Method for generating a warning signal to switch on the lighting system of a vehicle and devices for use with said method

• US 6,504,476 B1
• Filed: 03/06/2000
• Issued: 01/07/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/28/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG (Continental AG)
• Original Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG (Continental AG)
• Inventors: Wallrafen, Werner
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Benjamin C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen, Phung
• Application Number:
  US09/424,679
• Time in Patent Office: 1,037 Days
• Field of Search: 340/457.2, 340/469, 340/905, 340/539, 340/601, 340/600, 307/10.8, 315/82
• US Class Current: 340/457.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/1423 Automatic dimming circuits, i.e. switching between high beam and low beam due to change of ambient light or light level in road traffic
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/112 Vehicle speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/312 Adverse weather
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/314 Ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/337 Tunnels or bridges
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/30 Daytime running lights [DRL], e.g. circuits or arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096716 where the received information does not generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/09675 where a selection from the received information takes place in the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096783 where the origin of the information is a roadside individual element

Abstract

In a method for producing a warning signal for switching on a vehicle lighting system when the environmental brightness is inadequate, the external light signal is transmitted as a radio signal, in a first step, and is received by the vehicle. In addition, further operating data are detected, an evaluation is then carried out by a control unit and, if necessary, a warning signal is produced for the operator. In an apparatus for use with the method there is control unit for detection and logic-processing of signals. This control unit produces a warning signal for the driver.

Claims

1. A method for producing a warning signal for switching on a vehicle lighting system when the environmental brightness is inadequate on the basis of an external light signal, wherein, in a first step, transmitting the external light signal as a radio signal, receiving the signal by the vehicle and detecting operating data of the vehicle, wherein subsequently, evaluating the data by means of a control unit on board the vehicle and, producing a warning signal for information of the operator;

wherein the control unit detects said radio signal with data relating to the environmental brightness and detects a switching state of the vehicle lighting system;

wherein the control unit receives signals of a navigation device and determines geographical position from the navigation-device signals, and matches the position to a road map for production of a warning signal if the vehicle is located in a region in which there is a necessity or a requirement to drive with the lighting system switched on even if the environmental brightness is adequate; and

the control unit produces a warning signal if the vehicle lighting system is switched off and the environmental brightness is inadequate even if the geographical position from the navigation-device signals does not match the road-map position, the control unit logically linking switching states for production of the warning signal based on environmental brightness and geographic constraints.