Vehicle lamp and method of controlling the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp and a method of controlling the same, and more particularly, to a vehicle lamp and a method of controlling the same, which improve the brightness of a light beam pattern generated by a brake lamp in a case where the brake lamp and a turn signal lamp are simultaneously turned on. A vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first light image forming portion forming a first light image, a second light image forming portion forming a second light image, and a control portion controlling the first light image forming portion and the second light image forming portion in correspondence with an input operation command, wherein in a case where a target operation command for a target operation of the second light image forming portion is input in a state where the first light image forming portion forms the first light image, the control portion controls the first light image forming portion to improve the brightness of the first light image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle lighting fixture and a method for controlling the vehicle lighting fixture, and more specifically, to a vehicle lighting fixture and a method for controlling the vehicle lighting fixture that increases the brightness of the beam pattern generated by the brake light when the brake light and turn signal light are simultaneously illuminated. Background Technology

[0002] The various types of lights equipped on the vehicle have the following functions: illumination, which makes it easy to spot objects around the vehicle when driving at night; and signaling, which informs other vehicles or road users of the vehicle's driving status.

[0003] For example, headlights and fog lights, which are mainly for illumination, and turn signal lamps, taillights, brake lights, and side markers, which are mainly for signaling, are equipped with lighting fixtures. The installation standards and specifications of these lights have been stipulated by relevant regulations to ensure that they can fully perform their respective functions.

[0004] Turn signals, taillights, and brake lights may be installed at the rear of the vehicle. The brake lights can be illuminated when the driver brakes the vehicle. The brightness of the beam pattern produced by the brake lights is regulated by law. When both turn signals and brake lights are illuminated simultaneously, the brightness of the beam pattern produced by the brake lights may not meet regulatory requirements.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an invention that can improve the brightness of the beam pattern produced by the brake lights even when the brake lights and turn signals are lit at the same time.

[0006] [Existing technical documents]

[0007] Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-0413486 (April 3, 2006) Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp that increases the brightness of the beam pattern generated by the brake light when the brake light and the turn signal light are lit at the same time, and a method for controlling the vehicle lamp.

[0009] The subject matter of this invention is not limited to the subject matter mentioned above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other subject matters not mentioned below through the description below.

[0010] A vehicle lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first light image forming unit for forming a first light image; a second light image forming unit for forming a second light image; and a control unit for controlling the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit in response to an input operation command, wherein, when a target operation command for a target operation of the second light image forming unit is input while the first light image forming unit is forming the first light image, the control unit controls the first light image forming unit to increase the brightness of the first light image.

[0011] The first light image includes a first braking image, and the second light image includes a second braking image and a steering image.

[0012] The first light image further includes a first tail image with lower brightness compared to the first braking image, and the second light image further includes a second tail image with lower brightness compared to the second braking image.

[0013] When a braking operation command is input, the control unit controls the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit to form the first braking image and the second braking image.

[0014] When the target operation command is input while the braking operation command is being input, the control unit causes the steering image to replace the second braking image, and controls the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit to increase the brightness of the first braking image.

[0015] When the input of the target operation command is released, the control unit causes the second brake image to be formed instead of the steering image, and reduces the brightness of the first brake image to the brightness before it was increased.

[0016] The first light image includes a first tail image, and the second light image includes a first partial image and a second partial image. The first partial image includes a first partial tail image, a first partial braking image, and a first steering image, and the second partial image includes a second partial tail image, a second partial braking image, and a second steering image.

[0017] When a braking operation command is input, the control unit controls the second light image forming unit to form the first part of the braking image and the second part of the braking image.

[0018] When the target operation command is input while the braking operation command is being input, the control unit causes the second steering image to replace the second portion of the braking image, and controls the second light image forming unit to increase the brightness of the first portion of the braking image.

[0019] When the input of the target operation command is released, the control unit causes the second portion of the brake image to be formed instead of the second steering image, and reduces the brightness of the first portion of the brake image to the brightness before it was increased.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling a vehicle lighting fixture, comprising a first light image forming unit that forms a first light image and a second light image forming unit that forms a second light image, includes the following steps: receiving an operation command; and controlling at least one of the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit in accordance with the operation command, wherein the step of controlling at least one of the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit includes the following step: when a target operation command for a target operation of the second light image forming unit is input while the first light image forming unit is forming a first light image, controlling the first light image forming unit to increase the brightness of the first light image.

[0021] The first light image includes a first braking image, and the second light image includes a second braking image and a steering image.

[0022] The step of controlling at least one of the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit includes the following steps: when a braking operation command is input, controlling the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit to form the first braking image and the second braking image.

[0023] The step of controlling at least one of the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit includes the following steps: when inputting the target operation command while the braking operation command is being input, causing the steering image to replace the second braking image, and controlling the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit to increase the brightness of the first braking image.

[0024] The step of controlling at least one of the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit includes the following steps: when the input of the target operation command is released, causing the second brake image to be formed instead of the steering image, and reducing the brightness of the first brake image to the brightness before it was increased.

[0025] The first light image includes a first tail image, and the second light image includes a first partial image and a second partial image. The first partial image includes a first partial tail image, a first partial braking image, and a first steering image, and the second partial image includes a second partial tail image, a second partial braking image, and a second steering image.

[0026] The step of controlling at least one of the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit includes the following steps: when a braking operation command is input, controlling the second light image forming unit to form the first partial braking image and the second partial braking image.

[0027] The step of controlling at least one of the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit includes the following steps: when the target operation command is input while the braking operation command is being input, causing the second steering image to replace the second part of the braking image, and controlling the second light image forming unit to increase the brightness of the first part of the braking image.

[0028] The step of controlling at least one of the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit includes the following steps: when the input of the target operation command is released, causing the second partial brake image to replace the second steering image, and reducing the brightness of the first partial brake image to the brightness before it was increased.

[0029] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0030] According to the vehicle lighting fixture and method for controlling the vehicle lighting fixture according to the embodiments of the present invention described above, when the brake light and turn signal light are illuminated simultaneously, the brightness of the beam pattern generated by the brake light is increased, thus having the advantage of making the brightness of the beam pattern generated by the brake light meet the regulations. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the light image forming part.

[0033] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the reflective part.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a magnified view of the lens.

[0035] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates how vehicle lights create images of the rear or brakes.

[0036] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates how a turn signal is generated using vehicle lights.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the rear of a vehicle equipped with vehicle lights according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the image area of ​​the light image forming section.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a situation where a tail image or a brake image is formed.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a situation where a turning image is formed.

[0041] Figure 11 It is a graph showing the brightness of the brake image.

[0042] Figure 12 It is a graph showing the brightness change of the brake image according to the input of steering operation command.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an image area of ​​a vehicle lamp according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 14 It shows through Figure 13 The image shows a situation where the tail image or brake image is formed by the image area.

[0045] Figure 15 It shows through Figure 13 The image region forms a situation where the image is rotated.

[0046] Figure 16 It shows through Figure 13 The image shows a situation where the steering image and braking image are formed from the image area.

[0047] Figure 17 It is a graph showing the brightness change of the brake image according to the input of steering operation command.

[0048] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for vehicle lighting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating the brightness changes of the brake image based on the input of steering operation commands.

[0050] Symbol Explanation

[0051] 1: Vehicle lights 2: Vehicle

[0052] 3: Body 4: Trunk door

[0053] 10: Light image forming unit; 20: Control unit

[0054] 100: First light image forming unit; 110: First light source

[0055] 120: First reflector; 130: First lens

[0056] 200: Second light image forming unit; 211: First operating light source

[0057] 212: Second operating light source; 220: Second reflector

[0058] 230: Second lens Detailed Implementation

[0059] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages, features, and methods for achieving the objectives of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed embodiments described below. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the claims. Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same constituent elements.

[0060] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) are to be used as they would be commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should not be idealized or over-interpreted unless explicitly specified otherwise.

[0061] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle lamp 1 is configured to include a light image forming unit 10 and a control unit 20.

[0063] The light image forming unit 10 can be arranged at the left rear and right rear of the vehicle 2, respectively. The light image forming unit 10 can form a light image. In this invention, the light image forming unit 10 can be arranged at the rear of the vehicle 2 and can form at least one of a rear image, a braking image, and a turning image. The rear image can be a light image conveying the width of the vehicle 2 to the observer, the braking image can be a light image conveying that the vehicle 2 is braking to the observer, and the turning image can be a light image conveying that the vehicle 2 is turning or planning to turn to the observer.

[0064] The control unit 20 can control the light image forming unit 10 in response to input operation commands. As described below, the light image forming unit 10 may include a first light image forming unit 100 (see reference 100). Figure 2 ) and the second light image forming unit 200 (refer to Figure 2 The control unit 20 can control the first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 in response to input operation commands.

[0065] When a tail operation command is input, the control unit 20 can control the first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 to form a tail image. When a braking operation command is input, the control unit 20 can control the first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 to form a braking image. When a steering operation command is input, the control unit 20 can control the first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 to form a steering image.

[0066] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the light image forming part.

[0067] Reference Figure 2 The light image forming unit 10 may include a first light image forming unit 100 and a second light image forming unit 200.

[0068] The first light image forming unit 100 can form a first light image, and the second light image forming unit 200 can form a second light image.

[0069] The first light image forming unit 100 can be arranged closer to the virtual line connecting the front center and the rear center of the vehicle 2 than the second light image forming unit 200. Figure 2 This illustrates a configuration where the first light image forming unit 100 is arranged to the right of the second light image forming unit 200, which means... Figure 2 The light image forming unit 10 shown is arranged on the left rear side of the vehicle 2.

[0070] The first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 may each include a light source 110, 211, 212, a reflector 120, 220, and lenses 130, 230. The light sources 110, 211, 212 can illuminate light, and the reflectors 120, 220 can reflect the light from the light sources 110, 211, 212 to the lenses 130, 230, and the lenses 130, 230 can transmit the incident light. Hereinafter, the light source 110, reflector 120, and lens 130 provided in the first light image forming unit 100 will be referred to as the first light source 110, the first reflector 120, and the first lens 130, respectively, and the light source 211, 212, and lens 230 provided in the second light image forming unit 200 will be referred to as the second light source 211, 212, the second reflector 220, and the second lens 230, respectively.

[0071] The first light source 110, the first operating light source 211, and the second operating light source 212 can be disposed on a common substrate (not shown) to receive power, or they can be disposed on separate substrates (not shown) to receive power.

[0072] The light emanating from the first light source 110 can be used to form a tail image or a braking image. For this purpose, the first light source 110 can illuminate colorless or red light. Hereinafter, the tail image and braking image formed by the light emanating from the first light source 110 will be referred to as the first tail image and the first braking image, respectively.

[0073] When the first light source 110 illuminates red light, the first lens 130 can be formed of a colorless or red material. The first lens 130 made of a colorless or red material can receive red light from the first light source 110 and emit red light. Alternatively, when the first light source 110 illuminates colorless light, the first lens 130 can be formed of a red material. The first lens 130 made of a red material can receive colorless light from the first light source 110 and emit red light.

[0074] The following description will focus on the scenario where the first light source 110 illuminates red light and the first lens 130 is made of a colorless material.

[0075] The second light sources 211 and 212 may include a first operating light source 211 and a second operating light source 212. The first operating light source 211 and the second operating light source 212 can emit light of different colors from each other. The light emitted from the first operating light source 211 can be used to form a tail image or a braking image, and the light emitted from the second operating light source 212 can be used to form a turn signal image. Therefore, the first operating light source 211 can emit colorless or red light, and the second operating light source 212 can emit yellow or amber light. Hereinafter, the tail image and braking image formed by the light emitted from the second light sources 211 and 212 will be referred to as the second tail image and the second braking image, respectively.

[0076] When the first operating light source 211 illuminates red light, the second lens 230 can be formed of a colorless or red material. The second lens 230, made of a colorless or red material, can receive red light from the first operating light source 211 and emit red light. Alternatively, when the first operating light source 211 illuminates colorless light, the second lens 230 can be formed of a red material. The second lens 230, made of a red material, can receive colorless light from the first operating light source 211 and emit red light.

[0077] When the second operating light source 212 illuminates brownish-yellow light, the second lens 230 can be formed of a colorless material. The colorless second lens 230 can receive and emit brownish-yellow light from the second operating light source 212. Alternatively, when the second operating light source 212 illuminates yellow light, the second lens 230 can be formed of a red material. The red second lens 230 can receive yellow light from the second operating light source 212 and emit brownish-yellow light.

[0078] The following description will focus on the scenario where the first operating light source 211 and the second operating light source 212 illuminate red light and yellowish-brown light respectively, and the second lens 230 is made of a colorless material.

[0079] When a tail operation command is input, the control unit 20 can control the first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 to form a first tail image and a second tail image. Furthermore, when a braking operation command is input, the control unit 20 can control the first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 to form a first braking image and a second braking image.

[0080] When a target operation command for a target operation of the second light image forming unit 200 is input while the first light image forming unit 100 is forming a first light image, the control unit 20 can control the first light image forming unit 100 to increase the brightness of the first light image. Specifically, when a target operation command is input while a braking operation command is being input, the control unit 20 can replace the second braking image with a steering image forming, and can control both the first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 to increase the brightness of the first braking image. The target operation command can be a steering operation command.

[0081] When a steering operation command is input, the second light image forming unit 200 can form a steering image instead of the second brake image. Since the second brake image is removed and the steering image is formed while the first and second brake images are being formed, the overall brightness of the brake image may be reduced. Therefore, by increasing the brightness of the first brake image through the control unit 20, the overall brightness of the brake image can be kept similar to that before.

[0082] When the input of the target operation command is released, the control unit 20 can form a second braking image instead of a steering image, and can reduce the brightness of the first braking image to the level before it was increased. That is, when the input of the steering operation command is released, the second light image forming unit 200 can form a second braking image instead of a steering image. In this case, since the first braking image and the second braking image form a complete braking image, the control unit 20 can reduce the brightness of the first braking image to the level before it was increased. As a result, the overall brightness of the braking image can be kept similar to that before.

[0083] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the reflective part.

[0084] Reference Figure 3 The reflective portions 120 and 220 may include a diffuse reflective portion OP1 that diffuses and reflects the incident light L1.

[0085] The diffuse reflector OP1 can be formed by protruding outward from the surfaces of the reflectors 120 and 220. The diffuse reflector OP1 can be formed across the entire reflective surface of the reflectors 120 and 220. Light L1 emitted from the light sources 110, 211, and 212 can reach the diffuse reflector OP1 and diffuse in multiple directions. The light L1 from the light sources 110, 211, and 212 can be diffused by the diffuse reflector OP1 and reach the lenses 130 and 230, thus transmitting light with uniform brightness throughout the entire area of ​​the lenses 130 and 230.

[0086] Figure 4 This is a magnified view of the lens.

[0087] Reference Figure 4 Lenses 130 and 230 may include a diffuser OP2 that diffuses the incident light L2 and emits it.

[0088] The diffuser OP2 can be formed by protruding outward from the surfaces of lenses 130 and 230. The diffuser OP2 can be formed across the entire exit surface of lenses 130 and 230. Light L2 reflected by reflectors 120 and 220 can illuminate the diffuser OP2 and diffuse in multiple directions. Since light L2 diffuses and exits through the diffuser OP2, a light image with uniform brightness can be observed across the entire exit surface of lenses 130 and 230.

[0089] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates how vehicle lights create images of the rear or brakes.

[0090] Reference Figure 5 The vehicle lights 1 can form a rear image or a brake image.

[0091] A first light image can be formed when the first light source 110 of the first light image forming unit 100 is illuminated. The first light image may include a first tail image and a first braking image. The first tail image may have a lower brightness than the first braking image.

[0092] A second light image can be formed when the first operating light source 211 of the second light image forming unit 200 is illuminated. The second light image may include a second tail image, a second braking image, and a steering image. When the first operating light source 211 is illuminated, the second light image may include a second tail image and a second braking image. The second tail image may have a lower brightness than the second braking image.

[0093] When a tail operation command is input, the control unit 20 can illuminate the first light source 110 and the first operation light source 211 to form a first tail image and a second tail image. When a braking operation command is input, the control unit 20 can illuminate the first light source 110 and the first operation light source 211 to form a first braking image and a second braking image. When a braking operation command is input while the first tail image and the second tail image are already formed, the control unit 20 can increase the brightness of the light illuminated by the first light source 110 and the first operation light source 211 to form the first braking image and the second braking image.

[0094] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates how a turn signal is generated using vehicle lights.

[0095] Reference Figure 6 The vehicle's lights 1 can generate a turn signal image.

[0096] When a steering operation command is input, the control unit 20 can illuminate the second operation light source 212 to form a steering image. If the first operation light source 211 is illuminated before the steering operation command is input, the control unit 20 can illuminate the second operation light source 212 while turning off the first operation light source 211.

[0097] When a turnaround image is formed, a first light image can be formed by the first light image forming unit 100. When the turnaround image is formed while the first light image is a first tail image, the control unit 20 can maintain the brightness of the first tail image. However, when the first light image is a first braking image, the control unit 20 can control the first light image forming unit 100 to increase the brightness of the first braking image.

[0098] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the rear of a vehicle equipped with vehicle lights according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Reference Figure 7According to an embodiment of the present invention, the light image forming unit 10 of the vehicle lamp 1 can be arranged at the rear of the vehicle 2.

[0100] As described above, the light image forming unit 10 may include a first light image forming unit 100 and a second light image forming unit 200. The rear of the vehicle 2 may include a body 3 and a trunk door 4. The first light image forming unit 100 may be disposed on the trunk door 4, and the second light image forming unit 200 may be disposed on the body 3.

[0101] An observer can observe a light image corresponding to the shape of the first light image forming unit 100 and the shape of the second light image forming unit 200.

[0102] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the image area of ​​the light image forming section. Figure 9 This diagram illustrates a scenario where a tail image or a brake image is formed. Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a situation where a turning image is formed.

[0103] Reference Figure 8 The image area of ​​the light image forming unit 10 may include a first image area 310 and a second image area 320.

[0104] The first image region 310 may be a region corresponding to the first light image forming unit 100, and the second image region 320 may be a region corresponding to the second light image forming unit 200.

[0105] A first tail image or a first brake image can be formed through the first image area 310, and a second tail image, a second brake image, or a steering image can be formed through the second image area 320.

[0106] Reference Figure 9 A tail image or a brake image can be formed through the first image area 310 and the second image area 320.

[0107] When a tail operation command is input, a red tail image can be formed using the first image area 310 and the second image area 320. When a braking operation command is input, a red braking image can be formed using the first image area 310 and the second image area 320. The braking image can have higher brightness than the tail image.

[0108] Reference Figure 10 A turning image can be formed through the second image region 320.

[0109] When a steering operation command is input, a tan steering image can be formed in the second image area 320. If a tail operation command is input before the steering operation command, a first tail image can be formed in the first image area 310. Furthermore, if a braking operation command is input before the steering operation command, a first braking image can be formed in the first image area 310. In this case, the control unit 20 can increase the brightness of the first braking image.

[0110] Figure 11 It is a graph showing the brightness of the braking image. Figure 12 It is a graph showing the brightness change of the brake image according to the input of steering operation command.

[0111] Reference Figure 11 When a braking operation command is input, the first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 can respectively form a first braking image and a second braking image.

[0112] exist Figure 11 In the image, (a) shows the brightness of the second brake image formed by the second light image forming unit 200, and (b) shows the brightness of the first brake image formed by the first light image forming unit 100.

[0113] When a braking operation command is input, the first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 can form a first braking image and a second braking image with separate brightness levels. That is, the first light image forming unit 100 can form the first braking image with a brightness level of R1, and the second light image forming unit 200 can form the second braking image with a brightness level of R2. Herein, R1 and R2 can be the same or different.

[0114] Reference Figure 12 When a steering operation command is input while a braking operation command is being input, the control unit 20 can control the first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 to form a steering image together with the braking image.

[0115] exist Figure 12 In the above, (a) shows the brightness of the steering image formed by the second light image forming unit 200, (b) shows the brightness of the second braking image formed by the second light image forming unit 200, and (c) shows the brightness of the first braking image formed by the first light image forming unit 100.

[0116] When a steering operation command is input at time t, the control unit 20 can deactivate the formation of the second braking image and form a steering image. The steering image can be formed while the second operating light source 212 of the second light image forming unit 200 is flashing. Specifically, when the second operating light source 212 is illuminated, a steering image with a brightness of A can be formed. At this time, the control unit 20 can increase the brightness of the first braking image from R1 to R3. The difference between R1 and R3 is preset, and can be sufficient to meet relevant legal requirements based solely on the brightness of the first braking image.

[0117] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an image area of ​​a vehicle lamp according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 It shows through Figure 13 A diagram showing a situation where the image region forms a tail image or brake image. Figure 15 It shows through Figure 13 The image region forms a situation where the image is rotated. Figure 16 It shows through Figure 13 A diagram showing how the image area forms the steering image and braking image. Figure 17 It is a graph showing the brightness change of the brake image according to the input of steering operation command.

[0118] Reference Figure 13 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the image area of ​​the light image forming unit 10 may include a first image area 410 and a second image area 420.

[0119] The first image region 410 may be a region corresponding to the first light image forming unit 100, and the second image region 420 may be a region corresponding to the second light image forming unit 200. The second image region 420 may include a first portion region 421 and a second portion region 422.

[0120] The second light image forming unit 200 may include a first operating light source (not shown), a second operating light source (not shown), a third operating light source (not shown), and a fourth operating light source (not shown). The first and second operating light sources can illuminate a first partial region 421, and the third and fourth operating light sources can illuminate a second partial region 422. For example, the first operating light source can illuminate the first partial region 421 with red light, the second operating light source can illuminate the first partial region 421 with brownish-yellow light, the third operating light source can illuminate the second partial region 422 with red light, and the fourth operating light source can illuminate the second partial region 422 with brownish-yellow light.

[0121] The light from the first and second operating light sources can be prevented from flowing into the second region 422, and the light from the third and fourth operating light sources can be prevented from flowing into the first region 421. Therefore, the light images of the first region 421 and the second region 422 can be observed separately.

[0122] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first optical image may include a first tail image. The second optical image may include a first partial image and a second partial image. The first partial image may include a first partial tail image, a first partial braking image, and a first steering image, and the second partial image may include a second partial tail image, a second partial braking image, and a second steering image.

[0123] A first tail image can be formed through the first image region 410, a first partial tail image, a first partial brake image, or a first steering image can be formed through the first partial region 421, and a second partial tail image, a second partial brake image, or a second steering image can be formed through the second partial region 422.

[0124] Reference Figure 14 A tail image or a brake image can be formed through the first image region 410, the first partial region 421 and the second partial region 422.

[0125] When a tail operation command is input, a red tail image can be formed through the first image region 410, the first partial region 421, and the second partial region 422. When a tail operation command is input, the control unit 20 can control the first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 to form the first tail image, the first partial tail image, and the second partial tail image.

[0126] When a braking operation command is input, a red braking image can be formed through the first region 421 and the second region 422. When a braking operation command is input, the control unit 20 can control the second light image forming unit 200 to form the first braking image and the second braking image. The first braking image and the second braking image can have higher brightness than the first tail image and the second tail image. For example, both the first braking image and the second braking image can have higher brightness than either the first tail image or the second tail image.

[0127] Reference Figure 15 A turning image can be formed through the first region 421 and the second region 422.

[0128] When a steering operation command is input while the tail operation command is being input, a brownish-yellow steering image can be formed through the first portion region 421 and the second portion region 422. Specifically, a first steering image can be formed through the first portion region 421, and a second steering image can be formed through the second portion region 422. At this time, the first image region 410 can maintain the formation of the first tail image.

[0129] When a steering operation command is input while a tail operation command is being input, the control unit 20 can control the second light image forming unit 200 to convert the first part of the tail image and the second part of the tail image into a first steering image and a second steering image.

[0130] Reference Figure 16 A first braking image and a second steering image can be formed through the first region 421 and the second region 422.

[0131] When a steering operation command is input while a braking operation command is in effect, a red first braking image can be formed in the first region 421, and a yellowish-brown second steering image can be formed in the second region 422. At this time, the first image region 410 can maintain the formation of the first tail image.

[0132] When a target operation command (i.e., a steering operation command) is input while a braking operation command is being input, the control unit 20 can replace the second part of the braking image with a second steering image and can control the second light image forming unit 200 to increase the brightness of the first part of the braking image.

[0133] When a target operation command (i.e., a steering operation command) is input, the control unit 20 can replace the second steering image with a second brake image and can reduce the brightness of the first brake image to the level before it was increased.

[0134] Reference Figure 17 When a steering operation command is input at time t, the control unit 20 can deactivate the formation of the second brake image and form a second steering image.

[0135] exist Figure 17 In the image, (a) shows the brightness of the second steering image formed by the second light image forming unit 200, (b) shows the brightness of the second partial braking image formed by the second light image forming unit 200, and (c) shows the brightness of the first partial braking image formed by the second light image forming unit 200.

[0136] When a steering operation command is input while a braking operation command is in progress, the second portion of the braking image can be removed, and a second steering image can be formed. At this time, the control unit 20 can increase the brightness of the first portion of the braking image from R5 to R6. The difference between R5 and R6 is preset, and can be such that the brightness of the first portion of the braking image alone is sufficient to meet the relevant legal requirements.

[0137] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for vehicle lighting according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating the brightness changes of the brake image based on the input of steering operation commands.

[0138] Reference Figure 18 The control unit 20 can control the first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 in response to operation commands.

[0139] First, the control unit 20 can receive operating commands (S510). Operating commands may include rear-end operation commands, braking operation commands, and steering operation commands. Operating commands can be manually input by the user, or they can be automatically generated and input by the vehicle 2.

[0140] Upon input of an operation command, the control unit 20 can control the first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 in accordance with the operation command (S520). When a tail operation command is input, the control unit 20 can form a tail image; when a braking operation command is input, a braking image can be formed; and when a steering operation command is input, the control unit 20 can control the first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 to form a steering image.

[0141] Reference Figure 19 The control unit 20 can control the first light image forming unit 100 and the second light image forming unit 200 by referring to whether a braking operation command is being input at the time of inputting the steering operation command.

[0142] First, the control unit 20 can determine whether a steering operation command has been input (S610). Therefore, if a steering operation command has been input, the control unit 20 can determine whether a braking operation command is being input (S620). Therefore, if a braking operation command is being input at the same time as the steering operation command is being input, the control unit 20 can control the second light image forming unit 200 to form a steering image, and simultaneously control the first light image forming unit 100 to increase the brightness of the first braking image (S630). Even if the second braking image generated by the second light image forming unit 200 is removed and a steering image is formed, the overall brightness of the braking image can be maintained at a similar level as the brightness of the first braking image increases.

[0143] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not limiting.

Claims

1. A vehicle lighting fixture, comprising: A first light image forming unit forms a first light image; The second light image forming unit forms a second light image; as well as The control unit controls the first optical image forming unit and the second optical image forming unit in response to input operation commands. When a target operation command for a target operation of the second light image forming unit is input while the first light image forming unit is forming a first light image, the control unit controls the first light image forming unit to increase the brightness of the first light image. The first light image includes a first braking image. The second light image includes a second braking image and a steering image. When a braking operation command is input, the control unit controls the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit to form the first braking image and the second braking image. When the target operation command is input while the braking operation command is being input, the control unit causes the steering image to replace the second braking image, and controls the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit to increase the brightness of the first braking image.

2. The vehicle lighting fixture as described in claim 1, wherein, The first light image also includes a first tail image with lower brightness compared to the first braking image. The second light image also includes a second tail image with lower brightness compared to the second braking image.

3. The vehicle lighting fixture as described in claim 1, wherein, When the input of the target operation command is released, the control unit causes the second brake image to be formed instead of the steering image, and reduces the brightness of the first brake image to the brightness before it was increased.

4. A vehicle lighting fixture, comprising: A first light image forming unit forms a first light image; The second light image forming unit forms a second light image; as well as The control unit controls the first optical image forming unit and the second optical image forming unit in response to input operation commands. The first light image includes a first tail image. The second light image includes a first part of the image and a second part of the image. The first part of the image includes a first part of the rear image, a first part of the braking image, and a first part of the steering image. Furthermore, the second part of the image includes a second part of the rear image, a second part of the braking image, and a second part of the steering image. When a braking operation command is input, the control unit controls the second optical image forming unit to form the first partial braking image and the second partial braking image. When a target operation command is input while the braking operation command is being input, the control unit causes the second steering image to replace the second portion of the braking image, and controls the second light image forming unit to increase the brightness of the first portion of the braking image.

5. The vehicle lighting fixture as described in claim 4, wherein, When the input of the target operation command is released, the control unit causes the second portion of the brake image to be formed instead of the second steering image, and reduces the brightness of the first portion of the brake image to the brightness before it was increased.

6. The vehicle lighting fixture as described in claim 4, wherein, The first portion of the tail image has a lower brightness than the first portion of the brake image. The second portion of the tail image has a lower brightness than the second portion of the brake image.

7. A method for controlling a vehicle lamp, comprising a first light image forming unit that forms a first light image and a second light image forming unit that forms a second light image, comprising the following steps: Receive operation instructions; and Control at least one of the first optical image forming unit and the second optical image forming unit in accordance with the operation command. in, The step of controlling at least one of the first optical image forming unit and the second optical image forming unit includes the following steps: When a target operation command for a target operation of the second light image forming unit is input while the first light image forming unit is forming a first light image, the first light image forming unit is controlled to increase the brightness of the first light image. The first light image includes a first braking image. The second light image includes a second braking image and a steering image. The step of controlling at least one of the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit includes the following steps: when a braking operation command is input, controlling the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit to form the first braking image and the second braking image. The step of controlling at least one of the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit includes the following steps: when inputting the target operation command while the braking operation command is being input, causing the steering image to replace the second braking image, and controlling the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit to increase the brightness of the first braking image.

8. The method for controlling vehicle lights as described in claim 7, wherein, The step of controlling at least one of the first optical image forming unit and the second optical image forming unit includes the following steps: When the input of the target operation command is released, the second brake image is formed to replace the steering image, and the brightness of the first brake image is reduced to the level before it was increased.

9. The method for controlling vehicle lights as described in claim 7, wherein, The first light image also includes a first tail image with lower brightness compared to the first braking image. The second light image also includes a second tail image with lower brightness compared to the second braking image.

10. A method for controlling a vehicle lamp, comprising a first light image forming unit that forms a first light image and a second light image forming unit that forms a second light image, the method comprising the following steps: Receive operation instructions; and Control at least one of the first optical image forming unit and the second optical image forming unit in accordance with the operation command. in, The first light image includes a first tail image. The second light image includes a first part of the image and a second part of the image. The first part of the image includes a first part of the rear image, a first part of the braking image, and a first part of the steering image. Furthermore, the second part of the image includes a second part of the rear image, a second part of the braking image, and a second part of the steering image. The step of controlling at least one of the first optical image forming unit and the second optical image forming unit includes the following steps: when a braking operation command is input, controlling the second optical image forming unit to form the first partial braking image and the second partial braking image. The step of controlling at least one of the first light image forming unit and the second light image forming unit includes the following steps: when inputting a target operation command while the braking operation command is being input, causing the second steering image to replace the second part of the braking image, and controlling the second light image forming unit to increase the brightness of the first part of the braking image.

11. The method for controlling vehicle lights as described in claim 10, wherein, The step of controlling at least one of the first optical image forming unit and the second optical image forming unit includes the following steps: When the input of the target operation command is released, the second portion of the brake image is formed to replace the second steering image, and the brightness of the first portion of the brake image is reduced to the brightness before it was increased.

12. The method for controlling vehicle lights as described in claim 10, wherein, The first portion of the tail image has a lower brightness than the first portion of the brake image. The second portion of the tail image has a lower brightness than the second portion of the brake image.

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