KR20230143692A - Lighting device for vehicle and method for operating thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment includes a lamp mounted on a vehicle and including a communication unit that communicates with a first communication device approaching the vehicle; and a processor that receives communication information with the first communication device through the communication unit of the lamp and controls operation of the lamp based on the received communication information, wherein the lamp is located at different locations of the vehicle. is disposed in and includes a plurality of lighting units provided with the communication unit, wherein the processor receives a plurality of communication information obtained through each communication unit of the plurality of lighting units, and uses the plurality of communication information to provide the first Controlling the operation of the plurality of lighting units based on the location of the communication device and the distance between the first communication device and the plurality of lighting units, and when the first communication device moves from the first position to the second position, The driving conditions of the plurality of lighting units are changed based on the moving direction of the first communication device.

Description

Vehicle lighting device and method of operating the same {LIGHTING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THEREOF}

The embodiment relates to a vehicle lighting device, and in particular, to a vehicle lighting device including a light source controlled according to a user's location and a method of operating the same.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have advantages such as low power consumption, semi-permanent lifespan, fast response speed, safety, and environmental friendliness compared to existing light sources such as fluorescent lights and incandescent lights. These light emitting diodes are applied to various lighting devices such as various display devices, indoor lights, or outdoor lights.

Additionally, a lamp employing a light emitting diode as a light source for vehicles has been proposed. Compared to incandescent lamps, light emitting diodes have an advantage in that they consume less power. In addition, because the light emitting diode is small in size, it can increase the freedom of design of the lamp and is economical due to its semi-permanent lifespan.

Meanwhile, as vehicles become increasingly more advanced and the use of smart keys (including FOB keys) increases, various functions are provided to provide driver convenience. The Welcome Light function applied to luxury car models is one of them. The welcome light function turns on the interior light or puddle lamp when a driver with a smart key approaches the vehicle after a certain period of time has elapsed after the driver leaves the vehicle using Tx Lock or passive lock (smart key function). Accordingly, the welcome light function is an additional function that promotes the driver's safe entry into the vehicle and, when the driver moves away from the vehicle, turns off the vehicle's interior lights or puddle lamps to facilitate the driver's safe departure from the vehicle.

To realize the welcome light function, the smart key controller (SMK Controller) installed in the vehicle to perform immobilizer communication in conjunction with the smart key controls the LF (Low Frequency) antenna mounted on the door handle of the vehicle under specific conditions. Thus, an LF signal is periodically radiated through the LF antenna, and when a response to the LF signal is transmitted from the smart key, the vehicle lamp is turned on based on the response signal.

However, the conventional welcome light function simply detects the driver's approach or distance and controls the vehicle lamp. Additionally, recently, a function has been provided to control the brightness of vehicle lamps according to the distance between the driver and the vehicle, but the brightness control of the vehicle lamps is provided without considering the driver's approach or movement direction.

Accordingly, there is a need for a new lighting control method that can increase driver convenience by considering the driver's location, movement, or approach direction.

(Patent Document 1) KR 10-2010-0022755 A

The embodiment provides a vehicle lighting device that can provide a welcome function with increased user convenience by utilizing a plurality of light sources mounted on the vehicle and a method of operating the same.

Additionally, the embodiment provides a vehicle lighting device and a method of operating the same that can increase the accuracy of the user's location.

Additionally, the embodiment provides a vehicle lighting device and a method of operating the same that can improve user accessibility by driving a light source corresponding to the user's location among a plurality of light sources.

Additionally, the embodiment provides a vehicle lighting device and an operating method thereof that can change the operating state of a plurality of light sources according to the user's movement or approach direction.

In addition, the embodiment provides a vehicle lighting device and a method of operating the same that can easily determine the user's location and the user's movement or approach direction according to the operating state of the vehicle's light source.

Additionally, the embodiment provides a vehicle lighting device and a method of operating the same that can selectively control the light source of the vehicle when multiple users approach.

Additionally, the embodiment provides a vehicle lighting device that can control the brightness or irradiation angle of a plurality of light sources by detecting not only the user's location but also the user's physical condition (eg, height) and a method of operating the same.

The technical challenges to be achieved in the proposed embodiment are not limited to the technical challenges mentioned above, and other technical challenges not mentioned are clear to those skilled in the art from the description below. It will be understandable.

A lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment includes a lamp mounted on a vehicle and including a communication unit that communicates with a first communication device approaching the vehicle; and a processor that receives communication information with the first communication device through the communication unit of the lamp and controls operation of the lamp based on the received communication information, wherein the lamp is located at different locations of the vehicle. is disposed in and includes a plurality of lighting units provided with the communication unit, wherein the processor receives a plurality of communication information obtained through each communication unit of the plurality of lighting units, and uses the plurality of communication information to provide the first Controlling the operation of the plurality of lighting units based on the location of the communication device and the distance between the first communication device and the plurality of lighting units, and when the first communication device moves from the first position to the second position, The driving conditions of the plurality of lighting units are changed based on the moving direction of the first communication device.

Additionally, each of the plurality of lighting units includes a substrate, at least one light source disposed on the substrate, and an antenna pattern spaced apart from the light source on the substrate and connected to the communication unit.

In addition, at least one lighting unit among the plurality of lighting units does not have the communication unit, and the processor controls driving of the lighting unit not including the communication unit based on communication information obtained through the lighting unit including the communication unit.

Additionally, when the first communication device is located at the first location, the processor controls the first lighting unit closest to the first location among the plurality of lighting units to be driven at a first brightness.

In addition, the processor determines the first brightness of the first lighting unit based on the distance between the first lighting unit and the first communication device, and the first brightness is determined by the distance from the first communication device. Increases and decreases proportionally.

Additionally, the processor controls at least one second lighting unit adjacent to the first lighting unit among the plurality of lighting units to be driven at a second brightness that is less than the first brightness.

Additionally, the processor determines a light emission method of the first lighting unit, and the light emission method includes at least one of a blinking method, a sequential light emission method of a plurality of light sources, and a continuous light emission method.

In addition, when the processor recognizes the approach of the first communication device, it determines whether the first communication device is already registered, and if the first communication device is a pre-registered device, the processor determines the registration information of the first communication device. Based on this, the operation of the plurality of lighting units is controlled, and if the first communication device is an unregistered device, a control signal for registration of the first communication device is output, and the registration information identifies the first communication device. It includes at least one of information, driving condition information of the lighting unit corresponding to the first communication device, and priority information of the first communication device.

In addition, when a pre-registered second communication device approaches while the first communication device is approaching, the processor determines a relatively high priority based on the priorities of the first and second communication devices. The operation of the plurality of lighting units is controlled based on the communication device.

In addition, when the first communication device moves from the first location to the second location, the processor stops driving the first lighting unit and controls the second lighting unit closest to the second location to be driven. And, the first lighting unit stops operating based on the moving direction of the first communication device.

Additionally, the first lighting unit includes a plurality of light sources, and the processor controls the plurality of light sources of the first lighting unit to be sequentially driven in correspondence to the moving direction of the first communication device.

In addition, the first lighting unit includes a plurality of lamp units provided with the communication unit, and the processor determines the placement height of the first communication device using communication information between the plurality of lamp units and the first communication device. and controls to drive at least one lamp unit among the plurality of lamp units of the first lighting unit in response to the arrangement height.

Additionally, the processor adjusts the irradiation angle of the at least one lamp unit based on the placement height of the first communication device.

Meanwhile, a method of operating a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment includes the steps of recognizing the approach of a communication device from a plurality of lighting units arranged at different positions of the vehicle; Obtaining a first location of the communication device and distance information between the communication device and the plurality of lighting units through communication between the communication device and the plurality of lighting units; determining driving conditions of a first lighting unit closest to the first position among the plurality of lighting units; Driving the first lighting unit in response to the determined driving conditions; detecting movement of the communication device to a second location; changing the driving conditions of the first lighting unit in response to the moving direction of the communication device and determining the driving conditions of the second lighting unit closest to the second location; and driving the first lighting unit and the second lighting unit in response to the driving conditions.

In addition, the first lighting unit includes a plurality of light sources, and changing the driving conditions of the first lighting unit allows the plurality of light sources of the first lighting unit to be sequentially driven in correspondence to the moving direction of the communication device. Includes.

In addition, determining the driving conditions of the first lighting unit may include obtaining a placement height of the communication device using communication information between a plurality of lamp units of the first lighting unit and the communication device; and selecting a lamp unit to be driven among the plurality of lamp units based on the placement height of the communication device.

Additionally, the step of determining driving conditions for the first lighting unit includes determining an irradiation angle of the selected lamp unit based on the placement height of the communication device.

The automotive lighting device of the embodiment includes a lamp and a processor. The lamp includes a plurality of lighting units. The plurality of lighting units may be respectively disposed at different locations in the vehicle. At this time, the embodiment controls the operation of at least one lighting unit among the plurality of lighting units according to the location and distance of the communication device when a communication device approaches. At this time, in the embodiment, a communication unit for communication with the communication device may be provided within the plurality of lighting units. For example, the lighting unit includes a light source disposed within a housing that forms an exterior appearance. Additionally, the communication unit may be provided together with the light source within the housing of the lighting unit. Accordingly, in the embodiment, lamp driving control optimized for the location of the communication device can be performed by measuring the position and distance of the communication device from the actual mounting location of the lighting unit. Accordingly, in the embodiment, user satisfaction and user convenience can be improved.

At this time, in the embodiment, when the location of the communication device is detected, the lighting unit closest to the communication device among the plurality of lighting units can be controlled to emit light. Accordingly, in the embodiment, the lighting unit corresponding to the location of the communication device is driven, thereby ensuring the safety of users approaching the vehicle.

Furthermore, the embodiment controls the brightness of the lighting unit in proportion to the distance between the lighting unit performing the light-emitting operation and the communication device. Accordingly, in the embodiment, an optimized welcome function can be provided while minimizing battery consumption of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, in the embodiment, when movement of the communication device is detected, the plurality of lighting units are driven in response to the direction of movement of the communication device. For example, one particular illumination includes multiple light sources. At this time, in an embodiment, when movement of the communication device is detected, the plurality of light sources may be sequentially emitted in response to the direction of movement. Accordingly, in the embodiment, user satisfaction and user convenience can be further improved.

Meanwhile, the specific lighting unit in the embodiment includes a plurality of lamp units. In addition, each of at least two lamp units among the plurality of lamp units may be provided with the short-distance communication unit. In addition, the embodiment may determine the placement height of the communication device using communication information obtained through the two lamp units. In addition, the embodiment may select a lamp unit to perform an actual driving operation among the plurality of lamp units based on the determined placement height. For example, the two lamp units may be the left headlight and left fog light of the vehicle. And, in an embodiment, when the placement height of the communication device is relatively low, the left fog light can be controlled to emit light, and when the placement height of the communication device is relatively high, the left headlamp can be controlled to emit light. You can. Accordingly, the embodiment can provide a welcome function optimized for users, thereby maximizing user satisfaction and convenience.

Additionally, in an embodiment, once the placement height of the communication device is determined, the irradiation angle of the lighting unit can be adjusted based on the placement height. For example, in the case of headlights, the irradiation angle can be easily adjusted. And, in an embodiment, when the placement height of the communication device is determined, the lighting unit can be made to emit light at an irradiation angle corresponding to the placement height of the communication device. Accordingly, the embodiment can further maximize user satisfaction and convenience.

Additionally, the embodiment allows registration of a plurality of communication devices and provides an individually customized welcome function to the plurality of communication devices. Furthermore, the embodiment sets priorities of a plurality of communication devices and selectively provides welcome functions to the plurality of communication devices based on the set priorities. Accordingly, the embodiment can further maximize user satisfaction and convenience.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle lighting control system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle lighting device of FIG. 1.
Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing the vehicle lamp of Figure 2 according to one embodiment.
Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp of Figure 3 according to another embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining the antenna pattern and light source arrangement arranged in FIGS. 3 and 4 according to an embodiment.
Figure 6 is a plan view of a vehicle to which a lamp having a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment is applied.
Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining step by step the operation method of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a vehicle lighting system for explaining the first driving condition of the lighting unit of FIG. 7 .
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a vehicle lighting system for explaining the second driving condition of the lighting unit of FIG. 7 .
FIG. 10 is a plan view of a vehicle lighting system for explaining the third driving condition of the lighting unit of FIG. 7 .
Figure 11 is a flowchart for step-by-step explaining the operation method of the vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the first driving condition of the lighting unit of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the second driving condition of the lighting unit of FIG. 11.
Figure 14 is a flowchart for step-by-step explaining a communication device registration method according to an embodiment.
Figure 15 is a flowchart for step-by-step explaining a method of operating a vehicle lighting device using setting information according to an embodiment.
Figure 16 is a flowchart for step-by-step explaining the operation method of a vehicle lighting device according to priority according to an embodiment.
Figure 17 is a flowchart for step-by-step explaining a method for adjusting the irradiation angle of a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, identical or similar components will be assigned the same reference numbers regardless of reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes “module” and “part” for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the ease of preparing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Additionally, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are not limited. , should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When a component is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that it may be directly connected to or connected to the other component, but that other components may exist in between. It should be. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that a component is “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In this application, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle lighting control system according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle lighting device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows the vehicle lamp of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment. It is a side cross-sectional view, FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp of FIG. 3 according to another embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining the antenna pattern and light source arrangement form arranged in FIGS. 3 and 4 according to one embodiment. , FIG. 6 is a plan view of a vehicle to which a lamp having a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment is applied.

1 to 6, a vehicle lighting control system according to an embodiment includes a vehicle 300 equipped with a vehicle lighting device 200 including a lamp 100, and communication with the vehicle 300. Includes communication device 400.

The communication device 400 may be a device that communicates with the lamp 100 provided in the lighting device 200 of the vehicle 300.

The communication device 400 may include a communication module (not shown). For example, the communication device 400 may include a wireless communication unit. The wireless communication unit may include a communication chip configured to receive wireless signals from a communication network based on wireless Internet technology.

For example, the communication device 400 may be connected to WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX. At least one radio selected from (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A), etc. It may include a communication unit that implements Internet technology.

Additionally, the communication module provided in the communication device 400 may be a short-distance communication unit. For example, the communication device 400 may perform short-distance communication with the lighting device 200 of the vehicle 300.

The short range communication unit of the communication device 400 includes Bluetooth™, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, and NFC (Near). It can support short-distance communication of at least one of Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus).

The communication device 400 may be a device capable of communicating with the lighting device 200 of the vehicle 300. Preferably, the communication device 400 may be a control device capable of controlling the vehicle 300.

Specifically, the communication device 400 may be a terminal granted control authority of the vehicle 300. For example, the communication device 400 may be a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, a digital video camera, a digital still camera, or a network system. ), computer, monitor, tablet, laptop, netbook, television, video game, smart watch, automotive It may be, etc.

Alternatively, the communication device 400 may be a digital key granted control authority for the vehicle 300. As an example, the communication device 400 may be a card key equipped with the communication module. As another example, the communication device 400 may be a smart key equipped with the communication module. As another example, the communication device 400 may be a key pob. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and a communication module capable of granting control authority to control the vehicle 300 and communicating with the lamp 100 of the lighting device 200 of the vehicle 300 If provided, it may be included in the communication device 400.

The vehicle 300 may be a regular car, an electric vehicle (EV), or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). If the vehicle 300 is an electric vehicle, it may be an electric car, electric automobile, electric road vehicle (ERV), plug-in vehicle (PV), plug-in vehicle (xEV), etc. It may be referred to as a BEV (plug-in all-electric vehicle or battery electric vehicle), PEV (plug-in electric vehicle), HEV (hybrid electric vehicle), HPEV (hybrid plug-in electric vehicle), and PHEV. It may be referred to or classified as (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), etc.

The vehicle 300 is equipped with a vehicle lighting device 200 including a lamp 100.

A plurality of lamps 100 may be arranged in the vehicle 300 . For example, the lamp 100 may include a plurality of lamps disposed in a plurality of areas of the body of the vehicle 300. The lamp 100 may have the same configuration as the 'lighting unit' described below. For example, the lamp 100 may include headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, fog lights, side lights, reverse lights, puddle lights, and daytime running lights provided on the exterior of the vehicle 300. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the lamp 100 may include an interior light provided inside the vehicle 300.

The lamp 100 may include a communication unit (described later). For example, the communication unit may be provided in the lamp 100. For example, the communication unit of the lamp 100 may be provided in a housing that forms the exterior of the lamp 100.

The communication unit of the lamp 100 can communicate with the communication device 400. For example, the lamp 100 may be a short-distance communication unit that performs short-distance communication with the communication device 400. The lamp 100 can receive a signal transmitted from the communication device 400. The lamp 100 can measure the position of the communication device 400 based on the received signal. As an example, the communication unit of the lamp 100 may be a communication unit to which UWB (Ultra Wideband) technology is applied. The communication unit of the lamp 100 may communicate with the communication device 400 to provide a positioning function that measures the location of the communication device 400. For example, the communication unit of the lamp 100 may transmit a signal to the communication device 400 and receive a response signal corresponding to the transmitted signal. In addition, the communication unit of the lamp 100 can measure the arrival time of the transmitted signal and the received response signal, and measure the distance between the lamp 100 and the communication device 400 based on this.

At this time, in the embodiment, a plurality of lamps 100 are provided. In addition, at least three lamps among the plurality of lamps 100 may be provided with the communication unit. In other words, at least one lamp among the plurality of lamps 100 may not be equipped with the communication unit. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and all lamps provided in the vehicle 300 may be equipped with the communication unit.

The lighting device 200 is connected to the lamp 100 and can control the operation of the lamp 100. For example, the lighting device 200 may communicate with the main control unit (described later) of the vehicle 300. Additionally, the lighting device 200 may control the operation of the lamp 100 based on the results of communication with the main control unit. The main control unit may be an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the vehicle 300. Additionally, the lighting device 200 may obtain driving information of the vehicle by communicating with the ECU of the vehicle 300. Additionally, the lighting device 200 may control at least one lamp among the plurality of lamps based on driving information of the vehicle 300.

Meanwhile, the lighting device 200 may receive measurement information obtained through the plurality of lamps 100. For example, the lighting device 200 may receive communication information performed with the communication device 400 by the plurality of lamps 100. The communication information may include arrival time information between the transmitted signal and the received signal. Additionally, the communication information may include a received signal strength identifier (RSSI) of the received signal.

The lighting device 200 may obtain location information of the communication device 400 and distance information from the communication device 400 using the communication information.

For example, by using communication information obtained through one lamp, distance information between the lamp and the communication device 400 can be obtained. Furthermore, by using communication information of a plurality of lamps (preferably at least three lamps), not only distance information between each of the plurality of lamps and the communication device 400 but also location information of the communication device 400 It is possible to obtain it. This is a positioning technology of a general positioning system, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the location information and distance information of the communication device 400 are obtained, the lighting device 200 can control the operation of the plurality of lamps 100 based on them.

For example, the lighting device 200 may select a lamp to be driven among the plurality of lamps 100 based on the location information of the communication device 400. For example, the lighting device 200 may determine the lamp closest to the location of the communication device 400 as the lamp to be driven. Additionally, the lighting device 200 may determine the determined driving conditions of the lamp based on distance information from the communication device 400. The driving conditions may include brightness or light emission method of the lamp. The light emission method may include a blinking light emission method, a sequential light emission method, and a general continuous light emission method.

Driving control of the lamp 100 based on the location information and distance information of the communication device 400 will be described in detail below.

Meanwhile, in this application, in order to more accurately measure the position of the communication device 400, a communication unit for communication with the communication device 400 is provided within the lamp 100.

At this time, the communication unit may be placed in a specific area of the vehicle body rather than the lamp 100. However, when the communication unit is placed on the vehicle body rather than the lamp 100, it is possible to obtain location or distance information of the communication device 400, but it is difficult to accurately determine the lamp closest to the location of the communication device 400. can be difficult.

Accordingly, in the embodiment, the communication unit is provided in the lamp 100 for more intuitive and accurate control of the lamp 100 of the vehicle based on the location information and distance information of the communication device 400.

Referring to FIG. 2, the vehicle lighting device 200 of the embodiment includes an input unit 210, a memory 220, a first lighting unit 100a, a second lighting unit 100b, a processor 250, an interface unit 230, It may include a power supply unit 240.

The input unit 210 may be provided with an input means capable of receiving a user input for controlling the operation of the vehicle lighting device 200. The input unit 210 may be provided inside the vehicle 300. The input unit 210 may include a touch input means or a mechanical input means. The input unit 210 may receive a user input for turning on or off the power of the first lighting unit 100a or the second lighting unit 100b. The input unit 210 may receive user input that can control various operations of the first lighting unit 100a or the second lighting unit 100b. The input unit 210 may receive a user input that can control the overall operation of the vehicle lighting device 200.

The memory 220 may store basic data for each unit of the vehicle lighting device 200, control data for controlling the operation of each unit, and data input/output to the vehicle lighting device 200. In terms of hardware, the memory 220 may be various storage devices such as ROM, RAM, EPROM, flash drive, hard drive, etc. The memory 220 may store various data for the overall operation of the automotive lighting device 200, such as programs for processing or controlling the processor 250.

The first lighting unit 100a may include a short-range communication unit 150, an antenna pattern 155, a light source driver 160a, and a light source 165a.

The light source driver 160a may control the light source 165a according to a control signal from the processor 250. Specifically, the light source driver 160a applies a driving current to the light source 165a according to the control signal. Light emitted from the light source 165a may be controlled according to the driving current applied from the light source driver 160a. Here, the light source 165a may be a light emitting diode, and the light source driver 160a may be an LED driver. The antenna pattern 155 may be the antenna pattern for short-distance communication disclosed above. The first lighting qn (100a) may further include a short-range communication unit 150 that drives the antenna pattern 155, or may be arranged to be spaced apart from the short-range communication unit 150.

The first lighting unit 100a includes the antenna pattern 155 and the light source driver 160a as described above. For example, the first lighting unit 100a may refer to a lamp with a built-in communication unit capable of communicating with the communication device 400 among the lamps 100. Additionally, a plurality of first lighting units 100a may be provided in the vehicle 300 . Preferably, the first lighting unit 100a may be provided in at least three vehicles 300 or more.

The processor 250 may control the short-range communication unit 150 that controls the antenna pattern 155.

Meanwhile, the first lighting unit 100a may be implemented as a lamp at each corner of the vehicle, or at least one of a mirror lamp, low beam, or high beam light emitting module for communication and lighting functions. The first lighting device 100a may be disposed in plural numbers in the vehicle.

The second lighting unit 100b may include a light source driver 160b, a light source 165b, a reflector (not shown), and a lens (not shown), and may be implemented as a light emitting module without a communication function, that is, without an antenna pattern. You can. A plurality of second lighting units 100b may be arranged within the vehicle. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the lamp 100 of the embodiment may be composed of only the first lighting unit 100a equipped with a communication function.

The light source driver 160b may control the light source 165b according to a control signal from the processor 250. Specifically, the light source driver 160b applies a driving current to the light source 165b according to the control signal. Light emitted from the light source 165b can be controlled according to the driving current applied from the light source driver 160b. The light source 165b can generate light. The light source 165b can convert electrical energy into light energy. Meanwhile, depending on the embodiment, the second lighting device 100b may include a lens (not shown).

Meanwhile, the vehicle lighting device 200 may further include a cover lens (not shown). The cover lens covers the open portion of the housing (not shown) that forms the exterior of the vehicle lamp. The cover lens (not shown) is made of transparent plastic or glass. In general, it is preferable that it is made of ALDC plastic material with excellent thermal conductivity.

The processor 250 can control the overall operation of each unit within the vehicle lighting device 200. The processor 250 may output a control signal to the short-range communication unit 150 to perform communication through the antenna pattern 155.

The processor 250 may be controlled by the main control unit 310 of the vehicle 300. In terms of hardware, the processor 250 includes application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and processors ( It may be implemented using at least one of processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

The interface unit 230 may receive vehicle-related data or user input, or transmit signals processed or generated by the processor 250 to the outside. To this end, the interface unit 230 may perform data communication with the control unit 310, the sensing unit 320, the vehicle assistance device 330, etc. inside the vehicle through wired or wireless communication.

Meanwhile, the interface unit 230 may receive sensor information from the control unit 310 or the sensing unit 320. Here, sensor information includes vehicle direction information, vehicle location information (GPS information), vehicle angle information, vehicle speed information, vehicle acceleration information, vehicle tilt information, vehicle forward/backward information, battery information, fuel information, tire information, and vehicle lamp. It may include at least one of information, vehicle interior temperature information, and vehicle interior humidity information. This sensor information includes heading sensor, yaw sensor, gyro sensor, position module, vehicle forward/reverse sensor, wheel sensor, vehicle speed sensor, It can be obtained from a vehicle body tilt sensor, battery sensor, fuel sensor, tire sensor, steering sensor by steering wheel rotation, vehicle interior temperature sensor, vehicle interior humidity sensor, etc. Meanwhile, the position module may include a GPS module for receiving GPS information. Meanwhile, among sensor information, vehicle direction information, vehicle location information, vehicle angle information, vehicle speed information, vehicle tilt information, etc. related to vehicle driving may be referred to as vehicle driving information.

Meanwhile, the interface unit 230 may receive object information detected in the vehicle assistance device 330 from the control unit 310 or the vehicle assistance device 330. The vehicle assistance device 330 detects lane detection (LD), surrounding vehicle detection (VD), pedestrian detection (PD), and light detection (Bright) based on the acquired front image of the vehicle 300. Spot Detection (BD), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and road surface detection can be performed. The interface unit 230 may receive detected object information from the vehicle assistance device 330. Alternatively, the interface unit 230 may receive detected object information through the control unit 310.

For example, when the vehicle assistance device 330 detects an oncoming vehicle in front of the vehicle, the interface unit 230 may receive the oncoming vehicle detection information. Here, the oncoming car detection information may include the position information of the oncoming car, the relative distance between the oncoming car and the vehicle 300, and relative speed information. The power supply unit 240 can supply power required for the operation of each unit of the vehicle lighting device 200 under the control of the processor 250. In particular, the power supply unit 240 may receive power from a battery inside the vehicle 300, etc.

The interface unit 230 may include a communication module (not shown) for communication with electronic devices inside the vehicle. For example, the interface unit 230 is a communication module that performs communication based on at least one communication protocol among CAN (Controller Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnection Network), FlexRay, and Ethernet. may include.

The processor 250 may obtain communication information from the short-range communication unit 150 of the first lighting unit 100a. The communication information may be information about communication signals performed between the first lighting unit 100a and the communication device 400. For example, the communication information may include arrival time information between a transmitted signal and a received signal, or received signal strength information.

And, the processor 250 controls the first lighting unit 100a and the second lighting unit 100b using the communication information.

Specific operations of the processor 250 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings below.

Before explaining the processor 250, the structure of the short-range communication unit 150 provided in the lamp 100 of the embodiment, preferably the first lighting unit 100a, will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 3, the lighting unit 100-1 according to an embodiment of the invention includes a substrate 110, a light source 101 disposed on the substrate 110, and the light source 101 on the substrate 110. It may include a covering resin layer 130 and an optical member 140 on the resin layer 130. The lighting unit 100-1 includes a reflective member 120 disposed between the substrate 110 and the resin layer 130 and a first region between the reflective member 120 and the substrate 110. It may include an antenna pattern 155.

The lighting unit 100-1 may emit light emitted from the light source 101 as surface light. The light sources 101 may be arranged in plurality on the substrate 110, and the light sources 101 may be arranged in one or more rows and one or more columns. The light sources 101 may be arranged in n rows and m columns (n, m = 2 or more). The lighting unit 100-1 can be applied to various lamp devices that require lighting, such as vehicle lamps, household lighting devices, and industrial lighting devices. For example, in the case of lighting modules applied to vehicle lamps, head lamps, side lights, side mirror lights, fog lights, tail lamps, turn signal lamps, back up lamps, and stop lamps. , It can be applied to daytime running lights, vehicle interior lighting, door scarf, rear combination lamp, backup lamp, etc.

The substrate 110 may function as a base member or support member located below the light source 101 and the resin layer 130. The substrate 110 includes a printed circuit board (PCB). The board 110 may include, for example, at least one of a resin-based printed circuit board (PCB), a metal core PCB, a flexible PCB, a ceramic PCB, or an FR-4 board. . The substrate 110 may include, for example, a flexible PCB or a rigid PCB. The upper surface of the substrate 110 has an X-axis-Y axis plane, and the thickness of the substrate 110 may be the height of the Z direction orthogonal to the X and Y directions. Here, the X direction may be a first direction, the Y direction may be a second direction orthogonal to the X direction, and the Z direction may be a third direction orthogonal to the X and Y directions.

The substrate 110 includes a wiring layer (not shown) on the top, and the wiring layer may be electrically connected to the light sources 101 and the antenna pattern 155. The light sources 101 may be connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel by the wiring layer of the substrate 110. The light sources 101 may be connected in series or parallel in groups of two or more, or the groups may be connected in series or parallel. The wiring layer may include a vertically penetrating via, and the antenna pattern may be electrically connected to the driving module 150 through the wiring layer or via.

The thickness of the substrate 110 may be 0.5 mm or less, for example, in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. Since the substrate 110 is provided with a thin thickness, the flexible module can be supported without increasing the thickness of the lighting module.

The substrate 110 may have a top view shape of a rectangle, a square, or another polygonal shape, or may have a curved bar shape. The substrate 110 may include a protective layer or a reflective layer on top. The protective layer or reflective layer may include a member made of a solder resist material, and the solder resist material is a white material and can reflect incident light. As another example, the substrate 110 may include a transparent material. Since the substrate 110 is made of a transparent material, light emitted from the light source 101 can be emitted in the upper and lower directions of the substrate 110.

The light source 101 may be disposed on the substrate 110 and sealed by the resin layer 130. The plurality of light sources 101 may be in contact with the resin layer 130. The resin layer 130 may be disposed on the side and top surfaces of the light source 101. The resin layer 130 seals the light sources 101 and may be in contact with the upper surface of the substrate 110 and/or the reflective member 120.

Light emitted from the light source 101 may be emitted through the resin layer 130. The light source 101 may emit light through the emission surface 11. That is, the light source 101 may be implemented as a package with an LED chip inside, for example, as a side view type package. As shown in FIG. 4 , the light source 101A may be implemented as an LED chip that emits light through multiple side surfaces and may be placed on the substrate 110 in the form of a flip chip. The lighting unit 100-2 of FIG. 4 may have light sources 101A arranged in the first and second directions on the substrate 110, and each light source 101A may be implemented as an LED chip. Each of the light sources 101A is sealed by a resin layer 130, and a light blocking portion 145 or a light blocking structure (cavity, recess) may be disposed on the top.

The light sources 101 and 101A include a light emitting diode chip and may emit at least one of blue, red, green, white, ultraviolet (UV), or infrared light. The light sources 101 and 101A emit, for example, at least one of blue, red, and green, and blue, red, green, or white light may be emitted through the surface of the lighting units 100-1 and 100-2.

3 and 4, the resin layer 130 is disposed on the substrate 110 and seals the light sources 101 and 101A. The resin layer 130 may be made of a transparent resin material, such as UV (Ultra violet) resin, silicone, epoxy, or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The resin layer 130 may be a transparent material layer to which no impurities are added. Since the resin layer 130 is free of impurities, light can pass through the resin layer 130 in a straight line. As another example, the resin layer 130 may include a diffusion agent therein.

The resin layer 130 may have a refractive index of 1.70 or less, for example, in the range of 1.25 to 1.70. If the refractive index of the resin layer 130 is outside the above range, light extraction efficiency may be reduced. Each of the light sources 101 and 101A has a bonding portion disposed at the bottom and may be electrically connected to a pad of the substrate 110. The light-emitting chip may emit at least one of blue, red, green, and ultraviolet (UV) light. The light source 101 may emit at least one of white, blue, red, and green. The light sources 101 and 101A may include phosphors.

The resin layer 130 may be thicker than the thickness of the light sources 101 and 101A. The thickness of the resin layer 130 may be thicker than the thickness of the substrate 110. The thickness of the resin layer 130 may be at least 5 times thicker than the thickness of the substrate 110, for example, in the range of 5 to 9 times. By being disposed with the above thickness, the resin layer 130 can seal the light sources 101 and 101A on the substrate 110, prevent moisture from penetrating, and support the substrate 110. The resin layer 130 and the substrate 110 may be formed as flexible plates. The thickness of the resin layer 130 may be 2.7 mm or less, for example, in the range of 1.8 mm to 2.7 mm. If the thickness of the resin layer 130 is less than the above range, the gap between the light source (101, 101A) and the optical member 140 may be reduced or the thickness of the layer for diffusion may be thick, and if it is greater than the above range, the module Thickness may increase or luminosity may decrease.

The resin layer 130 is disposed between the substrate 110 and the optical member 140 to guide the light emitted from the light sources 101 and 101A and emit surface light in an upward direction. The optical member 140 may emit light from the resin layer 130 as uniformly distributed surface light.

3 and 4, the optical member 140 may be attached to the upper surface of the resin layer 130 or may be spaced apart from the surface of the resin layer 130. The optical member 140 may be a resin layer containing at least one or two types of diffusion agent, phosphor, and ink particles. The optical member 140 may be arranged as a single layer or may be stacked as a plurality of layers.

The content of the diffusion agent added to the optical member 140 may range from 2 wt% to 5 wt% in the resin material. If the content of the diffusion agent is less than the above range, there is a limit to lowering the hot spot, and if it is greater than the above range, light transmittance may be reduced. Therefore, the diffusion agent can diffuse light and reduce hot spots without reducing light transmittance. The diffusion agent may include at least one of PMMA (Poly Methyl Meth Acrylate) series, TiO ₂ , SiO ₂ , Al ₂ O ₃ , and silicon series.

In the case of having a phosphor inside the optical member 140, the content of the phosphor is added in the same amount as the resin material forming the optical member 140, or the ratio with the resin material of the optical member 140 is 40% to 40%. It may be added at a ratio of 40% to 60% of 60%. The phosphor may include at least one of a red phosphor and a yellow phosphor.

When the optical member 140 has ink particles therein, the ink particles may include at least one of metal ink, UV ink, or curing ink. The types of ink particles include PVC (poly vinyl chloride) ink, PC (polycarbonate) ink, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer) ink, UV resin ink, epoxy ink, silicone ink, PP (polypropylene) ink, water-based ink, and plastic ink. , PMMA (poly methyl methacrylate) ink, or PS (polystyrene) ink. Here, the width or diameter of the ink particles may be 5㎛ or less or in the range of 0.05㎛ to 1㎛. At least one of the ink particles may be smaller than the wavelength of light. The ink particles may include at least one of metallic ink, UV ink, or curing ink. The size of the ink particles may be smaller than the size of the phosphor. At least one of the ink particles may be smaller than the wavelength of light. The surface color of the ink particles may be any one of green, red, yellow, and blue.

The optical member 140 may contain phosphor and ink particles without a diffusion agent. In this case, the phosphor emits a red wavelength, and the ink particles may contain red. For example, the red color of the ink particles may be darker than the color of the phosphor or the wavelength of light. The ink particles may have a color different from the color of the light emitted from the light sources 101 and 101A. The ink particles can have the effect of blocking or blocking incident light. The optical member 140 may have the phosphor content added in a range of 23 wt% or less or 10 wt% to 23 wt%, and the ink particles may be added in a range of 12 wt% or less, for example, 4 wt% to 12 wt%. . The phosphor content in the optical member 140 may be 3 wt% or more than the content of the ink particles, or may be added as high as 3 wt% to 13 wt%. Since the weight of the ink particles is smaller than that of the phosphor, the ink particles may be distributed in an area closer to the surface of the resin layer than the phosphor. Accordingly, the color of the surface of the optical member 140 can be provided as the color of ink particles. Transmission of light can be suppressed by these ink particles, and hot spots can be reduced.

The optical member 140 may be adhered to the surface of the resin layer 130 using an adhesive 147. The adhesive 147 is a transparent material and may be an adhesive such as UV adhesive, silicone, or epoxy. The optical member 140 may include at least one of a resin material, such as silicone, epoxy, or polyester (PET).

As shown in FIG. 3, a light blocking portion 145 may be disposed below the optical member 140. The light blocking portion 145 may be printed or attached to the lower surface of the optical member 140 and may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers. The light blocking portion 145 may overlap each of the light sources 101 in a vertical direction and may extend further toward the emission side than the emission surface 11 of each light source 101. The adhesive 147 is disposed around the light blocking portion 145 and may be adhered between the resin layer 130 and the optical member 140. Here, the light blocking portion 145 can prevent hot spots by blocking light with high intensity among the light emitted through the light source 101 on the resin layer 130. The light blocking portion 145 of FIG. 2 may be provided in a size that covers the top and surrounding area of the light source 101A.

The light blocking portion 145 may be made of two or more white material layers or three or more white material layers. The light-shielding portion 145 includes a diffusion pattern formed using a light-shielding ink containing one or more materials selected from TiO ₂ , CaCO ₃ , BaSO ₄ , Al ₂ O ₃ , and Silicon, and Al or Al and TiO ₂ It can be implemented as an overlapping structure of light-shielding patterns formed using light-shielding ink containing a mixture. The light blocking portion 135 may be arranged in a stacked structure of a first diffusion pattern, a light blocking pattern, and a second diffusion pattern.

As another example, the lighting units 100-1 and 100-2 may include light sources 101 and 101A and a plurality of resin layers on the substrate 110. The plurality of resin layers may include, for example, two or more layers or three or more layers. The plurality of resin layers may optionally include at least two or three layers among a layer without impurities, a layer to which a phosphor is added, a layer with a diffusion agent, and a layer to which a phosphor/diffuser is added. At least one of the plurality of resin layers may optionally include at least one of a diffusion agent, a phosphor, and ink particles. That is, the phosphor and the diffuser may be added to separate resin layers, or may be mixed with each other and placed in one resin layer. The impurities may include phosphors, diffusion agents, or ink particles. The layers provided with the phosphor and the diffusion agent may be arranged adjacent to each other or spaced apart from each other. When the phosphor and the layer on which the diffusion agent is disposed are separated from each other, the layer on which the phosphor is disposed may be disposed above the layer on which the diffusion agent is disposed. The phosphor and ink particles may be placed on the same layer or may be placed on different layers. The resin layer to which the INK particles are added may be disposed higher than the resin layer to which the phosphor is added.

3 to 5, the lighting units 100-1 and 100-2 according to an embodiment of the invention may include an antenna pattern 155. The antenna pattern 155 may be disposed in a first area of the upper surface of the substrate 110, for example, between the upper surface of the substrate 110 and the reflective member 120. The first area may be disposed on one side of one of the plurality of light sources 101 and 101A or on one side of different light sources 101 and 101A. The first area may be disposed below an area between two adjacent light sources 101 and 101A.

The antenna pattern 155 may be covered by the reflective member 120. The entire surface of the antenna pattern 155 may be disposed as the reflective member 120, and may be formed of a metal material containing at least one of Cu, Au, Ag, and Ni. The antenna pattern 155 may include the same material as the wiring layer of the substrate 110, and for example, a partial area of the wiring layer may be formed into a pattern.

The thickness of the antenna pattern 155 may be thinner than the thickness of the reflective member 120. The thickness of the reflective member 120 in the first area where the antenna pattern 155 is disposed may be thinner than the thickness of the reflective member 120 in the second area without the antenna pattern. To this end, the reflective member 120 has a concave recess in the first area, and the antenna pattern 155 can be disposed in the recess.

Since the antenna pattern 155 is disposed below the reflective member 120, it may not interfere with the path of light emitted through the light sources 101 and 101A. Additionally, since the antenna pattern 155 is disposed below the reflective member 120, it can provide a waterproof and dustproof effect. Since the antenna pattern 155 is disposed between the reflective member 120 and the substrate 110 and is provided within the thin lighting unit 100-1, 100-2, the transmission efficiency or reception efficiency of the signal for wireless communication is reduced. Deterioration can be reduced. That is, since there are no radio interference elements on the lighting units 100-1 and 100-2, wireless communication can be effectively carried out through the antenna pattern 155.

The antenna pattern 155 may be placed in an area between adjacent light sources 101 and 101A and may be shaped like a polygon. The other side width C2 of the antenna pattern 155 may be smaller than the one side width C1, and the length of the side C4 may be smaller than the maximum length C3 due to the inclined surface on the edge side of the other side. The one-side width (C1) may be smaller than the maximum length (C3), and may be 3 mm or more, for example, in the range of 3 mm to 4 mm, and the maximum length (C3) may be 4 mm or more, for example, in the range of 4 mm to 5 mm. The other side width C2 may be 2 mm or less, and the angle R1 of the inclined surface may be 100 degrees or more, for example, in the range of 100 to 150 degrees. This antenna pattern 155 has a width (C1) on one side and a maximum length (C3) that is smaller than the gap between the light sources (101, 101A) and is sealed by the reflective member 120, so that interference in the optical path can be eliminated, Deterioration in transmission or reception efficiency of wireless signals can be prevented.

A driving module 150 may be disposed outside the lighting units 100-1 and 100-2. The driving module 150 may include a light source driver 152 and a short-range communication unit 154, and the light source driver 152 is electrically connected to the light sources 101 and 101A and the light source 101 and 101A. ) can be controlled. The short-range communication unit 154 can perform short-range wireless communication through the antenna pattern 155. A heat sink (not shown) may be disposed on one side of the driving module 150 and/or under the substrate 110.

Here, the light source driver 152 and the short-range communication unit 154 may use a common driving power source. Since this drive module 150 is installed directly or indirectly at the location where the lighting unit 100-1,100-2 is placed, the installation position is free and can be freely installed at the rear of the lighting unit 100-1,100-2 regardless of the type of vehicle. It can be.

The short-range communication unit 154 can form a wireless area network through the antenna pattern 155 and perform short-range communication between a moving object such as a vehicle and at least one external device. The short-range communication unit 154 is for short-range communication, including Bluetooth™,

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra-Wideband), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB ( Short-distance communication can be supported using at least one of the Wireless Universal Serial Bus (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies.

Additionally, the short-range communication unit 154 can exchange data wirelessly with a mobile terminal. The short-range communication unit 154 may receive weather information and road traffic situation information (eg, Transport Protocol Expert Group (TPEG)) from the mobile terminal. For example, when a user boards a vehicle, the user's mobile terminal and the vehicle may pair with each other automatically or by executing the user's application.

The short-range communication unit 154 or the lighting unit 100-1, 100-2 may be integrated with a lamp provided in the vehicle, for example, may be installed in at least one of a headlight, a tail light, a brake light, a turn signal light, and a sidelight. You can. For example, the short-range communication unit 154 can exchange data with other vehicles through optical communication.

In the embodiment of the invention, a module in which the light sources 101 and 101A are arranged and a driving module 150 for driving the light sources 101 and 101A and communication are integrated, thereby achieving the effect of increasing the spatial degree of freedom of the device.

The driving module 150 may be directly attached to the bottom of the substrate 110 or may be electrically connected to the circuit pattern of the substrate. Additionally, the driving module 150 may be spaced apart from the bottom or outside of the board 110, and may be connected to the board 110 through a connector (not shown) and a cable (not shown). The cable is a signal cable and may include a wire harness.

Meanwhile, in the vehicle 300, the lamp 100 may include one or more lighting units, and the operating timing of these lighting devices is individually controlled to not only function as a normal headlamp, but also as a welcome light when the driver opens the vehicle door. Alternatively, additional functions such as celebration effects can be provided. The lamp may be applied to daytime running lights, high beams, low beams, fog lights, or turn signal lights. The lighting units of the front lamps 100a1 and 100a2 may perform lighting (L1) and/or short-range wireless communication (L2) as described above.

In the vehicle 300, the tail lights 100a5 and 100a6 may be arranged as a plurality of lamp units (not shown) supported by a housing. For example, the lamp units include a first lamp unit (not shown) disposed on the outside, a second lamp unit (not shown) disposed around the inside of the first lamp unit (not shown), and the second lamp unit (not shown). It may include third and fourth lamp units (not shown) respectively disposed on the inside of the lamp unit. The first to fourth lamp units (not shown) can selectively apply the lighting unit disclosed in the embodiment, and a red lens cover or a white lens is provided on the outside of the lighting device for lighting characteristics of the lamp unit (not shown). A cover may be placed. The lighting device disclosed in this embodiment applied to the lamp unit (not shown) may emit surface light in a uniform distribution. The lighting devices of the tail lights 100a5 and 100a6 may perform lighting (L1) and/or short-range wireless communication (L2) as described above. The lamp units may be provided in at least one of a curved shape, a straight shape, an angled shape, an inclined shape, or a flat shape, or a mixed structure thereof. The first and second lamp units may be arranged one or more in each taillight. The first lamp unit may be provided as a tail light, the second lamp unit may be provided as a brake light, the third lamp unit may be provided as a reversing light, and the fourth lamp unit may be provided as a turn signal lamp. can be provided.

Here, the lighting device disclosed in the embodiment is installed in at least three different areas among the lamp units of the front corner, front center, rear corner, rear center, and side mirror 100a4 of the vehicle, respectively, and illuminates the outside together with the light L1. Can communicate (L2) with the device.

As described above, the lamp 100 of the embodiment may include six lighting units depending on the location.

For example, the lamp 100 may include a first lighting unit 100a1 disposed on the front left side of the vehicle. The first lighting unit 100a1 may include a plurality of lamp units. For example, the first lighting unit 100a1 may include a headlight, a taillight, a turn signal light, a fog light, etc. Additionally, the short-range communication unit 150 may be placed within each lamp unit of the first lighting unit 100a, or alternatively, may be placed within any one lamp unit.

The lamp 100 may include a second lighting unit 100a2 disposed on the front right side of the vehicle. The second lighting unit 100a2 may include a plurality of lamp units. For example, the second lighting unit 100a2 may include a headlight, a taillight, a turn signal light, a fog light, etc. In addition, the short-range communication unit 150 may be placed within each lamp unit of the second lighting unit 100a2, or alternatively, may be placed in any one lamp unit.

The lamp 100 may include a third lighting unit 100a3 disposed on the center left side of the vehicle. The third lighting unit 100a3 may be a lamp unit disposed on the left side mirror of the vehicle, or a lamp unit provided on the driver's seat door or the left rear seat door of the vehicle.

The lamp 100 may include a fourth lighting unit 100a4 disposed on the right side of the center of the vehicle. The fourth lighting unit 100a4 may be a lamp unit disposed on the right side mirror of the vehicle, or a lamp unit provided on the passenger door or right rear seat door of the vehicle.

The lamp 100 may include a fifth lighting unit 100a5 disposed on the rear left side of the vehicle. The fifth lighting unit 100a5 may include a tail light, a brake light, a reversing light, and a turn signal lamp in addition to the first to fourth lamp units as described above.

The lamp 100 may include a sixth lighting unit 100a6 disposed on the rear right side of the vehicle. The sixth lighting unit 100a6 may include a tail light, a brake light, a reversing light, and a turn signal lamp in addition to the first to fourth lamp units as described above.

Hereinafter, the driving control operation of the lighting units of the lamp 100 by the processor 250, which is performed using communication information obtained through the short-distance communication unit 150 provided in the lamp 100, will be described in detail. do.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for step-by-step explaining the operation method of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment, FIG. 8 is a plan view of the vehicle lighting system for explaining the first operating condition of the lighting unit of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is This is a top view of a vehicle lighting system for explaining the second driving condition of the lighting unit of FIG. 7 , and FIG. 10 is a top view of the vehicle lighting system for explaining the third driving condition of the lighting unit of FIG. 7 .

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10 , a method of operating the lamp 100 in a situation where a user carrying a communication device 400 approaches the surrounding area of the vehicle 300 will be described.

Prior to the description of FIG. 7, the lamp 100 of the embodiment includes a plurality of lighting units. As described above, the plurality of lighting units may include first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6 respectively installed, mounted, or arranged in different positions of the vehicle 300. . In addition, in the drawing, it is shown that short-range wireless communication (L2) is performed in all of the first to sixth lighting units (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6 may not be equipped with a short-distance communication unit. For example, one of the first to sixth lighting units (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6) may be a wireless lighting unit capable of wireless communication equipped with a short-range communication unit, and at least the other one may have a short-range communication unit. It may be a general lighting unit that is not provided. In an embodiment, the operation of the wireless lighting unit as well as the general lighting unit is controlled using communication information from the wireless lighting unit equipped with the short-distance communication unit. Additionally, at least one of the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6 may be composed of a plurality of lamp units or lighting units. In addition, the short-range communication unit may be provided in each of a plurality of lamp units or a plurality of lighting units constituting the specific lighting unit. As an example, the first lighting unit 100a1 includes a first lamp unit corresponding to the left headlamp, a second lamp unit corresponding to the left turn signal lamp, a third lamp unit corresponding to the left taillight, and a fourth lamp unit corresponding to the left fog lamp. It may include a lamp unit. In addition, at least two lamp units among the first to fourth lamp units may be provided with the short-distance communication unit. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an operation method will be described when the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6 are each equipped with a short-distance communication unit.

Referring to FIG. 7, in a state where a short-distance communication unit is provided in a plurality of lighting units, the first to sixth lighting units (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, 100a6) are connected to a communication device ( 400) can be recognized (S100). At this time, the communication device 400 may be a communication device already registered with the vehicle lighting device 200, or may be an unregistered communication device. And, when the pre-registered communication device is recognized, the first to sixth lighting units (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, 100a6) of the vehicle lighting device 200 communicate with the communication device 400, respectively. can be performed.

For example, when the communication device 400 owned by the registered user 500 approaches the vicinity of the vehicle 300, the communication device 400 displays the first to sixth lighting units 100a1 and 100a2. , 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, 100a6). As an example of this, the communication device 400 may recognize short-distance communication units provided in each of the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6. In addition, the communication device 400 may attempt to establish a communication connection with a short-distance communication unit provided in each of the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6. Additionally, the processor 250 of the vehicle lighting device 200 may detect a communication connection attempt by the communication device 400. And, based on the detection of the connection attempt, the processor 250 establishes a connection between each short-distance communication unit of the first to sixth lighting units (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6) and the communication device 400. A communication connection can be established.

In addition, each short-distance communication unit of the first to sixth lighting units (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6) is connected to the communication module of the communication device 400 based on the control of the processor 250. You can. And each short-distance communication unit of the first to sixth lighting units (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6) can communicate with the communication device 400 connected to the communication (S110). Here, communication performance means that a transmission signal is transmitted from each short-distance communication unit of the first to sixth lighting units (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6) to the communication device 400, and the communication device ( Depending on the signal transmission from 400), a reception signal may be received from each short-distance communication unit of the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6.

Thereafter, each short-distance communication unit of the first to sixth lighting units (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6) provides communication information according to the result of communication with the communication device 400 to the processor 250. You can. At this time, each short-range communication unit of the first to sixth lighting units (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6) and the processor 250 are connected to CAN (Controller Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnection Network), and FlexRay. (FlexRay), etc., but is not limited to this.

Next, the processor 250 determines the location of the user 500 using communication information provided by each short-distance communication unit of the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6. You can do it (S120). Specifically, the processor 250 uses communication information provided by each short-distance communication unit of the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6 to Location information of the communication device 400 can be obtained. Here, the location information may be information indicating which area of the surrounding area of the vehicle 300 the communication device 400 of the user 500 is located. Using this, the processor 250 positions the communication device 400 of the user 500 closest to any of the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6. You can judge whether it was done or not. For example, the processor 250 uses the location information to determine the first to sixth priority lighting units according to the degree of proximity between each of the plurality of lighting units and the communication device 400 of the user 500. You can.

In addition, the processor 250 uses the communication information to provide distance information between the first to sixth lighting units (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, 100a6) and the communication device 400 of the user 500. can be obtained. For example, the processor 250 may include first distance information between the first lighting unit 100a1 and the communication device 400, and a second distance between the second lighting unit 100a2 and the communication device 400. Information, third distance information between the third lighting unit (100a3) and the communication device 400, fourth distance information between the fourth lighting unit (100a4) and the communication device 400, and the fifth lighting unit (100a5) ) and the communication device 400, the fifth distance information, and the sixth distance information between the sixth lighting unit 100a6 and the communication device 400 can be obtained.

Thereafter, the processor 250 uses the acquired location information and distance information to select at least one of the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6 to be driven or emit light. You can select the lighting part (S130). For example, based on the location information, the processor 250 may select a lighting unit adjacent to the communication device 400 of the user 500 as a lighting unit to be driven or a lighting unit to emit light. At this time, based on the location information, the processor 250 may select the one lighting unit closest to the communication device 400 of the user 500 as the lighting unit to perform the light-emitting operation. Alternatively, the processor 250 may select at least two lighting units adjacent to the communication device 400 of the user 500 as lighting units to emit light, based on the location information.

Next, the processor 250 can set driving conditions for the selected lighting unit (S140). Specifically, the processor 250 may set driving conditions for the selected lighting unit based on the distance between the selected lighting unit and the communication device 400. At this time, the driving conditions may include the brightness and light emission method of the selected lighting unit. The light emission method may include a blinking light emission method, a sequential light emission method, and a general continuous light emission method. Additionally, the driving condition may include the color of the selected lighting unit. Specifically, when the selected lighting unit includes a plurality of lamp units having different colors, the processor 250 may determine which color lamp unit among the plurality of lamp units to drive.

Thereafter, the processor 250 may control the selected lighting unit to emit light based on the set driving conditions (S150). Accordingly, at least one lighting unit selected among the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6 may perform a light-emitting operation in response to the driving condition. In addition, the light-emitting operation may be performed based on the measured location information and distance information of the communication device 400 of the user 500.

The operation of selecting the lighting unit and setting operating conditions is briefly described as follows.

In a first embodiment, referring to FIG. 8 , the user 500 may access the vehicle 300 from an area on the right side (specifically, an area adjacent to the passenger door). And, as the user 500 approaches, the communication device 400 owned by the user 500 illuminates the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5 of the vehicle 300. Communication can be performed with the short-distance communication unit provided in each 100a6). At this time, the location information and distance information of the communication device 400 in one embodiment may be measured based on the received signal strength. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the location information and distance information may be measured based on arrival time information, etc. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the location information and the distance information will be described as products measured based on the received signal strength.

At this time, as the communication is performed, each short-distance communication unit provided in the first to sixth lighting units (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6) receives the signal transmitted from the communication device 400. You can. In addition, the processor 250 can check the strength of the received signal received from each short-distance communication unit of the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6. At this time, the intensity of the received signal received from the short-distance communication unit of the lighting unit relatively close to the communication device 400 will be greater than the intensity of the received signal received from the short-distance communication unit of another lighting unit. For example, the received signal strength increases as the distance to the communication device 400 becomes shorter.

Accordingly, in the above situation, among the strengths of the received signals respectively received from the short-distance communication units of the first to sixth lighting units (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6), that of the fourth lighting unit (100a4) The intensity of the received signal (RSSI1) received from the short-range communication unit may be greater than the intensity of the received signal received from the short-distance communication unit of another lighting unit.

Through this, the processor 250 can determine the lighting unit closest to the communication device 400 of the user 500 as the fourth lighting unit 100a4. In addition, the processor 250 not only provides communication information obtained through communication between the fourth lighting unit 100a4 and the communication device 400, but also obtains communication information between another lighting unit and the communication device 400. Using communication information, the exact location of the communication device 400 can be measured.

At this time, in the first embodiment, only one lighting unit disposed closest to the communication device 400 among the plurality of lighting units can be selected as the lighting unit to emit light. For example, in the situation shown in FIG. 8, the processor 250 selects the first to sixth lighting units (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, 100a6) located closest to the communication device 400. 4 Only the lighting unit 100a4 can be selected as the lighting unit to perform the light-emitting operation.

Thereafter, the processor 250 may check distance information between the fourth lighting unit 100a4 and the communication device 400 of the user 500. Here, the distance information between the fourth lighting unit 100a4 and the communication device 400 may utilize received signal strength or arrival time information included in the communication information, as described above.

In addition, the processor 250 may determine the brightness of the fourth lighting unit 100a4 to perform the light-emitting operation based on distance information between the fourth lighting unit 100a4 and the communication device 400. At this time, in the embodiment, the brightness of the lighting unit may be increased in proportion to the distance between the lighting unit and the communication device 400.

For example, in an embodiment, when the user's communication device 400 is located in a relatively distant location, the brightness of the lighting unit to perform the light-emitting operation may be increased to help the user approaching from the distant location safely approach the vehicle. there is.

For example, in the embodiment, when the distance between the fourth lighting unit 100a4 and the communication device 400 is the first distance, the fourth lighting unit 100a4 operates to emit light at the first brightness La4-1. You can control it to do so.

And, in the embodiment, when the distance between the fourth lighting unit 100a4 and the communication device 400 is a second distance closer than the first distance, the fourth lighting unit 100a4 has the first brightness (La4- 1), it can be controlled to emit light with a second brightness (La4-2) that is smaller than 1).

As described above, in the embodiment, the location of the communication device 400 of the user 500 can be recognized, and only the lighting unit located closest to the communication device 400 can be driven based on the location of the communication device 400. And, in an embodiment, the brightness of the lighting unit may be adjusted in proportion to the distance between the lighting unit to perform the light-emitting operation and the communication device 400. Accordingly, in the embodiment, the user's stability can be improved as the lighting unit corresponding to the actual user's location is driven. Furthermore, in an embodiment, user satisfaction can be further improved by increasing or decreasing the brightness of the lighting unit based on the distance between the user and the vehicle.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 10, in the embodiment, a plurality of lighting units, rather than one lighting unit, can be driven.

For example, in an embodiment, a plurality of lighting units adjacent to the communication device 400 of the user 500 may be selected based on location information of the communication device 400 of the user 500.

Specifically, when the user 500 approaches from the right side of the vehicle 300, the strength of the received signal received from the short-range communication unit of the fourth lighting unit 100a4 will be the greatest. In addition, the strength of the received signal received from the short-distance communication units of the second lighting unit 100a2 and the sixth lighting unit 100a6 other than the fourth lighting unit 100a4 may be the next highest.

Accordingly, in the embodiment, at least two lighting units adjacent to the communication device 400 may be selected as lighting units to emit light. For example, in the embodiment, the fourth lighting unit 100a4, which is closest to the communication device 400, and the second lighting unit 100a2 and the sixth lighting unit 100a6, which are next to the communication device 400, are used. You can select the lighting unit that will emit light.

And, in the embodiment, the selected second lighting unit 100a2, fourth lighting unit 100a4, and sixth lighting unit 100a6 can be controlled to emit light, respectively. At this time, the processor 250 can set driving conditions for each lighting unit that emits light. For example, the processor 250 may set the driving conditions based on distance information between each lighting unit and the communication device 400.

That is, the processor 250 can control the fourth lighting unit 100a4 disposed closest to the communication device 400 to emit light at the first brightness LA4-1.

In addition, the processor 250 causes the second lighting unit 100a2, which is located relatively far from the communication device 400, to emit light at a second brightness La2-1 compared to the fourth lighting unit 100a4, and the sixth lighting unit 100a4 causes the second lighting unit 100a2 to emit light at a second brightness La2-1. The lighting unit 100a6 can be controlled to emit light at the third brightness La6-1.

At this time, the second brightness (La2-1) and the third brightness (La6-1) may be different from the first brightness (La4-1). Preferably, the second brightness (La2-1) and the third brightness (La6-1) may be smaller than the first brightness (La4-1). Accordingly, in the embodiment, the fourth lighting unit 100a4 corresponding to the position of the communication device 400 emits light with the greatest brightness, and the second lighting unit 100a2 and the sixth lighting unit 100a6 adjacent thereto emit relatively bright light. It can be made to emit light with low brightness. Accordingly, the embodiment may provide lighting corresponding to the location of the user 500 who owns the communication device 400. Specifically, in the embodiment, the lighting unit corresponding to the approach direction of the communication device 400 and the approach direction of the user 500 owning the communication device 400 performs a light-emitting operation with relatively high brightness.

Meanwhile, in the embodiment, after performing the above operation first, when the communication device 400 approaches the vehicle 300, an additional lighting operation may be performed.

For example, when the communication device 400 is within a certain distance of the vehicle 300, the processor 250 operates on the first lighting unit 100a1, the second lighting unit 100a2, the third lighting unit 100a3, By allowing the fourth lighting unit 100a4, the fifth lighting unit 100a5, and the sixth lighting unit 100a6 to all emit light, the surroundings of the vehicle 300 can be emphasized.

In addition, the communication device 400 can control the interior lights of the vehicle 300 to emit light when the communication device 400 moves inside the vehicle 300.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for step-by-step explaining the operation method of the vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment, FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the first operating condition of the lighting unit of FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the lighting unit of FIG. 11. This is a diagram to explain the second driving condition.

Referring to FIG. 11, the processor 250 in the embodiment continues to receive communication information from the short-distance communication unit of the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6. Additionally, the processor 250 can use the communication information to determine whether the communication device 400 is moving and the direction of movement.

For example, as described with reference to the previous drawing, the processor 250 uses the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6 to correspond to the communication device 400 at the first position. ) operation can be controlled. For example, when the communication device 400 is detected at a first location, the processor 250 may cause the lighting unit closest to the first location to be driven at the first brightness (S200).

Thereafter, the processor 250 may periodically check the communication information and determine whether the location of the communication device 400 has moved (S210). For example, the processor 250 may determine whether a change in received signal strength corresponding to communication information of the first to sixth lighting units 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6 has occurred. Additionally, when a change in the received signal strength occurs, the processor 250 may determine that the location of the communication device 400 has moved.

Next, if it is determined that the location of the communication device 400 has moved, the processor 250 may obtain movement information of the communication device 400 (S220). Here, the movement information may include information on the moved second location of the communication device 400 and information on the direction of movement of the communication device 400.

Then, when the movement information is acquired, the processor 250 can change the lighting unit to emit light and the driving conditions of the lighting unit based on the acquired movement information (S230).

Thereafter, the processor 250 may control the lighting unit to emit light in response to the changed driving conditions (S240).

Specifically, the communication device 400 exists in the first position closest to the fourth lighting unit 100a4, whereby the processor 250 is located in the first position closest to the first position of the communication device 400. 4 The lighting unit 100a4 may generate light of first brightness.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12, the processor 250 may detect that the communication device 400 has moved from the first location to the second location. This can be detected as the intensity of the received signal received from the fourth lighting unit 100a4 decreases and the intensity of the received signal received from the sixth lighting unit 100a6 increases.

Accordingly, the processor 250 stops the light-emitting operation of the fourth lighting unit 100a4 in response to the communication device 400 moving from the first position to the second position. At this time, the cessation of the light-emitting operation can be done immediately, or alternatively, the brightness can be gradually reduced.

In addition, the processor 250 can control the sixth lighting unit 100a6 closest to the second position of the communication device 400 to emit light.

At this time, the processor 250 may control the operation of the lighting units based on the moving direction (MD) of the communication device 400.

That is, the processor 250 can cause a plurality of lighting units to sequentially emit light in response to the moving direction (MD) of the communication device 400.

For example, when the communication device 400 moves from the first position to the second position, the processor 250 gradually reduces the brightness of the lighting unit closest to the first position, while The brightness of the closest lighting unit can be gradually increased. Accordingly, in the embodiment, user satisfaction can be further improved by performing a lighting operation corresponding to the moving direction (MD) of the communication device 400.

Additionally, the processor 250 can enable a light-emitting operation taking into account the moving direction (MD) of the communication device 400 within one lighting unit.

For example, a plurality of light sources may be disposed in one lighting unit. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, one lighting unit may include first to fifth light sources 100a41, 100a42, 100a43, 100a44, and 100a45. Additionally, the communication device 400 may move in the first movement direction MD1 from the first light source 100a41 toward the fifth light source 100a45. At this time, the lighting unit including the first to fifth light sources (100a41, 100a42, 100a43, 100a44, 100a45) may represent the fourth lighting unit (100a4) closest to the first position before movement of the communication device 400. However, it is not limited to this.

Accordingly, the processor 250 can control the first to fifth light sources 100a41, 100a42, 100a43, 100a44, and 100a45 to sequentially emit light in response to the movement direction MD.

For example, as shown in (a) of FIG. 13, when the communication device 400 moves in the first movement direction (MD1), the processor 250 corresponds to the first movement direction (MD1). In other words, the light emitting operation can be performed in the following order: first light source (100a41) -> second light source (100a42) -> third light source (100a43) -> fourth light source (100a44) -> fifth light source (100a45). Accordingly, in the embodiment, it is possible to intuitively check the direction of movement of the user of the one lighting unit.

For example, as shown in (b) of FIG. 13, when the communication device 400 moves in the second movement direction (MD2), the processor 250 moves in response to the second movement direction (MD2). , the light emission operation can be performed in the order of the fifth light source (100a45) -> fourth light source (100a44) -> third light source (100a43) -> second light source (100a42) -> first light source (100a41). Accordingly, in the embodiment, it is possible to intuitively check the direction of movement of the user of the one lighting unit.

Meanwhile, embodiments may provide user-customized lighting through communication device registration.

Figure 14 is a flowchart for step-by-step explaining a communication device registration method according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14, the lamp 100 including the short-distance communication unit of the embodiment may recognize the approach of a specific communication device and attempt to connect to the communication device (S300). At this time, the short-distance communication unit of the lamp 100 may acquire identification information of the communication device attempting the connection through communication with the communication device. The identification information may be unique information held by the communication device attempting the connection. For example, the unique information may be MAC address information, but is not limited thereto.

When the identification information of the communication device is obtained through the lamp 100, the processor 250 may determine whether the communication device corresponding to the acquired identification information is a previously registered communication device (S310). For example, the processor 250 may store the identification information of the initially connected communication device in the memory and proceed with registration of the communication device. Additionally, the processor 250 may determine whether the communication device attempting the connection is a pre-registered communication device by determining whether the acquired identification information is previously stored in the memory.

Next, if the communication device is an unregistered communication device, the processor 250 displays a registration screen to proceed with registration of the communication device (S320).

Thereafter, the processor 250 allows setting information to be input on the registration screen (S330) and stores the identification information of the communication device in memory along with the input setting information (S340).

At this time, the setting information may be driving information such as lighting control conditions to be applied when the communication device approaches.

For example, the setting information may include the type of lamp to be operated when the communication device approaches, the recognition distance of the communication device, the lighting cycle, the number of lighting times, and lighting brightness information.

And, when the approach of the registered communication device is detected, the operation of the lamp 100 can be controlled in response to the approach of the communication device using the stored setting information.

At this time, a plurality of communication devices may be registered in the vehicle lighting device 200 of the embodiment. At this time, when the plurality of registered communication devices approach at different times, the processor 250 may control the operation of the lamp 100 by reflecting the setting information of the currently accessed communication device.

Differently, when the plurality of registered communication devices approach at the same time, the processor 250 reflects only the setting information of one of the plurality of communication devices, and determines the location information and distance of the corresponding communication device. Lamp control can be performed based on information and movement information. To this end, the processor 250 allows the priority of each communication device to be set during the registration process of the plurality of communication devices.

In addition, when the first and second communication devices simultaneously approach the vicinity of the vehicle 300, the processor 250 reflects the setting information of the communication device with higher priority among the first and second communication devices and The operation of the lamp can be controlled. At this time, setting information of communication devices with relatively low priority may be selectively reflected.

As an example, setting information of the low-priority communication device may not be reflected. That is, the processor 250 may release the communication connection so that communication does not occur between the lamp and the low-priority communication device.

As another example, setting information of the low-priority communication device may be selectively reflected. That is, the processor 250 preferentially controls the operation of the lamp 100 by considering the location, distance, and movement direction of the communication device with relatively high priority. In addition, the processor 250 can control the operation of the lamp 100 by selectively considering the location, distance, and movement direction of communication devices with relatively low priority. For example, for a communication device with a relatively low priority, the processor 250 may control the lamp to be driven only when the communication device approaches within a certain distance.

Figure 15 is a flowchart for step-by-step explaining a method of operating a vehicle lighting device using setting information according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, the processor 250 may recognize the communication device 400 attempting to connect to the short-distance communication unit of the lamp 100 (S400).

When the communication device attempting the connection is recognized, the lamp 100 may obtain identification information of the communication device through the short-range communication unit and transmit this to the processor 250.

Thereafter, when the identification information is received, the processor 250 may extract setting information corresponding to the received identification information from the memory (S410). To this end, the processor 250 may preferentially determine whether the communication device corresponding to the identification information is registered. Additionally, if the communication device corresponding to the identification information is a registered communication device, the processor 250 may extract setting information of the registered communication device from the memory. Additionally, if the communication device corresponding to the identification information is an unregistered communication device, the processor 250 may enter step S320 of FIG. 14 and first perform registration of the unregistered communication device.

When the setting information is extracted, the processor 250 can obtain information about the location, distance, and movement direction of the communication device based on the communication results of the communication device and the short-distance communication unit of the lamp 100 ( S420).

Thereafter, the processor 250 may control the operation of the lamp 100 in response to the location, distance, and movement direction of the communication device, based on the extracted setting information (S430).

Figure 16 is a flowchart for step-by-step explaining the operation method of a vehicle lighting device according to priority according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, the lamp 100 of the vehicle lighting device can recognize a first communication device approaching the vicinity of the vehicle 300 using a short-range communication unit (S500).

And, if the first communication device is recognized and the first communication device is a registered device, the processor 250 may perform lamp driving control based on the setting information of the first communication device (S510). For example, the processor 250 may control the operation of the lamp by considering the location, distance, and movement direction of the first communication device based on the setting information of the first communication device.

Next, the short-range communication unit of the lamp 100 may recognize the approach of a second communication device and a connection attempt of the second communication device while the first communication device is connected (S520).

At this time, when the processor 250 recognizes the connection attempt of the second communication device, it can determine whether the second communication device is a pre-registered device based on the identification information of the second communication device. Additionally, if the second communication device is an unregistered device, connection attempts by the second communication device may be restricted.

Additionally, if the second communication device is a pre-registered device, the processor 250 may determine the respective priorities of the first communication device and the second communication device (S530). The priority may be included in setting information set during the registration process of each communication device.

Thereafter, the processor 250 performs lamp driving control corresponding to at least one of the first and second communication devices based on the determined priority (S530).

For example, if the priority of the first communication device is higher than that of the second communication device, the processor 250 may perform lamp driving control based on communication information with the first communication device. there is.

At this time, communication information with a second communication device that has a relatively low priority may be selectively reflected.

For example, the processor 250 may ignore communication information of a second communication device that has a relatively low priority. For example, the processor 250 may not perform the lamp driving control for a second communication device with a relatively low priority. At this time, the processor 250 may disconnect the communication connection between the second communication device and the lamp 100.

Alternatively, the processor 250 may selectively reflect communication information of a second communication device with a relatively low priority. For example, if there is no change in the location, distance, and movement direction of the first communication device, the processor 250 may perform the lamp driving control by reflecting communication information of the second communication device. For example, the processor 250 may perform the lamp driving control by selectively reflecting communication information with the second communication device only when the second communication device approaches within a certain distance from the vehicle 300. .

Meanwhile, in an embodiment, lamp driving control may be performed by reflecting the user's body information. The user's body information may be the user's height.

Figure 17 is a flowchart for step-by-step explaining a method for adjusting the irradiation angle of a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17, the lamp 100 of the vehicle lighting device 200 can recognize the first communication device approaching the vicinity of the vehicle 300 through the short-range communication unit (S600).

Thereafter, when the first communication device is recognized, the processor 250 may determine the location and distance of the first communication device using communication information between the lamp and the first communication device. Then, when the processor 250 determines the location and distance of the first communication device, it can receive communication information on a lighting unit adjacent to the first communication device among a plurality of lighting units (S610). For example, in the embodiment, if the lighting unit closest to the first communication device is the first lighting unit 100a1, communication information of a plurality of lamp units constituting the first lighting unit 100a1 can be obtained. Specifically, the plurality of lamp units constituting the first lighting unit 100a1 may include a left taillight unit, a left headlamp unit, a left turn signal light unit, a left running light lamp unit, and a left fog light unit. In addition, at least two lamp units among the plurality of lamp units may each be provided with the short-distance communication unit. For example, among the plurality of lamp units, a short-range communication unit may be provided in each of the left headlight unit and the left fog lamp unit.

Next, the processor 250 may obtain communication information between the plurality of lamp units and the first communication device and use this to determine the location and height of the first communication device (S620). For example, the left headlight unit and the left fog light unit are installed or mounted at different heights in the vehicle 300. Accordingly, in a state where the first communication device 400 is disposed adjacent to the first lighting unit 100a1, the first lighting unit 100a1 is configured to correspond to the height of the first communication device 400. There may be differences in communication information received from multiple lamp units. For example, when the height of the first communication device is relatively low, the received signal strength of the communication information obtained from the left fog light unit may be greater than the received signal strength of the communication information obtained from the left headlamp unit. Conversely, when the height of the first communication device is relatively high, the received signal strength of the communication information obtained from the left headlamp unit may be greater than the communication information obtained from the left fog light unit. Accordingly, the processor 250 can estimate the placement height of the first communication device using each communication information of the plurality of units constituting the one lighting unit.

Thereafter, the processor 250 may select a lighting unit to perform a light-emitting operation among a plurality of lighting units corresponding to the location and distance of the first communication device 400 (S630).

Additionally, the processor 250 may determine the irradiation angle of the selected lighting unit corresponding to the height of the first communication device 400 (S640). For example, the determined lighting unit may be the left headlamp of the first lighting unit 100a1. At this time, the processor 250 may adjust the irradiation angle of the left headlamp to correspond to the placement height of the first communication device. For example, if the placement height of the first communication device is relatively high, the irradiation angle of the lighting unit can be increased, and if the placement height of the first communication device is relatively low, the irradiation angle of the lighting unit can be lowered. Here, the relatively high or low may mean higher or lower than the height of the bonnet (not shown) of the vehicle 300, but is not limited thereto.

The automotive lighting device of the embodiment includes a lamp and a processor. The lamp includes a plurality of lighting units. The plurality of lighting units may be respectively disposed at different locations in the vehicle. At this time, the embodiment controls the operation of at least one lighting unit among the plurality of lighting units according to the location and distance of the communication device when a communication device approaches. At this time, in the embodiment, a communication unit for communication with the communication device may be provided within the plurality of lighting units. For example, the lighting unit includes a light source disposed within a housing that forms an exterior appearance. Additionally, the communication unit may be provided together with the light source within the housing of the lighting unit. Accordingly, in the embodiment, lamp driving control optimized for the location of the communication device can be performed by measuring the position and distance of the communication device from the actual mounting location of the lighting unit. Accordingly, in the embodiment, user satisfaction and user convenience can be improved.

At this time, in the embodiment, when the location of the communication device is detected, the lighting unit closest to the communication device among the plurality of lighting units can be controlled to emit light. Accordingly, in the embodiment, the lighting unit corresponding to the location of the communication device is driven, thereby ensuring the safety of users approaching the vehicle.

Furthermore, the embodiment controls the brightness of the lighting unit in proportion to the distance between the lighting unit performing the light-emitting operation and the communication device. Accordingly, in the embodiment, an optimized welcome function can be provided while minimizing battery consumption of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, in the embodiment, when movement of the communication device is detected, the plurality of lighting units are driven in response to the direction of movement of the communication device. For example, one particular illumination includes multiple light sources. At this time, in an embodiment, when movement of the communication device is detected, the plurality of light sources may be sequentially emitted in response to the direction of movement. Accordingly, in the embodiment, user satisfaction and user convenience can be further improved.

Meanwhile, the specific lighting unit in the embodiment includes a plurality of lamp units. In addition, each of at least two lamp units among the plurality of lamp units may be provided with the short-distance communication unit. In addition, the embodiment may determine the placement height of the communication device using communication information obtained through the two lamp units. In addition, the embodiment may select a lamp unit to perform an actual driving operation among the plurality of lamp units based on the determined placement height. For example, the two lamp units may be the left headlight and left fog light of the vehicle. And, in an embodiment, when the placement height of the communication device is relatively low, the left fog light can be controlled to emit light, and when the placement height of the communication device is relatively high, the left headlamp can be controlled to emit light. You can. Accordingly, the embodiment can provide a welcome function optimized for users, thereby maximizing user satisfaction and convenience.

Additionally, in an embodiment, once the placement height of the communication device is determined, the irradiation angle of the lighting unit can be adjusted based on the placement height. For example, in the case of headlights, the irradiation angle can be easily adjusted. And, in an embodiment, when the placement height of the communication device is determined, the lighting unit can be made to emit light at an irradiation angle corresponding to the placement height of the communication device. Accordingly, the embodiment can further maximize user satisfaction and convenience.

Additionally, the embodiment allows registration of a plurality of communication devices and provides an individually customized welcome function to the plurality of communication devices. Furthermore, the embodiment sets priorities of a plurality of communication devices and selectively provides welcome functions to the plurality of communication devices based on the set priorities. Accordingly, the embodiment can further maximize user satisfaction and convenience.

The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the embodiments above are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. illustrated in each embodiment can be combined or modified and implemented in other embodiments by a person with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, contents related to such combinations and modifications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

In addition, although the above description has been made focusing on the examples, this is only an example and does not limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art will understand the above examples without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. You will be able to see that various modifications and applications are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. And these variations and differences in application should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (17)

A lamp mounted on a vehicle and including a communication unit that communicates with a first communication device approaching the vehicle; and
A processor that receives communication information with the first communication device through the communication unit of the lamp and controls operation of the lamp based on the received communication information,
The lamp is disposed at different positions of the vehicle and includes a plurality of lighting units equipped with the communication unit,
The processor,
Receiving a plurality of communication information obtained through each communication unit of the plurality of lighting units,
Controlling the driving of the plurality of lighting units based on the location of the first communication device and the distance between the first communication device and the plurality of lighting units using the plurality of communication information,
A lighting device for a vehicle that changes driving conditions of the plurality of lighting units based on the moving direction of the first communication device when the first communication device moves from a first position to a second position. According to paragraph 1,
Each of the plurality of lighting units,
substrate,
At least one light source disposed on the substrate,
A lighting device for a vehicle, including an antenna pattern on the substrate spaced apart from the light source and connected to the communication unit. According to claim 1 or 2,
At least one lighting unit among the plurality of lighting units does not include the communication unit,
The processor controls the operation of the lighting unit without the communication unit based on communication information acquired through the lighting unit with the communication unit. According to paragraph 1,
The processor,
A lighting device for a vehicle that controls, when the first communication device is located at the first position, a first lighting unit closest to the first position among the plurality of lighting units to be driven at a first brightness. According to paragraph 4,
The processor,
Based on the distance between the first lighting unit and the first communication device, determine the first brightness of the first lighting unit,
A lighting device for a vehicle, wherein the first brightness increases or decreases in proportion to the distance from the first communication device. According to paragraph 4,
The processor,
A lighting device for a vehicle, wherein at least one second lighting unit adjacent to the first lighting unit among the plurality of lighting units is controlled to be driven at a second brightness that is less than the first brightness. According to paragraph 4,
The processor,
Determining a light emission method of the first lighting unit,
The light emission method includes at least one of a blinking method, a sequential light emission method of a plurality of light sources, and a continuous light emission method. In clause 7,
The processor,
When the approach of the first communication device is recognized, determine whether the first communication device has already been registered,
If the first communication device is a pre-registered device, controlling the driving of the plurality of lighting units based on registration information of the first communication device,
If the first communication device is an unregistered device, output a control signal for registration of the first communication device,
The registration information includes at least one of identification information of the first communication device, driving condition information of the lighting unit corresponding to the first communication device, and priority information of the first communication device. According to clause 8,
The processor,
When a pre-registered second communication device approaches while the first communication device is approaching, based on the priorities of the first and second communication devices, the communication device with a relatively higher priority is selected. A lighting device for a vehicle that controls the operation of a plurality of lighting units. According to paragraph 4,
The processor,
When the first communication device moves from the first location to the second location, stopping the operation of the first lighting unit and controlling the second lighting unit closest to the second location to be driven,
A lighting device for a vehicle, wherein the first lighting unit stops operating based on the moving direction of the first communication device. According to clause 10,
The first lighting unit includes a plurality of light sources,
The processor controls the plurality of light sources of the first lighting unit to be driven sequentially in response to the moving direction of the first communication device. According to paragraph 4,
The first lighting unit includes a plurality of lamp units equipped with the communication unit,
The processor is
Obtaining the placement height of the first communication device using communication information between the plurality of lamp units and the first communication device,
A lighting device for a vehicle that controls at least one lamp unit among the plurality of lamp units of the first lighting unit to be driven in response to the arrangement height. According to clause 12,
The processor,
A lighting device for a vehicle that adjusts the irradiation angle of the at least one lamp unit based on the placement height of the first communication device. Recognizing the approach of a communication device from a plurality of lighting units arranged at different positions of the vehicle;
Obtaining a first location of the communication device and distance information between the communication device and the plurality of lighting units through communication between the communication device and the plurality of lighting units;
determining driving conditions of a first lighting unit closest to the first position among the plurality of lighting units;
Driving the first lighting unit in response to the determined driving conditions;
detecting movement of the communication device to a second location;
changing the driving conditions of the first lighting unit in response to the moving direction of the communication device and determining the driving conditions of the second lighting unit closest to the second location; and
A method of operating a lighting device for a vehicle, comprising driving the first lighting unit and the second lighting unit in response to the driving conditions. According to clause 14,
The first lighting unit includes a plurality of light sources,
Changing the driving conditions of the first lighting unit,
A method of operating a lighting device for a vehicle, including allowing the plurality of light sources of the first lighting unit to be sequentially driven in correspondence to the moving direction of the communication device. According to clause 14,
The step of determining the driving conditions of the first lighting unit is,
Obtaining the placement height of the communication device using communication information between the plurality of lamp units of the first lighting unit and the communication device; and
A method of operating a lighting device for a vehicle, comprising the step of selecting a lamp unit to be driven among the plurality of lamp units based on the placement height of the communication device. According to clause 16,
The step of determining the driving conditions of the first lighting unit is,
A method of operating a lighting device for a vehicle, comprising determining an irradiation angle of the selected lamp unit based on the placement height of the communication device.

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