System and method for controlling surround light of vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling surround lights on a vehicle. The method includes: sensing a user approaching a vehicle; and when the user approaches the vehicle, capturing an image of the user relative to the vehicle. The system then determines the user's movement from the image, where the movement is directional relative to the vehicle, and then operates the surround lights based on the directional movement relative to the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for controlling a vehicle lighting system, and more particularly, to a surround lighting system provided on a vehicle body, the surround lighting system being driven more interactively based on a user's motion. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, beyond the basic function of illuminating the area around the vehicle, conventional headlights have seen the development of additional features, such as a welcome function that activates upon user approach. Furthermore, in the future era of autonomous vehicles, the interior space will be variably and actively connected and controlled. Various lighting devices installed in vehicles to generate light can help meet these needs by providing more interactive behaviors with users.

[0003] The above background description is only for helping to understand the background of the present invention and is not intended to mean that the present invention belongs to the scope of the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a surround light system and method for controlling a vehicle, which allows the surround light system provided on the vehicle body to be driven more interactively based on the user's movements, thereby forming a user interaction that provides a gorgeous and intelligent image of the vehicle.

[0005] A method for controlling a surround light system of a vehicle according to the present invention may include: sensing a user approaching the vehicle; acquiring an image of the user relative to the vehicle body when the user approaches the vehicle; determining a movement of the user from the image, the movement being directional relative to the vehicle body; and operating the surround light based on the directional movement relative to the vehicle body.

[0006] Specifically, the controller can be configured to sense the user's proximity by detecting whether a user identification subject of the user approaches the vehicle body based on a signal from a contactless receiver installed in the vehicle. The controller can be configured to use a camera installed in the vehicle to capture images of the user approaching the vehicle and determine the user's movement from multiple consecutively captured images. The controller can then be configured to determine directional movement relative to the vehicle body as the user moving to the left or right relative to the vehicle body.

[0007] When the controller detects directional movement of the user relative to the vehicle body, it can be configured to turn on at least one area of ​​the surround lights adjacent to the user in the direction of the user's movement. The controller can also be configured to determine the user's movement speed and adjust the speed at which the surround light areas are turned on based on the user's movement speed. When the movement stops, the controller can be configured to turn off the surround lights. Specifically, when the user's movement stops, the controller can be configured to turn off the surround lights after a predetermined reference time has passed.

[0008] Furthermore, the controller may cause all zones of the surround light that have been turned on based on the user's movement relative to the vehicle body to remain on until the user stops moving and the surround light is completely turned off. The controller may be configured to sequentially turn off zones behind the user's passage through the surround light zones that have been turned on based on the user's movement relative to the vehicle body. The controller may further be configured to determine the user's movement speed and adjust the speed at which the surround light zones are turned off based on the user's movement speed.

[0009] When a user approaches the exterior of the vehicle body, the controller can be configured to turn on at least one area of ​​the surround light adjacent to the user. Upon detecting directional movement of the user relative to the vehicle body, the controller can be configured to turn on at least one area adjacent to the area of ​​the surround light in the direction of the user's movement. Furthermore, the controller can be configured to determine the user's movement speed and adjust the speed at which the surround light areas are turned on based on the user's movement speed. When the user stops moving, the controller can be configured to turn off the surround light after a predetermined reference time has elapsed.

[0010] The controller may cause all zones of the surround light that have been turned on based on the user's movement relative to the vehicle body to remain on until the user stops moving and the surround light is completely turned off. The controller may be configured to sequentially turn off zones behind the vehicle body that the user has passed, among the zones of the surround light that have been turned on based on the user's movement relative to the vehicle body. The controller may also be configured to determine the user's movement speed and adjust the speed at which the surround light zones are turned off based on the user's movement speed.

[0011] A method for controlling a surround light system for a vehicle according to the present invention may include: sensing the closing of a vehicle door; and upon detecting the closing of the vehicle door, operating a region of the surround light located on the closed door surface to flash. In addition to the region located on the closed door surface, a controller may be configured to operate the surround light regions of at least some areas adjacent to the door to flash simultaneously. Specifically, the controller may be configured to operate the regions to output multiple flashes of the surround light.

[0012] The present invention can enable a surround light system provided on a vehicle body to be driven more interactively based on the user's movements, thereby forming a user interface for providing a gorgeous and intelligent image of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle having a surround light system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a surround light system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a surround light system based on user motion according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a surround light system of a vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of controlling a surround light system when a door of a vehicle body is closed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] It should be understood that the terms "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms used in this document generally include motor vehicles, such as passenger vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, various boats, ships, aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, internal combustion engine vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from non-fossil energy).

[0020] Although the exemplary embodiments are described as using multiple units to perform the exemplary processes, it is understood that the exemplary processes can also be performed by one or more modules. Furthermore, it is understood that the term "controller / control unit" refers to a hardware device that includes a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store the modules, and the processor is specifically configured to execute the modules to perform one or more processes described further below.

[0021] Furthermore, the control logic of the present invention can be implemented as a non-volatile computer-readable medium, which is a computer-readable medium containing executable program instructions executed by a processor, controller / control unit, etc. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disc (CD)-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash drives, smart cards, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable recording medium can also be distributed among networked computer systems so that the computer-readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner (e.g., via a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN)).

[0022] The terms used in this article are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular "one", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates that the plural form is not included. It will also be further understood that when the terms "including" and / or "comprising" are used in this specification, it is indicated that the features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements and / or components are present, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof are not excluded. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related enumeration items.

[0023] Unless otherwise stated or apparent from the context, the term "about" as used herein is understood to mean within a normal tolerance range in the art, such as within 2 standard deviations of the mean. "About" can be understood to mean within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the specified value. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, all numerical values ​​provided herein are modified by the term "about."

[0024] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle having a surround light system for a vehicle to which the present invention can be applied, and the surround light system for the vehicle may include: a surround light 1 provided in a vehicle body, at least one low frequency (LF) antenna 3 provided in the vehicle and configured to sense motion of a user located outside the vehicle, at least one camera 5 (or other imaging device) provided in the vehicle to capture or collect an image of the user outside the vehicle, and a controller 7 configured to operate the surround light 1 based on signals from the LF antenna 3 and the camera 5.

[0025] The surround light 1 may include a plurality of light-emitting devices 9 (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) arranged along the vehicle body at intervals that allow a user outside the vehicle body to identify whether at least adjacent light-emitting devices 9 are turned on. This arrangement of light-emitting devices 9 may be divided into zones at regular intervals. For reference, a single light-emitting device 9 may be divided into a zone for operation by the controller 7, although a zone may also include multiple light-emitting devices 9. In other words, a zone of the surround light 1 refers to at least a series of light-emitting devices 9 arranged along the circumference of the vehicle body.

[0026] In addition, the light emitting devices 9 of the surround light 1 are not limited to being formed in only one row along the circumferential direction of the vehicle body, but a plurality of rows may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the vehicle body to form the surround light 1 so that (for example, Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the surround light 1 includes three rows of light emitting devices 9 along the circumferential direction of the vehicle and the regions are divided into minimum units, one region 11 may include three light emitting devices 9 forming one column.

[0027] Reference Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling a surround light system 1 of a vehicle may include: sensing a user approaching the exterior of the vehicle (step S10); when the user approaches the vehicle body, acquiring an image of the user relative to the vehicle body (step S20); determining the user's movement from the image, the movement being directional relative to the vehicle body (step S30); and operating the surround light 1 based on the directional movement of the user relative to the vehicle body (step S40). In particular, the method described herein may be performed by a controller.

[0028] In other words, in the present invention, when the user approaches the vehicle and forms a directional movement relative to the vehicle body, the controller 7 can be configured to operate the surround light 1 to produce a gorgeous, intelligent image on the outside of the vehicle body that interacts with the user's movement (for example, to produce an aesthetically pleasing image).

[0029] In addition, the controller 7 can be configured to detect whether a user identification subject (e.g., a user terminal) possessed by the user is close to the vehicle based on a signal from a contactless receiver installed in the vehicle, thereby sensing the user's approach. Specifically, the user identification subject can refer to all media that can provide information that can prove that the user is a legitimate user of the vehicle (e.g., providing authentication about the user's identity / authorization for vehicle use), such as a traditional smart key or a user-registered smartphone. The contactless receiver refers to all devices that can identify the presence of a user identification subject approaching the vehicle body without contacting the user identification subject, and can include the LF antenna 3 and its accessories, etc.

[0030] Furthermore, the controller 7 may be configured to use the camera 5 installed in the vehicle to capture images of a user approaching the vehicle and determine the user's movement from a plurality of continuously captured images. In other words, the controller 7 may be configured to analyze the images captured by the camera 5 to determine the user's movement relative to the vehicle body. Multiple cameras 5 may be installed in the vehicle to continuously capture images from all directions outside the vehicle body.

[0031] Specifically, the controller 7 can be configured to determine the user's directional movement relative to the vehicle body as the user moving to the left or right relative to the vehicle body. In other words, when the user approaches the exterior of the vehicle body as described above, the controller 7 can be configured to detect the user's approach via the LF antenna 3 and its accessories and operate the camera 5 to determine the user's movement relative to the vehicle body. If the user's movement is intended to indicate the user is approaching the vehicle body, the controller 7 can be configured to determine whether the user is moving to the right or left from the identified position. In other words, using image analysis, the controller 7 can be configured to determine the user's movement relative to the vehicle body.

[0032] In response to determining that the user's movement is directional relative to the vehicle body, controller 7 can be configured to turn on at least one zone of surround light 1 adjacent to the user based on the direction of the user's movement. In other words, when the user moves rightward relative to the vehicle body, controller 7 can be configured to turn on zones of surround light 1, sequentially turning on surround light 1 while following the user (e.g., as the user moves in the detected direction, the zones are turned on sequentially in the direction of the user's movement to illuminate the path of the user's movement). At this point, controller 7 can be configured to determine the user's movement speed and adjust the speed at which the zones of surround light 1 are turned on to be nearly synchronized with the user's movement based on the user's movement speed. Thus, zones can be turned on in the same direction and along the same path as the user's movement, allowing the user to experience the lights lighting up in unison as the user moves.

[0033] When the user stops moving, the controller 7 can be configured to turn off the surround lights 1. Specifically, when the user stops moving, the controller 7 can be configured to immediately turn off all areas of the surround lights 1, or after the user stops moving, the surround lights 1 can be turned off after a predetermined reference time, thereby creating a softer feeling. Accordingly, the reference time can be set to, for example, a few seconds based on the above-mentioned generation intention.

[0034] The controller 7 can be configured so that all zones of the surround light 1 that have been turned on in response to the user's movement relative to the vehicle body remain turned on until the user's movement stops and the surround light 1 is completely turned off. In other words, in response to sensing that a user is approaching the vehicle and moving along the circumference of the vehicle body, and the surround light 1 begins to turn on from any one zone, the controller 7 can be configured to sequentially turn on adjacent zones as the user moves, and may also turn on the zone behind the user who has already passed. Then, when the user stops, the surround light 1 can be turned off altogether, and all zones of the surround light 1 are turned off as described above.

[0035] Furthermore, unlike the above, the controller 7 can be configured to sequentially turn off the surround light 1, which is turned on based on the user's movement relative to the vehicle body, in the area behind the user's path. Specifically, as the user moves along the circumference of the vehicle body, only the area surrounding the user can be sequentially turned on and then off, thereby creating a scene in which only a portion of the surround light 1 illuminates according to the user's movement. In other words, as the user passes through an area, the area behind the user can be turned off, while the area in the user's path is turned on. Therefore, the controller 7 can be configured to determine the user's movement speed and adjust the speed at which the areas of the surround light 1 are turned off based on the user's movement speed, thereby creating a scene in which, for example, the lights turn off based on the user's movement while leaving an afterglow behind the user.

[0036] at the same time, Figure 4 Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, and all configurations are basically the same as Figure 2 The configuration of the exemplary embodiment of the embodiment is the same as that of the embodiment ...

[0037] Subsequently, when the user's movement with a directionality relative to the vehicle body is determined, the controller 7 may be configured to turn on at least one area adjacent to the turned-on area of ​​the surround light along the direction of the user's movement. Even in this case, the controller 7 may be configured to determine the user's movement speed and adjust the speed at which the areas of the surround light 1 are turned on to be substantially synchronized with the user's movement based on the user's movement speed, thereby creating a state in which the areas are turned on in a more interactive manner.

[0038] When the user stops moving, the controller 7 can be configured to turn off the surround light 1 after a predetermined reference time has elapsed. Even in this case, the reference time can be appropriately set to within a few seconds to allow the surround light 1 to be turned off at the appropriate time. The controller 7 can be configured to ensure that all areas of the surround light 1 that were turned on in response to the user's movement relative to the vehicle remain on until the user stops moving and the surround light 1 is completely turned off. Alternatively, the controller 7 can be configured to sequentially turn off the areas behind the vehicle after the user has passed, among the areas of the surround light 1 that were turned on in response to the user's movement relative to the vehicle. Similarly, the controller 7 can be configured to adjust the speed at which the areas of the surround light 1 are turned off based on the user's movement speed.

[0039] At the same time, refer to Figure 5 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is configured to include: sensing, by a controller, that a vehicle door of a vehicle body is closed (step S100); and, when the vehicle door of the vehicle body is sensed to be closed, operating an area of ​​the surround light located on the closed door surface to flash (step S110). In other words, when the vehicle door of the vehicle body is closed, the controller may be configured to operate an area of ​​the surround light provided on the closed door to flash.

[0040] The controller may be configured to cause the surround light areas of at least some areas adjacent to the vehicle door to flash simultaneously, in addition to the area located on the closed vehicle door surface. For example, all areas of the vehicle body side to which the closed vehicle door belongs may be flashed simultaneously. The controller may flash the surround light areas multiple times. For example, the controller may flash the surround light areas approximately twice after the vehicle door is closed.

[0041] While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the technical spirit of the invention as provided in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a surround light system of a vehicle, comprising: sensing, by a controller, a user's approach to the vehicle; In response to sensing the approach of a user, acquiring, by a controller, an image of the user relative to the vehicle body; determining, by a controller, a movement of the user from the image, the movement being directional relative to the vehicle body; operating the surround lights via a controller in response to directional movement relative to the vehicle body; Determining the user's movement speed through a controller to adjust the speed at which the surrounding light areas are turned on according to the user's movement speed, so that the user experiences that the lights light up together with the user's movement; In response to determining that the user's motion has stopped, the surround light is turned off by the controller.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Sensing the approach of the user includes identifying whether a user identification body possessed by the user approaches the vehicle body based on a signal of a contactless receiver installed in the vehicle.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The controller is configured to acquire an image of a user approaching a vehicle body using a camera provided in the vehicle, and determine a motion of the user from a plurality of images acquired continuously.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The controller is configured to determine a motion of the user having a directionality relative to the vehicle body as the user moving to the left or right relative to the vehicle body.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: In response to determining the directional motion relative to the vehicle body, at least one area adjacent to the user among the areas of the surround lights along the direction of movement of the user is turned on by the controller.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to determining that the user's motion stops, the surround light is turned off by the controller after a predetermined reference time has elapsed.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The controller causes all areas of the surround light that have been turned on in response to the user's movement relative to the vehicle body to remain in the on state until the user's movement stops and the surround light is completely turned off.

8. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: The controller sequentially turns off the rear area where the user has passed among the areas of the surround lights that are turned on according to the user's movement relative to the vehicle body.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: The controller determines the user's moving speed to adjust the speed at which the area surrounding the light is turned off according to the user's moving speed.

10. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: In response to sensing a user approaching the vehicle, at least one area of ​​the surround lights adjacent to the user is turned on by the controller.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: In response to determining the directional motion relative to the vehicle body, at least one area adjacent to the turned-on area of ​​the surround light along the moving direction of the user is turned on by the controller.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: The user's moving speed is determined by the controller to adjust the speed at which the areas of the surrounding lights are turned on according to the user's moving speed.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: In response to determining that the user's motion stops, the surround light is turned off by the controller after a predetermined reference time has elapsed.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein The controller causes all areas of the surround light that are turned on according to the user's movement relative to the vehicle body to continue to remain in the on state until the user's movement stops and the surround light is completely turned off.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The controller sequentially turns off the rear area where the user has passed among the areas of the surround lights that are turned on according to the user's movement relative to the vehicle body.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: The controller determines the user's moving speed to adjust the speed at which the area surrounding the light is turned off according to the user's moving speed.

17. A method of controlling a surround light system of a vehicle, comprising: sensing, by the controller, that a door of the vehicle is closed; When it is sensed that a door of the vehicle body is closed, an area of ​​the surround light located on a surface of the closed door is operated by a controller to flash; Determining the user's movement speed through a controller to adjust the speed at which the surrounding light areas are turned on according to the user's movement speed, so that the user experiences that the lights light up together with the user's movement; In response to determining that the user's motion has stopped, the surround light is turned off by the controller.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The controller is configured to operate areas of the surround lights of at least some areas adjacent to the door to flash together, excluding an area located on a closed door surface.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein The controller is configured to flash the area surrounding the light a plurality of times.

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