Vehicle Ambient Lighting Control for User Color Personalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle systems do not allow users to personalize the ambient light in the vehicle, as the illumination color of light emitting sources is set during manufacturing and cannot be adjusted by the user.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that obtains a user's color preference, either through a camera or a portable terminal, to set the illumination color of light emitting sources within the vehicle, enabling users to change and customize the ambient light based on their preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the illumination color is set during manufacturing, then the manufacturing process is simple and reliable, but the user cannot personalize the ambient light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser personalization capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination color is made dynamically adjustable through a control unit that can change the color temperature based on user input. The system transitions from a static manufacturing-set color to a dynamic user-adjustable color, allowing personalization without requiring multiple physical configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of illumination color temperature (measured in Kelvin) from a fixed manufacturing parameter to an adjustable operational parameter. Users can select different color temperatures (e.g., warm white 2000K, neutral white 4000K, cool white 6000K) through the control unit, enabling personalization without altering the physical light source hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the illumination color is fixed during manufacturing, then the device complexity is low, but the user experience and comfort are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the existing lighting control interface and as a color temperature adjustment interface. The same control unit that manages basic lighting operations also handles color personalization, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit receives user input regarding color preference and adjusts the illumination accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables users to easily control and personalize the ambient light based on their preferences while the system automatically implements the changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3169548B1Method, apparatus and system for changing ambient light in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3169548B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3169548B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3169548B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method, apparatus and system for changing ambient light in a vehicle, wherein the apparatus comprising: an obtaining module for obtaining a color preference of a user of the vehicle; and a setting module for setting an illumination color of at least one of light emitting sources located within the vehicle based on the color preference, to change ambient light in the vehicle. The method, apparatus and system enable the user of the vehicle to personalize the ambient light in the vehicle.