METHOD FOR INDIVIDUALLY CONTROLLING A LIGHT STRIP OF A PASSENGER TRANSPORT VEHICLE AND PASSENGER TRANSPORT VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for individually controlling a light strip of a passenger transport vehicle, wherein the passenger transport vehicle has at least one row of seats with several seats, and wherein the light strip is arranged to illuminate the seats.

[0002] Such a method is known from US 2015 / 257224 A1. According to this method, a light strip intended for lighting purposes is divided into individually controllable sections. DE102007004829A1 discloses a lighting system and an associated method that enables easy reconfiguration of cabin lighting.

[0003] Some passenger transport vehicles, especially rail vehicles, offer the possibility of changing the seating layout. For example, seats can be removed from or added to the vehicle, seats can be moved, and / or seat orientations can be changed. To provide movable seats, the seats can, for example, be mounted on rails.

[0004] Each seat provides a seat for one passenger.

[0005] Typically, seating areas are illuminated by fixed, directional light sources, also known as spotlights, located in the ceiling. However, these cannot be adjusted to a changed seating layout.

[0006] To adapt the seating lighting to a changed seating layout, it is conceivable, for example, to mount the light spots – similar to the seats – on rails so that they can be moved. In this case, however, a cost-effective wiring solution must be found.

[0007] Document WO 2020 / 011462 A1 discloses a generic process.

[0008] One object of the invention is to provide a method for individual seating lighting.

[0009] The invention is a method according to claim 1 and a passenger transport vehicle according to claim 5.

[0010] This means that preferably at least some of the light sources of the light strip that are arranged in the selected section are switched on.

[0011] With the method according to the invention, the section of the light strip can be selected individually, in particular depending on a seating layout. Furthermore, precisely the selected section can be controlled. In this way, at least some of the light sources of the light strip that are arranged exactly in the selected section can be switched on and off.

[0012] The light sources of the light strip located in the selected section are hereinafter referred to simply as "light sources in the selected section". Sections of the light strip that are not selected are expediently left uncontrolled. This ensures that the switching state of the light sources in these sections remains unchanged.

[0013] Within the area of ​​one of the seating areas, several sections of the light strip can be selected. This means that, in addition to the first section mentioned, at least one further section of the light strip can be selected. In this case, the switching state of at least some of the light sources in the light strip located in the selected sections is preferably changed.

[0014] Passenger transport can be defined as any means of transport designed for carrying passengers. Examples of passenger transport include trains, buses, airplanes, ships, and similar vehicles.

[0015] A row of seats can be understood as a series of seats. The seats in the row can be arranged, for example, side by side or one behind the other. The orientation of the seats relative to the passenger vehicle can be arbitrary.

[0016] Each seat conveniently provides one seating space – for example, for one user, especially for one passenger.

[0017] The selection of a section of the light strip and the changing of the switching state of at least some of the light sources arranged in the selected section can be accomplished by means of a selection switching device. The selection switching device can include a change device separate from the switching device. Advantageously, the switching device and the change device are identical.

[0018] It is advantageous if the switching state can be changed manually in the respective seating area. This means that preferably the switching state of at least some of the light sources in the light strip located in the selected section can be changed manually in the respective seating area. For example, the switching state can be changed manually by a user in the respective seating area.

[0019] The area of ​​a seat, also called seating area, preferably comprises a respective seat and an area around the respective seat.

[0020] The seating area can, for example, be at least essentially cylindrical. A cylindrical area could, for example, have a radius of 1 m. The seating area can also, for example, be at least essentially cuboid. A cuboid area could, for example, have a base area of ​​1 m by 1 m. Other shapes are also conceivable.

[0021] Furthermore, it is preferred if the seating area extends from the floor of the passenger vehicle to the ceiling of the passenger vehicle.

[0022] In this way, for example, a user, especially a passenger, can change the respective seat lighting by manually adjusting it in the respective seating area.

[0023] It is preferred if the switching state of at least some of the light sources in the selected section of the light strip is changed when the section is selected.

[0024] In particular, in the seating area, the section of the light strip can be selected by manual intervention in this seating area, whereby the switching state of at least some of the light sources in the selected section is changed.

[0025] According to the invention, the section of the light band is selected using at least one sensor.

[0026] According to the invention, at least one sensor is a motion sensor, also called a motion detector.

[0027] The motion sensor detects when a user's body part, particularly a passenger's, approaches the light strip. Advantageously, the detection process selects the section where the body part approaches the light strip in a predefined manner, for example, closer than a specified distance.

[0028] It is advantageous to place the motion sensor in close proximity to the light strip.

[0029] The body part could be, for example, a hand, an arm, or another part of the body.

[0030] Preferably, the switching state of at least some of the light sources in the selected section is changed when the section is selected by means of the motion detector.

[0031] In this way, the motion sensor can be used simultaneously as a selection device and as a switching device. This means that the aforementioned selection / switching device can incorporate the motion sensor.

[0032] In particular, the aforementioned selection switching device can be implemented as one or more motion sensors.

[0033] In principle, the switching state of at least some of the light sources in the selected section can also be changed separately, for example by means of a switch separate from the motion sensor, after selecting the section by means of the motion detector.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each position of a respective seat is assigned a section of the light band.

[0035] For example, a sensor, in particular a seat position detection sensor, can be provided for the assignment.

[0036] Preferably, a seat position detection sensor of the passenger transport vehicle, in particular the aforementioned seat position detection sensor, detects the position of at least one of the seats, wherein each position of a respective seat is assigned a section of the light band.

[0037] The seat position detection sensor can be, for example, a sensor on a contact strip, a radio sensor, or something similar.

[0038] When the seat layout is changed, the altered seating position can be detected by the seat position detection sensor. Furthermore, a different section can be automatically assigned to the changed seating position.

[0039] Furthermore, the allocation can be carried out using a means of transport control of the passenger transport vehicle, in particular in a vehicle control of the passenger transport vehicle.

[0040] Preferably, in a means of transport control of the passenger means of transport, in particular in the aforementioned means of transport control of the passenger means of transport, each position of a respective seat is assigned a section of the light band.

[0041] If the seating layout is changed, the assignment can be changed by reprogramming the transport control system.

[0042] It is advantageous for each seat to have a manually operated switch. Preferably, the switch is located in the respective seating area.

[0043] The section of the light strip corresponding to the respective seat, and in particular its position, is preferably selected by manually operating the respective switch, advantageously changing the switching state of at least some of the light sources in the selected section. This means that the switching state is changed when selecting the section by manually operating the respective switch.

[0044] In this way, the section of the light strip corresponding to the seat's position can be controlled. Specifically, the switching state of some of the light sources in the section corresponding to the seat's position can be changed.

[0045] In this way, the switch can be used simultaneously as a selection device and as a switching device.

[0046] In particular, the aforementioned selection switching device may include a manually operated switch. Specifically, the aforementioned selection switching device may be designed as one or more manually operated switches.

[0047] In principle, the passenger transport vehicle can have several light strips designed to illuminate seats arranged in a row of seats.

[0048] In one area of ​​one of the seating areas, a section of each light strip can be selected, and the switching state of at least some of the light sources of the light strips located in the selected sections can be changed.

[0049] In other words, in an area of ​​one of the seating areas, a section of the light strips can be selected for the multiple light strips, and the switching state of at least some of the light sources of the light strips that are arranged in the selected section can be changed.

[0050] The procedure can be repeated for other seating areas.

[0051] It is possible that in several seating areas a section (or several sections) of a light strip is selected and the switching state of at least one part of the light sources arranged in the selected sections is changed.

[0052] Furthermore, the invention relates to a passenger transport vehicle comprising at least one light strip and seats arranged in a row, wherein the light strip is designed to illuminate the seats.

[0053] The passenger transport vehicle according to the invention comprises a selection-switching means which is configured to select a section of the light strip in an area of ​​one of the seats and to change the switching state of at least some of those light sources of the light strip that are arranged in the selected section.

[0054] That is, preferably the selection switching means is configured to select a section of the light strip in an area of ​​one of the seats, i.e. in a seating area, and to switch at least some of those light sources of the light strip that are arranged in that section.

[0055] This allows for individual seating lighting.

[0056] The means of passenger transport is appropriately the means of passenger transport described in connection with the procedure.

[0057] The selection switch can be configured to change the switching state by manual intervention in this seating area.

[0058] Preferably, the selection switching device is configured to select the section of the light strip in the seating area by manual intervention in this seating area, whereby the switching state of at least some of the light sources in the selected section is changed.

[0059] This means that the selection and the switching can be performed by one and the same means, namely the selection-switching means. In other words, the selection means can be identical to the switching means.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the selection switching means has several motion sensors, also called motion detectors.

[0061] The motion sensors are designed to detect when a user's body part approaches the light strip. The motion sensors are also designed to select – particularly in the case of the aforementioned detection – the section in which the body part approaches the light strip in a predefined manner.

[0062] For example, a body part approaches the light band in a predetermined way when it gets closer than a predetermined distance and / or when it enters a predetermined area.

[0063] In a further embodiment of the invention, the selection switching device has several manually operable switches. Preferably, each seat is assigned one of the switches. The respective switch is preferably arranged in the respective seating area.

[0064] The switches are preferably configured to select a section of the light strip associated with the respective seat by manually operating the respective switch. Furthermore, the switches are preferably configured – particularly during selection – to change the switching state of at least some of the light sources in the selected section.

[0065] It is advantageous to position the light strip above the seating area.

[0066] For example, the light strip can be located in the ceiling area of ​​the passenger vehicle. In particular, the light strip can be located on the ceiling of the passenger vehicle. Furthermore, the light strip can be located on a luggage rack above the seats of the passenger vehicle.

[0067] Furthermore, the light strip can be arranged on a side wall of the passenger transport vehicle.

[0068] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the light strip is arranged at least essentially parallel to the row of seats.

[0069] The light strip can have light sources such as LEDs, OLEDs, LCD display elements and / or electroluminescent coating elements.

[0070] LED can be understood as a light-emitting diode, preferably an inorganic light-emitting diode. OLED can also be understood as an organic light-emitting diode. Furthermore, LCD can be understood as a liquid crystal display element.

[0071] In principle, the passenger transport vehicle can have several light strips designed to illuminate seats arranged in a row of seats.

[0072] The selection switching device can be configured to select a section of each light strip in an area of ​​a seating area and to change the switching state of at least some of the light sources of the light strips that are located in the selected sections.

[0073] They show: FIG 1 a cross-section through a rail vehicle, FIG 2 a longitudinal section through the rail vehicle made of FIG 1 FIG. 3 a cross-section through another rail vehicle and FIG. 4 a longitudinal section through the rail vehicle made of FIG 3 .

[0074] FIG 1 shows a cross-section through a passenger transport vehicle designed as a rail vehicle 2. FIG 2 shows a longitudinal section through the same rail vehicle 2.

[0075] However, the invention can also be used in a differently designed passenger transport vehicle.

[0076] The rail vehicle 2 comprises several seats 4, which are arranged in a row 6 (see FIG 2 The seats in row 6 extend longitudinally along the rail vehicle 2. The seats in row 8 are arranged one behind the other.

[0077] In this example, row 6 is configured as a double row. This means that two seats 8 are arranged next to each other.

[0078] Each seat 8 in row 6 provides one seat 4.

[0079] Furthermore, the rail vehicle 2 includes several light strips 10 designed to illuminate the seats 4. The light strips 10 are arranged parallel to each other. In addition, the light strips 10 extend – like the row of seats 6 – longitudinally along the rail vehicle 2. Thus, the light strips 10 are arranged parallel to the row of seats 6.

[0080] The light strips 10 are arranged above the seats 4. In this example, the light strips 10 are arranged on a luggage rack 12 of the rail vehicle 2, which is located above the seats 4.

[0081] Each light strip 10 comprises several light sources 14. In this example, each of the light sources 14 has one LED or several LEDs connected together. The light sources 14 can, in principle, also be configured differently.

[0082] The size of each light source 14 can be chosen arbitrarily. Preferably, the size of each light source 14 is chosen such that a meaningful grid of the light band(s) 10 is enabled.

[0083] Each seat 4 is assigned a seating area 16, also called area 16 of the respective seat 4.

[0084] The area 16 of a seat 4, also called seat area 16, preferably comprises a respective seat 4 and an area around the respective seat 4.

[0085] In this example, each seating area 16 is cuboid in shape. The cuboid seating area 16 can, for example, have a base area of ​​1 m by 1 m. Furthermore, the seating area 16 extends from a floor 18 of the rail vehicle 2 to a ceiling 20 (also called the interior ceiling) of the rail vehicle 2.

[0086] The seating areas of 16 adjacent seats (4 or 8) can partially overlap, as shown in FIG 1 and FIG 2 shown.

[0087] The rail vehicle 2 includes a selection switching device 22 (see FIG 1 The selection switching device 22 is configured to select a section 24 of the light strips 10 in an area 16 of one of the seats 4 (i.e. in one of the seating areas 16) and to change the switching state of at least some of those light sources 14 of the light strips 10 that are arranged in the selected section 24.

[0088] In this example, the switching state of all light sources 14 that are arranged in the selected section 24 is changed.

[0089] In principle, however, it is possible that some light sources 14 in the selected section 24 of the light strips 10 cannot be switched using the selection switching device 22 (not shown). For example, the light sources that cannot be switched using the selection switching device 22 may be intended for other purposes, such as emergency lighting, warning lighting, information displays, or the like.

[0090] The selection switching device 22 is further configured to select section 24 of the light bands 10 in seating area 16 by manual action in this seating area 16.

[0091] The selection switching device 22 is also configured to change the switching state of the light sources 14 in the selected section 24 when section 24 is selected.

[0092] In this embodiment, the selection switching device 22 has several motion sensors 26.

[0093] The motion sensors 26 are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the light strips 10. Preferably, the distance between the motion sensors 26 and the light strip 10 nearest to the motion sensors is a maximum of 10 cm.

[0094] The motion sensors 26 are arranged in a row parallel to the light strips 10.

[0095] For example, each motion sensor 26 can be assigned a light source 14 of the light strip 10 nearest to the respective motion sensor 26, as well as the light sources 14 of the other light strips 10 arranged parallel to this light source 14. Furthermore, it is possible that each motion sensor 26 can be assigned several light sources 14 of a respective light strip 10.

[0096] Section 24 of the light strips 10 is selected using at least one of the motion sensors 26.

[0097] Each of the motion sensors 26 detects when a part of a user's body, in particular a passenger's, approaches the light strip 10. If one or more of the motion sensors 26 detect that a part of a user's body is approaching the light strip 10, the section 24 of the light strip 10 in which the body part approaches the light strip 10 in a predefined manner is selected.

[0098] For example, a section 24 of the light strip 10 is selected when the body part approaches the motion sensors 26 arranged within the section 24 closer than a predetermined distance.

[0099] The switching state of the light sources 14 in the selected section 24 is changed when section 24 is selected by means of the motion sensor(s) 26.

[0100] In this way, the motion sensors 26 are used simultaneously as selection means and as switching means.

[0101] This means that if the light sources 14 within the selected section 24 are switched off when the section is selected, they will be switched on. If the light sources 14 within the selected section 24 are switched on when the section is selected, they will be switched off.

[0102] The switching states can therefore be "On" and "Off", as in this example.

[0103] In principle, the switching states could also be "high light output" and "low light output". Furthermore, it is possible that more than two switching states are available.

[0104] Furthermore, it is possible that the light sources 14 within the selected section 24 have different switching states when the section is selected. For example, the switching state of all light sources 14 within the section 24 can be changed during selection – regardless of their previous switching state. Alternatively, the switching state can be changed only for those light sources 14 within the section 24 whose previous switching state is / was predominant.

[0105] Further variations are possible.

[0106] In FIG 1 and FIG 2 It was assumed that originally all light sources 14 of the light strips 10 were switched off (e.g., when the rail vehicle 2 was put into operation). Switched-off light sources 14 are represented as empty rectangles, i.e., as rectangles without hatching.

[0107] In several seating areas 16, sections 24 of the light strips 10 were then selected in the manner mentioned above, and the light sources 14 arranged in the sections 24 were switched on during the selection.

[0108] Switched-on light sources 14 are represented as hatched rectangles.

[0109] This allows for individual seating lighting.

[0110] FIG 3 shows a cross-section through another passenger transport vehicle, also designed as a rail vehicle 30. FIG 4 shows a longitudinal section through the rail vehicle 30. FIG 3 .

[0111] However, the invention can also be used in a differently designed passenger transport vehicle.

[0112] The following description is essentially limited to the differences from the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG 1 and FIG 2 , to which reference is made regarding unchanged features and functions. Essentially unchanged elements are generally designated with the same reference numerals, and features not mentioned are carried over into the following embodiment without being described again.

[0113] The rail vehicle 30 comprises – instead of several light strips – a single light strip 10, which is designed to illuminate seats 4 of row 6. The light strip 10 extends – like row 6 – longitudinally along the rail vehicle 30.

[0114] The light band 10 has, for example, LCD display elements as light sources 32. The light sources 32 can, in principle, also be configured differently.

[0115] The light sources 32, designed as LCD display elements, are only located in the left area as shown in the drawing. FIG 4 marked.

[0116] In the vehicle control system of the rail vehicle 30 (not shown), each position of a respective seat 8 is assigned a section 34 of the light strip 10. In this example, each of the two adjacent seats 8 (in particular their position) is assigned a common section 34 of the light strip 10.

[0117] If the seat layout is changed, the assignment can be changed by reprogramming the vehicle control system; however, this arrangement is outside the scope of the invention.

[0118] Unassigned sections are in FIG 4 marked by one or more cross(s) (x).

[0119] The rail vehicle 30 includes a selection switching device 22 (see FIG 3 ).

[0120] In this embodiment, the selection switching device 22 has several manually operable switches 36.

[0121] Each seat 4 is assigned a manually operated switch 36. Preferably, the switch 36 is located in the respective seating area 16.

[0122] In this example, the seating areas 16 of adjacent seats 8 overlap. A switch 36 is located in each of the overlapping areas 16. In this way, each pair of adjacent seats 8 shares one switch 36.

[0123] In principle, however, other configurations are also conceivable. For example, a separate switch 36 could be provided for each seat 8 (not shown).

[0124] The section 34 of the light strip 10 assigned to the respective seat 8 (or its position) is selected by manually operating the switch 36 located in the respective seating area 16. During selection, the switching state of at least some of the light sources 32 in the selected section 34, in this case all light sources 32 in the selected section 34, is changed.

[0125] In FIG 3 and FIG 4 It was assumed that originally all light sources 32 of the light strips 10 were switched off (e.g. when the rail vehicle 30 was put into operation).

[0126] In several seating areas 16, sections 34 of the light strips 10 were then selected in the manner mentioned above, i.e. by manually operating the corresponding switches 36, and the light sources 32 arranged in the sections 34 were switched on during the selection.

[0127] Light sources 32 that are switched on are shown hatched. Light sources 32 that are switched off in the sections 34 assigned to each seat 8 (or its position) are shown as empty rectangles, i.e., as rectangles without hatching.

[0128] This allows for individual seating lighting.

[0129] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived by the person skilled in the art without leaving the scope of protection of the invention within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. Method for individually illuminating a seat, wherein a light band (10) of a passenger transportation means (2, 30) is designed to illuminate seats (4) of the passenger transportation means (2, 30) arranged in a row of seats (6), in which in a region (16) of one of the seats (4) a section (24, 34) of the light band (10) is selected and the light band is designed to this end so that the switching state of at least one part of those light sources (14, 32) of the light band (10) arranged in the selected section (24, 34) can be changed, wherein the section (24, 34) of the light band (10) is selected using at least one sensor (26), characterised in that the at least one sensor (26) is a motion sensor (26), which identifies when a body part of a user is approaching the light band (10), wherein that section (24), in which the body part is approaching the light band (10) in a predetermined manner, is selected.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the switching state is changed by manual operation in this seating area (16).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the switching state of at least one part of the light sources (14, 32) in the selected section (24, 34) of the light band (10) is changed when the section (24, 34) is selected.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the motion sensor (26) is used to assign a section (24, 34) of the light band to each position of a respective seat (8).

5. Passenger transportation means (2, 30) comprising at least one light band (10) and seats (4) arranged in a row of seats (6), wherein the light band (10) is designed to illuminate the seats (4), comprising a selection switching means (22) which has at least one sensor and is designed to select a section (24, 34) of the light band (10) in a region (16) of one of the seats (4), and to change the switching state of at least one part of those light sources (14, 32) of the light band (10) which are arranged in the selected section (24, 34), wherein the section (24, 34) of the light band (10) can be selected using the at least one sensor (26), characterised in that the at least one sensor (26) is a motion sensor (26), which is designed to identify when a body part of a user is approaching the light band (10), wherein that section (24), in which the body part is approaching the light band (10) in a predetermined manner, can be selected.

6. Passenger transportation means (2, 30) according to claim 5, characterised in that the selection switching means (22) is designed to change the switching state of at least one part of the light sources (14, 32) in the selected section (24, 34) by manual operation in the selected section of the seating area (16).

7. Passenger transportation means (2) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the selection switching means (22) has multiple motion sensors (26) which are designed to identify when a body part of a user is approaching the light band (10), wherein the section (24), in which the body part is approaching the light band (10) in a predetermined manner, is selected.

8. Passenger transportation means (2, 30) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that the light band (10) is arranged above the seats (4).

9. Passenger transportation means (2, 30) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterised in that the light band (10) has LEDs, OLEDs, LCD display elements and / or electroluminescent coating elements as light sources (14, 32).