Controlling an illumination device of a passenger compartment

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for controlling an illumination device (10) of a passenger compartment (12). In the method, the passenger compartment (12) is subdivided (102) into a plurality of zones (14, 16). Furthermore, information relating to a reference object (18) located in a predetermined zone of the plurality of zones (14, 10 16) is acquired (104). On the basis of the acquired (104) information, at least a part of the illumination device (10) associated with this predetermined zone is actuated (106) separately.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Control of a passenger compartment lighting system

[0003] The invention relates to a method for controlling a lighting device of a passenger compartment, a vehicle with this passenger compartment, a computer program and a computer-readable medium.

[0004] In public passenger transport vehicles, a lighting scenario is regularly changed by switching on a lighting device or increasing its brightness as soon as the passenger transport vehicle in question approaches a stopping point. This allows passengers to see that a possible alighting or transfer is imminent. Affected passengers whose journey requires alighting or transfer at the next stopping point are encouraged to prepare for alighting. Furthermore, personal belongings and luggage can be found more easily in this way. This can improve operations. Delays to onward journeys due to unprepared passengers can be avoided. Furthermore, the risk of passengers missing their alighting or transfer times can be reduced.However, for this purpose the lighting scenario has currently been changed for an entire passenger compartment and regularly for all group and / or individual compartments within this passenger compartment. This can sometimes be disruptive for passengers who are scheduled to alight or change trains at other stops. There is also a risk that such global control of the lighting system will be perceived as a routine measure. Commuters or passengers who frequently use the passenger transport vehicle may become accustomed to the regularly changing lighting scenarios and may therefore no longer perceive the associated changes in lighting conditions with the necessary attention. The effectiveness of changing the lighting scenarios for information purposes and / or for the purpose of preparing to alight or change trains can therefore be considerably reduced.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to improve travel comfort for passengers with the help of variable lighting scenarios.

[0006] This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, this object is achieved by a vehicle having the features of the subordinate vehicle claim.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of specifying a computer program and a computer-readable medium.

[0008] These objects are achieved by a computer program having the features of the independent computer program claim and by a computer-readable medium having the features of the independent claim 15.

[0009] Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of dependent subclaims.

[0010] In the method according to the invention for controlling a lighting device of a passenger compartment, the passenger compartment is divided into a plurality of sections. Furthermore, information relating to a reference object located in a predetermined section of the plurality of sections is determined. Based on the determined information, at least one part of the lighting device assigned to this predetermined section is controlled separately. In particular, said part of the lighting device is controlled separately from a remaining part of the lighting device of the passenger compartment.

[0011] This method makes it possible to specifically influence the lighting in individually selectable sections of the passenger compartment. This allows an individual lighting scenario to be selected for each section. This allows changes to the lighting of sections of the passenger compartment to be limited to those sections in which passengers are scheduled to alight or change trains at the next stop. In other sections, existing lighting scenarios can be retained. Disturbance of continuing passengers due to changed lighting scenarios can thus be easily avoided.

[0012] In an advantageous further development, a length of stay linked to the named reference object is determined as the information. Alternatively or additionally, a travel route linked to the named reference object, a boarding point linked to the named reference object and / or an alighting point linked to the named reference object is determined as the information. In this way, it is possible to easily and reliably determine when a passenger linked to the use of a reference object can be informed of an impending alighting or transfer by means of a changed lighting scenario. Furthermore, boarding and finding a seat assigned to a passenger can be made possible by means of a changed lighting scenario. The lighting device can then be controlled in accordance with a distribution of affected reference objects in the passenger compartment.For the purpose of boarding, transferring or exiting, lighting can be switched on, dimmed or switched off and / or the colour of the lighting can be changed.

[0013] A further advantageous development provides that the information is determined on the basis of entries in a database system. The database system can be, for example, a seat reservation system, an occupancy registration system and / or an occupancy detection system. This means that already existing data can be used to control the lighting device. This makes it possible to provide a cost-effective and efficient control method. With the help of the entries in a seat reservation system, travel data which is linked to passenger seats or berths in a passenger compartment is already known. Furthermore, either by passengers themselves or by personnel accompanying the vehicle, passenger travel data can be linked to reference objects. Such information is stored, for example, in an occupancy registration system and / or an occupancy detection system.On the basis of these database systems, the control process can then be carried out quickly and cost-effectively.

[0014] Furthermore, an advantageous development provides that a position determination is carried out with regard to a vehicle having the said passenger compartment. On the basis of a result of the position determination and on the basis of the determined information concerning the reference object, the part of the lighting device assigned to the predetermined section of the plurality of sections is controlled separately. In this way, the lighting can be individually controlled on the basis of a remaining distance to a stopping point, to an arrival point, to a destination or to an intermediate stop of a passenger on their journey. If, for example, there is a deviation between a planned arrival time and an actual arrival time, the output of misleading information by means of the lighting device can be avoided on the basis of the position determination.Long waiting times in the aisles of the passenger compartment caused by passengers waiting too early to get off, which can regularly lead to traffic jams and unrest and thus to a nuisance for other passengers, can be avoided in this way.

[0015] Another advantageous development provides that, on the basis of an event plan and on the basis of the determined information relating to the reference object, the part of the lighting device assigned to the predetermined section of the plurality of sections is controlled separately. For example, the event plan is a timetable or a duty roster of a vehicle which has the passenger compartment. As a result, a remaining length of stay can be easily determined based on a comparison of travel data of a passenger linked to the use of a reference object with a timetable. This enables simple control of that part of the lighting device which is assigned to the section in which a stay of the passenger in question is intended.

[0016] In a further advantageous development, the part of the lighting device assigned to the predetermined section of the plurality of sections is controlled such that it is switched on as soon as a first type condition is met. The first type condition can relate to a predetermined remaining stay time linked to the reference object. Alternatively or additionally, the first type condition can relate to a predetermined remaining distance. If the affected part of the lighting device is already switched on in a dimmed manner, the brightness of the affected lighting device is increased, preferably to a maximum lighting intensity. By switching on or increasing the brightness of the affected part of the lighting device, information regarding an approaching stopping point can be conveyed to predetermined passengers in a simple and unambiguous manner.This can encourage affected passengers to prepare for their exit or transfer in a timely manner. Disruptive changes to lighting scenarios in other areas of the passenger compartment can be avoided.

[0017] Furthermore, an advantageous development provides that the part of the lighting device assigned to the predetermined section of the plurality of sections is controlled such that it is dimmed or at least partially switched off after a second type of condition is met. This second type of condition can relate to a predetermined period of time starting from a start of stay linked to the reference object. Alternatively or additionally, the second type of condition can relate to a predetermined distance starting from a start of stay linked to the reference object. Furthermore, the second type of condition can relate to a period of time linked to the occurrence of the first type of condition. Instead of switching off the lighting device, it can expediently be provided that the lighting device is dimmed. This can improve driving comfort, particularly at night.A lighting scenario can be created automatically and individually for a boarding passenger, allowing them to easily and conveniently locate a reference object intended for use. This allows the passenger to find their seat and settle in. The affected part of the lighting system is then dimmed or at least partially switched off. This allows the lighting system to be switched off or dimmed as needed after a predetermined period of time or after a predetermined distance has been traveled.

[0018] Preferably, a passenger compartment of a rail-bound vehicle is provided as the passenger compartment. Particularly preferably, a passenger compartment of a rail-bound passenger transport vehicle is provided as the passenger compartment. Such passenger compartments are usually used for the purpose of public passenger transport. With the present method, a lighting device can be controlled individually and separately for individual passengers, each with different destinations. Disruptive changes to lighting scenarios affecting other passengers can be avoided. In particular, the lighting device can be switched on separately for individual passengers, so that each passenger can prepare for disembarkation with sufficient brightness. Luggage and personal belongings can be easily found in this way. Other passengers with different destinations, on the other hand, can remain undisturbed.Disturbance of their presence by switching on the entire lighting system can be easily avoided. This can improve the travel comfort of a mixed group of passengers in a passenger compartment, depending on the destination.

[0019] An advantageous further development provides that the predetermined section of the plurality of sections relates to a section of an open-plan compartment, a group compartment or an individual compartment. Furthermore, it can be provided alternatively or additionally that individual passenger seats, standing places and / or reclining places are provided as the predetermined section or those combined in a group. This makes it easy to give individual passengers or groups of passengers with a common destination an indication of an impending alighting using only a predetermined part of the lighting device. This can enable an orderly and smooth operating sequence.

[0020] A passenger seat, a standing place, and / or a reclining place are expediently provided as the reference object. This enables a wide range of applicability of the control method. Furthermore, information for such reference objects is usually already available in database systems of the type described above. With the aid of computer-implemented algorithms, rapid and efficient control of the affected parts of the lighting system can be carried out.

[0021] Preferably, travel data of a passenger of a rail-bound vehicle linked to use of the reference object is provided as information relating to the reference object. Individual parts of the lighting device that can be assigned to a reference object, such as reading lights or the like, can be controlled individually on the basis of the travel data of a passenger linked to use of the said reference object. On the basis of the travel data, it is easy to determine at what time or at what location a transfer or alighting is due. With an appropriate lead time or at a predetermined distance from a destination, a lighting scenario can be changed by the part of the lighting device assigned to the reference object.

[0022] The method according to the invention can be carried out by means of the vehicle according to the invention.

[0023] The vehicle according to the invention has a passenger compartment. Furthermore, the vehicle according to the invention has a lighting device, which is subdivided into several parts that can be controlled separately according to the method according to the invention. Furthermore, the lighting device is subdivided into several parts, each assigned to a predetermined section of the passenger compartment.

[0024] This allows individual control of parts of the passenger compartment lighting system for each vehicle passenger, as needed. Disturbance to other passengers can be avoided. This allows for individual control of the lighting system, tailored to the needs of individual passengers.

[0025] Preferably, the vehicle is a rail-bound passenger transport vehicle. The method according to the invention can be used to improve the operating sequence of the rail-bound passenger transport vehicle. Thus, targeted information can be output to individual passengers or groups of passengers using the lighting system or parts of the lighting system. Other lighting scenarios can be retained. For example, passengers can continue to sleep undisturbed or read or work with unchanged lighting conditions.

[0026] The method according to the invention can be easily implemented with the aid of the computer program according to the invention. When executed, the computer program causes a data processing device to carry out the method according to the invention by means of the lighting device of the vehicle according to the invention. The said data processing device can be, for example, a computer, a microcontroller, a processor or another programmable hardware component. The data processing device is expediently set up to read in, write, receive, transmit and / or manage data. Expediently, a plurality of data processing devices can be set up to jointly execute the computer program. The data processing device is preferably a data processing device of the vehicle according to the invention.For example, free computing capacity of various data processing devices of this vehicle can be used to execute the computer program. Such use of free computing capacity is known as edge computing. In this context, edge computing is to be understood in the sense of information technology.

[0027] Furthermore, the invention provides a computer-readable medium. This medium contains instructions that cause a data processing device to carry out the method according to the invention using the lighting system of the vehicle according to the invention. Said data processing device is, in particular, the data processing device of the type described above.

[0028] The computer-readable medium can be, for example, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a USB or flash memory, or a non-physical medium such as a data stream or a digital carrier signal. The properties, features and advantages of the invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, are explained in more detail in connection with the figures in the following description of the exemplary embodiment of the invention and its variation. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used in the figures for the same or corresponding elements of the invention. The exemplary embodiment serves to explain the invention and does not limit the invention to the combinations of features specified therein, including with regard to functional features.In addition, all features specified in the embodiment can be considered in isolation and combined in a suitable manner with the features of any claim.

[0029] It shows :

[0030] FIG 1 shows an example of the method according to the invention for controlling a lighting device of a passenger compartment using a schematic flow diagram;

[0031] FIG 2 is a schematic representation of a section of an embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, by means of which the example of the method according to the invention can be carried out.

[0032] FIG 1 schematically illustrates an example of a method 100 for controlling a lighting device 10 of a passenger compartment 12 of an embodiment of a vehicle 20 described in more detail in connection with FIG 2.

[0033] In the example of the method 100 described here, the passenger compartment 12 is divided 102 into a plurality of sections 14, 16. In each section of the plurality of sections 14, 16, at least one reference object 18 is provided, for example. A reference object 18 can be a seat, a reclining place, or a standing place. If the passenger compartment 12 has an open-plan compartment, individual passenger seats and / or standing places or those combined in a group can be combined into individual sections 14, 16. Furthermore, passenger seats or reclining places in a group compartment or in an individual compartment can be understood individually or jointly as a section of the plurality of sections 14, 16 of the passenger compartment 12. Furthermore, a part of the lighting device 10 is assigned to each of these several sections 14, 16.In this way, a lighting scenario can be individually changed for each of the multiple sections 14, 16 by means of the respectively assigned part of the lighting device 10.

[0034] For the purpose of a simplified explanation of the example of the method 100, this will be explained in more detail below using an individual compartment 14 which, as a predetermined section of the plurality of sections 14, 16 of the passenger compartment 12, has a single passenger seat 18 as the reference object 18. This example can be easily transferred to other types of sections of the passenger compartment 12 and / or reference objects 18, such as a standing place or a lying place.

[0035] First, information relating to the passenger seat 18 of the individual compartment 14 under consideration is determined 104. Preferably, travel data of a passenger linked to the use of the passenger seat 18 is provided as information. Information of this type is usually stored in database systems, such as a seat reservation system, an occupancy registration system, or an occupancy recognition system. With the aid of a seat reservation system, individual passengers are assigned a predetermined seat or reclining space for their journey in the said passenger compartment 12. Furthermore, passengers have the option of independently registering their location in the passenger compartment 12. During this registration, passengers link their location in the passenger compartment 12, for example their seat, reclining space, or standing space, with their travel data.Based on entries in said database systems or comparable database systems, the information relating to the passenger seat 18 under consideration can be easily determined 104. This allows a length of stay associated with this passenger seat 18 and an associated travel route to be determined 104. Furthermore, a boarding location and / or a disembarkation location of a passenger associated with the use of the passenger seat 18 under consideration can be easily determined 104.

[0036] Based on the information 104 determined by way of example in the aforementioned manner, a part of the lighting device 10 assigned to this individual compartment 14 is furthermore controlled 106 separately in the present example of the method 100. For this purpose, it is provided that the lighting device 10 is subdivided into several separately controllable parts, each of which is assigned to a predetermined section of the plurality of sections 14, 16 of the passenger compartment 12. As a result, each part of the lighting device 10 assigned to a predetermined section can be controlled 106 individually and separately from the other parts of the lighting device 10.

[0037] In the example of method 100 described here, a remaining length of stay and a predetermined remaining distance are first determined on the basis of the recorded 102 information. The remaining length of stay is determined, for example, on the basis of the passenger's travel data linked to the passenger seat 18 in question and on the basis of an event plan. A timetable is used as the event plan in the present case. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a duty roster is used in other application cases. A comparison of the timetable with the travel data of the passenger linked to the use of the passenger seat 18 makes it possible to easily determine a remaining length of stay of the passenger in this passenger seat 18. For the purpose of determining a remaining distance, it is provided in the present case that a position determination is carried out 108 with regard to the vehicle 20 having the aforementioned passenger compartment 12.With the help of a result of this position determination 108 and on the basis of the aforementioned travel data, the remaining distance is determined. If the vehicle 20 having the passenger compartment 12 approaches a stopping point, those reference objects 18 at which a passenger is scheduled to board or disembark at the next stopping point are identified on the basis of the aforementioned information. As soon as a remaining stay related to the next stopping point and / or a remaining distance is reached 112, the present example of the method 100 provides that that part of the lighting device 10 which is assigned to the reference objects 18 identified in the aforementioned manner is switched on 110.If it is determined 112 that the passenger associated with the passenger seat 18 in question is scheduled to exit at the next stop, a lighting scenario in the individual compartment 14 is changed in such a way that the said passenger is informed of their impending exit. For this purpose, the part of the lighting device 10 assigned to the individual compartment 14 is switched on 110. If a dimmed lighting scenario already exists, provision is made for the said part of the lighting device 10 to be set to an exemplary maximum brightness operating state.

[0038] This allows the passenger to prepare their personal belongings and luggage for disembarkation. This prevents the need to change lighting scenarios in other sections 16 of the passenger compartment 12. This prevents passengers remaining in the vehicle 20 from being disturbed by the entire lighting system 10 being switched on 110.

[0039] Furthermore, the example of the method described here provides for the determination of those reference objects 18 for which a new occupancy of passengers is planned. If a boarding passenger is linked to the use of the passenger seat 18 in the individual compartment 14 under consideration, then for this purpose in the present example a predetermined period of time and a predetermined distance are determined starting from a start of a passenger's stay linked to the reference object 18. For this purpose, travel data of the passenger in question from a seat reservation system are compared with the results of the position determination 108 and with a timetable. In this way, a start of the stay of a passenger linked to the use of the passenger seat 18 under consideration can expediently be determined.In this case, the presently described example of the method 100 provides that the part of the lighting device 10 assigned to the individual compartment 14 is initially fully activated upon the intended boarding of the passenger. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, starting from the start of the passenger's stay 116 associated with the passenger seat 18, the part of the lighting device 10 assigned to the individual compartment 14 is at least partially switched off or dimmed 114, preferably dimmed. Alternatively or additionally, the presently described example of the method 100 provides that after reaching a predetermined distance starting from a location of the determined start of the stay 116, the part of the lighting device 10 assigned to the individual compartment 14 is dimmed or, in certain application cases, at least partially switched off 114.This procedure enables a boarding passenger to quickly find their reserved seat. It also makes it easier for the passenger to settle in for their stay in the said individual compartment 14. Disturbance of the other passengers can be avoided in this way. Furthermore, an orderly and quiet operation can be made possible in this way. The comfort of the passengers in the passenger compartment 12 can be increased in this way. FIG. 2 shows a section of an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle 20 described in connection with FIG. 1 in a schematic representation. This vehicle 20 is designed as a rail-bound passenger transport vehicle 20 by way of example. The vehicle 20 is set up in the present case to carry out the example of the method 100 described in connection with FIG. 1.

[0040] The exemplary embodiment of the vehicle 20 has a passenger compartment 12. This passenger compartment 12 is divided into a plurality of sections 14, 16. By way of example, the passenger compartment 12 shown in FIG. 2 is divided into the plurality of sections 14, 16 already mentioned. In principle, the passenger compartment 12 can have an open-plan compartment. Individual passenger seats or passenger seats combined in a group and / or standing places can be provided therein as sections of the plurality of sections 14, 16. Furthermore, passenger seats or lying places can be provided individually or jointly in a group compartment or in an individual compartment, each as a section of the plurality of sections 14, 16 of the passenger compartment 12.

[0041] Furthermore, the rail-bound vehicle 20 has the lighting device 10 already described in connection with FIG 1. This is subdivided into a plurality of separately controllable parts, each of which is assigned to a predetermined section of the plurality of sections 14, 16 of the passenger compartment 12. Each of the said sections 14, 16 is assigned a separately controllable part of the lighting device 10. The individual compartment 14, which is examined in more detail as an example in connection with FIG 1, in the present case has an interior light and a reading light as part of the lighting device 10. If it is determined in the manner described in connection with FIG 1 that boarding or alighting is imminent using the passenger seat 18 shown as an example in the individual compartment 14, the said interior light and the reading light of the individual compartment 14 in question are controlled 106.This avoids changing the lighting scenarios in sections 16 of the passenger compartment 12 for which neither a passenger exit nor an entry is intended.

[0042] For the purpose of carrying out the example of the method 100, the vehicle 20 expediently has a data processing device 22.

[0043] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment and its variations, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, this includes persons of male, female, or other gender identities.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method (100) for controlling a lighting device (10) of a passenger compartment (12), in which - the passenger compartment (12) is divided (102) into several sections (14, 16); - information relating to a reference object (18) is determined (104) which is located in a predetermined section of the plurality of sections (14, 16); - on the basis of the determined (104) information, at least one part of the lighting device (10) assigned to this predetermined section is controlled separately (106).

2. Method (100) according to claim 1, wherein as the information a length of stay linked to said reference object (18), a travel route linked to said reference object (18), a boarding point and / or alighting point linked to said reference object (18) is determined (104).

3. Method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information is determined (104) on the basis of entries in a database system, such as a seat reservation system, a occupancy registration system and / or an occupancy recognition system.

4. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which - a position determination is carried out (108) with respect to a vehicle (20) having said passenger compartment (12); - on the basis of a result of the position determination (108) and on the basis of the determined (104) information concerning the reference object (18), the part of the lighting device (10) assigned to the predetermined section of the plurality of sections (14, 16) is controlled separately (106).

5. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which on the basis of an event plan, such as a timetable or a duty roster, and on the basis of the determined (104) information relating to the reference object (18), the part of the lighting device (10) assigned to the predetermined section of the plurality of sections (14, 16) is controlled separately (106).

6. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the part of the lighting device (10) assigned to the predetermined section of the plurality of sections (14, 16) is controlled (106) in such a way that it is switched on (110) as soon as a condition of the first type linked to the reference object (18) relating to a predetermined remaining remaining dwell time and / or a predetermined remaining remaining distance is met (112).

7. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the part of the lighting device (10) assigned to the predetermined section of the plurality of sections (14, 16) is controlled in such a way that it is dimmed or at least partially switched off (114) after a condition of the second type relating to a predetermined time period and / or a predetermined distance starting from a start of stay linked to the reference object (18) is met (116).

8. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a passenger compartment (12) of a rail-bound vehicle (20) is provided as the passenger compartment (12).

9. The method (100) according to claim 8, wherein a section of an open-plan compartment, a group compartment or an individual compartment is provided as the predetermined section of the plurality of sections (14, 16) and / or individual or grouped passenger seats, standing places and / or reclining places are provided.

10. Method (100) according to claim 8 to 9, wherein a passenger seat, a standing place and / or a lying place is provided as the reference object (18).

11. Method (100) according to one of claims 8 to 10, in which travel data of a passenger of the rail-bound vehicle (20) linked to a use of the reference object (18) are provided as information relating to the reference object (18).

12. Vehicle (20) comprising - a passenger compartment (12); - a lighting device (10) which is subdivided into several parts which can be controlled separately according to the method (100) according to one of the preceding claims and which are each assigned to a predetermined section of the passenger compartment (12).

13. Vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that a rail-bound passenger transport vehicle is provided as the vehicle (20).

14. Computer program which, when executed, causes a data processing device (22) to carry out the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11 by means of a lighting device (10) of the vehicle (20) according to one of claims 12 or 13.

15. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions which cause a data processing device (22) to carry out the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11 by means of a lighting device (10) of the vehicle (20) according to one of claims 12 or 13.

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