Vehicle communication lamp and method for controlling the same

Abstract

A communication lamp for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a vehicle interface unit for receiving content data from a vehicle; a control unit for analyzing the content data and generating brightness data for each pixel; a memory unit for storing brightness data for a pixel; and a light source output unit for outputting image data previously stored in the memory unit, wherein the control unit includes a data interface for transmitting and receiving data with at least one of the memory unit and the light source output unit.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] These embodiments are applicable to vehicles of all fields, and more specifically, for example, may be applied to vehicle lamps. Background Technology

[0002] In general, vehicles are equipped with various sensors and electronic devices for user convenience. In particular, research on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is actively underway to enhance driving convenience. Furthermore, the development of autonomous vehicles is also progressing rapidly.

[0003] Vehicles are equipped with various types of lamps.

[0004] For example, the vehicle is equipped with various vehicle lamps (e.g., DRL, position, turn, stop, emergency lights) that have a lighting function (e.g., headlamps) to enable easy identification of objects located around the vehicle when driving at night, and a signal function to inform other vehicles or other road users of the vehicle's driving status. That is, the vehicle may be equipped with devices that operate by directly emitting light using lamps, such as headlights that illuminate the front to ensure the driver's visibility, brake lights that turn on when the brakes are applied, and turn signals used when turning right or left.

[0005] Recently, concept vehicles designed to use these vehicle lamps for communication purposes are appearing.

[0006] However, in order to drive conventional vehicle lamps for communication purposes, there is a problem where the system becomes complex as image files are converted into video signals from a graphics controller and then changed into signals for controlling actual pixels through a complex configuration. The problem to be solved

[0007] In order to solve the problem described above, one aspect of the present invention aims to provide a vehicle communication lamp and a method for controlling the same, which is controlled by using a direct data interface without using a video signal to drive the communication lamp.

[0008] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0009] A vehicle communication lamp according to any one embodiment of the present invention for solving the problem described above comprises: a vehicle interface unit that receives content data from a vehicle; a control unit that analyzes the content data and generates brightness data for each pixel; a memory unit that stores brightness data for a pixel; and a light source output unit that outputs image data previously stored in the memory unit, wherein the control unit includes a data interface that transmits and receives data with at least one of the memory unit and the light source output unit.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the control unit extracts image data through packet analysis and structuring of content data received through the vehicle interface unit, converts the extracted image data into brightness data for pixels, and performs image correction based on the converted brightness data.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the data interface includes a memory interface for transmitting and receiving data between the memory unit and the control unit; and a light source interface for transmitting and receiving data between the light source output unit and the control unit.

[0012] According to an embodiment, when the memory interface and the light source interface are different, the control unit stores image data received from the memory unit in a buffer, changes the image data stored in the buffer into a format corresponding to the light source interface, and transmits it to the light source output unit.

[0013] According to an embodiment, if the memory interface and the light source interface are the same, the control unit shares the memory unit and the light source output unit with the data interface and the light source interface.

[0014] According to an embodiment, when the control unit updates the content to the memory unit, the light source interface is floated, and the memory unit receives the image data from the control unit through the memory interface.

[0015] According to an embodiment, when the control unit outputs the content through the light source output unit, the memory interface is floated, and the light source output unit receives image data from the memory unit through the data interface. Effects of the invention

[0016] According to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, there is an effect of simplifying the system by directly receiving an image stored in memory using a data interface instead of transmitting it as a video signal to drive a communication lamp.

[0017] The effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0018] FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram of an autonomous driving control system to which an autonomous driving device according to any one embodiment of the present invention may be applied. FIG. 2 is an illustrative diagram showing an example in which an autonomous driving device according to any one of the embodiments of the present invention is applied to an autonomous vehicle. FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 are block diagrams for illustrating a vehicle communication lamp according to any one of the embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an image output method for a vehicle communication lamp according to a first embodiment among embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an image output method for a vehicle communication lamp according to a second embodiment among embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the content update operation of a vehicle communication lamp according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a camera correction method according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a camera correction method according to embodiments of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0020] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as "including" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0021] FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram of an autonomous driving control system to which an autonomous driving device according to any one embodiment of the present invention may be applied. FIG. 2 is an illustrative diagram showing an example of an autonomous driving device according to any one embodiment of the present invention being applied to an autonomous vehicle.

[0022] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the structure and function of an autonomous driving control system (e.g., an autonomous vehicle) to which the autonomous driving device according to the embodiments can be applied will be described.

[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1, an autonomous vehicle (1000) may be implemented around an autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) that transmits and receives data necessary for autonomous driving control of the autonomous vehicle through a driving information input interface (101), a driving information input interface (201), a passenger output interface (301), and an autonomous vehicle control output interface (401). However, the autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) may be referred to as a control unit, a processor, or simply a control unit in the specification.

[0024] The autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) can obtain driving information based on the operation of the passenger on the user input unit (100) in the autonomous driving mode or manual driving mode of the autonomous vehicle through the driving information input interface (101). As shown in FIG. 1, the user input unit (100) may include a driving mode switch (110) and a control panel (120) (e.g., a navigation terminal mounted on the autonomous vehicle, a smartphone or tablet PC carried by the passenger, etc.), and accordingly, the driving information may include driving mode information and navigation information of the autonomous vehicle.

[0025] For example, the driving mode of the autonomous vehicle (i.e., autonomous driving mode / manual driving mode or sports mode / eco mode / safe mode / normal mode) determined by the operation of the occupant on the driving mode switch (110) can be transmitted to the autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) through the driving information input interface (101) as the driving information mentioned above.

[0026] In addition, navigation information such as the passenger's destination and the route to the destination (such as the shortest route or preferred route selected by the passenger among candidate routes to the destination) entered by the passenger through the control panel (120) can be transmitted to the autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) through the driving information input interface (101) as the driving information mentioned above.

[0027] Meanwhile, the control panel (120) may be implemented as a touch screen panel that provides a UI (User Interface) for a passenger to input or modify information for autonomous driving control of the autonomous vehicle, and in this case, the aforementioned driving mode switch (110) may be implemented as a touch button on the control panel (120).

[0028] Additionally, the autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) can obtain driving information indicating the driving state of the autonomous vehicle through the driving information input interface (201). The driving information may include various information indicating the driving state and behavior of the autonomous vehicle, such as the steering angle formed as the passenger operates the steering wheel, the acceleration pedal stroke or brake pedal stroke formed as the passenger presses the acceleration pedal or brake pedal, and the behavior formed in the autonomous vehicle, such as vehicle speed, acceleration, yaw, pitch, and roll. Each of the driving information may be detected by a driving control unit (200) including a steering angle sensor (210), an APS (Accel Position Sensor) / PTS (Pedal Travel Sensor) (220), a vehicle speed sensor (230), an acceleration sensor (240), and a yaw / pitch / roll sensor (250), as shown in FIG. 1.

[0029] Furthermore, the driving information of the autonomous vehicle may include location information of the autonomous vehicle, and the location information of the autonomous vehicle can be obtained through a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver (260) applied to the autonomous vehicle. This driving information is transmitted to the autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) through the driving information input interface (201) and can be used to control the driving of the autonomous vehicle in autonomous driving mode or manual driving mode.

[0030] Additionally, the autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) can transmit driving status information provided to the passenger in the autonomous driving mode or manual driving mode of the autonomous vehicle to the output unit (300) through the passenger output interface (301). That is, by transmitting the driving status information of the autonomous vehicle to the output unit (300), the autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) can enable the passenger to check the autonomous driving state or manual driving state of the autonomous vehicle based on the driving status information output through the output unit (300), and the driving status information may include various information indicating the driving state of the autonomous vehicle, such as the current driving mode, gear range, and vehicle speed of the autonomous vehicle.

[0031] Additionally, when the autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) determines that a warning is required to the passenger in the autonomous driving mode or manual driving mode of the autonomous vehicle along with the driving status information described above, it can transmit the warning information to the output unit (300) through the passenger output interface (301) so that the output unit (300) outputs a warning to the passenger. In order to output such driving status information and warning information audibly and visually, the output unit (300) may include a speaker (310) and a display device (320) as shown in FIG. 1. At this time, the display device (320) may be implemented as the same device as the control panel (120) described above, or it may be implemented as a separate, independent device.

[0032] Additionally, the autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) can transmit control signals for driving control of the autonomous vehicle in the autonomous driving mode or manual driving mode of the autonomous vehicle to the sub-control system (400) applied to the autonomous vehicle through the autonomous vehicle control output interface (401). The sub-control system (400) for driving control of the autonomous vehicle may include an engine control system (410), a braking control system (420), and a steering control system (430) as shown in FIG. 1, and the autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) can transmit the engine control signal, the braking control signal, and the steering control signal as the control signals to each sub-control system (410, 420, 430) through the autonomous vehicle control output interface (401). Accordingly, the engine control system (410) can control the speed and acceleration of the autonomous vehicle by increasing or decreasing the fuel supplied to the engine, the braking control system (420) can control the braking of the autonomous vehicle by adjusting the braking force of the autonomous vehicle, and the steering control system (430) can control the steering of the autonomous vehicle through a steering device (e.g., MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) system) applied to the autonomous vehicle.

[0033] As described above, the autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) of the present embodiment acquires driving information and driving information indicating the driving state of the autonomous vehicle according to the operation of the passenger through the driving information input interface (101) and the driving information input interface (201), respectively, and can transmit driving state information and warning information generated according to the autonomous driving algorithm to the output unit (300) through the passenger output interface (301), and can also operate to enable driving control of the autonomous vehicle by transmitting the control signal generated according to the autonomous driving algorithm to the lower control system (400) through the autonomous vehicle control output interface (401).

[0034] Meanwhile, in order to ensure stable autonomous driving of an autonomous vehicle, it is necessary to accurately measure the driving environment of the autonomous vehicle to continuously monitor the driving state and control the driving according to the measured driving environment. To this end, the autonomous driving device of the present embodiment may include a sensor unit (500) for detecting surrounding objects of the autonomous vehicle, such as surrounding autonomous vehicles, pedestrians, roads, or fixed facilities (e.g., traffic lights, signposts, traffic signs, construction fences, etc.), as shown in FIG. 1.

[0035] The sensor unit (500) may include one or more of a lidar sensor (510), a radar sensor (520), and a camera sensor (530) to detect surrounding objects outside the autonomous vehicle as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0036] The LiDAR sensor (510) can detect surrounding objects outside the autonomous vehicle by transmitting a laser signal around the autonomous vehicle and receiving a signal that is reflected back from the object, and can detect surrounding objects located within a set distance, set vertical field of view, and set horizontal field of view range that are predefined according to the specifications. The LiDAR sensor (510) may include a front LiDAR sensor (511), an upper LiDAR sensor (512), and a rear LiDAR sensor (513) installed respectively on the front, top, and rear of the autonomous vehicle, but the installation locations and number of installations are not limited to specific embodiments. A threshold value for determining the validity of a laser signal reflected back from an object may be stored in advance in the memory (not shown) of the autonomous driving integrated control unit (600), and the autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) can determine the position (including the distance to the object), speed, and direction of movement of the object by measuring the time it takes for a laser signal transmitted through the lidar sensor (510) to be reflected back from the object.

[0037] The radar sensor (520) can detect surrounding objects outside the autonomous vehicle by radiating electromagnetic waves around the autonomous vehicle and receiving signals reflected back from the object, and can detect surrounding objects located within a predetermined range of set distance, set vertical angle of view, and set horizontal angle of view according to its specifications. The radar sensor (520) may include a front radar sensor (521), a left radar sensor (521), a right radar sensor (522), and a rear radar sensor (523) installed respectively on the front, left side, right side, and rear of the autonomous vehicle, but the installation location and number of installations are not limited to specific embodiments. The autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) can determine the location (including the distance to the object), speed, and direction of movement of the object by analyzing the power of the electromagnetic waves transmitted and received through the radar sensor (520).

[0038] The camera sensor (530) can capture images of the surroundings of the autonomous vehicle and detect surrounding objects outside the autonomous vehicle, and can detect surrounding objects located within a set distance, set vertical angle of view, and set horizontal angle of view range that are predefined according to the specifications.

[0039] The camera sensor (530) may include a front camera sensor (531), a left camera sensor (532), a right camera sensor (533), and a rear camera sensor (534) installed on the front, left side, right side, and rear of the autonomous vehicle, respectively, but the installation location and number of installations are not limited to specific embodiments. The autonomous driving integrated control unit can determine the location (including the distance to the object), speed, and direction of movement of the object by applying a predefined image processing to an image captured through the camera sensor (530).

[0040] Additionally, an internal camera sensor (535) for capturing images of the interior of the autonomous vehicle may be mounted at a predetermined location (e.g., rearview mirror) inside the autonomous vehicle, and the autonomous driving integrated control unit (600) may monitor the movement and condition of the passenger based on the images obtained through the internal camera sensor (535) and output guidance or warning to the passenger through the aforementioned output unit (300).

[0041] In addition to the lidar sensor (510), radar sensor (520) and camera sensor (530), the sensor unit (500) may further include an ultrasonic sensor (540) as shown in FIG. 1, and together with this, various types of sensors for detecting surrounding objects of the autonomous vehicle may be further employed in the sensor unit (500).

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which a front lidar sensor (511) or a front radar sensor (521) is installed on the front of an autonomous vehicle, a rear lidar sensor (513) or a rear radar sensor (524) is installed on the rear of an autonomous vehicle, and a front camera sensor (531), a left camera sensor (532), a right camera sensor (533), and a rear camera sensor (534) are installed on the front, left side, right side, and rear of the autonomous vehicle, respectively, to aid in understanding the present embodiment; however, as described above, the installation location and number of each sensor are not limited to a specific embodiment.

[0043] Furthermore, the sensor unit (500) may further include a bio-sensor for detecting the occupant's bio-signals (e.g., heart rate, electrocardiogram, respiration, blood pressure, body temperature, brainwave, blood flow (pulse wave) and blood sugar, etc.) to determine the condition of the occupant riding in the autonomous vehicle, and the bio-sensor may include a heart rate sensor, an electrocardiogram sensor, a respiration sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a body temperature sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, a photoplethysmography sensor, and a blood sugar sensor.

[0044] Finally, the sensor unit (500) additionally includes a microphone (550), and the internal microphone (551) and external microphone (552) are each used for different purposes.

[0045] The internal microphone (551) can be used, for example, to analyze the voice of a passenger in an autonomous vehicle (1000) based on AI or to respond immediately to a direct voice command.

[0046] On the other hand, the external microphone (552) can be used to analyze various sounds occurring outside the autonomous vehicle (1000), for example, using various analysis tools such as deep learning, in order to respond appropriately to safe driving, etc.

[0047] For reference, the symbols shown in FIG. 2 can perform the same or similar functions as the symbols shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 illustrates in more detail the relative positional relationships of each component (based on the interior of the autonomous vehicle (1000)) compared to FIG. 1.

[0048] FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 are block diagrams for illustrating a vehicle communication lamp according to any one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a vehicle communication lamp (2000) may include a vehicle interface unit (2100), a memory unit (2200), a control unit (2300), and a light source output unit (2400).

[0050] The vehicle interface unit (2100) can transmit control signals and update content transmitted to the vehicle. The vehicle interface unit (2100) may include an LVDS (Low-Voltage differential signal) Driver & Receiver, a CAN transceiver, etc.

[0051] An LVDS Driver & Receiver refers to a high-speed, long-distance digital interface for serial communication through two separate copper wires. It consists of five pairs of differential lines, and the lengths of the cables may need to be kept as equal as possible to synchronize the five pairs of data lines.

[0052] A CAN (Controller Area Network) transceiver can be a communication transceiver for communication between a vehicle and a network.

[0053] The vehicle interface unit (2100) can receive content data from the vehicle.

[0054] The memory unit (2200) is a type of storage medium in which various information or programs are stored, and images can be stored in the memory unit. Images include videos or photos.

[0055] The memory unit (2200) can store content data output by the light source output unit (2400). The memory unit (2200) may include a first memory for storing content data. The first memory may be composed of NAND memory, eMMC memory, etc.

[0056] The memory unit (2200) can store firmware data output by the light source output unit (2400). The memory unit (2200) may include a second memory for storing firmware data. The second memory may be composed of a NOR memory.

[0057] The control unit (2300) may include internal memory. The internal memory may include a buffer (2320).

[0058] The control unit (2300) may be provided with a data interface for transmitting and receiving data with at least one of the memory unit (2200) and the light source output unit (2400) for pixel control. Specifically, the data interface may be a large-capacity data interface.

[0059] The control unit (2300) can perform overall control, such as providing data to the light source output unit (2400) according to the input image.

[0060] The control unit (2300) can control the high-resolution pixel light source device directly with a high-capacity data signal without transmitting the image stored in the content memory (2210) as a video signal.

[0061] The control unit (2300) can analyze content data received through the vehicle interface unit (2100) and generate brightness data for each pixel. For example, the control unit (2300) can convert an image within the content into brightness data for controlling each pixel.

[0062] Specifically, the control unit (2300) can extract image data through packet analysis and structuring of content data received through the vehicle interface unit (2200). The control unit (2300) can convert the extracted image data into brightness data for pixels.

[0063] Meanwhile, the control unit (2300) can generate corrected image data by analyzing content data received through the vehicle interface unit (2100). Specifically, the control unit (2300) can perform image correction based on the converted brightness data.

[0064] Meanwhile, the data interface may include a memory interface for transmitting and receiving data between the memory unit (2200) and the control unit (2300), and a light source interface for transmitting and receiving data between the light source output unit (2400) and the control unit (2300).

[0065] Accordingly, the control unit (2300) can store image data received from the memory unit (2200) in a buffer when the memory interface and the light source interface are different. The control unit (2300) can change the image data stored in the buffer into a format corresponding to the light source interface and transmit it to the light source output unit.

[0066] Meanwhile, if the memory interface and the light source interface are the same, the control unit (2300) can share the data interface and the light source interface with the memory unit (2200) and the light source output unit (2400).

[0067] For example, when the control unit (2300) updates the content in the memory unit (2200), it can float the light source interface. Accordingly, the memory unit (2400) can receive image data from the control unit (2300) through the memory interface.

[0068] For example, when the control unit (2300) outputs content through the light source output unit (2400), it can float the memory interface. The light source output unit (2400) can receive image data from the memory unit through the data interface.

[0069] The light source output unit (2400) may include a pixel light source device capable of image output. The light source output unit (2400) may correspond to a high-resolution pixel light source device such as a DMD or an HD Micro LED.

[0070] The light source output unit (2400) can output image data stored in the memory unit (2200).

[0071] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the content update operation of a vehicle communication lamp according to any one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit (2300) can receive an update image through the vehicle interface unit (2100). The control unit (2300) can transmit the update image to the NAND memory (2210) in the memory unit (2200) through the internal memory (3000).

[0073] To this end, the control unit (2300) can perform parsing to analyze packets and structure the received update image data.

[0074] The control unit (2300) can extract each data from the parsed data through the buffer (3100). Specifically, the control unit (2300) can extract the values ​​of RED data, GREEN data, and BLUE data through the RGB buffer.

[0075] The control unit (2300) can convert each extracted RGB value into brightness data for a pixel through an LED pixel buffer.

[0076] The control unit (2300) can transmit data in units of LED resolution. At this time, the control unit (2300) can divide the data collected in the buffers (3100, 3200) into packets of a fixed size and transmit them.

[0077] The control unit (2300) can perform image correction (Warping) and store it in NAND memory, which is a memory for content (2210). The image correction method may be a method of correcting image distortion by specifying four vertices of an image, calculating a transformation matrix, and then using the matrix to reposition the four corner points of the image.

[0078] Image correction (Warping) can be performed before storing data in the memory unit (2200). For example, image correction (Warping) may be performed after image data extraction, and the corrected image data can be converted into brightness data.

[0079] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an image output method for a vehicle communication lamp according to a first embodiment among embodiments of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, this illustrates a case where, when a vehicle communication lamp (2000) outputs a large-capacity image, the light source interface connecting the light source output unit (2400) and the control unit (2300) and the memory interface connecting the memory unit (2200) and the control unit (2300) are different from each other.

[0081] The control unit (2300) can receive a large-capacity image stored in the memory unit (2200) through the memory interface (4100). The large-capacity image received by the control unit (2300) can be transmitted to the light source output unit (2400) through the light source interface (4200) of the high-resolution pixel light source (Pixel Lighting) via the buffer (3100). For example, the memory interface (4100) may be an interface for content transmission.

[0082] At this time, if the memory interface (4100) connected to the control unit (2300) and the interface (42000) of the high-resolution pixel light source (2400) are different interfaces, the control unit (2300) can change the format of the data through the buffer (3100) and transmit it to the light source output unit (2400).

[0083] Specifically, if the content memory (2210) within the memory unit (2200) is an eMMC memory, the memory unit (2200) can transmit and receive data with the control unit (2300) through a memory interface (4100) connected to the eMMC memory. At this time, the memory interface (4100) can transmit and receive n bits of data.

[0084] In the case where the content memory within the light source output unit (2400) is a NAND memory, the memory unit (2200) can transmit and receive data with the control unit (2300) through the NAND memory interface (4100). At this time, the NAND memory interface (4100) can transmit and receive N bits of data.

[0085] The control unit (2300) receives n bits of image data and can transmit N bits of data and clock data to the light source output unit (2400) via the buffer (3100).

[0086] At this time, the large-capacity data interface (2310) can operate in a DDR (Double Data rate) manner to increase the transmission speed. Additionally, the large-capacity data interface (2310) can operate in an LVCMOS (Low Voltage Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) interface manner to increase the transmission speed by swinging data at a low voltage.

[0087] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an image output method for a vehicle communication lamp according to a second embodiment among embodiments of the present invention.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 6, when a vehicle communication lamp (2000) outputs a large-capacity image, the light source interface connecting the light source output unit (2400) and the control unit (2300) and the memory interface connecting the memory unit (2200) and the control unit (2300) are shown as being identical.

[0089] If the memory interface between the control unit (2300) and the memory unit (2200) and the interface of the high-resolution pixel light source between the control unit (2300) and the light source output unit (2400) are the same, the control unit (2300) can share the light source output unit (2400) and the memory unit (2200) through the data interface (5100).

[0090] Accordingly, the light source output unit (2400) can directly connect to the memory unit (2200) to transmit and receive data.

[0091] At this time, among the memory unit (2200), control unit (2300), and light source output unit (2400), the remaining one excluding the two communicating can have its interface line floating to prevent communication conflicts.

[0092] Specifically, when updating content, the control unit (2300) can transmit a control signal for content updating to the memory unit (2200) and the light source output unit (2400). Through this, the light source interface line connecting the memory unit (2200) and the light source output unit (2400) can be floated. Accordingly, the control unit (2300) can transmit N bits of data and clock data from the memory unit (2200) to the light source output unit (2400).

[0093] Meanwhile, when outputting content, the control unit (2300) can transmit a content output control signal to the memory unit (2200) and the light source output unit (2400). Through this, the memory interface line connecting the memory unit (2200) and the control unit (2300) can be floated. Therefore, N bits of data can be directly transmitted from the memory unit (2200) to the light source output unit (2400).

[0094] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the content update operation of a vehicle communication lamp according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 7, when the vehicle communication lamp (2000) operates in content update mode (S10), parsing can be performed to analyze packets of content data received from the vehicle and structure them (S20).

[0096] After the above step S20, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can extract image data from the parsed data through the buffer (3100) (S30).

[0097] After the above step S30, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can convert the extracted image data into brightness data for pixels (S40).

[0098] After step S40 above, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can perform image correction based on image data (S50). The image correction method (Warping) may be a method of correcting image distortion by specifying four vertices of the image, calculating a transformation matrix, and then using the matrix to reposition the four corner points of the image.

[0099] After the above step S50, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can store corrected image data and brightness data in memory (S60).

[0100] After the above step S60, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can determine whether the content update is complete (S70). If the content update is not complete, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can perform parsing again to analyze and structure the packets.

[0101] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a camera correction method according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 8, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can operate in an image output mode when the light source interface connecting the light source output unit (2400) and the control unit (2300) and the memory interface connecting the memory unit (2200) and the control unit (2300) are different. (S110)

[0103] After the above step S110, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can load image data stored in the memory unit (2200) and store it in a buffer in the control unit (2400) (S120).

[0104] After the above step S110, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can convert data into a format corresponding to the light source interface through the buffer (3100) (S130).

[0105] After the above step S130, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can transmit the converted data to the light source output unit (2400) (S140).

[0106] After the above step S140, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can output an image corresponding to the converted data through the light source output unit (2400) (S150).

[0107] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a camera correction method according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 9, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) has a light source interface connecting the light source output unit (2400) and the control unit (2300) and a memory interface connecting the memory unit (2200) and the control unit (2300) that are identical to each other, and when outputting an image, the memory interface of the control unit (2300) can be disabled (S210).

[0109] After the above step S210, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can acquire control of the memory unit (2200) from the light source output unit (2400) (S220). To this end, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can provide a control signal to the memory unit (2200) and the light source output unit (2400) through the control unit (2300).

[0110] After the above step S220, the control unit (2300) of the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can load image data from the memory unit (2200) (S230).

[0111] After the above step S230, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can apply brightness data for pixels to the image data through the control unit (2300) (S240).

[0112] After the above step S240, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) can output an image corresponding to the image data through the light source output unit (2400) (S250).

[0113] After the above step S250, the light source output unit (2400) of the vehicle communication lamp (2000) may return control of the memory unit (2200) (S260).

[0114] After the above step S260, the vehicle communication lamp (2000) control unit (2300) can activate the memory interface (S270).

[0115] In other words, the technical concept of the present invention may be applied to the entire autonomous vehicle or only to some components within the autonomous vehicle. The scope of rights of the present invention shall be determined according to the matters described in the patent claims.

[0116] As another aspect of the present invention, the operation of the above-described proposal or invention may also be provided as code that can be implemented, practiced, or executed by a "computer" (a comprehensive concept including a system on chip (SoC) or a microprocessor, etc.), or as an application storing or including said code, a computer-readable storage medium, or a computer program product, and this also falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0117] The detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement and practice the present invention. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, those skilled in the art may utilize each configuration described in the above embodiments in a manner that combines with one another.

[0118] Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but to be given the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

Claim 1 A vehicle communication lamp comprising: a vehicle interface unit for receiving content data from a vehicle; a control unit for analyzing the content data and generating brightness data for each pixel; a memory unit for storing brightness data for a pixel; and a light source output unit for outputting image data previously stored in the memory unit, wherein the control unit comprises a data interface for transmitting and receiving data with at least one of the memory unit and the light source output unit. Claim 2 A vehicle communication lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit extracts image data through packet analysis and structuring of content data received through the vehicle interface unit, converts the extracted image data into brightness data for pixels, and performs image correction based on the converted brightness data. Claim 3 A communication lamp for a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the data interface comprises: a memory interface for transmitting and receiving data between the memory unit and the control unit; and a light source interface for transmitting and receiving data between the light source output unit and the control unit. Claim 4 A vehicle communication lamp according to claim 3, wherein the control unit stores image data received from the memory unit in a buffer when the memory interface and the light source interface are different, changes the image data stored in the buffer into a format corresponding to the light source interface, and transmits it to the light source output unit. Claim 5 A communication lamp for a vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the control unit shares the memory unit and the light source output unit with the data interface and the light source interface when the memory interface and the light source interface are the same. Claim 6 A vehicle communication lamp according to claim 5, characterized in that when the control unit updates the content to the memory unit, the light source interface is floated, and the memory unit receives the image data from the control unit through the memory interface. Claim 7 A vehicle communication lamp according to claim 5, characterized in that when the control unit outputs the content through the light source output unit, the memory interface is floated, and the light source output unit receives image data from the memory unit through the data interface. Claim 8 A method for controlling a communication lamp for a vehicle, comprising the steps of: receiving content data from a vehicle; analyzing the content data to generate brightness data for each pixel; storing the brightness data for the pixel; and outputting previously stored image data. Claim 9 In claim 8, the step of analyzing the content data to generate brightness data for each pixel comprises: a step of extracting image data through packet analysis and structuring of the received content data; a step of converting the extracted image data into brightness data for pixels; and a step of performing image correction based on the converted brightness data, thereby providing a method for controlling a communication lamp for a vehicle. Claim 10 In claim 8, the step of outputting the previously stored image data comprises: a step of storing image data received from a memory unit in a buffer; and a step of changing the image data stored in the buffer into a format corresponding to the data interface and transmitting it to a light source output unit, thereby controlling a communication lamp for a vehicle.

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