Additional lighting system

Abstract

Auxiliary lighting system for a motor vehicle (2), wherein the auxiliary lighting system comprises at least one auxiliary lighting module (10a, 10b) and an interface module (40) that communicate with each other, wherein the at least one auxiliary lighting module (10a, 10b) comprises a matrix with a plurality of lighting elements, wherein the interface module (40) is configured to automatically recognize at least one exterior lighting module (4a, 4b, 20, 30) using a database and / or artificial intelligence, and to adopt at least one light signature (22, 32) of the at least one exterior lighting module (4a, 4b, 20, 30) of the motor vehicle (2), wherein the light signature (22, 32) is to be displayed by the at least one exterior lighting module (4a, 4b, 20, 30) when performing a lighting function, and the at least one auxiliary lighting module (10a, 10b) is configured to automatically recognize at least one exterior lighting module (4a, 4b, 20, 30) using a database and / or artificial intelligence, and to adopt at least one light signature (22, 32) of the motor vehicle (2), wherein the light signature (22, 32) is to be displayed by the at least one exterior lighting module (4a, 4b, 20, 30) when performing a lighting function, and the at least one auxiliary lighting module (10a, 10b) is configured to recognize the vehicle based on the at least one adopted light signature (22, 32). 32) to head for,wherein the at least one additional lighting module (10a, 10b) is configured to display the at least one light signature (22, 32) of the at least one external lighting module (4a, 4b, 20, 30).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an auxiliary lighting system and a method for performing a lighting function.

[0002] A rear carrier for a bicycle can be temporarily attached to a motor vehicle, or a trailer can be towed. Such rear carriers or trailers are usually equipped with inexpensive, standard taillights. The light signature of these taillights is typically not visually adapted to the design of the motor vehicle.

[0003] The publication DE 10 2006 040 267 A1 describes a configurator for display modes and a representation on LED matrices.

[0004] A freely programmable rear light on a motor vehicle is known from the publication DE 20 2015 001 183 U1.

[0005] Motor vehicle lighting is known from the publication DE 10 2012 008 870 A1.

[0006] Against this background, the task was to visually adapt the lighting of a trailer or bicycle carrier for a motor vehicle to that of the motor vehicle itself.

[0007] This problem is solved by an auxiliary lighting system and a method with the features of the independent claims. Embodiments of the auxiliary lighting system and the method are described in the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] The auxiliary lighting system according to the invention is designed for a motor vehicle and comprises at least one auxiliary lighting module and an interface module that communicate with each other. The at least one auxiliary lighting module has a matrix with a plurality of lighting elements. Furthermore, at least one exterior lighting module of the motor vehicle is configured to perform a lighting function and, when performing this lighting function, to display at least one light signature, e.g., a light pattern, wherein this at least one light signature should typically be displayed by the at least one exterior lighting module. The interface module is configured to automatically adopt the at least one light signature that is to be displayed by the at least one exterior lighting module of the motor vehicle, e.g.,to detect and / or recognize, and to control at least one additional lighting module based on the at least one acquired, e.g. detected and / or recognized, light signature, wherein the at least one additional lighting module is designed to automatically display the at least one light signature of the at least one external lighting module and thereby automatically perform the intended lighting function of the at least one external lighting module and / or to visually represent it, e.g. in form and color, as well as to supplement and / or replace it in its design.

[0009] The vehicle's at least one exterior lighting module has a specific shape and / or contour that is recognized and / or detected by the interface module. When the intended lighting function is performed, the at least one exterior lighting module displays at least one light signature, for example, one light signature from a selection of several light signatures, where each light signature represents a function of the vehicle, such as an intended change of direction, reversing, or braking, and clarifies this for other road users.

[0010] The interface module is designed to automatically recognize and adopt at least one external lighting module, typically its shape or contour, and / or a currently displayed light signature, e.g., a dynamic light pattern, and to automatically control at least one additional lighting module based on this recognition of the light signature. It is possible for the interface module to automatically recognize the external lighting module and / or its displayed light signature using a database and / or artificial intelligence, whereby the interface module identifies the external lighting module and / or its respective light signature by comparing it with known external lighting modules and / or their respective light signatures.It is possible that different exterior lighting modules are assigned to different types of vehicles in the database. The interface module may contain a control unit, such as a processing unit, through which it exchanges information about exterior lighting modules for various vehicles with the database.

[0011] The interface module has at least one sensor, e.g. a camera, which is designed to automatically, usually optically, detect the at least one external lighting module and / or its currently displayed or to be displayed light signature, e.g. a dynamic light pattern, wherein the interface module is designed to control the at least one additional lighting module to generate this currently displayed light signature on the basis of such sensor detection.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the interface module includes a communication module designed to communicate with the vehicle's lighting control unit and to automatically adopt and thus recognize the currently displayed light signature, e.g., the dynamic light pattern, from the vehicle's lighting control unit. This communication module also controls at least one auxiliary lighting module to generate this currently displayed light signature based on such communication between the interface module and the lighting control unit. Typically, the interface module's control unit communicates with the vehicle's lighting control unit.

[0013] In this configuration, it is possible for a vehicle user to initiate a specific function, usually one of the aforementioned functions, which is typically signaled to other road users by at least one exterior lighting module when it generates a light signature associated with that function, such as braking or reversing. When the user initiates this function, the lighting control unit is automatically activated, and the lighting control unit also automatically activates the at least one exterior lighting module. For example, if the user activates the turn signal to indicate a change of direction, the lighting control unit is automatically activated.The at least one exterior lighting module is then automatically controlled by the lighting control unit. Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment of the method, the interface module is also automatically controlled by the vehicle's lighting control unit, typically via its communication module, with the light signature being adopted from the interface module. Furthermore, the at least one auxiliary lighting module is then controlled by the interface module based on the adopted light signature. In this case, the at least one auxiliary lighting module can also be controlled directly, e.g.,When the turn signal is activated, the vehicle brakes, and / or reverse gear is engaged, the interface module directly receives a control command from the vehicle's lighting control unit, which is directed to a specific exterior lighting module, and controls the at least one auxiliary lighting module. The control command, which includes the light signature to be displayed, can be branched off and / or redirected via the interface module to the at least one auxiliary lighting module. In the latter case, the at least one exterior lighting module is deactivated, or can be deactivated, as its light signature is now displayed by the at least one auxiliary lighting module.

[0014] The presented auxiliary lighting system is designed for use with an auxiliary transport system, such as a trailer or carrier, e.g., a rear carrier and / or bicycle carrier. The at least one auxiliary lighting module and the interface module are integrated into the auxiliary transport system and thus constitute its components. The auxiliary transport system is to be temporarily and detachably attached to the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the auxiliary transport system is designed to at least partially obscure the view of the rear of the motor vehicle, e.g., of the at least one exterior lighting module. Therefore, the auxiliary transport system typically and inevitably obscures the at least one exterior lighting module, at least partially.

[0015] It is possible to supplement and / or replace two of the vehicle's exterior lighting modules designed as rear headlights or taillights using the auxiliary lighting system, which, for example, comprises two auxiliary lighting modules, thereby taking over their function, i.e., the lighting function, either as a replacement or supplement. In this system, each auxiliary lighting module is assigned to one exterior lighting module at the rear of the vehicle.

[0016] Typically, the lighting elements of the at least one additional lighting module are designed as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Furthermore, it is possible that the at least one additional lighting module is designed as a square, e.g., largely rectangular or trapezoidal plate, as a largely rectangular or trapezoidal panel, and / or as a largely rectangular or trapezoidal board with the matrix of lighting elements serving as a display field or screen.

[0017] The method according to the invention is provided for implementing a lighting function of at least one exterior lighting module of a motor vehicle with an auxiliary lighting system, for example, an embodiment of the presented auxiliary lighting system, wherein the auxiliary lighting system comprises at least one auxiliary lighting module and an interface module that communicate with each other, and wherein the at least one auxiliary lighting module has a matrix with a plurality of lighting elements. When the intended lighting function is implemented by the at least one exterior lighting module of the motor vehicle, it is typically provided that at least one light signature is displayed or shown by the at least one exterior lighting module, or in some embodiments, should be displayed or shown.In this process, the at least one light signature that should and / or is to be displayed by the at least one external lighting module is automatically adopted, recognized, and / or captured by the interface module, wherein the at least one additional lighting module is controlled by the interface module on the basis of such an adoption of the at least one light signature, and wherein the at least one light signature of the at least one external lighting module is displayed by the additional lighting module.

[0018] It is possible that the at least one additional lighting module visually complements and / or replaces the at least one exterior lighting module and visually represents the at least one light signature of the at least one exterior lighting module. In this process, the at least one light signature of the at least one exterior lighting module is adopted by the at least one additional lighting module, whereby the at least one additional lighting module is functionally adapted to the at least one light signature automatically.

[0019] The at least one auxiliary lighting module is temporarily and removably attached to an exterior wall of the vehicle, e.g., at its rear, whereby the at least one exterior lighting module is at least partially covered by the at least one auxiliary lighting module and / or an auxiliary transport system that incorporates the at least one auxiliary lighting module. It is also conceivable that the at least one auxiliary lighting module could be used if the at least one exterior lighting module should become temporarily defective. If the lighting function of the at least one exterior lighting module is performed by the at least one auxiliary lighting module as a replacement and / or supplement, it is also possible to switch off the at least one exterior lighting module whose lighting function is being taken over in order to save energy.

[0020] The auxiliary lighting system and / or method enables, among other things, the automatic adaptation of the light signature of at least one rear light as an exterior lighting module of the motor vehicle, whereby this motor vehicle, depending on the definition, is used as a towing vehicle for a trailer, e.g., a caravan. The trailer or bicycle carrier incorporates the auxiliary lighting system described above. The auxiliary lighting modules on the trailer or bicycle carrier can be designated as or configured as rear lights. Each of the two auxiliary lighting modules has a panel with a multitude of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The first auxiliary lighting module is located on the left and the second on the right of the auxiliary transport system.

[0021] A motor vehicle and its rear exterior lighting modules are automatically detected by the interface module. The interface module communicates with a control unit of the motor vehicle, typically the lighting control unit. Among other things, the interface module detects the model of the motor vehicle and / or the exterior lighting module, and the currently selected light signature. The at least one exterior lighting module of the motor vehicle, whose illumination function is performed by the at least one auxiliary lighting module, and whose at least one light signature is to be displayed, can be configured as a direction indicator, turn signal, brake light, reversing light, or rear fog light.The at least one light signature is dynamically adjusted in its design, as it can change over time during normal operation of the at least one exterior lighting module of the vehicle. It is possible that the at least one auxiliary lighting module, i.e., its lighting elements, can emit different colors, e.g., red, yellow, or white, to provide the at least one light signature. Furthermore, it is possible that the at least one exterior lighting module performs a dynamic animation, e.g., an optical swiping and / or flashing, to generate the at least one light signature. Such a light signature is then also displayed or shown, e.g., animated, by the at least one auxiliary lighting module when the lighting function is performed. A light signature that changes in color and / or time, usually animated, is controlled by the interface module, e.g.,...The control unit automatically detects, adopts, and / or adapts the settings for at least one additional lighting module. It is also possible to manually control the interface module using a device such as a smartphone and to input the desired light signature.

[0022] With at least one additional lighting module of the auxiliary transport system, such as a bicycle carrier attached to the vehicle or trailer, the light signature, typically displayed in terms of timing and / or color (e.g., animated), is perfectly matched to the light signature of the vehicle's at least one exterior lighting module. This ensures, among other things, the recognizability of the vehicle for which the auxiliary lighting system is used, even if, for example, the vehicle's rear lights are partially or completely obscured by the auxiliary transport system.Furthermore, it is possible to use the auxiliary lighting module modularly for different types of motor vehicles and to replace it as needed, since the interface module automatically recognizes the motor vehicle to which the auxiliary lighting system is assigned using the database and / or sensors, whereby the light signature to be displayed is automatically optically adapted to the respective motor vehicle by the at least one auxiliary lighting module.

[0023] The interface allows the array of lighting elements from at least one auxiliary lighting module to be automatically adapted to the at least one exterior lighting module of the vehicle being used, for example, as the towing vehicle. The interface automatically recognizes the required light signature whenever the vehicle and / or auxiliary transport system (such as a bicycle carrier or trailer) changes – i.e., whenever a vehicle is combined with an auxiliary transport system. This eliminates the need for the vehicle user to configure the at least one auxiliary lighting module for each specific vehicle. The auxiliary lighting system also allows the light signature of at least one exterior lighting module of the vehicle to be dynamically displayed.

[0024] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0025] The invention is schematically illustrated with reference to embodiments in the drawing and is described schematically and in detail with reference to the drawing. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the auxiliary lighting system according to the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a detail of the auxiliary lighting system. Fig. 1 when carrying out a first variant of an embodiment of the method according to the invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the detail of the auxiliary lighting system. Fig. 1 when carrying out a second variant of the embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0026] The figures are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner. The same reference symbols are assigned to the same components.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the rear of a motor vehicle 2, where two rear lights are arranged as exterior lighting modules 4a and 4b of the motor vehicle 2. The motor vehicle 2 has a lighting control unit 42 to control the light signature of each exterior lighting module 4a or 4b.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 also shows that a carrier 6 is temporarily attached to the rear of the motor vehicle 2 as an additional transport system for a bicycle 8. This shows Fig. 1 also that the two external lighting modules 4a, 4b are partially covered by the bicycle 8.

[0029] The embodiment of the auxiliary lighting system according to the invention is integrated into this carrier 6 as an additional transport system. This auxiliary lighting system comprises two auxiliary lighting modules 10a, 10b and an interface module 40. Each auxiliary lighting module 10a, 10b is designed as a panel with a display field, which in turn comprises a matrix of a plurality of light-emitting elements, in this case light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0030] In the embodiment of the inventive method with the auxiliary lighting system presented here, the interface module 40 is configured to communicate with the lighting control unit 42 either radio-based and thus wirelessly, or via a cable. The interface module 40 automatically recognizes the type or model of the motor vehicle 2. It is also possible for the interface module 40 to have a sensor (not shown here) configured to automatically recognize the exterior lighting modules 4a and 4b of the motor vehicle 2.

[0031] During normal operation of the vehicle 2, its exterior lighting modules 4a, 4b generate different light signatures, e.g., light patterns, statically and / or dynamically and emit them to the rear in the opposite direction of travel of the vehicle 2. It is possible that a particular light signature of an exterior lighting module 4a, 4b, for example, dynamically displays, e.g., animates, a function of a turn signal indicator, a taillight, a brake light, or a rear fog light.

[0032] However, if the additional transport module, i.e. the carrier 6 or possibly a trailer, is temporarily arranged at the rear of the motor vehicle 2, the external lighting modules 4a, 4b and their light signatures will be at least partially obscured.

[0033] In this embodiment of the method, the light signature of the external lighting modules 4a, 4b, as detected by the interface module 40, is automatically adopted, and the additional lighting modules 10a, 10b are also controlled by the interface module 40. Each additional lighting module 10a, 10b is configured to dynamically display, represent, and / or simulate the light signature of a respective external lighting module 4a, 4b in terms of shape and color, typically with sufficient functional accuracy, thereby at least partially replacing and / or supplementing it optically and functionally.The provision here is that a first auxiliary lighting module 10a displays the light signature of a first external lighting module 4a, here on the left at the rear, and a second auxiliary lighting module 10b displays the light signature of a second external lighting module 4b, here on the right at the rear, whereby a respective light signature is simulated to match the vehicle 2.

[0034] In one variant of the procedure, the carrier 6 is intended to be used as an additional transport system on an Audi Q3. (TM) as the first further example of a motor vehicle temporarily arranged which has a first variant of an external lighting module 20 and thus a rear light at its rear ( Fig. 2a). In the first variant of the embodiment of the method, a light signature 22 of the external lighting module 20 is dynamically displayed by the first additional lighting module 10a, e.g. simulated and / or imitated ( Fig. 2b).

[0035] In a second variant of the procedure, the carrier 6 is intended to be used as an additional transport system on an Audi Q5. (TM) as a second further example of a motor vehicle temporarily ordered which has a second variant of an external lighting module 30 and thus a rear light at its rear ( Fig. 3a). In the second variant of the embodiment of the method, a light signature 32 of the external lighting module 30 is dynamically displayed by the second additional lighting module 10b, e.g. simulated and / or imitated ( Fig. 3b). Reference symbol list 2 motor vehicles 4a, 4b Outdoor lighting module 6 carriers 8 bicycle 10a, 10b Additional lighting module 20 outdoor lighting modules 22 Light signature 30 outdoor lighting modules 32 Light signature 40 Interface module 42 Lighting control unit QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102006040267 A1

[0003] DE 202015001183 U1

[0004] DE 102012008870 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Auxiliary lighting system for a motor vehicle (2), wherein the auxiliary lighting system comprises at least one auxiliary lighting module (10a, 10b) and an interface module (40) which communicate with each other, wherein the at least one auxiliary lighting module (10a, 10b) comprises a matrix with a plurality of lighting elements, wherein the interface module (40) is configured to adopt at least one light signature (22, 32) of at least one exterior lighting module (4a, 4b, 20, 30) of the motor vehicle (2), wherein the light signature (22, 32) is to be displayed by the at least one exterior lighting module (4a, 4b, 20, 30) when a lighting function is performed, and the at least one auxiliary lighting module (10a, 10b) is to be controlled on the basis of the at least one adopted light signature (22, 32), wherein the at least one auxiliary lighting module (10a, 10b) is configured to display the at least one light signature (22, 32) of at least one external lighting module (4a,4b, 20, 30) to display. [2] Additional external lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the interface module (40) is configured to detect the at least one external lighting module (4a, 4b, 20, 30). [3] Additional external lighting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interface module (40) has at least one sensor configured to detect a currently displayable light signature (22, 32) of the at least one external lighting module (4a, 4b, 20, 30). [4] Additional exterior lighting system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface module (40) comprises a communication module configured to communicate with a lighting control unit (42) of the motor vehicle (2) and to adopt a light signature (22, 32) to be displayed. [5] Additional lighting system according to one of the preceding claims for an additional transport system designed to be temporarily and detachably attached to the motor vehicle (2), wherein the additional transport system at least partially obscures a view of the rear of the motor vehicle (2). [6] Auxiliary lighting system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting elements are designed as light-emitting diodes. [7] Auxiliary lighting system in which the at least one auxiliary lighting module (10a, 10b) is designed as a panel with the matrix of lighting elements. [8] Method for performing a lighting function of at least one exterior lighting module (4a, 4b, 20, 30) of a motor vehicle (2) with an auxiliary lighting system, wherein the auxiliary lighting system comprises at least one auxiliary lighting module (10a, 10b) and an interface module (40) that communicate with each other, wherein the at least one auxiliary lighting module (10a, 10b) has a matrix with a plurality of lighting elements, wherein the interface module (40) receives at least one light signature (22, 32) from at least one exterior lighting module (4a, 4b, 20, 30) of the motor vehicle (2), wherein the light signature (22, 32) is to be displayed by the at least one exterior lighting module (4a, 4b, 20, 30) when performing a lighting function, wherein the at least one auxiliary lighting module (10a, 10b) is controlled by the interface module (40) on the basis of the at least one received light signature (22, 32). 32) is targeted,wherein the at least one light signature (22, 32) of the at least one external lighting module (4a, 4b, 20, 30) is displayed by the auxiliary lighting module (10a, 10b). [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein the at least one additional lighting module (10a, 10b) is temporarily and releasably attached to an outer wall of the motor vehicle (2), wherein the at least one exterior lighting module (4a, 4b, 20, 30) is at least partially covered by the at least one additional lighting module (10a, 10b).

Images