GB2571266A - Vision interaction area lighting - Google Patents

Vision interaction area lighting Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2571266A
GB2571266A GB1802624.5A GB201802624A GB2571266A GB 2571266 A GB2571266 A GB 2571266A GB 201802624 A GB201802624 A GB 201802624A GB 2571266 A GB2571266 A GB 2571266A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
vehicle
brightness
driver
controller
gaze direction
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1802624.5A
Other versions
GB201802624D0 (en
GB2571266B (en
Inventor
Singh Harpreet
Thomas Philip
Skrypchuk Lee
Smith Martin
Gnanasundarapaulraj Jerciline
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Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Original Assignee
Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Jaguar Land Rover Ltd filed Critical Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority to GB1802624.5A priority Critical patent/GB2571266B/en
Publication of GB201802624D0 publication Critical patent/GB201802624D0/en
Publication of GB2571266A publication Critical patent/GB2571266A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2571266B publication Critical patent/GB2571266B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/10—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for dashboards
    • B60Q3/12—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for dashboards lighting onto the surface to be illuminated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/20—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for lighting specific fittings of passenger or driving compartments; mounted on specific fittings of passenger or driving compartments
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/10—Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/10—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for dashboards
    • B60Q3/16—Circuits; Control arrangements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/70—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose
    • B60Q3/74—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose for overall compartment lighting; for overall compartment lighting in combination with specific lighting, e.g. room lamps with reading lamps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/70—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose
    • B60Q3/76—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose for spotlighting, e.g. reading lamps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/80—Circuits; Control arrangements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/80—Circuits; Control arrangements
    • B60Q3/82—Switches specially adapted for vehicle interior lighting, e.g. switching by tilting the lens
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/149—Instrument input by detecting viewing direction not otherwise provided for
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/20—Optical features of instruments
    • B60K2360/33—Illumination features
    • B60K2360/334—Projection means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/20—Optical features of instruments
    • B60K2360/33—Illumination features
    • B60K2360/345—Illumination of controls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/20—Optical features of instruments
    • B60K2360/33—Illumination features
    • B60K2360/349—Adjustment of brightness

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Instrument Panels (AREA)

Abstract

The invention provides a controller (2) and method for controlling the brightness of an illuminated area (25, 231) in a vehicle (4). Specifically, the controller (2) is configured to: receive an input signal indicative of a detected gaze direction of the eyes of a driver of the vehicle; determine a relationship between the detected gaze direction and a predetermined region of interest (504, 506, 508, 512, 514, 515) of the vehicle (4); and provide a brightness control signal for adjusting the brightness of a light source (23) providing light to an illuminated area in the vehicle (4) in dependence upon the determined relationship.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a controller and method for controlling the brightness of an illuminated area in a vehicle. Particularly, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to controlling the brightness of a display of a vehicle in response to a detected gaze direction of a driver of the vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a controller, to a system, to a vehicle, and to a method of controlling the brightness of an illuminated area in a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Illumination of an area in a vehicle by an artificial light source is known. Known illuminated areas in vehicles include those illuminated by over-head lighting, panel lighting, and illuminated components such as screens or instrument panels. Known artificial light sources may or may not be configured to be activated, or actuated such that they can be in an activated state, while the vehicle is being driven.
One known above-head artificial light source in a vehicle is actuated by means of an on/off switch, and provides light to an area of the vehicle, specifically the cabin, in response to the switch being turned to an on position. Such a switch requires activation by a user, such as a driver or passenger, and requires that the user moves to manually turn the switch to an on or off position. Such lighting may be activated in response to other inputs such as a door opening, or may be deactivated in response to an ignition switch being activated or in response to the vehicle being locked.
One known display screen in a vehicle is switched on or off by a user, with switching to an on mode causing the screen to be illuminated to a pre-determined brightness by an artificial back-light. One known screen is designed to automatically (i.e. without human actuation) switch off after a period of non-use, or to display a screen saver after a period of non-use. One other known screen is turned on or off by a driver engaging the key of the vehicle into an ignition position, for example by turning the key into an initial, e.g. active, position prior to turning the key to start the engine.
Known interior illumination systems have various disadvantages. One of these disadvantages is that they require a driver's manual input. If this is required when the vehicle is being driven, this manual input requirement can increase the stress levels of the driver, by requiring the driver to consciously consider whether a light is needed or not needed in an area inside the vehicle, and requiring the driver to manually turn the light on or off, which in the case of a switch or touch sensitive screen, would require the driver to move a hand to actuate the switch or screen. If the driver is busy, does not notice the light, or cannot manually turn the light off, then this results in the light being on for longer than necessary, and wastes energy stored by the battery of the car, and may cause distraction to the driver. Even when the vehicle is stationary, the requirement to manually turn a light on or off can be an irritation to the driver.
It is an aim of the present invention to address disadvantages associated with the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a controller, a system, a vehicle, a method, and a computer readable medium as claimed in the appended claims.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a controller for controlling the brightness of an illuminated area in a vehicle, the controller comprising an input means, a processor and an output means, wherein the processor is configured to:
receive, via the input means, an input signal indicative of a detected gaze direction of the eyes of a driver of the vehicle;
determine a relationship between the detected gaze direction and a predetermined region of interest of the vehicle; and provide, via the output means, a brightness control signal for adjusting the brightness of a light source providing light to an illuminated area in the vehicle in dependence upon the determined relationship.
The relationship between the detected gaze direction and the predetermined region of interest of the vehicle may comprise a correlation between the detected gaze direction and the predetermined region of interest, or a convergence of the detected gaze direction and the predetermined region of interest.
The processor may be an electronic processor and said input means may comprise an electrical input of the processor for receiving said an input signal indicative of a detected gaze direction.
An electronic memory device may be coupled to the electronic processor and have instructions and information stored therein, and determining a relationship between the detected gaze direction and a predetermined region of interest of the vehicle may comprise the processor being configured to access the memory device and execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to determine said relationship based on said information and signal indicative of a detected gaze direction.
The output means may comprise an electrical output of the processor providing a brightness control signal in dependence upon the determined relationship may comprise the processor being configured to access the memory device and execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to output said brightness control signal in dependence on said determined relationship.
There may be provided a controller for controlling the brightness of an illuminated area in a vehicle, the controller being configured to: receive an input signal indicative of a detected gaze direction of the eyes of a driver of the vehicle; determine a relationship between the detected gaze direction and a predetermined region of interest of the vehicle; and provide a brightness control signal for adjusting the brightness of a light source providing light to an illuminated area in the vehicle in dependence upon the determined relationship.
References herein to a light source may include, but are not limited to, one or more of: a bulb; a lamp; an LED; a laser. Typically, the light source will generate or transmit visible light. The light source is configured to illuminate a component or area proximate to the light source, making the component or area more visible.
References herein to a gaze direction may be interpreted as detected line of sight direction. As specified in patent document US6397137 titled System and method for selection of vehicular sideview mirrors via eye gaze, there are various ways of determining the eye gaze of a person, i.e. determining where or in which direction a person is gazing (looking). Relevant technical references include US patent 5861940 titled Eye detection system for providing eye gaze tracking and US patent 4973149 titled Eye movement detector. As specified in patent document US6397137, eye gaze contact detection depends on pupil detection. One implementation of such gaze detection involves detecting the light reflecting off the pupil and the glint reflecting off the surface of the cornea of one or both of the person's eyes. A vision processing system may receive from the imager the detected information and processes the relative positions of the location of the pupil and the corneal glint to determine where the eye is gazing.
A controller as specified above (provided for controlling the brightness of an illuminated area in a vehicle in the above-mentioned aspect of the invention) allows for brightness control of an illuminated, or lit, area in a vehicle, without the requirement for a driver or passenger to manually actuate a light. Such a controller also removes the requirement for the driver or passenger to consciously think about needing a light on or off, and think about turning the light on or off manually. This reduces the workload on the driver, allowing the driver to focus on controlling the vehicle. The term workload'1 of the driver refers to the number of tasks a driver must manage while competently driving the vehicle. Such a workload can vary depending on a variety of factors, including but not limited to: traffic conditions around the vehicle, speed of the vehicle, weather conditions, and road conditions. The controller may be configured to make a determination of driver workload in dependence upon input signals representative of one or more of these factors to generate a determined driver workload. Certain functions of the controller can be controlled in dependence upon a determined level of driver workload as described further in the following. Driving requires the driver to perform several tasks simultaneously to operate the vehicle. Additional tasks can increase the demands on the driver to the point where an additional task may result in an overload, specifically a mental overload, which may reduce overall performance. Methods and systems for determining a driver workload are described in published GB patent GB2500581 B.
The predetermined region of interest may comprise the illuminated area. The illuminated area and the predetermined region of interest may be co-located. The predetermined region of interest may comprise the illuminated area and a peripheral area extending around the illuminated area. The peripheral area may have a width of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50% or more of the width of the illuminated area.
This provides a simplified arrangement, in which there is a predetermined relationship between the detected gaze direction and the illuminated area and allows an area to be illuminated in advance of the driver's gaze falling at the illuminated area, reducing the time needed to direct the driver's gaze at an illuminated area.
Optionally, the relationship between the detected gaze direction and the predetermined region of interest includes one or more of: the detected gaze direction intersecting the predetermined region of interest; the detected gaze direction not intersecting the predetermined region of interest; the detected gaze direction moving towards the predetermined region of interest; and the detected gaze direction moving away from the predetermined region of interest.
The detected gaze direction intersects the predetermined region of interest when the driver is looking directly at the region of interest. The detected gaze direction does not intersect the predetermined region of interest when the driver is not looking directly at the region of interest.
The detected gaze direction is moving towards the predetermined region of interest when the driver's detected gaze direction is moving from a position of not directly looking at the region of interest, towards a position of looking directly at the region of interest. The detected gaze direction is moving away from the predetermined region of interest when the driver's detected gaze direction is moving from a position of directly looking at the region of interest, towards a position of not looking directly at the region of interest.
Optionally, the light source is provided proximate the illuminated area. Non-limiting examples of the light source such as a light source being provided proximate the illuminated area are: a light source being provided next to a foot well such that actuation of the light to an on state illuminates the foot well; a light source being provided next to a panel such that actuation of the light to an on state illuminates the panel. The light source may be configured to provide light to the illuminated area from a point distal from the illuminated area.
Optionally, the illuminated area comprises a display screen and the display screen comprises the light source. Examples of suitable display screens include, but are not limited to, light emitting diode (LED) screens; liquid crystal display (LCD) screens; organic LED (OLED) screens; plasma screens, holographic screens. The display screen may comprise one or more of: a touchscreen; an instrument cluster; a head up display. Changing the brightness of the illuminated area may therefore comprise controlling the brightness of such a display.
Optionally, the controller is configured to receive an input signal indicative of the proximity of a body part to the predetermined region of interest; and to provide an output for adjusting the brightness of the light source in dependence upon the input signal. The proximity of a body part to the predetermined region of interest may be determined by a proximity sensor, such as an electromagnetic field proximity sensor. The proximity of a body part to the predetermined region of interest may be determined by an imager. The imager may also be configured to detect the gaze direction of the driver. The imager may be a camera.
Optionally, the controller is configured to determine whether a feature disable mode is engaged and to make no adjustment of the brightness of the light source dependent on the determined relationship if the feature disable mode is engaged. The feature disable mode may be engaged depending on an input signal from the driver, such as a preference setting. The feature disable mode may be engaged when a disable condition is automatically set by a vehicle controller. For example, the feature disable mode may be engaged by the controller when the eyes of the driver cannot be tracked, and/or when a component of the system, such as a proximity sensor, stops working. The feature disable mode may be automatically engaged when a disclaimer or warning message is displayed on a display screen by the vehicle controller. The feature disable mode may be engaged when a pop-up message is displayed on a display screen by the vehicle controller.
Optionally, engagement of the feature disable mode is dependent on one or more of: the disable condition being automatically set by a vehicle controller; a detection of the presence of a passenger; a safety feature being engaged; driver preference settings; or a driver alert signal being generated and displayed.
Adjusting the brightness may comprise adjusting the brightness to a predetermined threshold value. Adjusting the brightness may comprise adjusting the brightness within a predefined ramp-up or ramp-down time. This has the advantage of allowing time for the pupils of the driver or passenger to adjust to the brightness change. This has the advantage of avoiding a distraction or discomfort for a driver or passenger.
Optionally, one or more of: the engagement of the feature disable mode; the predetermined brightness threshold value, the brightness ramp-up time or the brightness ramp-down time, may be in dependence on one or more of: a time of day; a measured ambient light level; a selected or detected journey type; driver preference settings; a detected and/or estimated driver workload; a determination of a driver workload; or an indication of a remaining stored power in a power source of the vehicle. This has the advantage of providing a tailored system, providing the optimal brightness condition for any given external environment or situation. The feature disable mode may be engaged when a determined driver workload exceeds a predetermined threshold level.
There may be provided a system for controlling the brightness of a light emitting component in a vehicle, the system comprising any form of the controller described above.
Optionally, the system comprises a sensor, the sensor being configured to detect a gaze direction of the eyes of the driver of the vehicle and to deliver a signal representative of the detected gaze direction to the controller. Such a signal may include data representing a detected gaze direction of the driver. The data may represent a 3D vector corresponding to a detected gaze direction of the driver. The sensor may comprise an imager such as a camera. This has the advantage of being configurable to collect additional data in conjunction with collecting data about the direction of gaze direction of a driver.
The system may comprise a light source arranged to light the illuminated area of the vehicle and to provide a brightness level in response to the brightness control signal provided by the controller.
There may be provided a vehicle comprising any of the systems described above. The sensor may be arranged in the vehicle such that it can detect the gaze direction of the driver of the vehicle when the driver is in a driving position in the vehicle.
The illuminated area may be arranged in the vehicle so that the driver can see a brightness change of the illuminated area when the driver is in a driving position in the vehicle. This has the advantage of allowing the driver to benefit from the advantages of the brightness change when driving.
The illuminated area may comprise one or more of: a footwell; a dashboard; an instrument cluster; a head up display; a door compartment; or a centre console.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling the brightness of an illuminated area in a vehicle, the method comprising: receiving, via an input means of a controller, an input signal indicative of a detected gaze direction of the eyes of a driver of the vehicle; determining, in a processor of the controller, a relationship between the detected gaze direction and a predetermined region of interest of the vehicle; and providing, via an output means of the controller, a brightness control signal for adjusting the brightness of a light source providing light to an illuminated area in the vehicle, in dependence upon the determined relationship.
There may be provided a method of controlling the brightness of an illuminated area in a vehicle, the method comprising: receiving an input signal indicative of a detected gaze direction of the eyes of a driver of the vehicle; determining a relationship between the detected gaze direction and a predetermined region of interest of the vehicle; and providing a brightness control signal for adjusting the brightness of a light source providing light to an illuminated area in the vehicle, in dependence upon the determined relationship. Such a method allows for brightness control of an illuminated area in a vehicle, without the requirement for a driver or passenger to manually actuate a light.
The predetermined region of interest may comprise the illuminated area. The illuminated area and the predetermined region of interest may be co-located.
The predetermined region of interest may comprise the illuminated area and a peripheral area extending around the illuminated area. The peripheral area may have a width of 10 %, 20 %, 30%, 40% or 50% or more of the width of the illuminated area.
The relationship between the detected gaze direction and the predetermined region of interest may include one or more of: the detected gaze direction intersecting the predetermined region of interest; the detected gaze direction not intersecting the predetermined region of interest; the detected gaze direction moving towards the predetermined region of interest; and the detected gaze direction moving away from the predetermined region of interest. As such it will be understood that the relationship between the detected gaze direction and the predetermined region of interest of the vehicle may comprise a correlation between the detected gaze direction and the predetermined region of interest, or may comprise a convergence or divergence of the detected gaze direction and the predetermined region of interest.
The light source may be provided proximate the illuminated area.
There may be provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of: receiving input data indicative of a detected gaze direction of the eyes of a driver of a vehicle; determining a relationship between the detected gaze direction and a predetermined region of interest of the vehicle; and providing brightness control data for adjusting the brightness of a light source providing light to an illuminated area in the vehicle, in dependence upon the determined relationship. Such a medium allows for brightness control of an illuminated area in a vehicle, without the requirement for a driver or passenger to manually actuate a light.
There may be provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform any variations of the method specified herein.
As a skilled person will appreciate, the limitations and features described above in relation to the controller and/or system may also apply to any of the methods or the computer readable medium described herein.
Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows part of a field of view of a driver in a vehicle;
Figure 2 is a schematic showing a controller of an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 is a schematic of a system according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 shows a part of the field of view of a driver 1 in a vehicle 4, the vehicle being further represented in figure 4.The vehicle 4 has wheel 102, a windshield 104, a driver footwell 106, a passenger footwell 108, a dashboard 110, and a door compartment (not shown), display means in the form of an instrument cluster 112, a head up display (not shown), and a centre console cluster 114. These components are configured as known in the art and so are not described in further detail here. Various combinations of the steering wheel 102, windshield 104, driver footwell 106, passenger footwell 108, dashboard 110, instrument cluster 112, head up display, and centre console cluster 114 are visible to the driver at any given time when the driver is inside the vehicle and in a driving position.
A light source 23 is provided such that light, in particular visible light, is incident on one or more of the components of the vehicle 4 when the light source 23 is on. The light source 23 may illuminate one or more of: the driver footwell 106, the passenger footwell 108, the dashboard 110, the instrument cluster 112, the head up display, and centre console cluster 114, referred to herein as the illuminated areas. Other internal areas of the vehicle (including those not shown in the Figures) which are subject to illumination are also within the scope of the term “illuminated area” as used herein. It will be appreciated that multiple light sources 23 are often provided on a vehicle and that the present invention may control one or more, or all of these light sources 23. As a skilled person will appreciate, the location of the light source 23 is not limited to the locations shown in Figure 1. The term illuminated area as used herein refers to any area or component of the vehicle 4 upon which light from the light source 23 is incident, or from which light is generated, for example in the case of a display screen, and is not limited to the list of components described in relation to Figure 1.
The light source(s) 23 may be configured such that it can be changed between an On state in which light is emitted, and an Off state in which no light is emitted and the On state may have a range of brightness levels. In one embodiment, the light source 23 is configured such that it can be maintained at any chosen brightness level within the range of brightness levels.
For the driver footwell 106; the passenger footwell 108; the dashboard 110, and the head up display, a plurality of first light sources 232 (illustrated schematically in Figure 3) are provided, each light source 232 being respectively provided proximate its corresponding illuminated component, such that reflection of light from the illuminated component to the eye of the driver makes the illuminated area visible when the light source 232 is in an On state.
For one or more of the instrument cluster 112; and the centre console cluster 114, these illuminated areas each comprise a display screen 231, the display screen comprising the light source.
As shown in Figure 1, within the vehicle 4, specifically within the part of the field of view of a driver in the vehicle 4, there is a plurality of predetermined regions of interest 504, 506, 508, 512, 514.
Each illuminated area has a corresponding predetermined region of interest (PROI). Areas in the vehicle 4 which are not illuminated areas may also each have a corresponding PROI. The term PROI has been demonstrated in terms of physical components of the vehicle in Figure 1, and the boundary of each PROI (shown by dashed lines) has been limited to demonstrate how the controller 2 works. However, it should be understood that the term PROI is not limited to the areas 504, 506, 508, 512, 524, shown in Figure 1, and may apply to any location within the vehicle to which a driver can look when in a driving position, such as when sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle. Equally, each PROI may have a different boundary to those shown in Figure 1 and/or to each other, with a different size or shape.
Figure 1 shows the driver footwell 106, the passenger footwell 108, the instrument cluster 112, the centre console cluster 114, and the windshield 104 each having a corresponding PROI. PROIs as defined in Figure 1 have been summarised in the table below, in terms of their corresponding area within the vehicle 4.
Area within the vehicle (name and reference numeral) Corresponding PROI (reference numeral as shown in Figure 1) Is area within the vehicle a directly illuminated area?
Windshield 104 First PROI 504 No
Driver footwell 106 Second PROI 506 Yes
Passenger footwell 108 Third PROI 508 Yes
Instrument cluster 112 Fourth PROI 512 Yes
Centre console cluster 114 Fifth PROI 514 Yes
Centre console cluster 114 Sixth PROI 515 Yes
As demonstrated in the table above, a PROI may comprise a corresponding illuminated area, or may comprise an area which is not directly illuminated. The term not directly illuminated, as a skilled person will appreciate, means that the area is not necessarily designed to be illuminated by an associated light source. As a skilled person will appreciate, light from a footwell light source may be incident on the windshield, but the windshield is not directly illuminated by the footwell light source.
In the table above, the centre console cluster 114 has two associated PROIs. These two PROIs (termed fifth and sixth PROIs) 514, 515 are optional embodiments for the boundary of the PROI in relation to a component in the vehicle 4. In different embodiments, any or all of the PROIs may be defined as shown by these two options, may be any boundary inbetween, or may be relatively larger than the size of the sixth PROI 515 in relation to the corresponding component.
In Figure 1, the fifth PROI 514 comprises the centre console cluster 114. Specifically, fifth PROI 514 and centre console cluster 114 are co-located. In figure 1, sixth PROI 515 comprises the centre console cluster 114 and a peripheral area extending around the centre console cluster 114. As shown in Figure 1, the peripheral area of sixth PROI 515 has a width of approximately 20% of the width of the centre console cluster in any direction.
The boundary of each PROI can be variable depending on one or more of: the architecture of the vehicle interior, the accuracy of the sensor used to detect gaze direction of the driver, and driver preference.
The relationship between a PROI and a physical component of the vehicle is explained in relation to Figure 2.
Figure 2 illustrates a control means in the form of a controller 2 for controlling the brightness of output hardware in the form of a light emitting component 23 in a vehicle. The controller 2 may comprise a storage means 21 configured for storage of data, a processing means 20 in the form of an electronic processor, an input means and an output means.
In an embodiment, the storage means 21 is an electronic memory device coupled to the electronic processor forming a working memory. The controller, specifically the working memory, can comprise a computer readable storage medium 24 such as a hard disk drive (HDD), flash drive, solid state drive, or any other form of general-purpose data storage, upon which information, for example PROI data 241, and instructions, for example various programs, are arranged. Such programs may include PROI and detected gaze direction (LOS) correlation program 242 and brightness control program 243.
The electronic processor is configured to carry out the following steps:
1) receive input data indicative of a detected gaze direction of the eyes of a driver of a vehicle;
2) determine a relationship between the detected gaze direction and a predetermined region of interest of the vehicle; and
3) provide brightness control data for adjusting the brightness of a light source providing light to an illuminated area in the vehicle, in dependence upon the determined relationship.
A computer readable storage medium 24 of the storage means 21 comprises instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform one or more of these three steps.
The input means includes an electrical input in the form of an interface 22. The input means may comprises one or more of: a sensor 222, an input port configured to receive data from a sensor 222, a receiver configured to receive data from a sensor 222. Sensor 222 may be configured to detect the gaze direction of the eyes of a driver of the vehicle 4. The sensor 222 is an image capture device, including but not limited to: a digital camera, video camera or any other device capable of capturing an image. In an embodiment, the input means can also comprise one or more of: input hardware 221, an input port configured to receive data from input hardware 221, a receiver configured to receive data from input hardware 221. In an embodiment, input hardware 221 is a touch screen.
The output means comprises one or more of: output hardware 23, an output port configured to output data to output hardware 23, a transmitter configured to send data to output hardware 23. Output hardware 23 may be configured and/or arranged to provide visible light to an area in the vehicle 4.
Controller 2 is configured to receive an input signal, specifically data, indicative of the detected gaze direction of the eyes of the driver in the vehicle. The controller 2 determines a relationship between the detected gaze direction and the predetermined region of interest of the vehicle, such as one or more of PROI 504, 506, 508, 512, 514, 515. As used herein it will be appreciated that the predetermined region may be a predetermined spatial region. In dependence on the determined relationship, the controller 2 provides a brightness control signal for adjusting the brightness of the light source providing light to an illuminated area in the vehicle in dependence upon the determined relationship.
In an example, taking the second PROI 506 and the driver footwell 106 in isolation, the controller 2 can be configured to operate as follows. The sensor 222 detects the gaze direction of the eyes of the driver of the vehicle and sends an input signal to the controller 2 indicative of the detected gaze direction of the eyes of a driver of the vehicle 4. The controller 2 then determines a relationship between the detected gaze direction and the second PROI 506. If the relationship determined is indicative of the eyes of the driver looking at, or moving towards, the second PROI 506, then the controller 2 sends a signal to turn the corresponding light source for the driver footwell 106 on, or to increase the brightness of the light source for the driver footwell 106. If the relationship determined is indicative of the eyes of the driver looking away from, or moving away from, the second PROI 506, then the controller 2 sends a signal to turn the light source for the driver footwell 106 off, or to decrease the brightness of the display screen of the centre console 114. The controller may be configured to be able to apply the same sequence of steps in relation to: third PROI 508 in place of second PROI 506, and passenger footwell 108 in place of driver footwell 106.
In another example, taking the fourth PROI 512 and instrument cluster 112 in isolation, the controller 2 can be configured to operate as follows. The sensor 222 detects the gaze direction of the eyes of the driver of the vehicle and sends an input to the controller 2 indicative of the detected gaze direction of the eyes of a driver of the vehicle 4. The controller 2 then determines a relationship between the detected gaze direction and the fourth PROI 512. If the relationship determined is indicative of the eyes of the driver looking at, or moving towards, the fourth PROI 512, then the controller 2 sends a signal to turn the display screen of the instrument cluster 112 on, or to increase the brightness of the display screen of the instrument cluster 112. If the relationship determined is indicative of the eyes of the driver looking away from, or moving away from, the fourth PROI 512, then the controller 2 sends a signal to turn the display screen of the instrument cluster 112 off, or to decrease the brightness of the display screen of the instrument cluster 112. The controller may be configured to be able to apply the same sequence of steps in relation to: fifth PROI 514 in place of fourth PROI 512, and centre console cluster 114 in place of instrument cluster 112.
In these above examples the speed at which the light is turned on or the brightness ramped up may occur more quickly when the driver looks towards the PROI than the speed at which the light is turned off, or the brightness ramped down, when the driver looks away from the PROI, for example when the driver looks away there may be a delay before the light is turned off, or its brightness ramped down.
One or more of: engagement of a feature disable mode, the predetermined brightness threshold value, the brightness ramp-up or the brightness ramp-down time, can be varied in dependence on one or more of: a time of day; a measured ambient light level; a selected or detected journey type; driver preference settings; a detected and/or estimated driver workload; or an indication of a remaining stored power in a power source of the vehicle.
In the case of the detected and/or estimated driver workload, the controller 2 may be configured to determine a driver workload. The determination may be in dependence upon one or more input signals representative of either one or more states of the vehicle or one or more states of factors in the vehicle's surroundings, such as: traffic conditions around the vehicle, speed of the vehicle, weather conditions, and road conditions. Upon determination of a driver workload of a predetermined level by the controller 2, the controller 2 can, for example, be configured to change the behaviour of the brightness control function. For example, in response to determined driver workload level equalling a chosen predetermined driver workload level, or in response to a change in driver workload level, the controller may engage a feature disable mode, raise or lower a predetermined brightness threshold value, decrease a brightness ramp-up time, or increase a brightness ramp down time.
Methods and systems for determining a driver workload are described in published GB patent GB2500581B, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Methods for determining the driver workload described in GB2500581B can be applied to the controller 2, the system 3, the vehicle 4, and/or the method described herein.
Specifically, determination of a driver workload can result in a determined driver workload being LOW, MEDIUM or HIGH as defined in GB2500581B. Determination of a driver workload above a predetermined threshold level may occur when the driver workload rating is, for example, HIGH as defined in GB2500581B (i.e. the brightness adjustment and/or brightness adjustment authorisation request may be considered similar to a Group 2 message), and/or when the driver workload rating is MEDIUM as defined in GB2500581B (i.e. the brightness adjustment and/or brightness adjustment authorisation request may be considered similar to a Group 3 message). As specified in GB2500581B, group 1 messages comprise one or more of the following: legally required; manufacturer mandated messages; warning level alerts; active messages; feedback messages; service messages; messages that cannot be buffered; and justified exceptions to Group 2 and/or 3. Group 2 messages comprise one or more of the following: advisory level alerts; messages that can be delayed for up to 30 seconds; and justified exceptions to Group 1 and/or 3. Group 3 messages comprise one or more of the following: messages that can be delayed for more than 60 seconds; and justified exceptions to Group 1 and/or 2. The messages classified in Group 1 have the highest priority and can be presented irrespective of the estimated workload (i.e. they are output when the estimated workload is LOW, MEDIUM or HIGH). The messages classified in Group 2 have an intermediate priority and can be presented only when the estimated workload is not HIGH (i.e. they are output when the estimated workload is either LOW or MEDIUM). The messages classified in Group 3 have the lowest priority and can be presented only when the estimated workload is LOW (i.e. they are not output when the estimated workload is MEDIUM or HIGH).
As specified in GB2500581B, driver workload can be determined by monitoring at least one operating parameter of a vehicle and estimating a driver workload in dependence on said at least one operating parameter. Operating parameters may include but are not limited to outputs from sensors in or on the vehicle 4. Operating parameters may include but are not limited to variables indicative of vehicle mode operation. Examples include, but are not limited to the following indications as described in GB2500581B: cruise cancel; indicator status; reverse selected; vehicle advisory alert; accelerator kick down; windscreen wash wipe; gear state and speed; steering wheel angle speed; intelligent emergency brake; advance reversing aid; hill decent control; telephone call; legal message; active system error.
The controller 2 may additionally comprises a feature disable mode. The feature disable mode can be dependent on one or more of: the presence of a passenger; a safety feature being engaged; driver preference settings; a driver alert signal being generated and displayed; and as specified above, determination of a driver workload at, below, or above a predetermined threshold level.
Figure 3 illustrates a system 3 comprising a controller, a first system input means in the form of a sensor 222; a second system input means in the form of input hardware 221; a display device in the form of a display screen 231; a light source 232; and an illuminated area 25. The input hardware 221 can be one or more of: a touch screen; a microphone; and a switch, the display screen 231 can be one or more of: a display screen comprised in the centre console cluster 114; and a display screen comprised in the instrument cluster 112, and the light source 232 can be one or more of: a bulb; a lamp; an LED; a laser. The illuminated area 25 may be one or more of: driver footwell 106 and passenger footwell 108 and may be one or a plurality of areas in the vehicle such as a driver footwell 106, a passenger footwell 108, a door compartment.
The lines connecting the components of the system 3 shown in Figure 3 represent communication lines. The communication lines are configured such that a signal can be transmitted from one or more of: the sensor 222, the input hardware 221, the display screen
231, the light source 232, to or from the controller 2. As a skilled person will appreciate, the communication lines may be cables or a wireless connection.
Figure 4 illustrates a system 3 arranged in a vehicle 4. Figure 4 also shows the position of the head 15 of a driver of the vehicle 4 in relation to the system 3, in particular in relation to the sensor 222. As shown in Figure 4, a sensor 222, a roof light source 2321, a panel light source 2322, a door compartment light source 2323, a footwell light source 2324, a panel cluster display 111 (such as a display comprised in the instrument cluster 112 or the centre console cluster 114), and a head up display 113 are all provided.
As demonstrated in Figure 4, sensor 222, roof light source 2321, panel light source 2322, a door compartment light source 2323, footwell light source 2324, panel cluster display 111, and a head up display 113 may be connected to controller 2 by communication lines. The communication lines may be configured such that a signal can be transmitted from one or more of: the sensor 222, the input hardware 221, the display screen 231, the light source
232, to or from the controller 2. As a skilled person will appreciate, the communication lines may be cables or a wireless connection.
The system 3 is arranged in a vehicle 4 and can be configured such that the controller can operate in the manner described in relation to Figures 1, 2 and 3. The panel cluster display 111 may not only comprise a light source, but may also comprise input hardware 221 configured to receive an input signal such as proximity of the hand of the driver to the display
111. Such input hardware may include a proximity sensor. In an embodiment, the controller 2 is configured such that the controller 2 can receive an input signal from the input hardware indicating that a hand of the driver is moving towards the display 111 or is close to the display 111. In response to this input, the controller 2 can output a signal to change the brightness of the display 111. Specifically, the controller 2 may be configured to increase the brightness of the display 111 in response to this signal. Equally, the controller 2 may be configured such that the controller 2 can receive an input signal from the input hardware indicating that a hand of the driver is moving away from the display 111 or is far away from the display 111. In response to this input signal, the controller 2 can output a signal to change the brightness of the display 111. Specifically, the controller 2 may be configured to decrease the brightness of the display 111 in response to this signal. Optionally the controller 2 is configured to output a signal to decrease the brightness of the display 111 only after a certain predetermined time.

Claims (26)

1. A controller for controlling the brightness of an illuminated area in a vehicle, the controller comprising an input means, a processor and an output means, wherein the processor is configured to:
receive, via the input means, an input signal indicative of a detected gaze direction of the eyes of a driver of the vehicle;
determine a relationship between the detected gaze direction and a predetermined region of interest of the vehicle; and provide, via the output means, a brightness control signal for adjusting the brightness of a light source providing light to an illuminated area in the vehicle in dependence upon the determined relationship.
2. A controller according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined region of interest comprises the illuminated area.
3. A controller according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the illuminated area and the predetermined region of interest are co-located.
4. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined region of interest comprises the illuminated area and a peripheral area extending around the illuminated area.
5. A controller according to claim 4, wherein the peripheral area has a width of 10 %, 20 %, 30%, 40% or 50% or more of the width of the illuminated area.
6. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the relationship between the detected gaze direction and the predetermined region of interest includes one or more of: the detected gaze direction intersecting the predetermined region of interest; the detected gaze direction not intersecting the predetermined region of interest; the detected gaze direction moving towards the predetermined region of interest; and the detected gaze direction moving away from the predetermined region of interest.
7. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the light source is provided proximate the illuminated area.
8. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the illuminated area comprises a display screen and the display screen comprises the light source.
9. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the display screen comprises one or more of: a touchscreen; an instrument cluster; a head up display.
10. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to receive an input signal indicative of the proximity of a body part to the predetermined region of interest; and to provide an output for adjusting the brightness of the light source in dependence upon the input signal.
11. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether a feature disable mode is engaged and to make no adjustment of the brightness of the light source dependent on the determined relationship if the feature disable mode is engaged.
12. A controller according to claim 11, wherein engagement of the feature disable mode is dependent on one or more of: the disable condition being automatically set by a vehicle controller; a detection of the presence of a passenger; a safety feature being engaged; driver preference settings; or a driver alert signal being generated and displayed.
13. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein adjusting the brightness comprises adjusting the brightness to a predetermined threshold value.
14. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein adjusting the brightness comprises adjusting the brightness within a predefined ramp-up or ramp-down time.
15. A controller according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein one or more of: the engagement of the feature disable mode; the predetermined brightness threshold value, the brightness ramp-up or the brightness ramp-down time, is in dependence on one or more of: a time of day; a measured ambient light level; a selected or detected journey type; driver preference settings; a detected and/or estimated driver workload; a determination of a driver workload; or an indication of a remaining stored power in a power source of the vehicle (4).
16. A system for controlling the brightness of a light emitting component in a vehicle, the system comprising a controller as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the system comprises a sensor, the sensor being configured to detect a gaze direction of the eyes of the driver of the vehicle and to deliver a signal representative of the detected gaze direction to the controller.
17. A system according to claim 16, wherein the sensor comprises an imager.
18. A system according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the system comprises a light source arranged to light the illuminated area of the vehicle and to provide a brightness level in response to the brightness control signal provided by the controller.
19. A vehicle comprising the system of any of claims 16 to 18.
20. A vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the sensor is arranged in the vehicle such that it can detect the gaze direction of the driver of the vehicle when the driver is in a driving position in the vehicle.
21. A vehicle according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the illuminated area is arranged in the vehicle so that the driver can see a brightness change of the illuminated area when the driver is in a driving position in the vehicle.
22. A vehicle according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the illuminated area comprises one or more of: a footwell; a dashboard; an instrument cluster; a head up display; a door compartment; or a centre console.
23. A method of controlling the brightness of an illuminated area in a vehicle, the method comprising:
receiving, via an input means of a controller, an input signal indicative of a detected gaze direction of the eyes of a driver of the vehicle;
determining, in a processor of the controller, a relationship between the detected gaze direction and a predetermined region of interest of the vehicle; and providing, via an output means of the controller, a brightness control signal for adjusting the brightness of a light source providing light to an illuminated area in the vehicle, in dependence upon the determined relationship.
24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the predetermined region of interest comprises the illuminated area.
25. A method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the relationship between the detected gaze direction and the predetermined region of interest includes one or more of: the detected gaze direction intersecting the predetermined region of interest; the detected gaze direction not intersecting the predetermined region of interest; the detected gaze direction moving towards the predetermined region of interest; and the detected gaze direction moving away from the predetermined region of interest.
26. A non-transient computer readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of any of claims 23 to 25.
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