Vehicle Interior Lighting Chronological Sequence Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adjusting interior lighting in vehicles can only change between different settings or modes in direct response to specific events, limiting design flexibility and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows for a change in lighting settings based on a predetermined period of time elapsed since an event, enabling a chronological sequence of lighting settings and allowing for adjustable brightness, color, and frequency changes, which can be influenced by external lighting conditions and user preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If lighting settings are changed only in direct response to specific events, then the system responds reliably to user actions, but the design flexibility and user experience are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign freedom for lighting conceptsVSAvoidcomplexity of lighting control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a time delay mechanism that activates lighting settings before a specific event occurs. When the ignition is switched on, the system waits for a predetermined time period (e.g., 3 seconds) before activating the interior lighting, regardless of door state. This preliminary timing action provides design freedom to create chronological sequences of lighting settings without requiring complex event-detection logic for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts lighting settings based on the elapsed time since the ignition was switched on, rather than relying on static event triggers. The lighting control unit monitors the time parameter and automatically transitions between different lighting settings (e.g., from welcome lighting to driving lighting) based on whether the predetermined time period has elapsed, creating a dynamic and adaptable lighting experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If lighting elements are activated immediately in response to events, then the system responds quickly to user needs, but the chronological sequence and personalized adjustment opportunities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experience during boardingVSAvoidtime for personalized lighting adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a predetermined time delay (e.g., 3 seconds) after ignition is switched on before activating certain lighting elements. This preliminary timing allows the vehicle to greet the user with initial lighting settings, then gradually transition to additional lighting settings (such as footwell lighting or ambient lighting) after the time delay, creating a personalized and progressive boarding experience rather than immediate full illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system operates in periodic phases: first lighting settings are activated immediately upon ignition, then after a predetermined time period elapses, second lighting settings are activated. This periodic activation pattern allows users to experience different lighting stages during the boarding process, providing time for personal adjustment and preference adaptation without overwhelming immediate illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system uses multiple event-triggered lighting modes, then the lighting responds to various vehicle states, but the design freedom for creating chronological lighting sequences is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting settings for different situationsVSAvoidcomplexity of lighting control logic
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex event-detection logic to determine when to activate different lighting settings, the system uses a predetermined time delay mechanism triggered by the ignition switch. This preliminary timing action simplifies the control logic while providing design freedom to create chronological sequences of lighting settings that automatically progress based on elapsed time rather than requiring multiple sensor inputs and conditional statements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The predetermined time delay mechanism serves as a universal trigger for transitioning between different lighting settings, regardless of the specific vehicle state or user action. This single time-based control method can universally manage welcome lighting, driving lighting, ambient lighting, and other lighting scenarios, reducing the need for separate control logic for each lighting mode while maintaining adaptability to various situations.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2890589B1Method and device for setting the illumination of the interior of a means of transportation
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2890589B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2890589B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for setting the illumination of the interior and/or the environment of a means of transportation (1), comprising the following steps: carrying out a first illumination setting (S1), and carrying out a second illumination setting (S2), which at least comprises operating a lighting means (11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23) that has a brightness, color, and/or frequency that is changed in comparison with the first illumination setting (S1), wherein the switch from the first illumination setting (S1) to the second illumination setting (S2) is made after a predetermined time period (T2) has expired.