Method and system for displaying at least one operating region having at least one externally operable operating element of a vehicle, and vehicle

Abstract

A method for displaying at least one operating region having at least one externally operable operating element of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises providing (110) sensor data for determining a current vehicle situation, characterised in that the method (100) further comprises evaluating (120) the sensor data in order to determine whether operation of the at least one operating element is to be expected in the current vehicle situation, and actuating (130) an exterior lighting system (2) of the vehicle in order to display the at least one operating region if the evaluation of the sensor data shows that operation of the at least one operating element is to be expected in the current vehicle situation. The invention further relates to a system and a vehicle.

Description

[0001] Method and system for displaying at least one operating area with at least one externally operable operating element of a vehicle, and vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to a method for displaying at least one operating area with at least one operating element according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for displaying at least one operating area with at least one operating element of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 8, and to a vehicle having such a system.

[0003] The patent document DE 102017119854 A1 describes a vehicle lighting system with a projection module as a detection lighting for opening the rear hatch of the vehicle. From the patent document DE 102019004209 A1, a lighting of a vehicle door gap for supporting the usability of automatic door opening systems is known. The patent document 20190202347 A1 describes a lighting arrangement on the vehicle exterior for indicating which door is to be opened.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a method, a system and a vehicle which enable the operable vehicle operating elements to be operated in a particularly simple and comfortable manner from the outside.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by a method having the features of claim 1, by a system having the features of claim 8, and by a vehicle having the features of claim 10. Advantageous configurations with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for displaying at least one operating area with at least one externally operable operating element of a vehicle, where the term "externally" refers to the motor vehicle, i.e., the operation of the operating element can be performed by a user located in the vicinity of the motor vehicle.

[0007] The vehicle is in particular understood to be a motor vehicle which is configured, for example, as an automobile, in particular as a passenger car or as a utility vehicle.

[0008] The method comprises providing sensor data, in particular by means of a sensor system, for determining a current vehicle situation, in particular by means of an evaluation and control unit. The provision of the sensor data can in particular comprise detecting at least one piece of information characterizing the vehicle situation by means of at least one sensor element, such that the sensor data can represent the vehicle situation. The current vehicle situation can in particular comprise a current situation in the vehicle environment, a current vehicle status, a current operating mode of the vehicle and / or a current traffic situation.

[0009] The method further comprises evaluating the sensor data, in particular by means of an evaluation and control unit and determining whether an operation of the at least one operating element is to be expected in the current vehicle situation.

[0010] The method further comprises controlling, in particular by means of an evaluation and control unit, an external lighting system of the vehicle to display or visualize or visually highlight the at least one operating area when the evaluation of the sensor data indicates that an operation or actuation of the at least one operating element is to be expected in the current vehicle situation. The method may also include displaying the at least one operating area by the external lighting device when the evaluation of the sensor data indicates that an operation or actuation of the at least one operating element is to be expected in the current vehicle situation. Preferably, the control of the external lighting device is omitted when the evaluation of the sensor data indicates that an actuation or operation of the at least one operating element is not to be expected.

[0011] The externally operable operating elements can in particular be formed as manually actuable or touchable and / or contactless operable operating elements, such as door handles, openers, buttons, actuators, sensors or the like. The evaluation and control unit can in particular be formed as part of a vehicle controller or vehicle control device or implemented therein. In particular, the evaluation and control unit can be implemented as software in the vehicle controller and / or connected to the vehicle electrical system. Thereby, the complexity of the system or the number of components to be used can be reduced.

[0012] Visually highlighting or visualizing the operating area or the position of an operating element can facilitate for the vehicle user to find the operating element, for example a door handle, a flap or a touch sensor.

[0013] Determining the current vehicle situation may include recognizing, based on sensor data, a user's intent to open the vehicle. If the user's intent to open the vehicle is recognized, for example, by evaluating their body language, it can be expected that the user will operate a corresponding operating element. Visually highlighting the area where the operating element is located would facilitate the user in finding the operating element and opening the vehicle.

[0014] In some embodiments, the user's intention to open the vehicle is detected based on the user approaching the vehicle. For example, if the evaluation of the vehicle situation based on the sensor data reveals that the user is approaching the vehicle, this can be interpreted by the evaluation and control unit as the user's intention to open the vehicle. In such a case, the evaluation and control unit can control the exterior lighting system to display the at least one operating area, so that the user can more easily find a corresponding operating element for opening the vehicle.

[0015] Determining the current vehicle situation may include determining, based on sensor data, whether the vehicle is involved in an accident. Displaying or visually highlighting the position of a door handle may help first responders or emergency responders.

[0016] Make it easier for rescue workers to open the vehicle after an accident and bring the vehicle occupants to safety. Determining the current driving situation can include detecting or establishing an opening process, in particular of a tailgate, a hood and / or a frunk or a front storage compartment, or trunk, or a rear storage compartment of the vehicle. If, for example, an opening process is detected, the evaluation and control unit can control the exterior lighting system to display a corresponding operating area, which can serve as an orientation aid for the user during the opening process. The hood can also be referred to as the front lid.

[0017] In some embodiments, the opening process is triggered by an application, a remote control, a key, an on-board menu, and / or a switch in the vehicle interior. In particular, the rear trunk, hood, and / or frunk can be unlocked by a user inside the vehicle, with the corresponding operating areas displayed to the user outside the vehicle so they can easily locate them.

[0018] The display may comprise an at least partially static display of at least one operating area. A static display, or a permanent or immobile display, generally causes little irritation among users.

[0019] The display may include an at least partially dynamically animated and / or frequently displayed display of the at least one operating area. Dynamic animation or a cyclic display can increase the visual perceptibility of the display.

[0020] A second aspect of the invention relates to a system for displaying at least one operating area of ​​a vehicle with at least one externally operable control element. The system can be designed, in particular, to carry out a method according to the first aspect.

[0021] The system comprises an exterior lighting system for displaying the at least one operating area, a sensor system for providing sensor data for determining a current vehicle situation, and an evaluation and control unit for evaluating the sensor data. The evaluation and control unit is configured to control the exterior lighting system to display the at least one operating area if the evaluation of the sensor data shows that operation of the at least one operating element of the vehicle is to be expected in the current vehicle situation. The exterior lighting device can in particular comprise at least one legally prescribed exterior lighting device and / or at least one additional exterior lighting device. Advantages and effects as well as further developments of the system arise from the advantages and effects as well as further developments of the method described above.To avoid repetition, reference is made to the preceding description in this regard. In particular, the system is designed to carry out a method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0022] A third aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle. The vehicle has at least one externally operable control element, wherein a system according to the second aspect is implemented on the vehicle. Advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the vehicle, arise from the advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the system described above. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made to the preceding description in this regard.

[0023] In the following description, details are provided to describe the embodiments of the present specification. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without such details.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a system for displaying at least one operating area with at least one externally operable control element of a vehicle according to an embodiment,

[0025] Fig. 2 shows schematically an outdoor lighting device according to an embodiment,

[0026] Fig. 3 shows schematically the outdoor lighting device according to Fig. 1 in a switched-off state,

[0027] Fig. 4 schematically shows the outdoor lighting device according to Fig. 1 in a display mode, Fig. 5 schematically shows an outdoor lighting device according to an embodiment in a display mode, and

[0028] Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for displaying at least one operating area with at least one externally operable operating element of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 1 schematically shows a schematic block diagram of a system for displaying at least one operating area with at least one externally operable control element of a vehicle according to one exemplary embodiment. The system 1 comprises an exterior lighting device 2 for displaying at least one operating area with at least one externally operable control element of the vehicle. The exterior lighting device 2 can, in particular, comprise at least one legally prescribed exterior lighting device of the vehicle and / or at least one additional exterior lighting device specifically for displaying the at least one operating area.

[0030] The system 1 further comprises a sensor system 3. The sensor system 3 can, in particular, comprise one or more sensors for detecting a current vehicle situation. The sensor system 3 can, for example, comprise one or more cameras, LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and / or RADAR (radio detection and ranging) sensors for detecting the vehicle's surroundings. The sensor system 3 can, in particular, be designed to provide sensor data for determining the current vehicle data.

[0031] The system 1 also includes an evaluation and control unit 4 with an interface 5 for communicating with the exterior lighting system 2 and the sensor system 3, with a processor 6, and with a memory unit 7. The memory unit 7 can contain data and machine-readable instructions for the processor 6. The evaluation and control unit 4 can, in particular, be designed as a separate part or as part of a vehicle controller or vehicle control unit, or can be implemented in the vehicle control unit. The evaluation and control unit 4 can, in particular, be configured by storing data and machine-readable instructions in the memory unit 7. The evaluation and control unit 4 is configured to evaluate the sensor data.The evaluation and control unit 4 is further configured to control the exterior lighting system to display the at least one operating area of ​​the at least one externally operable control element if the evaluation of the sensor data shows that an operation of the at least one control element of the vehicle is to be expected in the current vehicle situation.

[0032] Fig. 2 schematically shows an exterior lighting device according to one exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2, the exterior lighting device 2 is designed in the form of a rear light or tail light of a vehicle. Fig. 2 also schematically shows a handle 8 or opener for opening the trunk or rear lid of the vehicle.

[0033] The exterior lighting device 2 comprises a left rear light 9 or left side wall light, a right rear light 10 or right side wall light, and a center rear light 11 or center light panel. Fig. 2 shows the exterior lighting device 2 in the activated state, with all parts of the exterior lighting device 2, in particular the left rear light 9, the right rear light 10, and the center rear light 11, having illuminated areas. The illuminated areas of the exterior lighting device 2 are schematically indicated by hatching in Fig. 2.

[0034] Fig. 3 schematically shows the exterior lighting device according to Fig. 1 in a switched-off state. In the state shown in Fig. 3, all parts of the exterior lighting device, including the tail light, are deactivated, which is symbolized by the lack of hatching.

[0035] Fig. 4 schematically shows the outdoor lighting device according to Fig. 1 in a display mode. In the display mode, only a few segments of the outdoor lighting device 2 are activated, specifically in a central area, particularly near the handle 8, allowing the user's attention to be drawn to this area.

[0036] Fig. 5 shows schematically an outdoor lighting device according to a

[0037] Embodiment in a display mode. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the exterior lighting device 2 is also designed as a rear light, with the center rear light 11 or the center light panel being designed as a light display or display device. The light display can, in principle, generate various light patterns, particularly in the form of symbols. In the embodiment shown, the exterior lighting device comprises an illuminated handle module for displaying a brand emblem 12 as a light pattern. Thus, the visual highlighting of the operating area or the handle 8 is combined with a striking design feature.

[0038] Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for displaying at least one operating area with at least one externally operable control element of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. Method 100 can be implemented, in particular, using a system 1 according to Fig. 1.

[0039] In a method step 110, sensor data is provided to determine a current vehicle situation. The sensor data can be provided, in particular, by means of sensor system 3.

[0040] In a method step 120, the sensor data are evaluated, in particular by means of the evaluation and control unit 4, in order to determine whether an operation or actuation of the at least one control element is to be expected in the current vehicle situation.

[0041] In a method step 130, the exterior lighting device 2 of the vehicle is activated to display the at least one operating area if the evaluation of the sensor data indicates that operation of the at least one operating element is to be expected in the current vehicle situation. The exterior lighting device 2 can, in particular, comprise standard and / or legally required rear lights, possibly with rear light bars, possibly with a brake light function.

[0042] The above statements regarding the exterior lighting device 2 according to Figures 2 to 5 can be applied analogously to an exterior lighting device 2 in the form of front lights and / or headlights. The exterior lighting device can be designed to indicate an operating area or actuation area of ​​a hood opener. The exterior lighting device 2 can also include standard and / or legally required front lights, possibly with front light bars, possibly with daytime running lights and / or position lights.

[0043] The exterior lighting device 2 can, in particular, comprise a number or a plurality of individual, in particular partially switchable, light sources or individual optics. The exterior lighting device can further comprise a number, possibly a plurality, of additional devices, such as additional lights or additional display devices, to facilitate locating the control elements. The additional lights can, in particular, comprise additional light sources and / or optics, which can, in particular, be integrated into rear lights and / or headlights.

[0044] In particular, the exterior lighting device 2 can function in the display mode as a location light for the opening operation, in particular of the tailgates and the front flaps of the vehicle.

[0045] In some embodiments, one or more illuminated indicators or displays are integrated into the exterior lighting device 2, for example, to display various symbols near operating areas. This allows functional and design features to be combined in a striking manner.

[0046] In some embodiments, the exterior lighting device comprises a display device for displaying a brand emblem near the at least one operating area. The display or illuminated display can be integrated into the taillight or headlight, for example, to display an operating area of ​​the trunk handle and / or as a front light to display an operating area of ​​the frunk handle. In some embodiments, the display can be implemented or integrated by one or more displays in the taillights and / or headlights, particularly in the center sections.

[0047] In some embodiments, the system 1 is configured to activate the exterior lighting device 2 even when the vehicle is stationary or switched off. In particular, the system 1 can be connected to a vehicle battery so that it is continuously supplied with electrical energy. After an accident, when all vehicle functions are deactivated, the exterior lighting device 2 can thus serve as an indicator of operating areas with handles and / or openers, thus assisting rescuers or emergency personnel to quickly evacuate the vehicle.

[0048] The system and method described here can make it easier for the user to find controls that can be operated from the outside, so that the user can quickly and conveniently find and operate the controls, such as the trunk handle, front lid handle, door handle, in particular controls without mechanics, such as touch or contactless sensors or similar.

[0049] Especially with concealed hatches or openers, such as those hidden behind a brand logo or under the hood, the display can make locating the opener much easier. Displaying the operating areas with opening elements for opening the vehicle after an accident can help save lives.

Claims

Mercedes-Benz Group AG Arnold Eschbach February 5, 2025 Patent claims 1. A method for displaying at least one operating area with at least one externally operable control element of a vehicle, comprising: Providing (110) sensor data for determining a current vehicle situation, characterized in that the method (100) further comprises: - evaluating (120) the sensor data to determine whether an operation of the at least one control element is to be expected in the current vehicle situation, and - controlling (130) an exterior lighting system (2) of the vehicle to display the at least one operating area if the evaluation of the sensor data shows that operation of the at least one operating element is to be expected in the current vehicle situation.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that determining a current vehicle situation comprises recognizing, based on the sensor data, an intention of a user to open the vehicle.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the user's intention is recognized by the user approaching the vehicle.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Determining a current vehicle situation Based on the sensor data, determining whether the vehicle is involved in an accident.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that determining a current vehicle situation comprises determining an opening process, in particular a tailgate, a hood and / or a frunk, of the vehicle.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display comprises an at least partially static display of the at least one operating area.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display comprises an at least partially dynamically animated and / or frequented display of the at least one operating area.

8. System for displaying at least one operating area with at least one externally operable operating element of a vehicle, comprising: an exterior lighting system (2) for displaying the at least one operating area, a sensor system (3) for providing sensor data for determining a current vehicle situation, and an evaluation and control unit (4) for evaluating the sensor data, characterized in that the evaluation and control unit (4) is configured to control the exterior lighting system (2) to display the at least one operating area of ​​the at least one externally operable operating element if the evaluation of the sensor data shows that operation of the at least one operating element of the vehicle is to be expected in the current vehicle situation.

9. System according to claim 8, wherein the outdoor lighting system (2) comprises at least one legally required outdoor lighting device and / or at least one additional outdoor lighting device.

10. Vehicle, wherein the vehicle has at least one externally operable control element, characterized in that a system (1) according to claim 8 or 9 is implemented on the vehicle.

Images