Vehicle rear lighting system and method of controlling the same

Abstract

This disclosure provides a vehicle rear lighting system. The vehicle rear lighting system may include: one or more image projectors configured to project one or more light patterns onto the ground around the rear door of the vehicle; a diffuse light projector configured to emit a diffuse light pattern onto an illuminated area of ​​the ground around the rear door; and control circuitry configured to control the one or more image projectors and the diffuse light projector based on signals received from one or more sensors of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0046948, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 10, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to vehicle safety systems, and more specifically, to a vehicle rear lighting system and its control method. Background Technology

[0004] The vehicle may include a lighting system for providing illumination to the ground near the vehicle. For example, the lighting system may include road spotlights that project symbols onto the road surface. Projecting these symbols can, for example, create a welcoming environment for passengers or ensure safety ahead of the vehicle while driving.

[0005] Additionally, the vehicle may include a rear door located at its rear, which may be any of the following: a trunk lid, a hatchback tailgate, a double tailgate, or a liftgate.

[0006] Rear doors can have relatively large movement paths and complex opening and closing structures to ensure sufficient space at the rear of the vehicle and improve accessibility. However, this may increase the risk of collisions during the opening and closing of the rear doors and compromise night vision capabilities. Furthermore, when the vehicle is stopped or parked at night, the risk of collisions with pedestrians, other vehicles, or obstacles near the rear of the vehicle is high.

[0007] In some implementations, the vehicle's rear lighting system may not provide sufficient visual warnings about the opening and closing of the rear doors, or that the vehicle is stopped / parked at night.

[0008] The information described in this background section is intended to help understand the background technology of the inventive concept and may include any technical concept that is not considered prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This disclosure aims to address the aforementioned problems in at least some of the embodiments, while maintaining the advantages achieved by these embodiments.

[0010] This disclosure provides a vehicle rear lighting system designed to project various types of light patterns onto the ground when the vehicle is stopped and parked at night, optically displaying vehicle information and rear door information.

[0011] According to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure, a vehicle rear lighting system may include: one or more image projectors configured to project one or more light patterns onto the ground around the rear door of the vehicle; a diffuse light projector configured to emit a diffuse light pattern onto an illuminated area of ​​the ground around the rear door; and control circuitry configured to control the one or more image projectors and the diffuse light projector based on signals received from one or more sensors of the vehicle.

[0012] One or more light patterns can indicate at least a portion of the movement path of the rear door. The illuminated area can overlap with the movement path of the rear door.

[0013] The control circuit can be further configured to: determine the movement path of the rear door based on its size; and determine the position of one or more light patterns and the size of the illumination area based on the movement path of the rear door.

[0014] One or more image projectors and diffuse light projectors may be located at the rear of the vehicle.

[0015] Each of one or more image projectors may include a gobo projector, which is configured to project a corresponding light pattern from one or more light patterns onto the ground around the rear door of the vehicle.

[0016] The pattern projector may include: a light source configured to emit light; and an optical system configured to project the light emitted from the light source onto the ground around the rear door. The optical system may include: a light shield having one or more patterned openings corresponding to one or more light patterns; and one or more lenses disposed behind the light shield.

[0017] A diffuse light projector may include: a light source configured to emit light; and a diffuser configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source onto the ground around the rear door.

[0018] One or more sensors can be configured to: collect information about the vehicle; and generate signals based on the information about the vehicle. Control circuitry can be configured to control one or more image projectors and diffuse light projectors based on information about the rear doors.

[0019] According to one or more example embodiments of this disclosure, a method performed by a vehicle's apparatus may include: determining a movement path of a rear door based on the size of the vehicle's rear door; determining the position of one or more light patterns and the size of an illuminated area based on the movement path of the rear door; and, based on the vehicle's speed decreasing and the vehicle performing a reversing operation: projecting at least one light pattern of one or more light patterns indicating the vehicle's reversing operation in a first color through one or more image projectors of the vehicle; and projecting diffuse light in the first color onto the illuminated area through a diffuse light projector of the vehicle.

[0020] The method may further include, based on the angle change of the vehicle's steering wheel: projecting at least one light pattern of one or more light patterns in a first color through one or more image projectors, indicating the reversing direction of the vehicle; and projecting diffuse light in the first color onto the illuminated area through a diffuse light projector.

[0021] The method may further include, based on the detection of objects or pedestrians around the rear of the vehicle: projecting at least one light pattern of one or more light patterns in a second color through one or more image projectors; and projecting diffuse light in a second color onto the illuminated area through a diffuse light projector.

[0022] The method may further include, based on the vehicle stopping, projecting one or more light patterns in a first color through one or more image projectors.

[0023] The method may further include, based on the vehicle occupants leaving the vehicle, projecting diffuse light of a first color onto the illuminated area via a diffuse light projector.

[0024] The method may further include, based on detecting that a vehicle occupant is within a threshold distance from the rear of the vehicle: projecting and flashing one or more light patterns in a second color through one or more image projectors; and projecting and flashing an illuminated area in a second color through a diffuse light projector.

[0025] The method may further include, based on the detection of a person approaching the rear of the vehicle: projecting and flashing one or more light patterns in a second color through one or more image projectors; and projecting and flashing an illuminated area in a second color through a diffuse light projector.

[0026] According to one or more example embodiments of this disclosure, a vehicle apparatus may include: a projector configured to emit one or more light patterns onto the ground; and control circuitry configured to control the projector to emit one or more light patterns onto the ground based on determining that a rear door of the vehicle is open. The one or more light patterns may indicate a clearance area of ​​the rear door on the ground.

[0027] The projector may include at least one of a pattern projector and a diffuse light projector.

[0028] The control circuitry can be further configured to, based on the determination that a person is approaching the vehicle, control the projector to emit one or more light patterns onto the ground and flash one or more light patterns on the ground.

[0029] Each of one or more light patterns may include line segments indicating the boundaries of the clearance area. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 An example vehicle rear lighting system is shown, positioned below the rear door of the vehicle.

[0032] Figure 2 A perspective view of an example vehicle rear lighting system mounted on the rear bumper is shown.

[0033] Figure 3 A perspective view of an example vehicle rear lighting system with the protective cover removed from the housing is shown.

[0034] Figure 4 A perspective view of an example vehicle rear lighting system with a protective cover mounted on the housing is shown;

[0035] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing multiple images and illuminated areas projected onto the ground by the rear lighting system of an example vehicle;

[0036] Figure 6 An example vehicle rear lighting system is shown, positioned below the rear door of the vehicle.

[0037] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing multiple images and illuminated areas projected onto the ground by the rear lighting system of an example vehicle;

[0038] Figure 8 An example of a projector in a sample vehicle's rear lighting system is shown;

[0039] Figure 9 This illustrates a diffuse light projection unit in an example vehicle's rear lighting system;

[0040] Figure 10 The configuration of an example vehicle information system, controller, image light projection unit, and diffuse light projection unit in an example vehicle rear lighting system is shown.

[0041] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating an example method for controlling a vehicle's rear lighting system;

[0042] Figure 12 This illustrates how, in an example vehicle's rear lighting system, the display positions and range (e.g., size) of multiple images are determined based on rear door information.

[0043] Figure 13 The illustration shows at least one of a plurality of images projected in a first color by the rear lighting system of an example vehicle when the vehicle is moving backward, as well as the illuminated area projected in the first color.

[0044] Figure 14 The example vehicle's rear lighting system projects at least one of several images in a first color to indicate the vehicle's reversing direction;

[0045] Figure 15 The example vehicle's rear lighting system projects at least one of several images in a second color and an illuminated area in a second color when there are pedestrians around the rear of the vehicle.

[0046] Figure 16 The image shows multiple images of the example vehicle's rear lighting system projecting in a first color when the vehicle is stationary.

[0047] Figure 17 This example vehicle's rear lighting system projects multiple illuminated areas in a first color when multiple images are projected in a first color as the occupants exit the vehicle.

[0048] Figure 18 This illustrates multiple images and illuminated areas projected in a first color by the rear lighting system of an example vehicle when the occupants are located near the rear of the vehicle.

[0049] Figure 19 The example vehicle's rear lighting system projects and flashes multiple images and illuminated areas in a second color when an occupant is located away from the rear of the vehicle (e.g., at least a threshold distance from the rear of the vehicle) and the rear door is open, or when a suspicious person is approaching the rear of the vehicle.

[0050] Figure 20 This illustrates how, in an example vehicle's rear lighting system, the display positions and range of the illumination areas for multiple images are determined based on rear door information.

[0051] Figure 21 The example vehicle's rear lighting system projects at least one of a plurality of images in a first color and an illuminated area in the first color as the vehicle is moving backward (or reversing).

[0052] Figure 22 The example vehicle's rear lighting system projects at least one of several images in a first color to indicate the vehicle's reversing direction;

[0053] Figure 23The example vehicle's rear lighting system projects at least one of several images in a second color and an illuminated area in a second color when there are pedestrians around the rear of the vehicle.

[0054] Figure 24 The image shows multiple images of the example vehicle's rear lighting system projecting in a first color when the vehicle is stationary.

[0055] Figure 25 The illustration shows the illuminated area projected in the first color when an occupant leaves the vehicle, in a state where multiple images are projected in the first color by the rear lighting system of an example vehicle.

[0056] Figure 26 The example vehicle's rear lighting system projects multiple images and illuminated areas in a first color when an occupant is near the rear of the vehicle (e.g., within a threshold distance).

[0057] Figure 27 The example vehicle's rear lighting system projects and flashes multiple images and illuminated areas in a second color when the occupants are away from the rear of the vehicle and the rear door is open, or when a suspicious person is approaching the rear of the vehicle.

[0058] Figure 28 An example computing system is shown.

[0059] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0060] 1: Vehicle

[0061] 2: Rear bumper

[0062] 3: Ground

[0063] 5, 7: Rear door or rear vehicle door

[0064] 10: Vehicle rear lighting system

[0065] 11: Image light projection unit or light projector

[0066] 12: Diffuse light projection unit or diffuse light projector

[0067] 15: Casing

[0068] 21: First image light projector or image projector

[0069] 22: Second image light projector

[0070] 23: Third Image Light Projector

[0071] 30: Movement Path

[0072] 31, 32, 33: Images

[0073] 35: Lighting Area

[0074] 40: Vehicle rear lighting system

[0075] 41: Image light projection unit or light projector

[0076] 42: Diffuse light projection unit or diffuse light projector

[0077] 51: First image light projector or image projector

[0078] 52: Second image light projector

[0079] 53: Third Image Light Projector

[0080] 54: Fourth Image Light Projector

[0081] 55: Fifth Image Light Projector

[0082] 61, 62: Movement path

[0083] 65, 66: Lighting Area

[0084] 71, 72, 73, 74, 75: Images Detailed Implementation

[0085] In the following, one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals will always be used to indicate the same or equivalent elements. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the spirit of the disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known technologies related to the present disclosure may be omitted.

[0086] Terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) are used to describe elements in exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and the inherent features, order, or sequence of the respective elements are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technical field, and should not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning, unless expressly defined as such in this application.

[0087] Unless otherwise defined, the terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0088] The expressions such as “including,” “may include,” “contain,” “may contain,” “have,” and “may have” used in this document are intended to indicate the presence of a certain characteristic (e.g., function, operation, component, etc.) and do not exclude the existence of other additional characteristics. That is, these expressions should be understood as open-ended terms, covering the possibility of including other examples.

[0089] Unless the context otherwise requires, the singular expressions used herein may also include the plural meaning, and this also applies to the singular expressions described in the claims.

[0090] Unless the context otherwise requires, expressions such as “first” or “second” as used herein are used to distinguish one object from another when referring to multiple similar objects, and do not limit their order or importance. For example, multiple chips according to this disclosure can be distinguished from each other by being referred to as “first chip” and “second chip”, respectively.

[0091] As used in this document, the term "cell" can refer to a software or hardware component, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. However, "cell" is not limited to hardware and software. A "cell" can be configured to be stored in addressable memory or can be configured to run one or more processors. A "cell" can include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processors, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0092] The expression “based on” as used herein is intended to describe one or more factors that influence the behavior or operation described in the phrase or sentence containing the expression, and the expression does not exclude any other factors that influence the behavior or operation of the determination or decision.

[0093] When a component (e.g., a first component) is described herein as being “connected” or “linked” to another component (e.g., a second component), it may mean not only that the component is directly connected or linked to the other component, but also that it is connected or linked through another component (e.g., a third component).

[0094] Depending on the context, the expression "configured as" as used herein can have meanings such as "set as," "capable of," "modified as," "made as," or "can." This expression is not limited to the meaning of "specifically designed for hardware." For example, a processor configured to perform a specific operation can refer to a general-purpose processor capable of performing a specific operation by running software, or it can refer to a special-purpose computer built through programming to perform a specific operation.

[0095] According to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the automation levels of autonomous vehicles can be categorized as follows: Level 0, corresponding to "no automation," involves the autonomous system temporarily intervening in emergencies (e.g., automatic emergency braking) and / or only providing warnings (e.g., blind spot warning, lane departure warning, etc.), and the driver needs to operate the vehicle. Level 1, corresponding to "driver assistance," involves the system performing some driving functions (e.g., steering, acceleration, braking, lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, etc.) while the driver operates the vehicle on normal road conditions. The driver needs to assess the system's operating status and / or timing, perform other driving functions, and respond to (e.g., resolve) emergencies. Level 2, corresponding to "partial automation," involves the system performing steering, acceleration, and / or braking under driver supervision. The driver needs to assess the system's operating status and / or timing, perform other driving functions, and respond to (e.g., resolve) emergencies. At Level 3 of autonomous driving, the SAE classification standard can correspond to "conditional automation," where the system drives the vehicle under limited conditions (e.g., performing driving functions such as steering, acceleration, and / or braking), but transfers driving control to the driver when the required conditions are not met. The driver needs to assess the system's operating status and / or timing and take over control in emergency situations, but does not otherwise operate the vehicle (e.g., steering, acceleration, and / or braking). At Level 4 of autonomous driving, the SAE classification standard can correspond to "high automation," where the system performs all driving functions, and the driver only takes over vehicle control in emergency situations. At Level 5 of autonomous driving, the SAE classification standard can correspond to "full automation," where the system performs full driving functions without any driver assistance, including in emergency situations, and the driver does not need to perform any other driving operations besides assessing the system's operating status. Although this disclosure can apply the SAE classification standard for autonomous driving classification, other classification methods and / or algorithms can also be used in one or more configurations described herein. One or more functions related to autonomous driving control can be enabled based on the configured autonomous driving control settings (e.g., based on at least one of the following: autonomous driving classification, vehicle autonomous driving level selection, etc.).

[0096] Based on one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., receiving information about the vehicle's rear doors), the operation of the vehicle can be controlled. Vehicle control may include various operational controls related to the vehicle (e.g., automatic driving control, sensor control, braking control, braking time control, acceleration control, rate of change of acceleration control, warning time control, forward collision warning time control, etc.).

[0097] For example, one or more auxiliary devices (e.g., engine brakes, exhaust brakes, hydraulic retarders, electric retarders, regenerative brakes, etc.) can also be controlled based on one or more features described herein (e.g., receiving information about the vehicle's rear doors). For example, one or more communication devices (e.g., modems, network adapters, radio transceivers, antennas, etc., capable of communicating via one or more wired or wireless communication protocols such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G New Radio (NR), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), etc.) can also be controlled based on one or more features described herein (e.g., receiving information about the vehicle's rear doors).

[0098] For example, minimum risk handling (MRM) operations can also be controlled based on one or more features described herein (e.g., receiving information about the vehicle's rear doors). Minimum risk handling operations (e.g., minimum risk control, minimized risk control) can be handling operations performed by the vehicle to minimize (e.g., reduce) the risk of collision with surrounding vehicles to achieve a lower (e.g., minimum) risk state. Minimum risk handling can be an operation activated during autonomous driving when the driver is unable to respond to an intervention request. During minimum risk handling, one or more processors in the vehicle can control the vehicle's driving operations for a set time period.

[0099] For example, offset driving operations can also be controlled based on one or more features described herein (e.g., receiving information about the vehicle's rear doors). The driving control unit can perform offset driving control. To perform offset driving, the driving control unit can control the vehicle to travel within the lane by maintaining a lateral distance between the vehicle's center position and the lane center. For example, the driving control unit can control the vehicle to remain within the lane, but not in the lane center.

[0100] The driving control unit can identify a target lateral distance for offset driving control. For example, the target lateral distance may include an intentionally adjusted lateral distance that the vehicle seeks to maintain relative to a reference point (such as the lane center or other vehicles) during maneuvers such as lane changes. This adjustment can improve the vehicle's stability, safety, and / or performance under different driving conditions. For instance, during a lane change, the driving control system can consider factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, and / or the presence of obstacles, and offset the lateral distance to maintain a safer clearance from adjacent vehicles.

[0101] For example, the level of autonomous driving and / or the activation / deactivation of autonomous driving can also be controlled based on one or more features described herein (e.g., receiving information about the vehicle's rear doors). The driving control unit can perform autonomous driving level control (e.g., changing the level of autonomous driving, changing the required user attention, etc.) or deactivate autonomous driving operations. For example, by changing the required user attention, the driver may be required to keep both hands on the steering wheel more frequently (e.g., at least once within threshold time periods such as 5 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.). By changing the required user attention, the driver may need to look forward more frequently (e.g., at least once within threshold time periods such as 5 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.). By changing the level of autonomous driving, one or more video contents may not be displayed on the vehicle's display screen.

[0102] For example, one or more sensors (e.g., IMU sensor, camera, lidar, radar, blind spot monitoring sensor, lane departure warning sensor, parking sensor, light sensor, rain sensor, traction control sensor, anti-lock braking system sensor, tire pressure monitoring sensor, seat belt sensor, airbag sensor, fuel sensor, emission sensor, throttle position sensor, inverter, converter, motor controller, power distribution unit, high-voltage lines and connectors, auxiliary power module, charging interface, etc.) can also be controlled based on one or more features described herein (e.g., receiving information about the vehicle's rear doors).

[0103] The operational control of autonomous driving can include various driving controls performed by the vehicle control unit on the vehicle (e.g., acceleration, deceleration, steering control, gear shifting control, braking system control, traction control, stability control, cruise control, lane keeping assist control, collision avoidance system control, emergency braking assist control, traffic sign recognition control, adaptive headlight control, driver warning control, automated driving operation design domain (ODD), enabling and / or disabling automated driving modes, etc.). For example, operational control may be projecting light patterns and / or images to, for example, prevent collisions with other objects or injury to passengers or pedestrians.

[0104] Figure 1 An example vehicle rear lighting system is shown, positioned below the rear door. Vehicle 1 may include a rear door 5 or 7, and a rear bumper 2 positioned below the rear door 5 or 7. The rear door may also be referred to as a tailgate, liftgate, hatchback, trunk door, or door, etc.

[0105] The rear door 5 may be a hatchback tailgate mounted at the rear top of the vehicle 1 in a swing-out manner. Specifically, the rear door 5 may be a hatchback tailgate 5 designed to swing upward to provide access to the rear space of the vehicle 1. If the rear door 5 is opened (e.g., based on the detection of an opening operation of the rear door 5), the movement path 30 of the rear door 5 may be virtually projected onto the ground 3 near the rear door 5. The movement path 30 may be the area traveled by the rear door 5 when it is opened or closed, and the movement path 30 may also be referred to as the opening arc, the swing path, or the clearance area of ​​the rear door 5. The vehicle rear lighting system 10 may be located near the lower rear of the vehicle 1 and is designed to optically display the movement path 30 of the rear door 5, which is virtually projected onto the ground 3 near the rear door 5.

[0106] Figures 1 to 5 The rear lighting system 10 is shown for a vehicle 1 with a hatchback tailgate 5. Figure 2 A perspective view of an example vehicle rear lighting system mounted on the rear bumper is shown. Figure 3 A perspective view of an example vehicle rear lighting system with the protective cover removed from the housing is shown. Figure 4 A perspective view of an example vehicle rear lighting system with a protective cover mounted on the housing is shown. Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing multiple images and illuminated areas projected onto the ground by the rear lighting system of an example vehicle.

[0107] Reference Figure 2 The vehicle rear lighting system 10 can be mounted on the rear bumper 2 of the vehicle 1. The vehicle rear lighting system 10 can project the following light patterns onto the ground 3 near the rear door 5: multiple light patterns 31a, 32a, and 33a, each displaying multiple images (image lights) 31, 32, and 33; and a diffuse light pattern 35a that defines (e.g., delineates, outlines, etc.) a predetermined illumination area (also called an illumination region) 35, which includes the movement path 30 of the rear door 5 projected onto the ground 3. The light patterns can be presented in any desired color and are represented by the light rays projected by each projector of the vehicle rear lighting system. The multiple images 31, 32, and 33 can define at least a portion of the movement path 30 of the rear door 5, which is virtually projected onto the ground 3 adjacent to the rear door 5, and the illumination region 35 can include (e.g., overlap with) the movement path 30 of the rear door 5. For example, the multiple images 31, 32, and 33 can include one or more line segments (e.g., straight line segments, diagonal line segments, etc.). For example, each of one or more line segments can indicate the boundary of the illuminated area 35.

[0108] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5The vehicle rear lighting system 10 may include a housing 15 installed in the middle of the rear bumper 2 of the vehicle 1, and an image light projection unit (also called a light projector, image projector, lamp, etc.) 11 and a diffuse light projection unit (also called a light diffuser, diffuse light projector, etc.) 12 disposed within the housing 15.

[0109] The image light projection unit 11 may include a plurality of image light projectors 21, 22, and 23 for projecting a plurality of light patterns 31a, 32a, and 33a onto the ground 3 to display a plurality of images 31, 32, and 33, each image defining at least a portion of the movement path 30 of the rear door 5 projected onto the ground 3 adjacent to the rear door 5. Each of the images 31, 32, and 33 may be presented in a different shape, such as, but not limited to, dots or lines. For example, the image light projector (also referred to as an image projector) may be a pattern projector or a structured light projector.

[0110] The plurality of image light projectors 21, 22, and 23 may include: a first image light projector 21, which projects a first light pattern 31a onto the ground 3 to display a first image 31; a second image light projector 22, which projects a second light pattern 32a onto the ground 3 to display a second image 32; and a third image light projector 23, which projects a third light pattern 33a onto the ground 3 to display a third image 33. The first image 31 may define the left end of the movement path 30 of the back door 5, the second image 32 may define the right end of the movement path 30 of the back door 5, and the third image 33 may define the middle part of the movement path 30 of the back door 5.

[0111] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5 The diffuse light projection unit 12 can project (e.g., emit) a diffuse light pattern 35a onto the ground 3 to display a predetermined illumination area 35 including the movement path 30 of the rear door 5. (See reference...) Figure 3 The diffuse light projection unit 12 can be located above the image light projection unit 11.

[0112] Reference Figure 4 The vehicle rear lighting system 10 may include a protective cover 16 mounted on a housing 15, which protects the image light projection unit 11 and the diffuse light projection unit 12. The protective cover 16 may be made of a transparent material, allowing light projected from the image light projection unit 11 and the diffuse light projection unit 12 to pass through.

[0113] Figure 6 An example vehicle rear lighting system is shown, located below the rear door of the vehicle. Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing multiple images and illuminated areas projected onto the ground by an example vehicle's rear lighting system 40 is provided. The vehicle's rear lighting system 40 can be applied to vehicles with a two-door tailgate.

[0114] Reference Figure 6 The rear door 7 can be a double tailgate, including a pair of swing doors 7a and 7b designed to open and close at the rear of the vehicle 1. The first swing door 7a and the second swing door 7b can swing at the rear ends on both sides of the vehicle 1. If the first swing door 7a is open, the first movement path 61 of the first swing door 7a can be virtually projected onto the ground 3 adjacent to the first swing door 7a; if the second swing door 7b is open, the second movement path 62 of the second swing door 7b can be virtually projected onto the ground 3 adjacent to the second swing door 7b. The vehicle rear lighting system 40 can be located near the lower rear part of the vehicle 1 and is designed to optically display the movement paths 61 and 62 of the rear door 7 virtually projected onto the ground 3 near the rear door 7.

[0115] The vehicle's rear lighting system 40 can be installed near the lower rear part of the vehicle 1, adjacent to the rear door 7. (See reference...) Figure 7 The vehicle rear lighting system 40 can be mounted on the rear bumper 2 of the vehicle 1. The vehicle rear lighting system 40 can project the following light patterns onto the ground 3 adjacent to the rear door 7: multiple light patterns 71a, 72a, 73a, 74a, and 75a, respectively defining multiple images (image lights) 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75; and diffuse light patterns 65a and 66a, respectively defining illumination areas 65 and 66. The light patterns can be presented in any desired color and are represented by the light projected by each projector of the vehicle rear lighting system. The multiple images 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75 can define at least a portion of a first movement path 61 and a second movement path 62 of the rear door 7, virtually projected onto the ground 3 adjacent to the rear door 7. The first illumination area 65 may include the first movement path 61, and the second illumination area 66 may include the second movement path 62.

[0116] Reference Figure 7 The vehicle rear lighting system 40 may include an image light projection unit 41 and a diffuse light projection unit 42 disposed in the middle of the rear bumper 2 of the vehicle 1.

[0117] The image light projection unit 41 may include a plurality of image light projectors 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 for projecting a plurality of light patterns 71a, 72a, 73a, 74a, and 75a onto the ground 3 to display a plurality of images 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75, respectively. Each image defines at least a portion of the movement paths 61 and 62 of the rear door 7 projected onto the ground 3 adjacent to the rear door 7. Each image 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75 may be presented in different shapes, such as, but not limited to, dots or lines.

[0118] The plurality of image light projectors 51, 52, 53, 54 and 55 may include: a first image light projector 51 that projects a first light pattern 71a onto the ground 3 to display a first image 71; a second image light projector 52 that projects a second light pattern 72a onto the ground 3 to display a second image 72; a third image light projector 53 that projects a third light pattern 73a onto the ground 3 to display a third image 73; a fourth image light projector 54 that projects a fourth light pattern 74a onto the ground 3 to display a fourth image 74; and a fifth image light projector 55 that projects a fifth light pattern 75a onto the ground 3 to display a fifth image 75. The first image 71 can define the left rear end of the first movement path 61 of the first swing door 7a, the second image 72 can define the right rear end of the second movement path 62 of the second swing door 7b, the third image 73 can jointly define the right rear end of the first movement path 61 of the first swing door 7a and the left rear end of the second movement path 62 of the second swing door 7b, the fourth image 74 can define the left front end of the first movement path 61 of the first swing door 7a, and the fifth image 75 can define the right front end of the second movement path 62 of the second swing door 7b.

[0119] Reference Figure 7 The diffuse light projection unit 42 can project multiple diffuse light patterns 65a and 66a onto the ground 3 to display predetermined illumination areas 65 and 66 including the movement paths 61 and 62 of the back door 7. The diffuse light projection unit 42 can be located above the image light projection unit 41. The diffuse light projection unit 42 may include: a first diffuse light projector 56 that projects a first diffuse light pattern 65a onto the ground 3 to display a first illumination area 65 including the first movement path 61 of the back door 7; and a second diffuse light projector 57 that projects a second diffuse light pattern 66a onto the ground 3 to display a second illumination area 66 including the second movement path 62 of the back door 7.

[0120] Figure 8 Examples of each image light projector 21, 22, 23, 51, 52, 53, 54 and 55 are shown.

[0121] Reference Figure 8Each image light projector (e.g., pattern projector) 21, 22, 23, 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 may include a light source 81 and an optical system 82 that projects light emitted from the light source 81 onto the ground 3. The light source 81 may be an LED mounted on a PCB 81a, and the light source 81 may emit light of various colors. The optical system 82 may include: a lens barrel 82a connected to the light source 81, a collimator 83 disposed within the lens barrel 82a, a light shield (e.g., a light-blocking plate) 84 disposed behind the collimator 83, and a plurality of lenses 85 and 86 disposed behind the light shield 84. Both ends of the lens barrel 82a may have openings. One end of the lens barrel 82a faces the light source 81, and the other end faces the ground 3. The light source 81 may be disposed within the opening at one end of the lens barrel 82a, and an optical cover 87 may be mounted at the other end of the lens barrel 82a. The collimator 83 may make the light emitted from the light source 81 parallel. The light shield 84 may have patterned openings, and the light shield 84 may determine a corresponding one of the light patterns 31a, 32a, 33a, 71a, 72a, 73a, 74a, and 75a through the patterned openings to display a corresponding one of the images 31, 32, 33, 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75. That is, the shape, size, etc., of each of the images 31, 32, 33, 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75 may be determined by the patterned openings of the light shield 84. Multiple lenses 85 and 86 may be configured to allow light passing through the light shield 84 to form an image on the ground 3.

[0122] Figure 9 Examples of each diffuse light projection unit 12 and 42 are shown.

[0123] Reference Figure 9 , Figures 1 to 5 The diffuse light projection unit 12 shown and Figure 6 and Figure 7 Each of the diffuse light projectors 56 and 57 in the diffuse light projection unit 42 shown may include a light source 91 and a diffuser 92, the diffuser 92 diffusing the light emitted by the light source 91 onto the ground 3. The light source 91 may be an LED mounted on a PCB 91a, and the light source 91 may emit light of various colors. The diffuser 92 may define a corresponding one of the diffuse light patterns 35a, 65a, and 66a to define a corresponding one of the illumination areas 35, 65, and 66. That is, the extent of each of the illumination areas 35, 65, and 66 may be determined by the shape and size of the diffuser 92.

[0124] Reference Figure 10 The vehicle rear lighting system 10 or 40 may include a controller (also called a control circuit) 13, which controls the image light projection unit 11 or 41 and the diffuse light projection unit 12 or 42 based on vehicle information and rear door information obtained from the vehicle information system 14.

[0125] The vehicle information system 14 may include one or more sensors, such as sensors 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, and 14h for sensing vehicle information, and a rear door monitoring unit 14k for monitoring rear door information. The sensors 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, and 14h may include: an external camera 14a for identifying the presence of objects (e.g., obstacles or other vehicles) and / or pedestrians near or around the vehicle 1; a collision sensor 14b for sensing a collision; a seat sensor 14c for detecting whether an occupant is seated; a seatbelt sensor 14d for detecting whether a seatbelt is fastened; a vehicle speed sensor 14e for sensing the vehicle's speed; a reversing sensor 14f for detecting whether the vehicle is moving backward (reversing); a steering wheel sensor 14g for sensing the steering wheel angle; and a smart key sensor 14h for detecting whether the smart key is locked or unlocked. One or more sensors 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g and / or 14h can generate one or more signals (e.g., electrical signals) indicating information about the vehicle and / or the rear door, and send the signals to the controller 13. The rear door monitoring unit 14k can monitor rear door information (e.g., track the status of the rear door), such as the rear door's specifications (size, structure, shape, size, etc.), the rear door's opening degree, the rear door's movement path, the rear door's opening and closing, and the rear door's locking / unlocking. The vehicle information system 14 can be configured to transmit vehicle information to the controller 13 via multiple sensors 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g and 14h, and the vehicle information may include: whether the vehicle is reversing; whether the vehicle is stopped; whether occupants have left the vehicle; whether there are objects (obstacles, other vehicles, etc.) and / or pedestrians around the vehicle; and whether suspicious persons are approaching.

[0126] The controller 13 can calculate the motion path 30 or motion paths 61 and 62 of the rear door 5 or 7 projected onto the ground 3 based on the specifications (size, structure, shape, size, etc.) of the rear door obtained from the rear door monitoring unit 14k, and determine the display positions of multiple images 31, 32 and 33 or images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75, as well as the range of the lighting area 35 or the range of the lighting areas 65 and 66, based on the calculated motion path 30 or motion paths 61 and 62 of the rear door 5 or 7.

[0127] The controller 13 can control the operation of the image light projection unit 11 or 41 and the diffuse light projection unit 12 or 42, so that at least one of the multiple light patterns 31a, 32a and 33a or light patterns 71a, 72a, 73a, 74a and 75a, as well as the diffuse light pattern 35a or light patterns 65a and 66a, are projected onto the ground 3 based on the following information: whether the vehicle is reversing; whether the vehicle is stopped; whether the occupants have left the vehicle; whether there are objects (obstacles, other vehicles, etc.) and / or pedestrians around the vehicle; whether the rear door is open; and whether there are suspicious persons approaching, so that at least one of the multiple images 31, 32 and 33 or images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75, as well as the illumination area 35 or the illumination areas 65 and 66, can be projected onto the ground 3 in various colors. Image light projection unit 11 or 41 can project a light pattern of a first color onto the ground 3, so that an image illuminated by the first color (i.e., image light of the first color) can be projected onto the ground 3. Image light projection unit 11 or 41 can also project a light pattern of a second color onto the ground 3, so that an image illuminated by the second color (i.e., image light of the second color) can be projected onto the ground 3. Diffuse light projection unit 12 or 42 can project a diffuse light pattern of the first color onto the ground 3, so that an illuminated area of ​​the first color can be projected onto the ground 3. Diffuse light projection unit 12 or 42 can also project a diffuse light pattern of the second color onto the ground 3, so that an illuminated area of ​​the second color can be projected onto the ground 3.

[0128] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a vehicle's rear lighting system 10 or 40.

[0129] Reference Figure 11 The controller 13 can calculate the movement path 30 or movement paths 61 and 62 of the rear door 5 or 7 based on the specifications (size, structure, shape, size, etc.) of the rear door 5 or 7 monitored by the rear door monitoring unit 14k, and determine the display positions of multiple images 31, 32 and 33 or images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75, as well as the range (e.g., size) of the lighting area 35 or the range of the lighting areas 65 and 66 (S1) based on the calculated movement path 30 or movement paths 61 and 62 of the rear door 5 or 7.

[0130] The controller 13 can determine whether the vehicle speed has decreased (decelerated) via the vehicle speed sensor 14e (S2).

[0131] If it is determined in S2 that the vehicle speed has decreased, the controller 13 can determine whether the vehicle 1 is moving backward via the reversing sensor 14f (S3).

[0132] If it is determined in S3 that vehicle 1 is moving backward (reversing), controller 13 can control the operation of image light projection unit 11 or 41 to project at least one of the multiple images 31, 32 and 33 or images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 indicating that vehicle 1 is reversing in a first color (e.g., white), and control the operation of diffuse light projection unit 12 or 42 to project illumination area 35 or illumination areas 65 and 66 in a first color (e.g., white) (S4).

[0133] If vehicle 1 is moving backward, controller 13 can determine whether the steering wheel angle has changed via steering wheel sensor 14g (S5).

[0134] If the steering wheel sensor 14g determines that the steering wheel angle has changed in S5, the reversing direction of the vehicle can be determined according to the change in the steering wheel angle. The controller 13 can control the operation of the image light projection unit 11 or 41 to project at least one of the multiple images 31, 32 and 33 or images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 indicating the reversing direction of the vehicle in the first color, and control the operation of the diffuse light projection unit 12 or 42 to project the illumination area 35 or illumination areas 65 and 66 in the first color (S6).

[0135] The controller 13 can determine whether there are objects and / or pedestrians around the rear of the vehicle 1 via the external camera 14a (S7).

[0136] If it is determined in S7 that there is an object and / or pedestrian around the rear of vehicle 1, controller 13 may control the operation of image light projection unit 11 or 41 to project at least one of the multiple images 31, 32 and 33 or images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 indicating the reversing direction of the vehicle in a second color (e.g., red), and control the operation of diffuse light projection unit 12 or 42 to project illumination area 35 or illumination areas 65 and 66 in a second color (e.g., red) (S8).

[0137] If it is determined in S2 that the vehicle speed has decreased, the controller 13 can determine whether the vehicle 1 has stopped via the vehicle speed sensor 14e (S9).

[0138] If it is determined in S9 that vehicle 1 has stopped, controller 13 can control the operation of image light projection unit 11 or 41 to project all of the plurality of images 31, 32 and 33 or images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 in a first color (e.g., white) (S10).

[0139] The controller 13 can determine whether the occupant has left the vehicle 1 via the seat sensor 14c and the seat belt sensor 14d (S11).

[0140] If it is determined in S11 that the occupant has left vehicle 1, the controller 13 can control the operation of the diffuse light projection unit 12 or 42 to project the illumination area 35 or illumination areas 65 and 66 in the first color (e.g., white) while the image light projection unit 11 or 41 is projecting all of the plurality of images 31, 32 and 33 or images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 in the first color (e.g., white) (S12).

[0141] The controller 13 can determine whether the occupant is located near the rear of the vehicle 1 via the external camera 14a (S13).

[0142] If it is determined in S13 that the occupant is located near the rear of vehicle 1, the controller 13 can determine whether the rear door 5 or 7 is open via the rear door monitoring unit 14k (S14).

[0143] If it is determined in S14 that the back door 5 or 7 has been opened, the controller 13 can control the operation of the image light projection unit 11 or 41 to project and flash all the plurality of images 31, 32 and 33 or images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 in a second color (e.g., red) (i.e., each image light is repeatedly turned on and off at a fixed interval), and control the operation of the diffuse light projection unit 12 or 42 to project and flash the illumination area 35 or illumination areas 65 and 66 in a second color (e.g., red) (i.e., each illumination area is repeatedly turned on and off at a fixed interval) (S16).

[0144] If it is determined in S14 that the back door 5 or 7 is not open, the controller 13 can control the operation of the image light projection unit 11 or 41 and the diffuse light projection unit 12 or 42 to close multiple images 31, 32 and 33 or images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 and the lighting area 35 or the lighting areas 65 and 66 (S17).

[0145] If it is determined in S13 that an occupant is located near the rear of vehicle 1, the controller 13 can determine via external camera 14a whether a suspicious person is approaching the rear of vehicle 1 (S15).

[0146] If it is determined in S15 that a suspicious person is approaching the rear of vehicle 1, controller 13 can control the operation of image light projection unit 11 or 41 to project and flash multiple images 31, 32 and 33 or images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 in a second color (e.g., red), and control the operation of diffuse light projection unit 12 or 42 to project and flash illumination area 35 or illumination areas 65 and 66 in a second color (e.g., red) (S16).

[0147] If it is determined in S15 that no suspicious persons approach the rear of vehicle 1, controller 13 can control the operation of image light projection unit 11 or 41 and diffuse light projection unit 12 or 42 to turn off multiple images 31, 32 and 33 or images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 and illumination area 35 or illumination areas 65 and 66 (S17).

[0148] The first color can be used to provide guidance, indicating that vehicle 1 is reversing, the direction of reversing, vehicle 1 is stopping, occupants are leaving the vehicle, and occupants are near the rear of vehicle 1, while the second color can be used to provide warnings, indicating that rear door 5 or 7 is open, that there are objects and / or pedestrians around the rear of vehicle 1, and that suspicious persons are approaching.

[0149] Figures 12 to 19 Show Figures 1 to 5 Control operation of the vehicle rear lighting system 10 shown.

[0150] Reference Figure 12 The controller 13 can check the specifications (size, structure, size, shape, etc.) of the rear door 5 through the rear door monitoring unit 14k and confirm that the rear door 5 is a hatchback tailgate. The controller 13 can calculate the movement path 30 of the rear door 5 based on the information of the rear door 5, and determine the display positions of multiple images 31, 32 and 33 and the range of the lighting area 35 based on the calculated movement path 30 of the rear door 5.

[0151] Reference Figure 13 If vehicle 1 is moving backward or reversing (see the direction indicated by arrow R) to park, the image light projection unit 11 can project the third image 33 among a plurality of images 31, 32 and 33 in the first color, and the diffuse light projection unit 12 can project the illumination area 35 in the first color.

[0152] Reference Figure 14 When vehicle 1 moves backward or reverses, image light projection unit 11 can project some of the multiple images 31, 32, and 33 in a first color to indicate the reversing direction of the vehicle. Figure 14 As shown, if vehicle 1 reverses to the left (see the direction indicated by arrow L), a first image 31 and a third image 33 can be projected in the first color, and an illuminated area 35 can also be projected in the first color. Although not shown, if vehicle 1 reverses to the right, a second image 32 and a third image 33 can be projected in the first color, and an illuminated area 35 can also be projected in the first color.

[0153] Reference Figure 15If there are objects and / or pedestrians 8 around the rear of vehicle 1, the image light projection unit 11 can project a partial image (e.g., the first image 31 and the third image 33) in the second color, and the diffuse light projection unit 12 can project the illumination area 35 in the second color.

[0154] Reference Figure 16 If vehicle 1 stops, the image light projection unit 11 can project all the multiple images 31, 32 and 33 in the first color.

[0155] Reference Figure 17 When all the multiple images 31, 32 and 33 are illuminated in the first color, if the occupant 9 leaves the vehicle 1, the diffuse light projection unit 12 can project the illumination area 35 in the first color.

[0156] Reference Figure 18 If the occupant 9 is located near the rear of the vehicle 1, the image light projection unit 11 can project all images 31, 32 and 33 in the first color, and the diffuse light projection unit 12 can project the illumination area 35 in the first color.

[0157] If the external camera 14a detects that the occupant is outside a predetermined range (e.g., a radius of 5m) of the vehicle 1, multiple images 31, 32, and 33, as well as the lighting area 35, can be automatically turned off. Alternatively, the occupant can manually turn off multiple images 31, 32, and 33, as well as the lighting area 35, using a smart key and a mobile phone.

[0158] Reference Figure 19 If the external camera 14a detects that the occupant 9 is away from the rear of the vehicle 1 with the rear door 5 open, or that a suspicious person 4 is approaching the rear of the vehicle 1, then the image light projection unit 11 can project and flash all the multiple images 31, 32 and 33 in the second color (i.e., each image light is repeatedly turned on and off at a fixed interval), and the diffuse light projection unit 12 can project and flash the second color in the illuminated area 35 (i.e., the illuminated area is repeatedly turned on and off at a fixed interval).

[0159] If the rear door 5 is closed or the suspicious person is away from the rear of vehicle 1, multiple images 31, 32 and 33, as well as the lighting area 35, can be turned off.

[0160] Figures 20 to 27 Show Figure 6 and Figure 7 Control operation of the vehicle rear lighting system 40 shown.

[0161] Reference Figure 20The controller 13 can check the specifications (size, structure, size, shape, etc.) of the rear door 7 through the rear door monitoring unit 14k, and confirm that the rear door 7 is a double-door tailgate. The controller 13 can calculate the first movement path 61 and the second movement path 62 of the rear door 7 based on the information of the rear door 7, and determine the display positions of multiple images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 and the range of the first lighting area 65 and the second lighting area 66 based on the calculated first movement path 61 and the second movement path 62 of the rear door 7.

[0162] Reference Figure 21 If vehicle 1 is moving backward or reversing (see the direction indicated by arrow R) to park, the image light projection unit 41 can project a third image 73 among a plurality of images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 in a first color, and the diffuse light projection unit 42 can project a first illumination area 65 and a second illumination area 66 in a first color.

[0163] Reference Figure 22 When vehicle 1 moves backward or reverses, image light projection unit 41 can project some of the multiple images 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75 in a first color to indicate the reversing direction of the vehicle. Figure 22 As shown, if vehicle 1 reverses to the left (see the direction indicated by arrow L), a first image 71, a third image 73, and a fourth image 74 can be projected in the first color, and a first illumination area 65 can also be projected in the first color. Although not shown, if vehicle 1 reverses to the right, a second image 72, a third image 73, and a fifth image 75 can be projected in the first color, and a second illumination area 66 can also be projected in the first color.

[0164] Reference Figure 23 If there are objects and / or pedestrians 8 around the rear of vehicle 1, the image light projection unit 41 can project a partial image (e.g., first image 71, third image 73 and fourth image 74) in a second color, and the diffuse light projection unit 42 can project a first illumination area 65 in a second color.

[0165] Reference Figure 24 If vehicle 1 stops, the image light projection unit 41 can project all of the multiple images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 in the first color.

[0166] Reference Figure 25 When all the multiple images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 are projected in the first color, if the occupant 9 leaves the vehicle 1, the diffuse light projection unit 42 can project the first illumination area 65 and the second illumination area 66 in the first color.

[0167] Reference Figure 26If the occupant 9 is located near the rear of the vehicle 1, the image light projection unit 41 can project all the plurality of images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 in the first color, and the diffuse light projection unit 42 can project the first illumination area 65 and the second illumination area 66 in the first color.

[0168] Then, if the external camera 14a detects that the occupant is outside a predetermined range (e.g., a radius of 5m) from the vehicle 1, multiple images 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75, as well as the first lighting area 65 and the second lighting area 66, can be automatically turned off. Alternatively, the occupant can manually turn off multiple images 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75, as well as the first lighting area 65 and the second lighting area 66, using a smart key and a mobile phone.

[0169] Reference Figure 27 If the external camera 14a detects that the rear door 7 is open, or that a suspicious person 4 is near the rear of the vehicle 1, the image light projection unit 41 can project and flash all the multiple images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 in the second color (i.e., each image light is repeatedly turned on and off at a fixed interval), and the diffuse light projection unit 42 can project and flash the first illumination area 65 and the second illumination area 66 in the second color (i.e., each illumination area is repeatedly turned on and off at a fixed interval).

[0170] If the rear door 7 is closed or the suspicious person is away from the rear of the vehicle 1, multiple images 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75, as well as the first lighting area 65 and the second lighting area 66, can be turned off.

[0171] As described above, the vehicle rear lighting system can be configured to control the operation of the image light projection unit and the diffuse light projection unit based on the following information, allowing at least one of multiple light patterns and a diffuse light pattern to be projected onto the ground, thereby projecting at least one of multiple images (image lights) and an illuminated area onto the ground in various colors: the movement path of the rear door, whether the vehicle is reversing, the reversing direction of the vehicle, whether the vehicle is stopped, whether the occupants have left the vehicle, whether there are objects (obstacles, other vehicles, etc.) and / or pedestrians near the rear of the vehicle, whether the rear door is open, whether any suspicious persons are approaching, etc. Therefore, if the vehicle is stopped and parked at night, the vehicle rear lighting system can optically display vehicle information and rear door information.

[0172] Figure 28 An example computing system (e.g., a computing device in a vehicle or any other device) is shown. One or more controllers, processors, etc., described herein may be implemented in this computing system, or may be implemented in this computing system.

[0173] The computing system (also known as a computer, computing device, etc.) 1000 may include at least one processor 1100, memory 1300, user interface input device 1400, user interface output device 1500, storage device 1600 and network interface 1700, which are interconnected via bus 1200.

[0174] Processor 1100 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device for processing instructions stored in memory 1300 and / or storage device 1600. Memory 1300 and storage device 1600 may include various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, memory 1300 may include read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM).

[0175] A communication interface (also known as a communication device, communicator, communication module, communication unit, etc.), such as network interface 1700, allows software and / or data to be transmitted between the device and one or more external devices, and / or between one or more components of the device. A communication interface may include a receiver, transmitter, transceiver, modem, network interface and / or adapter (e.g., Ethernet adapter), radio transceiver, antenna, communication port, PCMCIA slot and card, etc. The software and data transmitted through the communication interface may be in the form of signals, such as electronic signals, electromagnetic signals, optical signals, infrared signals, or other signals that can be received by the communication interface. These signals can be provided to the communication interface through a communication path of the device, which may be implemented using, for example, wires or cables, optical fibers, cellular links, radio frequency (RF) links, and / or other communication channels. The communication interface can use one or more communication protocols for communication, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), Infrared Data Communication (IrDA), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G New Radio (NR), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), Controller Area Network (CAN), or Local Interconnect Network (LIN).

[0176] Therefore, the operation of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the example embodiments disclosed in this specification can be directly implemented using hardware modules, software modules, or a combination of hardware and software modules, and these operations are executed by processor 1100. Software modules may reside on storage media (i.e., memory 1300 and / or storage device 1600), such as RAM, flash memory, ROM, erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk drives, removable disks, or optical disc-ROMs (CD-ROMs).

[0177] The storage medium can be connected to the processor 1100. The processor 1100 can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium can be integrated with the processor 1100. The processor and storage medium can be implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC can be located in the user terminal. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can be implemented as separate components in the user terminal.

[0178] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle rear lighting system disposed at the rear of a vehicle near the rear door may include: an image light projection unit that projects multiple light patterns onto the ground near the rear door to display multiple images respectively; a diffuse light projection unit that projects diffuse light patterns onto the ground near the rear door to define an illumination area; and a controller that controls the image light projection unit and the diffuse light projection unit based on vehicle information and rear door information obtained from a vehicle information system.

[0179] According to this disclosure, a vehicle rear lighting system located at the rear of a vehicle near the rear door may include: an image light projection unit that projects multiple light patterns onto the ground near the rear door to display multiple images respectively; a diffuse light projection unit that projects diffuse light patterns onto the ground near the rear door to define an illumination area; and a controller that controls the image light projection unit and the diffuse light projection unit based on vehicle information and rear door information obtained from a vehicle information system.

[0180] Multiple images can define at least a portion of the backdoor motion path, and the lighting area can include the backdoor motion path.

[0181] The controller can be configured to calculate the motion path of the back door based on its specifications, and determine the display positions and lighting areas of multiple images based on the calculated motion path.

[0182] The image light projection unit and the diffuse light projection unit can be located at the rear of the vehicle.

[0183] The image light projection unit may include multiple image light projectors for projecting multiple light patterns onto the ground.

[0184] Each image light projector may include a light source and an optical system for projecting light emitted from the light source onto the ground. The optical system may include a light shield with patterned openings to define a light pattern and multiple lenses disposed behind the light shield.

[0185] A diffused light projection unit may include a light source and a diffuser, which diffuses the light emitted by the light source onto the ground.

[0186] The vehicle information system may include multiple sensors for sensing vehicle information and a rear door monitoring unit for monitoring rear door information.

[0187] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for controlling a vehicle rear lighting system, the vehicle rear lighting system being disposed near the vehicle's rear door and comprising: an image light projection unit for projecting a plurality of light patterns onto the ground near the rear door to display a plurality of images defining at least a portion of the rear door's movement path; and a diffuse light projection unit for projecting a diffuse light pattern onto the ground near the rear door to define an illumination area including the rear door's movement path, the method comprising: calculating the rear door's movement path based on the rear door's specifications, and determining the display positions of the plurality of images and the extent of the illumination area based on the calculated rear door movement path; and projecting at least one of the plurality of images indicating vehicle reversing in a first color, and projecting the illumination area in the first color while the vehicle is reversing after its speed has decreased.

[0188] The method may further include: projecting at least one of a plurality of images indicating the reversing direction of the vehicle in a first color; and projecting an illuminated area in the first color while the steering wheel angle is changed.

[0189] The method may further include: projecting at least one of a plurality of images indicating the reversing direction of the vehicle in a second color; and, in the presence of objects and / or pedestrians around the rear of the vehicle, projecting an illuminated area in a second color.

[0190] The method may also include: projecting multiple images in a first color while the vehicle is stationary.

[0191] The method may also include projecting an illuminated area in a first color when the occupants have left the vehicle.

[0192] The method may also include: when the rear door is open and the occupant is near or away from the rear of the vehicle, projecting and flashing multiple images and lighting areas in a second color.

[0193] The method may also include: projecting and flashing multiple images and lighting areas in a second color when a suspicious person approaches the rear of the vehicle.

[0194] Although this disclosure has been described above with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, but can be modified and altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as claimed in the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle rear lighting system, comprising: One or more image projectors project one or more light patterns onto the ground around the rear door of the vehicle; A diffuse light projector emits a diffuse light pattern onto the illuminated area of ​​the ground around the rear door; as well as The control circuit controls the one or more image projectors and the diffuse light projector based on signals received from one or more sensors of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle rear lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more light patterns indicate at least a portion of the movement path of the rear door, and The lighting area overlaps with the movement path of the rear door.

3. The vehicle rear lighting system according to claim 2, wherein, The control circuit further includes: Based on the dimensions of the rear door, determine the movement path of the rear door; and Based on the movement path of the rear door, the position of the one or more light patterns and the size of the illumination area are determined.

4. The vehicle rear lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more image projectors and the diffuse light projector are disposed at the rear of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle rear lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the one or more image projectors includes a pattern projector that projects a corresponding light pattern from the one or more light patterns onto the ground around the rear door of the vehicle.

6. The vehicle rear lighting system according to claim 5, wherein, The pattern projector includes: Light source, emitting light; and The optical system projects light emitted from the light source onto the ground around the rear door, and The optical system includes: A light shield having one or more patterned openings corresponding to the one or more light patterns; and One or more lenses are disposed behind the light shield.

7. The vehicle rear lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The diffuse light projector includes: Light source, emitting light; and A diffuser diffuses the light emitted from the light source onto the ground around the rear door.

8. The vehicle rear lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more sensors: Collect information about the vehicle; and The signal is generated based on information about the vehicle, and The control circuit further controls the one or more image projectors and the diffuse light projector based on information about the rear door.

9. A method performed by a device of a vehicle, comprising: Based on the dimensions of the vehicle's rear door, determine the movement path of the rear door; Based on the movement path of the rear door, determine the position of one or more light patterns and the size of the illumination area; as well as Based on the fact that the vehicle's speed is decreasing and the vehicle is performing a reversing operation: At least one light pattern indicating the reversing operation of the vehicle is projected in a first color by one or more image projectors of the vehicle. as well as The vehicle's diffuse light projector projects diffuse light of the first color onto the illuminated area.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: based on changes in the angle of the vehicle's steering wheel: At least one light pattern indicating the reversing direction of the vehicle is projected in the first color from the one or more light patterns via the one or more image projectors; and The diffuse light projector projects the diffuse light of the first color onto the illuminated area.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising detecting objects or pedestrians around the rear of the vehicle: At least one light pattern indicating the reversing direction of the vehicle is projected in a second color from the one or more light patterns via the one or more image projectors; and The diffuse light projector projects the diffuse light of the second color onto the illuminated area.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising, based on the vehicle stopping, projecting the one or more light patterns in the first color through the one or more image projectors.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising, based on the departure of a vehicle occupant from the vehicle, projecting the diffused light in the first color onto the illuminated area via the diffused light projector.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: based on detecting that a vehicle occupant is within a threshold distance from the rear of the vehicle: The one or more light patterns are projected and flashed in a second color through the one or more image projectors; and The illuminated area is projected and flashed with the second color through the diffuse light projector.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising based on detecting a person approaching the rear of the vehicle: The one or more light patterns are projected and flashed in a second color through the one or more image projectors; and The illuminated area is projected and flashed with the second color through the diffuse light projector.

16. A vehicle apparatus comprising: Projector, which projects one or more light patterns onto the ground; as well as The control circuit, based on determining that the rear door of the vehicle is open, controls the projector to emit one or more light patterns onto the ground, wherein the one or more light patterns on the ground indicate the clearance area of ​​the rear door.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, The projector includes at least one of a pattern projector and a diffuse light projector.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, The control circuit further controls the projector to project one or more light patterns onto the ground and flash the one or more light patterns on the ground based on the determination that a person is approaching the vehicle.

19. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, Each of the one or more light patterns includes a line segment indicating the boundary of the clearance area.

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