Light pattern generator, lighting device, vehicle, and method for controlling such a lighting device

Abstract

Optical pattern generator, lighting device, vehicle, and method for controlling such a lighting device. The present invention relates to an optical pattern generator (1) comprising a laser generator (2) for generating a laser beam (3), a screen (4) that is at least partially transparent to the laser beam (3), at least one movable mirror (5) arranged in the beam path of the laser beam (3) for deflecting the laser beam (3) in the direction of the screen (4), one actuator (6) for actuating the mirror (5), and a control device (7) for controlling each actuator (6). The optical pattern generator according to the present invention is set up such that the control device (7), the actuator (6) and at least one mirror (5) can continuously guide the laser beam (3) along a closed path on its own on the screen (4), thereby deflecting the laser beam (3) towards the screen (4), whereby the laser beam (3) generates a knot pattern (8) on the screen (4), and the control device (7) controls the actuator (6) by means of at least one control signal having a characteristic frequency, and control signals that are distinguished at least in terms of different characteristic frequencies are stored in the control device (7) or can be generated by the control device (7), and each control signal for controlling the actuator (6) can be selected by the control device (7) depending on a selection variable (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light pattern generator of the kind defined in detail in the preamble of claim 1, a lighting device comprising such a light pattern generator, a vehicle comprising such a lighting device, and a method of controlling a lighting device. Advantageous embodiments and developments will become apparent from the claims that are dependent on those claims.

Background Art

[0002] Lighting devices play an important role in the aesthetics and safety of vehicles. With daytime running lights and illuminated tail lights, vehicles can be better recognized not only in the dark or in poor visibility conditions such as fog or heavy rain, but also during the day. By using additional brake lights and by making the tail lights shine particularly brightly, a vehicle can inform other road users that it is braking. For example, a direction indicator such as a blinker can be used to indicate a lane change or to issue a warning. Furthermore, a special design of the lighting elements can accentuate the aesthetics and characteristic appearance of the vehicle.

[0003] In that case, ordinary rear lights such as tail lights and brake lights can only continuously light up at different brightness levels in some cases. The possibilities for indicating various events or providing functions are thereby greatly restricted. Furthermore, lighting devices that continue to light up at the same brightness are not "eye-catchers".

[0004] In prototype production, it is known to replace ordinary rear lights with pixel lights designed like a display. For example, Audi has announced an OLED display known as the "Swarm Matrix". This is a relatively large OLED display on which red or orange light-emitting dots that move like a swarm of insects are displayed. The light patterns thus displayed are animated, and thereby, as an additional function, information can be conveyed by displaying various light patterns. Furthermore, this novelty can impress customers. However, since OLEDs are used, the corresponding display is relatively expensive. Additionally, OLEDs deteriorate relatively early, so the service life is limited.

[0005] From Patent Document 1, an apparatus and a method for projecting a light pattern are known. This apparatus includes a laser device capable of generating white laser light by combining red, green, and blue lasers. To "scan" a two-dimensional field, the corresponding laser beam is moved using a deflection device. Thereby, various different lighting devices such as matrix headlamps or tail lamps can be realized in a vehicle. However, in that case, the effort of controlling the deflection device and the laser device is disadvantageous in order to guide the laser according to a two-dimensional raster. The corresponding hardware components need to be designed to move the laser beam to generate pixel light, which requires a complex structure and accordingly raises the manufacturing cost of the apparatus.

[0006] Patent Document 2 further discloses a light-emitting element on a vehicle and a vehicle equipped with a corresponding light-emitting element. In that case, the light intensity, light color, light frequency, and / or the light pattern displayed by the light-emitting element are changed according to at least one vehicle parameter. Thereby, new functions such as lighting according to the moving speed, motor output, time zone, ambient brightness, etc. can be provided. In that case, the driver of the vehicle can select a preferred pattern to be displayed from a catalog of predetermined patterns via the light-emitting element. The light-emitting element includes one or more LEDs as a light-emitting means, but this limits the possibility of displaying complex light patterns.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a sound-sensitive lighting system and an apparatus equipped with such a lighting system.

[0008] Furthermore, Patent Document 4 discloses a peripheral detection method, a detection device, and an automobile. The detection device has a laser headlight, and the laser headlight also includes a laser light source and a mirror disposed in the beam path of the laser. The mirrors can rotate independently of each other about two pivot axes perpendicular to each other. Thereby, it is possible to generate a Lissajous pattern.

[0009] Furthermore, Patent Document 5 discloses an optical forward collision warning device for a vehicle. When a forward collision accident of the vehicle by a following vehicle is likely to occur, the rear lights of the vehicle such as a brake lamp, a turn signal, or a fog warning lamp can be activated to indicate to the driver of the following vehicle that a forward collision accident is likely to occur.

[0010] Furthermore, Patent Document 6 discloses a vibrating mirror for image projection. The mirror performs rotational vibration around two axes offset from each other at two different rotational frequencies. Thereby, a Lissajous pattern can be generated. The mirror can have a curved surface. Furthermore, Patent Document 7 discloses a deflection device for a projection device, a projection device for projecting an image, and a method for controlling the deflection device. A Lissajous pattern can be generated by the projection device. The deflection device includes a vibration-damped and suspended deflection element.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0011]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Patent Document 7

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0012] The present invention is based on the problem of providing an improved optical pattern generator that can generate complex and dynamic optical patterns with little control effort and can be manufactured cost-effectively.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] According to the present invention, the above problems are solved by an optical pattern generator having the features of claim 1 and an optical pattern generator having the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments and developments, as well as a lighting device provided with such an optical pattern generator, a vehicle provided with such a lighting device, and a method for controlling a corresponding lighting device will become apparent from the dependent claims.

[0014] A laser generator for generating a laser beam, a screen that is at least partially transparent to the laser beam, at least one movable mirror disposed in the beam path of the laser beam for deflecting the laser beam in the direction of the screen, one actuator for operating the mirror, and a control device for controlling each actuator. In the light pattern generator of the type described at the beginning, the control device, the actuator, and at least one mirror are set to continuously guide the laser beam along a self-closed orbit on the screen so as to deflect the laser beam toward the screen, whereby the laser beam generates a knot pattern on the screen. The control device controls the actuator by at least one control signal having a characteristic frequency, and at least control signals that are distinguished in that their characteristic frequencies are different are stored in the control device or can be generated by the control device, and each control signal for controlling the actuator can be selected by the control device according to a selection variable.

[0015] The optical pattern generator according to the present invention is configured and designed such that a knot pattern is generated on a screen using a laser beam. A knot pattern is understood to be a self - closed line having at least one intersection. Examples of knot patterns are a line, a loop, a figure - eight, or an infinity symbol, etc. In that case, the knot pattern does not necessarily have to be symmetric and can also extend in a disorderly manner. The knot pattern can be static, i.e., can maintain its shape even as time passes, or can be animated, i.e., can move and / or change its shape as time passes. Such knot patterns can be generated with relatively little design effort and control effort, and can keep the manufacturing cost of the optical pattern generator according to the present invention low. Due to the special design of the knot patterns, especially the animated and / or moving knot patterns, these knot patterns are particularly easily recognizable by people, which leads to an improvement in human perception. Depending on the selection variables and thus the control signals formed according to different frequencies, different knot patterns can be displayed by the optical pattern generator, and in particular the knot patterns displayed for various use scenarios are changed. The selection variables can be changed for various situations, and accordingly the displayed knot pattern can be changed. This enables the provision of various functions for reacting and adapting the lighting pattern to the situation, which will be explained in more detail below in the context of vehicles.

[0016] The control device is designed to control an actuator and at least one mirror on the hardware and / or software side so as to generate a knot pattern on the screen. Corresponding control software can be stored in the control device. Each control signal can be formed particularly simply, for example, as a sine wave or cosine wave, a sawtooth pulse, a rectangular pulse, etc. In that case, each signal has an individual characteristic frequency. This frequency can be arbitrarily selected, for example, in the range of 0.1 Hz to 10 kHz. However, other frequencies are also possible. Next, the actuator is activated according to the control signal in order to excite or deflect the mirror to vibrate. In that case, a plurality of control signals each having a different characteristic frequency can also be superimposed. For example, a first control signal having a characteristic frequency of 1 Hz can be superimposed with a second control signal having a characteristic frequency of 5 Hz and a third control signal having a characteristic frequency of 100 Hz. The corresponding control signal can also be modulated. In particular, when there are a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement for moving one mirror or a plurality of mirrors by one actuator or a plurality of actuators, individual control signals are used for each degree of freedom of movement. For example, the movement of the mirror is performed in the X direction by the actuator using the first control signal and in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction using the second control signal.

[0017] The control device can also read an audio file such as an MP3 file, a WAV file, etc., and derive a characteristic frequency from the audio file in order to generate a control signal. For this purpose, for example, an FFT analysis of the audio signal can be performed. The audio file can also be used directly as a control signal.

[0018] By using particularly simple and simply formed control signals or by directly using an audio file to control each actuator, the control effort for generating the knot pattern can be simplified.

[0019] The laser generator can be, for example, a laser diode. This generates a laser beam with a relatively narrow wavelength spectrum, especially at a fixed wavelength. The laser beam can have a color assigned to the visible spectrum, for example, red, green, or blue.

[0020] It can also be an infrared laser or preferably a UV laser. The screen can be coated with a fluorescent material and / or this material can be embedded in the screen. In that case, the fluorescent material is fluorescence-excited by the UV laser, which enables the generation of particularly bright and colorful knot patterns. A phosphorescent material can be incorporated to achieve an afterglow effect. In particular, different fluorescent materials can be attached to different local areas of the screen. Thereby, different colors can be generated in different areas of the screen using the same laser beam. As will be further explained below, the light pattern generator according to the invention can be incorporated, for example, into a vehicle. In that case, for example, in the screen, a fluorescent material that emits yellow or orange fluorescence can be provided in the area of the turn signal, and a fluorescent material that glows red when excited by a UV laser beam can be attached in the area of the taillight and / or brake light. By using an infrared laser or a UV laser, the risk of a living being being dazzled by the laser beam is minimized.

[0021] The mirror does not necessarily have to be a physical mirror. A surface or surface portion having sufficient reflectivity to deflect the laser beam in the direction of the screen, for example, a metal plate, is understood as a mirror.

[0022] In that case, the screen has sufficient transparency to allow light to pass through, so that the knot pattern can be perceived from the side opposite to the side where the laser beam hits. However, in that case, since the transparency is very low, a living being looking at the screen will not be dazzled by the laser beam passing through the screen.

[0023] According to the present invention, the actuator is designed to translate a mirror or a holding element that supports the mirror, and in particular, the actuator is formed by a piezoelectric element or a speaker. Thereby, a particularly simple and cost-effective structure of the light pattern generator can be realized. The mirror can be directly attached to the actuator or can be indirectly attached via a corresponding holding element. In that case, the actuator excites or deflects the mirror to vibrate by translational deflection. The translational deflection can be performed in one movement direction or two different movement directions. It is also possible to provide an individual pair of the mirror and the actuator for each movement direction.

[0024] That is, generally, it is also possible to deflect the laser beam several times, for example, 2 or 3 times, from the laser generator until it hits a transparent screen.

[0025] When using a speaker as the actuator, in particular, an audio file can preferably be used as a control signal. The audio signal can be directly applied to the speaker as an input quantity to excite the speaker to vibrate.

[0026] An advantageous development of the light pattern generator contemplates that the mirror has a convex or concave curvature. By providing a curved mirror, the angle at which the mirror deflects the laser beam can be changed according to the degree of deflection. Therefore, the moving speed of the laser beam on the screen is continuously changed during the generation of the knot pattern. This brings about a special light emission effect. In this way, a more complex knot pattern can be generated with a brightness that is perceived with different intensities in different parts because the part of the knot pattern where the laser beam moves faster appears darker to the observer.

[0027] Another advantageous embodiment of the optical pattern generator further contemplates that the mirror is connected to the actuator in the form of a lever arm extending from the actuator substantially orthogonally to the translational direction of the actuator. By designing the holding element as a lever arm, the degree of deflection of the mirror can be increased when the actuator translates. Thereby, the lever arm functions like a deflection amplifier. Due to the rigidity of the lever arm, the lever arm has a characteristic natural frequency, which enables the mirror to vibrate in the corresponding characteristic vibration mode. Therefore, depending on the design of the lever arm, the shape of the knot pattern that can be generated on the screen can be changed.

[0028] Due to the amplification effect on the deflection of the mirror by the lever arm, the actuator can be deflected to reduce the amplitude. Thereby, when using a speaker as the actuator, energy can be saved and / or noise can be reduced.

[0029] According to another advantageous embodiment of the optical pattern generator, the lever arm has different bending rigidities in its main extension direction and in a direction transverse to the main extension direction. When the lever arm is vibrationally excited by the actuator, the lever arm is excited to bend vibrate not only along its main extension direction but also transversely thereto, depending on its design. In particular, when the bending rigidities are different in the corresponding directions, the translational deflection of the actuator in only one direction enables the mirror to be deflected in at least two different directions, thereby enabling the knot pattern to be generated particularly easily. In order to affect the bending rigidity of the lever arm, the lever arm can have a special shape and / or contain different materials at different locations. The E-module of the material also affects the bending rigidity.

[0030] Preferably, the actuator is connected to the upper structure via a damping element. The hardware components of the light pattern generator can be surrounded, for example, by a housing. In that case, the screen can form part of the housing or can also be integrated into the housing. Since the actuator is excited to move, especially to oscillate harmonically, the actuator can be a source of noise. Thus, the actuator can also excite the housing to vibrate, which can lead to noise. However, such cases can be avoided by connecting the actuator to the upper structure via a damping element. Any material such as polystyrene foam, cured plastic foam, rubber, cardboard, elastomer, etc. can be used to form the damping element. The damping element can be designed passively or actively. Thus, the damping element can include or be an active vibration isolation device. When the actuator is designed as a speaker, the active damping element provides the possibility of active noise cancellation.

[0031] According to an alternative embodiment of the light pattern generator according to the present invention, the actuator is configured to rotate a mirror or a holding element supporting the mirror, and the mirror is connected to the actuator such that the mirror is angled and inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the mirror. According to the present invention, at least two mirrors arranged in the beam path of the laser beam and rotating are arranged and aligned such that when these mirrors rotate, the laser beam is moved along the Lissajous pattern on the screen.

[0032] By the rotation of the mirror, the laser beam is guided along an orbit when the mirror rotates. This makes it possible, for example, to use an electric motor, which is also cost - efficient and easily available, as the actuator. If the light pattern generator includes a plurality of mirrors and a plurality of actuators, it is also possible to translate - deflect one mirror and rotation - deflect one mirror. That is, combinations are possible.

[0033] The resurgence pattern is a special type of knot pattern. Since it is symmetric, it has a particularly high level of beauty. The resurgence pattern is also called the resurgence figure. As already mentioned, the corresponding resurgence pattern can be static or movable. In particular, a particularly beautiful and easily perceptible light pattern is generated by the resurgence pattern that is movably displayed on the screen.

[0034] The lighting device according to the present invention includes at least one of the above-described light pattern generators. In that case, each light pattern generator can include a laser generator that generates a laser beam of a different color. In that case, two laser beams can be projected onto a common screen. Thereby, knot patterns of different colors can be generated in different spatial regions of the screen. In that case, the knot patterns can at least partially intersect.

[0035] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided with such a lighting device. In particular, the lighting device is designed as a taillight. Preferably, lighting devices are provided to form a turn signal, a taillight, a brake light, a front light, a radiator grille light, etc., respectively. For example, a plurality of vehicle lights such as a turn signal and a taillight can be integrated into a common lighting device. This has already been described above in this regard. When the lighting device according to the present invention is used as a turn signal, the knot pattern to be displayed can be changed particularly every time a new blinking signal is displayed. Thereby, a particularly well-perceivable blinking signal is generated. For example, the shape of the knot pattern can be changed when a left turn indication, a right turn indication, or the hazard lamp of the vehicle is activated. In that case, the control device of the light pattern generator can be formed by or integrated into the calculation unit of the vehicle.

[0036] In the method for controlling the lighting device provided in the vehicle described above, according to the present invention, the selection variable is determined by the vehicle's computing unit according to vehicle parameters, the distance to other vehicles following the vehicle measured from the vehicle, and / or the operation actions input via the man-machine interface. By changing the selection variable according to the above-mentioned quantities, various functions can be provided. The vehicle parameters can be the use of a specific type of drive device, i.e., for example, the use of an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, the moving speed of the vehicle, the operation of the accelerator pedal, i.e., the execution of acceleration, the operation of the brake, and / or the driving of the vehicle in comfort, sports, or dynamic driving modes.

[0037] For example, the moving speed of the vehicle can be continuously divided in steps of 10 km / h, and the selection variable is changed for each speed section, whereby a new control signal with different characteristic frequencies for controlling the actuator is output by the control device. In this case, preferably, such a control signal is used to control the actuator by changing the selection variable so that the knot pattern displayed via the lighting device looks more dramatic as the moving speed increases. In this context, more dramatic means, in particular, that the size of the knot pattern increases, the light intensity increases, the moving speed increases, more knots are incorporated into the knot pattern, and / or the knot pattern blinks.

[0038] Similarly, when the vehicle performs a braking operation, the knot pattern looks more dramatic. Thereby, the braking operation performed, like an additional brake light, can be made more easily perceptible to other vehicles following the vehicle.

[0039] Preferably, the vehicle measures the distance to a subsequent other vehicle and adapts the knot pattern according to the measured distance. Thereby, a collision warning can be issued to other vehicles following the vehicle. For example, while the vehicle is in motion, it can display a specific knot pattern that changes when the brakes are operated. In that case, when another vehicle approaches, the knot pattern is further changed and, for example, when the critical distance is exceeded, it is displayed in its most dramatic form. That is, for example, a large number of knots are flashing widely while being particularly large, bright, and shiny. This makes it easier for the driver of the other vehicle to perceive an impending rear-end collision, thereby prompting the execution of a particularly powerful emergency braking operation, and thus improving safety on the road traffic.

[0040] In that case, a user of the vehicle, such as the vehicle driver, can set preferences for which knot pattern to display on the lighting device in which scenario or under which boundary conditions, for example, via a man-machine interface such as a touch sensor display. In that case, the user of the vehicle can also set which knot pattern to use in which situation, even when the knot pattern is automatically displayed variably according to the situation. The user of the vehicle can preferably also make this setting while the vehicle is in motion. A mobile terminal device connected to the vehicle can also be used as a man-machine interface. Therefore, an application suitable for setting selection variables is executed on the mobile terminal device, for example, a smartphone.

[0041] Preferably, a control signal selected according to the selection variable by the control device is output visually and / or acoustically in the vehicle, and / or a knot pattern that can be generated on the screen according to each control signal is output visually in the vehicle.

[0042] This provides various possibilities for showing the user how the knot pattern is displayed via the lighting device. The control signal and / or the visual display of the knot pattern can be performed via any display device in the vehicle or the mobile terminal device of the vehicle user. The control signal, particularly the acoustic output of the audio file, can be performed via the sound system of the vehicle or the speaker of the mobile terminal device. In particular, when the control signal and the knot pattern are displayed simultaneously, the user can perceive the influence of the control signal on the knot pattern that can be generated.

[0043] Other advantageous embodiments of the light pattern generator according to the present invention, the lighting device according to the present invention, the vehicle according to the present invention, and the method for controlling the lighting device provided in such a vehicle will also become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0044]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0045] As can be seen from FIG. 1, the optical pattern generator 1 according to the present invention includes a laser generator 2 for generating a laser beam 3, a screen 4 that is at least partially transparent to the laser beam 3, at least one movable mirror 5 disposed in the beam path of the laser beam 3 for deflecting the laser beam 3 in the direction of the screen 4, one actuator 6 for operating the mirror 5, and a control device 7 for controlling each actuator 6 shown in FIG. 2.

[0046] The control device 7 is set to control the actuator 6 such that the laser beam 3 is continuously guided by the mirror 5 along a self-closed trajectory on the screen 4, whereby the laser beam 3 generates a knot pattern 8 shown in FIG. 3 and other figures on the screen 4.

[0047] For this purpose, the control device 7 controls the actuator 6 by at least one control signal having a characteristic frequency. Control signals distinguished in terms of at least different characteristic frequencies are stored in the control device 7, for example, stored in a physical storage medium or generated by the control device 7. Each control signal for controlling the actuator 6 can be selected by the control device 7 according to a selection variable. The selection variable can be notified to the control device 7 from the outside or can also be determined by the control device 7 according to various boundary conditions.

[0048] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the actuator 6 is an actuator 6 that can translate the mirror 5 or the holding element 9 to which the mirror 5 is attached in the direction of the translation direction T. For example, the actuator 6 is a piezoelectric element or a speaker. Various components of the light pattern generator 1, such as the laser generator 2 and the actuator 6, can be attached to a superstructure 13, for example, a housing. In that case, the screen 4 can be placed inside the housing or form part of the housing. In order to prevent the actuator 6 from exciting the superstructure 13 to vibrate, the corresponding actuator 6 can be connected to the superstructure 13 via a passive or active damping element 12. The damping element 12 can be, for example, a rubber damper, an elastomer damper, or a plastic foam damper.

[0049] Typically, piezoelectric elements and speakers have a relatively small stroke. Advantageously, the holding element 9 is designed as a lever arm 10, which still allows for a relatively wide deflection of the laser beam 3. In FIG. 1, the lever arm 10 in the rest position is shown in bold. When the holding element 9 is excited to vibrate in the direction of the translation direction T via the actuator 6, the holding element 9 vibrates according to the vibration mode due to its structure. In FIG. 1, the maximum deflection position is shown by a dashed line.

[0050] In particular, the lever arm 10 or the holding element 9 is designed such that when excited in only one direction, at least two-directional vibration is performed by the mirror 5.

[0051] Particularly preferably, the laser generator 2 is a UV laser or an infrared laser, the side of the screen 4 pointing in the direction of the mirror 5 is coated with a fluorescent material, and / or a corresponding material or material mixture is embedded in the screen 4. This reduces the risk of a person looking at the screen 4 being dazzled by the laser beam 3, while in that case, in particular, the generation of an aesthetically pleasing and bright knot pattern 8 becomes possible.

[0052] In that case, the line of sight is indicated by the eye 16.

[0053] FIG. 2 shows a corresponding circuit diagram of the optical pattern generator 1 shown in FIG. 1. The actuator 6 is connected to the amplifier 18 via the line 17. The amplifier 18 is also connected via the line 17 to a DC voltage source such as a battery 19 for power supply. In this case, this can be, for example, an accumulator. The amplifier 18 receives an input signal via the control device 7, but the input signal is not shown in FIG. 1 for clarity. Referring to FIG. 1, the control device 7 can be located outside the hollow space defined by the upper structure 13. In particular, when the actuator 6 is a speaker, the amplifier 18 can be connected to the control device 7 via the jack plug 20. When the optical pattern generator 1 is formed by another actuator 6, the amplifier 18 can also be omitted, and the actuator 6 can be directly activated by the control device 7.

[0054] The control device 7 can receive the selection variable 21 from the outside or can determine it itself according to the measured quantity. The control device 7 selects an appropriate control signal for controlling the actuator 6 according to the selection variable 21. In that case, as already described, various signals each having a characteristic frequency are stored in the control device 7 or can be generated thereby.

[0055] Furthermore, a laser generator 2 connected to the battery 19 via the line 17 is shown.

[0056] Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the optical pattern generator 1 according to the present invention. Here, the optical pattern generator 1 comprises two electric drive devices that can rotate the two mirrors 5 shown, as actuators 6. In that case, the two mirrors 5 are arranged in alignment with each other such that the laser beam 3 is guided along the so-called Lissajous pattern 11 on the screen 4. For this purpose, the mirrors 5 are each tilted and connected to their respective electric motors. The central axis M of each mirror 5 is tilted by an angle α with respect to the rotation axis R of each electric motor. Thereby, when the laser beam 3 hits the mirror 5, it is deflected by a slightly changed angle according to the rotational position. In that case, each mirror 5 is aligned with the other such that the laser beam 3 is deflected along a first direction X by one mirror on the screen 4 and deflected about a second direction Y orthogonal to the first direction X by the second mirror 5.

[0057] Figure 4 shows the arrangement of two optical pattern generators 1 according to the present invention in the lighting device 14 according to the present invention. In that case, the two laser generators 2 can each generate laser beams 3 of the same color or different colors. The screen 4 shown in Figure 4 can also be designed in various ways according to the local position, for example, having different colors and / or different fluorescent materials. For example, when the lighting device 14 is incorporated into a vehicle 15 according to the present invention and shown in Figure 5, the first knot pattern 8 can be used for forming the taillight, and the second knot pattern 8 can be used for forming a direction indicator such as a blinker. In that case, during the generation of the knot pattern 8, each laser beam 3 is continuously guided along its respective closed orbit. However, thereafter, the laser generator 2 can also be stopped and then operated again. After the laser generator 2 is operated again, for example, different knot patterns 8 can be generated or the same knot pattern as before can be generated by controlling each actuator 6 with different control signals.

[0058] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary appearance of the vehicle 15 according to the present invention described above. In the illustration of FIG. 5, the use of the light pattern generator 1 according to the present invention and the lighting device 14 according to the present invention for forming the taillight of the vehicle correspondingly becomes apparent.

[0059] FIG. 6 exemplarily shows various resurgence patterns 11. Depending on the application and the desired pattern, these can be shown by the lighting device 14 according to the present invention. In that case, each resurgence pattern 11 or knot pattern 8 can appear static or moving, i.e., can appear as an animation.

[0060] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method according to the present invention for controlling the lighting device 14 and thus one or more light pattern generators 1. In method step 701, the control device 7 is notified of which selection variable 21 is to be output. The corresponding specification can be notified to the control device 7 externally via, for example, a man-machine interface, or depending on vehicle parameters, for example, individual selection variables 21 are determined for different driving speed ranges of the vehicle 15.

[0061] In method step 702, the control device 7 selects various control signals each having a different characteristic frequency according to the selection variable 21 and transfers these to the actuator 6 for control in method step 703.

[0062] In method step 704, the mirror 5 is thereby moved or excited to vibrate.

[0063] In method step 705, the corresponding knot pattern 8 or resurgence pattern 11 is projected onto the screen 4.

[0064] FIG. 8 shows a procedure for setting the behavior of the control device 7 as to which selection variable 21 should be selected under which boundary conditions.

[0065] In method step 801, the user of vehicle 15 sets via the man-machine interface which control signal should be output to the control device 7 for which boundary condition. In that case, the knot pattern 8 that can be set thereby can be visually displayed to the user. According to setting 802, the user selects a knot pattern 8 that continuously and statically glows during the operation of vehicle 15. In that case, the user can decide for himself which control signal is used for this, that is, the user can select or set the respective characteristic frequency of the control signal.

[0066] According to setting 803, vehicle 15 automatically selects each control signal according to a set driving mode such as comfort, sports, or dynamic driving mode.

[0067] According to setting 804, vehicle 15 itself selects each control signal according to the distance measured at the rear from other vehicles following vehicle 15. When the distance between vehicle 15 and the following vehicle changes, the selection variable 21 is changed by the control device 7.

[0068] According to setting 805, the selection variable 21, and thus the adaptation of the control signal, is performed according to the moving speed of vehicle 15. It is possible to arbitrarily define the speed ranges at which the same knot pattern is displayed, for example, stop, touch speed (Tastgeschwindigkeit), step speed (Schrittgeschwindigkeit), up to 30 km / h, 30 km / h to 50 km / h, 50 km / h to 100 km / h, and step speed above 100 km / h. There may also be a speed range for reverse.

[0069] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of an input panel 22 for the user of vehicle 15 to set the knot pattern 8 to be displayed. The user can select the type of control signal, such as harmonic wave, rectangular pulse, or sawtooth pulse, via the selection field 23.

[0070] The user can set the amplitude of the control signal, i.e., the volume in the case of an audio file, via the controller 24.

[0071] The user can set various modulations of the control signal via the controller 25.

[0072] The user can set the characteristic frequency via the controller 26. The screening can be performed with any step width, for example, in 1 Hz steps.

[0073] The user can acoustically and / or visually output the thus generable control signal via the selection field 27 and / or by the display area 28. The display area 28 can also visually display the corresponding knot pattern 8 that can be displayed. The completed control signal can be stored and / or loaded via the selection field 29.

[0074] In the example of FIG. 9, the setting fields 30 for three different control signals are shown. The user can select whether to fuse the corresponding control signals to generate a common control signal. However, control can also be performed using one of the shown control signals.

Claims

Claim 1 An optical pattern generator (1), comprising: a laser generator (2) for generating a laser beam (3); a screen (4) that is at least partially transparent to the laser beam (3); at least one movable mirror (5) disposed in the beam path of the laser beam (3) for deflecting the laser beam (3) in the direction of the screen (4); one actuator (6) for actuating the mirror (5); and a control device (7) for controlling each actuator (6). The control device (7), the actuator (6) and the at least one mirror (5) are configured such that the laser beam (3) can be continuously guided along a self-closed orbit on the screen (4), and the laser beam (3) is deflected towards the screen (4), whereby the laser beam (3) generates a knot pattern (8) on the screen (4). In this case, the screen (4) has sufficient transparency to allow light to pass through, so that the knot pattern (8) can be perceived from the side opposite to the side where the laser beam (3) hits. In the optical pattern generator (1), the control device (7) controls the actuator (6) by at least one control signal having a characteristic frequency, and control signals that are distinguishable at least in terms of different characteristic frequencies are stored in the control device (7) or can be generated by the control device (7), and each control signal for controlling the actuator (6) can be selected by the control device (7) according to a selection variable (21). The optical pattern generator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (6) is configured to translate the mirror (5) or a holding element (9) that supports the mirror. Claim 2 The optical pattern generator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (6) is formed by a piezoelectric element or a speaker. Claim 3 The optical pattern generator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mirror (5) has a convex or concave curvature. Claim 4 The mirror (5) is connected to the actuator (6) in the form of a lever arm (10) that extends from the actuator (6) substantially orthogonally to the translational direction (T) of the actuator (6) via a holding element (9), the optical pattern generator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The lever arm (10) has different bending rigidities in the main extending direction of the lever arm and a direction crossing the main extending direction, the optical pattern generator (1) according to claim 4.

6. The actuator (6) is connected to a superstructure (13) via a damping element (12), the optical pattern generator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. An optical pattern generator (1), comprising a laser generator (2) for generating a laser beam (3), a screen (4) that is at least partially transparent to the laser beam (3), at least one movable mirror (5) arranged in the beam path of the laser beam (3) for deflecting the laser beam (3) in the direction of the screen (4), and one actuator (6) for actuating the mirror (5), and a control device (7) for controlling each actuator (6), the control device (7), the actuator (6) and the at least one mirror (5) are set to continuously guide the laser beam (3) along a self-closed trajectory on the screen (4) so as to deflect the laser beam (3) towards the screen (4), whereby the laser beam (3) generates a knot pattern (8) on the screen (4), in which case the screen (4) has sufficient transparency to let light pass through, whereby the knot pattern (8) is perceivable from the side opposite to the side where the laser beam (3) hits, the control device (7) controls the actuator (6) by at least one control signal having a characteristic frequency, and control signals that are distinguishable at least in terms of different characteristic frequencies are stored in the control device (7) or can be generated by the control device (7), and each control signal for controlling the actuator (6) is selectable by the control device (7) according to a selection variable (21), The actuator (6) is set to rotate the mirror (5) or the holding element (9) that supports the mirror (5), and the mirror (5) is connected to the actuator (6) such that the mirror is inclined at an angle (α) with respect to the rotation axis (R) of the mirror. In the light pattern generator (1), The light pattern generator (1) is characterized by at least two mirrors (5) arranged in the beam path of the laser beam (3), and when these mirrors (5) rotate, the laser beam (3) is moved along the Lissajous pattern (11) on the screen (4) and is arranged and aligned with respect to each other. Claim 8 An illumination device (14) characterized by at least one light pattern generator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Claim 9 A vehicle (15) characterized by at least one illumination device (14) according to claim 8. Claim 10 A method for controlling an illumination device (14) provided in the vehicle (15) according to claim 9, wherein the selection variable (21) is determined by a calculation unit of the vehicle (15) according to a vehicle parameter, a distance between the vehicle (15) and another vehicle following the vehicle (15) measured from the vehicle (15), and / or an operation action input via a man-machine interface. Claim 11 The method according to claim 10, - the control signal selected by the control device (7) according to the selection variable (21) is visually and / or acoustically output within the vehicle (15), and / or - a knot pattern (8) that can be generated on the screen (4) according to each control signal is visually output within the vehicle (15). The method is characterized by the above.

Images