Control of illumination of plurality of operating elements on motor vehicle

Abstract

A method for controlling the illumination of a plurality of illuminable operating elements on a motor vehicle, wherein the illumination of each operating element is controllable. The method comprises the following steps: recording a parameter characterizing at least one current operating state of the motor vehicle; determining, based on the recorded parameters, a subset of the plurality of illuminable operating elements intended for at least one current operating state; and controlling illumination of the plurality of illuminable operating elements such that the determined subset of the plurality of illuminable operating elements is visually highlighted compared to the other illuminable operating elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a method for controlling the illumination of a plurality of illuminable operating elements on a motor vehicle, and more specifically to a control device for controlling the illumination of a plurality of illuminable operating elements on a motor vehicle, operating equipment of a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Today, motor vehicles, especially passenger cars, are typically equipped with multiple systems, functions, and features that can be controlled or adjusted by the driver during driving. These include, for example, a radio, navigation system, lane departure warning system, cruise control, air conditioning, heated seats, and a fan. Numerous operating elements are usually located in the center console area and the steering wheel area. Ideally, user-friendly control elements or operating components such as buttons, knobs, switches, or controllers should be provided. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for controlling the illumination of a plurality of illuminable operating elements on a motor vehicle, wherein the illumination of each operating element is controllable. The method includes the steps of: recording parameters characterizing at least one current operating state of the motor vehicle; determining, based on the recorded parameters, a subset of the plurality of illuminable operating elements intended for use in the at least one current operating state; and controlling the illumination of the plurality of illuminable operating elements such that the determined subset of the plurality of illuminable operating elements is visually prominent compared to the other illuminable operating elements.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention may include any one or a combination of the following features: Based on the recorded parameters, a detection is performed to determine whether there is at least one specific state from a plurality of preset state categories; wherein each state is assigned a specific subset of a plurality of illuminateable operating elements; and if a specific state exists, the subset assigned to that state is controlled on the illuminateable operating elements so that it stands out visually compared to other operating elements. If a particular state no longer exists, the visually prominent illumination of a subset of the multiple illuminateable operating elements assigned to that state is reset; The recorded parameters can be at least one feature of the motor vehicle and the vehicle environment; The recorded parameters include at least one of the following: the external temperature of the motor vehicle, the internal temperature of the motor vehicle, the vehicle speed, the current road type, the distance to the vehicle in front, and the time and / or duration since the motor vehicle started, as well as at least one variable characterizing the operating state of the motor vehicle. Recorded parameters characterizing at least one current operating state of a motor vehicle are recorded by using at least one of a sensor, a navigation device, and a traffic sign recognition device. An assessment is made of at least one current operating state of a motor vehicle, which includes operational functions and driver assistance functions provided for at least one current operating state.

[0005] When evaluating the current operating state of a motor vehicle by using a self-learning algorithm for at least one of the operating functions and driver assistance functions, at least one of the specific and individual user preferences is taken into account. At least one of the brightness, color, and flickering behavior of the illuminating operating element is controllable; and This method is executed by a computer.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a control device for controlling the illumination of a plurality of illuminable operating elements on a motor vehicle, wherein the illumination of each operating element is controllable, the control device includes a means for receiving recorded parameters characterizing at least one current operating state of the motor vehicle. The control device is configured to perform a method comprising the steps of: recording parameters characterizing at least one current operating state of the motor vehicle; determining, based on the recorded parameters, a subset of the plurality of illuminable operating elements intended for use in the at least one current operating state; and controlling the illumination of the plurality of illuminable operating elements such that the determined subset of the plurality of illuminable operating elements is visually prominent compared to the other illuminable operating elements.

[0007] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may include any one or a combination of the following features: Multiple illuminated operating elements are installed in the operating equipment of a motor vehicle; and Based on the recorded parameters, the method includes performing a detection to determine whether there is at least one specific state from a plurality of preset state categories; wherein each state is assigned a specific subset of a plurality of illuminateable operating elements; if a specific state exists, the subset assigned to that state is controlled on the illuminateable operating elements such that it is visually prominent compared to other illuminateable operating elements.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle includes an operating device, a plurality of illuminateable operating elements disposed in the operating device, and a control device for controlling the illumination of the plurality of illuminateable operating elements, wherein the illumination of each operating element is controllable. The control device is configured to perform a method comprising the steps of: recording parameters characterizing at least one current operating state of the motor vehicle; determining, based on the recorded parameters, a subset of the plurality of illuminateable operating elements intended for use in at least one current operating state; and controlling the illumination of the plurality of illuminateable operating elements such that the determined subset of the plurality of illuminateable operating elements is visually prominent compared to the other illuminateable operating elements.

[0009] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may include any one or a combination of the following features: Based on the recorded parameters, a detection is performed to determine whether there is at least one specific state from a plurality of preset state categories; wherein each state is assigned a specific subset of a plurality of illuminateable operating elements; and if a specific state exists, the subset assigned to that state is controlled on the illuminateable operating elements so that it stands out visually compared to other operating elements. If a particular state no longer exists, the visually prominent illumination of a subset of the multiple illuminable operating elements assigned to that state is reset.

[0010] These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and recognized by those skilled in the art through reference to the following description, claims and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] In the attached image: Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the method shown in an example; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of another embodiment of the method shown in another example; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle steering wheel and center console with operating devices, drawn according to an example of the method. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle steering wheel and center console with operating devices, drawn according to an example of the method. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle steering wheel and center console with operating devices, drawn according to an example of the method. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle steering wheel and center console with operating devices, drawn according to an example of the method. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle steering wheel and center console with operating devices, drawn according to an example of the method; and Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the operating device from the side view of a motor vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Figure 1A method for controlling the illumination of multiple illuminateable operating elements on a motor vehicle is schematically illustrated in flowchart form. The illumination of each operating element can be controlled. The illumination of a single operating element can be controlled individually, or a combination of multiple operating elements can be controlled simultaneously. In step 1, several parameters (preferably multiple parameters) are recorded. These parameters characterize at least one current operating state of the motor vehicle. Examples of recordable parameters include ambient temperature, passenger compartment temperature, road type, road condition, identified traffic signs, vehicle speed, time since vehicle start-up, distance to the vehicle ahead, etc. These parameters can be recorded using sensors and / or navigation devices.

[0013] In step 2, based on the recorded parameters, a subset of the plurality of illuminable operating elements is determined for use in at least one current operating state. Subsequently, in step 3, the illumination of the plurality of illuminable operating elements is controlled such that the determined subset of illuminable operating elements stands out visually compared to the other operating elements. The brightness and / or color and / or flickering behavior of the illuminable operating elements can be appropriately changed or adjusted. In other words, at least one of the brightness, color, and flickering behavior of the illuminable operating elements can be changed or adjusted.

[0014] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is schematically illustrated in the form of a flowchart. The method begins with step 4. In step 5, with... Figure 1 Similar to step 1, parameters characterizing at least one current operating condition of the motor vehicle are recorded. In step 6, the control device imports or receives the recorded parameters. Boxes 10 and 11 exemplarily characterize two of a plurality of categorized operating states or conditions, in each of which specific functions are planned for use, which can be controlled by a specific subset of a plurality of illuminateable operating elements. In other words, each state is assigned a specific subset of a plurality of illuminateable operating elements.

[0015] In step 7, a detection is performed to determine if each categorized operating state or condition 10, 11 exists. If it exists, in step 8, the highlight lighting for the illuminateable operating element specified for the corresponding condition or operating state is turned on. If the corresponding condition or operating state does not exist, the highlight lighting for the illuminateable operating element specified for the corresponding condition or operating state is turned off, or the corresponding lighting is reset or deleted. After steps 8 and 9, the method jumps back to step 6.

[0016] Figures 3 to 7The diagram schematically illustrates a steering wheel 12 and a center console 13 of a motor vehicle equipped with an operating device 14 according to the invention. This operating device 14 records a plurality of illuminated operating elements in different embodiments of the method according to the invention. In standard passenger vehicles, these operating elements are typically in the form of buttons, rotary or touch switches, knobs, screens, etc., and not all of these operating elements are indicated by reference numerals.

[0017] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the passenger compartment temperature was recorded as below 18 degrees Celsius, and less than 5 minutes had elapsed since the vehicle was started. In this case, this corresponds to an operating state or condition of the vehicle intended for the use of seat heating and steering wheel heating. According to the invention, button 15 for controlling seat heating and button 16 for controlling steering wheel heating are illuminated in a visually prominent manner. The brightness of these buttons can be increased, or the brightness of other buttons can be decreased, or the illumination color of the buttons can be changed, or buttons 15 and 16 can be illuminated in a flashing manner.

[0018] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the passenger compartment temperature was recorded to be above 24 degrees Celsius. In this case, this corresponds to the operating state or condition of the motor vehicle intended for use of the air conditioning system (A / C) and temperature control. According to the invention, the button 17 for controlling the air conditioning system and the button 18 for controlling the temperature are illuminated in a way that makes these buttons visually prominent (e.g., by adjusting brightness and / or color and / or flashing status).

[0019] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the vehicle's speed has been recorded to exceed 100 km / h for at least 2 minutes, or the vehicle is traveling on a highway. In this case, this corresponds to the vehicle's operating state or condition intended for the use of adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane departure assist systems. According to the invention, the button 20 for automatic speed control (ACC) and the button 19 for controlling the lane departure assist system are illuminated in a way that makes these buttons visually prominent (e.g., by adjusting brightness and / or color and / or flashing status).

[0020] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, recording is performed using a navigation device, for example, recording a motor vehicle leaving a highway or approaching a construction site, or recognizing traffic signs indicating a construction site or other road conditions. In the present case, this corresponds to at least one operating state or condition of the motor vehicle intended to suggest deactivation of the lane departure assist system. According to the invention, the button 19 for deactivating the lane departure assist system is illuminated in a way that makes the button visually prominent (e.g., by adjusting brightness and / or color and / or flashing state).

[0021] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, adaptive cruise control (ACC) is recorded as activated. In this case, this corresponds to the operating state or condition of the motor vehicle intended to use adaptive cruise control or automatic following distance control (ACC), which can be defined as either always present when adaptive cruise control is activated, or only present for a specified period after the adaptive cruise controller is activated or after the ACC speed is overridden using the accelerator pedal. According to the invention, the button 21 for activating adaptive cruise control or automatic following distance control (ACC) is illuminated in a way that makes the button visually prominent (e.g., by adjusting brightness and / or color and / or flashing state).

[0022] Figure 8 A motor vehicle 22 according to the present invention is schematically shown. The motor vehicle 22 includes a lighting system 14, which includes a plurality of illuminateable operating elements 24 (these illuminateable operating elements 24 may in particular include...). Figures 3 to 7 The illustrated operating elements 15-21) and a control device 23. The control device 23 may be configured as a microprocessor or other control circuit and is configured to perform the method according to the invention for controlling the illumination of the illuminating operating element 24, for example by means of... Figures 1 to 7 The method described.

[0023] The present invention provides a preferred method for controlling the illumination of multiple illuminateable operating elements on a motor vehicle, a preferred control device for controlling the illumination of multiple illuminateable operating elements on a motor vehicle, a preferred operating device for a motor vehicle, a preferred motor vehicle, and also includes a preferred computer implementation method, a computer program product, a computer-readable data carrier, and a data carrier signal.

[0024] The method for controlling the illumination of multiple illuminateable operating elements on a motor vehicle according to the present invention, wherein the illumination of each operating element can be controlled individually or in a designated group, includes the following steps: In the first step, recording a number of parameters, preferably multiple parameters, which characterize or in other words define at least one current operating state of the motor vehicle. The term "parameter" is understood to refer to a recordable, particularly measurable, variable of property of the vehicle and / or the vehicle environment. The current operating state of the motor vehicle may include, for example, current driving conditions or operating conditions or traffic conditions or current weather conditions or road conditions.

[0025] In the second step, based on the recorded parameters, a subset of a plurality of illuminateable operating elements is determined that are intended for use in at least one current operating state. In other words, illuminateable operating elements are thus determined to be usable in the current operating state, or can be expected to be used with a predetermined probability, or are recommended for use, or are assigned to the current driving or operating condition or traffic conditions derived from the recorded parameters. The recorded parameters are evaluated relative to the required and / or recommended control or operating variables and the operating elements assigned to them.

[0026] In the third step, the illumination of multiple illuminateable operating elements is controlled so that a subset of the identified multiple illuminateable operating elements stands out visually compared to other operating elements.

[0027] Operating elements can be designed as human-machine interfaces (HMIs), control panels, control knobs, controllers, switches, wheels, levers, buttons, or touchscreens.

[0028] Examples of driving condition-related functions or operating elements include: highlighting seat heating and / or steering wheel heating operating elements at the start of a journey when the outside temperature is low; highlighting operating elements for air conditioning and temperature control when the outside temperature and / or passenger compartment temperature is high; highlighting operating elements for cruise control and / or adaptive cruise control and / or lane departure assist after entering a highway; highlighting operating elements for disabling lane departure assist when approaching a construction site; highlighting adaptive cruise control operating elements when driving with cruise control activated, such highlighting may be always active, or only for a specific period of time after cruise control is activated, or after the accelerator pedal is pressed to the overdrive speed setpoint, etc.

[0029] The method according to the invention has the advantage of making it easier for the user to find the required operating element in specific driving situations, i.e., particularly in specific traffic, weather, or road conditions. In particular, it can reduce the time required to find the correct operating element, making driving easier and improving driving comfort. Furthermore, since only the relevant control devices are illuminated, the overall lighting intensity inside the vehicle can be reduced.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the recorded parameters are used to detect the presence of at least one specific state from a plurality of specified (e.g., preset or defined) state categories, such as current operating status and / or current traffic conditions, thereby assigning a specific subset of multiple illuminateable operating elements to each state. If a specific state exists, the subset of illuminateable operating elements assigned to that state is controlled to be visually prominent compared to other operating elements. If the specific state no longer exists, the visually prominent illumination of the subset of multiple illuminateable operating elements assigned to that state can be reset. The described classification has the advantage that, in terms of illumination, a specified group of operating elements can be controlled simultaneously. This reduces the complexity of the control system and improves control efficiency.

[0031] The recorded parameters may be general parameters of the motor vehicle and / or the vehicle environment. For example, the recorded parameters may include the external temperature of the motor vehicle and / or the internal temperature of the motor vehicle, i.e., the passenger compartment temperature, and / or the vehicle speed and / or the current road type, such as highway, expressway, rural road, urban road, construction site, etc., and / or the distance to the vehicle in front and / or the time since the motor vehicle started and / or the duration and / or at least one variable characterizing the operating state of the motor vehicle.

[0032] Parameters characterizing at least one current operating state of a motor vehicle, particularly parameters of the vehicle and / or its environment, can be recorded using sensors and / or navigation devices and / or devices for recognizing traffic signs (e.g., cameras and image recognition devices). The aforementioned embodiments make it possible to reliably record the desired parameters.

[0033] In another embodiment, at least one current operating state of the motor vehicle can be evaluated or analyzed based on the operational functions and / or driver assistance functions provided for or typically used in at least one current operating state. The current operating state of the motor vehicle can be evaluated using self-learning, particularly partially self-learning algorithms, that take into account specific and / or individual user preferences. An advantage of this embodiment is that it can be adapted individually to a single user or a group of users.

[0034] Advantageously, the brightness and / or color and / or flickering behavior of the illuminateable operating elements can be controlled. For example, a subset of the identified plurality of illuminateable operating elements can be illuminated brighter than other operating elements. In particular, the brightness of the subset of the identified plurality of illuminateable operating elements can be increased and / or the brightness of other operating elements can be decreased. Furthermore, or alternatively, the subset of the identified plurality of illuminateable operating elements can be illuminated with a different color (i.e., a different color from other operating elements). In another additional or alternative embodiment, the subset of the identified plurality of illuminateable operating elements can be illuminated in a flickering manner, while other operating elements are not illuminated in a flickering manner. The aforementioned embodiments enable the user to quickly and reliably locate the operating elements required for a specific operating situation.

[0035] According to the invention, a control device for controlling the illumination of multiple illuminating operating elements on a motor vehicle is provided, wherein the illumination of each operating element (e.g., individually or in a specific group) is controllable. The control device includes means for receiving recorded parameters, particularly parameters of the vehicle and / or its environment, which characterize at least one current operating state of the motor vehicle, and is designed to perform the method previously described according to the invention. The control device according to the invention has the features and advantages described in conjunction with this method.

[0036] The operating equipment of a motor vehicle includes multiple illuminated operating elements. The illumination of each operating element can be controlled, for example, individually or in a designated group. The operating equipment includes a control device according to the invention previously described. The operating equipment according to the invention has the aforementioned features and advantages.

[0037] The motor vehicle according to the invention includes the operating equipment previously described. It has the advantages already described. The motor vehicle may be, for example, a passenger car, truck, bus, minibus, motorcycle, or moped.

[0038] The computer-implemented method according to the present invention includes commands that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method disclosed above. The computer program product includes commands that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method disclosed above. According to the present invention, the computer program product is stored on a computer-readable data carrier. A data carrier signal transmits the computer program product according to the present invention. The computer-implemented method, the computer program product, the computer-readable data carrier, and the data carrier signal have the aforementioned features and advantages.

[0039] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. Although the method, vehicle, and control device have been shown and described in further detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and other embodiments can be derived by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn accurately or to scale in every detail, and may be enlarged or reduced to provide a better overview. Therefore, the functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as an illustrative basis to provide instructions to those skilled in the art for use in various ways.

[0041] The term “and / or” as used herein, when applied to a series of two or more elements, means that each listed element can be used individually or in any combination of two or more listed elements. For example, if a combination containing components A, B, and / or C is described, the combination can contain only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0042] It should be understood that variations and modifications can be made to the above structure without departing from the concept of the invention, and it should also be understood that, unless otherwise expressly stated in the text of these claims, the concept is intended to be covered by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the illumination of a plurality of illuminating operating elements on a motor vehicle, wherein the illumination of each operating element is controllable, the method comprising the following steps: Record at least one parameter characterizing the current operating state of the motor vehicle; Based on the recorded parameters, a subset of the plurality of illuminateable operating elements is determined that is intended for at least one current operating state; as well as The illumination of the plurality of illuminateable operating elements is controlled such that the subset of the determined plurality of illuminateable operating elements stands out visually compared to the other illuminateable operating elements.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Based on the recorded parameters, a detection is performed to determine whether there is at least one specific state from a plurality of preset state categories, wherein each state is assigned a specific subset of the plurality of illuminateable operating elements; and if a specific state exists, the subset assigned to the state is controlled on the illuminateable operating element such that it is visually prominent compared to other operating elements.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, If a particular state no longer exists, the visually prominent illumination of the subset of the plurality of illuminable operating elements assigned to that state is reset.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The recorded parameters may be at least one feature of the motor vehicle and the vehicle environment.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The recorded parameters include at least one of the following: the external temperature of the motor vehicle, the internal temperature of the motor vehicle, the vehicle speed, the current road type, the distance to the vehicle in front, and the time and / or duration since the motor vehicle started, and at least one variable characterizing the operating state of the motor vehicle.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The recorded parameters, which characterize at least one current operating state of the motor vehicle, are recorded using at least one of a sensor, a navigation device, and a traffic sign recognition device.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one current operating state of the motor vehicle is evaluated in relation to the operational functions and driver assistance functions provided for the at least one current operating state.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, When evaluating the current operating state of the motor vehicle using a self-learning algorithm for at least one of the operating functions and driver assistance functions, at least one of specific and individual user preferences is taken into account.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the brightness, color, and flickering behavior of the illuminable operating element is controllable.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method is executed by a computer.

11. A control device for controlling the illumination of a plurality of illuminating operating elements on a motor vehicle, wherein the illumination of each operating element is controllable, the control device comprising: A device for receiving recorded parameters, the recorded parameters characterizing at least one current operating state of the motor vehicle, wherein the control device is configured to perform a method comprising the following steps to control the lighting of the respective operating elements: Record at least one parameter characterizing the current operating state of the motor vehicle; Based on the recorded parameters, a subset of the plurality of illuminateable operating elements intended for use in the at least one current operating state is determined; as well as The illumination of the plurality of illuminateable operating elements is controlled such that the determined subset of the plurality of illuminateable operating elements stands out visually compared to the other illuminateable operating elements.

12. The control device according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of illuminated operating elements are located within the operating equipment of the motor vehicle.

13. The control device according to claim 11, wherein, Based on the recorded parameters, the method includes performing a detection to determine whether there is at least one specific state from a plurality of preset state categories, wherein each state is assigned a specific subset of the plurality of illuminateable operating elements; and if a specific state exists, the subset assigned to the state is controlled on the illuminateable operating element such that it is visually prominent compared to other operating elements.

14. A motor vehicle, comprising: Operating equipment; Multiple illuminateable operating elements are disposed within the operating device; as well as A control device for controlling the lighting of the plurality of illuminable operating elements, wherein the lighting of each operating element is controllable; The control device is configured to perform a method comprising the following steps: Record at least one parameter characterizing the current operating state of the motor vehicle; Based on the recorded parameters, a subset of the plurality of illuminateable operating elements intended for use in the at least one current operating state is determined; as well as The illumination of the plurality of illuminateable operating elements is controlled such that the subset of the determined plurality of illuminateable operating elements stands out visually compared to the other illuminateable operating elements.

15. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, Based on the recorded parameters, a detection is performed to determine whether there is at least one specific state from a plurality of preset state categories, wherein each state is assigned a specific subset of the plurality of illuminateable operating elements; and if a specific state exists, the subset assigned to the state is controlled on the illuminateable operating element such that it is visually prominent compared to other operating elements.

16. The motor vehicle according to claim 15, wherein, If a particular state no longer exists, the visually prominent illumination of the subset of the plurality of illuminable operating elements assigned to that state is reset.

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