Headlight system for vehicle and operating procedure thereof

Abstract

Headlight system for a vehicle, the system comprising: a vehicle sensor (10) designed to detect driving situations of a vehicle; a first digital micromirror device module (DMD module) (31) and a second DMD module (32) comprising a plurality of micromirrors; and a module controller (20) designed to control the plurality of micromirrors contained in the first and second DMD modules (31, 32) based on signals provided by the vehicle sensor (10), wherein the module control (20) selects road surface information according to the driving situations based on the signals provided by the vehicle sensor (10) and controls the first and second DMD modules to implement an image on a road surface according to the selected road surface information, characterized by that the module control (20) controls a priority according to a predetermined weighting based on signals provided by the vehicle sensor (10) and selects the road surface information depending on the set priority.

Description

REFERENCE TO A RELATED REGISTRATION

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean patent application No. 10-2020-0146362, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 4, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a headlight system of a vehicle and an operating method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0003] Generally, a vehicle is equipped with a lighting device to allow a driver to see objects in a direction of travel at night and to inform other vehicles or users on other roads about the vehicle's driving status.

[0004] A headlight (“Head Lamp”), also known as a “Head Light” in English, is a light that illuminates a path in front of the vehicle, and consequently there is a need for brightness that is able to detect obstacles on a road at a distance of 100 m in front of the vehicle at night.

[0005] The vehicle's headlights emit light in the direction directly in front of the vehicle. Therefore, the headlights are one of the safety devices that help prevent accidents by ensuring the driver has a wide field of vision. The beam patterns implemented by the headlights include low beam mode, high beam mode, adaptive driving beam mode (ADB mode), and similar settings.

[0006] ADB mode is a type of beam pattern implemented in intelligent headlights. It refers to a mode in which the direction and angle of the light are automatically adjusted depending on driving conditions. ADB mode utilizes a technology that automatically activates high and low beam modes by detecting the vehicle ahead via a camera sensor. Simultaneously, ADB mode incorporates a technology that prevents glare from other drivers by switching to low beam or creating a shadow zone when a vehicle ahead appears, while the vehicle is operating in high beam mode under normal driving conditions.

[0007] In the case of conventional ADB, however, the technology of detecting a vehicle in the direction of travel and creating a shadow zone (a dark area) can reduce the driver's visibility, as the shadow zone is wide, through a method of switching LEDs on and off. DE 10 2017 223 439 A1 discloses a headlight system for a vehicle with the features of the preamble of claim 1. WO 2017 / 214 648 A1, US 2008 / 0 175 012 A1, DE 10 2015 012 022 A1 and DE 10 2017 200 781 A1 disclose further headlight systems for vehicles. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present disclosure was made to solve the aforementioned problems arising from the prior art, while retaining the advantages gained through the prior art.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a headlight system for a vehicle that is capable of improving driver visibility and reducing the glare to a driver traveling in the opposite direction by minimizing a dark area, and an operating method thereof.

[0010] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a headlight system for a vehicle that is capable of implementing a communication function between a driver and a user (a driver traveling in the opposite direction, pedestrian, bicycle or the like) on another road by converting an image onto a road surface depending on driving situations in order to improve comfort and safety, and an operating method thereof.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved by the present inventive concept are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned herein are clearly understood by the person skilled in the art in the field to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a headlight system for a vehicle may comprise: a vehicle sensor for detecting driving situations of a vehicle, a first Digital Micro mirror Device Module (DMD module) and a second DMD module comprising a plurality of micromirrors, and a module controller for controlling the plurality of micromirrors contained in the first and second DMD modules based on signals provided by the vehicle sensor.

[0013] In one embodiment, each of the first and second DMD modules can comprise a light source for emitting light, a plurality of micromirrors for reflecting the emitted light from the light source, and an optical system that receives light reflected from the plurality of micromirrors to generate a light distribution pattern.

[0014] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of micromirrors can form the light distribution pattern by rotating in order to reflect the light emitted by the light source to the optical system under control of the module control, or can create a dark area by rotating so that light emitted by the light source does not enter the optical system.

[0015] In one embodiment, the module controller can control some of the multitude of micromirrors to reflect light to the optical system, and can control the remaining multitude of micromirrors not to reflect light.

[0016] In one embodiment, the module control can change the size of the dark area contained in a high beam by increasing or decreasing the number of micromirrors that, from the multitude of micromirrors, do not reflect light to the optical system.

[0017] In one embodiment, the module control can change the horizontal size of the dark area by increasing or decreasing the number of micromirrors in a horizontal direction, which, from the multitude of micromirrors, do not reflect light to the optical system.

[0018] In one embodiment, the module control can change the vertical size of the dark area by increasing or decreasing the number of micromirrors in a vertical direction, which, from the multitude of micromirrors, do not reflect light to the optical system.

[0019] According to the invention, the module control selects road surface information according to the driving situations based on the signals provided by the vehicle sensor and controls the first and second DMD modules so that they convert an image onto a road surface according to the selected road surface information.

[0020] In one embodiment, the module control can, among the multitude of micromirrors, control only one micromirror at a position corresponding to an image to be implemented on the road surface in such a way that light reflected to the optical system is input, control the remaining micromirrors in such a way that light reflected to the optical system is not input, and can implement an image of the road surface information on the road surface.

[0021] According to the invention, the module control sets a priority based on a predetermined weighting according to the signals provided by the vehicle sensor and selects the road surface information depending on the set priority.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an operating method of a headlight system for a vehicle may include receiving and analyzing signals from a vehicle sensor, determining the position of an object based on analyzed information and setting up a dark area for the determined position of the object, determining whether an output condition of a high beam is met, emitting a beam pattern that includes the dark area in the high beam if the output condition of the high beam is met, and re-executing the setting of the dark area by increasing the number of the object if the number of the detected object is not a maximum number, by determining whether the number of the object is the maximum number.

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an operating method for a headlight system for a vehicle may include: determining whether a low beam is activated when a vehicle is started; converting an image to cause the low beam to be switched on onto a road surface when the low beam is not operated; converting an image of the vehicle's direction of travel as a guideline onto the road surface when the low beam is operated; determining that a situation of converting road surface information occurs, based on signals provided by a vehicle sensor; stopping the conversion of the guideline; and selecting an image according to the road surface information conversion situation that has occurred, in order to convert the selected image onto the road surface as road surface information when the situation of converting road surface information occurs.and to implement the guideline on the road surface when the road surface information implementation situation is complete.

[0024] In another embodiment, the conversion of the selected image into road surface information can include converting the road surface information via a comfort function, a safety function, or a warning function, based on signals provided by the vehicle sensor.

[0025] In yet another embodiment, the implementation of the selected image as the road surface information can include selecting a function from the comfort function, the safety function and the warning function based on the signals provided by the vehicle sensor, selecting an image depending on a predetermined weighting of the selected function, and forming the selected image as the road surface information on the road surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The foregoing and further tasks, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description when it is taken into consideration together with the accompanying drawings: Fig.Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 is a view describing a configuration of a DMD module included in a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is a view describing the operation of a DMD module included in a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a view illustrating a configuration of a module control included in a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig.7 illustrate flowcharts to describe the operation of a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals denote the same or equivalent elements. Furthermore, a detailed description of known features and functions is omitted in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the main content of the present disclosure.

[0028] In descriptive elements of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms first, second, A, B, (a), (b), and the like may be used herein. These terms serve solely to distinguish one element from another, but not to limit corresponding elements, regardless of the nature, order, or priority of the corresponding elements. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, are to be interpreted as is customary in the field to which the present invention belongs.It is understood that terms used herein should be interpreted in a manner consistent with their meaning in the context of the present disclosure and the relevant field, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly defined herein.

[0029] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 described in detail.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Referring to Fig.1. The headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in a vehicle. At the same time, a module control 20 can be formed in one piece with internal control units of the vehicle; the control device 100 for autonomous driving can be implemented as a separate device which is to be connected to the control units of the vehicle by a separate connecting means.

[0032] Referring to Fig. 1. The headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can comprise a vehicle sensor 10, the module control 20, a first digital micromirror device module (DMD module) 31, and a second DMD module 32. Simultaneously, the first DMD module 31 can be arranged on the front right side of the vehicle, and the second DMD module 32 can be arranged on the front left side of the vehicle.

[0033] The vehicle sensor 10 can include sensors installed in the vehicle that are capable of detecting the vehicle's driving situations.

[0034] For example, the vehicle sensor 10 may include a camera 11, a sensor 12 for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) (e.g. LiDAR, radar, blind spot detection (BSD) or the like), navigation 13, a steering wheel sensor 14, a multifunction switch 15, a weather sensor 16 and the like.

[0035] The vehicle sensor 10 can generate the position (information on the horizontal / vertical angle), ambient brightness, vehicle speed, the number of objects in front of the vehicle, weather information, steering information, an ADAS signal or the like of a vehicle in order to implement the operation of a high-definition adaptive driving beam (HD-ADB) and road surface information, and can provide the generated information to the module control 20.

[0036] The module control 20 can provide a real-time HD-ADB dark area image by analyzing signals received from the vehicle sensor 10, can generate a road surface information image depending on preset implementation situations, and can optionally provide the HD-ADB dark area image and the road surface information image to the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32.

[0037] For example, the module control 20 can provide the HD-ADB dark area image and the road surface information image for each of the front right and left sides of the vehicle, and can provide the generated images individually to the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32.

[0038] Furthermore, the module control 20 can generate the HD-ADB dark area image and the road surface information image for the front of the vehicle and can simultaneously provide the generated images to the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32.

[0039] Each of the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32 can be a high-resolution optical module comprising a DMD, and can include a light source that emits light in a visible region and an optical system that forms a light distribution pattern.

[0040] Furthermore, each of the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32 can include a single light source or multiple light sources. When multiple light sources are included, color reproduction is possible. The type of light source can include not only LEDs, but also halogen lamps, HID lamps, laser diodes, and the like. Additionally, in each of the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32, the lens composition and quantity within the configuration of the optical system determining the field of view can be modified according to the required specifications.

[0041] Each of the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32 can include a DMD operating driver, a DMD mirror, an optical system, a light source and a fan.

[0042] The DMD operating driver contained in each of the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32 can control the DMD mirror based on signals provided by the module controller 20.

[0043] Fig. Figure 2 is a view describing a configuration of a DMD module included in a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] In particular, Fig. 2 a view to describe the operation of a DMD mirror contained in each of the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32.

[0045] Referring to Fig. 2 Each of the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32 can comprise a DMD.

[0046] The DMD can comprise an array of micromirrors, including a multitude of micromirrors.

[0047] The DMD operating driver can rotate any micromirror.

[0048] For example, if the DMD operating driver rotates the micromirror to the left and then reflects light emitted from a light source to an optical system, a beam pattern can be formed; because the optical system does not emit light when the DMD operating driver rotates the micromirror to the right, a dark area can be formed.

[0049] If a vehicle is detected in the direction of travel while the vehicle is moving, the dark area can be formed by rotating the micromirrors to an area corresponding to the right of the vehicle in front.

[0050] Furthermore, the road surface information can be implemented by forming a dark area around an area where road surface information is implemented, and rotating a micromirror according to the image of the road surface information to be implemented to the left in order to emit light.

[0051] The first and second DMD modules 31 and 32 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be controlled individually, forming different beam patterns on the right and left sides of the vehicle.

[0052] Fig. Figure 3 is a view describing the operation of a DMD module included in a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Fig. Figure 3A illustrates a process in which some of a multitude of micromirrors contained in the array of micromirrors reflect light to an optical system, and the rest of the multitude of micromirrors do not reflect any light to the optical system. Fig. 3A is the area of ​​micromirrors that do not reflect any light to the optical system, represented as "OFF".

[0054] Simultaneously, the micromirrors in the area represented as "AUS" can form a dark area. Accordingly, the size of the dark area formed by micromirrors can be changed horizontally by increasing or decreasing the number of micromirrors that do not reflect light in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the size of the dark area formed by micromirrors can be changed vertically by increasing or decreasing the number of micromirrors that do not reflect light in the vertical direction.

[0055] Fig.Figure 3B illustrates a beam pattern comprising a dark area. Since the headlight system for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure forms a beam pattern using a plurality of micromirrors and forms a dark area using some of a plurality of micromirrors, the headlight system for a vehicle can form a dark part in the desired area.

[0056] Furthermore, the headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can form a dark area in a high beam area where a beam pattern is formed, while simultaneously forming a road surface information conversion area that converts road surface information onto a road surface, and can change the size of the high beam area and the size of the road surface information conversion area depending on the settings of a driver.

[0057] Fig. 3C illustrates how road surface information is implemented on a road surface. Several images, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 3C, road surface information can be implemented on a road surface by forming a dark area around an area where the road surface information is to be implemented and reflecting light to the optical system using only the micromirrors corresponding to the image of the road surface information to be implemented.

[0058] Furthermore, the color of the image projected onto the road surface can be changed by altering the color of a light source.

[0059] Fig. Figure 4 is a view illustrating a configuration of a module control included in a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] The module control 20 can receive signals detected by the vehicle sensor 10 and can provide signals to the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32 to generate a beam pattern.

[0061] The module control 20 can include an interface 21, an image control 22, a first image generator 23 and a second image generator 24.

[0062] Interface 21 can include a configuration for transmitting a signal between the vehicle sensor 10 and the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32.

[0063] For example, interface 21 can send and receive a signal with vehicle sensor 10 using CAN communication, and can send and receive a signal with the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32 using I2C communication.

[0064] Furthermore, interface 21 can provide the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32 with an image that includes a dark area and an image that includes road surface information.

[0065] In this case, interface 21 can be implemented as a Board Support Package (BSP).

[0066] For synchronization with the image control 22, the interface 21 can provide a synchronization event signal to the image control 22 at any preset time.

[0067] Interface 21 can control the vehicle sensor 10 and receive signals detected by the vehicle sensor 10 by sending and receiving signals via CAN communication with the vehicle sensor 10.

[0068] Interface 21 can control the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32 via I2C communication.

[0069] Furthermore, the interface 21 can receive at least one or more images from the first image generator 23, including an image containing a dark area and an image containing road surface information, can generate at least one or more images as images of a type suitable for the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32, and can provide the generated images to the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32.

[0070] The image control 22 can receive signals transmitted via the interface 21 and a synchronization event signal from the vehicle sensor 10, can synchronize the signals transmitted by the vehicle sensor 10 with the synchronization event signal, and can capture (collect) the synchronized signals as data.

[0071] The image control 22 can analyze control parameters based on the acquired data and can determine (generate) whether a dark area in a beam pattern (HD-ADB operating condition) is to be generated and whether road surface information is to be implemented (RSI operating condition; Road Surface Information).

[0072] When it is determined whether a dark area is to be generated and whether road surface information is to be implemented, the image control 22 can generate control commands and data according to the determined conditions, and can synchronize the generated control command and data with the synchronization event signal in order to provide the synchronized control command and synchronized data to the first image generator 23 and the interface 21.

[0073] For example, the image control 22 can provide a control command to the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32 via interface 21 to generate a dark area in a beam pattern or to perform an initialization operation on the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32 before the road surface information is implemented using the beam pattern.

[0074] Simultaneously, when providing the control command to perform an initialization operation on the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32, the image control 22 can perform an operation of identifying a DMD operating driver and an I2C communication response.

[0075] Furthermore, the image control 22 must arbitrarily adjust the brightness of the light source contained in the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32, must minimize power consumption by interrupting the power supply to the light source in daytime situations, and must switch a fan on or off.

[0076] If a condition for generating a dark area is met, the image control 22 can provide the first image generator 23 with the control command to generate a dark area and the data received from the vehicle sensor 10.

[0077] When the condition for converting road surface information is met, the image control 22 can provide the second image generator 23 with the control command to convert the road surface information and the data elements received from the vehicle sensor 10.

[0078] Furthermore, if both the condition for generating a dark area and the condition for converting road surface information are met, the image control 22 can provide the first and second image generators 22 and 23 with the control command to generate a dark area and convert road surface information and the data elements received from the vehicle sensor 10.

[0079] Upon receiving the control command to generate a dark area from the image control 22, the first image generator 23 can analyze control parameters of the data elements received from the vehicle sensor 10.

[0080] For example, the first image generator 23 can analyze an object based on the data received from the vehicle sensor 10.

[0081] The first image generator 23 can analyze the analyzed control parameters (for example, the object analyzed as a vehicle located in the front direction) and remove noise, can generate coordinates to generate a dark area, and can perform coordinate transformation to apply the generated coordinates to the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32.

[0082] Once the coordinate transformation for the dark area is complete, the first image generator 23 can optimize the dark area depending on the size and distance to the object (a vehicle in the front direction).

[0083] The first image generator 23 can generate the optimized dark area as the dark image.

[0084] Afterwards, the first image generator 23 can provide the generated dark area to the interface 21, allowing the dark area to be generated by the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32 in the beam pattern.

[0085] Furthermore, the first image generator 23 can generate a single image by integrating the generated dark image and the image of the road surface information provided by the second image generator 24, and can provide the integrated single image to the interface 21, thereby allowing the first and second DMD modules 31 and 32 to implement the road surface information on a road surface.

[0086] Upon receiving the control command to implement the road surface information from the image control 22, the second image generator 24 can select road surface information to be implemented by analyzing the control parameters of the data elements received from the vehicle sensor 10.

[0087] The second image generator 24 can calculate coordinates for a projection area of ​​the road surface information to be implemented, and can perform scaling (improvement of image quality) on the road surface information to be implemented, based on the calculated coordinates.

[0088] The second image generator 24 can correct the distortion of the scaled image, can generate a road surface information image, and can provide the road surface information image to the first image generator 23.

[0089] The Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 illustrate flowcharts to describe the operation of a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Fig.Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating a dark area among the operations of a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Referring to Fig.5. An operating method for generating a dark area of ​​a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a step S1 of receiving vehicle sensor information, a step S2 of analyzing information, a step S3 of determining an object position, a step S4 of setting a dark area, a step S5 of determining whether a dark area is to be generated, a step S6 of optimizing the dark area, a step S7 of removing the dark area, a step S8 of determining a high beam output condition, a step S9 of outputting the dark area, a step S10 of determining the number of objects, and a step S11 of increasing the number of objects.

[0092] Step S1 of receiving vehicle sensor information may include a step of receiving signals provided by vehicle sensor 10.

[0093] For example, step S1 of receiving vehicle sensor information can include a step of receiving signals with information about the driving of a vehicle, such as a camera, an ADAS sensor, navigation, a steering wheel sensor, a multifunction switch and a weather sensor, as a step of receiving the detection results from sensors installed in the vehicle.

[0094] Step S2 of analyzing information may include a step of determining an object by analyzing pieces of information received from the vehicle sensor 10.

[0095] For example, step S2 of analyzing information can receive a step of determining an object that, due to high beams, can cause glare for the person opposite.

[0096] At the same time, step S2 of analyzing information can determine the preset number of objects (e.g., one).

[0097] Step S3 of determining an object position may include a step of determining the position of the object that was identified in step S2 of analyzing information.

[0098] Step S4 of setting a dark area may include a step of setting a dark area according to the position of the object.

[0099] Simultaneously, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the headlight system for a vehicle can control the horizontal angle of the dark area by rotating a micromirror. Accordingly, the headlight system for a vehicle can generate a smaller dark area compared to the prior art. Therefore, in addition to improving the driver's visibility, the glare for oncoming traffic can be prevented as much as possible.

[0100] Step S5 of determining whether a dark area should be generated can involve a driver presetting whether the dark area should be integrated into the high beam. If the driver sets the high beam to include the dark area (Yes), step S6 of optimizing the dark area can be performed. If the driver sets the high beam to exclude the dark area (No), step S7 of removing the dark area can be performed.

[0101] Step S6 of optimizing the dark area can be considered a step of setting the span of the dark area, adjusting the size of the dark area depending on the distance and size of the object.

[0102] Step S7 of removing the dark area may include a step of removing the dark area set in step S4.

[0103] After one of the steps S6 of optimizing the dark area and S7 of removing the dark area has been performed, step S8 of determining a high beam output condition can be performed.

[0104] If the vehicle's surroundings are dark and the vehicle's speed is not less than a preset speed (for example, 40 km / h) in a state where the driver has set the use of high beams, it can be determined in step S8 of determining a high beam output condition that the high beam output condition is met (Yes).

[0105] If, in step S8 of determining a high beam output condition, it was determined that the high beam output condition is met (Yes), step S9 of outputting a dark area can be performed.

[0106] However, if the driver does not discontinue the use of high beams, if the vehicle's surroundings are bright, or if the vehicle speed is lower than the preset speed, it may be determined in step S8 of determining a high beam output condition that the high beam output condition is not met (No).

[0107] If, in step S8 of determining a high beam output condition, it was determined that the high beam output condition is not met (No), the procedure can return to step S1 of receiving vehicle sensor information.

[0108] Step S9 of the dark area output may include a step of generating the dark area, optimized in step S6 of the dark area optimization in an area where the high beam is emitted, when a high beam is output.

[0109] After the dark area has been output, step S10 of determining the number of objects can be performed.

[0110] For example, step S10 of determining the number of objects may include a step of determining whether the number of objects currently used to generate a dark area is the maximum number.

[0111] If the number of objects currently used to generate a dark area is not the maximum number (No) in step S10 of determining the number of objects, step S11 of increasing the number of objects can be performed.

[0112] However, if the number of objects currently used to generate the dark area is the maximum number (Yes) in step S10 of determining the number of objects, the final step can be executed.

[0113] Step S11 of increasing the number of objects may include a step of increasing the number of objects identified in step S2 of analyzing information by a predetermined number (for example, one).

[0114] The in Fig.The headlight system illustrated in Figure 5 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the dark area for the preset number of objects based on signals provided by the vehicle sensor 10 and can emit the high beam after integrating the adjusted dark area into the high beam range. Even if the number of objects forming the currently emitted dark area is not the set maximum number, the dark area can be adjusted by analyzing the number of objects, which is greater than the number of detected objects, and then a high beam containing a dark area can be emitted.

[0115] Fig.Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of implementing road surface information on a road surface under operations of a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] Referring to Fig. 6 is a method of implementing road surface information from a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as follows.

[0117] When a vehicle is started, a greeting procedure can be performed (S11).

[0118] At the same time, the welcoming procedure can be a process in which the folded-in side mirror is opened and the lighting of a handle is switched on when the vehicle is started, and then, when the vehicle door is opened, interior lighting, ambient lighting or the like is switched on.

[0119] After the greeting procedure has been carried out, it can be checked whether dipped beam operation is being carried out (S12).

[0120] If the dipped beam is not in operation (No), the shape of the headlight beam can be translated with road surface information to induce a driver to switch on the dipped beam (S13).

[0121] After the low beam is switched on when it was not switched on, by checking again whether the low beam is in operation, it can be arranged that the low beam is permanently switched on (S14).

[0122] However, if the dipped headlights are in operation (Yes), it may be permitted to implement a guideline as road surface information (S15).

[0123] For example, it may be permitted that the direction of travel of a vehicle is implemented as road surface information (as a guideline), depending on the direction of a steering wheel.

[0124] At the same time, after a vehicle has been started and it has been checked whether the dipped headlights have been activated, the implementation of the guideline as road surface information can be a process that is carried out by default.

[0125] In addition to the guideline, a situation may arise in which different road surface information needs to be implemented (S16).

[0126] In this case, based on signals provided by the vehicle sensors 10, it can be determined whether a condition for implementing road surface information is met, and then it can be determined whether the road surface information is to be implemented.

[0127] Furthermore, if it is determined that the road surface information needs to be implemented, the implementation of the guideline can be terminated (S17).

[0128] Once the implementation of the guideline is complete, one of the road surface information elements, such as comfort, safety, warning, and the like, can be selected depending on the situation for implementing road surface information. An image to be implemented on a road surface can then be selected and implemented, depending on the weighting of the selected road surface information. (S18, S18-1, S18-2, S18-3, S19, S19-1, S19-2, S19-3, S19-4, S20, S20-1, S20-2, S20-3, S20-4)

[0129] The following Table 1 can provide an example of the type and implementation condition of road surface information. [Table 1] Primary classification Road surface information Weighting Detailed weighting Condition for implementation Condition for termination comfort Ice warning 1 1 Weather information (when temperature drops below zero) Automatic termination after completion of the specific number of times comfort Speed ​​limit threshold 1 1 Entering navigation information Stop receiving navigation information Security Flashing signal 2 1 Activation of the multifunction switch Standard position of the multifunction switch or change of the steering angle Security Spotlight 2 2 Front-facing obstacle detection / pedestrian / bicycle Overcoming obstacles warning BSD 3 1 BSD operating conditions BSD release condition warning Lane Departure Warning 3 2 LDWS operating conditions LDWS release condition warning AEB - Warning ahead 3 3 Vehicle detection in the direction of travel / Vehicle speed analysis Slowing down / Applying the brakes / Increasing the distance between indifference / distance vehicles warning AEB - Collision Warning 3 4 Vehicle detection in the direction of travel / Analysis of vehicle speed / distance Slowing down / Applying the brakes / Increasing the distance between vehicles

[0130] The following abbreviations are used in Table 1: Blind Spot Detection (BSD): BSD system Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS): LDWS Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): Emergency brake assistance system

[0131] The following describes in more detail a process which selects one of the elements of road surface information, such as comfort, safety, warning, and the like, depending on the situation, to implement road surface information, and, when the implementation of the road surface information for the guideline is completed, selects and implements an image to be implemented on a road surface depending on the direction of the selected road surface information.

[0132] Once the implementation of road surface information for the guideline is complete, it can be determined, depending on the situations for implementing road surface information, whether a driver comfort function can be implemented with road surface information (S18).

[0133] If it is determined that the driver comfort function must be implemented with road surface information (Yes), an image of the road surface information can be implemented on a road surface in accordance with the driver comfort function (S18-1).

[0134] At the same time, as illustrated in Table 1, the implementation priority of road surface information can be determined according to the driver comfort function depending on weightings and detailed weightings.

[0135] However, if it has been determined that the driver comfort function does not need to be implemented with road surface information (No), it can be determined whether a safety function needs to be implemented with road surface information (S19).

[0136] In a state where an image for road surface information is implemented on the road surface, it can be determined whether other signals that differ from other signals (i.e., signals for determining the driver comfort function) can be applied by the vehicle sensor 10 (S18-2).

[0137] If the other signals from vehicle sensor 10, which differ from other signals (i.e., signals for determining the implementation of road surface information via the driver comfort function), are applied (Yes), it can be determined again whether the road surface information needs to be implemented via the driver comfort function.

[0138] However, if the other signals from the vehicle sensor 10 are not applied (No), until a condition for the termination of the implementation of road surface information for the driver comfort function is met, the road surface information can be implemented on a road surface via the driver comfort functions (S18-3).

[0139] If the condition for the termination of the implementation of road surface information is met for the driver comfort function (Yes), the road surface information can be implemented via a guideline (S21).

[0140] Furthermore, if it is determined that the driver comfort function does not need to be implemented with the road surface information, it can be determined whether a safety function needs to be implemented with the road surface information (S19).

[0141] If it is determined that the safety function must be implemented using road surface information (Yes), an image of the road surface information can be implemented on a road surface in accordance with the safety function (S19-1).

[0142] At the same time, as illustrated in Table 1, the implementation priority of road surface information can be determined according to the safety function depending on weights and detailed weights.

[0143] If, depending on weightings and detailed weightings according to the safety function, a high priority situation occurs (Yes), it can be determined for the implementation priority of the road surface information to re-enter the image to be implemented on a road surface in the safety function (S19-2).

[0144] In a state where the road surface information is implemented via the safety function, it can be determined whether the other signals, which differ from other signals for determining the safety function, are applied by the vehicle sensor 10 (S19-3).

[0145] If the other signals from the vehicle sensors 10 are applied (Yes), it can be determined again whether the road surface information needs to be implemented via the driver comfort function (S19-2).

[0146] However, if the other signals from the vehicle sensor 10 are not applied (No), until a condition for the termination of the implementation of the road surface information for the safety function is met, the road surface information can be implemented on a road surface via the safety function (S19-4).

[0147] If the condition for the termination of the implementation of the road surface information is met for the safety function (Yes), the road surface information can be implemented via the guideline (S21).

[0148] However, if it has been determined that the safety function does not need to be implemented with road surface information (No), it can be determined whether a warning function needs to be implemented with road surface information (S20).

[0149] If it is determined that the warning function must be implemented with the road surface information (Yes), an image of the road surface information can be implemented on a road surface according to the warning function (S20-1).

[0150] At the same time, as illustrated in Table 1, the implementation priority of road surface information can be determined according to the warning function depending on weights and detailed weights.

[0151] If, depending on weightings and detailed weightings according to the warning function, a high priority situation occurs (Yes), it can be determined for the implementation priority of the road surface information to set the image to be implemented on a road surface again in the warning function (S20-2).

[0152] In a state where the road surface information is implemented via the warning function, it can be determined whether the other signals, which differ from other signals for determining the warning function, are applied by the vehicle sensor 10 (S20-3).

[0153] If the other signals from the vehicle sensor 10 are applied (Yes), it can be determined again whether the road surface information needs to be implemented via the warning function (S20-2).

[0154] However, if the other signals from the vehicle sensor 10 are not applied (No), until a condition for the termination of the road surface information conversion for the warning function is met, the road surface information can be converted via the warning function on a road surface (S20-4).

[0155] If the condition for the termination of the implementation of the road surface information is met for the warning function (Yes), the road surface information can be implemented via the guideline (S21).

[0156] Depending on whether the vehicle has been started or not, it can then be determined again whether a situation arises in which road surface information other than the guideline must be implemented, or it can be selected whether a process of implementing the road surface information must be aborted (S22).

[0157] When the vehicle's ignition is switched off, all operations for converting road surface information can be terminated (S23).

[0158] However, if the vehicle's ignition remains switched on (No), it can be determined again whether different road surface information than the guideline needs to be implemented.

[0159] As described above, the headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can select road surface information according to a predetermined priority, based on signals provided by the vehicle sensor 10, and can implement the selected road surface information on a road surface.

[0160] Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of implementing road surface information on a road surface under operations of a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0161] Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process with respect to a direction of travel (e.g. a flashing signal) among processes of a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0162] Referring to Fig.7 is a method of implementing road surface information from a headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as follows.

[0163] When a vehicle is started, a greeting procedure can be performed (S31).

[0164] At the same time, the welcoming procedure can be a process in which the folded-in side mirror is opened and the lighting of a handle is switched on when the vehicle is started, and then, when the vehicle door is opened, interior lighting, ambient lighting or the like is switched on.

[0165] After the greeting procedure has been carried out, it can be checked whether dipped beam operation is being carried out (S32).

[0166] If the dipped beam is not activated (No), the shape of the headlight beam can be translated with road surface information to induce a driver to switch on the dipped beam (S33).

[0167] After the low beam is switched on when it was not switched on, by checking again whether the low beam is in operation, it can be arranged that the low beam is permanently switched on (S34).

[0168] However, if the dipped headlights are in operation (Yes), it may be permitted to implement a guideline as road surface information (S35).

[0169] For example, it may be permitted that the direction of travel of a vehicle is implemented as road surface information (as a guideline), depending on the direction of a steering wheel.

[0170] At the same time, after a vehicle has been started and it has been checked whether the dipped headlights have been activated, the implementation of the guideline as road surface information can be a process that is carried out by default.

[0171] In addition to the guideline, a situation may arise in which different road surface information needs to be implemented (S36).

[0172] In this case, based on signals provided by the vehicle sensors 10, it can be determined whether a condition for implementing road surface information is met, and then it can be determined whether the road surface information is to be implemented.

[0173] For example, it can be determined whether a flashing signal is activated on a multifunction switch, and whether the road surface information needs to be implemented.

[0174] Furthermore, if it is determined that direction of travel information, i.e. road surface information about the operation of a flashing signal, needs to be implemented, the implementation of the guideline can be terminated (S37).

[0175] Once the implementation of the guideline is complete, the safety function can be selected from the road surface information elements, such as comfort, safety, warning, and the like, depending on the situation for implementing road surface information. An image to be displayed on a road surface can then be selected and implemented, depending on the direction of travel and in accordance with the operation of the flashing signal in the selected safety function. (S38, S39, S40, S41, S42, S43, S44)

[0176] The process of selecting and implementing the direction indicator image for the safety function depending on implementation situations of the road surface information (activation of a flashing signal), when the implementation of the road surface information via the guide line is complete (S37), is described in detail below.

[0177] When the implementation of the road surface information via the guideline is complete (S37), the safety function can be selected under road surface information, depending on whether the flashing signal has been activated (S38).

[0178] When the safety function is selected, the direction indicated by the flashing signal can be determined (S39).

[0179] If the flashing signal indicates the left side, an image for the direction to the left can be implemented by activating the DMD module, which is located on the left side of a vehicle (S40).

[0180] However, if the flashing signal indicates the right side, an image for the direction to the right can be implemented by activating the DMD module, which is located on the right side of a vehicle (S41).

[0181] In a state where the image for road surface information has been implemented on a road surface according to the direction of travel, it can be determined whether a situation of implementing the road surface information via a function which is higher priority than the safety function (determining the alignment) occurs (S42).

[0182] If the situation of implementing road surface information via a function that is higher priority than the safety function occurs (Yes), it can be determined again whether a condition for implementing road surface information is met.

[0183] However, if the situation of implementing the road surface information via a function which is higher priority than the safety function does not occur (No), it can be determined whether other signals, i.e., other directional signals, are applied by the multifunction switch (S43).

[0184] If a signal different from the road surface information about the currently implemented direction of travel is applied (Yes), it can again be determined whether the road surface information needs to be implemented for other directions of travel.

[0185] However, if the other signal from the multifunction switch is not applied (No), until a condition for the termination of the implementation of the road surface information for the safety function is met, the road surface information about directions of travel can be implemented on a road surface in accordance with the safety function (S44).

[0186] If the condition for the termination of the implementation according to the directions of travel of the safety function is met for the road safety function (Yes), the road surface information can be implemented via the guideline (S45).

[0187] When the vehicle's ignition is switched off, all operations for converting road surface information can be terminated (S46).

[0188] As described above, the headlight system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can increase or decrease the size of a dark area horizontally or vertically by controlling each micromirror using a DMD module, and can thus optimize the dark area in situations of high beam emission.

[0189] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the headlight system for a vehicle can implement road surface information according to driving situations on a road surface by controlling each micromirror using the DMD module.

[0190] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but can be modified and altered in various ways by a person skilled in the art in the field to which the present invention belongs, without departing from the spirit and scope of protection of the present disclosure claimed in the following claims.

[0191] Consequently, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical nature of the present disclosure, but serve solely for illustrative purposes. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all equivalents thereof should be construed as being included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0192] This technology can improve a driver's vision by minimizing dark areas and can reduce glare for other drivers.

[0193] Furthermore, this technology can improve comfort and safety by translating an image onto a road surface and communicating with users (an oncoming driver, pedestrian, bicycle, or the like) on a road.

[0194] Furthermore, a multitude of effects, which become clear through the description, can be provided directly or indirectly.

[0195] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but can be modified and altered in various ways by a person skilled in the art in the field to which the present invention belongs, without departing from the spirit and scope of protection of the present disclosure claimed in the following claims. Reference symbol: 10 Vehicle sensor 11 Camera 12 ADAS sensors (radar, LiDAR, BSD, etc.) 13 Navigation 14 Steering wheel sensor 15 multifunction switches 16 Weather sensor 20 module control Fig. 5 S1 Receiving vehicle sensor information S2 analyzes information S3 Determine object position Setting up the S4 dark area S5 Should a dark area be generated? S6 Optimize Dark Area S7 Remove Dark Area S8 condition for high beam output met? S9 Dark Area Output S10: Number of objects equals maximum number? S11 Increase number of objects Fig. 6 S11 Greeting Procedure S12 Low beam operation? S13 Implement headlight beam pattern with road surface information (cause low beam to switch on) S14 Low beam operation? S15 Guideline operation S16 Occurrence of a situation in which road surface information is implemented S17 guideline end S18 Comfort function Implement S18-1 road surface information S18-2 Apply other signals S18-3 Condition for termination of implementation S19 safety function Implement S19-1 road surface information S19-2 Does the specified high-priority situation occur? S19-3 Apply other signals S19-4 Condition for termination of implementation S20 warning function S20-1 Implement road surface information S20-2 Does the specified high-priority situation occur? S20-3 Apply other signals S20-4 Condition for termination of implementation S21 Guideline Operation S22 Vehicle stop, power off S23 End process Fig. 7 S31 Greeting Procedure S32 low beam operation? S33 Implement headlight beam pattern with road surface information (cause low beam to switch on) S34 Low beam operation? S35 Guideline operation S36 Implementation condition situation occurs: Multifunction switch - turn signal operation? S37 guideline end S38 Flashing signal → Safety function S39 Determine the direction of the multifunction switch S40 Operation of the left DMD lamp - Sample implementation S41 Operation of the right DMD lamp - Sample implementation S42 Implementation of road surface information via upper function? S43 Use other signals? S44 Termination condition met?: Multifunction switch returns to its initial position? S45 Guideline operation S46 End process

Claims

[1] Headlight system for a vehicle, the system comprising: a vehicle sensor (10) designed to detect driving situations of a vehicle; a first digital micromirror device module (DMD module) (31) and a second DMD module (32) comprising a plurality of micromirrors; and a module controller (20) designed to control the plurality of micromirrors contained in the first and second DMD modules (31, 32) based on signals provided by the vehicle sensor (10), wherein the module control (20) selects road surface information according to the driving situations based on the signals provided by the vehicle sensor (10) and controls the first and second DMD modules to implement an image on a road surface according to the selected road surface information, characterized by , that the module control (20) controls a priority according to a predetermined weighting based on signals provided by the vehicle sensor (10) and selects the road surface information depending on the set priority. [2] Headlight system according to claim 1, wherein each comprises the first and second DMD module (31, 32): a light source designed to emit light; the multitude of micromirrors for reflecting the emitted light from the light source; and an optical system that receives light reflected by the multitude of micromirrors to create a light distribution pattern. [3] Headlight system according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of micromirrors forms the light distribution pattern by rotating in order to reflect the light emitted by the light source to the optical system under control of the module control, or creates a dark area by rotating so that the light emitted by the light source does not enter the optical system. [4] Headlight system according to claim 3, wherein the module control (20) controls some of the plurality of micromirrors to reflect light to the optical system, and controls the remaining plurality of micromirrors not to reflect light. [5] Headlight system according to claim 4, wherein the module control (20) changes the size of the dark area contained in a high beam by increasing or decreasing the number of micromirrors which, from the plurality of micromirrors, do not reflect light to the optical system. [6] Headlight system according to claim 5, wherein the module control (20) changes a horizontal size of the dark area by increasing or decreasing the number of micromirrors in a horizontal direction which, from the plurality of micromirrors, do not reflect light to the optical system. [7] Headlight system according to claim 5, wherein the module control (20) changes a vertical size of the dark area by increasing or decreasing the number of micromirrors in a vertical direction which, from the plurality of micromirrors, do not reflect light to the optical system. [8] Headlight system according to claim 1, wherein the module control (20) controls only one micromirror of a position among the plurality of micromirrors according to an image to be implemented on the road surface in such a way that light reflected to the optical system is input, controls the remaining micromirrors in such a way that light reflected to the optical system is not input, and implements an image of the road surface information on the road surface. [9] Operating method of a headlight system for a vehicle, the method comprising: Receiving and analyzing signals from a vehicle sensor (10); Determining the position of an object based on analyzed information and setting up a dark area for the determined position of the object; Determine whether an output condition of a high beam is met; Emitting a beam pattern that encompasses the dark area in the high beam when the high beam output condition is met; and Repeating the dark area setup by increasing the number of the object if the number of detected objects is not the maximum number, by determining whether the number of detected objects is the maximum number. [10] Operating method of a headlight system for a vehicle, the method comprising: Determine whether dipped headlights are operated when a vehicle is started; Implementing an image to trigger the activation of dipped headlights on a road surface when the dipped headlights are not in use; Translating an image of the vehicle's direction of travel into a guideline on the road surface when the low beam headlights are on; Determine that a situation of implementing road surface information occurs, based on signals provided by a vehicle sensor; Stopping the implementation of the guideline and selecting an image according to the road surface information implementation situation that has occurred, so that the selected image is implemented on the road surface as road surface information when the situation of implementing the road surface information occurs; and Implement the guideline on the road surface when the road surface information implementation situation is complete. [11] Operating method according to claim 10, wherein the conversion of the selected image comprises the road surface information: based on the signals provided by the vehicle sensor, Implementing road surface information via a comfort function; Implementing road surface information via a safety function; Implementing road surface information via a warning function. [12] Operating method according to claim 11, wherein the conversion of the selected image comprises the road surface information: Selecting a function from the comfort function, the safety function, and the warning function based on the signals provided by the vehicle sensor; Selecting an image based on a predetermined weighting of the selected function; and Displaying the selected image as the road surface information on the road surface.

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