device 14 can have a plurality of power supply circuits 20, which are assigned to the segments 18, for example. According to the present embodiment, a common power supply circuit 20 is assigned to all segments 18 of the lighting element 16. The power supply circuit 20 is configured to provide available supply voltage and supply current to the segments 18, respectively. The lighting means 19 of the segments 18 of the lighting element 16 can be stimulated by the power supply circuit 20 to emit light. Here, various parameters of the light emission can be influenced by changes in the power supply circuit 20. For example, the switching frequency of the transistor 21 can be adjusted to increase or decrease the supply voltage. Thereby, the light emission can have an increased or decreased luminous intensity. In an alternative, for example, the light color can be influenced.

[0067] Furthermore, each lighting device 14 comprises at least one actuator 22. The actuator 22 is configured to enable a movement of the lighting element 16 or a part thereof. In particular, the movement may comprise a translation or a rotation.

[0068] In the present case, the lighting system 12 also comprises a common control device 24 for all lighting devices 14. The control device 24 has at least one data processing device and a control algorithm 26.

[0069] Furthermore, the lighting system 12 comprises at least one sensor 28. Typically, the sensor 28 can also be a conventional vehicle sensor, the lighting system 12 being merely coupled to the sensor 28. This means that the sensor 28 does not have to be assigned exclusively to the lighting system 12.

[0070] The sensor 28 may be, for example, a radar sensor, a light detection and ranging sensor, a camera, or the like.

[0071] According to the present embodiment, the lighting system 12 further includes a communication device 30 , and the communication device 30 is configured to be able to perform two-way communication with an external unit (eg, a server).

[0072] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the lighting system 12 includes a storage device 32 coupled to the control device 24. For example, the storage device 32 may be used to store a portion of the control algorithm 26 therein.

[0073] The control device 24 is also coupled to the power supply circuit 20, the actuator 22, the sensor 28, the communication device 30, the storage device 32, and optionally to an external server (not shown here) via the communication device 30. Due to the two-way communication with the external server, part of the control algorithm 26 can be stored on the external server. This means that part of the method explained below can be run on the external server, in particular the decision process of the control algorithm 26 on how much the lighting area 34 formed by the lighting device 14 will be adjusted.

[0074] After being activated to emit light, the lighting means 19 of the segments 18 of the lighting element 16 generate an illuminated area 34 in front of the vehicle 10. According to the configuration shown herein, the formed illuminated area 34 coincides with the desired illuminated area 36. Here, the desired illuminated area 36 corresponds to an area located in front relative to the vehicle 10 and to be illuminated by the lighting system 12 to ensure optimal visibility conditions for the driver of the vehicle 10.

[0075] The sensor 28 is configured to detect an object 38 that is at least partially arranged within the desired lighting area 36. Alternatively, the sensor 28 can also be configured to detect the objects 38 before they enter the desired lighting area 36. This means that, due to the relative movement of the vehicle 10 and the object 38, the object 38 can be detected before the object 38 enters the desired lighting area 36. The data acquired by the sensor 28 is transmitted to the control device 24.

[0076] Based on the exemplary driving situation shown herein, for example, it can be seen that the illuminated area 34 is asymmetric when measured relative to the road trajectory 40. While the portion of the road trajectory 40 that is primarily intended for oncoming traffic is illuminated only at a relatively short distance from the vehicle 10, the portion of the road trajectory 40 that primarily corresponds to the direction of travel of the vehicle 10 is illuminated at a longer distance.

[0077] If the road trajectory 40 subsequently has a bend, the lighting system 12 is configured to adapt the desired illuminated area 36 to the road trajectory 40 in a corresponding manner and to readjust the illuminated area 34 formed by the lighting device 14 accordingly.

[0078] As an option, the vehicle 10 may also have a navigation signal receiver (not shown here), which may be coupled to the control device 24. Thus, signal data from a global satellite navigation system may be used to determine the vehicle position of the vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle position may be used to determine the road trajectory 40 ahead.

[0079] Figure 2A simplified schematic diagram of a method 42 for operating a lighting device 14 (or a lighting system 12 having a plurality of lighting devices 14) of a vehicle 10 is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Optional steps are shown in dashed lines.

[0080] According to optional step 44, a road trajectory 40 in front of the vehicle 10 can be detected, for example, by means of the sensor 28. The corresponding sensor data are then transmitted to the control device 24, which can take the road trajectory 40 into account within the control algorithm 26 based on the sensor data. Thus, for example, the control algorithm 26 can adjust the desired illuminated area 36 according to the road trajectory 40.

[0081] In a non-optional step 46, the illumination area 34 formed by the illumination elements 16 is adjusted based on the control algorithm 26 of the control device 24 so that the illumination area 34 formed by the illumination elements 16 coincides with the desired illumination area 36. This means that the difference between the desired illumination area 36 and the illumination area 34 is compensated by the adjustment of the control algorithm 26.

[0082] In this case, the control device 24 adjusts the lighting area 34 formed by the lighting element 16 based on the mechanical actuation degree determined by the control algorithm 26 and / or the virtual actuation degree determined by the control algorithm 26. In this case, the mechanical actuation degree corresponds to a mechanical turn of the lighting area 34. In this case, the virtual actuation degree corresponds to a virtual turn of the lighting area 34. In particular, the mechanical actuation degree indicates that the lighting area 34 formed by the lighting element 16 is adjusted based on the movement of the lighting element 16 caused by the actuator 22. In contrast, the virtual actuation degree indicates that the lighting area 34 formed by the lighting element 16 is adjusted based on a change in the duty cycle of the power supply circuit 20 of at least one segment 18 of the lighting element 16.

[0083] In step 46 , the control algorithm 26 of the control device 24 thus determines in what manner the lighting area 34 can be best adjusted to the desired illuminated area 36 . Here, the high-level goal of the control algorithm 26 is to ensure optimal illumination of the road area in front of the vehicle 10 . If the road has a curve, for example, a higher degree of mechanical actuation can be selected, since the movement of the lighting element by the actuator 22 causes the lighting area 34 to rotate in the horizontal plane relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. On the other hand, if it is determined that the road has only a relatively small curvature component, a virtual degree of actuation can be used, for example, purely based on the electronic control mechanism to readjust the lighting area 34 to the desired illuminated area 36 . For this purpose, the light intensity of the emitted light generated by the segments 18 can be adjusted as required. For example, the segments 18 can be activated or deactivated. Alternatively or additionally, the light emission of the segments 18 can be reduced or increased. In particular, the light emission can be controlled by changing the duty cycle of the power supply circuit 20 , which can adjust the duty cycle of the switch device(s) 21 in order to change the supply voltage and the supply current of the segments 18 .

[0084] In other words, the mechanical actuation degree and the virtual actuation degree determine a percentage based on a mechanical movement of the lighting element 16 or an electronically implemented change in the power supply parameter, according to which the lighting area 34 is readjusted relative to the desired lighting area 36. According to one example, the control algorithm 26 can determine, for example, that the mechanical actuation degree is 30% and the virtual actuation degree is 70%. With reference to the difference between the lighting area 34 and the desired lighting area 36, ​​the 30% readjustment can be based on the mechanical movement of the lighting element 16, and the 70% readjustment can be based on the adjustment of the power supply parameter of the segment 18 of the lighting element 16.

[0085] The mechanical actuation degree and the virtual actuation degree may also indicate respective percentages of other quantities, for example the degree of rotation caused by the lighting area 34 relative to the longitudinal extension of the vehicle. The mechanical actuation degree may then, for example, indicate that the lighting element 16 will be moved by the actuator 22 so as to ensure a rotation of 15° relative to the longitudinal extension of the vehicle, while the virtual actuation degree may indicate that the power supply parameters of the segment 18 are adjusted so as to cause an effective additional 5° of rotation.

[0086] Logically, a change in the power supply parameters of the segments 18 cannot by themselves cause a rotation of the lighting area 34. Here, this should be understood to mean that the individual segments 18 are deactivated or activated, or at least adjusted in terms of their light emission, thereby effectively causing a change in the lighting area 34 formed by the entire lighting device 14 or the entire lighting system 12.

[0087] Due to optional step 44, the control algorithm 26 may take into account the detected road trajectory 40 in step 46. The control algorithm 26 may also take into account other parameters and information in the control process of step 46, such as information about the road trajectory 40 received by the control device 24 from an external server.

[0088] The method 42 can be further developed by an optional step 48, in which the control algorithm 26 takes into account a mechanical threshold and / or a virtual threshold. The mechanical threshold represents an upper limit value for the degree of mechanical actuation. The virtual threshold represents an upper limit value for the degree of virtual actuation. Thus, the control mechanism can be limited in a desired manner, for example, to exclude the situation where the lighting zone 34 is adjusted only on a mechanical basis.

[0089] According to optional step 50, the method 42 may be further developed in that an object 38 is detected in the desired illuminated area 36. In this respect, the detection may be effected by means of the sensor 28, for example.

[0090] Therefore, in optional step 52, the light emission of at least one segment 18 of the lighting element 16 can be adjusted based on the control algorithm 26 of the control device 24, at least depending on the detected object 38. Preferably, the light emission of at least one segment 18 is ensured by electronically adjusting the power supply parameters of the segment 18. For this purpose, the control device 24 can send corresponding control signals to the power supply circuit 20.

[0091] In step 52, the control algorithm 26 may in particular take into account the mechanical actuation degree and the virtual actuation degree from step 46. This means that the control algorithm 26 may, for example, take into account mechanical movements of the lighting element 16 in order to adjust the change in light emission that still needs to be achieved as required in step 52. In this way, interactions that may cause light artifacts may be avoided by the control algorithm 26.

[0092] At least in step 52, but optionally also in step 46, the control algorithm 26 may also take into account other information and data. For example, the control algorithm 26 may take into account the relative speed of the detected object 38 with respect to the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the control algorithm 26 may take into account the traffic density, the speed of the vehicle 10 or at least the steering behavior (agility) of the driver of the vehicle 10. This means that the provided data and parameters provide the control algorithm 26 with situational awareness to adjust the light emission as required. Alternatively, in step 46, at least some of the parameters and information may also be taken into account to adjust the lighting area 34.

[0093] In particular, according to optional step 54, the light emission can be adjusted by varying the duty cycle of the supply circuit 20 assigned to the segment 18. Variation of the duty cycle of the transistor 21 can be used to adjust the supply parameters of the segment 18 in a particularly convenient and precise manner.

[0094] Thus, in summary, a method 42 for operating a lighting device 14 (or lighting system 12 ) of a vehicle 10 is provided that ensures a high degree of variability, with a control mechanism that allows for high precision control and greater functionality than previous methods.

[0095] The lighting system 12 and the method 42 enable a combination of mechanical and virtual cornering lights for the lighting area 34, wherein the effects of the interaction between the different technologies can be compensated by the control algorithm 26, so that light artifacts (such as flicker) can be avoided. Thus, a lighting system 12 is provided that can track cornering lights and emit glare-free high beams.

[0096] Specific embodiments disclosed herein, particularly control devices, use circuits (e.g., one or more circuits) to implement the standards, protocols, methods, or techniques disclosed herein, to functionally couple two or more components, generate information, process information, analyze information, generate signals, encode / decode signals, convert signals, transmit and / or receive signals, control other devices, etc. Any type of circuit may be used.

[0097] In one embodiment, the circuitry, such as a control device, includes, among other things, one or more data processing devices, such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), or the like, or any combination thereof, and may include discrete digital or analog circuit elements or electronic devices, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes a hardware circuit implementation (e.g., an implementation in an analog circuit, an implementation in a digital circuit, etc., etc., and a combination thereof).

[0098] In one embodiment, the circuitry includes a combination of circuitry and a computer program product having software or firmware instructions that are stored on one or more computer-readable memories and interact to cause the device to perform one or more protocols, methods, or techniques described herein. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes circuitry such as microprocessors or components of microprocessors that require software, firmware, etc. to operate. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more processors or components thereof and associated software, firmware, hardware, etc.

[0099] In the present disclosure, reference may be made to quantities and numbers. Unless expressly stated, such quantities and numbers should not be considered limiting, but rather should be considered examples of possible quantities or numbers in the context of the present disclosure. In this context, the term "plurality" may also be used in the present disclosure to refer to a quantity or number. In this context, the term "plurality" refers to any number greater than one (e.g., two, three, four, five, etc.). The terms "approximately," "approximately," "nearby," etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value.

[0100] Although the disclosure has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more embodiments, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings.

Claims

1. A method (42) for operating a lighting device (14) of a vehicle (10), wherein the lighting device (14) comprises at least one lighting element (16), one actuator (22) and a control device (24), wherein the control device (24) is coupled at least to the lighting element (16) and the actuator (22), wherein the lighting element (16) comprises a plurality of controllable segments (18) with associated power supply circuits (20), wherein the control device (24) comprises at least one control algorithm (26), wherein the method (42) comprises at least the following steps: adjusting the lighting area (34) formed by the lighting element (16) based on the control algorithm (26) of the control device (24) so ​​that the lighting area (34) formed by the lighting element (16) coincides with the desired illuminated area (36), wherein the control device (24) adjusts the lighting area (34) formed by the lighting element (16) based on a mechanical actuation degree determined by the control algorithm (26) and / or a virtual actuation degree determined by the control algorithm (26), wherein the degree of mechanical actuation indicates adjustment of the lighting area (34) formed by the lighting element (16) based on movement of the lighting element (16) caused by the actuator (22), And wherein the virtual actuation degree indicates adjustment of the lighting area (34) formed by the lighting element (16) based on a change in the duty cycle of the power supply circuit (20) of at least one segment (18) of the lighting element (16).

2. The method (42) according to claim 1, wherein the control algorithm (26) takes into account a mechanical threshold value of the mechanical degree of actuation and / or a virtual threshold value of the virtual degree of actuation, wherein the degree of mechanical actuation is less than the mechanical threshold, and The virtual actuation degree is less than the virtual threshold value.

3. The method (42) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control algorithm (26) also takes into account at least one road trajectory (40), which is detected by at least one sensor (28) coupled to the control device (24).

4. The method (42) of claim 3, wherein the desired illuminated area (36) depends at least on the road trajectory (40).

5. The method (42) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (42) further comprises the following steps: - detecting an object (38) within the desired illuminated area (36) by means of a sensor (28) coupled to the control device (24), and - adjusting the light emission of at least one segment (18) of the lighting element (16) based on the control algorithm (26) of the control device (24) at least as a function of the detected object (38).

6. The method (42) of claim 5, wherein the control algorithm (26) takes into account movement of the lighting element (16) caused by the actuator (22) when adjusting the light emission.

7. The method (42) of claim 5 or 6, wherein the light emission of the at least one segment (18) of the lighting element (16) is adjusted based on a change in a duty cycle of the power supply circuit (20) for the at least one segment (18) of the lighting element (16).

8. The method (42) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein when adjusting the light emission, the control algorithm (26) at least also takes into account a detected relative speed of the object (38), the relative speed being determined based on the at least one sensor (28).

9. The method (42) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control algorithm (26) also takes into account at least one of the traffic density, the vehicle speed of the vehicle (10) and the steering behavior of the driver.

10. A lighting system (12) for a vehicle (10), wherein the lighting system (12) comprises at least one lighting element (16), one actuator (22) and a control device (24), wherein the control device (24) is coupled at least to the lighting element (16) and the actuator (22), wherein the lighting element (16) comprises a plurality of controllable segments (18) with associated power supply circuits (20), wherein the control device (24) has at least one control algorithm (26) and is configured to adjust the lighting area (34) formed by the lighting element (16) based on the control algorithm (26) of the control device (24) so ​​that the lighting area (34) formed by the lighting element (16) coincides with a desired illuminated area (36), in, The control device (24) is configured to adjust the lighting area (34) formed by the lighting element (16) based on the degree of mechanical actuation determined by the control algorithm (26) and / or the degree of virtual actuation determined by the control algorithm (26), wherein the degree of mechanical actuation indicates adjustment of the lighting area (34) formed by the lighting element (16) based on movement of the lighting element (16) caused by the actuator (22), And wherein the virtual actuation degree indicates adjustment of the lighting area (34) formed by the lighting element (16) based on a change in the duty cycle of the power supply circuit (20) of at least one segment (18) of the lighting element (16).

11. The lighting system (12) of claim 10, wherein the lighting system (12) further comprises a sensor (28) coupled to the control device (24) and configured to detect an object (38) within the desired illuminated area (36), and wherein the control device (24) is configured to adjust the light emission of at least one segment (18) of the lighting element (16) based on the control algorithm (26) of the control device (24) at least in dependence on the detected object (38).

12. The lighting system (12) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the lighting system (12) is configured to perform the method (42) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A vehicle (10) having a lighting system (12) according to one of claims 10 to 12.

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