Turn Signal Ground Projection Control for Low-Light Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating the light function of a direction indicator in motor vehicles do not adequately ensure visibility of the ground light projection under varying ambient brightness conditions, leading to potential visibility issues.

Innovation Solution

The method generates a ground light projection only when ambient brightness falls below a certain threshold, using a control system to adjust the brightness of cornering light segments overlapping with the ground light projection based on ambient conditions, and incorporates a ground light projection with defined patterns for enhanced visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the ground light projection is generated continuously to improve visibility, then the visibility of directional changes is improved, but the energy consumption increases and the contrast under varying ambient brightness conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of ground light projectionVSAvoidenergy consumption of lighting system
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the ground light projection by adjusting its generation based on detected ambient brightness conditions. The lighting system transitions from static continuous operation to dynamic conditional operation, activating the ground light projection only when ambient brightness falls below a predetermined threshold, thereby optimizing both visibility and energy consumption according to actual environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter of the ground light projection from continuous to conditional based on ambient brightness threshold detection. By monitoring ambient brightness and adjusting the operational state accordingly, the system achieves optimal contrast and visibility only when needed, reducing unnecessary energy consumption during periods of sufficient ambient light

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach ensures clear visibility of the ground light projection by optimizing brightness levels and pattern contrast, enhancing road safety by making minor directional changes more recognizable to other road users.

Implementation Method 1

at least one light sensor (110) which is connected to the device for generating the ground light projection and to the lighting device via a signal connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The lighting device for generating the light function of a cornering light and the device for generating the ground light projection can in each case comprise several light-emitting diodes (101, 102)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP4286221B1Method for generating the light function of a direction indicator in a motor vehicle and motor vehicle for carrying out the method
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP4286221B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4286221B1 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP4286221B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for generating the light function of a turn signal indicator (FRA) in a motor vehicle (K). The light function of the turn signal indicator (FRA) is activated when the motor vehicle (K) is in a ready-to-operate state and an actuating element in the motor vehicle (K) is actuated. In addition to generating the light function of the turn signal indicator (FRA), a ground light projection (GLP) can be generated in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle (K). According to the invention, the ground light projection (GLP) is generated only when the ambient brightness (UH) of the motor vehicle (K) falls below a certain threshold.