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An Innovative Automotive Interior Lighting Challenges

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 3rd International Conference on Data Science and Applications (ICONDATA’20), June 25-28, 2020, Istanbul, TURKEY

An Innovative Automotive Interior Lighting Challenges

Orhan Uras KURTULUS1*

1RENAULT GROUP, BURSA, TURKEY
Abstract
Automotive interior lighting applications are an upcoming, rapidly growing segment. Future
vehicles will have more diverse interior lighting functions, and with the projection, RGB
based led and matrix technologies enable to create an atmosphere of well-being or an
environment. In this paper, it is examined latest innovative concepts of automotive interior
lighting technologies which will be implemented on future vehicles as well autonomous.
Keywords: Automotive interior lighting, In-vehicle illumination, Projection

1 Introduction
2 Smart Interior Lighting Technologies
Gone are the days when a vehicle’s interior lighting
served as a purely functional element. Modern Quality of time is important for everyone. Especially
lighting concepts have long been an integral part of for time that people have to spend in various
a perceived high-quality and appealing ambience. environments, there is a need to make most of that
Lighting has the ability to enhance comfort and time. That is also true for the time people spend
well-being and create a feeling of safety. On a inside there vehicles. This time is increasing due to
functional level, well designed illumination makes it traffic situations and increasing number of
easier for drivers to locate and utilize vehicle travelling hours. Overcrowded streets lead to more
functions, particularly at dusk or nighttime. The time on the streets. The automobile industry is
progression toward autonomous driving will create willing to fulfill the needs of their customers and is
an increase in the need and the desire for additional putting a focus on the vehicle interior. To ensure a
interior lighting applications. The car is becoming a high quality and functionality of interior
personal living and working space – the focus is on applications, the interior lighting plays an
increasing comfort, individualization and important role [1]. For example, special “reading
entertainment. In the future, light will also take on lights” enable dynamic and optimum illumination of
more and more safety functions. Intelligent, the reading area, creating additional comfort for
connected and individually controllable interior passengers, which is illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
lighting is extending the range of applications. For Even applying make-up evenly is no challenge
example, ambient lighting can adapt to the mood or thanks to the perfect and realistic color rendering
activity in the car as passengers listen to music or the make-up mirror light is emitting [2].
watch a movie. In dangerous situations, light can be
used to project warnings into the cockpit to enhance
safety in situations where the driver’s perception is
limited. In designing products, it is placed particular
emphasis on compact dimensions, high system
efficiency and optimum connectivity. A
personalized driving experience has passenger
well-being as its focus. Soft ambient lighting, for
example, allows drivers to choose colors for their
interior lighting. Depending on the mood, different
modes can be selected from “Relaxation” to
“Action/Sport”. This individualization goes far
beyond the predominantly functional usage and
adds an emotional component [3]. Fig. 1: Reading light [2]

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 3rd International Conference on Data Science and Applications (ICONDATA’20), June 25-28, 2020, Istanbul, TURKEY

projections on a wide range of internal and external

surfaces. The modules achieve their full potential
inside the passenger cell thanks to their small size
and great versatility. For example, they enable the
welcome scenario that is projected in front of the
driver and passenger doors to be extended to the
dashboard. Installed in the rear of the vehicle, the
projectors can also display full-size images,
graphics and videos on the headlining, thereby
Fig. 2: Dynamic projection based reading light [3] enhancing the interior effect, creating a more
pleasant atmosphere and adding entertainment
options for the rear passengers. In addition, the
Functional illumination continues to play a major technology can be used to project warning symbols
role in the car interior, which illustrated in Fig. 3. next to and inside the vehicle, thereby contributing
Key application trends like backlight of even to greater security [3].
smaller switches, black surfaces and light
integration into interior materials are some of the
upcoming topics in functional interior lighting [2].

Fig. 4: Front window-logo projection [2]

Fig. 3: Dashboard ambient light [2]

Automotive projection applications are an

upcoming, rapidly growing segment. Especially
intelligent projections will be an integral part of the
future automotive interior. These special
projections are able to merge with the outer
surroundings and therefore seamlessly blend into
the view of the driver, assisting him in various
situations. Future applications will also include
projections on surfaces in the car or on the windows Fig. 5: Rear window-logo projection [3]
for advertisement. This so called “window- and
logo-projection” will transform the car interior into Interaction with the vehicle begins as soon as the
an extended surface displaying relevant driver approaches. Sensors detect the driver and
information or visuals, which is illustrated in Fig. 4 project an individual light design or message as a
and Fig. 5 [2]. greeting. Dynamic interior lighting invites the
driver to enter the vehicle and signals that it is ready
The modular projection solutions consist of an to be driven, adapted to the time of day and
efficient optical system with powerful LEDs and the available natural light. Depending on whether the
electronics, including the hardware and software passenger wants to work, listen to music or enjoy a
for controlling the system. Thanks to their compact movie, the lighting scenarios change automatically.
design, the modules can be installed with a high This enhanced functionalities are born from the
degree of flexibility in or on the vehicle to display ever-increasing need for sanctuary,

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 3rd International Conference on Data Science and Applications (ICONDATA’20), June 25-28, 2020, Istanbul, TURKEY

individualization and entertainment, especially on

long journeys. Special roof lighting displaying for
example the night sky broadens the possibilities of
further individualization in the interior and makes
passengers feel comfortable, which is illustrated in
Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 [8,9].

Fig. 8: Projection based decorative surface [3]

Fig. 6: Project welcome pattern on board [3]

Fig. 9: Capacitive touch sensor [3]

From design to functional elements, ambient

illumination ensures an individual communication
between you and your car via highly integrated RGB
solutions. Light-based applications in the
Fig. 7: Special roof lighting [3] automotive sector today no longer fulfill purely
functional tasks, but are increasingly developing
The static or semi-dynamic projector in the module into elementary components of design. Ambient
can project individual motifs on various surfaces to lighting is thus becoming the design component in
convey information or produce patterns or the car interior. From vibrant shades of blue and
animations. Animations integrated in the module green to soothing yellow-orange and dynamic red –
are matched to the design of the decorative surface the atmosphere in the interior can be increasingly
and can be adapted to different driving situations or customized, as the lights adapt to taste and mood,
vehicle interactions, which is illustrated in Fig. 8. which is illustrated in Fig. 10 [2]. There are
The console has a fully integrated, capacitive touch countless ways of using intelligent interior lighting
sensor system that replaces conventional buttons. to provide drivers with meaningful support. For
The high transparency of the touch sensor system, example, if the sensors detect driver fatigue or a
which lies directly above the matrix luminaire so its hazardous situation on the road, the colours in the
light shines through it, enables the intuitive vehicle can be changed automatically to alert the
activation, which is illustrated in Fig. 9. Thanks to its driver, which is illustrated in Fig. 11. In-vehicle
ease of integration, the overhead light console can projections also provide a way of showing relevant
be easily extended with additional functions such as information during the journey without the need for
haptic feedback via a piezo actuator, proof control separate display [3].
and a handsfree function for more complex
applications [3].

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 3rd International Conference on Data Science and Applications (ICONDATA’20), June 25-28, 2020, Istanbul, TURKEY

modules allows the light system to deliver dynamic

light effects in the backlit surface. For static
illumination the system is able to distribute the light
from a single high-performance RGB module
throughout the surface.

Fig. 10: RGB LED based ambient light [3]

Fig. 12: LED based decorative ambient light on the

board [4]

The HMI concepts to demonstrate the variety of

available design options in three versions. The
Fig. 11: Alert lighting [3]
‘Lounge’ mode is characterized by its luxurious
design in a subtle brown with shimmering gold
The lighting itself becomes more and more of an effects. The backlighting creates a fascinating play
eye-catcher, since compact LEDs can now be used as of colors. Certain areas in the middle of the golden
light sources “hidden” beneath textiles or plastics, surface light up in rich magenta, fiery orange, or
only visible when switched on so called “material warm violet tones. The light and color designs can
illumination” [2]. This evolution, primarily driven be changed using the touch control function
by autonomous driving, allows new technologies integrated into the decor. The ‘Dark’ mode stands
and new lighting concepts to create an ever more out with its sporty design and crystals in a smoked
luxurious driving experience. In this new glass look. A classic black adorns the surface of the
environment, interior lighting can be used for spot component. Backlighting effects conjure up special
illumination, larger space illumination or even to effects with atmospheric color highlights. For
accentuate an entire surface to create ambient example, in bold red or fresh green. The glossy
lighting. Decorative surfaces in combination with crystals stand out against the dark background.
light are fascinating to look at, however the
combination requires ingenuity to overcome
The ‘Light’ mode, on the other hand, impresses with
challenges like large packaging and high amounts of
cool elegance in bright shades. The surface of the
light to feed the system. The light system which
demonstration device boasts geometric patterns,
illustratred in Fig. 12, is designed to fit in very
which can also be highlighted with different light
restricted package spaces, as it takes less than 8 mm
designs. In this way, the play with the color effects
of depth to accomplish a decorative lighting system.
can create very different moods inside the car. The
The slim design of the system also means the
smooth operation of the underlying touch sensors is
weight, compared to current solution, is reduced for
ensured despite the impressive dimensions of the
up to 75%. The light system delivers homogenous
crystals. PolyIC’s capacitive sensors are ideal for
illumination of a surface and can complement
implementing the trends of tomorrow such as
various decorative surfaces and designs from soft to
homogeneous, elegant surfaces that only come to
rigid and from vivid to subtle. The light system is
life upon approach or touch. Both the substrate and
powered by new energy efficient, high-performance
the sensors themselves are characterized by their
RGB modules, allowing high visibility in night and
high transparency. At the same time, the sensors
daytime. Applying two or more high-performance

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 3rd International Conference on Data Science and Applications (ICONDATA’20), June 25-28, 2020, Istanbul, TURKEY

consisting of wafer-thin metal-mesh silver described in paper, will be an important part of the
structures are particularly robust and can be interior lighting [6].
flexibly adapted to a wide range of component
geometries. Two touch sensors are integrated into
this panel. One operates the functions of the crystals 4 References
via direct touch functionality and also serves as a
proximity switch. Another slider operates the [1] D. Betz, K. M. Westphal, M. Schöneich: ADAPTIVE
ambient lighting of the panel, which is illustrated in INTERIOR LIGHT – An innovative technological
Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 [5]. approach for multifunctional interior lighting, ISAL,
2021
[2] Osram ams: Automotive Interior Applications
[3] Plastic Ommium: Shaping the future of mobility
lighting
[4] Hella: Vehicle interiors are being redefined!
[5] LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG, Crystal Design
Luxury at CES 2022: Automotive HMI panel from
LEONHARD KURZ with functional crystals from
Swarovski
[6] C. Bremer, W. Noell, G. Quaranta, R. Völkel:
Fig. 13: HMI panel for the cockpit [5] Demanding requirements for interior projection
met by micro-optical solutions, ISAL, 2021

Fig. 14: HMI panel for the cockpit, using functional

crystals [5]

3 Summary and Outlook

Interior lighting will be important in the future
vehicles, which includes also autonomous, will be
used in a different way than today. The interior
concepts will allow to work, relax or entertainment
during drive fort he passengers as well to enable
atmospheres that support the passengers in the
best way, different lighting scenarios can be
developed. Therefore, a mix of technologies should
be considered: lighting from light guides, displays
for interacting and projection technologies for
illuminating big areas. Due to the additional driving
conditions and the continuous development,
projections and other kinds of technologies which

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