Method for operating a lighting device of a motor vehicle, computer program product and lighting device

Abstract

A method for operating a lighting device (2) of a motor vehicle (1), in which the lighting device (2) is provided with at least one first light-emitting diode (5) and with a second light-emitting diode (6) separate from the first light-emitting diode (5), wherein light (10) is emitted into an environment (11) of the lighting device (2) by means of at least the first light-emitting diode (5) and light (10) is received from the environment (11) by means of the second light-emitting diode (6), characterized in that an evaluation of the received light (10) is carried out as a function of the emitted light (10) by means of an electronic computing device (8) of the lighting device (2) and, on the basis of the evaluation, a movement (3) of an object (4) relative to the lighting device (2), which reflects at least partially the emitted light (10) to the second light-emitting diode (6), is detected in the environment (11).wherein the light device (2) is designed to simultaneously illuminate the surroundings (11) and to detect the movement (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a lighting device of a motor vehicle, in which the lighting device is provided with at least one first light-emitting diode and a second light-emitting diode separate from the first light-emitting diode, wherein light is emitted into an environment of the lighting device by means of at least the first light-emitting diode and light is received from the environment by means of the second light-emitting diode. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product and a lighting device.

[0002] Lighting devices on motor vehicles are already known from the prior art. These can be designed, for example, as taillights and can emit light into the surroundings. Furthermore, the technology of light-emitting diodes (LEDs or OLEDs) is already known, which can both emit light and serve as photosensitive sensors. In particular, an LED can thus both emit light and receive light, converting it, for example, into an electrical voltage, allowing the corresponding detected light intensity to be recorded.

[0003] DE 10 2014 101 208 A1 relates to an assembly module for a motor vehicle, comprising an optical sensor system capable of monitoring an actuation area located outside the motor vehicle during an actuation period in order to detect a user's intention in the actuation area and, upon detection of a user's intention, to provide an operating signal. It is provided that an aid is provided to assist the user in communicating the user's intention in the actuation area so that the operating signal can be provided.

[0004] DE 10 2009 000 289 A1 relates to a lighting arrangement, preferably for a vehicle, comprising at least one illuminant with regulated or controllable light intensity, which is fed and controlled by a pulse-modulated electrical power signal, each having a fixed or definable switch-off pulse duration and switch-on pulse duration, comprising a device for measuring the light intensity of the vehicle's surroundings, and an electronic pulse-modulating controller that regulates the light intensity of the at least one illuminant, receives the measurement signal from the measuring device and, depending on the measurement signal, adjusts the light intensity of the illuminant by the switch-on pulse duration or the switch-off pulse duration of the electrical power signal. It is provided that the measuring device for measuring the light intensity of the surroundings comprises at least one photosensitive portion of the illuminant.

[0005] US 2017 / 313250 A1 discloses a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes a first indicator lamp associated with a first function or a first state of the vehicle, and a circuit connected to the first indicator lamp. The circuit is configured to cause the first indicator lamp to emit light when the vehicle is performing the first function or operating in the first state, and to detect an amount of light incident on the first indicator lamp. In this way, the indicator lamp can be used to detect incident light and perform various vehicle functions without the need for a dedicated light sensor.

[0006] DE 10 2015 109 932 A1 relates to a warning device for a motor vehicle, comprising an optical sensor device for providing sensor data which describe an object in a detection range, wherein the detection range is located in front of the motor vehicle in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle, comprising a display device for outputting an optical warning signal, which is arranged on an outer side of the motor vehicle, and comprising a control device for controlling the display device depending on the sensor data provided by the optical sensor device, wherein the control device is designed to determine a current position of the object in the detection range based on the provided sensor data and to control the display device in such a way that it outputs a display as the optical warning signal which describes the determined, current position of the object.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a method, a computer program product and a lighting device by means of which a high functionality of the lighting device can be provided.

[0008] This object is achieved by a method, a computer program product, and a lighting device according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a lighting device of a motor vehicle, in which the lighting device is provided with at least a first light-emitting diode and with a second light-emitting diode separate from the first light-emitting diode, wherein light is emitted into an environment of the lighting device by means of at least the first light-emitting diode and light is received from the environment by means of the second light-emitting diode.

[0010] It is provided that an electronic computing device of the lighting device evaluates the received light as a function of the emitted light. Based on the evaluation, a movement of an object relative to the lighting device, which object at least partially reflects the emitted light to the second LED, is detected in the surroundings. In particular, a relative movement between the object and the lighting device is detected based on the evaluation.

[0011] In particular, the lighting device can be used in a highly flexible manner and, in addition to simply emitting light, the lighting device can also be used to detect movement.

[0012] In particular, the functionality of the lighting device is thus expanded to offer a person or user of the motor vehicle added value. Based on light-emitting diodes, which can be LEDs or OLEDs, so-called light touch technology, or switching of the LEDs between emitter and phototransistor mode, can be provided for contactless detection of gestures or similar in the immediate vicinity of the lighting device. Thus, a proximity sensor or touch-sensitive sensor can also be provided via the lighting device.

[0013] In particular, the lighting device thus comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes, where "plurality" particularly means more than two light-emitting diodes. Thus, in particular, a so-called array / matrix can be provided. This makes it possible to generate so-called pixel light, which can be designed for external communication and customization. In other words, the lighting device comprises a plurality of individual light sources that can be individually controlled and produce a collective appearance. By means of the method according to the invention, the pixel light is thus switched in such a way that a situation, in particular an approach or a gesture or the like, in front of the lighting device can be detected.Depending on the direction detected using the location-accurate and temporally resolved intensity detection, the movement, for example a gesture in three-dimensional space (horizontally, vertically, and in depth), can then be detected with the help of the electronic computing device, which in turn triggers corresponding scenarios by, for example, specifically activating actuators and outputs. This functionality can preferably only be provided for a predetermined period of time, for example when a vehicle lock is opened using keyless entry. In particular, this functionality can be provided when the motor vehicle is stationary. Alternatively, this functionality can also be provided when the motor vehicle is moving, for example when it is parked.

[0014] In particular, it is proposed that the lighting device be extended with existing hardware to include motion detection functionality. This creates a single-sensor solution consisting of an emitter and a sensor in a single assembly. The lighting device is thus designed to simultaneously illuminate and detect motion. This allows for an improvement in the installation space with regard to the functionality of the entire vehicle. This allows for fewer components with potentially lower failure rates and a lower cost structure, as well as lower energy requirements for the vehicle.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, a functional unit of the motor vehicle is controlled based on the specific movement. For example, the lighting device can be designed as the rear light of the motor vehicle, and upon approach or upon a specific gesture or movement, a trunk lid can be opened as a functional unit of the motor vehicle. This enables the lighting device to be used in a highly functional manner.

[0016] It is also advantageous if an object contour of the object is determined based on the evaluation. In particular, an object contour can be reliably detected based on the reflected light radiation. For example, a hand can be recognized as an object contour, or a finger or two fingers, in particular a gesture, or the like. Thus, different gestures can be detected based on the object contour.

[0017] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if a functional unit of the motor vehicle is controlled based on the determined object contour. In particular, a plurality of functional units can be controlled based on the detected movement. In particular, a different functional unit can be detected for the differently detected movement. For example, a first functional unit can be controlled for a first gesture, and a second gesture that is different from the first gesture can be controlled for a second functional unit that is different from the first functional unit. Thus, a plurality of different functional units can be controlled with the aid of the lighting device.

[0018] It is also advantageous if movement of the object outside the motor vehicle is detected. In particular, the object is, for example, a person or a part of the person's body. The detected movement outside the motor vehicle can, for example, be used to recognize the person behind the car, which can, for example, trigger a warning for a driver of the motor vehicle during a parking maneuver or the like and / or alternatively, a braking device can be actuated. Furthermore, the object can also be static, so that support from additional parking sensors can be realized during the parking process. Furthermore, different gestures of the person outside the motor vehicle can be recognized, so that, for example, access authorization to the motor vehicle or the trunk can be realized based on the movement.Furthermore, if, for example, the lighting device is arranged on the tailgate, an approach of the tailgate to a ceiling during opening can be detected and the opening process can thus be interrupted, in particular before a collision between the tailgate and the ceiling occurs.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, after light has been emitted by the first light-emitting diode, light is received by the first light-emitting diode and / or after light has been received by the second light-emitting diode, light is emitted by the second light-emitting diode. In particular, switching can thus be carried out between transmitting and receiving by the first light-emitting diode and the second light-emitting diode. For example, at a first point in time, the first light-emitting diode can emit light and the second light-emitting diode can receive light. At a second point in time that is different from the first point in time, the first light-emitting diode can then be designed to receive light and the second light-emitting diode can transmit light. The light device for detecting movement can thus be designed to be highly functional.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment, a switching frequency between a switching process of the first LED and the second LED is set depending on the visibility of the light to a person. In particular, a control frequency for the visibility of the lighting function can thus be set. For example, a fast switching frequency can ensure that the light emitted by the LEDs is visible to the person. A slow switching frequency, in turn, can ensure, in particular, that, for example, the emitted light is not visible to the person. Thus, movement can be detected highly effectively both with light that is perceptible to the person and with light that is not perceptible to the person.

[0021] It is further advantageous if the lighting device is provided as a rear light of the motor vehicle and / or as a headlight of the motor vehicle and / or as a side light of the motor vehicle. In particular, the lighting device can thus be configured at different installation locations of the motor vehicle, and the movement can be detected. The lighting device can thus be used in a highly functional manner. Additionally, the lighting device can also be provided in an interior of the motor vehicle and thus detect movement within the motor vehicle. For example, gesture control can then be provided in the interior of the motor vehicle.

[0022] The presented method is, in particular, a computer-implemented method. Therefore, a further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product with program code means that cause an electronic computing device, when the program code means are processed by the electronic computing device, to perform a method according to the preceding aspect. A further aspect of the invention therefore also relates to a computer-readable storage medium with the computer program product. The computer program product can also be referred to as a computer program.

[0023] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least a first light-emitting diode, a second light-emitting diode, and an electronic computing device, wherein the lighting device is designed to carry out a method according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the method is carried out using this lighting device.

[0024] The electronic computing device comprises, in particular, processors, circuits, in particular integrated circuits, and other electronic components to enable the method to be carried out.

[0025] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a lighting device according to the preceding aspect.

[0026] The invention also includes further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention and the lighting device according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention and the lighting device according to the invention are not described again here.

[0027] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle with an embodiment of a lighting device; and Fig. 2 a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a lighting device.

[0029] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described exemplary embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0030] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 1 with an embodiment of a lighting device 2. The lighting device 2 is designed in particular as a rear light. Alternatively or additionally, the lighting device 2 can also be provided as a headlight of the motor vehicle 1 and / or as a side light of the motor vehicle 1. The lighting device 2 is designed in particular to detect a movement 3, which is represented here by an arrow. The movement 3 is carried out in the present case by a hand as object 4 by a user (not shown). In particular, the movement 3 can thus be a gesture.

[0032] The light device 2 is designed in particular as a so-called pixel light and in this case has at least one first light-emitting diode 5 ( Fig. 2) and a second LED 6 ( Fig. 2). In particular, it can be provided that the lighting device 2 can also have more than two light-emitting diodes 5, 6, and in particular can be designed as a so-called light-emitting diode array or pixel light. The lighting device 2 is characterized in particular by the fact that the light-emitting diodes 5, 6 can be controlled individually while still providing a collective appearance.

[0033] The light device 2 is designed in particular in such a way that, for example, the approach or gesture, as shown in the Fig. 1, or the movement 3 in front of the lighting device 2 can be detected. According to the detected direction based on the location-precise and temporally resolved intensity detection, the gesture can be recognized in three-dimensional space with the help of an electronic computing device 8 of the lighting device 2, which in turn triggers corresponding scenarios, for example by specifically activating actuators and outputs. The functionality itself is preferably only active for a predetermined period of time, for example when opening a vehicle lock using so-called keyless entry. In the present exemplary embodiment, a tailgate as a functional unit 9 can be opened in particular on the basis of the movement 3.

[0034] Furthermore, it can be provided that pedestrians behind the motor vehicle 1 can be detected by means of the lighting device 2, in which case an activation of a warning or triggering of a braking device can be carried out as an extended parking assistance. Furthermore, the parking sensors can also be supported during the parking process. Furthermore, the swiping gesture, as described in Fig. 1, may cause the trunk lid to open. Furthermore, obstacles, such as ceilings, may be detected during trunk opening, and this may interrupt the opening process without the trunk lid colliding with the ceiling.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the lighting device 2. The lighting device 2 has at least the first light-emitting diode 5 and the light-emitting diode 6 formed separately from the first light-emitting diode 5. In the present embodiment, light 10 is emitted into an environment 11 of the lighting device 2 by means of the first light-emitting diode 5, and light 10 is received from the environment 11 by means of the second light-emitting diode 6.

[0036] It is provided that an evaluation of the received light 10 is carried out as a function of the emitted light 10 by means of the electronic computing device 8 of the lighting device 2 and, on the basis of the evaluation, the movement 3 of the object 4, which at least partially reflects the emitted light 10 to the second light-emitting diode 6, is detected in the environment 11.

[0037] In Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, for example, a finger 7 is shown as object 4. In particular, the light device 2 can thus be provided in the form of a touchscreen.

[0038] In particular, it can further be provided that on the basis of the evaluation an object contour 12, for example whether in the present exemplary embodiment it is a finger or two fingers or the entire hand, of the object 4 is determined, wherein then on the basis of the determined object contour 12 a functional unit 9 of the motor vehicle 1 can in turn be controlled.

[0039] As already mentioned, in particular, the movement 3 of the object 4 outside the motor vehicle 1 can be detected. Alternatively, a movement 3 inside the motor vehicle 1 can also be detected.

[0040] Furthermore, it can be provided that after the light 10 has been emitted by the first light-emitting diode 5, light 10 is received by the first light-emitting diode 5 and / or after the light 10 has been received by the second light-emitting diode 6, light is emitted by the second light-emitting diode 6. In particular, this can be carried out alternately, at a predetermined switching frequency. The switching frequency between a respective switching process of the first light-emitting diode 5 and the second light-emitting diode 6 can be adjusted depending on the visibility of the light 10 for a person.

[0041] In particular, the Fig. 1 and Fig.The lighting device 2 shown in Figure 2 comprises a light-emitting diode matrix in which the individual light-emitting diodes 5, 6, which can in particular also be provided as LEDs or OLEDs, perform both the function of an emitter and the function of a sensor, wherein these can be switched accordingly. The lighting device 2 is in the active state. The number of transmitting and receiving light-emitting diodes 5, 6, i.e. how many of the light-emitting diodes 5, 6 can be configured as transmitters or receivers, is coordinated with the efficiency of the detection and the light phenomenon. In particular, the lighting device 2 uses the emitted light 10, which is reflected by the object 4 and in turn received by the other light-emitting diode 5, 6.In particular, disruptive effects such as ambient light can be masked out. For example, if the wavelength selectivity is set to red, the corresponding receiver diode can also detect in the red wavelength range. In particular, alternating operation between the light-emitting diodes 5, 6 can also be proposed, so that the corresponding lighting function of the lighting device 2 can also be perceived. In particular, the precise spatial resolution of the matrix allows movement 3 to be detected precisely, so that, for example, the object contour 12, for example whether it is a finger, two fingers, or a hand, can be recognized based on a recognized connected area and a corresponding action can be carried out based on the movement of the pattern, for example based on the direction of movement or the speed.Furthermore, the selection of the control frequency for the visibility of the light function by the eye of a person is also possible, for example by providing a fast switching frequency so that the emitted light 10 is visible to the person or by a slow switching frequency so that the emitted light is not visible to the person.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a lighting device (2) of a motor vehicle (1), in which the lighting device (2) is provided with at least one first light-emitting diode (5) and with a second light-emitting diode (6) separate from the first light-emitting diode (5), wherein light (10) is emitted into an environment (11) of the lighting device (2) by means of at least the first light-emitting diode (5) and light (10) is received from the environment (11) by means of the second light-emitting diode (6), characterized bythat an evaluation of the received light (10) is carried out as a function of the emitted light (10) by means of an electronic computing device (8) of the lighting device (2), and on the basis of the evaluation, a movement (3) of an object (4) relative to the lighting device (2), which object at least partially reflects the emitted light (10) to the second light-emitting diode (6), is detected in the environment (11), wherein the lighting device (2) is designed to simultaneously illuminate the environment (11) and to detect the movement (3). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that a functional unit (9) of the motor vehicle (1) is controlled on the basis of the determined movement (3). [3] Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that an object contour (12) of the object (4) is determined on the basis of the evaluation. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized bythat a functional unit (9) of the motor vehicle (1) is controlled on the basis of the determined object contour (12). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a movement (3) of the object (4) outside the motor vehicle (1) is detected. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that after the emission of light (10) by means of the first light-emitting diode (5), a reception of light (10) by means of the first light-emitting diode (5) and / or after the reception of light (10) by means of the second light-emitting diode (6), a transmission of light (10) by means of the second light-emitting diode (6) is carried out. [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by that a switching frequency between a switching process of the first light-emitting diode (5) and the second light-emitting diode (6) is set depending on a visibility of the light (10) for a person. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lighting device (2) is provided as a rear light of the motor vehicle (1) and / or as a headlight of the motor vehicle (1) and / or as a side light of the motor vehicle (1). [9] Computer program product with program code means which cause an electronic computing device (8) to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8 when the program code means are processed by the electronic computing device (8). [10] Lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), with at least one first light-emitting diode (5), one second light-emitting diode (6) and one electronic computing device (8), wherein the lighting device (2) is designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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