DE102016003814A1 - Motor vehicle with at least one headlamp and a device for determining the location of the motor vehicle and method for operating at least one headlight of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) having at least one headlight (2, 2 '), a determination device (4) for determining in which of at least two states the motor vehicle (1) is currently located and a first memory device (7 ) or access to a first memory device (7) with data stored therein in the at least two states respectively permissible maximum light intensity in the center of the headlamp (2) or the headlamps (2, 2 ') emitted light beam (6) or emitted light beam (6, 6 ') and / or a light distribution of the headlamp (2) or the headlamp (2, 2') in at least one light function. The control device is (5) configured to automatically control the headlights of the motor vehicle (1) in one of the at least two states, the one (2) or the plurality of (2, 2 ') switched headlights such that one for the state in which the motor vehicle (1) is currently located, permissible maximum light intensity in the center of the light beam (6) emitted by the headlight (2) or the headlamps (2, 2 ') or the emitted light beam (6, 6') and / or an allowable light distribution of the headlamp (2) or the headlamp (2, 2 ') is given at least one light function.

Description

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one headlight and a device for determining the location of the motor vehicle, as well as a method for operating at least one headlight of a motor vehicle.

For illuminating a motor vehicle mainly in the direction of travel ahead lying area, motor vehicles are known to have a vehicle lighting system with at least one headlight (eg., Motorcycles) or two or more headlights (eg, in motor vehicles, tractors) through which at least the light functions low beam and high beam can be realized ,

In various states of the world, different regulations exist with regard to the light which may be radiated by the headlight or the headlights of a vehicle lighting system of a motor vehicle. For example, the regulations on the driving beam applicable in the USA, both with regard to the distribution of light within the driving beam and with regard to the maximum permissible light at the center of the trunk, are different from those applicable in the Member States of the European Union.

Against this background, headlight devices have been developed with which the legal requirements of at least two different states can be fulfilled by means of only one design.

That's how it describes DE 197 50 495 B4 a headlight system for vehicles with at least one low beam headlamp and at least one high beam headlamp, the headlamp system is designed to meet at least two different legal requirements that specify different maximum illuminance in the center of the high beam and different minimum required illuminance in lateral areas for the high beam.

The high-beam headlamp produces a high-beam beam that satisfies the first of the two legal requirements. In order to comply with the second statutory provision, the illuminance levels required on the own traffic side to fulfill the second statutory requirement are generated by the dipped-beam beam emitted by the at least one dipped beam headlamp.

And the DE 10 2013 204 063 A1 has a headlight on the subject, which has at least a first light module for generating a high beam distribution according to a first legal regulation and at least a second light module for generating a dimmed light distribution with a substantially horizontal light-dark boundary. The headlamp generates a high beam distribution according to a deviating from the first regulation second legal regulation when the two light modules are turned on together. In order to produce high-beam light with one and the same headlamp according to different statutory regulations, it is proposed that the at least one second light module is designed to selectively emit light in an area of light distribution on an oncoming traffic side above the light-dark boundary, in accordance with the second statutory regulation for high beam a higher light intensity is prescribed than according to the first statutory regulation.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and advantageous compared to the prior art solution for using the same headlight in at least two states with different rules in terms of maximum allowable light intensity and / or light distribution.

This object is achieved by the motor vehicle according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 9. Advantageous developments of the motor vehicle and the method are the subject of the dependent claims.

• – einem oder mehreren Scheinwerfern mit jeweils wenigstens einer Lichtquelle, und
• – einer Ermittlungs-Einrichtung zur Ermittlung, in welchem von wenigstens zwei Staaten sich das Kraftfahrzeug aktuell aufhält.

According to the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed with

• - One or more headlamps, each with at least one light source, and
• - A determination device for determining in which of at least two states, the motor vehicle currently resides.

• – eine Steuereinrichtung zum Steuern einer Lichtstärke im Zentrum des von dem Scheinwerfer oder den Scheinwerfern ausgestrahlten Lichtbündels oder der ausgestrahlten Lichtbündel und/oder zum Steuern einer Lichtverteilung des Scheinwerfers oder der Scheinwerfer bei wenigstens einer Lichtfunktion, und
• – eine erste Speichereinrichtung oder eine Zugriffsmöglichkeit auf eine erste Speichereinrichtung mit darin gespeicherten Daten der in den wenigstens zwei Staaten jeweils zulässigen maximalen Lichtstärke im Zentrum des von dem Scheinwerfer oder den Scheinwerfern ausgestrahlten Lichtbündels oder der ausgestrahlten Lichtbündel und/oder einer Lichtverteilung des Scheinwerfers oder der Scheinwerfer bei wenigstens einer Lichtfunktion aufweist, wobei
• – die Steuereinrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, aufgrund des von der Ermittlungs-Einrichtung empfangenen oder von dieser abgefragten aktuellen Aufenthaltsorts des Kraftfahrzeugs in einem von den wenigstens zwei Staaten und den Daten der ersten Speichereinrichtung den einen oder die mehreren eingeschalteten Scheinwerfer oder ab einem Einschalten des einen oder der mehreren Scheinwerfer den einen oder die mehreren Scheinwerfer derart automatisch anzusteuern, dass eine für den Staat, in dem sich das Kraftfahrzeug aktuell aufhält, zulässige maximale Lichtstärke im Zentrum des von dem Scheinwerfer oder den Scheinwerfern ausgestrahlten Lichtbündels oder der ausgestrahlten Lichtbündel und/oder eine zulässige Lichtverteilung des Scheinwerfers oder der Scheinwerfer bei wenigstens einer Lichtfunktion gegeben ist.

The motor vehicle according to the invention is characterized in that it continues

• A control device for controlling a light intensity in the center of the light beam emitted by the headlight or the headlights or the emitted light beam and / or for controlling a light distribution of the headlight or the headlight in at least one light function, and
• A first memory device or an access possibility to a first memory device having data stored therein in the at least two states respectively permissible maximum light intensity in the center of the light emitted from the headlamp or headlights beam or the emitted light beam and / or a light distribution of the headlamp or headlights at least one light function, wherein
• The control device is set up, on the basis of the current location of the motor vehicle received by or queried by the determining device in one of the at least two states and the data of the first storage device, the one or more switched-on headlights or from switching on one or more the plurality of headlights to control the one or more headlights so automatically that for the state in which the motor vehicle currently resides, permissible maximum light intensity in the center of the light emitted from the headlight or headlights beam or the emitted light beam and / or a permissible Light distribution of the headlamp or the headlamp is given at least one light function.

The present invention provides a location-dependent control of the light intensity and / or the light distribution of the headlight or headlights of a motor vehicle, whereby the different requirements of different states with only a single headlight type can be taken into account. This results in great advantages in terms of the expenses required for the design, production and logistics of headlamps. Also, for example, in the case that in a first state, a lower maximum intensity is allowed for a light function than in an adjacent, second state, when driving the motor vehicle from the first state to the second state from the border crossing the headlights or the activated headlamps are automatically controlled so that the permitted maximum light intensity in the second state in the light function, whereby the driver under certain circumstances an improved visibility is enabled and so the increased at night especially accident risk can be reduced. When returning to the first state, the headlamp or headlamps are automatically re-actuated according to the regulations applicable to that state.

Correspondingly, according to the present invention, as an alternative or in addition to the respectively permissible maximum light intensity, the light distribution can also be controlled in the case of various light functions.

According to a first advantageous refinement of the motor vehicle, one headlight has one or more light sources or the multiple headlights each have one or more light sources that can be selected from halogen lamps, xenon burners, surface-modulated LED matrix pixel light systems, surface-modulated laser light sources. Matrix pixel light system, surface modulatable LED DMD pixel light system, surface modulatable LED-LCD pixel light system, surface modulatable laser LCD pixel light system, surface modulatable LED LCoS pixel light system, surface modulatable laser LCoS pixel light system and / or beam guided laser -Pixellichtsystem.

• – eine Empfangseinrichtung für Signale von Navigationssatelliten,
• – eine Empfangseinrichtung für Signale von Mobilfunk-Zellen, und/oder
• – eine Empfangseinrichtung für Signale von WLAN-Funkeinrichtungen sowie eine zweite Speichereinrichtung oder eine Zugriffsmöglichkeit auf eine zweite Speichereinrichtung mit Positionsdaten von WLAN-Funkeinrichtungen aufweisen.

In the motor vehicle, according to a second advantageous development, the determination device

• A receiving device for signals from navigation satellites,
• A receiving device for signals from mobile radio cells, and / or
• - Have a receiving device for signals from wireless radio devices and a second memory device or access to a second memory device with position data of wireless radio devices.

• – digitalen Straßen-Karten, und/oder
• – Positionsdaten von Mobilfunk-Zellen

aufweisen.The motor vehicle or the determination device may advantageously also have a second memory device or an access possibility to a second memory device

• - digital road maps, and / or
• - Position data of mobile cells

exhibit.

According to yet another advantageous refinement, in the motor vehicle the first storage device can store data of the maximum light intensity permissible in the at least two states in the center of the light beam emitted by the headlight or the headlights or the emitted light beam and / or an allowable light distribution of the headlight or the headlight for the light function dipped beam and / or high beam.

Likewise, the first memory device can advantageously data on the permissibility and in the case of permissibility data of the maximum permissible light intensity in the center of the light emitted from the headlamp or headlights beam or the emitted light beam and / or a light distribution of the headlamp or headlights in which includes at least two states of at least one of the light functions selectable from high beam, glare-free high beam, city light, high street light, highway light, adaptive cornering light, marker light, and logo projection light.

In a corresponding manner, in the case of the motor vehicle, the control device may advantageously be set up on the basis of or received from the determining device queried current location of the motor vehicle in one of the at least two states and the data of the first memory device the one or more switched headlights or from turning on the one or more headlights one or more headlights so automatically control that one for the state in which the motor vehicle is currently located, the maximum permissible light intensity in the center of the light beam emitted by the headlamp or headlamps or the emitted light beam and / or an allowable light distribution of the headlamp or headlamp in the dipped beam and / or main beam function is given.

Likewise, in the case of the motor vehicle (as a supplement or as an alternative to the development mentioned in the previous paragraph), the control device may advantageously be set up in one of the at least two states on the basis of the current location of the motor vehicle received by or queried by the determining device and the data of the first memory device, the one or more activated headlights or from turning on the one or more headlights, the one or more headlights so automatically control such that for the state in which the motor vehicle is currently staying, maximum light intensity in the center of the light beam emitted by the headlamp or headlamps or of the emitted light beam and / or a permissible light distribution of the headlamp or headlamp in at least one of the adaptive main beam, anti-glare main beam City light, highway light, motorway light, adaptive cornering light, marker light and logo projection light is given.

• – Ermitteln des aktuellen Aufenthaltsorts des Kraftfahrzeugs in einem von wenigstens zwei Staaten mittels einer fahrzeugseitigen Ermittlungs-Einrichtung;
• – Ermitteln der in dem Staat, in dem sich das Kraftfahrzeug aktuell aufhält, zulässigen maximalen Lichtstärke im Zentrum des von dem Scheinwerfer oder den Scheinwerfern ausgestrahlten Lichtbündels oder der ausgestrahlten Lichtbündel und/oder einer zulässigen Lichtverteilung des Scheinwerfers oder der Scheinwerfer bei wenigstens einer Lichtfunktion mittels entsprechender Daten, die in einer ersten Speichereinrichtung gespeichert sind, und
• – automatisches Ansteuern aufgrund des von der Ermittlungs-Einrichtung empfangenen oder von dieser abgefragten aktuellen Aufenthaltsorts des Kraftfahrzeugs in einem von den wenigstens zwei Staaten und den Daten der ersten Speichereinrichtung des einen oder der mehreren eingeschalteten Scheinwerfer oder ab einem Einschalten des einen oder der mehreren Scheinwerfer des einen oder der mehreren Scheinwerfer durch eine fahrzeugseitige Steuereinrichtung derart, dass eine für den Staat, in dem sich das Kraftfahrzeug aktuell aufhält, zulässige maximale Lichtstärke im Zentrum des von dem Scheinwerfer oder den Scheinwerfern ausgestrahlten Lichtbündels oder der ausgestrahlten Lichtbündel und/oder eine zulässige Lichtverteilung des Scheinwerfers oder der Scheinwerfer bei wenigstens einer Lichtfunktion gegeben ist.

Also encompassed by the present invention is a method for operating a headlight or multiple headlights of a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps:

• - Determining the current location of the motor vehicle in one of at least two states by means of a vehicle-side detection device;
• - Determine the permitted in the state in which the motor vehicle currently resides, maximum light intensity in the center of the light emitted from the headlamp or headlights beam or the emitted light beam and / or an allowable light distribution of the headlamp or headlights at least one light function by means of appropriate Data stored in a first storage device, and
• Automatic driving on the basis of the current location of the motor vehicle received by or requested by the determining device in one of the at least two states and the data of the first storage device of the one or more switched-on headlights or on switching on the one or more headlights of the motor vehicle one or more headlamps by a control device on the vehicle such that a maximum light intensity permissible for the state in which the motor vehicle is currently in the center of the light beam emitted by the headlamp or the headlamps or the emitted light beam and / or an allowable light distribution of the Headlamps or the headlamp is given at least one light function.

• – Empfangen von Signalen von Navigationssatelliten, Signalen von einer oder mehreren Mobilfunk-Zellen, und/oder von Signalen von einer oder mehreren WLAN-Funkeinrichtungen durch die Ermittlungs-Einrichtung, und
• – Ermitteln des aktuellen Aufenthaltsorts des Kraftfahrzeugs in einem von wenigstens zwei Staaten aufgrund von Daten einer zweiten Speichereinrichtung, die digitale Straßen-Karten, Positionsdaten von Mobilfunk-Zellen und/oder Positionsdaten von WLAN-Funkeinrichtungen enthält, durch die Ermittlungs-Einrichtung.

The method can be developed advantageously in such a way that it further comprises:

• - Receiving signals from navigation satellites, signals from one or more mobile radio cells, and / or signals from one or more wireless radio devices by the determining means, and
• - Determining the current location of the motor vehicle in one of at least two states on the basis of data from a second memory device containing digital road maps, position data of mobile radio cells and / or position data of wireless radio devices by the determining means.

Also encompassed by the present invention are all other methods, their advantageous developments and refinements which are obvious to a person skilled in the art from the description of the motor vehicle, the claims directed to a motor vehicle, the following description of preferred embodiments and examples, the figure and the description of the figures another result.

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Showing:

1 schematically a first embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the present invention;

2 schematically a second embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the present invention; and

3 an example of a sequence of the method according to the invention.

The illustrations in the figure are purely schematic and not to scale. Within the FIGURE are the same or similar elements with the same reference numerals.

The embodiments explained below represent preferred embodiments of the present invention. Of course, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

The features and feature combinations mentioned in the above description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of embodiments, exemplary embodiments and the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figure are not only in the respective specified combination but also in other combinations or in Used alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

• – einen 2 oder mehrere 2, 2' Scheinwerfer mit jeweils wenigstens einer Lichtquelle 3,
• – eine Ermittlungs-Einrichtung 4 zur Ermittlung, in welchem von wenigstens zwei Staaten sich das Kraftfahrzeug 1 aktuell aufhält,
• – eine Steuereinrichtung 5 zum Steuern einer Lichtstärke im Zentrum des von dem Scheinwerfer 2 oder den Scheinwerfern 2, 2' ausgestrahlten Lichtbündels 6 oder der ausgestrahlten Lichtbündel 6, 6' und/oder zum Steuern einer Lichtverteilung des Scheinwerfers 2 oder der Scheinwerfer 2, 2' bei wenigstens einer Lichtfunktion, und
• – eine erste Speichereinrichtung 7 (oder wenigstens eine Zugriffsmöglichkeit auf eine erste Speichereinrichtung 7) mit darin gespeicherten Daten der in den wenigstens zwei Staaten jeweils zulässigen maximalen Lichtstärke im Zentrum des von dem Scheinwerfer 2 oder den Scheinwerfern 2, 2' ausgestrahlten Lichtbündels 6 oder der Lichtbündel 6, 6' und/oder einer Lichtverteilung des Scheinwerfers 2 oder der Scheinwerfer 2, 2' bei wenigstens einer Lichtfunktion.

As in 1 is shown purely schematically and not to scale, has a motor vehicle 1 according to the present invention at least

• - one 2 or more 2 . 2 ' Headlamps, each with at least one light source 3 .
• - an investigative facility 4 for determining in which of at least two states the motor vehicle 1 currently residing,
• - a control device 5 for controlling a light intensity in the center of the headlight 2 or the headlights 2 . 2 ' emitted light beam 6 or the emitted light beam 6 . 6 ' and / or for controlling a light distribution of the headlamp 2 or the headlight 2 . 2 ' at least one light function, and
• A first storage device 7 (or at least access to a first memory device 7 ) with data stored therein in each of the at least two states permissible maximum light intensity in the center of the headlight 2 or the headlights 2 . 2 ' emitted light beam 6 or the light beam 6 . 6 ' and / or a light distribution of the headlamp 2 or the headlight 2 . 2 ' at least one light function.

As far as in the present application, the term "motor vehicle" 1 is understood to include any type of motor vehicle, motorcycle and towing vehicles, regardless of the nature of the movement of the motor vehicle 1 used engine or combination of engines (such as internal combustion engine, electric motor or combination thereof).

As far as in the present application of a "light function" is spoken, this is at least one of the following light functions to understand: low beam, high beam, adaptive high beam, glare-free high beam, city lights, high street lighting, motorway light, adaptive cornering lights, marker light and logo projection light. However, the term "light function" is not limited to this. As far as in one state also one or more further lighting functions, by a motor vehicle headlight 2 . 2 ' are also allowed, so does this light function or these light functions fall under the term used here "light function". The same applies to other, not mentioned here light functions, which may be developed only in the future.

The number of states whose data in the first storage device 7 is at least 2, the number is upwards but not particularly limited. For each of the states, the data (parameters) are stored in each case at least one light function, it can of course each data with respect to several (about two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, etc.) lighting functions per state in the memory device 7 be saved.

In the one 2 or more 2 . 2 ' Headlamps of the motor vehicle 1 it may be any suitable and permissible for the respective type of motor vehicle headlights.

Conventional headlights 2 . 2 ' point as a light source 3 one or more incandescent or halogen lamps. The intensity of these light sources can be controlled by controlling the level of the supply voltage. Likewise, for several years headlights 2 . 2 ' with a xenon burner as the light source 3 known. A xenon burner can be operated in the context of technical conditions with different powers, whereby different light intensities can be achieved in one and the same xenon burner.

In the recent past, headlamps 2 . 2 ' developed, with which a larger number of defined, each relatively small segments (pixels) in the environment of the motor vehicle 1 can be individually illuminated, the size and position of each radiant segment by a predetermined horizontal and vertical angle range, with which the light for the respective segment of the headlight 2 . 2 ' is radiated, and the distance of the segment to the headlight 2 . 2 ' is defined. The in such headlights 2 . 2 ' used light sources 3 are generally referred to as pixel light systems, where the term "pixel" here is not tied to a pixel-like arrangement of light-emitting elements at the light source (but such may be given), but more generally a pixel-like, ie, definable segments subdivided illumination of an environment of the motor vehicle 1 is meant. Depending on the number of pixels used by a searchlight 2 . 2 ' illuminated can be roughly differentiated between low and high resolution pixel light systems.

An example of a headlight 2 . 2 ' For example, with a low resolution pixel light system, it is a full LED matrix floodlight 2 . 2 ' , The pixel light system of such a headlight 2 . 2 ' may presently have a number of up to about 180 LEDs in currently commercially available models and a further increase in the number of LEDs is expected in the future. Each of the LEDs emits light with a predetermined horizontal and vertical angle range, so that the number of LEDs corresponding number of pixels (segments) in the environment of the motor vehicle 1 can be illuminated. If several LEDs emit light with the same given horizontal and vertical angle range, then the number of illuminatable pixels (segments) corresponds to the number of LED groups thus formed. By means of a control device 5 For example, the individual LEDs or groups of LEDs can be individually controlled, ie switched on, switched off or dimmed (for example by means of pulse length modulation), and one or more pixels (segments) can thus be selectively illuminated, faded out or illuminated in a dimmed manner. Such pixel light systems are also referred to in the present application as "surface-modulatable LED matrix pixel light systems".

Instead of the LED, laser diodes can also be used in a matrix pixel light system. In current laser-based vehicle headlights 2 . 2 ' is generated (regardless of the type of modulation of the generated laser light) usually by means of one or more laser diodes blue laser light, which is converted by means of a converter into white light (phosphor conversion).

In a "surface-modulated laser matrix pixel light system", a single or multiple line array of laser diodes (matrix beam, M × B) is provided, wherein individual laser diodes - by means of a control device 5 - can be selectively switched on / off and / or dimmed. Since the individual laser diodes - similar to the individual LEDs or LED groups in the aforementioned surface-modulatable LED matrix pixel light system - are each provided for illuminating a certain area in the apron of the motor vehicle, by switching on / off or dimming / up For example, a plurality of differently bright illuminated areas of laser diodes can be generated.

Another type of surface modulable pixel light system may be implemented using a "Digital Micromirror Device" (DMD), i. H. be realized with the aid of a mirror array in which in the range of several thousand to several million (currently up to about 8 million) pivotally arranged, microscopic mirrors are arranged on a semiconductor chip. The micromirrors of a DMD have a on, off and flat state. In the ON state, the light from the light source is deflected onto the projection surface. In the "off" state, the light is absorbed.

Such DMD headlights 2 . 2 ' are usually considered high-resolution headlights 2 . 2 ' educated.

Each of the micromirrors can - by means of a control device 5 - several thousand times, for example, 4000 times per second on and off. If a micromirror turns on more frequently than it is off, it represents a gray dot. A mirror that is even more frequently turned off produces a dot with even darker gray. In this way, the micromirrors can produce several hundred different brightness levels.

Further examples of surface modulable lighting systems according to the present invention in a headlamp 2 . 2 ' can be used are an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) pixel light system in which light is passed through at least one LCD matrix (for a color display also three or even four LCD matrices), and a LCoS pixel light system ( LCoS = liquid crystal on silicon; liquid crystals on a silicon (substrate)), where light is reflected by the liquid crystals. Also these headlights 2 . 2 ' can be used as either low-resolution or high-resolution headlights 2 . 2 ' be designed.

LCoS pixel light systems include a silicon substrate (often a silicon foil), a thin layer of liquid crystals on this silicon substrate, and a cover for the liquid crystals (often in the form of a thin glass sheet). The polarized light of a light source (the polarization is often achieved by means of a polarizing mirror) is directed to the layer of liquid crystals, where the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by applying a corresponding electrical voltage so that the light is reflected in the desired brightness.

The light source for a surface-modulable pixel light system can be either one or more LEDs or one or more laser light sources, such as laser diodes.

In addition to surface-modulatable pixel light systems, beam-guided pixel light systems are also known in which exclusively laser light is currently used. An example of a laser beam guided pixel pixel light system is one in which laser light is deflected, ie scanned, by means of at least one optic or at least one micromirror, ie, the brightness of each Pixels (segment in the environment) is determined by the laser power and residence time, by the control device 5 to be controlled. Beam-guided pixel light systems based on laser light can basically be used as high-resolution headlights 2 . 2 ' be carried out, the theoretically possible resolution by laser light, however, is not achieved by currently required phosphorus conversion.

The pixel light systems described here and their mode of operation, including the possibilities for their control, are known to the person skilled in the art, so that it is not necessary to discuss this in detail in the present application.

From the prior art, a number of modifications and further developments of the above-mentioned headlamps and pixel light systems are known to those skilled in the art, which are also useful for the present invention. Also usable for the present invention are headlights having two or more different light sources. Not further detailed needs in the present application also in the headlights 2 . 2 ' used reflectors and lenses or lens system, since these and their functions are well known to a person skilled in the art.

Regarding the investigative device 4 for determining in which of at least two states the motor vehicle 1 currently resides, there are no special restrictions and it can be any facility 4 used for the present invention, with a position of the motor vehicle 1 can be determined.

So the investigator facility 4 about a vehicle-side display device include a driver at a start of the motor vehicle 1 indicates a last state indicated and by which the driver is requested to confirm that the motor vehicle 1 is still in the specified state or, if not, selecting and / or entering the current state.

Preferably, the determining means is 4 however, one with which the current position of the motor vehicle 1 and so that the position within a particular state can be determined automatically, continuously or at predeterminable time intervals, and without specific operator actions of a vehicle occupant.

Therefore, the on-vehicle detection device is 4 in a preferred manner, one receiving device 8th for signals from navigation satellites, signals from mobile radio cells, and / or signals from WLAN radios.

As is known to those skilled in the art, the position of the receiving device can be determined with each of the signals mentioned 4 and thus in the present case of the motor vehicle 1 be determined.

Navigation satellites (such as the US NAVSTAR GPS, the Russian GLONASS, the European Galileo or the Chinese Beidou system) emit radio signals from the receiving device 8th be received. The radio signals contain the exact position of the respective satellite and the time of day.

For position determination, it is sufficient if a receiving device 8th receive signals from at least four satellites at the same time. In the reception facility 8th the pseudo signal transit times are measured and from this the current position of the motor vehicle 1 determined. From the position determined in this way it can be ascertained - in knowledge of the spatial extent of the various states which can be read out, for example, from a vehicle-side or vehicle-external database - in which state the motor vehicle is located 1 just stops. It can be provided according to the present invention that the receiving device 8th The signals from different navigation satellite systems can receive and evaluate the reliability and / or accuracy of determining the location of a motor vehicle 1 to increase.

The (at least approximate) location of a motor vehicle can also be determined from the signals of mobile radio cells 1 be determined in a particular state. As a mobile radio cell, the area is defined in which the signal transmitted by a transmitting device of a mobile radio network can be received and decoded without error. Cellular cells have a very different size depending on the location, which often does not allow an exact position determination (as is possible, for example, by means of satellite-supported position determination). However, such accurate positioning is not required according to the present invention.

Each mobile cell sends one from the ITU Standard E.212 specified country code, the so-called "Mobile Country Code", which is used together with the Mobile Network Code for the identification of a mobile network. Is the receiving device located 9 and thus the motor vehicle 1 Within a transmission range of a mobile radio cell, the state in which the motor vehicle is located can also be determined from the received "mobile country code" 1 currently resides.

If the transmission range of two or more mobile radio cells overlaps, the current location of the motor vehicle 1 For example, the signal of the mobile radio cell can be used by the receiving device 8th received with the highest signal strength. To determine the location of a motor vehicle with the help of mobile radio cells, the so-called TA parameter (TA = Timing Advance) can be taken into account, which indicates which time shift is required so that data about a mobile terminal in time the receiving station of a mobile phone cell reached. The TA parameter is greater the farther the transmitting device is away from the receiving station.

Another variant for a (more accurate) determination of the location of the motor vehicle 1 with the help of mobile radio cells, the so-called. EOTD method (EOTD = Enhanced Observed Time Difference) is. Here is the receiving device 8th the difference between the arrival times of certain signals from several different transmitting stations is determined and from this the position with respect to the various transmitting stations can be determined.

As a third way to determine the position of a motor vehicle 1 may be mentioned here the reception of signals from WLAN radio devices. For a position determination by the detection of WLAN networks that of the receiving device 8th received WLAN networks matched with stored in one or more databases locations of wireless networks. A position determination by means of WLAN networks is possible in particular in densely populated areas, since in such areas relatively many WLAN networks (WLAN routers, WLAN hotspots) are present.

For determining the approximate location of the motor vehicle 1 due to received signals from WLAN radios (WLAN routers), the detection means 4 via a second storage device 9 or has access to a second storage device 9 with position data of wireless radio equipment. By matching the received WLAN radio signals, which usually also contain information regarding the WLAN radio network name, with the data of the memory device 9 can at least the approximate location of the motor vehicle 1 be determined.

As in many motor vehicles 1 Already satellite-based navigation systems exist or can be used, the investigative device 4 advantageously a second memory device 9 or access to a second storage device 9 with digital road maps. The determined by means of the above-mentioned satellite-based position determination position of the motor vehicle 1 can be compared with the digital road maps and so the whereabouts (here even the relatively accurate position) of a motor vehicle 1 be determined in a particular state. Also, a prediction (either due to the currently traveled road or a calculated by the navigation system route on which the motor vehicle 1 moved) are taken there, if and if so the motor vehicle 1 probably will cross a national border. With increasing proximity to a state border can then according to the present invention, for example. From a discontinuous determination of the current location of the motor vehicle 1 for a continuous determination of the current location of the motor vehicle 1 be transferred.

There are also constellations in which it is beneficial if the investigative device 4 a second storage device 9 or access to a second storage device 9 having position data of mobile radio cells.

In states such as the US, India, Australia, etc., there are no "mobile country codes" for the individual states. Therefore, alone can not be determined by a received "Mobile Country Code" in which state of a state, the motor vehicle 1 staying. However, it can not be ruled out and, in the US at present, it is also the case that in individual states of these states different regulations apply with regard to the maximum light intensity and / or the light distribution in the case of different light functions of headlamps 2 . 2 ' of motor vehicles 1 exist.

In a position determination by means of receiving signals from mobile radio cells, this disadvantage can be circumvented by the fact that the determining means 4 a second storage device 9 or access to a second storage device 9 having position data of mobile radio cells. By means of such a database in which, as in the database for WLAN radio devices, not only the locations of mobile radio cells but also information for the unique identification of the respective mobile radio cell are present (such as Cell-ID or Cell-ID together with the location Area Code), can be adjusted by the investigator 4 received information of a mobile radio cell and the information contained in the database of the (at least approximate) location of a motor vehicle 1 be determined in a federal state.

Of course, it is included in the present invention that a determination of the location of a motor vehicle 1 using a combination of two or all three the method mentioned here is performed. As mentioned above, the automatic determination of the location of a motor vehicle 1 be carried out continuously or at predetermined intervals.

It is particularly preferred if a first determination of the location of a motor vehicle 1 immediately after the start of the vehicle 1 (Switching on the ignition of motor vehicles 1 with an internal combustion engine, starting an internal combustion engine, switching on the power supply in (also) electrically powered vehicles 1 ) and then determining the location of the motor vehicle 1 is repeated continuously or within predeterminable time intervals. In this case, for example, it may be provided that the greater the time intervals are selected, the greater the distance between a motor vehicle 1 from the border of a neighboring state, which is at a recent determination of the whereabouts of the motor vehicle 1 is determined (motor vehicle 1 can not reach neighboring state within the time period until the next determination), and vice versa, the shorter the distance of a motor vehicle, the shorter time intervals (up to a continuous determination) are chosen 1 from the border of a neighboring state, which is at a recent determination of the whereabouts of the motor vehicle 1 is detected. Also, by means of the above-mentioned digital map data, an estimation can be made as to whether a motor vehicle is 1 moved to a border of a neighboring state or not, and depending on the result of this estimation, the time intervals (always) shorter (motor vehicle 1 moves on border; to a continuous investigation) or (always) longer (motor vehicle 1 moves away from the border).

According to the present invention, for example, in a simple case, it may be provided that the first memory device 7 Data of at least two states each permitted maximum light intensity in the center of the headlight 2 or the headlights 2 . 2 ' emitted light beam 6 or the emitted light beam 6 . 6 ' for the light function has high beam. For example. can be provided that the maximum light intensity in the center of the light beam of two headlights 2 . 2 ' in one state, C $ 75,000 and in a second state, C $ 150,000 (Cd = Candela). Similarly, different maximum (or minimum) illuminances may be defined in legal terms in lux on a screen. In such cases, the term "luminous intensity" used here should be replaced by the term "illuminance". If in the various legal regulations of two states once on "light intensity" (Cd) and once on "illuminance" (Lux) is turned off, one of the two statements can be converted into the other information.

Based on the determination of the location of the motor vehicle 1 in at least one of the two states can, when a driver's light function high beam at the headlight 2 or the headlights 2 . 2 ' turns on, the light source 3 or the light sources 3 from the controller 5 Now be controlled so that the maximum allowable light intensity is given. This not only ensures that the motor vehicle 1 with each lawful headlights driving, also receives a driver of a motor vehicle 1 in a state where this is permitted, a higher main beam is provided.

As mentioned above, a different light intensity can already with comparatively simple headlights 2 . 2 ' will be realized.

With many headlight types 2 . 2 ' (For example, with the mentioned in the introduction part headlight devices according to the prior art) can also achieve different light distributions in the various lighting functions, the means of the vehicle-side headlights 2 . 2 ' be realized (in the simplest case dipped beam and high beam) or (such as adaptive high beam, glare-free high beam, city lights, high street lights, motorway lights, adaptive cornering lights, marker light and logo projection light). In a particularly simple manner, different light distributions can be achieved with the above-mentioned pixel light systems, since in these also for a larger number of different light distributions no different mechanical and / or optical structure is required, but the different light distributions already by a corresponding control of the light source 3 , the light sources 3 and / or the device (s) for area modulation or beam guidance can be achieved.

If in the present application of "different light distributions" is spoken, so it is about to understand the light distribution on a screen. In many legal regulations are for the various possible lighting functions of a headlight 2 or a combination of headlamps 2 . 2 ' of a motor vehicle 1 Requirements for the predetermined for a specific light function extension in a horizontal and vertical and within this extension given by the legal requirements light intensity distribution on a predetermined distance to the headlight 2 or to headlights 2 . 2 ' preset measuring screen.

Based on the example described above, for example, the statutory provisions with respect to the high beam not only in relation to the maximum allowable light intensity in the center of the light beam of two headlights 2 . 2 ' differ, but also with respect to the light distribution, such as what minimum and / or maximum light intensity must be given in a predetermined angle left, right, above and / or below the center of the light beam. Also, these differences can be made by the present invention automatically and depending on the location of the motor vehicle 1 Be taken into account.

If, for example, the first storage device 7 (Also) data on admissibility and in case of admissibility data of the maximum allowable light intensity in the center of the headlight 2 or the headlights 2 . 2 ' emitted light beam 6 or the emitted light beam 6 . 6 ' and / or a light distribution of the headlamp 2 or the headlight 2 . 2 ' in the at least two states of at least one of the light functions selectable from high beam, glare-free high beam, city light, high street light, highway light, adaptive cornering light, marker light, and logo projection light can according to the present invention, depending on the determined location of the motor vehicle 1 only the respectively permissible light functions are made available and when activating one of the permissible light functions, only one activation of the one or more headlights 2 . 2 ' be such that each allowable, but also optimally possible light distribution (maximum light intensity or illuminance and optimum light distribution) results.

The various light functions mentioned here can be characterized as follows:
Dipped beam is asymmetrical and in right-hand traffic on the left half (left-hand traffic on the right-hand side), for example, cropped vertically by 1%, which avoids dazzling oncoming traffic and oncoming road users.

By high beam is a lighting beyond the low beam range addition. Since the high beam (eg. According to the German StVO) may only be turned on when no driver of a preceding or oncoming motor vehicle can be dazzled, in contrast to the low beam no exact cut-off for high beam is prescribed.

In an adaptive high beam, the high beam is controlled depending on the speed of the vehicle and the detection of other road users in the footprint of the vehicle headlights. For example. For example, a high-beam assistance system may be active from a vehicle speed of 50 km / h or higher. By means of a suitable environmental sensor system (for example using cameras for visible light or infrared light) and an environment evaluation device for the data supplied by the sensor systems, other road users in the area of illumination of the vehicle headlights can be recognized by the high beam assistance system and the high beam can thus be controlled that detected road users are not dazzled. For this purpose, the beam of the high beam is lowered so far that it ends before or at the detected road users.

In a "glare-free high beam" other road users in the footprint of the vehicle headlights are also detected by a suitable environment sensors and an environment evaluation device for the data supplied by the sensors. In contrast to the adaptive high beam, individual high beam segments (high beam pixels) are switched off in the non-glare high beam. In this way, oncoming and leading road users can be blinded, while in the remaining areas the full potential of the high beam is maintained.

A "city light" can be realized, for example, in that, up to a predefinable speed of, for example, a maximum of 55 km / h, the cut-off line runs horizontally over the complete horizontal illumination area of the illumination device and at the same time becomes wider and more symmetrical compared to the dipped beam Illumination of the road is provided.

By a "highway light" is - depending on the speed - for right-hand traffic of the left lane (in left-hand traffic according to the right lane edge) more spacious and possibly brighter illuminated, whereby the field of view for the respective roadway edge, for example, is extended by about 10 meters.

By means of a "motorway light", the visibility range for the driver can optionally be increased in several stages. For example, it may be provided that the light intensity of the low beam is increased from a first predeterminable speed, such as from 90 km / h or from 100 km / h, so as to increase the range of the low beam. Alternatively or additionally, from a second speed, from about 110 km / h or 120 km / h, the vertical trimming of the light beam of the low beam from 1% to eg. 0.5% can be reduced so as to further increase the range of the dipped beam.

In the case of an "adaptive cornering light", following the steering movement, the light center of the low beam or the high beam is shifted in the direction of the curve. In an LED matrix headlight, for example, the cornering light is realized by dimming the outside LEDs in the headlight and does not require any mechanics.

By means of a "marker light" individual objects in the environment of a vehicle, such as on the roadside persons, on the roadside or on the roadway animals, road signs, turn signals, buildings, etc. are targeted illuminated. These objects are detected by an environmental sensor system, assigned by an environment evaluation device optionally a predeterminable class of objects and can, if appropriate, be illuminated in light of other information such as vehicle speed and distance.

And a "logo projection light" is used to project graphic elements on the road or an object in front of the vehicle. Such elements (logos) may, for example, a turning arrow, a (speed to be respected), a warning symbol (such as in front of a tight bend, another danger spot, a jam end, a construction site, etc.), a "virtual" road boundary (eg. in the form of a bright strip on the road), a "virtual" lane (for example, in the form of two light stripes on the road) include. By means of a "marker light" and / or a "logo projection light" not only the driver of the vehicle can be informed / warned / warned, but these light functions can also serve the interaction / communication with other road users (eg other drivers, pedestrians).

If in the present application it is spoken that the vehicle 1 or the receiving device 8th an "accessibility" to a storage device 7 . 9 has, this accessibility can be realized in any conceivable way. For example, the memory device 7 . 9 outside the motor vehicle 1 be set up (such as on an external server that can be accessed via a network) and the motor vehicle 1 or the receiving device 8th by means of a communication possibility (for example by means of a far-reaching mobile radio device) to the memory device 7 . 9 access. The storage device 7 . 9 However, it may also be provided on a mobile terminal, for example, on the inside of the motor vehicle 1 can be accessed (such as via a USB connection, or a short-range, non-wired connection, such as via a Bluetooth connection, an NFC connection, a wireless LAN connection, a connection using light, etc.).

If the motor vehicle 1 even a storage device 7 have, of course, the required (wired, wireless, by means of a bus system, such as CAN) communication and / or access options for and between the respective vehicle-side facilities provided.

Regarding in the storage devices 7 . 9 stored data is advantageously to provide an updating option to changes in legal regulations, changes in state borders, changes in the type, number and position of mobile radio cells, changes in the nature, number and location of wireless radio devices, changes in the road maps, etc. over the life of a motor vehicle 1 To take account of.

Since the construction, the mode of operation and the possible interaction of the devices, devices, assemblies, components, hardware and software etc. mentioned in the present application are known to a person skilled in the art, it is not necessary to discuss this in detail in the present application.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19750495 B4 [0005]
• DE 102013204063 A1 [0007]

Cited non-patent literature

• Standard E.212 [0059]

Claims (10)

Motor vehicle ( 1 ) with a ( 2 ) or several ( 2 . 2 ' ) Headlamps each having at least one light source ( 3 ), and - an investigator ( 4 ) for determining in which of at least two states the motor vehicle ( 1 ) currently, characterized in that the motor vehicle ( 1 ) - a control device ( 5 ) for controlling a light intensity in the center of the headlight ( 2 ) or the headlamps ( 2 . 2 ' ) emitted light beam ( 6 ) or the emitted light beam ( 6 . 6 ' ) and / or for controlling a light distribution of the headlamp ( 2 ) or the headlight ( 2 . 2 ' ) in at least one light function, and - a first memory device ( 7 ) or access to a first storage device ( 7 ) with data stored therein in each of the at least two states permissible maximum light intensity in the center of the headlight ( 2 ) or the headlamps ( 2 . 2 ' ) emitted light beam ( 6 ) or the emitted light beam ( 6 . 6 ' ) and / or a light distribution of the headlamp ( 2 ) or the headlight ( 2 . 2 ' ) in at least one light function, wherein - the control device ( 5 ) has been set up on the basis of the information provided by the investigative 4 ) received or queried by this current location of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) in one of the at least two states and the data of the first storage device ( 7 ) the one ( 2 ) or the several ( 2 . 2 ' ) switched on headlights or from switching on the one ( 2 ) or several ( 2 . 2 ' ) Headlights the one ( 2 ) or the several ( 2 . 2 ' ) Headlights are controlled so automatically that one for the state in which the motor vehicle ( 1 ), the maximum permissible light intensity in the center of the headlight ( 2 ) or the headlamps ( 2 . 2 ' ) emitted light beam ( 6 ) or the emitted light beam ( 6 . 6 ' ) and / or a permissible light distribution of the headlamp ( 2 ) or the headlight ( 2 . 2 ' ) is given at least one light function. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the one headlight ( 2 ) one or more light sources ( 3 ) or the multiple headlamps ( 2 . 2 ' ) one or more light sources ( 3 halogen lamp, xenon burner, surface modulatable LED matrix pixel light system, surface modulatable laser matrix pixel light system, area modulatable LED DMD pixel light system, area modulatable laser DMD pixel light system, area modulatable LED LCD pixel light system, surface modulatable laser LCD pixel light system, surface modulatable LED LCoS pixel light system, surface modulatable laser LCoS pixel light system and / or beam guided laser pixel light system. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the determining means ( 4 ) - a receiving device ( 8th ) for signals from navigation satellites, - a receiving device ( 8th ) for signals from mobile radio cells, and / or - a receiving device ( 8th ) for signals from WLAN radio devices as well as a second memory device ( 9 ) or access to a second storage device ( 9 ) with position data from wireless LAN devices. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the motor vehicle ( 1 ) or the investigator ( 4 ) a second storage device ( 9 ) or access to a second storage device ( 9 ) with - digital road maps, and / or - position data of mobile radio cells. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first memory device ( 7 ) Data of the in the at least two states respectively permissible maximum light intensity in the center of the headlight ( 2 ) or the headlamps ( 2 . 2 ' ) emitted light beam ( 6 ) or the emitted light beam ( 6 . 6 ' ) and / or a light distribution of the headlamp ( 2 ) or the headlight ( 2 . 2 ' ) for the light function dipped beam and / or high beam. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first memory device ( 7 ) Data on admissibility and, in the case of admissibility, data of the maximum allowable light intensity in the center of the headlamp ( 2 ) or the headlamps ( 2 . 2 ' ) emitted light beam ( 6 ) or the emitted light beam ( 6 . 6 ' ) and / or a light distribution of the headlamp ( 2 ) or the headlight ( 2 . 2 ' ) in the at least two states of at least one of the light functions, which are selectable from adaptive high beam, glare free high beam, city light, high street light, highway light, adaptive cornering light, marker light, and logo projection light. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the control device ( 5 ) has been set up on the basis of the information provided by the investigative 4 ) received or queried by this current location of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) in one of the at least two states and the data of the first storage device ( 7 ) the one ( 2 ) or the several ( 2 . 2 ' ) switched on headlights or from switching on the one ( 2 ) or several ( 2 . 2 ' ) Headlights the one ( 2 ) or the several ( 2 . 2 ' ) Headlights are controlled so automatically that one for the state in which the motor vehicle ( 1 ), the maximum permissible light intensity in the center of the headlight ( 2 ) or the headlamps ( 2 . 2 ' ) emitted light beam ( 6 ) or the emitted light beam ( 6 . 6 ' ) and / or a permissible light distribution of the headlamp ( 2 ) or the headlight ( 2 . 2 ' ) is given in the light function dipped beam and / or high beam. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the control device ( 5 ) has been set up on the basis of the information provided by the investigative 4 ) received or queried by this current location of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) in one of the at least two states and the data of the first storage device ( 7 ) the one ( 2 ) or the several ( 2 . 2 ' ) switched on headlights or from switching on the one ( 2 ) or several ( 2 . 2 ' ) Headlights the one ( 2 ) or the several ( 2 . 2 ' ) Headlights are controlled so automatically that one for the state in which the motor vehicle ( 1 ), the maximum permissible light intensity in the center of the headlight ( 2 ) or the headlamps ( 2 . 2 ' ) emitted light beam ( 6 ) or the emitted light beam ( 6 . 6 ' ) and / or a permissible light distribution of the headlamp ( 2 ) or the headlight ( 2 . 2 ' in at least one of the light functions adaptive high beam, glare-free high beam, city light, high street light, motorway light, adaptive cornering light, marker light and logo projection light is given. A method of operating a headlamp or multiple headlamps of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of: - Determining the current location of the motor vehicle in one of at least two states by means of a vehicle-side detection device (S1); - Determine the permitted in the state in which the motor vehicle currently resides, maximum light intensity in the center of the light emitted from the headlamp or headlights beam or the emitted light beam and / or an allowable light distribution of the headlamp or headlights at least one light function by means of appropriate Data stored in a first storage device (S2), and Automatic driving on the basis of the current location of the motor vehicle received by or requested by the determining device in one of the at least two states and the data of the first storage device of the one or more switched-on headlights or on switching on the one or more headlights of the motor vehicle one or more headlamps by a control device on the vehicle such that a maximum light intensity permissible for the state in which the motor vehicle is currently in the center of the light beam emitted by the headlamp or the headlamps or the emitted light beam and / or an allowable light distribution of the Headlamps or the headlamp is given at least one light function (S3). The method of claim 9, comprising - Receiving signals from navigation satellites, signals from one or more mobile radio cells, and / or signals from one or more wireless radio devices by the determining means, and - Determining the current location of the motor vehicle in one of at least two states on the basis of data from a second memory device containing digital road maps, position data of mobile radio cells and / or position data of wireless radio devices by the determining means.

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