METHOD FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE AND MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, wherein the motor vehicle has a communication device for receiving traffic light information transmitted by a traffic light and relating to the traffic light circuit, and a vehicle lighting arrangement comprising at least one vehicle light assigned to the rear, front, or sides of the vehicle, wherein each vehicle light is used to implement an operating light function related to the operation of the motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] Modern motor vehicles are increasingly equipped with communication devices that enable the exchange of information with other road users (vehicle-to-vehicle communication) or with infrastructure facilities (vehicle-to-X communication) in the vehicle's vicinity, particularly according to a vehicle-to-vehicle communication standard. Such communication types are often referred to as car-to-car (C2C) or car-to-X (C2X) communication, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-X (V2X) communication. For example, a WLAN standard, such as 802.11p, can be used as the communication standard.

[0003] A useful application of vehicle-to-X communication is the communication between the vehicle and traffic lights, or generally the receipt of traffic light information relating to their switching. Examples of such traffic light functions include the time until the next green light, the duration of traffic light phases, and, in particular, information that enables the vehicle to use a so-called "green wave," i.e., to select a speed at which the traffic lights being passed will show green. The vehicle receiving the traffic light information can have a control device that, for example, at least partially displays the traffic light information or information derived from the traffic light information on display means inside the vehicle, for example, using a human-machine interface (HMI).For example, derivation information can contain a speed suitable for a green wave; however, this information can also be transmitted by the traffic light itself or an associated transmitting device. Providing the driver with a speed suitable for a green wave is also referred to as "traffic light phase assistant." However, traffic light information can also be used with regard to other motor vehicle systems, for example, in start-stop systems to prepare for an engine start or similar.

[0004] Such functions for receiving and using traffic light information are features that are not available to all road users. Therefore, only a limited portion of traffic can take advantage of the fact that traffic lights or the transmitters associated with them provide traffic light information.

[0005] DE 10 2014 226 886 A1 relates to a method and a device for controlling traffic flow. One of the core applications of V2X is the traffic light phase assistant, also referred to therein as "Green Light Optimal Speed ​​Advisory - GLOSA." It is recognized that such and other received infrastructure information can result in a change in driving behavior. Therefore, it is proposed to output an externally visible visualization when a change in driving behavior occurs, indicating that this change in driving behavior is understandable.

[0006] DE 10 2019 200 215 A1 relates to a cross-vehicle communication system in which, when a message is sent wirelessly between vehicles, the sending vehicle is optically identified for the recipient so that the recipient can identify where the message was sent from.

[0007] DE 30 03 346 A1 relates to a device for transmitting information from vehicle to vehicle in road traffic, in which terms such as "Your vehicle is defective" and "Sorry" can be signalled with appropriate means or elements via a hand or finger and / or foot control that automatically returns to the "off" position.

[0008] US 10,529,229 B2 discloses a vehicle lighting arrangement connected to a traffic system. A wireless signal is received from a traffic control device, which may be a traffic light, whereupon the motor vehicle lighting arrangement is controlled to generate a lighting effect synchronized with a corresponding lighting effect of the traffic control device. In particular, the lighting effect may include a countdown until the state of the traffic control device changes. The output on the motor vehicle's grille is directed at potentially distracted pedestrians.

[0009] US 10,152,886 B2 relates to a traffic light warning system for a vehicle, in which the traffic light is recorded using a camera and the signal status of the traffic light is inferred from the recorded images. A display device in the motor vehicle can display a corresponding icon-like traffic light representation. VLC, in particular, can be used for this purpose. The orientation of the traffic light representation on the display can be changed between horizontal and vertical depending on the region.

[0010] US 2021 / 0174673 A1 relates to a presentation device for information of an autonomously driving vehicle. Received traffic light information is converted into an output at the rear of the vehicle, which may include a stop instruction, a warning to proceed, or a permission to proceed.

[0011] WO 2010 / 066245 A1 relates to an organic light-emitting diode and lighting devices comprising such organic light-emitting diodes. The lighting devices can be, in particular, the following devices or parts of the following devices: alarm clock, shower cubicle, shower head, sunshade, rain cover, lamp, bag, signal light, changing room, privacy screen, enclosure, emergency lighting, mirror, tile, ceiling light, radiator cover, blind, noise protection, umbrella, and warning light. The lighting device can also be integrated into the window of a motor vehicle or form a display device or signal light of a motor vehicle.

[0012] US 2019 / 0066510 A1 relates to a computer programmed to determine a target area into which a symbol is projected based on the detection of a target object. The projected symbol can, for example, describe the status of a traffic light to alert inattentive pedestrians.

[0013] US 8,395,522 B2 discloses an information display device and a related method. This allows a user to drive comfortably and safely by projecting caller transmission information onto a vehicle windshield using a display unit, in particular a head-up display. The display is based on the vehicle speed.

[0014] US 2013 / 0093890 A1 relates to a vehicle data communication and display system. A communication device receives data from at least one data source external to the motor vehicle. A controller can control a vehicle display device based on data received from the communication device. In particular, information about a traffic light is received and displayed within the motor vehicle. The invention is based on the object of providing a novel, improved utilization option for traffic light information, from which surrounding traffic can also benefit, in particular.

[0015] JP 2006 / 171831 A relates to a traffic light status display device, which includes display status determining means for determining the display status of the traffic light, means for determining whether the display status has been maintained, and stop determining means. The stop determining means determines whether the motor vehicle is stationary or not. Display means are installed in the vehicle to display the display status to vehicles or pedestrians around the vehicle when it has been determined that the vehicle is stationary and the display status has been maintained. For example, other road users should be able to determine that the motor vehicle is merely stopped and not parked and determine the reason for the stop.

[0016] FR 3 049 526 A1 discloses a method for controlling display means of a motor vehicle, comprising a display area visible from outside the vehicle, wherein icons from a list of various predefined icons are displayed on the display area, each icon representing a specific situation. It is proposed to receive a signal indicating a specific situation and to display a corresponding icon representing this situation.

[0017] DE 10 2008 020 728 A1 relates to a traffic sign assistance system for installation in a vehicle, which can communicate wirelessly with traffic signs and has display means that can display the traffic sign to convey information.

[0018] JP 2020 071790 A relates to a traffic safety device in which a traffic situation can be detected and transmitted to a target object by means of a presentation means, so that traffic situations can be detected even in the blind spot.

[0019] JP 2011 207348 A discloses a vehicle lighting system intended to increase driving safety. For this purpose, a lamp is switched on depending on traffic information, which may concern traffic lights and traffic signs in front of the vehicle.

[0020] US 2013 / 009 3890 A1 relates to a vehicle data communication and display system, wherein data is received from a data source located outside the motor vehicle and corresponding information, in particular a traffic light circuit, is displayed inside the motor vehicle.

[0021] US 2019 / 006510 A1 discloses a vehicle-based image projection system in which a target area is determined onto which a symbol indicating the detection of a target object is to be projected during a journey. A light source is controlled to project the symbol.

[0022] To achieve this object, the features of claim 1 are provided according to the invention in a method of the type mentioned at the outset.

[0023] At least partial information from the traffic light information or derived information can be passed on to other road users via the vehicle lighting arrangement so that other road users, in particular other drivers, can also benefit from this traffic light information. As partial information, a time period until a green light is switched on and / or an ideal speed allowing a green wave is preferably displayed via the vehicle lighting arrangement. In this way, other drivers can be informed about timely changes to the traffic light switching and / or the optimal speed for a green wave. The ideal speed allowing a green wave can, moreover, be exemplary, vehicle-independent derived information, but it can also be provided that this ideal speed is already provided with the traffic light information.

[0024] By "passing on" traffic light information or derivation information to other road users, especially at least the following road user, their information base is significantly improved, which also results in improved traffic flow and, in particular, a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, this method enables a more positive presentation of motor vehicles of the respective manufacturer in traffic.

[0025] This takes advantage of the fact that modern motor vehicles offer the option of receiving traffic light information and using it within the vehicle. For example, it can be provided that the traffic light information is displayed, at least in part, to the driver via a human-machine interface in the interior of the vehicle. For example, a recommended ideal speed for driving in a green wave can be displayed via the so-called instrument cluster, in particular on a dashboard, or it can be recommended to decelerate early because the traffic light can no longer be approached while it is still green. Additionally or alternatively, the driver can be shown the time until the light changes from red to green. Driver assistance systems designed in this way can be referred to, for example, as traffic light phase assistants or "traffic light information online."

[0026] According to the invention, this traffic light information or derived information, currently reserved for the driver, is provided at least partially to other road users by means of a visualization in at least one direction, preferably at least in the rear of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, existing vehicle lights, particularly those assigned to another operating light function, such as taillights, can be used, as will be discussed in more detail below. However, it may also be expedient to use additional display devices or lights, such as displays and / or projection systems.

[0027] Communication with the traffic light (or a transmitting device associated with the traffic light) can preferably be carried out according to a motor vehicle-to-motor vehicle communication standard, in particular a WLAN standard such as 802.11p. In this context, the communication device can of course also be configured to receive additional communication information in addition to the traffic light information, for example from other motor vehicles and / or other communication devices.Traffic light information is forwarded from the communication device to the control device implementing the method, which, in particular, implements a driver assistance system (e.g., traffic light phase assistant or "traffic light info online") that utilizes the traffic light information. This system uses the information not only for display to the driver and possibly for other purposes, but also for processing to trigger the corresponding control of the vehicle lighting arrangement. For example, the at least one piece of information can be used to generate corresponding control signals for the vehicle lighting arrangement.

[0028] In an expedient development of the present invention, it can be provided that the vehicle lighting arrangement comprises independently controllable lighting segments, wherein at least a first portion of the lighting segments is controlled to output the at least one piece of partial information. It can therefore be provided to visualize the partial information, for example, by switching individual lighting segments of the vehicle lighting arrangement on or off. Such lighting segments can have different sizes, so that in particular sufficiently small lighting segments can form, for example, pixels or image points of a display, and thus the use of such lighting segments can also result in a display-like representation of more complex information, for example symbols, numbers, letters and / or the like.

[0029] In a particularly expedient embodiment, it can be provided that a second portion of the light segments, which does not overlap with the first portion and in particular is completely encompassed by at least one of the at least one vehicle light assigned to a specific operating light function, is used to provide the operating light function of the motor vehicle assigned to the vehicle light, in particular a tail light function and / or a position light function and / or a daytime running light function. This means that a second portion of the light segments which is not to be used for the visualization of the at least one piece of partial information can be permanently assigned to the provision of a tail light function of the motor vehicle. In this case, it can be provided, in particular, that the second portion of the light segments is controlled to fulfill at least one predetermined light value requirement for the operating light function.Such light value requirements can be formulated in such a way that the operating light function is implemented in a way that fulfills its purpose, so that, for example, the rear lights of a motor vehicle used as tail lights are sufficiently clearly visible under appropriate conditions. Light value requirements can also arise from legal requirements. For example, this can ensure a correspondingly necessary luminous intensity. In other words, a constant luminous component can be created, namely the second component of the light segments, which fulfills the light value requirements, while a variable, second component serves to visualize at least one piece of information. In this way, the transmission of traffic light information and / or derived information is possible without impairing the operating light function, for example a tail light function usually provided at the rear.

[0030] Preferably, at least some of the light segments of the first portion can be used as light segments of the at least one vehicle light and / or a dedicated display device assigned to displaying the at least one piece of partial information, in particular an information display, and / or projection segments of a projection device. Therefore, depending on the requirements, various options with different advantages are evident. If, for example, only light segments of existing vehicle lights, for example the rear light and / or at least one other function light, are used, it is possible to visualize the at least one piece of partial information without expanding the vehicle light arrangement. This takes advantage of the fact that segmented vehicle lights, for example rear lights, have already been proposed in the prior art and are also frequently used in modern motor vehicles.These are designed in particular in such a way that not all of the light segments are needed to meet the light value requirements, thus providing flexibility which can also be advantageously used for at least partial visualization of at least one piece of information.

[0031] In addition, it is of course also conceivable to provide and use additional display devices or projection devices within the scope of the method according to the invention, in which case it is preferred according to the invention to add at least one information display as the display device, which can be arranged, for example, adjacent to at least one of the at least one vehicle light. Especially with such an adjacent or at least partially enclosed arrangement of the display device, in particular the information display, a particularly advantageous combination of light segments of the display device and the rear light and / or function light to form the first portion is possible.For example, an information display can provide better resolution information reproduction, for example for the clearly legible display of numbers, symbols and / or letters, for example the ideal speed.

[0032] One advantageous, specific technology in which the light segments can be provided is OLED technology. Thus, the light segments can be formed at least partially by OLED segments. OLED technology also allows for information displays that can be used as dedicated display devices.

[0033] According to the invention, at least one activation and / or deactivation of the display of the at least one piece of partial information only occurs together with a change relating to at least one of the at least one operating light function, in particular a direction indicator function and / or the tail light function and / or the position light function and / or the daytime running light function and / or a brake light function, so that the activatability and / or deactivatability of the display is restricted to the presence of a change relating to the operating light function. In exemplary embodiments, at least the activation and / or deactivation of the display of the at least one piece of partial information can only occur together with a change relating to at least one of the at least one operating light function and when the motor vehicle is stationary.A change in the display of the at least one piece of information therefore only occurs together with such a change. If a change occurs with regard to a lighting function related to the operation of the motor vehicle, the attention of the other road user, for example a following road user, will be directed to the motor vehicle anyway, so that they can also perceive the at least one piece of information without any problem. On the other hand, restricting the ability to activate or deactivate the display of the at least one piece of information to the presence of a change with regard to an operation-relevant lighting function can reduce irritation among other road users, for example following road users, if they generally associate changes in the lighting of the motor vehicle in front with notification of changes in its operation.In addition, any existing or legally stipulated approval requirements can be met in this way, according to which, for example, signatures resulting from vehicle lighting arrangements should only change if a lighting function related to the operation of the motor vehicle brings about a change or if the motor vehicle is stationary. Even stationary offers an excellent opportunity for activation and / or deactivation, especially since this often occurs at traffic lights during the red phase. Other road users, such as those following behind, who in principle do not expect anything from the motor vehicle in front, will be alerted to the motor vehicle by the activation and will intuitively perceive at least some of the information. In addition, they will probably be stationary themselves anyway, so that extremely reliable visualization is also provided.

[0034] As already indicated, a time period until a green light is switched on and / or an ideal speed allowing a green wave have proven to be useful partial information to be transmitted. In In a specific, advantageous embodiment, it can be provided in this context that the duration is displayed as a countdown, in particular by means of added and / or removed light segments and / or in the manner of a, in particular inverted, progress indicator. For example, a plurality of light segments can be defined as the first portion to be used to visualize this partial information, which are then switched on or off one after the other towards the green phase, in particular in the manner of a progress indicator. The number of light segments used here can, for example, be more than three and / or fewer than ten.In a specific embodiment, it can be provided that if the time until the green switching is less than 10 seconds, a first light segment is switched on, if the time is less than 7.5 seconds, a second light segment is switched on, and if the time is less than 4 seconds, a third light segment is switched on.

[0035] With regard to the ideal speed, it is preferable to visualize a corresponding number, preferably along with an associated symbol indicating the green wave, using an information display or high-resolution light segments of a rear and / or function light, for example. In a specific embodiment, for example, after displaying the time until the green light turns, the partial information related to the ideal speed can be output in the same display area, so that the logical "follow-up information" is passed on almost immediately.

[0036] Conveniently, the at least one piece of information can be displayed in a color used for at least one of the at least one operating light functions, in particular red for the tail light function. In this way, the at least one piece of information is conveyed in a manner that visually blends into the overall image and is not disruptive, while also allowing compliance with any existing specifications regarding colors to be used on certain sides of the motor vehicle.

[0037] In addition to the method, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, wherein the motor vehicle comprises a communication device for receiving traffic light information transmitted by a traffic light and relating to the traffic light switching of the traffic light, a vehicle lighting arrangement comprising at least one vehicle light and assigned to the rear, front, or sides of the vehicle, wherein each vehicle light is used to implement an operating light function related to the operation of the motor vehicle, and a control device which is characterized in that the control device is designed to carry out the method according to the invention. All statements relating to the method according to the invention can be transferred analogously to the motor vehicle according to the invention, with which the aforementioned advantages can therefore also be achieved.

[0038] Further advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle lighting arrangement according to a first exemplary embodiment, Figs. 3 to 6 are different appearances of the vehicle lighting arrangement for displaying a time period until a green light is switched on, Fig. 7 is an appearance of the vehicle lighting arrangement for displaying an ideal speed, Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle lighting arrangement according to a second exemplary embodiment, and Fig. 9 is a schematic view of a vehicle lighting arrangement assigned to the sides of the motor vehicle.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 1 has a communication device 2 for communication according to a motor vehicle-to-motor vehicle communication standard, for example 802.11p. In particular, the communication device 2 enables the motor vehicle 1, as indicated by the arrow 3, to receive traffic light information from a traffic light 4, which is only indicated here. The traffic light information includes, in particular, information on the timing of the traffic light switching, for example, the switching times and the duration of the respective traffic light phases, in particular the red phase and the green phase.The traffic light information may optionally also contain, in particular coordinated with other traffic lights 4, information on an ideal speed for reaching a green wave; otherwise, such ideal speeds may also be derived as derivation information from the traffic light information within the motor vehicle 1, for example in a control device 5, implemented here as a control unit 8, which receives the traffic light information.

[0040] In this case, the control device 5 implements, among other things, a driver assistance system based on the traffic light information, for example, a traffic light phase assistant or an "online traffic light information" system. For this purpose, the traffic light information or information derived from the traffic light information is displayed, at least in part, on an instrument panel 6 as part of a human-machine interface 7 (HMI). For example, the ideal speed can be output as a recommendation for a green wave, and the driver can be shown how long a traffic light 4 will remain red.

[0041] The motor vehicle 1 further comprises various vehicle lighting arrangements 9 with various vehicle lights, with which operating light functions related to the operation of the motor vehicle 1 are implemented. In the present case, a front lighting arrangement 10 is shown, which may, for example, comprise headlights as vehicle lights for a low beam, a high beam, a parking light, and a position light, and optionally also indicator lights for a direction indicator function. The rear light arrangement 11 primarily comprises, as a vehicle light, at least one rear light, which can be used to implement a tail light function and / or brake light function and / or position light function / daytime running light function. The rear light arrangement 11 may also comprise indicator lights for a direction indicator function.Finally, there is a side light arrangement 12 assigned to the sides of the motor vehicle 1, which can, for example, comprise side position lights for a position light as vehicle lights.

[0042] According to the present invention, the control device 5 is also configured to control at least the rear light assembly 11 (see arrow 13) in order to display at least one piece of information from the traffic light information and / or the derivation information, which are otherwise independent of the motor vehicle, to a following road user by means of the rear light assembly 11. A similar action can also be performed additionally or alternatively, but less preferably (see arrows 14), by controlling the side light assembly 12 for the lateral display of the at least one piece of information.

[0043] In the exemplary embodiments shown here, a time period until a green light is switched on and an ideal speed allowing a green wave are displayed as partial information, wherein the time period is preferably displayed as a countdown, the ideal speed preferably in the form of a number, in particular together with symbols.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the rear light arrangement 11 in a first exemplary embodiment. The rear light arrangement 11 comprises three rear lights 15, 16, wherein the elongated rear light 15, which extends essentially over the entire rear, is designed as an LED strip having independently controllable light segments in the form of the individual LEDs. The rear lights 16 are very high-resolution OLED lights, which therefore have OLED segments as independently controllable light segments. A position light 17 is provided centrally as an additional vehicle light; indicator lights 18 for a direction indicator function can be provided at the sides. The rear lights 15, 16 always serve a tail light function, but can also additionally serve, for example by shining brighter, a brake light function, as well as a daytime running light function and a position light function.

[0045] The Figuren 3 bis 6 now show a possible display of the time until the green light is switched on for a following road user. Fig. 3 shows the situation when the time until the green light is switched on is still greater than 10 seconds. In this case, only the rear light 15 is operated, primarily for its tail light function as an operating light function. The light segments of the rear light 15 form a second part of the light segments, which is constantly operated to implement the tail light function and thus ensures that light value requirements are met, in particular that a certain minimum light intensity is always present. The light segments of the second part are thus, so to speak, permanently reserved for the operating light function, in this case the tail light function, and are operated constantly, in particular as long as the tail light function is active.

[0046] Fig. 4 shows the appearance of the rear light arrangement 11 at a second time, when the time until the green light is switched on is between 7.5 and 10 seconds. It is evident that light segments 19 of the rear lights 16 have already been switched on in order to reduce the time compared to the time of the Fig. 3 to display.

[0047] The appearance of the Fig. 5 the time until the green light is switched on has fallen below 7.5 seconds, but is still greater than 4 seconds. Accordingly, further light segments 20 of the rear lights 16 were switched on outwards in the manner of a progress bar, whereupon, if the time until the green light is switched on below 4 seconds, according to Fig. 6 Illuminated segments 21, which complete the resulting progress display on the outside, were also switched on by the control device 5. The illuminated segments 19, 20, 21 clearly become larger towards the outside to further enhance the appearance of a progress bar indicating an approaching event. Of course, more than three groups of illuminated segments can also be used for such a countdown display. It should be noted that in addition to adding or removing illuminated segments or groups of illuminated segments, other types of countdown are also possible, for example, counting down numbers.

[0048] Fig.7 shows an appearance for displaying the ideal speed, which can be switched to, for example, when the green phase is reached. The ideal speed, here 35 km / h, is displayed as a number between symbols shown only schematically here. The high resolution of the rear lights 16 is utilized to display the symbols and numbers clearly legible using corresponding light segments 22.

[0049] The light segments 19, 20, 21, 22 also belong to a first portion of light segments of the rear light arrangement 11, which is used to display the partial information and does not overlap with the second portion, which is constantly used for the operating light function, here the tail light function.

[0050] In other embodiments, for example the one in Fig. 8 In the second exemplary embodiment of a rear light arrangement 11 shown, dedicated additional display devices 23, here an information display 24, for displaying the partial information may also have been added. The exemplary embodiment also shows, purely by way of example, combination lights 24 with sections for tail lights, brake lights, and indicator lights as vehicle lights. Furthermore, an optional projection device 25, only indicated here, is shown, via which partial information can also be projected onto the road behind the motor vehicle 1, although this is less preferred.

[0051] It should also be noted that in these exemplary embodiments, it is generally provided that the activation and / or deactivation of the display of the partial information only occurs together with a change in an operating light function. This can, for example, avoid irritation to other road users.

[0052] Fig. 9 finally shows, by way of example, a possible embodiment of a side light arrangement 12, which comprises three position lights 26, 27 as vehicle lights for each side, wherein the position light 27 is also designed as an OLED light having light segments and can be used to output partial information laterally as well.

[0053] Finally, it should be noted that in all of the described exemplary embodiments, the partial information is displayed in a color that is also used for spatially adjacent operating light functions, for example in red for the rear light arrangement, and for the side light arrangement 12, for example in orange or yellow.

Claims

1. Method for operating a motor vehicle (1), in particular a passenger car, wherein the motor vehicle (1) has a communication device (2) for receiving traffic light information emitted by a traffic light (4) and relating to the traffic light switching of the traffic light (4) and a vehicle light arrangement (9) having at least one vehicle light and being assigned to the rear or the front or the vehicle sides, wherein each vehicle light is used to implement an operational light function related to the operation of the motor vehicle (1), wherein at least one item of partial information of the traffic light information and / or derivation information derived from the traffic light information and independent of the motor vehicle (1) is displayed to another road user by means of the vehicle light arrangement (9), characterized in that the display of the at least one item of partial information is only at least activated and / or deactivated together with a change with respect to at least one of the at least one operational light function, such that the ability to activate and / or deactivate the display is restricted to the presence of a change with respect to the operational light function.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that communication with the traffic light (4) takes place in accordance with a motor-vehicle-to-motor-vehicle communication standard.

3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vehicle light arrangement (9) comprises independently controllable light segments (19, 20, 21, 22), wherein at least a first portion of the light segments (19, 20, 21, 22) is controlled to output the at least one item of partial information.

4. Method according to Claim 3, characterized in that a second portion of the light segments (19, 20, 21, 22), which does not overlap the first portion, in particular is completely included in at least one of the at least one vehicle light assigned to a particular operational light function, is used to provide the operational light function of the motor vehicle (1) that is assigned to the vehicle light.

5. Method according to Claim 4, characterized in that the second portion of the light segments (19, 20, 21, 22) is controlled to meet at least one predefined light value requirement for the operational light function.

6. Method according to one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that light segments (19, 20, 21, 22) of the at least one vehicle light and / or of a dedicated display device (23) assigned to the display of the at least one item of partial information, in particular an information display (24), and / or projection segments of a projection device (25) are used at least partially as light segments (19, 20, 21, 22) of the first portion.

7. Method according to one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the light segments (19, 20, 21, 22) are at least partially formed by OLED segments.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one operational light function is a direction indicator function and / or a tail light function and / or a position light function and / or a daytime running light function and / or a brake light function.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a time period up to a switch to green and / or an ideal speed permitting a green wave is / are displayed as partial information.

10. Method according to Claim 9, characterized in that the time period is displayed as a countdown, in particular by means of additional and / or omitted light segments (19, 20, 21), and / or in the form of a progress display, in particular an inverted progress display.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one item of partial information is displayed in a colour used for at least one of the at least one operational light function, in particular red for the tail light function.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the traffic light information and / or derivation information is also displayed at least partially to the driver on a man-machine interface (7) in the interior of the motor vehicle (1).

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display of the at least one item of partial information is only at least activated and / or deactivated together with a change with respect to at least one of the at least one operational light function and when the motor vehicle (1) is at a standstill.

14. Motor vehicle (1), in particular passenger car, wherein the motor vehicle (1) has a communication device (2) for receiving traffic light information emitted by a traffic light (4) and relating to the traffic light switching of the traffic light (4), a vehicle light arrangement (9) having at least one vehicle light and being assigned to the rear or the front or the vehicle sides, wherein each vehicle light is used to implement an operational light function related to the operation of the motor vehicle (1), and a control device (5), characterized in that the control device (5) is designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims.