Communication lighting system for a vehicle

Abstract

Communication lighting system for a vehicle, wherein the communication lighting system comprises: a lighting unit (10) with a plurality of light sources (11) arranged sequentially to divide a light emission area into a plurality of areas and to project light to each of the plurality of areas with a different brightness; a sensor (20) designed to detect at least one object in a detection range (D) around the vehicle in order to determine the object's position and provide information about the object's position; and a controller (30) which is electrically connected to the lighting unit (10) and the sensor (20) and is designed to control the lighting unit (10), to receive information from the sensor (20), to determine a priority of an object entering the detection range (D) from the at least one object, and to selectively control the brightness of light to be projected onto the object with a different brightness by selectively controlling each of the plurality of light sources (11) of the lighting unit (10) according to the priority of the object moving in the detection range (D), where, if a plurality of objects enter the detection area (D) from the at least one object, the controller sequentially designates each of the plurality of objects as a detection object (P), and wherein the controller (30) is designed to control the lighting unit (10) to perform the brightness control of light for a first detection object (P1) from the plurality of objects, to control the brightness control of light for a second object from the plurality of objects entering the detection area (D) after the first detection object (P1) has left the detection area (D), and then to perform the brightness control of light for a third detection object from the plurality of objects entering the detection area (D) after the second detection object has left the detection area (D), thereby performing the brightness control of light sequentially.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Area of ​​the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication lighting system for a vehicle which provides information to a pedestrian by means of the vehicle's lighting device. Description of the related technique

[0002] Vehicles use lighting devices that utilize different light sources, and each lighting device is used appropriately according to its characteristics, installation location, and intended use.

[0003] Lighting devices include, for example, an interior light lamp located inside the vehicle, and a headlight, fog light, tail light, side marker light, license plate light, brake light, turn signal light and emergency flashing light located outside the vehicle.

[0004] The lighting located outside the vehicle also contributes to the product's appearance, so the lighting design and effect of the vehicles are also important.

[0005] In general, the primary purpose of vehicle lighting is to project light forward, so ensuring light convergence and diffusion is a key focus in the development of the technology. Furthermore, to improve the design of the lighting, the shape of the periphery is modified to enhance aesthetics, and sequential illumination is frequently employed.

[0006] Autonomous vehicles have recently been developed, and for safety reasons, these vehicles require communication with pedestrians. However, if a separate device is needed for communication with pedestrians, the installation space for this device is limited.

[0007] Furthermore, the document US 2017 / 0259728A1 is known, which describes a vehicle lighting system.

[0008] The information contained in this section “Background of the Invention” is provided solely for a better understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be construed as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this information constitutes prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Several aspects of the present invention relate to the provision of a communication lighting system for a vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as the "vehicle communication lighting system") which ensures stability by communicating with an external pedestrian using sequentially illuminating lighting.

[0010] To achieve this goal, a communication lighting system according to the present invention comprises the following: a lighting unit with a plurality of light sources arranged sequentially to divide a light emission area into a plurality of areas and to project light to each of the areas with a different brightness; a sensor designed to detect an object with respect to a detection area around the vehicle in order to determine the position of the object; and a control unit designed to control the lighting unit, receive information from the sensor unit, establish a priority for an object entering the detection area, and selectively control the brightness of the light to be projected onto the object with a different brightness by selectively controlling each of the light sources of the lighting unit according to the priority of the object moving in the detection area.

[0011] When multiple objects enter the detection range, the control unit sequentially designates each object as a detection object, and the control unit controls the lighting unit to perform brightness control of light for a first detection object, performs brightness control of light for a second object entering the detection range after the first detection object has left the detection range, and then performs brightness control of light for a third object entering the detection range after the second detection object has left the detection range, thus performing brightness control of light sequentially.

[0012] When the control unit detects via the sensor unit that an object has entered the detection range, the control unit designates the object that first entered the detection range as the first detection object and performs the brightness control of light for the first detection object by controlling the lighting unit.

[0013] If the controller detects that another object has entered the detection range after the first detection object, the control unit designates the other object as the second detection object, and if the first detection object is within the detection range, the control unit does not perform brightness control of light for the second detection object.

[0014] If the first detection object leaves the detection area in a state where the first and second detection objects are within the detection area, the control unit performs the brightness control of light for the second detection object.

[0015] If the controller detects that another object has entered the detection range after the second detection object, the control unit designates the additional object as the third detection object, and if the third detection object enters the detection range after the first detection object has left the detection range, the control unit performs the brightness control of light for the third detection object.

[0016] Lighting units are provided spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction of the vehicle, comprising a left lighting unit with a left illumination area and a right lighting unit with a right illumination area in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and the sensor unit detects the position of an object by dividing the detection area into a plurality of sub-areas that comprise the left illumination area and the right illumination area, respectively.

[0017] The detection area of ​​the sensor unit has a first area with the left illumination area, a second area with the right illumination area, and a third area that includes a space between the first area and the second area.

[0018] If the controller detects that two or more objects have entered the first area, the control unit designates the object that entered the first area first as the first detection object, designates the object that entered the first area subsequently as the second detection object, and controls the left lighting unit so that the brightness control of light is carried out following the first detection object in the left illumination area.

[0019] When the controller detects that the first detection object leaves the first area and enters the third area, the control unit controls each lighting unit so that brightness control of light is carried out on the right side of the left illumination area and on the left side of the right illumination area.

[0020] When the control system detects that the first detection object leaves the third area and enters the second area, the control unit controls the right lighting unit so that the brightness control of the light is carried out following a movement of the first detection object.

[0021] The control unit prevents the brightness control of light on other detection objects entering the detection range in a state where the first detection object is in the detection range.

[0022] When the third detection object enters the detection area after the first detection object has left the second area, the control unit performs the brightness control of light for the third detection object.

[0023] When the first detection object leaves the second detection area, the control unit performs brightness control of light for the second detection object, which enters the detection area after the first detection object.

[0024] When the first detection object has left the first area and the second detection object is in the first area, the control unit controls the left lighting unit so that the brightness control of light continues to follow the movement of the second detection object.

[0025] If the second detection object is located in the third area, the control unit controls each lighting unit so that the brightness control of light continues to be carried out on the right side of the left illumination area and on the left side of the right illumination area.

[0026] When the controller detects that objects have entered the first area or second area, the control unit designates the object that entered the first area and second area first as the first detection object, designates the object that entered the first area and second area subsequently as the second detection object, and controls the brightness of light for the first detection object.

[0027] The control unit performs brightness control of light next to the first detection object and an additional detection object for remaining detection objects.

[0028] The control unit sets a priority for each of the objects that have entered the first area, second area, or third area, selects a first detection object in each area, and performs the brightness control of light for each first detection object by controlling the lighting unit.

[0029] The control unit prevents the brightness control of light on other detection objects entering the detection range in a state where the first detection object is in the detection range.

[0030] When a specific detection object enters the first or second area after the first detection object has left the first or second area, the control unit performs the brightness control of light for the specific detection object.

[0031] The detection area of ​​the sensor unit also includes a fourth area, in which the approach of an object on the left side of the first area is detected, and a fifth area, in which the approach of an object on the right side of the second area is detected.

[0032] The vehicle communication lighting system with the setup described above detects a pedestrian in the vicinity of the vehicle and communicates with the pedestrian via sequentially flashing lights, thus ensuring the safety of both the vehicle and the pedestrian. This means that the vehicle projects light along the pedestrian's path of movement, transmitting a signal that the vehicle has detected the pedestrian, and the pedestrian is then able to move safely around the vehicle, knowing that the vehicle has recognized them.

[0033] The methods and devices of the present invention have further features and advantages which will be evident from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle communication lighting system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a view showing a lighting unit of the in Fig. 1 illustrates the vehicle communication lighting system as an example; Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 are views, each representing an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle communication lighting system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 are views, each representing a different exemplary embodiment of the vehicle communication lighting system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 are views, each representing a different exemplary embodiment of the vehicle communication lighting system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 12 are views, each representing a different exemplary embodiment of the vehicle communication lighting system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] It should be clear that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and present a somewhat simplified representation of various features that illustrate the basic principles of the present invention. The specific design features of the present invention, as contained herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, are partly determined by the intended application and operating environment.

[0035] In the figures, reference numerals across the multiple figures of the drawing refer to identical or equivalent parts of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention(s), examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the present invention(s) is / are described in connection with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be clear that the present description is not intended to limit the present invention(s) to these exemplary embodiments. Rather, the present invention(s) is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may fall within the nature and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0037] A vehicle communication lighting system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle communication lighting system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a view showing a lighting unit of the in Fig. 1 illustrates the vehicle communication lighting system as an example, Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle communication lighting system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows different exemplary embodiments of the vehicle communication lighting system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 are views, each representing a different exemplary embodiment of the vehicle communication lighting system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 12 are views, each representing a different exemplary embodiment of the vehicle communication lighting system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] As in Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle communication lighting system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprising: a lighting unit 10 with a plurality of light sources 11 arranged sequentially to divide a light emission area into a plurality of areas and to project light to each of the areas with a different brightness; a sensor unit 20 designed to detect an object with respect to a detection area D around the vehicle in order to detect the position of the object;and a control unit 30 designed to control the lighting unit, receive information from the sensor unit 20, determine a priority of an object entering the detection range D, and selectively control the brightness of light to be projected onto the object with a different brightness by selectively controlling each of the light sources 11 of the lighting unit according to the priority of the object moving in the detection range D.

[0040] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, different types of objects, such as pedestrians or small vehicles, can be detected in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0041] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the lighting unit 10 comprises a plurality of light sources 11 arranged in a predetermined direction from it, and each light source 11 is designed to be individually illuminated by the control unit 30. Accordingly, the area onto which light is projected by the lighting unit 10 can be divided into a plurality of areas, each area designed to project light of a different brightness. The lighting unit 10 can be located on the side of the vehicle's headlights, on the side of the vehicle's taillights, or on the side mirrors or side panels of the vehicle.

[0042] The sensor unit 20 can include various sensors such as LiDAR, radar and an ultrasonic wave sensor and defines a detection range D around the vehicle to detect the position of an object detected in the detection range D.

[0043] The position information relating to the object detected by the sensor unit 20 is transmitted to the control unit 30, which then determines the priority of the object entering the detection range (D) and controls each of the light sources 11 of the lighting unit 10. The control unit 30 determines the priority of the object entering the detection range D and selectively controls each light source 11 of the lighting unit 10 according to the priority of the object moving within the detection range D, so that the light is projected towards the moving object. In doing so, the control unit 30 performs brightness control so that light of a different brightness is projected to the side of the object, and it can increase the brightness of the light projected to the side of the object to ensure that the light is detected.

[0044] Therefore, when a pedestrian or object enters the detection area D, the control unit 30 determines the priority according to the order of entry of the pedestrian or object, and the light of the lighting unit 10 is determined along the movement path of the pedestrian or object according to the priority, thus ensuring the psychological stability of the pedestrian through communication between the vehicle and the pedestrian.

[0045] When a plurality of objects enter the detection area D, the control unit 30 sequentially designates each object as the nth detection object, where n is an integer, and the control unit 30 is designed to: control the lighting unit 10 to perform the brightness control of light for the first detection object P; to perform the brightness control of light for an nth object after the first detection object P has left the detection area D; and then to perform the brightness control of light for an n'th detection object P entering the detection area D after the nth detection object P has left the detection area D, thereby performing the brightness control of light sequentially.

[0046] This means that the control unit 30 sets the priority of each of the detection objects P according to the entry sequence of the objects entering the detection area D, and causes the brightness control of the light to be carried out sequentially for each detection object P based on the priority. The present invention designates an object entering the detection area D as a detection object P according to a priority as described above, and the brightness control of the light is carried out for the detection object P according to the priority, thereby making it possible to indicate externally that the vehicle detects the object passing through the detection area D. Furthermore, the vehicle performs sequential detection down to the last object in the priority sequence, which is the last to pass through the immediate vicinity of the vehicle, thus preventing a safety collision between the object and the vehicle.

[0047] If with reference to Fig. 3. If the sensor unit 20 determines that an object enters the detection area D, the control unit 30 designates the object that first enters the detection area D as the first detection object P1 and controls the lighting unit 10 to perform the brightness control of light for the first detection object P1.

[0048] This means that the control unit 30 designates the object that first enters the detection area D as the first detection object P1 with the highest priority and performs the brightness control of the light so that light is projected onto the first detection object P1, which moves within the detection area D, at a different brightness. Here, the brightness control of the light increases the brightness of the light for the first detection object P1 to concentrate the light on it, thus enabling object detection and communication with the object. In this way, the lighting unit 10 illuminates each light source 11 in such a way as to follow the movement path of the first detection object P1, thereby clearly detecting the first detection object P1 by continuously receiving light during its movement.

[0049] If it is determined that another object enters the detection area D after the first detection object P1, the controller 30 designates this object as the second detection object P2. Since multiple objects can enter the detection area D, this means that the objects are designated as the first detection object, second detection object, ..., nth detection object, according to the order in which they enter the detection area D.

[0050] In the present situation, the control unit 30 can perform the control according to various embodiments as follows.

[0051] As various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, if the first detection object P1 is located within the detection area D, the control unit 30 does not perform light brightness control for the second detection object P2. This means that even if the second detection object P2 is detected after the first detection object P1, if the first detection object P1 is located within the detection area D, the control unit 30 may not perform light brightness control for the second detection object P2 at all, thus preventing light-related disturbances caused by controlling multiple light sources 11.Furthermore, the brightness control of light is carried out for the first detection object P1, since communication between the vehicle and the object is possible even if the brightness control of light is only carried out for the first detection object P1.

[0052] In this scenario, if the first detection object P1 leaves the detection area D while both the first detection object P1 and the second detection object P2 are within the detection area D, the control unit 30 can perform the brightness control of the light for the second detection object P2. This means that if the first detection object P1 leaves the detection area D, the brightness control of the light performed by the lighting unit 10 will not take place within the detection area D, and consequently, the second detection object P2 cannot be detected.Accordingly, when the first detection object P1 has left the detection area D, the brightness control of the light for the second detection object P2 is carried out so that the vehicle can clearly recognize that the second detection object P2 is present in its immediate vicinity, and the second detection object P2 can determine that the vehicle also recognizes the second detection object P2.

[0053] The control unit 30 can perform the brightness control of light for the third detection object P3, as shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows when a third detection object P3 enters the detection area D after the first detection object P1 has left the detection area D.

[0054] Here, the third detection object P3 is an object that enters the detection area D after the first detection object P1 has left the detection area D, and it is only referred to as the third detection object P3 to aid in understanding the present invention. The third detection object P3 is a detection object P that enters the detection area D after the first detection object P1 has left the detection area.

[0055] When the first detection object P1, onto which light of a different brightness is currently projected by the lighting unit 10, leaves the detection area D, the brightness control of light for the third detection object P3, which enters the detection area D after the first detection object P1 has left the first detection area D', is carried out, so that the light control carried out by the lighting unit 10 is maintained.In the present case, if the first detection object P1 is located in the detection area D, the brightness control of light for the second detection object P2, which is located in the detection area D together with the first detection object P1, may not be carried out at all, and there is a possibility that the brightness control of light will only be carried out for the third detection object P3, which enters the detection area D after the first detection object P1 has left the detection area D.

[0056] As described above, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an object entering a detection area D in the vicinity of a vehicle is defined as a detection object with a priority, and the lighting unit 10 projects light onto the detection object P according to the priority, so that communication can be carried out in such a way that the vehicle detects the object and the object detects the vehicle.

[0057] The following description assumes that the lighting unit 10 is arranged on the side of the vehicle's headlights. This is only one example to aid in understanding the present invention. Without being limited to this, the lighting unit can be arranged in various positions on the vehicle.

[0058] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the lighting units 10 can be arranged spaced apart from each other in the left and right directions. The lighting units 10 can thus comprise a left lighting unit 10a with a left illumination area L1 and a right lighting unit 10b with a right illumination area L2, and the sensor unit 20 can detect the position of an object by dividing the detection area D into a plurality of sub-areas containing the left illumination area L1 and the right illumination area L2, respectively.

[0059] This means that the lighting units 10 have a left lighting unit 10a and a right lighting unit 10b in the headlights at the front of the vehicle, and the left lighting unit 10a and right lighting unit 10b comprise the left illumination area L1 and right illumination area L2, respectively. The left and right illumination areas L1 and L2 have the same surface area. Accordingly, the brightness of light in the left illumination area L1 within an illumination area L can be adjusted differently by illuminating the respective light sources 11 of the left lighting unit 10a, and the brightness of light in the right illumination area L2 within an illumination area L can be adjusted differently by illuminating the respective light sources 11 of the right lighting unit 10b.

[0060] The sensor unit 20 can divide the detection area D into a plurality of sub-areas and can detect an object entering the respective sub-area. The detection area D of the sensor unit 20 can be divided into a first area D1 with the left illumination area L1, a second area D2 with the right illumination area L2, and a third area D3, which encompasses the space between the first area D1 and the second area D2. That is, the first area D1 and the left illumination area L1 lie in the same area, the second area D2 and the right illumination area L2 lie in the same area, and the third area D3 is a space between the first area D1 and the second area D2.

[0061] Furthermore, the detection area D of sensor unit 20 can also include a fourth area D4, which detects an object approaching on the left side of the first area D1, and a fifth area D5, which detects an object approaching on the right side of the second area D2. The fourth area D4 and the fifth area D5 are designed to detect an object approaching in advance. This means that the fourth area D4 enables rapid control of light within the left illumination area L1 of the first area D1 by detecting an object entering the first area D1 in advance, and the fifth area D5 enables rapid control of light within the right illumination area L2 of the second area D2 by detecting an object entering the second area D2 in advance.This makes it possible to define the priority of an object entering the detection area D with finer gradations and to control the brightness of light from the lighting unit 10 accordingly.

[0062] Regarding the left lighting unit 10a, right lighting unit 10b and the detection range of the sensor unit 20 described above, embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0063] As various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as shown from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, if the control unit 30 detects that two or more objects have entered the first area D1, it can designate the object that entered the first area D1 as the first detection object P1, and then sequentially designate the object that entered the first area D1 subsequently as the second detection object P2. Furthermore, the control unit 30 can control the left lighting unit 10a so that the brightness control of the light is carried out according to the first detection object P1 in the left illumination area L1.

[0064] It is assumed here that the objects have entered the first area D1, this only serves to demonstrate the present invention, and the same control can be carried out when the objects enter the opposite second area D2.

[0065] As described above, when two objects enter the first area D1, the control unit 30 determines priorities according to the order of entry. This means that the object that entered the detection area D first can be designated as the first detection object P1 with the first priority, and the object that entered the detection area D next can be designated as the second detection object P2 with the next priority. In this way, detection objects can be assigned sequentially up to an nth detection object.

[0066] When detection objects P are determined according to priorities as described above, the control unit 30 controls the light of the lighting unit 10 for the first detection object P1 that has entered the first area D1. Consequently, since the first detection object P1 continuously receives light while moving within the detection area D, the first detection object P1 is clearly detected.

[0067] When it is determined that the first detection object P1 has left the first area D1 and entered the third area D3, the control unit 30 controls each lighting unit 10 so that the brightness control of light is carried out on the right side of the left illumination area L1 and on the left side of the right illumination area L2.

[0068] That is, as in Fig. Figure 6 shows that when the first detection object P1 has left the first area D1 or second area D2 encompassing the illumination area of ​​the lighting unit and has entered the third area D3, then the control unit 30 controls the left lighting unit 10a and right lighting unit 10b so that the brightness control of light is carried out on the right side of the left illumination area L1 and on the left side of the right illumination area L2, which indicates that the first detection object P1 is located in the third area D3.

[0069] Even if the detection object P has left the illumination area, communication with the detection object P is maintained by indicating that the detection object P is located between the left illumination area L1 and the right illumination area L2.

[0070] The control unit 30 prevents the brightness control of light for other detection objects that have entered the detection area D, specifically when the first detection object P1 is within the detection area D. This avoids inconveniences caused by the illumination of multiple light sources 11. Furthermore, brightness control of light for the first detection object P1 is still performed, as communication between the vehicle and the object remains possible even when brightness control is being carried out for the first detection object P1.

[0071] In the present manner, the control unit 30 controls, when it is determined that the first detection object P1 is moving continuously, leaving the third area D3 and entering the second area D2, as in Fig. Figure 7 shows the right lighting unit 10b configured such that the brightness control of the light follows the movement of the first detection object P1. Due to the given configuration, when the first detection object P1 moves and enters the second area D2, the light moves naturally in such a way that it follows the movement of the first detection object P1, and thus the first detection object P1 is clearly detected.

[0072] The control unit 30 performs the brightness control of light at the third detection object P3, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows when the third detection object P3 enters the detection area D after the first detection object P1 has left the second area D2.

[0073] This means that when the first detection object P1 traverses the first area D1 and the third area D3, and also passes through the second area D2, it indicates that the first detection object P1 has left the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. Consequently, the brightness control of the light for the primary detection target P1 is terminated. However, if the third detection object P3 enters detection area D after the first detection object P1 has left the immediate vicinity of the vehicle, there may be a lack of detection between the vehicle and the third detection object P3. Therefore, the control unit 30 can adjust the brightness control of the light at the third detection object P3 so that the third detection object P3 is clearly detected.

[0074] As described above, in various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, by controlling the brightness of light at the detection object P that has entered the first detection area D, it is possible to establish communication in which information is provided so that the vehicle is designed to detect the object, and the object also recognizes that the vehicle detects it. Furthermore, detection at the additional detection object P is maintained, and consequently stability for all detection objects P is ensured, by controlling the brightness of light at the additional detection object P that has entered the detection area D after a detection object that first entered the detection area D has left the immediate vicinity of the vehicle.

[0075] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when a first detection object P1 leaves the second area D2, the control unit 30 can perform the brightness control of light on a second detection object P2, which enters the detection area D after the first detection object P1.

[0076] If the first detection object P1 described above crosses the first area D1 and third area D3 and then crosses the second area D2, leaving the immediate vicinity of the vehicle, the control unit 30 can perform the brightness control of light on the second detection object P2, which enters the detection area D after the first detection object P1.

[0077] In this way, when the light is controlled sequentially according to the priority of the detection object P entering the detection area D, it can be determined that the vehicle continuously detects the object.

[0078] The sequential brightness control of light can be carried out in a targeted manner according to the distance between the first detection object P1 and the second detection object P2 or the positions of the first detection object P1 and the second detection object P2 in the respective areas.

[0079] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, when the first detection object P1 has left the first area D1 and the second detection object P2 is in the first area D1, the control unit 30 can control the left lighting unit 10a so that the brightness control of light continues to be carried out according to the movement of the second detection object P2.

[0080] Therefore, if the first detection object P1 is located in the first area D1, the brightness control of the light is not performed on the second detection object P2, since it is performed on the first detection object P1. When the first detection object P1 has left the first area D1 and the second detection object P2 is located in the first area D1, the control unit 30 controls the left lighting unit 10a so that the brightness control of the light follows the movement of the second detection object P2. Accordingly, it is possible to indicate externally that the vehicle has detected the second detection object P2.

[0081] Here, the control unit 30 can be used, as in Fig. 10 shows that when the second detection object P2 is located in the third area D3, the respective lighting units 10 are controlled so that the brightness control of light continues to be carried out on the right side of the left lighting area L1 and on the left side of the right lighting area L2.

[0082] Therefore, when the first detection object P1 is located in the third area D3, the brightness control of the light is performed on the right side of the left illumination area L1 and on the left side of the right illumination area L2, so that the detection of the first detection object P1 can be maintained. Subsequently, when the first detection object P1 moves to the second area D2, the right illumination unit 10b enables the light control to be performed in a manner consistent with the first detection object P1. Furthermore, when the second detection object P2 enters the third area D3, the brightness control of the light is performed on the right side of the left illumination area L1 and on the left side of the right illumination area L2, so that the detection of the second detection object P2 is maintained.

[0083] Due to the given configuration, even if the second detection object P2 leaves the first area D1 or second area D2 and is located in the third area D3, the detection of the second detection object P2 is maintained, so that pedestrians can feel a sense of stability.

[0084] The following describes a situation in which objects are moving in opposite directions in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0085] When the controller detects that objects have entered the first area D1 or the second area D2, the control unit 30 can designate the object that first entered the first area D1 and second area D2 as the first detection object P1, can designate the object that subsequently entered the first area D1 and second area D2 as the second detection object P2, and can perform the brightness control of light on the first detection object P1.

[0086] To promote understanding of the present invention, the descriptions are made with reference to the drawings, which show that one object first enters the second region D2 and another object enters the first region D1.

[0087] This means that, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the control unit 30 designates the object that first entered the second area D2 as the first detection object P1, and the object that subsequently entered the first area D1 as the second detection object P2. Light is projected onto the first detection object P1 at a different brightness via the right lighting unit 10b, so that the light control is performed at the first detection object P1 via the lighting unit 10. In this case, the brightness control of the light increases the light intensity relative to the first detection object P1, so that a pedestrian is clearly detected and communication becomes clear.

[0088] Furthermore, the lighting unit 10 causes each light source 11 to light up following the movement path of the first detection object P1, thereby clearly detecting the first detection object P1 by continuously receiving light as it moves within the detection area D.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit 30 controls the brightness of light next to the first detection object P1 and additional detection objects for the remaining detection objects, thereby clearly recognizing the remaining detection objects including the second detection object P2.

[0090] So, if with regard to Fig.12. If the first detection object P1 is located in the third area D3 and the second detection object P2 is located in the first area D1, the left lighting unit 10a controls the light so that it follows the movement of the second detection object P2 and simultaneously also controls the light on the right side of the left illumination area L1, and the right lighting unit 10b controls the light on the left side of the right illumination area L2. As described above, it is possible to indicate externally that the vehicle detects the objects, since the light control is carried out on both the first detection object P1 and the second detection object P2, and the objects are also able to detect this.

[0091] As another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 30 can set a priority for each of the objects entering the first area D1, second area D2 or third area D3, can select the first detection object P1 in each area and perform the brightness control of light for each first detection object P1 by controlling the lighting unit 10.

[0092] By setting a priority for each area as described above and selecting the first detection object P1 in each area, the brightness control of light can be performed differently for each area.

[0093] This means that even if an object enters both the first area D1 and the second area D2, a pedestrian entering the first area D1 is designated as the first detection object P1 in the first area D1, and a pedestrian entering the second area D2 is designated as the first detection object P1 in the second area D2. Accordingly, in the left illumination area L1, which is contained within the first area D1, the light control is performed on the first detection object P1 in the first area D1, and in the right illumination area L2, which is contained within the second area D2, the light control is performed on the first detection object P1 in the second area D2. Furthermore, if two or more objects enter the first area D1, the detection object is determined based on its priority within the respective area. Thus, sequential light control of the lighting unit 10 can be implemented.

[0094] As another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 30 can prevent the brightness control of light on other detection objects entering the detection area D in the state in which the first detection object P1 is located within the detection area D.

[0095] This means that by implementing brightness control of light only for the first detection object P1, inconveniences caused to objects moving near the vehicle by the light generated by controlling the majority of light sources 11 can be prevented. Furthermore, since communication between an object and a pedestrian is possible even when brightness control of light is implemented only for the first detection object P1, brightness control of light is implemented for the first detection object P1.

[0096] As another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 30 can, when a specific detection object enters the first area D1 or second area D2 after the first detection object P1 has left the first area D1 or second area D2, perform brightness control of the light for that specific detection object. Thus, when the first detection object P1 leaves the detection area D, the brightness control of the light is performed for another detection object so that the vehicle can clearly recognize that the second detection object P2 is present in its immediate vicinity, and the second detection object P2 can determine that the vehicle also recognizes the object.

[0097] The vehicle communication lighting system, with the setup described above, detects a pedestrian in the vicinity of the vehicle and communicates with the pedestrian via a lighting system that illuminates sequentially, thus ensuring the safety of both the vehicle and the pedestrian. This means that the vehicle projects light that follows the pedestrian's path of movement, transmitting a signal that the vehicle has detected the pedestrian, and the pedestrian is able to move safely around the vehicle, knowing that the vehicle has recognized them.

[0098] Furthermore, the term "controller" or "control unit" refers to a hardware device comprising a memory and a processor designed to perform one or more steps, which are interpreted as an algorithmic structure. The memory stores algorithmic steps, and the processor executes the algorithmic steps to carry out one or more processes of a method according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The controller according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by non-volatile memory designed to store algorithms for controlling the operation of various components of a vehicle or data about software instructions for executing the algorithms, and a processor designed to perform the operation described above using the data stored in the memory.The memory and processor can be separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and processor can be integrated into a single chip. The processor can consist of one or more processors.

[0099] The control or control unit can be at least one microprocessor operated by a predetermined program which may contain a series of instructions for executing a method according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0100] The aforementioned invention can also be embodied in the form of computer-readable codes on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device capable of storing data that can subsequently be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable recording media include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), silicon disk drives (SDDs), read-only memory (ROMs), random-access memory (RAMs), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, etc., and implementations as carrier waves (e.g., transmission over the Internet).

[0101] For the sake of clarity and precise definition in the accompanying claims, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "top", "bottom", "upwards", "downwards", "front", "rear", "backwards", "inside", "outside", "inwards", "outwards", "internal", "external", "inner", "outside", "forwards", and "backwards" are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with respect to the positions of these features as illustrated in the figures. It should also be clear that the term "connect" or its derivatives refer to both direct and indirect connections.

[0102] The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. They are neither intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the present invention to the exact forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are of course possible with respect to the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments have been selected and described to explain certain principles of the present invention and their practical application, in order to enable other persons skilled in the art to produce and use various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims attached herein and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Communication lighting system for a vehicle, the communication lighting system comprising: a lighting unit (10) with a plurality of light sources (11) arranged sequentially to divide a light emission area into a plurality of areas and to project light to each of the plurality of areas with a different brightness; a sensor (20) designed to detect at least one object in a detection range (D) around the vehicle in order to determine the object's position and provide information about the object's position; and a controller (30) which is electrically connected to the lighting unit (10) and the sensor (20) and is designed to control the lighting unit (10), to receive information from the sensor (20), to determine a priority of an object entering the detection range (D) from the at least one object, and to selectively control the brightness of light to be projected onto the object with a different brightness by selectively controlling each of the plurality of light sources (11) of the lighting unit (10) according to the priority of the object moving in the detection range (D), where, if a plurality of objects enter the detection area (D) from the at least one object, the controller sequentially designates each of the plurality of objects as a detection object (P), and wherein the controller (30) is designed to control the lighting unit (10) to perform the brightness control of light for a first detection object (P1) from the plurality of objects, to control the brightness control of light for a second object from the plurality of objects entering the detection area (D) after the first detection object (P1) has left the detection area (D), and then to perform the brightness control of light for a third detection object from the plurality of objects entering the detection area (D) after the second detection object has left the detection area (D), thereby performing the brightness control of light sequentially. [2] Communication lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, when the controller (30) detects via the sensor (20) that an object of the at least one object has entered the detection area (D), the controller (30) is designed to designate the object that first entered the detection area (D) as the first detection object, and to perform the brightness control of light for the first detection object (P1) by controlling the lighting unit (10). [3] Communication lighting system according to claim 2, wherein, when the controller detects that after the first detection object (P1) another object of the at least one object has entered the detection area (D), the controller is designed to designate the other object as the second detection object (P2), and when the first detection object is within the detection area (D), the controller does not perform the brightness control of light for the second detection object (P2), and wherein, when the first detection object (P1) leaves the detection area in a state in which the first detection object (P1) and second detection object (P2) are in the detection area (D), the controller (30) is designed to perform the brightness control of light for the second detection object (P2). [4] Communication lighting system according to claim 3, wherein, when a third detection object (P3) enters the detection area (D) after the first detection object (P1) has left the detection area (D), the control (30) is designed to perform the brightness control of light for the third detection object (P3). [5] Communication lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting unit (10) is formed multiple times to include lighting units that are spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction of the vehicle, wherein the lighting units have a left lighting unit (10a) with a left illumination area (L1) and a right lighting unit (10b) with a right illumination area (L2) in the width direction of the vehicle, and wherein the sensor (20) is designed to detect a position of the at least one object by dividing the detection area (D) into a plurality of sub-areas comprising the left illumination area (L1) and the right illumination area (L2), respectively. [6] Communication lighting system according to claim 5, wherein the detection area of ​​the sensor (20) has a first area (D1) with the left illumination area (L1), a second area (D2) with the right illumination area (L2) and a third area (D3) comprising a space between the first area (D1) and the second area (D2). [7] Communication lighting system according to claim 6, wherein, when the control (30) detects that at least two objects have entered the first area from the at least one object, the control (30) is designed to designate an object that first entered the first area (D1) from the at least one object as the first detection object (P1), to designate an object that subsequently enters the first area (D1) from the at least one object as the second detection object (P2), and to control the left lighting unit (10a) such that the brightness control of light is carried out following the first detection object (P1) in the left illumination area (L1). [8] Communication lighting system according to claim 7, wherein, when the controller (30) detects that the first detection object (P1) leaves the first area (D1) and enters the third area (D3), the controller (30) is designed to control each of the lighting units such that brightness control is performed on a right side of the left illumination area (L1) and on a left side of the right illumination area (L2), and wherein, when the controller (30) detects that the first detection object (P1) leaves the third area (D3) and enters the second area (D2), the controller (30) is designed to control the right lighting unit (10b) in such a way that the brightness control is carried out following a movement of the first detection object (P1). [9] Communication lighting system according to claim 7, wherein the control (30) is designed to prevent the brightness control of light from the at least one object to other detection objects entering the detection area (D) in a state in which the first detection object (P1) is located in the detection area (D). [10] Communication lighting system according to claim 8, wherein, when an additional object of the at least one object enters the detection area (D) after the first detection object (P1) has left the second area (D2), the control (30) is designed to perform the brightness control of light for the additional object. [11] Communication lighting system according to claim 8, wherein, when the first detection object (P1) has left the second area (D2), the control (30) is designed to perform the brightness control of light for the second detection object (P2) which enters the detection area (D) after the first detection object (P1). [12] Communication lighting system according to claim 8, wherein when the first detection object (P1) has left the first area (D1) and the second detection object (P2) is in the first area (D1), the control (30) is designed to control the left lighting unit (10b) in such a way that the brightness control continues to follow the movement of the second detection object (P2). [13] Communication lighting system according to claim 8, wherein, when the second detection object (P2) is located in the third area (D3), the control (30) is designed to control each of the lighting units so that the brightness control continues to be carried out on the right side of the left illumination area (L1) and on the left side of the right illumination area (L2). [14] Communication lighting system according to claim 6, wherein, when the controller (30) detects that objects from the at least one object have entered the first area (D1) or second area (D2), the controller (30) is designed to designate an object of the objects that first entered the first area (D1) and second area (D2) as the first detection object (P1), to designate an object of the objects that subsequently entered the first area and second area (D2) as the second detection object (P2), and to perform the brightness control of light for the first detection object (P1). [15] Communication lighting system according to claim 14, wherein the control (30) is designed to perform the brightness control of light next to the first detection object (P1) and an additional detection object for a remaining detection object. [16] Communication lighting system according to claim 14, wherein the control (30) is designed to establish a priority for each of the objects that have entered the first area (D1) and second area (D2), or for an object that has entered the third area, in order to select a first detection object (P1) in each area and to perform the brightness control of light for each first detection object (P1) by controlling the lighting units. [17] Communication lighting system according to claim 14, wherein the control is designed to prevent the performance of brightness control of light on other detection objects entering the detection area (D) in a state in which the first detection object (P1) is located in the detection area (D). [18] Communication lighting system according to claim 17, wherein, when a predetermined detection object enters the first area (D1) or second area (D2) after the first detection object (P1) has left the first area (D1) or second area (D2), the control (30) is designed to perform the brightness control of light for the predetermined detection object. [19] Communication lighting system according to claim 6, wherein the detection area (D) of the sensor (20) further comprises a fourth area (D4) in which an approach of an object, of which at least one object, is detected on the left side of the first area (D1), and a fifth area (D5) in which an approach of an object, of which at least one object, is detected on the right side of the second area (D2).

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