Exterior Lighting Control for Driving Mode Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior lighting systems on motor vehicles lack the ability to automatically and effectively communicate driving modes and driver states to other road users, relying on manual activation and providing limited targeted information.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle system that uses an exterior lighting unit with a controller to automatically switch between different light patterns based on selected driving modes or detected driver states, utilizing independently controllable segments for color, intensity, and shape variations to convey information about expected driving behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If exterior lighting units use manual activation for additional information display, then advertising or design purposes are achieved, but automated communication of driving mode information to other road users is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting unit automatically detects driving mode changes and driver states through integrated sensors and controllers, then autonomously adjusts light patterns to communicate this information to other road users without requiring manual activation by the driver
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors driving mode parameters and driver state through sensors, processes this data through a controller, and adjusts the light output accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that automatically adapts the lighting to current driving conditions
2Loss of information
If exterior lighting units provide basic illumination functions, then vehicle visibility and safety are ensured, but additional targeted information about driving behavior is not transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior lighting unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: basic illumination for safety, communication of driving mode through pattern variations, and indication of driver state, all through a single integrated system rather than separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system communicates different driving behavior information by varying parameters of the light output including intensity, color temperature, and temporal patterns, allowing multiple information channels to be transmitted through the same physical lighting infrastructure
3Measurement precision
If lighting units output multiple light patterns for different driving modes, then communication accuracy is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting unit is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or zones that can be activated in different patterns, allowing complex driving mode information to be communicated through simple, distinct spatial configurations rather than complex temporal variations
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a motor vehicle with an exterior lighting unit and a controller, wherein the controller is configured, on the one hand, to actuate the exterior lighting unit in a first operating mode to output a first light pattern and to analyze a changeover condition and, when the changeover condition is satisfied, to change to a second operating mode, and, on the other hand, to actuate the exterior lighting unit in the second operating mode to output a second light pattern different from the first light pattern, wherein the fulfillment of the changeover condition depends on which of a plurality of driving modes of the motor vehicle is selected for a current or future operation, and/or wherein the fulfillment of the changeover condition is dependent on an ascertained driver state.