Method for controlling a motor vehicle interior lighting system, computer program product and motor vehicle

Abstract

A method for controlling a motor vehicle interior lighting system is described, wherein the motor vehicle interior lighting system has at least one light source that is variable with respect to brightness and / or luminous color, wherein at least one brightness parameter and / or luminous color parameter of the at least one light source is changed by means of a control algorithm, wherein the control algorithm is implemented in a control unit of an infotainment system and has a software interface to applications of the infotainment system and external systems.

Description

[0001] A method for controlling a motor vehicle interior lighting system of a motor vehicle, a computer program product and a motor vehicle are described.

[0002] Methods for controlling a motor vehicle interior lighting system of a motor vehicle, computer program products and motor vehicles of the type mentioned above are known in the prior art.

[0003] Motor vehicle interior lighting systems of the type mentioned above are known in the prior art. Motor vehicles typically have several light sources in their interiors, which serve for functional lighting and ambient lighting. Many motor vehicles have lighting elements in the headliner and footwell. Some motor vehicles also have additional lighting elements distributed throughout the interior. For example, motor vehicles with illuminated air vents or decorative elements are known.

[0004] State-of-the-art lighting systems can often be adjusted with regard to certain parameters, such as brightness and dimming behavior, for example, when entering or exiting a vehicle. A control system in such systems is used to activate the lighting elements depending on the setting and the respective event, for example, dimming the footwell lighting when a door is opened or dimming it when a vehicle starts moving. Furthermore, the light color is also known to be adjustable.

[0005] However, the disadvantage of the known vehicle interior lighting systems is that they are relatively static, which does not meet the desire of many vehicle users for lighting that is appropriate to the situation and mood.

[0006] US 2011 / 0084852 A1 discloses a device for transmitting information to an operator of a vehicle without unnecessarily distracting the operator by illuminating a vehicle interior with different colors. The device comprises a lighting control unit that monitors an information input and determines a lighting color command based on the information input. The device further comprises a lighting system that communicates with the lighting control module and generates a lighting color on the interior based on the lighting color command.

[0007] The task therefore arises of further developing methods for controlling a motor vehicle interior lighting system of a motor vehicle, computer program products and motor vehicles of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that a more situation-appropriate control of a motor vehicle interior lighting system is possible than in the prior art.

[0008] The object is achieved by a method for controlling a motor vehicle interior lighting system of a motor vehicle according to claim 1, a computer program product according to the independent claim 8 and a motor vehicle according to the independent claim 9. Further embodiments and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] A method is described for controlling a motor vehicle interior lighting system of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle interior lighting system has at least one illuminant variable with respect to brightness and / or luminous color, wherein at least one brightness parameter and / or luminous color parameter of the at least one illuminant is changed by means of a control algorithm, wherein the control algorithm is implemented in a control unit of an infotainment system and has a software interface to applications of the infotainment system and external systems.

[0010] A suitable light source could be an LED. Dimmable and color-changing LEDs are common. An LED consists of several semiconductor layers that generate light when electrons and holes recombine within the semiconductor layers. These layers are connected to terminals that enable the flow of electrical current through the semiconductor layers. LEDs that can change their color often contain several chips configured to emit light in the primary colors red, green, and blue. By mixing these colors at appropriate intensities, almost any color can be created. A corresponding LED controller in the light source controls the mixing ratio of the colors to produce the desired color.

[0011] The brightness of the LED can be changed by adjusting the current flowing through it. This is often achieved using pulse-width modulation (PWM), in which the current is quickly switched on and off. The LED controller can also control the brightness.

[0012] The infotainment system's control unit can be part of a motor vehicle's so-called head unit. A head unit combines various functions such as audio, navigation, communication, and vehicle information. Often, at least one flat screen is provided in the center console, displaying information such as the radio, air conditioning, and navigation. Control is typically via buttons, knobs, touchscreens, voice control, or gesture control, which are often located near the screen or on the steering wheel.

[0013] The infotainment system controls audio and media playback. With a GPS receiver and navigation software, if integrated, it also provides route guidance and traffic information. The head unit can also be connected to driver assistance systems such as rearview cameras, parking sensors, and lane-keeping assistants.

[0014] A software interface is often referred to as an API (Application Programming Interface). This is an interface that allows different software applications to communicate with each other and exchange data. It typically consists of endpoints that have specific URLs through which requests are made to the API. Each of these URLs corresponds to a specific function or set of data. APIs often use the HTTP protocol to specify what type of action should be performed. Other proprietary protocols are also conceivable. The software interface may require authentication to ensure that only authorized users have access.

[0015] The main function of the software interface is to receive data from the applications and external systems and then adjust the control algorithm to set a specific color or light brightness.

[0016] Using this method, it is possible for the various applications and external systems connected to the software interface to influence at least one variable light source, thereby either influencing the mood of the vehicle's passenger(s) or transmitting information. This creates a more immersive driving experience and makes it possible to transmit relevant information to the driver without distraction, for example, warning of hazards.

[0017] In a first further embodiment, it is provided that the control algorithm changes the at least one parameter depending on data received via the software interface.

[0018] In this way, the incoming data can be interpreted in the control unit.

[0019] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that the motor vehicle interior lighting system has a plurality of variable lighting means that can be controlled by the control algorithm, wherein the variable lighting means can be changed differently from one another individually or in groups.

[0020] In this way, dynamic lighting effects can be achieved, for example pointing in one direction, dynamic pointing in one direction, in which a brightness or a color is modified via the various variable light sources in such a way that the eye of a passenger or driver is directed in a certain direction.

[0021] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that the software interface is connected to at least one sensor, wherein the control algorithm is configured to control the at least one variable lighting means in dependence on a sensor signal of the at least one sensor.

[0022] Such a sensor could, for example, be a sensor from a driver assistance system, such as a parking aid. This way, the distance to an obstacle can be signaled in the direction of travel in front of the driver using different colors and flashing signals.

[0023] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that the control algorithm is designed to change the at least one illuminant for a limited period of time and then change it back to a previous state.

[0024] This allows a temporary display of a status to be achieved.

[0025] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that the control algorithm is connected to a driver assistance system via the software interface and is configured to change the at least one lighting means depending on a status of the driver assistance system.

[0026] Among other things, a corresponding driving mode of the vehicle can be indicated by color. For example, if the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode, at least one of the corresponding lamps can glow green.

[0027] It is also possible to warn of possible collisions or dangers, for example by activating the corresponding lights on one side to flash red if there is an imminent danger from one side.

[0028] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that the control algorithm is connected to a multimedia application of the infotainment system via the software interface and is configured to change the at least one lighting means depending on signals from the multimedia application.

[0029] This can be used, for example, to enhance the immersive experience when selecting a music album that has a specific color. At least one light source can then glow in the same color or in a medium color. If the music album is predominantly blue, for example, the light source can glow blue.

[0030] A first independent subject matter relates to a computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium on which instructions are embedded which, when executed by at least one computing unit, cause the at least one computing unit to be configured to carry out the method of the aforementioned type.

[0031] The method can be carried out in a distributed manner on one or more computing units, so that certain method steps are carried out on one computing unit and other method steps are carried out on at least one further computing unit, whereby calculated data can be transmitted between the computing units if necessary.

[0032] Another independent subject matter relates to a motor vehicle with a computer program product of the type described above.

[0033] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, which – where appropriate with reference to the drawings – describes at least one embodiment in detail. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0034] The single figure shows a schematic of a motor vehicle 2.

[0035] The motor vehicle 2 has an infotainment system 4, which is a component of a head unit. The infotainment system 4 is connected to a motor vehicle interior lighting system 6, which has a plurality of lighting devices 6.1 to 6.3, each of which is configured as dimmable RGB LEDs.

[0036] The infotainment system 4 has a variety of functions, including a game application 4.1, a weather application 4.2 and an audio application 4.3 with a decoder 4.4.

[0037] The infotainment system 4 also has a control algorithm 8, which is connected to the applications 4.1, 4.2 and the decoder 4.4 via a software interface 8.1.

[0038] The software interface 8.1 is also open to external input sources, including a sensor 10.1 used for an ADAS system and another sensor 10.2.

[0039] The software interface is a standardized software API that enables a context-based lighting concept. The API can process API calls originating from applications 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 running on a vehicle infotainment system, or from external input sources such as applications and sensor signals that reflect the broader context surrounding the vehicle.

[0040] This enables the provision of a flexible and future-proof software service that offers comprehensive control methods for the vehicle's interior lighting. This opens up new use cases for expanding ambient light applications.

[0041] Example 1: The weather application 4.1 on the infotainment system 4 can execute ambient light animations while weather information is displayed on the infotainment system 4 screen. A "rain" weather forecast is complemented by blue, waterdrop-like ambient light animations. The "partly cloudy with sunny spells" weather forecast is complemented by gray-white and yellow ambient light animations. The "thunderstorm" weather forecast is complemented by blue-white ambient light flashes. The "sunny" weather forecast is complemented by a warm-yellow "sun-like" ambient light animation.

[0042] Example 2: The icon of an application launched on the infotainment system is analyzed based on the primary colors used on the app icon. These colors are fed into control algorithm 8 via software interface 8.1, which converts the ambient light of lamps 6.1 to 6.3 into colors that reflect the icon colors of the launched applications. The ambient light color change is triggered only for a short period of time, for example, 10 seconds. After this period, the ambient light returns to the default ambient light settings defined by the vehicle user.

[0043] Example 3: Control algorithm 8 can be linked to a Dolby Atmos metadata stream licensed from Dolby Inc. via software interface 8.1. Within this metadata stream, spatial information from sound sources can be "translated" by control algorithm 8 into spatial light representations of the sound sources to create an immersive experience.

[0044] Example 4: Motor vehicle 2 is moving in an inner-city area. ADAS sensor 10.1 detects pedestrians around motor vehicle 2. This data is transferred to software interface 8.1, and corresponding warning lighting effects are then generated using lighting devices 6.1 to 6.3.

[0045] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned by way of example are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as a further explanation in the description. List of reference symbols 2 motor vehicles 4 Infotainment system 4.1 Game application 4.2 Weather application 4.3 Audio application 4.4 Decoder 6 Automotive interior lighting system 6.1 - 6.3 Light sources 8 Control algorithm 8.1 Software interface 10.1 ADAS sensor 10.2 Sensor QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 2011 / 0084852 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Method for controlling a motor vehicle interior lighting system (6) of a motor vehicle (2), wherein the motor vehicle interior lighting system (6) has at least one illuminating means (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) variable in terms of brightness and / or luminous colour, wherein at least one brightness parameter and / or luminous colour parameter of the at least one illuminating means (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) is changed by means of a control algorithm (8), characterized by that the control algorithm (8) is implemented in a control unit of an infotainment system (4) and has a software interface (8.1) to applications (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) of the infotainment system (4) and external systems (10.1, 10.2). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the control algorithm (8) changes the at least one parameter depending on data received via the software interface (8.1). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the motor vehicle interior lighting system (6) has a plurality of variable lighting means (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) which can be controlled by the control algorithm (8), wherein the variable lighting means (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) can be varied differently from one another individually or in groups. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the software interface (8.1) is connected to at least one sensor (10.1, 10.2), wherein the control algorithm (8) is configured to control the at least one variable lighting means (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) in dependence on a sensor signal of the at least one sensor. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control algorithm (8) is designed to change the at least one lighting means (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) for a limited period of time and then change it back to a previous state. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control algorithm (8) is connected to a driver assistance system via the software interface (8.1) and is designed to change the at least one lighting means (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) depending on a status of the driver assistance system. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control algorithm (8) is connected to a multimedia application (4.3) of the infotainment system (4) via the software interface (8.1) and is designed to change the at least one lighting means (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) depending on signals from the multimedia application (4.3). [8] Computer program product, comprising a computer-readable storage medium on which instructions are embedded which, when executed by at least one computing unit, cause the at least one computing unit to be adapted to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Motor vehicle with a computer program product according to claim 8.

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