DEVICE FOR IMPROVING NIGHT VISION OF VEHICLE DRIVERS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THEREOF

Abstract

Device for improving night vision of vehicle drivers comprising a controlled reduction of the driver's pupil diameter and the maintenance of said reduction over time in order to improve the visual capability of the vehicle driver, all of this, moreover, adapted to the pupil dynamics of the vehicle driver. It comprises a vehicle interior part comprising a carrier, a lighting device configured to emit pulsed light according to a sinusoidal wave emission varying in regular periods between 10 s and 30 s and a control means; a switching means and a user profile adjusting means.

Claims

1. Device (10) for improving night vision of vehicle drivers comprising: A vehicle interior part (1) comprising: a) a carrier (1.1), b) a lighting device (1.2) arranged in the carrier (1.1) comprising: i. lighting means (1.2.1) configured to emit light having a wavelength being in the range between 420 and 750 nm, ii. light diffusing means (1.2.2) configured to diffuse the light emitted by the lighting means and to emit the diffused light inside the vehicle, c) control means (1.3) configured to control the light emitted by the lighting means (1.2.1), Switching means (1.4) configured to turn on and to turn off the lighting means (1.2.1), wherein the device (10) for improving night vision of vehicle drivers further comprises a user profile adjusting means (2) configured for the vehicle driver (D) to select between a first user profile (UP1) and a second user profile (UP2), wherein the user profile adjusting means (2) are connected upstream to the control means (1.3) in such a way that the first user profile (UP1) and the second user profile (UP2) are an input for the control means (1.3), wherein the lighting device (1.2) is connected downstream to the control means (1.3) and said control means (1.3) are configured to provide instructions to the lighting device (1.2): (1) to emit pulsed light according to a sinusoidal wave emission varying in regular periods being in the range between 10 s and 30 s, wherein each period comprises a minimum radiant flux value being greater than 0, (2) to emit light taking into account the user profile adjusting means (2) input in such a way that the first user profile (UP1) provides a first pulsed light (L.sub.UP1) and the second user profile (UP2) provides a second pulsed light (L.sub.UP2), both first and second pulsed lights (L.sub.UP1, L.sub.UP2) being different, (3) not to modify the pulsed light emitted while the lighting device (1.2) is emitting light when a change in the radiant flux coming from the vehicle exterior environment occurs.

2. Device for improving night vision of vehicle drivers according to claim 1 wherein the lighting means are configured to emit light having a wavelength being in the range between 420 and 500 nm.

3. Device for improving night vision of vehicle drivers according to claim 1 wherein the lighting means are configured to emit light having a wavelength being in the range between 620 and 700 nm.

4. Device for improving night vision of vehicle drivers according to claim 1 wherein switching means are manually activated by the vehicle driver.

5. Device for improving night vision of vehicle drivers according to claim 1 wherein the lighting device (1.2) further comprises a light guiding means (1.2.3) between the lighting means (1.2.1) and the light diffusing means (1.2.2) in order to distribute and homogenise the light directly emitted by the lighting device (1.2).

6. Device for improving night vision of vehicle drivers according to claim 1 wherein the vehicle interior part is a sunvisor.

7. Method for controlling a device (10) for improving night vision of vehicle drivers comprising the following steps: selecting a user profile by a profile adjusting means (2) between a first user profile (UP1) and a second user profile (UP2), turning on a lighting device (1.2) arranged in a carrier (1.1) of a vehicle interior part (1) by a switching means (1.4), wherein the lighting device (1.2) comprises: i. lighting means (1.2.1) configured to emit light having a wavelength being in the range between 450 and 750 nm, and ii. light diffusing means (1.2.2) configured to diffuse the light emitted by the lighting means and to emit the diffused light inside the vehicle, wherein the user profile adjusting means (2) are connected upstream to the control means (1.3) in such a way that the first user profile (UP1) and the second user profile (UP2) are an input for the control means (1.3),

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The present specification is complemented by a set of figures that illustrate a preferred embodiment, in no way limiting the invention.

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle interior comprising a device for improving night vision of vehicle drivers according to the invention.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the vehicle driver face in order to represent the ocular plane OP.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment where the vehicle interior part forming the device is particularly a sunvisor.

[0044] FIG. 4 shows a front view of an inner side of one of the sunvisor's half-shells acting as support for part of the device.

[0045] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the lighting device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0046] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the lighting device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0047] FIG. 7 shows a sinusoidal wave corresponding to the irradiance received by the ocular plane due to a first pulsed light.

[0048] FIG. 8 shows a sinusoidal wave corresponding to the irradiance received by the ocular plane due to a second pulsed light.

[0049] FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of a control system for controlling the device (10) for improving night vision of vehicle drivers.

[0050] FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle interior comprising a device for improving night vision of vehicle drivers according to the invention where three different vehicle driver's percentiles are represented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] FIG. 1 shows a particular configuration of the device (10) for improving night vision of vehicle drivers according to the invention. It comprises a vehicle interior part (1), a switching means (1.4) and a user profile adjusting means (2) where the vehicle interior part (1) is particularly a sunvisor.

[0052] This configuration is particularly advantageous due to the relative position of the sunvisor with respect to the driver's eyes as it allows the device for improving night vision to provide a lighting fulfilling three functions, namely, reducing the pupil's diameter, being outside the vision field preventing glare and at the same time being sufficiently close to the eyes to control the energy consumption.

[0053] Other configurations not represented are also considered by the invention where the vehicle interior part (1) is for example the pillar A, the headliner or the overhead console.

[0054] Returning to the particular configuration represented in the figures, the working position of the device (10) corresponds to the stowed position of the sunvisor (1) in which it rests against the headliner main surface.

[0055] Taking into account that the device (10) of the invention only works under low light conditions when the sunvisor (1) is in the stowed position, both devices, namely the sunvisor as antiglare device and the device (10) for improving night vision, can fulfil their particular function without detriment to each other.

[0056] Therefore, the device (10) for improving night vision of vehicle drivers of the invention is configured to work in a fixed position corresponding, in this particular case, to the stowed position of the sunvisor (1).

[0057] FIG. 4 shows an inner side of the sunvisor (1) in order to appreciate in detail some of the main parts forming the device (10), in particular it comprises a carrier (1.1), a lighting device (1.2), a control means (1.3) and a switching means (1.4).

[0058] The carrier (1.1) acts as support for some of the components forming the device (10). In this particular case the carrier (1.1) comprises one of the half-shells made of plastic material forming the main body of the sunvisor (1). In general, the carrier (1.1) comprises at least a portion of the interior vehicle part (10).

[0059] The lighting device (1.2) comprises at least a lighting means (1.2.1) and a light diffusing means (1.2.2) and it is arranged on the carrier (1.1).

[0060] The lighting means (1.2.1) are configured to emit light having a wavelength being in the range between 420 and 750 nm, that is the visible spectrum for the human eye.

[0061] According to a particular configuration, the lighting means (1.2.1) are configured to emit light having a wavelength being in the range between 420 and 500 nm. This particular configuration is advantageous as it allows optimizing the energy consumption of the lighting means (1.2.1). Additionally, this particular range allows stimulating the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (IpRGCs) in order to improve the awareness of the vehicle driver (D).

[0062] According to another particular configuration, the lighting means (1.2.1) are configured to emit light having a wavelength being in the range between 620 and 700 nm. This particular configuration is advantageous as it promotes relax and calm of the vehicle driver (D) and this effect can be advantageous in some situations. Additionally, this particular wavelength range provides beneficial effects to the cornea and to the visual general system.

[0063] According to the particular configuration represented in FIG. 5, the lighting means (1.2.1) comprise an only LED provided in a printed circuit board (1.2.8). According to the particular configuration represented in FIG. 6, the lighting means (1.2.1) comprise three LEDs provided on a common printed circuit board (1.2.8).

[0064] The invention is not limited to the type, number and particular arrangement of the lighting means (1.2.1) provided that they allow that the ocular plane (OP, OP, OP) of the vehicle driver (D, D, D) receives the irradiance defined in detail later on.

[0065] The light diffusing means (1.2.2) are configured to diffuse the light emitted by the lighting means (1.2.1) and to emit the diffused light inside the vehicle. The light diffusing means (1.2.2) allows obtaining uniform and soft illumination that scatters in multiple directions being distributed more evenly, encompassing a broader area and without creating distinct shadows in order not to glare the vehicle driver (D, D, D).

[0066] According to the configuration represented in FIG. 5, the light diffusing means (1.2.2) are arranged perpendicular to the printed circuit board (1.2.8) comprising the lighting means (1.2.1).

[0067] Optionally, the lighting device (1.2) can further comprise light guiding means (1.2.3) between the lighting means (1.2.1) and the light diffusing means (1.2.2) in order to distribute and homogenise the light directly emitted by the lighting means (1.2.1).

[0068] The use of the light guiding means (1.2.3) are particularly advantageous due to the fact that they allow providing a very compact arrangement as the light guiding means (1.2.3) facilitate the light distribution within a reduced area according to the thickness of the vehicle interior part (1). Thus, this particular configuration facilitates the integration of the device (10) in the vehicle interior part (1) in general, and in particular, in the example represented in the figures where the vehicle interior part (1) is a sunvisor, in said sunvisor (1).

[0069] Additionally, the use of the light guiding means (1.2.3) allows optimize the expenditure of energy and components as an only LED is enough to achieve a uniform lighting.

[0070] According to the particular configuration represented in FIG. 5 the light directly emitted by the lighting means (1.2.1), namely the LED represented in this figure, is received and distributed by the light guiding means (1.2.3) comprising in this particular case, a light pipe body (1.2.1.1) which receives by one of its ends, the light directly emitted by the lighting means (1.2.1).

[0071] In order to extract the light from the light guiding means (1.2.3), it further comprises a light extracting means (1.2.3.2) arranged to extract and direct the light to the light diffusing means (1.2.2).

[0072] In addition, this light guiding means (1.2.3) can comprise attaching means (1.2.3.3) in order to ensure its relative position regarding the lighting means (1.2.1) and in this way use conveniently the light emitted by them (1.2.1).

[0073] In addition, the assembly forming the lighting device (1.2) represented in FIG. 5, further comprises several casings (1.2.4, 1.2.5, 1.2.6) for protecting the parts forming the assembly, ensuring their relative positions and allowing the attachment of the assembly to the carrier (1.1).

[0074] According to this particular case, the light guiding means (1.2.3) are arranged between a first casing (1.2.4) and a second casing (1.2.5) enclosing them. Additionally, the lighting means (1.2.1) provided in the printed circuit board (1.2.8) are attached to both first and second casings (1.2.4, 1.2.5) and covered by a third casing (1.2.6) which protects said last sub-assembly (1.2.1, 1.2.8) and which allows establishing the electrical connection with the control means (1.3) described in detail later.

[0075] Additionally, the assembly represented in FIG. 5 comprises a decorative frame (1.2.7) which can be seen together with the light diffusing means (1.2.2) from the vehicle inside.

[0076] According to the configuration represented in FIG. 6, the light diffusing means (1.2.2) are arranged parallel to the printed circuit board (1.2.8) comprising the lighting means (1.2.1), namely the three LEDs represented in the figure.

[0077] According to this particular configuration the light directly emitted by the lighting means (1.2.1) is received by the light diffusing means (1.2.2) in order to be emitted to inside the vehicle.

[0078] For the shake of simplicity, the casings have not been represented in this figure. However, the invention also considers the addition of them to this assembly conveniently in order to fulfil the same functions as the ones described in the assembly represented in the FIG. 5.

[0079] The particular design, components and the interaction between them forming the lighting device (1.2) will depend on the particular vehicle interior part where the device (10) is provided. Therefore, the invention considers other options not represented in the figures.

[0080] As mentioned above, the device (10) for improving night vision of vehicle drivers also comprises control means (1.3) and switching means (1.4).

[0081] The control means (1.3) are configured to control the light emitted by the lighting device (1.2) in order to fulfil the objective of the invention, a controlled reduction of the driver's pupil diameter and the maintenance of said reduction over time in order to improve the visual capability of the vehicle driver (D), all of this, moreover, adapted to the pupil dynamics of the vehicle driver (D). As FIG. 4 shows, the control means (1.3) are physically arranged in the carrier (1.1) and are connected to the lighting device (1.2) by wiring (1.5).

[0082] For the purpose of a controlled reduction of the driver's pupil diameter and the maintenance of said reduction over time, the control means (1.3) are configured to provide instructions to the lighting device (1.2) to emit pulsed light according to a sinusoidal wave emission varying in regular periods being in the range between 10 s and 30 s, wherein each period comprises a minimum radiant flux value being greater than 0.

[0083] More particularly, the lighting device (1.2) is configured to emit pulsed light in such a way that when said pulsed light falls on the ocular plane (OP, OP, OP), the irradiance received by said ocular plane (OP, OP, OP) follows a sinusoidal wave varying in regular periods being in the range between 10 and 30 s where the irradiance in the lowest point of each period is in the range between 2 and 25 nW/cm2, and the irradiance in the highest point of each period is in the range between 30 and 60 nW/cm2.

[0084] In particular, as the examples represented in FIGS. 7 and 8 where the sinusoidal waves corresponding to the irradiance received by the ocular plane (OP, OP, OP) are shown, when the lighting device (1.2) starts to emit light, it does so starting from the lowest value of radiant flux.

[0085] The ocular plane (OP, OP, OP), as FIG. 2 shows, is a plane covering the vehicle driver's eyes area defined by the Z vehicle direction and the Y vehicle direction that contains the central point (E, E, E), that is, a central point between right and left eyes where the driver eye locations are defined according to ISO 4513:2022.

[0086] Obviously, depending on the distance between the lighting device (1.2) and the vehicle driver (D, D, D), said lighting device (1.2) will be configured to emit more or less radiant flux in order to the ocular plane (OP, OP, OP) finally receives the particular irradiance defined above.

[0087] In turn, said distance mainly depends on the particular position of the device (10) inside the vehicle. As it was mentioned above, the device (10) could be arranged in the sunvisor, in the A-pillar or in the headliner for example.

[0088] On the other hand, depending on the vehicle driver's percentile, the ocular plane (OP, OP, OP) defined by the central point (E, E, E) can be at different positions from the lighting device (1.2) as FIG. 10 shows, that is, the ocular plane (OP, OP, OP) can be further or closer to the lighting device (1.2).

[0089] However, the range of irradiance values provided above is defined to ensure a properly working of the device (10) by covering any ocular plane (OP, OP, OP) position and consequently any vehicle driver (D, D, D) percentile.

[0090] For the purpose of adapting the controlled reduction of the driver's pupil diameter to the pupil dynamics of the vehicle driver (D, D, D), the device (10) further comprises user profile adjusting means (2) which are represented in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 9.

[0091] The user profile adjusting means (2) allows the vehicle driver (D, D, D) selecting between at least a first user profile (UP1) and a second user profile (UP2), both user profiles (UP1, UP2) being different between them.

[0092] The invention considers the definition of more than the two mentioned user profiles (UP1, UP2, . . . , UPn).

[0093] The lighting device (1.2) emits first pulsed light (L.sub.UP1) according to the first user profile (UP1) and a different second pulsed light (L.sub.UP2) according to the second user profile (UP2). Therefore, the lighting device (1.2) emits pulsed light (L.sub.UP1, L.sub.UP2, . . . L.sub.UPn) according to the corresponding user profile (UP1, UP2, UPn).

[0094] By way of example, FIG. 7 shows a sinusoidal wave corresponding to the irradiance received by the ocular plane due to the first pulsed light (L.sub.UP1). It comprises a sinusoidal wave varying in regular periods of 30 s, the irradiance in the lowest point of each period is 15 nW/cm2, and the irradiance in the highest point of each period is 60 nW/cm2.

[0095] By way of example, FIG. 8 shows a sinusoidal wave corresponding to the irradiance received by the ocular plane due to the second pulsed light (L.sub.UP2). It comprises a sinusoidal wave varying in regular periods of 10 s, the irradiance in the lowest point of each period is 5 nW/cm2, and the irradiance in the highest point of each period is 30 nW/cm2.

[0096] Said user profiles (UP1, UP2) can be defined according to several factors which differentiate one vehicle driver from another vehicle driver according to the visual capability of each of them. Said relevant factors can be age and/or ocular pathologies as for example LASIK surgery, cataract, intraocular lens, etc., and/or other factors.

[0097] According to a particular embodiment, the age classification to define the user profiles can be divided into three groups, namely vehicle drivers under 40 years old, vehicle drivers between 40 and 60 years old and vehicle drivers over 60 years old; and the classification according to the ocular pathologies can be divided into four groups, namely vehicle drivers with intraocular lens, vehicle drivers with cataract, vehicle drivers operated with laser such as LASIK (Laser assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) or vehicle drivers having other ocular pathologies.

[0098] Thus, the user profile adjusting means (2) can comprise a first menu where the age group is selected and a second menu where the ocular pathology information is selected. The particular combination of the above groups between them would lead the different user profiles (UP1, UP2, . . . , UPn).

[0099] As FIG. 9 shows, the user profile adjusting means (2) are connected upstream to the control means (1.3) in such a way that selected user profile among at least the first user profile (UP1) and the second user profile (USP2) is transmitted to the control means (1.3).

[0100] Thus, said selected user profile is an input for the control means (1.3) for controlling the lighting device (1.2) connected downstream to the control means (1.3) particularly according to said user profile (UP1, UP2).

[0101] The user profile adjusting means (2) can be connected with the control means (1.3) through a wireless communication protocol such as near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, radio frequency, cloud-based communication interface, or any other communication protocol. Additionally, the user profile adjusting means (2) can be connected with the control means (1.3) through a non-wireless communication protocol such as LIN (Local Interconnect Network) or CAN (Controller Area Network)

[0102] The user profile adjusting means (2) can comprise for example a smartphone, a computer or an HMI device forming part of the vehicle, namely the dashboard or a screen provided directly on the vehicle interior part (1) for example.

[0103] Therefore, depending on the selected user profile, the control means (1.3) send instructions to the lighting device (1.2) to emit light taking into account the selected user profile in order to adapt the controlled reduction of the driver's pupil diameter to the pupil dynamics of the vehicle driver (D).

[0104] To summarise, the control means (1.3) are configured to provide instructions to the lighting device (1.2): [0105] (1) to emit pulsed light according to a sinusoidal wave emission varying in regular periods being in the range between 10 s and 30 s, wherein each period comprises a minimum radiant flux value being greater than 0, [0106] (2) to emit light taking into account the user profile (UP1, UP2) defined through the user profile adjusting means (2) in such a way that the lighting device (1.2) emits a first pulsed light (L.sub.UP1) according to the first user profile (UP1) and a second pulsed light (L.sub.UP2) according to the second user profile (UP2), being the first and the second pulsed lights different.

[0107] Particularly, first pulsed light (L.sub.UP1) and second pulsed light (L.sub.UP2) are different due to the duration of the period and/or the values corresponding to the lowest and the highest points of the periods.

[0108] In addition, the control means (1.3) are configured to provide instructions to the lighting device (1.2): [0109] (3) not to modify the pulsed light emitted while the lighting device (1.2) is emitting light when a change in the radiant flux coming from the vehicle exterior environment occurs. Therefore, the device does not comprise any sensor means which controls the device according the light conditions coming from the vehicle exterior.

[0110] Finally, the switching means (1.4) are configured to turn on and to turn off the lighting means.

[0111] They can be physically arranged in the vehicle interior part (1), as FIG. 3 shows, or in another place easily accessible for the vehicle driver (D). Likewise, they can be in communication with the control means (1.3) through a wireless or non-wireless communication protocol as the user profile adjusting means (2).

[0112] Preferably, the switching means (1.4) are controlled manually by the vehicle driver (D) for improving night vision during driving.

[0113] The invention also relates to a method for controlling the device for improving night vision of vehicle drivers above described. The method comprises the comprising the following steps: [0114] selecting a user profile by a profile adjusting means (2) between a first user profile (UP1) and a second user profile (UP2), [0115] turning on a lighting device (1.2) above described arranged in a carrier (1.1) of a vehicle interior part (1) by a switching means (1.4), [0116] providing instructions to the lighting device (1.2) by a control means (1.3) configured to control the light emitted: [0117] (1) to emit pulsed light according to a sinusoidal wave emission varying in regular periods being in the range between 10 s and 30 s, wherein each period comprises a minimum radiant flux value being greater than 0, [0118] (2) to emit light taking into account the user profile adjusting means (2) input in such a way that the first user profile (UP1) provides a first pulsed light (L.sub.UP1) and the second user profile (UP2) provides a second pulsed light (L.sub.UP2), both first and second pulsed lights (L.sub.UP1, L.sub.UP2) being different, [0119] (3) not to modify the pulsed light emitted while the lighting device (1.2) is emitting light when a change in the radiant flux coming from the vehicle exterior environment occurs.