Method for illuminating lettering on an exterior panel and corresponding exterior panel for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for illuminating lettering (11) on an exterior panel (10) of a motor vehicle, comprising the following features: - the lighting is provided by a light source in the outer cladding (10) and - the light source is controlled in such a way that certain state variables of the illuminated lettering (11) change periodically, characterized by the following feature: - at least one of the state variables follows a sine, hyperbolic or piecewise linear function with a period corresponding to a human heartbeat.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for illuminating lettering on an exterior panel. The present invention further relates to a corresponding exterior panel, a corresponding computer program, and a corresponding storage medium. State of the art

[0002] The automotive industry has always strived to improve the aesthetics and functionality of vehicles, with exterior appearance and its individualization playing a particularly important role. One element that contributes to visual identity and information transfer is the lettering applied to exterior panels. This not only serves to display brand names or model designations, but can also communicate additional information such as the vehicle's technical status.

[0003] In the field of vehicle identification and decoration, illuminated lettering mounted on exterior components is a well-known example. This lettering is typically equipped with one or more light sources that provide static illumination. Patent application DE 10 2024 101 374 A1 discloses, for instance, lettering characterized by its transparency and backlit by a light source integrated into the component.

[0004] The state of the art includes exterior cladding made from a wide variety of materials. Thermoplastics with diverse technical and optical properties are particularly common. The spectrum ranges from transparent to translucent to opaque plastics, which allow light to pass through and scatter it to varying degrees.

[0005] DE 102009030684 A1 discloses a vehicle component with backlit lettering, the backlighting being static and using different colors. For example, the current fuel consumption and thus the current driving style can be indicated by different colors of the lettering.

[0006] From GB 2475940 A, an entry strip with a backlit inscription is known, wherein the illumination of the inscription is dynamic in the form of a running light.

[0007] From CN 212709196 U, an entry strip with a backlit inscription is known, whereby the illumination of the inscription can be static with different colors.

[0008] From DE 102008016375 A1 a display device arranged on a vehicle component for displaying lettering is known, wherein the lettering can be illuminated statically, as a running light or as a flashing light.

[0009] DE 102014003217 A1 describes a tire with illuminated lettering that can be fully or partially illuminated in different colors. This allows, for example, the charge level of a battery in an electric vehicle equipped with the tire to be displayed.

[0010] From DE 102017207225 A1 a column cladding with lettering is known which can be statically backlit with different luminous colors.

[0011] From DE 102020005027 A1, a lettering provided on a vehicle component with variable, static lighting for indicating a state of charge of a battery is known, wherein the state of charge can be represented by different light colors and / or different light intensities.

[0012] From DE 102018114288 A1 an illuminated vehicle logo is known, wherein several light sources can be selectively controlled to create a combination of light effects with regard to color, brightness, flashing and pulsing.

[0013] From DE 202016105406 U1 a statically illuminated emblem of a vehicle is known, wherein the emblem can be statically illuminated section by section, with different light intensity and / or with different light colors.

[0014] DE 102019100520 A1 also describes an illuminated emblem which can be statically illuminated with different colors.

[0015] DE 10 2018 006 830 A1 discloses the subject matter of the preamble of claim 1. Disclosure of the invention

[0016] One problem is that conventional illuminated lettering, due to its static nature, only has two states – "on" and "off". This significantly limits the possibility of displaying intermediate stages or gradual transitions. As a result, warning messages or detailed information such as the charge level of an electric vehicle cannot be adequately visualized.

[0017] Another problem arises from the use of transparent materials for the lettering. This results in a technically austere appearance, especially when the lights are switched off. Furthermore, the transparent materials do not allow for even light distribution, leading to an uneven lighting effect with visible individual points of light from the light sources. Such optical imperfections diminish the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle markings and can negatively impact brand perception.

[0018] The described problem is solved by a method for illuminating lettering on an exterior cladding, a device, a computer program and a corresponding storage medium according to the independent claims.

[0019] This dynamic lighting enables a wide range of visual effects that go far beyond the simple states of "on" and "off". Instead, it opens up a continuous spectrum of brightness levels, allowing for finely adjustable modulation of the light. This gradual control makes it possible to communicate subtle information and create visually appealing transitions.

[0020] The optional variation in color allows for the intuitive representation of different vehicle states and functions. For example, a change in color temperature can indicate the charge status of the traction battery, while a change in brightness symbolizes the charging process itself. This differentiated lighting method helps to ensure that drivers and pedestrians are effectively and immediately informed about the vehicle's operating status.

[0021] The use of translucent materials for the lettering allows for a homogeneous light distribution, which reduces the visibility of individual light sources and thus results in a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing presentation. This also improves the vehicle's external appearance when stationary, as the underlying technology remains discreetly concealed.

[0022] Furthermore, the dynamic adjustment of the illuminated area offers new possibilities for creating visual effects. For example, chasing lights can be used to suggest movement, or the charging status can be symbolized by successively illuminating different segments. Such lighting effects give the vehicle a unique appearance and can also serve as an interactive element that reacts to user actions.

[0023] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a flashlight pointed at a plate made of transparent plastic. Fig. Figure 2 shows a flashlight pointed at a plate made of translucent plastic. Fig. Figure 3 shows a flashlight pointed at a plate made of opaque plastic. Fig. Image 4 shows the illuminated lettering “GT3RS” on a familiar exterior add-on part. Fig. Figure 5 shows the graph of a continuous and strictly monotonically increasing function of brightness over time. Fig. Figure 6 shows the graph of a corresponding function of the color temperature of the lighting. Fig. Figure 7 shows the graph of a corresponding function of the extent of the illumination. Fig. Figure 8 shows a sinusoidal brightness gradient ("pulsing"). Fig. Figure 9 shows a sudden, alternating brightness profile between two extremes ("flashing"). Fig. Figure 10 shows a periodically steep rising and gradually falling brightness profile. Fig. Figure 11 shows a brightness profile that initially alternates abruptly between two extremes, but then gradually rises to a maximum as the vehicle unlocks. Fig. Figure 12 shows an outer cladding according to the invention in dynamic color change. Fig. Figure 13 shows an outer panel according to the invention which indicates the state of charge of the vehicle's battery by increasing the extent of the lighting. Fig. Figure 14 shows a possible combination of the described modes of operation for conveying the state of charge. Embodiments of the invention

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a lighting situation in which a flashlight is directed at a sheet of transparent plastic. It can be seen that the light passes through the transparent material (not labeled) almost unimpeded, leaving underlying structures clearly visible.

[0025] According to Fig. In Figure 2, the same light source is directed onto a plate made of translucent plastic. The optical properties of the translucent material ensure a diffuse light distribution, which obscures the details of the light source and creates a uniform luminous appearance.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 shows a flashlight pointed at a plate made of opaque plastic. No light passes through the plate, which may be made of metal or black-dyed polypropylene (PP), for example.

[0027] Fig. Figure 4 presents the illuminated lettering “GT3RS” (11) on the exterior add-on part (10) known from DE 10 2024 101 374.5. The illustration clarifies the conventional application of a statically illuminated lettering in the automotive sector.

[0028] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the graph of a continuous and strictly monotonically increasing brightness function over time, compared to a lighting system that changes abruptly from dark to bright but is otherwise static. This illustration demonstrates how light intensity can be controlled ("dimming") to utilize the entire brightness spectrum.

[0029] In Fig. Figure 6 shows the graph of a function of the lighting's color temperature. This graph illustrates the change in color temperature over time, which is made possible by the dynamic control of the light source and allows for a differentiated display of states and processes.

[0030] Fig. Figure 7 shows the graph of a function that describes the increasing extent of the illumination over time. The lettering thus appears illuminated over an increasingly larger area.

[0031] Fig. Figure 8 demonstrates a sinusoidal brightness gradient, which is perceived as a "pulsation". This type of light modulation can be used to represent an active charging process or similar states.

[0032] Fig. Figure 9 shows a sudden, alternating brightness gradient between two extremes, which is perceived as "flashing". Such a brightness gradient can be used, for example, in warning or danger situations.

[0033] Fig. Figure 10 represents a periodically steep increase in brightness followed by a gradual decrease. This could be used to signal a vehicle start sequence or other time-limited processes.

[0034] In Fig. Figure 11 illustrates a brightness gradient that initially alternates abruptly between two extremes, but then gradually increases to its maximum as the vehicle is unlocked. This sequence could, for example, be used to visually accompany the unlocking of the vehicle.

[0035] The dynamic lighting oscillates between several colors, but can also remain at any single color. Depending on the oscillation function and speed, various situations or states can be depicted. Similar to pulsing with brightness between "bright" and "dark," colors can also be pulsed. For example, the color might change from "white" to "red." The oscillation can be, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the process is such that a white base light is visually created, over which a red pulse becomes visible. The lettering (11) can then change from red through orange and yellow to green, thereby indicating the state of charge (SOC) of the battery of an electric vehicle.

[0036] Fig. Figure 13 illustrates an exterior panel (10) where the charge level of the vehicle's battery is indicated by an increasing expansion of the lighting. The individual areas of the lighting symbolize charge bars that are activated successively. A running light could also be depicted, moving back and forth between the ends of the component.

[0037] The three previously mentioned modes of operation can also be combined to enhance the desired effect. For example, while pulsing with brightness can indicate an active charging process of an electric vehicle, it is difficult to convey information about the battery's state of charge (SOC). This can be achieved by additionally combining it with color and / or area dynamics. For example, as in the example of... Fig. 14 the lettering (11) shines white, with one area pulsating in color. Reference symbol list 10 Exterior cladding 11 Lettering

Claims

[1] Method for illuminating lettering (11) on an exterior panel (10) of a motor vehicle, comprising the following features: - the lighting is provided by a light source in the outer cladding (10) and - the light source is controlled in such a way that certain state variables of the illuminated lettering (11) change periodically, characterized by the following characteristic: - at least one of the state variables follows a sine, hyperbolic or piecewise linear function with a period corresponding to a human heartbeat. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by at least one of the following characteristics: - the state variables include the brightness of the lighting, - the state variables include the color temperature of the lighting or - the state variables include the extent of the illumination. [3] Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized byat least one of the following characteristics: - the state variables indicate a charging process of the vehicle, - the state variables indicate the vehicle's state of charge, - the condition variables indicate a malfunction of the vehicle, - the state variables signal a start sequence of the vehicle or - the state variables signal a dangerous situation. [4] Exterior cladding (10) for a motor vehicle, characterized by the following characteristics: - the outer cladding (10) bears an inscription (11) and contains a light source and - the outer cladding (10) is configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 3. [5] Outer cladding (10) according to claim 4, characterized by the following characteristics: - the outer cladding (10) consists of plastic and - the lettering (11) is translucent. [6] Outer cladding (10) according to claim 5, characterized by the following characteristics: - the plastic is polypropylene and - the lettering (11) is colored. [7] Computer program which is configured to perform all steps of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. [8] Machine-readable storage medium with a computer program stored thereon according to claim 7.

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