Vehicle lamp module, method for controlling vehicle lamps, vehicle lamp system, and vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle lamp module (150), a vehicle lamp system, and a method (600) for controlling vehicle lamps, which can be applied to an intelligent driving vehicle. The vehicle lamp module (150) can provide both high-brightness lighting and high-definition projection, enhancing the performance of intelligent driving vehicles, thus improving user experience. The vehicle lamp module (150) comprises a light source module (210), a lighting module (220), and a projection module (230). The light source module (210) comprises a plurality of light sources, and is used for emitting a first light beam to the lighting module (220) on the basis of a first application scenario of the vehicle lamp module (150), wherein the first light beam is generated by some of the plurality of light sources and is used for generating an image. The lighting module (220) is used for generating image light on the basis of the first light beam and emitting the image light to the projection module (230), and the projection module (230) is used for generating an image on the basis of the image light.

Description

A vehicle lighting module, a method for controlling vehicle lights, a vehicle lighting system, and a vehicle.

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410501586.3, filed on April 24, 2024, entitled "A vehicle lighting module, a method for controlling vehicle lights, a vehicle lighting system and a vehicle", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of intelligent vehicle driving, and more particularly to a vehicle lighting module, a method for controlling vehicle lighting, a vehicle lighting system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] The emergence of intelligent headlights has endowed the headlights of smart cars with more personalized and scenario-based features. Intelligent headlight modules typically have both projection and illumination functions, achieving both basic lighting and projection capabilities. Illumination scenarios require high brightness from the headlight module, with lower requirements for projection clarity; projection scenarios require high clarity, but lower brightness requirements. Currently, headlight modules use the same optical system for both illumination and projection, forcing a trade-off between brightness and clarity, making it impossible to simultaneously achieve high-brightness illumination and high-resolution projection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a vehicle lighting module, a method for controlling vehicle lighting, a vehicle lighting system, and a vehicle. The vehicle lighting module provided in this application features high-brightness illumination and high-definition projection. When applied in the field of intelligent driving, it can improve the performance of intelligent driving vehicles, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle lighting module. The vehicle lighting module includes: a light source module, an illumination module, and a projection module. The light source module includes multiple light sources for emitting a first light beam towards the illumination module based on a first application scenario of the vehicle lighting module. The first light beam is generated by a portion of the multiple light sources and is used to generate an image. The illumination module generates image light based on the first light beam and emits the image light towards the projection module. The projection module generates the image based on the image light.

[0006] Based on the above solution, the emitted beam can be controlled by controlling the light source in the headlight module. When a portion of the light source in the light source module emits a first beam used to generate an image, the solution of this application associates the first application scenario of the headlight module with the illumination of a portion of the light source. Since the first beam is used to generate an image in the first application scenario, a portion of the light source can generate a first beam with a smaller aperture angle, thereby improving the clarity of the image generated based on the first beam.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the partial light source is one of the plurality of light sources that is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the optical axis with the optical axis of the vehicle lamp module as the center.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, when some light sources in the first application scenario are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the optical axis, these light sources are located in the central region of the multiple light sources included in the light source module. In other words, the light sources illuminated in the first application scenario are light sources located in the central region of the light source module. At this time, the first beam emitted by these light sources is a beam symmetrical along the optical axis, located near the optical axis, and the first beam has a small angular aperture, thereby achieving the purpose of high-definition imaging.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first application scenario is a projection scenario.

[0010] It should be noted that in the first application scenario of this application, the vehicle headlight module can project or generate images, and is no longer simply used for illumination. That is, in the first application scenario, the vehicle headlight module is used for functions other than illumination. It is understood that the projection scenario is only an exemplary name, and it can also be called an imaging scenario, an entertainment scenario, a high-definition demand scenario, etc.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the light source module is further configured to emit a second light beam to the lighting module based on a second application scenario of the vehicle lamp module, the second light beam being generated by all of the plurality of light sources, and the second light beam being used for illumination; the lighting module is further configured to transmit the second light beam to the projection module; the projection module is further configured to transmit the second light beam.

[0012] Based on the above solution, by utilizing the second beam emitted from all the light sources in the light source module for illumination, the second application scenario of the vehicle headlight module can be associated with illuminating all the light sources. Since all the light sources in the light source module are lit in the second application scenario, the solution of this application can achieve high-definition projection and high-brightness illumination by controlling the illumination of the light sources.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second application scenario is a lighting scenario.

[0014] It is understandable that "lighting scene" is just an example name, and it can also be called a high-brightness demand scene or an illumination scene, such as a vehicle headlight module working in adaptive high beam (ADB) or light carpet.

[0015] It should be noted that in this application, the application scenario can also be referred to as the application mode. That is, the first application scenario can be referred to as the first application mode, and the projection scenario can be referred to as the projection mode, or imaging mode, entertainment mode, high-definition demand mode, etc. The second application scenario can be referred to as the second application mode, and the lighting scenario can also be referred to as the lighting mode. In other words, in the description of this application, there is no need to distinguish between application scenario and application mode. Unless otherwise specified, the two have the same meaning.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the projection module includes a projection lens, and the aperture coefficient of the projection lens in the first application scenario is smaller than the aperture coefficient of the projection lens in the second application scenario.

[0017] Based on the above solution, when the vehicle headlight module provided in this application is used in the first application scenario, the projection lens can actually operate in a small aperture state, thereby reducing imaging aberrations and improving image clarity. When the vehicle headlight module provided in this application is used in the second application scenario, the projection lens can actually operate in a large aperture state, thereby improving light energy efficiency and increasing brightness.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the divergence angle of the image light emitted by the illumination module is smaller than the divergence angle of the second beam emitted by the illumination module.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the divergence angle of the second beam is smaller than that of the first beam.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the vehicle lighting module further includes a control module, which is used to acquire the application scenario of the vehicle lighting module and control the multiple light sources to turn on or off according to the application scenario. The application scenario includes the first application scenario and the second application scenario.

[0021] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a method for controlling vehicle lights, applied to a vehicle light module. The method includes: responding to a first application scenario of the vehicle light module, turning on some light sources in the vehicle light module, wherein a first light beam emitted by the partial light sources is used to generate an image; or, responding to a second application scenario of the vehicle light module, turning on all light sources in the vehicle light module, wherein a second light beam emitted by all light sources is used for illumination.

[0022] Based on the method for controlling vehicle lights provided in this application, the light sources in the vehicle light module can be triggered and turned on according to different application scenarios, thereby linking the application scenario with the illumination of the light source. It is understood that the angle of the first beam emitted by part of the light source is smaller than the angle of the second beam emitted by all the light sources. Therefore, high-definition projection can be achieved based on the first beam, and high-brightness illumination can be achieved based on the second beam.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first application scenario is a projection scenario.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second application scenario is a lighting scenario.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the divergence angle of the second beam is smaller than that of the first beam.

[0026] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle lighting system, including a control system and a vehicle lighting module provided in the first aspect and any implementation thereof. The control system is configured to acquire the application scenario of the vehicle lighting module and control the activation or deactivation of the plurality of light sources according to the application scenario.

[0027] It is understandable that the application scenarios of automotive lighting modules include the first and second application scenarios mentioned above. The control system can be a control device, controller, etc. In some feasible ways, the control system can be a central control system, and also has other control functions, including but not limited to acquiring the application scenario of the automotive lighting module and controlling the on or off of multiple light sources according to the application scenario.

[0028] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle, including a vehicle body and a headlight module provided in the first aspect and any implementation thereof, wherein the headlight module is mounted on the vehicle body.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the third and fourth aspects mentioned above can be found in the description of the beneficial effects in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic structural block diagram of a vehicle 100 applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the vehicle light module 150 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the illumination of the light source of the vehicle light module 150 provided in the embodiments of this application in the first application scenario and the second application scenario.

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lighting module 220 provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 5 shows the specific structure of a vehicle headlight module 500 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a method 600 for controlling vehicle lights provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] The following description is provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application.

[0038] First, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations used in the textual descriptions or drawings of the embodiments of this application shown below are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, the first beam and the second beam are different beams, etc.

[0039] Second, the term "comprising" and any variations thereof in the embodiments of this application shown below are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a system, product or device that includes a series of units is not necessarily limited to those units that are explicitly listed, but may include other units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such products or devices.

[0040] Third, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Embodiments or designs described as "exemplarily" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. The use of words such as "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0041] Fourth, in the embodiments of this application, image light refers to light carrying an image (or image information) used to generate an image, and can also be called imaging light, etc.

[0042] Fifth, in the accompanying drawings of this application, the thickness, size, and shape of the various optical elements have been slightly exaggerated for ease of illustration. Specifically, the shapes of the optical elements shown in the drawings are illustrated by way of example, and the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn strictly to scale.

[0043] Sixth, unless otherwise specified, all terms used in this application (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0044] Intelligentization has become a major development direction in the current automotive industry. As the "eyes" of vehicles, headlight modules are gradually playing a more important role in intelligent cars, providing a safer, smarter, and more efficient driving experience. With continuous technological advancements, intelligent headlight modules are now not only responsible for illumination but also for projection, offering users new entertainment experiences. Generally speaking, in lighting scenarios, the projection clarity requirements for headlight modules are lower, requiring high brightness. Conversely, in projection scenarios, high clarity is needed, while brightness is less critical. Currently, headlight modules cannot simultaneously provide both high-brightness illumination and high-clarity projection.

[0045] In view of this, this application proposes a vehicle lighting module that can provide high-brightness illumination while also generating high-definition images in projection scenarios, and possesses excellent optical performance.

[0046] The following describes the vehicles to which the vehicle lighting module provided in this application can be applied, referring to Figure 1, which is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of the vehicle provided in this application. In one embodiment, vehicle 100 is configured in a fully or partially autonomous driving mode. For example, vehicle 100 can control itself while in autonomous driving mode, and can determine the current state of the vehicle and its surrounding environment through human operation, determine the possible behavior of at least one other vehicle in the surrounding environment, and determine the confidence level corresponding to the probability of the other vehicle performing the possible behavior, and control vehicle 100 based on the determined information. When vehicle 100 is in autonomous driving mode, vehicle 100 can be set to operate without human interaction. Vehicle 100 may include various systems, each system may include multiple components. In addition, each system and component of vehicle 100 can be interconnected via wired or wireless means.

[0047] The vehicle shown in this embodiment includes a sensor system 120, which may include several sensors for sensing information about the environment surrounding the vehicle 100. For example, the sensor system 120 may include a positioning system 121 (which may be a Global Positioning System (GPS), BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, or other positioning systems), an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 122, a radar 123, a laser rangefinder 124, and a camera 125. The sensor system 120 may also include sensors for the internal systems of the monitored vehicle 100 (e.g., an in-vehicle air quality monitor, fuel gauge, oil temperature gauge, etc.). Sensor data from one or more of these sensors can be used to detect objects and their corresponding characteristics (position, shape, orientation, speed, etc.). This detection and identification is a key function for the safe operation of the autonomous vehicle 100. The positioning system 121 can be used to estimate the geographical location of the vehicle 100. The IMU 122 is used to sense changes in the position and orientation of the vehicle 100 based on inertial acceleration. In one embodiment, the IMU 122 may be a combination of an accelerometer and a gyroscope. Radar 123 can use radio signals to sense objects in the surrounding environment of vehicle 100. In some embodiments, in addition to sensing objects, radar 123 can also be used to sense the speed and / or direction of travel of objects. This embodiment does not limit the specific type of radar 123; for example, radar 123 can be millimeter-wave radar or lidar, etc. Laser rangefinder 124 can use lasers to sense objects in the environment in which vehicle 100 is located. In some embodiments, laser rangefinder 124 may include one or more laser sources, laser scanners, and one or more detectors, as well as other system components. Camera 125 can be used to capture multiple images of the surrounding environment of vehicle 100. Camera 125 can be a still camera, video camera, monocular / binocular camera, or infrared imager.

[0048] Vehicle 100 also includes an advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) 110. ADAS 110 continuously senses the surrounding environment during vehicle operation, collects data, identifies, detects, and tracks static and dynamic objects, and combines this data with navigation map data to perform system calculations and analyses. This allows the driver to anticipate potential dangers, effectively increasing driving comfort and safety. For example, ADAS 110 can control the vehicle using data acquired by the sensor system 120. Alternatively, ADAS 110 can control the vehicle using in-vehicle infotainment system data, which may include key data from the vehicle's instrument panel (fuel consumption, engine speed, temperature, etc.), vehicle speed information, steering wheel angle information, or vehicle attitude data.

[0049] ADAS 110 controls the vehicle in one or more of the following ways: ADAS 110 adjusts the forward direction of vehicle 100. ADAS 110 controls the operating speed of the vehicle's engine and thus the speed of vehicle 100. ADAS 110 operates on images captured by camera 125 to identify objects and / or features in the environment surrounding vehicle 100. In some embodiments, ADAS 110 may be used to map the environment, track objects, estimate the speed of objects, etc. ADAS 110 determines the driving route of vehicle 100; in some embodiments, ADAS 110 may combine one or more predetermined map data from sensor system 120 to determine the driving route for vehicle 100. ADAS 110 may identify, assess, and avoid or otherwise traverse potential obstacles in the environment of vehicle 100.

[0050] Vehicle 100 interacts with external sensors, other vehicles, other computer systems, or users via peripheral devices 130. Peripheral devices 130 may include a wireless communication system 131, an on-board computer 132, a microphone 133, and / or a speaker 134.

[0051] In some embodiments, peripheral device 130 provides a means for a user of vehicle 100 to interact with a user interface. For example, on-board computer 132 may provide information to a user of vehicle 100. The user interface may also operate on-board computer 132 to receive user input. On-board computer 132 may be operated via a touchscreen. In other cases, peripheral device 130 may provide a means for vehicle 100 to communicate with other devices located within the vehicle. For example, microphone 133 may receive audio (e.g., voice commands or other audio input) from a user of vehicle 100. Similarly, speaker 134 may output audio to a user of vehicle 100.

[0052] The wireless communication system 131 can communicate wirelessly with one or more devices directly or via a communication network. For example, the wireless communication system 131 can use third-generation (3G) cellular communication technologies, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), or General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). The wireless communication system 131 can use fourth-generation (4G) cellular communication technologies, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). The wireless communication system 131 can also use fifth-generation (5G) cellular communication technologies. The wireless communication system 131 can communicate using a wireless local area network (WLAN). In some embodiments, the wireless communication system 131 can communicate directly with devices using an infrared link, Bluetooth, or ZigBee. The wireless communication system 131 may also utilize various vehicle communication systems. For example, the wireless communication system 131 may include one or more dedicated short range communications (DSRC) devices, which may include public and / or private data communications between vehicles and / or roadside stations.

[0053] Some or all of the functions of vehicle 100 are controlled by computer system 140. Computer system 140 can control the functions of vehicle 100 based on input received from various systems (e.g., sensor system 120, ADAS 110, peripheral devices 130) and from a user interface. Computer system 140 may include at least one processor 141 that executes instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as memory 142. Computer system 140 may also be multiple computing devices controlling individual components or subsystems of vehicle 100 in a distributed manner.

[0054] This embodiment does not limit the type of processor 141. For example, the processor 141 may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chips (SoCs), central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processors. The processor 141 may be located inside the vehicle, or it may be located away from the vehicle and wirelessly communicate with it.

[0055] In some embodiments, memory 142 may contain instructions (e.g., program logic) that can be executed by processor 141 to perform various functions of vehicle 100. In addition to instructions, memory 142 may also store data such as map data, route information, vehicle position, direction, speed, and other vehicle data. The information stored in memory 142 can be used by vehicle 100 and computer system 140 during operation of vehicle 100 in autonomous, semi-autonomous, and / or manual modes.

[0056] The vehicle 100 shown in this embodiment also includes a headlight module 150, which is capable of realizing an intelligent headlight system that combines high-brightness illumination and high-definition projection. The specific structure of the headlight module 150 is described below with reference to various embodiments. The lighting module shown in this embodiment can be applied not only to vehicles but also to other driving vehicles such as ships, airplanes, and helicopters.

[0057] It is understood that the schematic structural block diagram of vehicle 100 shown in Figure 1 is only a structure of one vehicle applicable to the embodiments of this application, but this application is not limited to this. The systems or devices included in the vehicle to which this application applies may also include others, such as head-up display (HUD) devices, in-vehicle virtual image display devices, automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems, etc.

[0058] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the vehicle headlight module 150 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle headlight module 150 includes a light source module 210, an illumination module 220, and a projection module 230. The light source module 210 includes multiple light sources.

[0059] Specifically, when the vehicle headlight module 150 provided in this application is used in a first application scenario, the light source module 210 emits a first light beam to the lighting module 220 based on the first application scenario of the vehicle headlight module 150. This first light beam is generated by a portion of the multiple light sources and is used to generate an image. The lighting module 220 generates image light based on the first light beam from the light source module 210 and emits the image light to the projection module 230. The projection module 230 generates an image based on the image light from the lighting module 220. When the vehicle headlight module 150 provided in this application is used in a second application scenario, the light source module 210 emits a second light beam to the lighting module 220 based on the second application scenario of the vehicle headlight module 150. This second light beam is generated by all of the multiple light sources and is used for illumination. The lighting module 220 transmits the second light beam from the light source module 210 to the projection module 230. The projection module 230 transmits the second light beam.

[0060] It is understood that in this application, the light emission (or illumination) of the multiple light sources included in the light source module 210 is related to the usage scenario of the vehicle headlight module 150. In the first application scenario, only some of the multiple light sources emit light; in the second application scenario described below, all of the multiple light sources emit light. That is, in this application, the light emission of the light sources is triggered based on the application scenario of the vehicle headlight module 150. When the vehicle headlight module 150 is used to generate an image, some of the light sources emit light. When the vehicle headlight module 150 is used for illumination, all the light sources emit light.

[0061] According to the aberration principle of optical systems, the larger the angle of incidence / emission of light, the greater the aberration. Conversely, reducing the aperture of the optical system, thus decreasing the angle of incidence / emission of light on all surfaces, can significantly reduce aberrations. Therefore, in this application, the headlight module 150 uses a first beam with a small diffusion angle emitted from a portion of the light source. This results in a smaller angle of incidence when the first beam enters the projection module, effectively reducing aberrations in the projected image. Simultaneously, the brightness of the optical system is related to the amount of light entering it; the more light entering, the brighter the emitted light. Therefore, in this application, the headlight module 150 uses a second beam emitted from all light sources. This ensures that the headlight module 150 operates at full light source load, resulting in the second beam transmitted from the projection module 230 reaching the maximum brightness of the headlight module 150, thereby achieving high-brightness illumination.

[0062] For example, in Figure 3, the projection module 230 is a projection lens composed of multiple lenses. As shown in Figure 3(a), when the headlight module 150 illuminates all the light sources in the light source module 210, the number of light beams entering the projection module 230 increases, enabling the projection lens in the projection module 230 to achieve a large aperture effect, thereby satisfying the high luminous efficiency and high brightness illumination of the headlight module in the lighting scenario. As shown in Figure 3(b), when the headlight module 150 illuminates a portion of the central area of ​​the light source module 210, the aperture angle of the light beam entering the projection module 230 decreases, enabling light to emerge from the small aperture area of ​​the projection lens, that is, the projection lens achieves a small aperture effect. The smaller aperture can reduce the aberration of the projection lens when using imaging light to form an image, thereby satisfying the high-definition imaging of the headlight module in the projection scenario.

[0063] It should also be noted that, as shown in Figure 3, for the projection lens, the aperture coefficient in the first application scenario is smaller than that in the second application scenario.

[0064] The luminous spread of a light source is the product of the light source area and the solid angle of the beam. When the beam passes through an optical system, the luminous spread does not decrease; it may remain constant or increase due to energy loss. Since the first and second beams emitted from the light source in Figure 3 pass through the same lighting system, and the emission angles of each light source are essentially the same, in order to ensure that the diffusion angle of the incident light (i.e., image light) from the projection module 230 in the first application scenario is smaller than the diffusion angle of the incident light (i.e., the second beam emitted from the lighting module) from the projection module 230 in the second application scenario, the size of the light source in the first application scenario must be smaller than the size of the light source in the second application scenario. In other words, the divergence angle of the first beam emitted by the light source is smaller than the divergence angle of the second beam. In other words, in this application, the arrangement of multiple light sources in the light source module 210 ensures that when all light sources are lit, the size of the light source is larger than the size of some of the lit light sources. It is understandable that the size of the light source can only be increased when the direction of increasing the number of light sources is perpendicular to the light emission direction of the light source. For example, in Figure 3, the light emission direction of the multiple light sources in the light source module 210 is along the optical axis. If the multiple light sources in the light source module 210 are arranged along the optical axis, the size of the light source formed when all light sources are lit is approximately equal to the size of the light source formed when only some light sources are lit. Therefore, in this application, the layout of the multiple light sources in the light source module 210 is centered on the optical axis of the headlight module 150 and distributed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. That is, the calculation of the expansion of the light source size (lighting all light sources, i.e., in the second application scenario) or the reduction of the light source size (lighting only some light sources, i.e., in the first application scenario) is performed along the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. In other words, in this application, the light source array formed by the multiple light sources in the light source module 210 has a long side direction, which is the direction for lighting or extinguishing the light source.

[0065] It is also understandable that when the headlight module 150 is applied in the first application scenario, the light beam emitted by part of the light source is used for projection imaging. Therefore, in order to ensure the integrity of the imaging, this part of the light source is symmetrically distributed on both sides of the optical axis. That is, this part of the light source is the light source symmetrically arranged on both sides of the optical axis with the optical axis of the headlight module 150 as the center.

[0066] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lighting module 220 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the lighting module 220 in this application includes one or more optical elements 410 for transmitting light beams and modulation elements 420. The optical elements for transmitting light beams are not limited in this application; for example, they may include one or more of a collimating lens group, a relay lens, and a reflector. Depending on the display technology, the modulation module 420 may be a display chip such as liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS), a digital micromirror device (DMD), or a transmissive spatial light modulator liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0067] Furthermore, this application does not limit the number of light sources included in the light source module 210. Optionally, the multiple light sources may be light-emitting diode (LED) light sources or laser diode (LD) light sources, etc.

[0068] Next, the specific structure of a vehicle lamp module 500 provided in this application will be described with reference to Figure 5. It is understood that the vehicle lamp module 500 shown in Figure 5 is an example applied to the vehicle lamp module 150 shown in Figure 1. Figure 5(a) is a side view of the vehicle lamp module 500, and Figure 5(b) is a front view of the vehicle lamp module 500. The front view is a structural schematic diagram of the vehicle lamp module 500 viewed in the opposite direction to the direction of the illumination beam transmission. Specifically, the vehicle lamp module 500 includes a light source module 510 composed of five LED light sources, an illumination module 520 composed of a collimating lens 521, a reflector 522, and a DMD 523, and a projection module 530 composed of a projection lens. When the headlight module 600 is applied in a lighting scenario, that is, when the headlight module 500 is used in a bright field environment, five LED light sources simultaneously emit the first beam. The first beam is collimated by the collimating lens 521 and then incident on the reflector 522. The first beam is reflected by the reflector 522 onto the DMD 523. The DMD 523 reflects the first beam, so that the reflected first beam passes through the projection lens and achieves the purpose of lighting.

[0069] When the headlight module 500 is applied in a projection scenario, the second beam emitted by the three central LED light sources out of the five LED light sources is collimated by the collimating lens group 521 and then incident on the reflector 522. The reflector 522 then reflects the beam onto the DMD 523, which generates image light based on the second beam and outputs this image light to the projection lens, allowing the projection lens to generate an image using the image light. It can be understood that in a lighting scenario, the projection lens operates at full aperture, meaning it uses its full aperture to collect and project the light emitted by the five light sources, achieving a high-brightness lighting effect. In a projection scenario, only the three central LEDs are activated, allowing the projection lens to use only a portion of its aperture to collect and project the small-angle beams emitted by these three LEDs. Compared to using five light sources, the aperture coefficient of the projection lens is smaller, significantly reducing aberrations during imaging and achieving high-definition projection.

[0070] It should be noted that in this application, the first application scenario of the headlight module 150 is a projection scenario, and the second application scenario is a lighting scenario or lighting mode. The projection scenario is merely an exemplary name. In a projection scenario, the headlight module 150 can project or generate images, and is no longer simply used for illumination; that is, the headlight module 150 is used for functions other than illumination. It can be understood that the projection scenario can also be called an imaging scenario, an entertainment scenario, a high-definition demand scenario, etc. Similarly, the lighting scenario is merely an exemplary name and can also be called a high-brightness demand scenario or an illumination scenario, such as the headlight module operating in ADB, light carpet, or other similar scenarios.

[0071] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a method 600 for controlling vehicle lights according to an embodiment of this application. Method 600 can be executed by a control device, specifically by a control device or control module included in the vehicle light module 150. In this case, the vehicle light module 150 further includes a control module (or control unit or control chip, etc.) or is executed by the vehicle's central control system, central control device, or processing chip connected to the vehicle light module 150. Specifically, method 600 includes the following steps.

[0072] S601, in response to a first application scenario of the headlight module, turns on some of the light sources in the headlight module, and the first beam emitted by the partial light sources is used to generate an image; or, in response to a second application scenario of the headlight module, turns on all the light sources in the headlight module, and the second beam emitted by all the light sources is used for illumination.

[0073] Optionally, before S601, the method further includes S602 as follows.

[0074] S602, obtain the application scenario of the vehicle lighting module, which includes the first application scenario and the second application scenario.

[0075] In some possible approaches, the processing device acquires the application scenario of the headlight module by receiving instructions from the user. For example, when a user needs to use the headlight module for projection imaging, the user selects the first application scenario on the interface, causing the control device to activate some light sources in the headlight module according to the user's command. In other possible approaches, the processing device can acquire the application scenario of the headlight module automatically through detectors, sensors, etc. For example, when the vehicle is driving in a relatively dark environment, the control device can determine, based on the vehicle's brightness sensor, that the headlight module needs to operate in a second application scenario. In this case, the control device can illuminate all light sources in the headlight module to achieve a high-brightness auxiliary lighting effect. It can also be understood that, to enhance the intelligence of the headlight module, when the processing device acquires the application scenario of the headlight module through automatic adjustment, it can also flexibly control the number of light sources illuminated in the headlight module to control the brightness of the headlight module, allowing the headlight module to have different brightness levels according to different environments, thereby achieving energy saving.

[0076] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0077] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlight module, characterized in that, include: The module consists of a light source module, an illumination module, and a projection module. The light source module includes multiple light sources for emitting a first beam of light to the lighting module based on a first application scenario of the vehicle headlight module. The first beam of light is generated by a portion of the multiple light sources and is used to generate an image. The illumination module is used to generate image light based on the first beam and emit the image light to the projection module; The projection module is used to generate the image based on the image light.

2. The vehicle headlight module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source is one of the multiple light sources that is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the optical axis with the optical axis of the headlight module as the center.

3. The vehicle headlight module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first application scenario is a projection scenario.

4. The vehicle headlight module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The light source module is also used to emit a second beam of light to the lighting module based on the second application scenario of the vehicle lamp module. The second beam of light is generated by all the light sources among the plurality of light sources and is used for illumination. The lighting module is also used to transmit the second beam to the projection module; The projection module is also used to transmit the second beam.

5. The vehicle headlight module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second application scenario is a lighting scenario.

6. The vehicle headlight module according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The projection module includes a projection lens, and the aperture coefficient of the projection lens in the first application scenario is smaller than the aperture coefficient of the projection lens in the second application scenario.

7. The vehicle headlight module according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The divergence angle of the image light emitted by the illumination module is smaller than the divergence angle of the second beam emitted by the illumination module.

8. The vehicle headlight module according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, The divergence angle of the second beam is smaller than that of the first beam.

9. The vehicle headlight module according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that, The headlight module also includes a control module. The control module is used to acquire the application scenario of the vehicle lighting module and control the multiple light sources to turn on or off according to the application scenario. The application scenario includes the first application scenario and the second application scenario.

10. A method for controlling vehicle lights, applied to a vehicle light module, characterized in that, include: In response to a first application scenario of the headlight module, a portion of the light source in the headlight module is turned on, and a first beam emitted from the portion of the light source is used to generate an image. or, In response to the second application scenario of the headlight module, all light sources in the headlight module are turned on, and the second beam emitted by all light sources is used for illumination.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first application scenario is a projection scenario.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The second application scenario is a lighting scenario.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The divergence angle of the second beam is smaller than that of the first beam.

14. A vehicle lighting system, characterized in that, Includes a control system and a vehicle lighting module as described in any one of claims 1 to 8. The control system is used to acquire the application scenario of the vehicle lighting module and control the opening or closing of multiple light sources according to the application scenario.

15. A means of transportation, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a headlight module as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 and the vehicle body, wherein the headlight module is mounted on the vehicle body.

Images