Lighting device for a vehicle and control procedure therefor
The integrated vehicle lighting system addresses high costs and limited functionality by switching between front and rear light functions based on direction, enhancing safety and reducing costs for autonomous vehicles.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102020122786
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2019-09-16
- Filing Date
- 2020-09-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-15
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-09-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle lighting systems have separate front and rear lights, leading to high production and management costs, and their limited functionality hinders bidirectional driving capabilities, especially in fully autonomous vehicles.
A lighting device with integrated front and rear lights that can switch between functions based on the vehicle's direction of travel, utilizing a control method that synchronizes the operation of multiple lights to perform either front or rear functions depending on the vehicle's direction, including low beam, high beam, brake light, reversing light, daytime running light, and direction indicators.
Reduces production and management costs while enabling bidirectional driving by integrating front and rear light functions, enhancing visibility and safety in autonomous vehicles.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Background of the invention: Area
[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a lighting device for a vehicle and a control method therefor, and in particular a lighting device for a vehicle which is designed with integrated front and rear lights, can be installed in the same way in the front and rear of the vehicle, and can perform a front light function and a rear light function depending on the direction of travel, and a control method therefor. Discussion of the background of the invention
[0002] Generally, a vehicle has a lighting device for the purpose of making objects in the direction of travel easier to see during night driving and of informing users of other vehicles or other roads about the vehicle's driving condition.
[0003] The lighting device is a front light, also referred to as a headlight, which is a light used to illuminate a path in front of the vehicle, and is also switched on to check for obstacles on a road at a distance of 100 m at night, and adopts a position light (PSTN) which indicates the presence and width of the vehicle when switched on at night.
[0004] Furthermore, the rear light is a light located at the rear of the vehicle, which consists of a brake light that is switched on when a brake pedal is pressed, a direction indicator that informs of a change of direction, a reversing light that is switched on when a reverse gear is engaged, and the like, and refers to a light that serves to carry out a complex function.
[0005] To reduce traffic accidents, new regulations have recently been introduced that require the use of a light even during the day, and daytime running lights (DRL) are provided in the front light to comply with these regulations.
[0006] The prior art of the present disclosure is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 1360345 (published on February 10, 2014, entitled “Lamp Apparatus for Automobile”). DE 100 07 984 A9 discloses a lighting device for a vehicle with the features of the preamble of claim 1. Overview of the invention
[0007] Since, as previously described, the front light and the rear light are developed separately for their respective purposes and fitted according to the respective vehicle type, the problem is that production and management costs are high.
[0008] Furthermore, the front and rear lights are switched on according to their use. Therefore, even if fully autonomous driving makes two-way driving possible, the limited functionality of the front and rear lights can make it difficult.
[0009] Numerous different embodiments relate to the provision of a lighting device for a vehicle, which is designed with integrated front and rear lights, can be installed in the same way in the front and rear of the vehicle, and can perform a front light function and a rear light function depending on the direction of travel, and a control method for this.
[0010] In one embodiment, a lighting device for a vehicle comprises: a first integrated light, which is installed either in the front or the rear of a vehicle and has several lights, one or more of which are switched on according to a lighting mode; a second integrated light, which is installed at a position between or outside the front and rear of the vehicle, different from the position at which the first integrated light is installed, and has several lights, one or more of which are switched on according to the lighting mode; a direction input unit configured to receive a direction of travel from a peripheral control device of the vehicle; a control signal input unit configured to receive control signals for switching the lights on and off from the peripheral control device of the vehicle;and a lighting control unit configured to receive the direction of travel from the direction of travel input unit in order to set the lighting modes for the first integrated light and the second integrated light, and to control one or more of the multiple lights provided in both the first integrated light and the second integrated light according to the control signals input from the control signal input unit based on the set lighting modes.
[0011] In the present disclosure, the direction of travel includes a direction of rotation of wheels and / or a position of a gearshift lever and / or a position of an oncoming vehicle.
[0012] In the present disclosure, the lighting control unit comprises: a mode setting section configured to receive the direction of travel and to set the lighting modes; a first lighting control section configured to receive a low beam control signal and a brake light control signal according to the lighting modes and to control both the first integrated light and the second integrated light; a second lighting control section configured to receive a high beam control signal and a reversing light control signal according to the lighting modes and to control both the first integrated light and the second integrated light;a third lighting control section configured to receive a taillight control signal and a daytime running light control signal according to the lighting modes and to control both the first integrated light and the second integrated light; a fourth lighting control section configured to receive a direction indicator control signal and to control both the first integrated light and the second integrated light; and a fifth lighting control section configured to receive a steering angle signal and to control both the first integrated light and the second integrated light.
[0013] In the present disclosure, both the first integrated light and the second integrated light have: a first light that operates as a dipped beam or a brake light; a second light that operates as a main beam or a reversing light; a third light that operates as a daytime running light or tail light; a fourth light that operates as a direction indicator; and a fifth light that operates as left and right static cornering lights.
[0014] In the present disclosure, when the lighting mode is a front mode, the first light is operated as the dipped beam, the second light is operated as the main beam, the third light is operated as the daytime running light, the fourth light is operated as the direction change indicator, and the fifth light is operated as the left and right static cornering light.
[0015] In the present disclosure, when the lighting mode is a rear mode, the first light is operated as a brake light, the second light is operated as a reversing light, the third light is operated as a tail light, the fourth light is operated as a direction change indicator, and the fifth light is switched off.
[0016] According to the invention, the lighting control unit sets the lighting modes such that the front mode and the rear mode are opposite to each other in the first integrated light and the second integrated light.
[0017] In the present disclosure, a control method for a lighting device for a vehicle comprises: a step in which a lighting control unit receives a direction of travel from a direction of travel input unit; a step in which the lighting control unit sets lighting modes for a first integrated light and a second integrated light according to the direction of travel; a step in which the lighting control unit receives control signals for switching on and off the lights from a control signal input unit; and a step in which the lighting control unit controls one or more lights provided in the first integrated light and the second integrated light according to the input control signals based on the set lighting modes.
[0018] In the present disclosure, the direction of travel includes a direction of rotation of wheels and / or a position of a gearshift lever and / or a position of an oncoming vehicle.
[0019] According to the invention, in the step of setting the lighting modes for the first integrated light and the second integrated light, the lighting control unit sets the lighting modes in such a way that the front mode and the rear mode are opposite to each other in the first integrated light and the second integrated light.
[0020] In the present disclosure, in the step of controlling the first integrated light and the second integrated light, when the lighting mode is the front mode, the lighting control unit operates a first light as low beam, a second light as high beam, a third light as daytime running light, a fourth light as direction indicator and a fifth light as left and right static cornering light, wherein the first to fifth lights each form the first integrated light and the second integrated light.
[0021] In the present disclosure, in the step of controlling the first integrated light and the second integrated light, when the lighting mode is the rear mode, the lighting control unit operates the first light as a brake light, the second light as a reversing light, the third light as a tail light, the fourth light as a direction change indicator and switches off the fifth light, wherein the first to fifth lights each constitute the first integrated light and the second integrated light respectively.
[0022] According to the vehicle lighting device and the related control method described in one aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle lighting device is designed with integrated front and rear lights, can be installed in the front or rear of the vehicle in the same way, and can perform a front light function and a rear light function depending on the direction of travel. Therefore, the vehicle lighting device and the related control method can reduce production and management costs and can be used in bidirectional driving made possible by fully autonomous driving. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a configuration block diagram for representing a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a more detailed configuration block diagram illustrating a lighting control unit of the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating integrated lights in the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 9 are flowcharts to explain a control procedure for the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed description of the illustrated exemplary embodiments
[0023] A lighting device for a vehicle and a related control method are described below according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. The thickness of lines or the size of components in the drawings may be exaggerated for the sake of simplicity and clarity. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined in the present disclosure with regard to their functions and may be modified according to the habits of users or operators or according to practice. Therefore, the definitions of the terms should be based on the present disclosure as a whole.
[0024] Fig. Figure 1 is a configuration block diagram for representing a lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 2 is a more detailed configuration block diagram for representing a lighting control unit of the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and Fig. Figure 3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating integrated lights in the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] As in Fig. 1 to Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the lighting device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can comprise a first integrated light 40, a second integrated light 50, a direction input unit 10, a control signal input unit 20 and a lighting control unit 30.
[0026] The first integrated light 40 can be mounted either at the front or the rear of a vehicle and can be switched on to perform a front lighting function or a rear lighting function when one or more of several lights contained in the first integrated light 40 are switched on according to a lighting mode.
[0027] The second integrated light 50 can be mounted at a position at the front or rear of the vehicle that differs from the position where the first integrated light 40 is installed and can be switched on to perform a front lighting function or a rear lighting function when one or more of several lights contained in the second integrated light 50 are switched on according to a lighting mode.
[0028] Furthermore, the first integrated light 40 and the second integrated light 50 are operated in such a way that they perform opposite functions to each other. That is, when the first integrated light 40 is switched on to perform the front light function, the second integrated light 50 is switched on to perform the rear light function, and when the first integrated light 40 is switched on to perform the rear light function, the second integrated light 50 is switched on to perform the front light function.
[0029] The first integrated luminaire 40 and the second integrated luminaire 50 can be designed with essentially the same shape or configuration as shown in the exemplary diagram in Fig. 3 shown. Fig. Figure 3 shows only one of the left and right lights that form the first integrated light 40, and only one of the left and right lights that form the second integrated light 50.
[0030] This means that the first integrated light 40 can have a first light 46, a second light 44, a third light 42, a fourth light 48, and a fifth light 49, and the second integrated light 50 can have a first light 56, a second light 54, a third light 52, a fourth light 58, and a fifth light 59. The first lights 46 and 56 can be operated as dipped beam or brake light, the second lights 44 and 54 can be operated as main beam or reversing light, the third lights 42 and 52 can be operated as daytime running light or tail light, the fourth lights 48 and 58 can be operated as turn signals, and the fifth lights 49 and 59 can be operated as left and right static cornering lights.
[0031] In this case, the function in which the second lights 44 and 54 are operated as reversing lights can be omitted in the case of a vehicle in which driving in both directions is possible.
[0032] When the vehicle is cornering, for example, when turning left or right, the fifth lights 49 and 59 act as lights to improve the driver's visibility in the direction of the turn by emitting light in that direction. For example, when the vehicle is turning right, the fifth lights 49 and 59 illuminate to the right to ensure visibility in that direction, and when the vehicle is turning left, they illuminate to the left to ensure visibility in that direction. In such cases, the angles and amounts of light (i.e., light emission distances) at which the fifth lights 49 and 59 emit light to the left or right can be predefined according to the specifications of the vehicle and the lights. Furthermore, the Fig. The 3 shown installation positions of the fifth lights 49 and 59 are exemplary, and these can be installed in different positions within the first integrated light 40 and the second integrated light 50 according to the vehicle's design specifications.
[0033] In this case, the first integrated light 40 and the second integrated light 50 can be made up of tri-color LEDs, so that they can be switched on in white, yellow and red according to the lighting function.
[0034] The direction input unit 10 can receive a direction of travel from a peripheral control device of the vehicle and supply the direction of travel to the lighting control unit 30, so that the lighting control unit 30 sets lighting modes.
[0035] The direction of travel can include the direction of rotation of wheels and / or the position of a gearshift lever and / or the position of an oncoming vehicle. Furthermore, the direction of travel input unit 10 can receive any information suitable for determining the vehicle's direction of travel as the direction of travel.
[0036] The control signal input unit 20 can receive control signals for switching the lights on and off from the peripheral control device of the vehicle and supply the control signals to the light control unit 30.
[0037] The control signal input unit 20 can, for example, receive a low beam control signal, a brake light control signal, a high beam control signal, a reversing light control signal, a tail light control signal, a daytime running light control signal, a direction change indicator control signal and a steering angle signal.
[0038] The daytime running light control signal can also be used as a position light control signal.
[0039] The lighting control unit 30 can receive the direction of travel from the direction of travel input unit 10 in order to set the lighting modes for the first integrated light 40 and the second integrated light 50, and can control one or more of the multiple lights provided in both the first integrated light 40 and the second integrated light 50 according to the control signals input by the control signal input unit 20, based on the set lighting modes.
[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the lighting control unit 30 can have a mode setting section 31, a first lighting control section 32, a second lighting control section 33, a third lighting control section 34, a fourth lighting control section 35, and a fifth lighting control section 36. The mode setting section 31 receives the direction of travel and sets the lighting modes. The first lighting control section 32 receives the low beam control signal and the brake light control signal according to the lighting modes and controls the first light 45 of the first integrated light 40 and the first light 56 of the second integrated light 50. The second lighting control section 33 receives the high beam control signal and the reversing light control signal according to the lighting modes and controls the second light 44 of the first integrated light 40 and the second light 54 of the second integrated light 50.The third lighting control section 34 receives the taillight control signal and the daytime running light control signal according to the lighting modes and controls the third light 42 of the first integrated light 40 and the third light of the second integrated light 50. The fourth lighting control section 35 receives the direction change indicator control signal and controls the fourth light 48 of the first integrated light 40 and the fourth light 59 of the second integrated light 50. The fifth lighting control section 36 receives the steering angle signal and controls the fifth light 49 of the first integrated light 40 and the fifth light 59 of the second integrated light 50.
[0041] In this case, when setting the lighting mode, the lighting control unit 30 can adjust the lighting modes for a front mode and a rear mode such that they are opposite to each other in the first integrated light 40 and the second integrated light 50. This means that when the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is set to the front mode, the lighting control unit 30 can set the lighting mode of the second integrated light 50 to the rear mode, and that when the first integrated light 40 is set to the rear mode, the lighting control unit 30 can set the lighting mode of the second integrated light 50 to the front mode.
[0042] Depending on the direction of travel, the mode setting section 31 can, for example, set the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 to the front mode and the lighting mode of the second integrated light 50 to the rear mode.
[0043] In a case where the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is the front mode, when the low beam is switched on according to the low beam control signal, the first light control section 32 can switch on the first light 46 of the first integrated light 40 to switch on the low beam, and when the low beam is not switched on, the first light control section 32 can switch off the first light 46 of the first integrated light to switch off the low beam.
[0044] In a case where the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is the rear mode, if the brake light is switched on according to the brake light control signal, the first light control section 32 can switch on the first light 46 of the first integrated light 40 to switch on the brake light, and if the brake light is not switched on, the first light control section 32 can switch off the first light 46 of the first integrated light 40 to switch off the brake light.
[0045] Furthermore, the first lighting control section 32 can control the second integrated light 50 in essentially the same way as the first integrated light 40 on the basis of the low beam signal and the brake light control signal according to the front mode and the rear mode.
[0046] In a case where the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is the front mode, if the high beam is switched on according to the high beam control signal, the second light control section 33 can switch on the second light 44 of the first integrated light 40 to switch on the high beam, and if the high beam is not switched on, the second light control section 33 can switch off the second light 44 of the first integrated light 40 to switch off the high beam.
[0047] In a case where the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is the rear mode, if the reversing light is switched on according to the reversing light control signal, the second light control section 33 can switch on the second light 44 of the first integrated light 40 to switch on the reversing light 40, and if the reversing light is not switched on, the second light control section 33 can switch off the second light 44 of the first integrated light 40 to switch off the reversing light.
[0048] Furthermore, the second lighting control section 33 can control the second integrated light 50 in essentially the same way as the first integrated light 40, based on the high beam control signal and the reversing light control signal, according to the front mode or the rear mode.
[0049] In this case, the function in which the second lights 44 and 54 are operated as reversing lights can be omitted in the case of a vehicle in which driving in both directions is possible.
[0050] In a case where the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is the front mode, if the daytime running light is switched on according to the daytime running light control signal, the third light control section 34 can switch on the third light 42 of the first integrated light 40 to switch on the daytime running light, and if the daytime running light is not switched on, the third light control section 34 can switch off the third light 42 of the first integrated light 40 to switch off the daytime running light.
[0051] In a case where the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is the tail mode, if the tail light is switched on according to the tail light control signal, the third light control section 34 can switch on the third light 42 of the first integrated light 40 to switch on the tail light, and if the tail light is not switched on, the third light control section 34 can switch off the third light 42 of the first integrated light 40 to switch off the tail light.
[0052] Furthermore, the third lighting control section 34 can control the second integrated light 50 in essentially the same way as the first integrated light 40, based on the daytime running light control signal and the taillight control signal, according to the front mode and the rear mode.
[0053] The fourth light control section 35 can switch the fourth light 48 of the first integrated light 40 and the fourth light 58 of the second integrated light 50 on and off based on the direction change indicator control signal.
[0054] This means that when the left turn signal is switched on according to the turn signal control signal, the fourth lighting control section 35 can switch on the fourth light 48 of the first integrated light 40 and the fourth light 58 of the second integrated light 50, which are mounted on the left side of the vehicle, to switch on the left turn signal. When the right turn signal is switched on according to the turn signal control signal, the fourth lighting control section 35 can switch on the fourth light 48 of the first integrated light 40 and the fourth light 58 of the second integrated light 50, which are mounted on the right side of the vehicle, to switch on the right turn signal.
[0055] If the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is the front mode, the fifth light control section 36 can control the fifth light 49 of the first integrated light 40 to turn it on and off based on the steering angle signal.
[0056] This means that if the steering angle signal corresponds to a preset reference signal or greater in the left direction (for example, a steering angle ≥ +30°, where + indicates the left side), the fifth lighting control section 36 can turn on the fifth light 49 of the first integrated light 40, which is mounted on the left side of the vehicle, and turn off the fifth light 49 of the first integrated light 40, which is mounted on the right side of the vehicle. If the steering angle signal corresponds to a preset reference angle or greater in the right direction (for example, a steering angle ≤ -30°, where - indicates the right side), the fifth lighting control section 36 can turn on the fifth light 49 of the first integrated light 40, which is mounted on the right side of the vehicle, and turn off the fifth light 49 of the first integrated light 40, which is mounted on the left side of the vehicle.If the steering angle signal does not correspond to the aforementioned cases (for example, -30° ≤ steering angle < +30°), the fifth lighting control section 36 can essentially maintain the off states of the fifth lights 49 of the first integrated light 40, which are mounted on the left and right sides of the vehicle. The reference angle can be set to numerous different values based on the specifications of the vehicle and the lights and the developer's test results.
[0057] If, however, the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is the rear mode, the fifth light control section 36 can switch off all of the fifth lights 49 of the first integrated light 40 that are mounted on the left and right sides of the vehicle.
[0058] Furthermore, the fifth lighting control section 36 can control the second integrated light 50 in essentially the same way as the first integrated light 40, based on the steering angle signal according to the front mode and the rear mode.
[0059] As previously described, the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is designed with integrated lights for the front and rear lights, can be installed in the same way at the front and rear of the vehicle, and can perform a front light function and a rear light function depending on the direction of travel. Therefore, the lighting device can reduce production and management costs and can be used in bidirectional driving made possible by fully autonomous driving.
[0060] Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 9 are flowcharts to explain a control procedure for the lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0061] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, in the control method for the lighting device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lighting control unit 30 first receives a direction of travel via the direction of travel input unit 10 (S10).
[0062] The direction of travel can include the direction of wheel rotation and / or the position of a gearshift lever and / or the position of an oncoming vehicle. Furthermore, the lighting control unit can receive any information suitable for determining the vehicle's direction of travel as direction of travel information.
[0063] After receiving the direction of travel in step S10, the lighting control unit sets 30 lighting modes to control the first integrated light 40 and the second integrated light 50 according to the direction of travel (S20).
[0064] In this case, the lighting control unit 30 can set the lighting modes so that they are opposite to each other for the front mode and the rear mode in the first integrated light 40 and the second integrated light 50.
[0065] After setting the lighting modes in step S20, the lighting control unit receives 30 control signals for switching the lights on and off from the control signal input unit (S30).
[0066] The control signals can include the low beam control signal, the brake light control signal, the high beam control signal, the reversing light control signal, the tail light control signal, the daytime running light control signal, and the direction indicator control signal. Furthermore, the daytime running light control signal can also be used as a position light control signal.
[0067] After receiving the control signals in step S30, the lighting control unit 30 controls one or more of the multiple lights contained in the first integrated light 40 and the second integrated light 50, according to the input control signals based on the set lighting modes (S40).
[0068] The foregoing is described in detail below.
[0069] Although the following description is based on the example of the first integrated light 40, the second integrated light 50 is operated in essentially the same way as the first integrated light 40.
[0070] First, the function of the first light, 49, is described. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the lighting control unit 30 determines whether the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is the front mode (S410).
[0071] If in step S410 it is determined that the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is the front mode, the light control unit 30 determines whether the low beam is switched on according to the low beam control signal (S411).
[0072] If in step S411 it is determined that the low beam is switched on, the lighting control unit 30 switches on the first light 46 to switch on the low beam (S412).
[0073] On the other hand, if in step S411 it is determined that the low beam is not switched on, the lighting control unit 30 switches off the first light 36 in order to switch off the low beam (S413).
[0074] If, however, step S410 determines that the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is not the front mode but the rear mode, the light control unit 30 determines whether the brake light is switched on according to the brake light control signal (S414).
[0075] If in step S414 it is determined that the brake light is switched on, the lighting control unit 30 switches on the first light 46 to switch on the brake light (S415).
[0076] On the other hand, if in step S414 it is determined that the brake light is not switched on, the lighting control unit 30 switches off the first light 46 in order to switch off the brake light (S416).
[0077] Next, the operation of the second light, 44, will be described. As in Fig. As described in section 6, the lighting control unit 30 determines whether the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is the front mode (S420).
[0078] If in step S420 it is determined that the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is the front mode, the light control unit 30 determines whether the high beam is switched on according to the high beam control signal (S421).
[0079] If in step S421 it is determined that the high beam is switched on, the lighting control unit 30 switches on the second light 44 to switch on the high beam (S422).
[0080] On the other hand, if step S421 detects that the high beam is not switched on, the lighting control unit 30 switches off the second light 44 in order to switch off the high beam (S423).
[0081] If, however, step S420 determines that the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is not the front mode but the rear mode, the light control unit 30 determines whether the reversing light is switched on according to the reversing light control signal (S424).
[0082] If in step S424 it is determined that the reversing light is switched on, the lighting control unit 30 switches on the second light 44 to switch on the reversing light (S425).
[0083] On the other hand, if step S424 detects that the reversing light is not switched on, the lighting control unit 30 switches off the second light 44 in order to switch off the reversing light (S426).
[0084] The following describes the operation of the third light, number 42. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the lighting control unit 30 determines whether the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is the front mode (S430).
[0085] If in step S430 it is determined that the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is the front mode, the lighting control unit 30 determines whether the daytime running light is switched on according to the daytime running light control signal (S431).
[0086] If step S431 detects that the daytime running lights are switched on, the lighting control unit 30 switches on the third light 42 to switch on the daytime running lights (S432).
[0087] If, however, step S431 detects that the daytime running lights are not switched on, the lighting control unit 30 switches off the third light 42 to switch off the daytime running lights (S433).
[0088] If, however, in step S430 it is determined that the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is not the front mode but the rear mode, the light control unit 30 determines whether the tail light is switched on according to the tail light control signal (S434).
[0089] If in step S434 it is determined that the tail light is switched on, the lighting control unit 30 switches on the third light 42 to switch on the tail light (S435).
[0090] If, however, step S434 detects that the tail light is not switched on, the lighting control unit 30 switches off the third light 42 in order to switch off the tail light (S436).
[0091] The following describes the functions of the fourth lights 48 and 58. The fourth lights 48 and 58 are operated in essentially the same way as the first integrated light 40 and the second integrated light 50 and are divided according to their installation positions into the fourth lights 48 and 58 mounted on the left side of the vehicle and the fourth lights 48 and 58 mounted on the right side.
[0092] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the lighting control unit 30 determines whether the left direction change indicator is switched on in accordance with the direction change indicator control signal (S440).
[0093] If in step S440 it is determined that the left direction indicator is switched on, the lighting control unit 30 switches on the first lights 48 and 58 mounted on the left side of the vehicle to switch on the left direction indicator (S442).
[0094] If, however, step S440 detects that the left turn signal indicator is not switched on, the lighting control unit 30 determines whether the right turn signal indicator is switched on (S444).
[0095] If in step S444 it is determined that the right direction indicator is switched on, the lighting control unit 30 switches on the first lights 48 and 58 mounted on the right side of the vehicle to switch on the right direction indicator (S446).
[0096] However, if in step S444 it is determined that the right direction indicator is not switched on, i.e., neither the left nor the right direction indicator is switched on, the lighting control unit 30 switches off the fourth lights 48 and 58 mounted on the left and right sides of the vehicle in order to switch off the left and right direction indicators (S448).
[0097] The following describes the functions of the fifth lights, 49 and 59. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the lighting control unit 30 determines whether the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is the front mode (S450).
[0098] If in step S450 it is determined that the lighting mode of the first integrated light 30 is the front mode, the light control unit 30 determines whether the steering angle signal corresponds to a preset reference angle or more to the left (S451).
[0099] If in step S451 it is determined that the steering angle signal corresponds to the reference angle or more in the left direction, the lighting control unit 30 switches on the fifth light 49 of the first integrated light 40 which is mounted on the left side of the vehicle (S452).
[0100] If, however, in step S451 it is determined that the steering angle signal does not correspond to the reference angle signal or more in the left direction, the lighting control unit 30 determines whether the steering angle signal corresponds to a reference angle or more in the right direction (S453).
[0101] If in step S453 it is determined that the steering angle signal corresponds to the reference angle or more in the right direction, the lighting control unit 30 switches on the fifth light 49 of the first integrated light 40 which is mounted on the right side of the vehicle (S454).
[0102] However, if step S453 detects that the steering angle signal does not correspond to the reference angle or is more to the right, the vehicle will not turn. Therefore, the lighting control unit 30 essentially maintains the off state of the fifth lights 49 of the first integrated light 40, which are mounted on the left and right sides of the vehicle (S455).
[0103] However, if in step 450 it is determined that the lighting mode of the first integrated light 40 is not the front mode but the rear mode, the lighting control unit 30 essentially maintains the off states of the fifth lights 49 of the first integrated light 40, which are mounted on the left and right sides of the vehicle (S455).
[0104] The previously described steps S450 to S455 were described using the first integrated luminaire 40 as an example, and essentially the same procedure applies to the second integrated luminaire 50.
[0105] As previously described, according to the control method for the lighting device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lighting device for a vehicle is provided with integrated lights for front and rear lights, can be installed in the same way at the front or rear of the vehicle, and can perform a front light function and a rear light function depending on the direction of travel. Therefore, the control method can reduce production and management costs and can be used in bidirectional driving made possible by fully autonomous driving.
[0106] Furthermore, the implementations described in this description can be implemented, for example, by a method or process, a device, a software program, and a data stream or signal. Although discussed only in connection with a single form of implementation (for example, only as a method), the features discussed can also be implemented in other forms (for example, as a device or program). The device can be implemented with suitable hardware, software, firmware, and the like. The method can be implemented in a device such as a processor, which generally refers to processing devices including a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic device.The processor includes a communication device such as a computer, mobile phone, portable / personal digital assistant (PDA), and other devices that facilitate the transfer of information between end users.
[0107] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, the embodiments of the disclosure serve only illustrative purposes, and it is evident to the person skilled in the art that numerous different possible modifications and other equivalent embodiments result from them.
[0108] The true technical framework of the disclosure should therefore be defined by the following claims.
Claims
[1] Lighting device for a vehicle, wherein the lighting device comprises: a first integrated light (40) which is installed either at the front or rear of a vehicle and has several lights, one or more of which lights are switched on according to a lighting mode; a second integrated light (50) which is installed at a position at the front and rear of the vehicle that differs from the position at which the first integrated light (40) is installed and which has several lights, wherein one or more of the several lights are switched on according to the lighting mode; a direction input unit (10) configured to receive a direction of travel from a peripheral control device of the vehicle; a control signal input unit (20) configured to receive control signals for switching the lights on and off from the vehicle's peripheral control device; and a lighting control unit (30) configured to receive the direction of travel from the direction of travel input unit (10) in order to set the lighting modes for the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50), and to control one or more of the multiple lights provided in both the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50) according to the control signals input by the control signal input unit (20) on the basis of the set lighting modes, characterized by , that the lighting control unit (30) sets the lighting modes such that the front mode and the rear mode are opposite to each other in the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50). [2] Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the direction of travel includes a direction of rotation of wheels and / or a position of a gearshift lever and / or a position of an oncoming vehicle. [3] Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting control unit (30) comprises: a mode setting section (31) designed to receive the direction of travel and to set the lighting modes; a first lighting control section (32) which is configured to receive a low beam control signal and a brake light control signal according to the lighting modes and to control both the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50); a second lighting control section (33) which is configured to receive a high beam control signal and a reversing light control signal according to the lighting modes and to control both the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50); a third lighting control section (34) which is configured to receive a taillight control signal and a daytime running light control signal according to the lighting modes and to control both the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50); a fourth lighting control section (35) configured to receive a direction indicator control signal and to control both the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50); and a fifth lighting control section (36) which is configured to receive a steering angle signal and to control both the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50). [4] Lighting device according to claim 3, in which both the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50) have: a first light (46, 56) which is operated as a dipped beam or a brake light; a second light (44, 54) which is operated as a high beam or a reversing light; a third light (42, 52) which is operated as a daytime running light or rear light; a fourth light (48, 58) which is operated as a direction indicator; and a fifth light (49, 59) which is operated as left and right static cornering lights. [5] Lighting device according to claim 4, in which, when the lighting mode is a front mode, the first light (46, 56) is operated as low beam, the second light (44, 54) is operated as high beam, the third light (42, 52) is operated as daytime running light, the fourth light (48, 58) is operated as direction change indicator, and the fifth light (49, 59) is operated as the left and right static cornering light. [6] Lighting device according to claim 4, in which, when the lighting mode is a rear mode, the first light (46, 56) is operated as a brake light, the second light (44, 54) is operated as a reversing light, the third light (42, 52) is operated as a tail light, the fourth light (48, 58) is operated as a direction change indicator, and the fifth light (49, 59) is switched off. [7] Control method of a lighting device for a vehicle, wherein the control method comprises: a step in which a lighting control unit (30) receives a direction of travel from a direction of travel input unit; a step in which the lighting control unit (30) sets lighting modes for a first integrated light (40) and a second integrated light (50) according to the direction of travel; a step in which the lighting control unit (30) receives control signals to switch the lights on and off from a control signal input unit; and a step in which the lighting control unit (30) controls one or more lights provided in the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50) according to the input control signals based on the set lighting modes, characterized by , that The lighting control unit (30) in the step of setting the lighting modes for the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50) sets the lighting modes such that the front mode and the rear mode are opposite to each other in the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50). [8] Control method according to claim 8, wherein the direction of travel includes a direction of rotation of wheels and / or a position of a gearshift lever and / or a position of an oncoming vehicle. [9] Control method according to claim 7, wherein the lighting control unit (30) in the step of controlling the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50), when the lighting mode is the front mode, operates a first light (46, 56) as low beam, a second light (44, 54) as high beam, a third light (42, 52) as daytime running light, a fourth light (48, 58) as direction change indicator and a fifth light (49, 59) as left and right static cornering light, wherein the first to fifth lights (42, 44, 46, 48, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 59) each form the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50). [10] Control method according to claim 7, wherein the lighting control unit (30) in the step of controlling the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50), when the lighting mode is the rear mode, operates the first light (46, 56) as a brake light, operates the second light (44, 54) as a reversing light, operates the third light (42, 52) as a tail light, operates the fourth light (48, 58) as a direction change indicator and switches off the fifth light (49, 59), wherein the first to fifth lights (42, 44, 46, 48, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 59) each form the first integrated light (40) and the second integrated light (50).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
KR000101360345B1
DE000010007984A9