Method for operating an ambient lighting device in a vehicle - Patents.com

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an ambient lighting device (1) of a vehicle (2), which ambient lighting device (1) emits at least one light pattern (4) in the vicinity of the vehicle (2) by means of at least one light emitter (3) in response to a control command. The invention is characterized in that the ambient lighting device (1) is put into a standby mode by input of a control action, and while the ambient lighting device (1) operates in the standby mode, the ambient lighting device emits light when an authorized person approaches the vehicle (2).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating an ambient lighting device for a vehicle of the kind recited in the preamble of claim 1, and to a vehicle equipped with such a lighting device.

[0002] Vehicles are often provided with so-called coming home, follow me home or even leaving home equipment packages, which are special lighting devices or ways of operating lighting devices. When the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly, the lighting devices can be used to illuminate the typically dark surroundings around the vehicle. Whereas vehicle headlights are used to illuminate the roadway portion traveled by the vehicle in the dark to allow the vehicle driver to operate the vehicle safely at night and indicator lights such as turn signals are used to issue messages about dangerous situations and to indicate lane change or turning processes, the coming home or leaving home function is used to allow the vehicle driver to safely access the vehicle or to safely stop the vehicle. For example, the lighting devices can generate a so-called light carpet around the vehicle, with which dropped objects such as for example dropped vehicle keys can be more easily found. Furthermore, the lighting of the surroundings also makes it easier to load and / or unload the vehicle in the dark. The surrounding area can also be precisely illuminated, for example to illuminate the way to or away from the vehicle. This reduces the risk of tripping for people approaching or leaving the vehicle, and in addition can illuminate third parties, such as attackers hiding in a parking garage, and alert the vehicle driver to the danger. This also increases the vehicle driver's sense of security. In this case, the coming home function is typically activated when the vehicle is stopped, which can be determined by stopping the vehicle's prime mover, removing the ignition key from the ignition lock, opening the vehicle door, and / or locking the vehicle. In contrast, the leaving home function is activated when getting into the vehicle. Getting into the vehicle is recognized accordingly, for example, by sending an unlock command to the vehicle, the vehicle door being opened, and / or the vehicle driver approaching the stopped vehicle.To emit light, the ambient lighting device comprises various light emitters, such as lights typically provided on the vehicle, such as headlights and / or rear lights, number plate lights, entry and exit lights integrated into the doors or vehicle frame, or lights integrated into the grip recesses or side mirrors. The variety of light patterns that can be projected into the surroundings is unlimited. Light patterns with a wide variety of shapes, colors, patterns, sizes, display durations and different lighting dynamics are known from the prior art.

[0003] For example, US Pat. No. 5,999,336 discloses such a lighting device. With the lighting device, a particularly continuous or uninterrupted light carpet is generated around the vehicle, with which the loading and / or unloading of the vehicle in the dark can be carried out more easily and the sense of security of the vehicle user is increased. The illuminator is activated if the ambient luminance measured with the aid of a luminance sensor falls below a defined value and at the same time an activation command transmitted by remote control is received by the vehicle. In that case, the remote control can also include central locking of the vehicle. In this way, the illuminator can be activated simultaneously with the opening and closing of the vehicle. In that case, it is also possible to adjust the luminance output by the illuminator depending on the ambient luminance. For this purpose, the capacity of the individual light-emitting elements can be increased or decreased and the number of lights can be changed. The illuminator is automatically stopped after a defined length of time or after a defined period of time has elapsed since the engine of the vehicle has been started or after all the doors of the vehicle have been closed. The illuminators can be used as vehicle parking lights, tail lights, mirror base lights, bumper lights, vehicle interior lighting, door entry lights, number plate lighting as light emitting means. In this case, all of the aforementioned light emitting means can be controlled precisely or individually. By inputting manual control actions, the number of lights to be activated and their brightness can be set freely or the illuminators can be activated and deactivated. A particularly high feeling of security is achieved by the light carpet projected by the illuminators around the vehicle being generated as continuously as possible, i.e. without interruption.

[0004] From the document DE 10 200 03 133 A1 a further ambient lighting device and a corresponding method for operating an ambient lighting device are known. With the illuminator disclosed therein, a person can set the way in which the illuminator projects light into the surroundings to personal preferences. In that case, the light propagation direction, the light propagation angle and the brightness of the emitted light can be set. It is also possible to store several profiles with different settings. By means of a camera, in particular a so-called surround view camera, and a corresponding display for displaying the camera image, the poorly visible surroundings of the vehicle can be easily viewed and the desired lighting settings can be checked for suitability. In that case, the setting can be made, for example, via the head unit of the vehicle, the vehicle key and / or a mobile terminal device, such as a smartphone, on which a corresponding app is executed. It is preferable that the illuminator can illuminate a continuous surrounding around the vehicle. To activate the illuminator, a manual activation command has to be given. In that case, it is also possible to require the activation command to be entered twice in succession in order to prevent unintentional activation of the illuminator. The illuminator can use all common illuminating means, such as, for example, incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, gas discharge lamps, fluorescent lamps and / or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light-emitting means.

[0005] Patent document 3 also discloses a lighting device for vehicles. In this case, the lighting device is used in particular as a vehicle entry / exit light. The lighting device comprises at least one projector, by means of which digital information such as texts, images and / or logos are projected into the vicinity close to the vehicle door when entering and leaving the vehicle. In order to activate the lighting device, a control command is issued in response to a contact with the door. For example, the lighting device is activated when the door is opened. It is also possible to additionally use a motion sensor to recognize the approach of a person to the vehicle and to automatically activate the lighting device already on the approach of the person to the vehicle. The deactivation of the lighting device can then be carried out in stages. Thus, after a first period the emission of information is terminated and after a further relatively long period the background lighting is also deactivated. To provide the vehicle with digital information, mobile storage media such as USB sticks or memory cards or even mobile terminal devices can be used. Data transmission is then possible, for example, wireless or by cable. For example, a red light carpet can be emitted by the lighting device in order to give a person entering or leaving the vehicle the sensation of walking on a red carpet, for example.

[0006] In addition, from the patent application EP 1 099 436 A1 a light assembly for a motor vehicle and an environmental lighting device with such an assembly are known. In that case, the environmental conditions around the vehicle are continuously detected by a sensor and the light emitting segments of the environmental illuminator are dynamically and continuously controlled depending on the measured environmental conditions. With the environmental lighting device, dynamics can thus also be generated in the light pattern projected around, such as, for example, movements, pulsations, brightness changes, color changes, movement patterns and / or other properties that correspond to animations. Again, preferably, a continuous periphery around the vehicle is illuminated. In particular, the weather conditions, the operating state of the vehicle, the charging state of the traction battery, the autonomous driving mode and / or an error state are evaluated as environmental conditions. For example, the vehicle type can be indicated by the light color. In a vehicle driven by battery electricity, the environmental lighting device emits, for example, a yellow light and in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, a red light. For example, when the traction battery of a vehicle driven by battery electricity is charged at a charging station, the charging state can also be indicated. A red light is emitted if the battery is empty, a yellow light if the battery is partially charged, and a green light if the battery is fully charged. This is particularly advantageous for rental and / or car sharing vehicles. In addition to the detected environmental conditions, the characteristics of the light emitted by the ambient lighting device can be controlled depending on the presence and position of a particular person relative to the vehicle, as well as the identity of the person. To detect a person, a camera image, generated for example with a camera, can be evaluated. For example, the position of a person is detected and the surrounding area around the person is particularly brightly illuminated so that the person can more easily find a fallen object or to draw the attention of others to the illuminated person. This makes it easier to recognize, for example, an attacker. Furthermore, this document discloses storing light characteristics depending on the geographic location of the vehicle. If the vehicle is, for example, in a first location, a first light characteristic is used, and if the vehicle is in a second location, a different second light characteristic is used. For example, if the vehicle is parked in a private garage, the garage can be illuminated, and if the vehicle is parked in a company parking lot, the surroundings can be illuminated in a particularly unobtrusive manner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] DE 19936357 A1 [Patent Document 2] DE 102012024513 [Patent Document 3] DE 102013016347 A1 [Patent Document 4] DE 102017119919 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The invention is based on the task of advantageously developing the method known from the prior art for operating an ambient lighting device in a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method for operating an ambient lighting device for a vehicle having the features of claim 1 and by a vehicle having the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments and developments emerge from the dependent claims.

[0010] In a method for operating an ambient lighting device of a vehicle of the type mentioned in the introduction, according to the invention, the ambient lighting device is placed in a standby mode by input of a control action, and while the ambient lighting device is operating in the standby mode, the ambient lighting device emits light when an authorized person approaches the vehicle.

[0011] From the prior art, it is known to automatically activate an ambient lighting device of a vehicle when a person approaches the vehicle, for example using a motion sensor. However, it may then happen that the ambient lighting device is activated when it is not needed, for example because an unrelated person passes by the vehicle. This causes the battery of the vehicle to be unnecessarily loaded and thus discharged faster. To prevent this, the ambient lighting device is activated only when an authorized person approaches the vehicle. However, even in this case, it may be the case that activation of the ambient lighting device is undesirable. However, by the authorized person placing the ambient lighting device in a standby mode, the authorized person can ensure that the ambient lighting device is activated automatically only if this is also desired by the authorized person. For example, if it is undesirable to automatically activate the ambient lighting device for a long period of time, the authorized person can deactivate the standby mode, based on which the ambient lighting device does not emit light even if the authorized person approaches the vehicle. This increases the convenience of using the ambient lighting device and reduces unnecessary energy consumption.

[0012] The input of a control action for putting the ambient lighting device into standby mode can be possible in various ways. For this purpose, the input can take place, for example, via the head unit of the vehicle. It is also conceivable that the instrument panel of the vehicle is provided with physical buttons, switches, rotary controls, etc. It is also conceivable to input the control action via a mobile terminal device, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc., and by means of the vehicle key. The standby mode remains activated until it is manually stopped by inputting a new control action. It is also conceivable that the standby mode is automatically activated and / or reactivated, for example depending on the time period that has passed, the mileage of the vehicle, or the current location of the vehicle.

[0013] The ambient lighting device can then emit any light pattern around the vehicle. For example, the light pattern can be formed continuously, i.e. without interruption, all around the vehicle. For example, the light pattern can extend up to about 1 m around the vehicle. However, it is also possible that the light pattern is interrupted at least in a part of the vehicle's periphery, for example in the front area of ​​the vehicle. The ambient lighting device can include various light emitters, for example vehicle headlights, projectors, auxiliary lights, etc. As light emitting means, all common light emitting means can be used, such as incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, fluorescent tubes, LEDs, lasers, etc. The light pattern can have any brightness, spread, color and information content in the form of text, images, logos and / or dynamics. It is also possible that the ambient brightness is monitored using a brightness sensor and light is emitted by the ambient lighting device only when the vehicle's surroundings become dark to a certain extent.

[0014] An advantageous development of the method provides for a person to be recognized as an authorized person by at least one of the following measures: - in particular a vehicle key, a transponder and / or a mobile terminal are used as the identifier transmitter, the identifier transmitter being within the detection range of the vehicle's identification system, Evaluating at least one camera image generated by at least one vehicle camera, in particular using face recognition; and / or an audio signal output by at least one vehicle microphone, the audio signal comprising at least one keyword and / or key phrase spoken in particular by the authorized person, preferably wherein the voice characteristics of the authorized person are analyzed and the audio signal is evaluated.

[0015] With the listed techniques, a particularly reliable recognition of the authorized person is possible. This takes place automatically when the authorized person approaches the vehicle, which increases the convenience when using the ambient lighting device. If an authorized object approaches the vehicle and this is recognized, in particular by an identifier emitter entering the detection range of the identification system, the ambient lighting device is automatically activated. The authorized person can approach the vehicle in the dark if his hands are full, for example because he is carrying an object, and the vehicle automatically illuminates the vehicle surroundings based on this. This increases the convenience of the authorized person, since no control action needs to be entered to illuminate the vehicle surroundings, which would otherwise force the person to put down the carried object. The detection range can then be of the order of magnitude of a typical range of a wireless key, for example in the range of 1 to 40 m.

[0016] By using a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet as an identifier transmitter, automatic activation of the ambient lighting device can also be achieved when using so-called keyless-go systems.

[0017] It is also conceivable to recognize the authorized person on the basis of a camera image. This further improves the convenience when using the environmental lighting device, since the authorized person can be recognized and the environmental lighting device can be activated even if the authorized person does not carry an identifier transmitter. For this purpose, a photograph or a video of the authorized person can be taken in advance and stored in the vehicle, so that the vehicle has information about who is considered to be an authorized person. In that case, a camera image of the authorized person can be taken outside the vehicle, for example by a photo camera or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, and transmitted wirelessly to the vehicle. This further improves the convenience when using the environmental lighting device. If the vehicle is, for example, a transport vehicle used by a company, the owner of the transport vehicle can send a photograph of, for example, a new employee to the vehicle, so that the vehicle already recognizes the new employee as an authorized person when the new employee uses it for the first time.

[0018] The recognition of the authorized person and thus the activation of the ambient lighting device can also be done by voice. Such a function is known, for example, from so-called voice assistants. This likewise allows people with their hands full to activate the ambient lighting device comfortably and simply. For this purpose, the authorized person can say a key word and / or a key phrase, for example "Car, activate the ambient lighting device", on the basis of which the ambient lighting device is activated. For this purpose, the authorized person can be recognized, for example, on the basis of voice characteristics. It is also possible for the authorized person to be recognized by an identifier emitter and / or by evaluation of a camera image, but in addition to this a voice command must be given in order to activate the ambient lighting device. In that case, the voice detection is carried out by at least one microphone equipped in the vehicle. This can also detect noises outside the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the microphone of a mobile terminal connected to the vehicle can also be used for this purpose.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method, when a vehicle occupant wants to leave the vehicle, a light pattern is projected by the ambient lighting device into the surroundings, the light pattern having a different color, shape, area, pattern, brightness, light range and / or dynamics if a danger-free exit is possible or if a risk of an accident may be imminent. This ensures a particularly safe exit from the vehicle. On the other hand, the vehicle occupant can be alerted to approaching other traffic participants, such as passenger or freight vehicles or cyclists, in order to prevent the vehicle occupant from opening the vehicle door and running into the open vehicle door of the other traffic participants. The perception of the light pattern projected into the surroundings by the other traffic participants can also enable them to pay attention to the person exiting the vehicle. In order to recognize that a danger-free exit from the vehicle is possible, the environment of the vehicle is monitored by a reliable environment monitoring system. For example, the area in the direction of the front of the vehicle is monitored by means of a multipurpose camera and the area behind the vehicle is monitored by means of a rear-view camera of the parking assist and / or a rear-view camera used as a substitute for the side mirrors. In that case, by evaluating the camera images generated by the camera, for example, the relative position of other traffic participants, in particular with respect to the vehicle, can be determined. It is also possible to monitor the vehicle environment using distance sensors. For this, for example, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors and / or laser scanners can be used. This allows reliable recognition of the approach of other traffic participants, in particular in the area through which the vehicle door is opened. Different approaches can likewise be used to recognize the exit requests of vehicle occupants. For example, the vehicle interior can be monitored using a camera in order to recognize and evaluate the movements of the vehicle occupants. A stop of the vehicle, which is recognized for example by stopping the drive of the vehicle, can also indicate that the door is about to be opened. Navigation data can also be evaluated. If the vehicle has arrived for example at a programmed navigation destination, this means for example that the person driving the vehicle wants to leave the vehicle. A touch sensor can also be integrated into the door handle of the vehicle, which outputs a signal if the vehicle occupant touches and / or operates the door handle.

[0020] If a danger-free disembarkation is possible, the ambient lighting device projects, for example, a green rectangular light in the periphery immediately in front of the vehicle door where the vehicle occupant wants to disembark. In that case, messages such as, for example, texts like "OK", "Get out!" or "Safe" can also be projected in the rectangle. In contrast, if the opening of the vehicle door poses a risk of an accident, the ambient lighting device projects, for example, a red rectangular light in the periphery area in front of the vehicle door. Similarly, a corresponding warning indication such as a warning text or a warning symbol like a lightning bolt or an exclamation mark can be projected in the light rectangle. For example, a warning text like "Caution!" or "Warning" or "Stop" can be output. Additionally or alternatively, the light pattern can be given dynamics. The light pattern can, for example, pulsate like a strobe. It is also possible to realize the output of the light pattern in a stepwise manner. For example, when a contact with the door handle is recognized, the light pattern will continuously flash red. This prevents the disembarking person from disembarking and if the door starts to open, the output of the light pattern with dynamics can be performed, for example the light pattern can start to flash. This allows a more timely perception of the danger indication by the person exiting the vehicle and a more timely halt to the opening of the door, which is more reliable. It is also conceivable that the vehicle door handles are provided with a safety function, such that the doors can only be opened if a danger-free exit is possible. As malfunctions can occur, a bypass solution can also be provided to avoid door locking. For example, the door handle can be operated several times or pulled beyond the first pull point to a second pull point in order to be able to open the door even if it is locked.

[0021] The ambient lighting device projects a light pattern around the vehicle, which can also be perceived by other traffic participants, thus alerting them to the possibility of a vehicle occupant exiting the vehicle and allowing them to take evasive action if necessary, thereby improving road safety.

[0022] Another advantageous embodiment of the method further provides for activating the interior lighting of the vehicle depending on whether disembarking is safe or unsafe in addition to or instead of the light pattern projected into the surroundings. This can further increase safety in road traffic. For example, the interior door handle lighting can be green if a safe disembarking is possible, and red if there is a risk of a collision with another traffic participant. This can provide an early warning to the vehicle occupant of the danger if he wants to disembark, and on the basis of this he will not open the door in the first place. The interior lighting can also be formed arbitrarily. For example, the brightness, color, display time, dynamics, etc. of the interior lighting can be changed if a dangerous disembarking is detected instead of a safe disembarking.

[0023] According to another advantageous embodiment of the method, the ambient lighting device emits light if it detects an intrusion attempt and / or damage to the vehicle, the ambient lighting device only illuminating the relevant surrounding area. In that case, the intrusion attempt and / or damage to the vehicle can be recognized, for example, using an inertial sensor and / or vehicle interior monitoring, for example by an interior camera. The damage to the vehicle can be, for example, a hit-and-run when parking. In such a situation, it is known, for example, to activate the hazard lights of the vehicle. This allows the attacker to escape and / or indicates the intrusion attempt and / or damage to the vehicle to third parties. However, in addition to or instead of activating the hazard lights, the relevant surrounding area is illuminated with the ambient lighting device, so that the cause of the accident can be localized to the damage to the vehicle and / or the attacker of the vehicle can be illuminated, for example in order to be able to be better identified. This can increase the safety of the vehicle.

[0024] Preferably, when at least one vehicle door is open, information is projected by the ambient lighting device into the surroundings, the content of which is changed depending on the seat occupancy of the vehicle seat adjacent to the open door, the seat occupancy being monitored in particular by camera monitoring in the vehicle interior and / or by a seat occupancy sensor. This allows to recognize whether a person wants to enter or leave the vehicle. If the vehicle door is open and seat occupancy of the seat adjacent to the door is identified, this means that the vehicle occupant wants to leave the vehicle. If the vehicle door is open and a vehicle seat is identified as free, this indicates that the person wants to sit in the vehicle. In case of leaving the vehicle, a farewell text, e.g. "Goodbye" or "Bye-bye" and / or any information, e.g. news or weather forecast, can be projected into the surroundings. In contrast, if it is recognized that the person wants to sit in the vehicle, a text message, e.g. "Welcome" or "Hello", can be projected into the surroundings. The text message is oriented so that it is correctly visible to the person leaving or entering the vehicle. This allows a special experience to be obtained when using the vehicle. Using seat occupancy sensors and vehicle interior monitoring by cameras it is possible to reliably and easily recognise whether a person wants to enter or leave the vehicle.

[0025] According to the invention, a vehicle is provided with a lighting device, at least one control device and an identification system, the control device being configured to execute the method described above. The vehicle may be any vehicle, such as a passenger car, a freight car, a transporter, a van, a bus, etc.

[0026] An advantageous development of the vehicle provides that at least one light emitter of the lighting device, in particular a projector equipped to display information, is integrated into the rocker panel, the undertray trim panel and / or the bumper of the vehicle. By providing the light emitter in the rocker panel, the undertray trim panel and / or the bumper, the light emitter can be integrated into the vehicle in a particularly unobtrusive manner, which improves the aesthetics of the vehicle. In addition, the light emitter is arranged at a relatively small distance to the surroundings, so that the light emitter can illuminate the relevant surrounding area around the vehicle in a particularly reliable manner. This reduces the risk that interfering objects or objects are located in the light path of the light emitted by the light emitter, which may cause a shadow in the light pattern generated by the light emitter. This allows a light carpet without gaps to be generated at least along a peripheral portion around the vehicle. It is particularly advantageous if a continuous light carpet runs from one lateral vehicle front, through the vehicle rear, to a lateral vehicle front located opposite the first vehicle front. If a person, for example, loses an object, he or she can find it more easily in the dark, since the light emitter illuminates the entire relevant area around the vehicle, where the light emitted by the light emitter can also reach at least partially underneath the vehicle, so that an object that has, for example, rolled under the vehicle can also be easily found.

[0027] Preferably, the vehicle has exactly five light emitters, two of which are arranged on the left and right side of the vehicle as viewed along the vehicle longitudinal axis, and one light emitter at the rear of the vehicle, in particular these light emitters being arranged to project an uninterrupted light pattern into the surroundings. By providing just five lighting devices, in the case of a five-door vehicle, one light emitter can be provided under each vehicle door. This allows a particularly reliable illumination of the corresponding vehicle environment area. In addition to this, since the light emitters are arranged around the vehicle, an uninterrupted light pattern around the vehicle can be generated particularly simply. Any common light emitter can be used as light emitter. For this, for example headlights, marker lights, projectors, etc. can be used. These can have various light emitting means, such as lamps, LEDs, lasers, etc. In order to control the lighting device and / or the controlled angle at which the light emitted by the light emitter is projected into the surroundings, the light emitter can have various components, such as for example lenses, reflectors, prisms, mirrors, filters, etc., as well as corresponding actuators for moving these elements.

[0028] Further advantageous embodiments of the method and vehicle according to the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of vehicle components arranged in a vehicle for carrying out the method according to the invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a vehicle according to the present invention, which projects a continuous carpet of light into the vehicle environment around the vehicle. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a traffic situation in which a person getting out of a vehicle is alerted to other traffic participants. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] FIG. 1 shows components that a vehicle 2 shown in FIG. 2 comprises, in order to be able to carry out the method according to the invention. The vehicle 2 comprises a central control device 10, for example a central board computer and / or a computing unit of a head unit of the vehicle 2. The control device 10 is connected to various subsystems via data lines, such as a data bus. In this case, the control device 10 can transfer control commands to the ambient lighting device 1, with which it can project light patterns into the environment around the vehicle 2. The ambient lighting device 1 comprises a number of light emitters 3, three of which are shown in FIG. 1. The light emitters 3 can for example be matrix headlights, projectors or marker lights. The lighting device 3 also comprises a number of light emitting means 11, of which two each for each light emitter 3 are shown in FIG. 1. For example LEDs, lamps, lasers etc. can be used as light emitting means 11. The control device 10 receives sensor data from various systems in order to generate a control command to the ambient lighting device 1 for activating at least one light emitter 3. The ambient lighting device 1 is then activated if an authorized person is in the vicinity of the vehicle 2. This can be determined, for example, by the entry of an identifier emitter 5, here for example in the form of a vehicle key 5.1, a transponder 5.2 and a mobile terminal 5.3, into a detection range 6 of the identification system 7. To recognise or communicate with the identifier emitter 5, the identification system 7 comprises a communication module 7.1, which exchanges radio signals with the identifier emitter 5, for example by means of ultra-wideband communication. However, any arbitrary wireless technology can also be used, such as mobile radio, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.

[0031] Furthermore, an environment monitoring system 12 is connected to the control device 10. This control device receives sensor signals from at least one vehicle camera 8, at least one vehicle microphone 9, a distance sensor 13, for example in the form of a distance radar and / or an ultrasonic sensor, and at least one laser scanner 14, such as a LiDAR. Furthermore, at least one brightness sensor 15 is connected to the environment monitoring system 12, with which the current environment brightness in the environment around the vehicle 2 can be determined. The environment monitoring system 12 can be used to additionally verify the approach of an authorized person to the vehicle 2. The environment lighting device 1 can also be operated only if the brightness sensor 15 determines that there is sufficient darkness around the vehicle 2. In addition, the motor control device 16 can be used to recognize the activation or deactivation of a motor, in particular in the form of a prime mover of the vehicle 2. If the prime mover is deactivated, this indicates that the vehicle 2 is stopped or parked, and if the vehicle 2 is moving, the operation of the environment lighting device 1 is disabled if the vehicle 2 exceeds a defined vehicle speed. Vehicle speed may be determined using various vehicle sensors, such as wheel rotation speed sensors, and / or using an assessment of the vehicle's current geographic position using a global navigation satellite system.

[0032] Furthermore, an interior monitoring system 17 is connected to the control device 10. The interior monitoring system 17 can be used to monitor the vehicle interior, for example to monitor the seat occupancy and / or the behavior of the vehicle occupants, so that a request by the vehicle occupants to exit the vehicle can be detected. For this purpose, the interior monitoring system 17 receives sensor signals from a number of sensors, including an interior vehicle camera 18, at least one interior vehicle microphone 19, at least one seat occupancy sensor 20, at least one touch sensor 21 integrated in at least one door handle of the vehicle door for detecting contact with the door handle, as well as at least one inertial sensor 22 for enabling the acceleration of the vehicle 2 in any direction to be determined. The inertial sensor 22 can be used, for example, to recognize a collision with the vehicle 2, in which case the direction in which the vehicle 2 has been hit can also be calculated.

[0033] Furthermore, an operating device 23 is connected to the control device 10, and it is also possible that the control device 10 is generally integrated in the operating device 23. The operating device 23 comprises a display 24 and an operating element 25. The operating device 23 can be, for example, a head unit of the vehicle 2. The display 24 can be any display, for example an instrument cluster, a display of a central on-board computer, etc. The operating element 23 can be, for example, a touch screen, or a physical switch, button, rotary controller, etc., which can be provided, for example, in the instrument panel of the vehicle 2. In order to enable the ambient lighting device 1 to emit light when an authorised person approaches the vehicle 2, the authorised person or the driver of the vehicle places the ambient lighting device 1 in a standby mode via the operating element 25. On the other hand, if the ambient lighting device 1 is not operating in the standby mode, the ambient lighting device 1 does not emit light even if an authorised person is present in the detection area 6 around the vehicle 2. This prevents unintentional emission of light. Furthermore, the control device 10 comprises a computer program product 26, in particular in the form of control software. This may be a vehicle type specific computer program product 26 .

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a vehicle 2 which projects a light pattern 4 around the vehicle 2 using the method according to the invention. The vehicle 2 is in particular a transport vehicle or van. The vehicle 2 then comprises exactly five lighting devices 3 in order to be able to generate an uninterrupted light carpet in the side and rear areas of the vehicle 2. At least the environmental area around the vehicle 2 adjacent to the doors of the vehicle 2 is then illuminated. This allows easy entry and exit of the vehicle 2, loading and / or unloading, as well as finding fallen objects in the dark. It is furthermore conceivable for the vehicle 2 to expand the environmental area occupied by the light pattern 4 by means of the vehicle headlights 27 and / or other auxiliary lights 28, in particular in order to generate a continuous, uninterrupted, completely surrounding light carpet around the vehicle 2. The light carpet or light pattern 4 can then also extend partially under the vehicle 2.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows a traffic situation in which a vehicle occupant wants to get out of a parked vehicle 2, but other traffic participants in the form of an approaching vehicle 29 and a cyclist 30 approach the vehicle 2. The other vehicles 29 and the cyclist 30 are detected using the vehicle 2's environment sensors, in particular the vehicle camera 8, the distance sensor 13 and / or the laser scanner 14, not shown in Fig. 3. By evaluating the relative positions between the vehicle 2 and the other vehicles 29 and the cyclist 30, as well as the movement direction and movement speed of the other traffic participants, the vehicle 2 or the control device 10 contained in the vehicle 2 can calculate whether the other traffic participants are about to enter the boarding and / or disembarking areas of the vehicle 2, i.e. whether there is a risk of a collision with the vehicle 2 if one of the doors of the vehicle 2 is opened. If this is the case, and in addition if the vehicle occupant wants to leave the vehicle, which can be determined for example by interior monitoring, a corresponding light pattern 4 is projected by the environmental lighting device 1 or the light emitter 3 into the surroundings in order to warn the other traffic participants and the vehicle occupant getting out of the vehicle 2. The light pattern 4 can be perceived by both other traffic participants and the vehicle occupant, thereby warning both of them of a possible collision. In that case, the light pattern 4 can be projected into the surroundings in a warning colour, in particular bright red, and can have a warning notice, for example a warning text and / or a warning symbol. Furthermore, the light pattern 4 is provided with dynamics, which improves the perception of the light pattern 4. The light pattern 4 can for example pulsate, move and / or flash stroboscopically. In contrast, if there are no other traffic participants in the environment close to the vehicle 2, a light pattern 4 with different characteristics can be projected into the surroundings. For example, the light pattern 4 can have a green colour and no dynamics. This can improve road traffic safety.

Claims

1. A method for operating an ambient lighting device (1) of a vehicle (2), the ambient lighting device (1) emitting at least one light pattern (4) in the vicinity of the vehicle (2) by means of at least one light emitter (3) in response to a control command, the method comprising the steps of: the ambient lighting device (1) is put into a standby mode by input of a switching action via an operating element (25), and while the ambient lighting device (1) is operating in the standby mode, the ambient lighting device emits light when an authorized person approaches the vehicle (2); 13. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that when at least one vehicle door is open, information is projected into the surroundings by the ambient lighting device (1), the content of said information being changed depending on the seat occupancy of the vehicle seats adjacent to the open door, the seat occupancy being monitored by camera monitoring and / or seat occupancy sensors in the vehicle interior.

2. - a vehicle key (5.1), a transponder (5.2) and / or a mobile terminal (5.3) is used as an identifier transmitter (5), said identifier transmitter being within the detection range (6) of an identification system (7) of said vehicle (2), - evaluating at least one camera image produced by at least one vehicle camera (8) using face recognition; and / or - an audio signal output by at least one vehicle microphone (9) contains at least one keyword and / or key phrase spoken by said authorized person, the quality of said person's voice being analyzed and said audio signal being evaluated; 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a person is recognized as an authorized person by at least one of:

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when a vehicle occupant wants to leave the vehicle (2), a light pattern (4) is projected by the ambient lighting device (1) into the surroundings, the light pattern (4) having a different color, shape, area, pattern, brightness, light range and / or dynamics if a danger-free disembarkation is possible or if there is a possible imminent risk of an accident.

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in addition to or instead of the light pattern (4) projected into the surroundings, the interior lighting of the vehicle (2) is activated depending on whether it is safe or unsafe to disembark.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the environmental lighting device (1) emits light upon detecting an attempted intrusion and / or damage to the vehicle (2), and the environmental lighting device (1) illuminates only the relevant environmental area.

6. A vehicle (2) having a lighting device (1), at least one control device (10) and an identification system (7), A vehicle (2), characterized in that the control device (10) is equipped to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 7. The vehicle (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one light emitter (3) of the lighting device (1) is integrated into a rocker panel, an undertray trim panel and / or a bumper.

8. 8. A vehicle (2) according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized by exactly five light emitters (3), two light emitters (3) arranged respectively on the left and right side of the vehicle as seen in the vehicle longitudinal axis and one light emitter (3) arranged at the rear of the vehicle, said light emitters (3) being set to project an uninterrupted light pattern (4) into the surroundings.

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