KR102372566B1 - Lighting apparatus for Vehicle and Vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is an optical output unit; interface unit; Based on the light generated by the light output unit, control to output light for securing visibility, and a visual image corresponding to the received first information through the interface unit, the light generated by the light output unit It relates to a vehicle lighting device comprising a; using, controlling to display, and controlling to change the visual image based on the received second information through the interface unit.

Description

Lighting apparatus for vehicle and vehicle

The present invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle and a vehicle.

A vehicle is a device that moves a user in a desired direction. A typical example is a car.

Meanwhile, for the convenience of a user using a vehicle, various sensors and electronic devices are being provided. In particular, research on an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) is being actively conducted for user's driving convenience. Furthermore, the development of autonomous vehicles (Autonomous Vehicle) is being actively made.

Meanwhile, the vehicle lighting device may include a head lamp, a rear combination lamp, a direction indicator lamp, and an interior lamp. The lighting device for a vehicle may only perform a function of securing visibility or transmitting a simple signal to another vehicle.

Recently, in addition to the basic function of the vehicle lighting device, the development of a vehicle lighting device serving to transmit information to a driver, other vehicle drivers, pedestrians, and the like is required.

In particular, it is required to develop a lighting device for a vehicle capable of appropriately displaying information according to a driving situation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device for a vehicle that secures visibility, displays a visual image corresponding to information, and changes the visual image according to a situation in order to solve the above problems.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle including the vehicle lighting device.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to achieve the above object, a lighting apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a light output unit; interface unit; Visibility is secured through the light generated by the light output unit, and a visual image corresponding to the first information received through the interface unit is displayed using the light generated by the light output unit, and the interface unit Through, based on the received second information, the processor for changing the visual image; includes.

The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there are one or more of the following effects.

First, by displaying a visual image corresponding to the first information on the outside of the vehicle using light, there is an effect of recognizing the first information while keeping the driver's gaze forward.

Second, by changing the visual image in response to the second information, by adaptively changing and displaying the graphic object according to the surrounding situation, there is an effect that the driver accurately recognizes the first information.

Third, by checking whether the displayed visual image is distorted, and correcting the distortion when the visual image is displayed in a distorted state, an accurate visual image is displayed.

Effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

1 is a view showing the exterior of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram referenced for explaining a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3A is a perspective view of a vehicle camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3B is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3C is a cutaway side view of a vehicle camera taken along line AB of FIG. 3A , according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4A to 4B illustrate various examples of internal block diagrams of the processor of FIGS. 3A to 3F , and FIGS. 5A to 5D are diagrams referred to in the description of the operation of the processor of FIGS. 4A to 4B .
6 is a block diagram referenced to describe a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying a visual image using a DMD module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying a visual image using a MEMS scanner module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a diagram referenced for explaining a lighting device for a vehicle when a plurality of light sources are included in a light output unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a diagram referenced for explaining a light source unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11A to 11C are diagrams referenced for explaining a visual image displayed on a road according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a diagram referenced to explain a process of obtaining first information and second information according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13A to 13C are diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of changing an area in which a visual image is displayed based on vehicle attitude information according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14A to 14B are diagrams referenced to describe an area in which a visual image is displayed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 to 17 are diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of controlling a region in which a visual image is displayed to be changed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18 to 19 are diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of controlling a shape, color, size, or brightness of a visual image to be changed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
20 is a diagram referenced for explaining an operation of changing a visual image in response to distance information from a preceding other vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
21 to 22 are diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of displaying a visual image on a vehicle body of another preceding vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
23 is a diagram referenced for explaining an operation of correcting a distortion display of a visual image according to an embodiment of the present invention.
24 to 25 are diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of displaying a visual image, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
26 is a diagram referenced for explaining an operation of changing a visual image based on information received through a communication unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
27 to 45 are diagrams referenced to explain an operation of displaying a visual image when a lighting apparatus for a vehicle is implemented as a head lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.
46 to 51 are diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of displaying a visual image when a vehicle lighting apparatus is implemented as a rear combination lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

Terms including an ordinal number, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various elements, but the elements 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 referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another component, it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but it is understood that other components may exist in between. it should be On the other hand, when it is mentioned that a certain element is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that no other element is present in the middle.

The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the present application, terms such as "comprises" or "have" are intended to designate that the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification exist, but one or more other features It is to be understood that this does not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

The vehicle described in this specification may be a concept including an automobile and a motorcycle. Hereinafter, the vehicle will be mainly described with respect to the vehicle.

The vehicle described herein may be a concept including both an internal combustion engine vehicle having an engine as a power source, a hybrid vehicle having an engine and an electric motor as a power source, and an electric vehicle having an electric motor as a power source.

In the following description, the left side of the vehicle means the left side in the driving direction of the vehicle, and the right side of the vehicle means the right side in the driving direction of the vehicle.

1 is a view showing the exterior of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a vehicle 100 may include wheels rotated by a power source and a steering input device for controlling a traveling direction of the vehicle 100 .

According to an embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be an autonomous driving vehicle. In the case of an autonomous driving vehicle, it may be switched to an autonomous driving mode or a manual mode according to a user input. When switching to the manual mode, the autonomous driving vehicle 100 may receive a steering input, an acceleration input, and a braking input through the driving manipulation device.

The vehicle 100 may include a vehicle driving assistance device 400 . The vehicle driving assistance device 400 is a device that assists a driver based on information obtained from various sensors. The vehicle driving assistance apparatus 400 may be referred to as an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).

Meanwhile, the vehicle 100 may include a vehicle lighting device 600 . The vehicle lighting apparatus 600 may include a head lamp, a brake lamp, a tail lamp, a turn signal lamp, a room lamp, and the like.

In the following description, the vehicle lighting device 600 will be mainly described as a head lamp, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the vehicle lighting device 600 may be a rear combination lamp. The rear combination lamp includes a brake lamp and a tail lamp.

The vehicle lighting device 600 may receive information, signals, or data from the controller 170 , the sensing unit 135 , or the vehicle driving assistance device 400 of the vehicle 100 . The vehicle lighting apparatus 600 may control light output based on received information, signals, or data. The vehicle lighting device 600 may display a visual image corresponding to the received information, signal, or data using light. The vehicle lighting apparatus 600 may change a displayed visual image based on received information, signal, or data.

Meanwhile, the sensing unit 135 of the vehicle 100 may include an internal sensing unit 125 and an external sensing unit 126 .

The overall length refers to the length from the front part to the rear part of the vehicle 100 , the width refers to the width of the vehicle 100 , and the height refers to the length from the lower part of the wheel to the roof. In the following description, the overall length direction (L) is the standard direction for measuring the overall length of the vehicle 100 , the overall width direction (W) is the standard direction for measuring the full width of the vehicle 100 , and the total height direction (H) is the vehicle (100) may mean a direction that is the standard for measuring the total height.

2 is a block diagram referenced for explaining a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 , the vehicle 100 includes a communication unit 110 , an input unit 120 , a sensing unit 135 , a memory 130 , an output unit 140 , a vehicle driving unit 150 , a control unit 170 , It may include an interface unit 180 , a power supply unit 190 , a vehicle driving assistance device 400 , and a vehicle lighting device 600 .

The communication unit 110 may include a short-range communication module 113 , a location information module 114 , an optical communication module 115 , and a V2X communication module 116 .

The communication unit 110 may include one or more RF (Radio Frequency) circuits or elements to communicate with other devices.

The short-range communication module 113 is for short range communication, and includes Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, At least one of Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) technologies may be used to support short-range communication.

The short-distance communication module 113 may form wireless area networks to perform short-distance communication between the vehicle 100 and at least one external device. For example, the short-range communication module 113 may wirelessly exchange data with the mobile terminal. The short-range communication module 113 may receive weather information and road traffic condition information (eg, Transport Protocol Expert Group (TPEG)) from the mobile terminal. For example, when the user rides the vehicle 100 , the user's mobile terminal and the vehicle 100 may perform pairing with each other automatically or by executing the user's application.

The location information module 114 is a module for obtaining the location of the vehicle 100 , and a representative example thereof is a Global Positioning System (GPS) module. For example, if a vehicle utilizes a GPS module, it may acquire location information of the vehicle using a signal transmitted from a GPS satellite.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the location information module 114 may be a component included in the sensing unit 135 rather than a component included in the communication unit 110 .

The optical communication module 115 may include an optical transmitter and an optical receiver.

The light receiver may receive information by converting a light signal into an electric signal. The light receiver may include a photo diode (PD) for receiving light. A photodiode can convert light into an electrical signal. For example, the light receiver may receive information on the vehicle in front through light emitted from a light source included in the vehicle in front.

The optical transmitter may include at least one light emitting device for converting an electrical signal into an optical signal. Here, the light emitting device is preferably a light emitting diode (LED). The optical transmitter converts the electrical signal into an optical signal and transmits it to the outside. For example, the light transmitter may emit an optical signal to the outside by blinking a light emitting device corresponding to a predetermined frequency. According to an embodiment, the light transmitting unit may include a plurality of light emitting device arrays. According to an embodiment, the light transmitter may be integrated with a lamp provided in the vehicle 100 . For example, the light transmitter may be at least one of a headlamp, a tail lamp, a brake lamp, a turn indicator lamp, and a vehicle width lamp. For example, the optical communication module 115 may exchange data with another vehicle through optical communication.

The V2X communication module 116 is a module for performing wireless communication with a server or other vehicle. The V2X module 116 may include a radio frequency (RF) circuit or device capable of implementing a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) protocol. The vehicle 100 may perform wireless communication with an external server or other vehicle through the V2X communication module 116 .

The input unit 120 may include a driving manipulation device 121 , a microphone 123 , and a user input unit 124 .

The driving manipulation device 121 receives a user input for driving the vehicle 100 . The driving manipulation device 121 may include a steering input device, a shift input device, an acceleration input device, and a brake input device.

The steering input device receives a driving direction input of the vehicle 100 from a user. The steering input device is preferably formed in a wheel shape to enable steering input by rotation. According to an embodiment, the steering input device may be formed of a touch screen, a touch pad, or a button.

The shift input device receives input of parking (P), forward (D), neutral (N), and reverse (R) of the vehicle 100 from a user. The shift input device is preferably formed in the form of a lever. According to an embodiment, the shift input device may be formed of a touch screen, a touch pad, or a button.

The acceleration input device receives an input for acceleration of the vehicle 100 from a user. The brake input device receives an input for decelerating the vehicle 100 from a user. The acceleration input device and the brake input device are preferably formed in the form of pedals. According to an embodiment, the acceleration input device or the brake input device may be formed as a touch screen, a touch pad, or a button.

The microphone 123 may process an external acoustic signal as electrical data. The processed data may be utilized in various ways according to a function being performed in the vehicle 100 . The microphone 123 may convert the user's voice command into electrical data. The converted electrical data may be transmitted to the controller 170 .

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the camera 122 or the microphone 123 may be a component included in the sensing unit 125 rather than a component included in the input unit 120 .

The user input unit 124 is for receiving information from a user. When information is input through the user input unit 124 , the controller 170 may control the operation of the vehicle 100 to correspond to the input information. The user input unit 124 may include a touch input means or a mechanical input means. According to an embodiment, the user input unit 124 may be disposed in one area of the steering wheel. In this case, the driver may manipulate the user input unit 124 with a finger while holding the steering wheel.

The sensing unit 135 may sense a state of the vehicle 100 and an external state of the vehicle. The sensing unit 135 may include an internal sensing unit 125 and an external sensing unit 126 .

The internal sensing unit 125 senses the state of the vehicle 100 . The internal sensing unit 125 includes a posture sensor (eg, a yaw sensor, a roll sensor, a pitch sensor), a collision sensor, a wheel sensor, a speed sensor, Inclination sensor, weight sensor, heading sensor, yaw sensor, gyro sensor, position module, vehicle forward/reverse sensor, battery sensor, fuel sensor, tire sensor, It may include a steering sensor by steering wheel rotation, a vehicle internal temperature sensor, a vehicle internal humidity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an illuminance sensor, an accelerator pedal position sensor, a brake pedal position sensor, and the like.

The internal sensing unit 125 includes vehicle posture information, vehicle collision information, vehicle direction information, vehicle location information (GPS information), vehicle angle information, vehicle speed information, vehicle acceleration information, vehicle tilt information, vehicle forward/reverse information, Sensing signals for battery information, fuel information, tire information, vehicle lamp information, vehicle interior temperature information, vehicle interior humidity information, steering wheel rotation angle, external illumination of the vehicle, pressure applied to the accelerator pedal, and pressure applied to the brake pedal can be obtained

The internal sensing unit 125 is, in addition, an accelerator pedal sensor, a pressure sensor, an engine speed sensor, an air flow sensor (AFS), an intake air temperature sensor (ATS), a water temperature sensor (WTS), and a throttle position. It may further include a sensor (TPS), a TDC sensor, a crank angle sensor (CAS), and the like.

The external sensing unit 126 may sense an external condition of the vehicle. The external sensing unit 126 may sense an object located outside the vehicle. Here, the object may include a lane, another vehicle, a pedestrian, a light, a traffic signal, a road, a structure, a speed bump, a feature, an animal, and the like.

The lane may be a driving lane or a lane next to the driving lane. A lane may be a concept including left and right lines forming a lane.

The other vehicle may be a vehicle running in the vicinity of the vehicle 100 . The other vehicle may be a vehicle located within a predetermined distance from the vehicle 100 . The other vehicle may be a vehicle preceding or following the vehicle 100 . The other vehicle may be a vehicle driving in a lane next to the driving lane. The other vehicle may be a vehicle traveling in a direction intersecting the traveling direction of the vehicle 100 at the intersection.

A pedestrian may be a person located on a sidewalk or a roadway.

The light may be light generated from a lamp provided in another vehicle. The light, can be the light generated from the street lamp. The light may be sunlight.

The traffic signal may include a traffic light, a traffic sign, a pattern or text drawn on a road surface.

The road may include a road surface, a curve, an uphill slope, a slope such as a downhill slope, and the like.

The structure may be an object located around a road and fixed to the ground. For example, the structure may include a street light, a street tree, a building, a power pole, and a traffic light.

The features may include mountains, hills, and the like.

Meanwhile, the object may be classified into a moving object and a fixed object. For example, the moving object may be a concept including other vehicles and pedestrians. For example, the fixed object may be a concept including a traffic signal, a road, and a structure.

The external sensing unit 126 may include a camera 200 , a radar 201 , a lidar 202 , and an ultrasonic sensor 203 .

The camera 200 may be referred to as a vehicle camera device. The camera 200 may include a mono camera 200a of FIGS. 3A to 3C and a stereo camera 200b of FIGS. 3D to 3F .

The camera 200 may be located at an appropriate place outside the vehicle in order to acquire an image outside the vehicle.

For example, the camera 200 may be disposed adjacent to the front windshield 10 in the interior of the vehicle to acquire an image of the front of the vehicle. Alternatively, the camera 200 may be disposed around the front bumper or the radiator grill.

For example, the camera 200 may be disposed adjacent to the rear glass in the interior of the vehicle to acquire an image of the rear of the vehicle. Alternatively, the camera 200 may be disposed around a rear bumper, a trunk, or a tailgate.

For example, the camera 200 may be disposed adjacent to at least one of the side windows in the interior of the vehicle in order to acquire an image of the vehicle side. Alternatively, the camera 200 may be disposed around a side mirror, a fender, or a door.

The radar 201 may include an electromagnetic wave transmitter, a receiver, and a processor. The radar 201 may be implemented in a pulse radar method or a continuous wave radar method in view of a radio wave emission principle. In addition, the radar 201 may be implemented in a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) method or a frequency shift keyong (FSK) method according to a signal waveform among continuous wave radar methods.

The radar 201 may detect an object based on the transmitted electromagnetic wave, and may detect a distance and a relative speed with respect to the detected object.

The radar 201 may provide the obtained object information to the controller 170 , the vehicle driving assistance apparatus 400 , or the vehicle lighting apparatus 600 . Here, the object information may include distance information from the object.

The radar 201 may be located at an appropriate place outside the vehicle to detect an object located in front, rear or side of the vehicle.

The lidar 202 may include a laser transmitter, a receiver, and a processor. The lidar 202 may be implemented in a time of flight (TOF) method or a phase-shift method.

The TOF type lidar 202 emits a laser pulse signal and receives a reflected pulse signal reflected by an object. The lidar 202 may measure the distance to the object based on the time the laser pulse signal was emitted and the reflected pulse signal was received. In addition, the relative speed with the object may be measured based on the change in the distance over time.

On the other hand, the phase shift type lidar 202 emits a laser beam that is continuously modulated with a specific frequency, and can measure the time and distance to the object based on the phase change amount of the signal reflected back to the object. . In addition, the relative speed with the object may be measured based on the change in the distance over time.

The lidar 202 may detect an object based on the transmitted laser, and may detect a distance and relative speed to the detected object.

The rider 202 may provide the obtained object information to the controller 170 , the vehicle driving assistance device 400 , or the vehicle lighting device 600 . Here, the object information may include distance information from the object.

The lidar 202 may be positioned appropriately on the exterior of the vehicle to detect objects positioned in front, rear or side of the vehicle.

The ultrasonic sensor 203 may include an ultrasonic transmitter, a receiver, and a processor. The ultrasonic sensor 203 may detect an object based on the transmitted ultrasonic wave, and detect a distance and a relative speed with respect to the detected object.

The ultrasonic sensor 203 may provide the obtained object information to the controller 170 , the vehicle driving assistance apparatus 400 , or the vehicle lighting apparatus 600 . Here, the object information may include distance information from the object.

The ultrasonic sensor 203 may be located at an appropriate place outside the vehicle to detect an object located in the front, rear, or side of the vehicle.

The memory 130 is electrically connected to the control unit 170 . The memory 130 may store basic data for the unit, control data for operation control of the unit, and input/output data. The memory 130 may be various storage devices such as ROM, RAM, EPROM, flash drive, hard drive, etc. in terms of hardware. The memory 130 may store various data for the overall operation of the vehicle 100 , such as a program for processing or controlling the controller 170 .

The output unit 140 is for outputting information processed by the control unit 170 , and may include a display device 141 , a sound output unit 142 , and a haptic output unit 143 .

The display device 141 may display various graphic objects. For example, the display device 141 may display vehicle-related information. Here, the vehicle-related information may include vehicle control information for direct control of the vehicle or vehicle driving assistance information for a driving guide to the vehicle driver. In addition, the vehicle-related information may include vehicle state information indicating the current state of the vehicle or vehicle operation information related to the operation of the vehicle.

The display device 141 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display (flexible display). display), a three-dimensional display (3D display), and an electronic ink display (e-ink display) may include at least one.

The display device 141 may implement a touch screen by forming a layer structure with each other or integrally formed with the touch sensor. Such a touch screen may function as the user input unit 124 providing an input interface between the vehicle 100 and the user, and may provide an output interface between the vehicle 100 and the user. In this case, the display device 141 may include a touch sensor for sensing a touch on the display device 141 so as to receive a control command input by a touch method. Using this, when a touch is made to the display device 141 , the touch sensor detects the touch, and the controller 170 may generate a control command corresponding to the touch based thereon. The content input by the touch method may be letters or numbers, or menu items that can be instructed or designated in various modes.

Meanwhile, the display device 141 may include a cluster so that the driver can check vehicle state information or vehicle driving information while driving. The cluster may be located above the dashboard. In this case, the driver may check the information displayed on the cluster while maintaining the gaze in front of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the display device 141 may be implemented as a Head Up Display (HUD). When the display device 141 is implemented as a HUD, information may be output through a transparent display provided in the front windshield 10 . Alternatively, the display device 141 may include a projection module to output information through an image projected on the front windshield 10 .

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the display device 141 may include a transparent display. In this case, the transparent display may be attached to the front windshield 10 .

The transparent display may display a predetermined screen while having predetermined transparency. Transparent display, in order to have transparency, transparent TFEL (Thin Film Elecroluminescent), transparent OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode), transparent LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), transmissive transparent display, transparent LED (Light Emitting Diode) display may include at least one of The transparency of the transparent display can be adjusted.

According to an embodiment, the display device 141 may function as a navigation device.

The sound output unit 142 converts the electrical signal from the control unit 170 into an audio signal and outputs it. To this end, the sound output unit 142 may include a speaker or the like. The sound output unit 142 may output a sound corresponding to the operation of the user input unit 124 .

The haptic output unit 143 generates a tactile output. For example, the haptic output unit 143 may vibrate a steering wheel, a seat belt, and a seat so that the user can recognize the output.

The vehicle driving unit 150 may control operations of various devices of the vehicle. The vehicle driving unit 150 includes a power source driving unit 151 , a steering driving unit 152 , a brake driving unit 153 , an air conditioning driving unit 155 , a window driving unit 156 , an airbag driving unit 157 , a sunroof driving unit 158 , and a suspension. A driving unit 159 may be included.

The power source driving unit 151 may perform electronic control of a power source in the vehicle 100 .

For example, when a fossil fuel-based engine (not shown) is the power source, the power source driving unit 151 may perform electronic control of the engine. Thereby, the output torque of an engine, etc. can be controlled. When the power source driving unit 151 is an engine, the speed of the vehicle may be limited by limiting the engine output torque under the control of the controller 170 .

As another example, when an electric motor (not shown) is a power source, the power source driving unit 151 may control the motor. Thereby, the rotation speed, torque, etc. of a motor can be controlled.

The steering driving unit 152 may perform electronic control of a steering apparatus in the vehicle 100 . Thereby, the traveling direction of the vehicle can be changed.

The brake driving unit 153 may perform electronic control of a brake apparatus (not shown) in the vehicle 100 . For example, the speed of the vehicle 100 may be reduced by controlling the operation of a brake disposed on the wheel. As another example, the moving direction of the vehicle 100 may be adjusted to the left or right by changing the operation of the brakes respectively disposed on the left wheel and the right wheel.

The air conditioning driving unit 155 may perform electronic control of an air cinditioner (not shown) in the vehicle 100 . For example, when the temperature inside the vehicle is high, the air conditioner may be operated to control cooling air to be supplied to the interior of the vehicle.

The window driving unit 156 may electronically control a window apparatus in the vehicle 100 . For example, it is possible to control the opening or closing of the left and right windows of the side of the vehicle.

The airbag driving unit 157 may perform electronic control of an airbag apparatus in the vehicle 100 . For example, in case of danger, it is possible to control the airbag to be deployed.

The sunroof driving unit 158 may perform electronic control of a sunroof apparatus (not shown) in the vehicle 100 . For example, it is possible to control the opening or closing of the sunroof.

The suspension driving unit 159 may perform electronic control of a suspension apparatus (not shown) in the vehicle 100 . For example, when there is a curvature on the road surface, the suspension device may be controlled to reduce vibration of the vehicle 100 .

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the vehicle driving unit 150 may include a chassis driving unit. Here, the chassis driving unit may be a concept including a steering driving unit 152 , a brake driving unit 153 , and a suspension driving unit 159 .

The controller 170 may control the overall operation of each unit in the vehicle 100 . The control unit 170 may be referred to as an Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

The control unit 170, in hardware, ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), processors ( processors), controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing other functions may be implemented using at least one.

The interface unit 180 may serve as a passage with various types of external devices connected to the vehicle 100 . For example, the interface unit 180 may have a port connectable to the mobile terminal, and may connect to the mobile terminal through the port. In this case, the interface unit 180 may exchange data with the mobile terminal.

Meanwhile, the interface unit 180 may serve as a passage for supplying electrical energy to a connected mobile terminal. When the mobile terminal is electrically connected to the interface unit 180 , under the control of the controller 170 , the interface unit 180 may provide electric energy supplied from the power supply unit 190 to the mobile terminal.

The power supply unit 190 may supply power required for operation of each component under the control of the control unit 170 . In particular, the power supply unit 190 may receive power from a battery (not shown) inside the vehicle.

The vehicle driving assistance apparatus 400 may assist a driver in driving a vehicle. According to an embodiment, the external sensing unit 126 may be classified into a sub-component of the vehicle driving assistance apparatus 400 . For example, the vehicle driving assistance apparatus 400 may include a camera 200 . The camera 200 may include a mono camera 200a of FIGS. 3A to 3C and a stereo camera 200b of FIGS. 3D to 3F .

The vehicle driving assistance device 400 includes an automatic emergency braking system (hereinafter, AEB: Autonomous Emergency Braking), an adaptive cruise control system (hereinafter, ACC: Adaptive Cruise Control), and a side approach vehicle warning system (hereinafter, CTA: Cross Traffic Alert). ), Lane Change Assistant (LCA: Lane Change Assistant), Forward Collision Avoidance System (FCW: Forward Collision Warning), Lane Departure Warning System (LDW: Lane Departure Warning), Lane Keeping Assist System (hereinafter referred to as LDW) , LKA: Lane Keeping Assist), Speed Assist System (SAS: Speed Assist System), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Adaptive High Beam Control System (HBA: High Beam Assist), blind spot Zone monitoring system (hereinafter, BSD: Blind Spot Detection), automatic emergency steering system (hereinafter, AES: Autonomous Emergency Steering), curve speed warning system system (hereinafter, CSWS: Curve Speed Warning System), smart parking system system (hereinafter, SPAS: Smart Parking Assist System), a traffic jam assist system (hereinafter, TJA: Traffic Jam Assist), and an around view monitor system (hereinafter, AVM: Around View Monitor) may be provided.

The vehicle lighting device 600 may output light for securing visibility. The vehicle lighting device 600 may output light for providing information. The vehicle lighting apparatus 600 may output a visual image based on the obtained information, signal, or data using light, and may change the visual image based on the obtained information, signal, or data.

3A is a perspective view of a vehicle camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3B is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3C is a cutaway side view of a vehicle camera taken along line A-B of FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle camera 200 described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C is a single camera 200a.

The vehicle camera 200a may include a lens 211 , an image sensor 214 , and a processor 470 .

According to an embodiment, the vehicle camera 200a may further include the processing board 220 , the light shield 230 , the heat dissipation member 240 , and the housing 250 individually or in combination.

Meanwhile, the housing 250 may include a first housing 251 , a second housing 252 , and a third housing 253 .

The lens 211 may be fastened to be seated in a hole 219 formed in a portion of the first housing 251 through a nut 212 while being accommodated in the lens housing 217 .

The image sensor 214 may include at least one photoelectric conversion element capable of converting an optical signal into an electrical signal. For example, the image sensor 214 may be a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

The image sensor 214 may be located at an appropriate location outside the vehicle or inside the vehicle to obtain an image outside the vehicle or an image inside the vehicle.

For example, the image sensor 214 may be disposed adjacent to the front windshield 10 in the interior of the vehicle to acquire an image of the front of the vehicle. Alternatively, the image sensor 214 may be disposed around the front bumper or radiator grill.

For example, the image sensor 214 may be disposed adjacent to the rear glass in the interior of the vehicle to acquire an image of the rear of the vehicle. Alternatively, the image sensor 214 may be disposed around a rear bumper, a trunk, or a tailgate.

For example, the image sensor 214 may be disposed adjacent to at least one of the side windows in the interior of the vehicle in order to acquire an image of the side of the vehicle. Alternatively, the image sensor 214 may be disposed around a side mirror, a fender, or a door.

The image sensor 214 may be disposed at the rear end of the lens 211 to acquire an image based on the light introduced through the lens 211 . For example, the image sensor 214 may be vertically disposed with respect to the ground while being spaced apart from the lens 211 by a predetermined distance.

The processor 470 may be electrically connected to the image sensor 214 . The processor 470 may computer-process an image obtained through the image sensor 214 . The processor 470 may control the image sensor 214 .

The processor 470 is, ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), processors (processors), a controller It may be implemented using at least one of controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

The processor 470 may be mounted on the processing board 220 .

The processing board 220 may mount the processor 270 and the memory 440 .

The processing board 220 may be disposed to be inclined in the overall length direction. For example, the processing board 220 may be disposed so that the front or rear surface faces the front windshield 10 . For example, the processing board 220 may be disposed parallel to the front windshield 10 .

The front windshield 10 provided in the vehicle 100 is generally inclined while having a predetermined angle with the ground from the bonnet of the vehicle 100 to the roof. In this case, since the processing board 220 is disposed to be inclined in the overall length direction, the vehicle camera 200a may be formed to be smaller than a case in which the processing board 220 is disposed vertically or horizontally. Since the vehicle camera 200a is formed to be small, there is an advantage that more space can be secured in the vehicle 100 as much as the reduced volume.

A plurality of devices or electronic components may be mounted on the processing board 220 . In this case, heat may be generated due to a plurality of elements or components included in the processing board 220 .

The processing board 220 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the image sensor 241 . Since the processing board 220 is disposed to be spaced apart from the image sensor 241 , heat generated from the processing board 220 may not cause a problem in the performance of the image sensor 241 .

The processing board 220 may be disposed in an optimal position so that heat generated by the processing board 220 does not affect the image sensor 241 . Specifically, the processing board 220 may be disposed under the image sensor 241 . Alternatively, the processing board 220 may be disposed in front of the image sensor 241 .

One or more memories 440 may be mounted on the processing board 220 . The memory 440 may store images acquired through the image sensor 241 , various application data, data for controlling the processor 470 , or data processed by the processor 470 . The memory 440, like the processor 470, is one of the main heat generating elements. In a state in which the processor 470 is disposed at the center of the processing board 220 , the memory 440 may be disposed around the processor 470 . For example, the one or more memories 440 may be arranged in a shape surrounding the processor 470 with the processor 470 at the center. In this case, the processor 470 and the memory 440 that are heat generating elements may be disposed at a position furthest from the image sensor 241 .

The processor 470 may be electrically connected to the controller 170 . The processor 470 may be controlled by the controller 170 .

The light shield 230 may be disposed in front of the lens 211 . The light shield 230 may block light unnecessary for image acquisition from flowing into the lens 211 . For example, the light shield 230 may block light reflected from the windshield 10 or the dashboard of the vehicle. Also, the light shield 230 may block light generated from unnecessary light sources.

The light shield 230 may have a shielding structure. For example, the light shield 230 may have a lower shielding structure.

Meanwhile, the shape of the light shield 230 may vary depending on the vehicle model. For example, since the curvature of the windshield and the angle formed between the windshield and the ground may be different depending on the vehicle model, the light shield 230 may have a shape corresponding to the vehicle model on which the vehicle camera 200a is mounted. To this end, the light shield 230 may have a detachable structure.

The heat dissipation member 240 may be disposed at the rear end of the image sensor 214 . The heat dissipation member 240 may contact the image sensor 214 or an image sensor board on which the image sensor 214 is mounted. The heat dissipation member 240 may process heat from the image sensor 214 .

As described above, the image sensor 241 is sensitive to heat. The heat dissipation member 240 may be disposed between the image sensor 214 and the third housing 253 . The heat dissipation member 240 may be disposed to contact the image sensor 214 and the third housing 253 . In this case, the heat dissipation member 240 may dissipate heat through the third housing 253 .

For example, the heat dissipation member 240 may be any one of a thermal pad and thermal grease.

The housing 250 may include a lens housing 217 , a first housing 251 , a second housing 252 , and a third housing 253 .

The lens housing 217 may accommodate at least one lens 211 and protect the lens 211 from external impact.

The first housing 251 may be formed to surround the image sensor 241 . The first housing 251 may include a hole 219 . The lens 211 may be connected to the image sensor 214 while being accommodated in the lens housing and seated in the hole 219 .

The first housing 251 may be formed to be thicker as it approaches the image sensor 214 . For example, the first housing 251 may be formed by a die casting method. In this case, in order to prevent deterioration in performance of the image sensor 214 due to heat, a portion adjacent to the image sensor 214 may be thicker than other portions of the first housing 251 .

The first housing 251 may be formed to have a greater thickness than the third housing 253 . If the thickness of the housing is thick, heat transfer occurs slowly. Therefore, when the thickness of the first housing 251 is formed to be thicker than the thickness of the third housing 253, the heat generated inside the vehicle camera 200a is disposed close to the front windshield 10 to prevent heat dissipation. There is an effect of being discharged to the outside through the third housing 253 rather than the difficult first housing 251 .

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the lens housing 217 and the first housing 251 may be integrally formed.

The second housing 252 may be positioned in front of the processing board 220 . The second housing 252 may be fastened to the first housing 251 and the third housing 253 through a predetermined fastening means.

The second housing 252 may include an attachment means to which the light shield 230 may be attached. The light shield 230 may be attached to the second housing 252 through the attachment means.

The first and second housings 252 and 253 may be formed of a synthetic resin material.

The third housing 253 may be fastened to the first housing 251 and the second housing 252 through a predetermined fastening means. In some embodiments, the first to third housings 251 , 252 , and 253 may be integrally formed.

The third housing 253 may be formed to surround the processing board 220 . The third housing 253 may be located at a rear end or a lower end of the processing board 220 . The third housing 253 may be formed of a thermally conductive material. For example, the third housing 253 may be formed of a metal such as aluminum. Since the third housing 253 is formed of a thermally conductive material, efficient heat dissipation can be achieved.

When the first and second housings 251 and 252 are formed of a synthetic water material and the third housing 253 is formed of a thermally conductive material, heat inside the vehicle camera is 252 ) may be emitted to the third housing 253 . That is, when the vehicle camera 200a is mounted on the windshield, the first and second housings 251 and 252 are located close to the windshield, and thus heat through the first and second housings 251 and 252 It cannot be released. In this case, heat may be efficiently discharged through the third housing 253 .

On the other hand, when the third housing 253 is made of aluminum, components (eg, the image sensor 241 and the processor 470 ) located therein from electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electrostatic discharge (ESC). ) can be beneficial in protecting

The third housing 253 may be in contact with the processing board 220 . In this case, the third housing 253 may transfer heat through a portion in contact with the processing board 220 , thereby efficiently dissipating heat to the outside.

The third housing 253 may further include a heat dissipation unit 291 . For example, the heat dissipation unit 291 may include at least one of a heat sink, a heat dissipation fin, a thermal pad, and thermal grease.

The heat dissipation unit 291 may radiate heat generated inside the vehicle camera 200a to the outside. For example, the heat dissipation unit 291 may be positioned between the processing board 220 and the third housing 253 . The heat dissipation unit 291 may contact the processing board 220 and the third housing 253 to radiate heat generated by the processing board 220 to the outside.

The third housing 253 may further include an air discharge hole. The air discharge hole is a hole for discharging the high-temperature air inside the vehicle camera 200a to the outside of the vehicle camera 200a. An air flow unit connected to an air exhaust hole may be included in the vehicle camera 200a. The air flow unit may guide the high-temperature air inside the vehicle camera 200a to the air exhaust hole.

The vehicle camera 200a may further include a moisture barrier. The moisture-proof part may be formed in the form of a patch and attached to the air exhaust part. The moisture-proof part may be a moisture-proof member made of a Gore-Tex material. The moisture-proof unit may leak moisture inside the vehicle camera 200a to the outside. In addition, the moisture-proof unit may prevent the inflow of moisture from the outside of the vehicle camera 200a.

3D is a perspective view of a vehicle camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3E is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3F is a cutaway side view of the vehicle camera taken along line C-D of FIG. 3D, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle camera 200 described with reference to FIGS. 3D to 3F is a stereo camera 200b.

As for the stereo camera 200b, the description of the single camera 200a described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C may be applied. That is, each of the first and second cameras included in the stereo camera 200b may be the camera described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C .

The stereo camera 200b may include a first lens 211a, a second lens 211b, a first image sensor 214a, a second image sensor 214b, and a processor 470a.

According to an embodiment, the vehicle camera 200b may further include the processing board 220a, the first light shield 230a, the second light shield 230b, and the housing 250a individually or in combination. can

Meanwhile, the housing may include a first lens housing 217a , a second lens housing 217b , a first housing 251a , a second housing 252a , and a third housing 253a .

The description of the lens 211 of FIGS. 3A to 3C may be applied to the first lens 211a and the second lens 211b.

The description of the image sensor 214 of FIGS. 3A to 3C may be applied to the first image sensor 214a and the second image sensor 214b.

Meanwhile, a module including the first lens 211a and the first image sensor 214a may be referred to as a first image acquisition module. Also, a module including the second lens 211b and the second image sensor 214b may be referred to as a second image acquisition module.

The processor 470a may be electrically connected to the first image sensor 214a and the second image sensor 214b. The processor 470 may computer-process an image obtained through the first image sensor 214a and the second image sensor 214b. In this case, the processor 470 may form a disparity map or perform a disparity operation based on the images acquired through the first image sensor 214a and the second image sensor 214b.

The processor 470a is, ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), processors (processors), a controller It may be implemented using at least one of controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

The processor 470a may be mounted on the processing board 220a.

For the processing board 220a, the description of the processing board 220 of FIGS. 3A to 3C may be applied.

The description of the light shield 230 of FIGS. 3 to 5 may be applied to the first light shield 230a and the second light shield 230b.

The description of the lens housing 217 of FIGS. 3 to 5 may be applied to the first lens housing 217a and the second lens housing 217b.

The description of the first housing 251 of FIGS. 3A to 3C may be applied to the first housing 251a.

As for the second housing 252a, the description of the second housing 252 of FIGS. 3A to 3C may be applied.

The description of the third housing 253 of FIGS. 3A to 3C may be applied to the third housing 253a.

4A to 4B illustrate various examples of internal block diagrams of the processor of FIGS. 3A to 3F , and FIGS. 5A to 5D are diagrams referred to in the description of the operation of the processor of FIGS. 4A to 4B .

Referring to FIG. 4A , the processor 470 may include an image preprocessing unit 501 , a disparity calculating unit 502 , an object detecting unit 504 , an object tracking unit 506 , and an application unit 507 . .

The image preprocessor 501 may receive an image from the camera 200 and perform preprocessing.

Specifically, the image preprocessor 501 may perform noise reduction, rectification, calibration, color enhancement, and color space conversion (CSC) for an image. ), interpolation, and camera gain control may be performed. Accordingly, a clearer image than the stereo image captured by the camera 200 may be obtained.

The disparity calculator 502 receives the image signal-processed by the image pre-processing unit 501, performs stereo matching on the received images, and performs disparity matching according to the stereo matching. A parity map can be obtained. That is, disparity information about the stereo image of the front of the vehicle may be acquired.

In this case, stereo matching may be performed in units of pixels of stereo images or units of predetermined blocks. Meanwhile, the disparity map may refer to a map in which binocular parallax information of a stereo image, that is, left and right images, is expressed numerically.

The segmentation unit 503 may perform segmentation and clustering on at least one of the images based on the disparity information from the disparity calculating unit 502 .

Specifically, the segmentation unit 503 may separate a background and a foreground with respect to at least one of the stereo images based on the disparity information.

For example, an area having disparity information equal to or less than a predetermined value in the disparity map may be calculated as a background, and the corresponding portion may be excluded. Thereby, the foreground can be relatively separated.

As another example, in the disparity map, a region in which the disparity information is greater than or equal to a predetermined value may be calculated as a foreground, and a corresponding portion may be extracted. Thereby, the foreground can be separated.

In this way, by separating the foreground and the background based on the disparity information extracted based on the stereo image, it is possible to shorten the signal processing speed, the signal processing amount, and the like, when an object is detected later.

Next, the object detector 504 may detect an object based on the image segment from the segmenter 503 .

That is, the object detection unit 504 may detect an object with respect to at least one of the images based on the disparity information information.

Specifically, the object detection unit 504 may detect an object with respect to at least one of the images. For example, it is possible to detect an object from a foreground separated by an image segment.

The object detection unit 504 includes lane detection (LD), vehicle detection (VD), pedestrian detection (PD), light detection (Brightspot Detection, BD), and traffic signal detection (Traffic Sign). Recognition, TSR), road surface detection, and the like.

Next, the object verification unit 505 may classify and verify the separated object.

To this end, the object check unit 505, an identification method using a neural network, a support vector machine (SVM) method, a method for identification by AdaBoost using a Haar-like feature, or HOG (Histograms of Oriented Gradients) techniques can be used.

Meanwhile, the object check unit 505 may check the object by comparing the detected object with the objects stored in the memory 440 .

For example, the object check unit 505 may check a nearby vehicle, a lane, a road surface, a sign, a dangerous area, a tunnel, etc. located around the vehicle.

The object tracking unit 506 may perform tracking on the identified object. For example, sequentially, in the acquired stereo images, the object is identified, the motion or motion vector of the identified object is calculated, and the movement of the object is tracked based on the calculated motion or motion vector. can Accordingly, it is possible to track surrounding vehicles, lanes, road surfaces, signs, hazardous areas, tunnels, etc. located in the vicinity of the vehicle.

Next, the application unit 507 may calculate the degree of risk of the vehicle 100 based on various objects positioned around the vehicle, for example, other vehicles, lanes, road surfaces, signs, and the like. In addition, it is possible to calculate the possibility of a collision with the vehicle in front, whether the vehicle is slipping, and the like.

In addition, the application unit 507 may output a message for informing the user of such information as vehicle driving assistance information, based on the calculated risk level, collision possibility, or slip status. Alternatively, a control signal for attitude control or driving control of the vehicle 100 may be generated as vehicle control information.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the processor 470 includes an image pre-processing unit 501 , a disparity calculating unit 502 , a segmentation unit 503 , an object detecting unit 504 , an object checking unit 505 , and an object tracking unit ( 506 ) and only a part of the application unit 507 may be included. For example, when the camera 200 is configured as a mono camera, the disparity calculator 502 may be excluded. Also, according to an embodiment, the segmentation unit 503 may be excluded.

4B is another example of an internal block diagram of a processor.

Referring to the drawings, the processor 470 of FIG. 4B has the same internal configuration unit as the processor 470 of FIG. 4A , but the difference is that the signal processing order is different. Hereinafter, only the differences are described.

The object detector 504 may receive a stereo image and detect an object with respect to at least one of the stereo images. Unlike FIG. 4A , based on the disparity information, the object may be directly detected from the stereo image instead of the object being detected for the segmented image.

Next, the object verification unit 505 classifies the detected and separated object based on the image segment from the segmentation unit 503 and the object detected by the object detection unit 504 . , verify.

To this end, the object check unit 505, an identification method using a neural network, a support vector machine (SVM) method, a method for identification by AdaBoost using a Haar-like feature, or HOG (Histograms of Oriented Gradients) techniques can be used.

5A and 5B are diagrams referenced to explain an operation method of the processor 470 based on stereo images obtained in the first and second frame sections, respectively.

First, referring to FIG. 5A , during a first frame period, the stereo camera 200b acquires a stereo image.

The disparity calculating unit 502 in the processor 470 receives the stereo images FR1a and FR1b signal-processed by the image preprocessing unit 501, and performs stereo matching on the received stereo images FR1a, FR1b. Thus, a disparity map 520 is obtained.

The disparity map 520 is a leveling of the parallax between the stereo images FR1a and FR1b. The higher the disparity level, the closer the distance to the vehicle, and the smaller the disparity level, the closer to the vehicle. can be calculated as the distance of

Meanwhile, when the disparity map is displayed, the higher the disparity level, the higher the luminance, and the smaller the disparity level, the lower the luminance.

In the drawing, in the disparity map 520, the first line to the fourth line 528a, 528b, 528c, 528d have a corresponding disparity level, respectively, a construction area 522, It is exemplified that the first front vehicle 524 and the second front vehicle 526 each have a corresponding disparity level.

The segmentation unit 503, the object detection unit 504, and the object confirmation unit 505, based on the disparity map 520, segment, object detection, and Perform object verification.

In the drawing, it is exemplified that object detection and confirmation are performed on the second stereo image FR1b using the disparity map 520 .

That is, in the image 530 , the first to fourth lines 538a , 538b , 538c and 538d , the construction area 532 , the first front vehicle 534 , and the second front vehicle 536 are object detection and verification can be performed.

Next, referring to FIG. 5B , during the second frame period, the stereo camera 200b acquires a stereo image.

The disparity calculator 502 in the processor 470 receives the stereo images FR2a and FR2b signal-processed by the image preprocessor 501, and performs stereo matching on the received stereo images FR2a, FR2b. Thus, a disparity map 540 is obtained.

In the drawing, in the disparity map 540 , the first to fourth lanes 548a , 548b , 548c , 548d and the like each have a corresponding disparity level, a construction area 542 , and a first front vehicle 544 . ), the second front vehicle 546 exemplifies that each has a corresponding disparity level.

The segmentation unit 503, the object detection unit 504, and the object confirmation unit 505, based on the disparity map 540, segment, object detection, and Perform object verification.

In the drawing, it is exemplified that object detection and confirmation are performed on the second stereo image FR2b by using the disparity map 540 .

That is, in the image 550 , the first to fourth lines 558a , 558b , 558c and 558d , the construction area 552 , the first front vehicle 554 , and the second front vehicle 556 are object detection and verification can be performed.

On the other hand, the object tracking unit 506, by comparing FIGS. 5A and 5B, may perform tracking for the identified object.

Specifically, the object tracking unit 506 may track the movement of the corresponding object based on the movement or motion vector of each object identified in FIGS. 5A and 5B . Accordingly, it is possible to perform tracking of the lane, the construction area, the first front vehicle, the second front vehicle, etc. located around the vehicle.

5C to 5D are diagrams referenced for the description of the operation of the vehicle camera.

First, FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating a situation in front of the vehicle photographed by the stereo camera 200b provided inside the vehicle. In particular, the situation in front of the vehicle is displayed in a bird eye view.

Referring to the drawings, from left to right, a first lane 642a, a second lane 644a, a third lane 646a, and a fourth lane 648a are located, and the first lane 642a and the second lane 648a are located. The construction area 610a is located between the lanes 644a, the first front vehicle 620a is located between the second lane 644a and the third lane 646a, and the third lane 646a and the fourth lane 646a are located. It can be seen that between the lanes 648a, the second front vehicle 630a is disposed.

Next, FIG. 5D exemplifies display of the vehicle front situation grasped by the vehicle driving assistance device together with various information. In particular, an image as shown in FIG. 5D may be displayed on the display device 141 .

5D, unlike FIG. 5C, illustrates that information is displayed based on an image captured by the stereo camera 200. As shown in FIG.

Referring to the drawings, from left to right, a first lane 642b, a second lane 644b, a third lane 646b, and a fourth lane 648b are located, and the first lane 642b and the second lane 648b are located. The construction area 610b is located between the lanes 644b, the first front vehicle 620b is located between the second lane 644b and the third lane 646b, and the third lane 646b and the fourth lane 646b are located. It can be seen that between the lanes 648b, the second front vehicle 630b is disposed.

The vehicle camera 200, based on the stereo image captured by the stereo camera 200b, processes the signal, and objects for the construction area 610b, the first front vehicle 620b, and the second front vehicle 630b can be checked. Also, the first lane 642b , the second lane 644b , the third lane 646b , and the fourth lane 648b may be identified.

On the other hand, in the drawing, to indicate the object confirmation for the construction area (610b), the first front vehicle (620b), and the second front vehicle (630b), it is exemplified that each highlighted by the border.

On the other hand, the vehicle camera 200, based on the stereo image taken by the stereo camera 200b, the construction area (610b), the first front vehicle (620b), the distance information for the second front vehicle (630b) can be calculated.

In the drawing, the calculated first distance information 611b, the second distance information 621b, the third distance corresponding to the construction area 610b, the first front vehicle 620b, and the second front vehicle 630b, respectively. It is exemplified that the information 631b is displayed.

Meanwhile, the vehicle camera 200 may receive sensor information about the vehicle from the control unit 170 or the internal sensing unit 125 . In particular, vehicle speed information, gear information, yaw rate information indicating the speed at which the rotation angle (yaw angle) of the vehicle changes, and angle information of the vehicle may be received, and such information may be displayed.

In the drawing, the vehicle speed information 672, gear information 671, and yaw rate information 673 are displayed in the upper part 670 of the front image of the vehicle, and the angle of the vehicle is displayed in the lower part 680 of the front image of the vehicle. Information 682 being displayed is illustrated, but various examples are possible. In addition, vehicle width information 683 and road curvature information 681 may be displayed together with vehicle angle information 682 .

6 is a block diagram referenced to describe a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the vehicle lighting device 600 includes a communication unit 610 , an input unit 620 , an interface unit 630 , a memory 640 , a light output unit 650 , a beam pattern unit 660 , and a processor. 670 and a power supply 690 may be included. However, depending on the embodiment, some of the components shown in FIG. 6 may be omitted or new components may be further included.

The communication unit 610 may include one or more RF (Radio Frequency) circuits or elements for performing communication with other devices.

The communication unit 610 may include a short-range communication module 613 , a V2X communication module 616 , and an optical communication module 618 .

The short-distance communication module 613 may perform short-range communication with a mobile terminal carried by the user. The short-range communication module 613 may receive information, a signal, or data from the mobile terminal and provide it to the processor 670 .

The V2X communication module 616 may perform communication with an external server or other vehicle. The V2X communication module 616 may receive information, signals or data from an external server or other vehicle, and provide it to the processor 670 .

The optical communication module 618 may include an optical transmitter and an optical receiver.

The light receiver may receive information by converting a light signal into an electric signal. The light receiver may include a photo diode (PD) for receiving light. A photodiode can convert light into an electrical signal. For example, the light receiver may receive information on the vehicle in front through light emitted from a light source included in the vehicle in front.

The optical transmitter may include at least one light emitting device for converting an electrical signal into an optical signal. Here, it is preferable that the light emitting device is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The optical transmitter converts the electrical signal into an optical signal and transmits it to the outside. For example, the light transmitter may emit an optical signal to the outside by blinking a light emitting device corresponding to a predetermined frequency. According to an embodiment, the light transmitting unit may include a plurality of light emitting device arrays. According to an embodiment, the light transmitter may be integrated with a lamp provided in the vehicle 100 . For example, the light transmitter may be at least one of a headlamp, a tail lamp, a brake lamp, a turn indicator lamp, and a vehicle width lamp. For example, the optical communication module 618 may exchange data with another vehicle through optical communication.

The input unit 620 may include an input unit capable of receiving a user input for controlling the operation of the vehicle lighting device 600 . The input unit 620 may be provided inside the vehicle 100 . The input unit 620 may include a touch input means or a mechanical input means. The input unit 620 may receive a user input for turning on or off the power of the vehicle lighting device 600 . The input unit 620 may receive a user input for controlling various operations of the vehicle lighting device 600 .

The interface unit 630 may exchange information, signals, or data with the control unit 170 , the sensing unit 135 , the vehicle driving unit 150 , or the vehicle driving assistance device 400 of the vehicle 100 .

The interface unit 630 may receive state information of the vehicle 100 from the internal sensing unit 125 and provide it to the processor 670 .

The interface unit 630 receives vehicle collision information, vehicle direction information, vehicle location information (GPS information), vehicle angle information, vehicle speed information, vehicle acceleration information, vehicle inclination information, and vehicle forward/reverse from the internal sensing unit 125 . Information on information, battery information, fuel information, tire information, vehicle lamp information, vehicle interior temperature information, vehicle interior humidity information, steering wheel rotation angle, external illumination of the vehicle, pressure applied to the accelerator pedal, pressure applied to the brake pedal, etc. can receive

The interface unit 630 may receive external context information of the vehicle 100 from the external sensing unit 126 and provide it to the processor 670 .

The interface unit 630 may receive information on various objects located outside the vehicle 100 .

The memory 640 may store basic data for each unit of the vehicle lighting apparatus 600 , control data for operation control of each unit, and data input/output to the vehicle lighting apparatus 600 .

The memory 640 may be a variety of storage devices such as ROM, RAM, EPROM, flash drive, hard drive, etc. in terms of hardware.

The memory 640 may store various data for the overall operation of the vehicle lighting device 600 , such as a program for processing or controlling the processor 670 .

The light output unit 650 may generate light and output it to the outside. The light output unit 650 may include a light source unit 651 and a light source driver 652 .

The light source unit 651 may generate light. The light source unit 651 may convert electrical energy into light energy.

The light source unit 651 may include a light emitting device. The light emitting device may include a light emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode.

According to an embodiment, the light source unit 651 may include a plurality of light emitting devices. For example, the light source unit 651 may include a blue laser diode, a green laser diode, and a red laser diode.

According to an embodiment, the light source unit 651 may include a plurality of micro LEDs. The plurality of micro LEDs may be individually controlled according to the light source driver 652 .

The light source unit 651 may be driven based on an electrical signal provided from the light source driver 652 .

The light source driver 652 may provide an electrical signal for driving the light source unit 651 to the light source unit 651 . The electrical signal provided from the light source driver 652 may be generated under the control of the processor 670 .

According to an embodiment, the light output unit 650 may further include a light conversion unit ( 712 of FIG. 7 ) and an optical unit ( 713 , 715 of FIG. 7 ).

The beam pattern unit 660 may change a pattern of light generated by the light output unit 650 . The beam pattern unit 660 may change a pattern of the incoming light so that a visual image is displayed on the outside of the vehicle 100 . The beam pattern unit 660 may change the visual image displayed on the light output unit 650 .

For example, the beam pattern unit 660 may change an area in which a visual image is displayed.

For example, the beam pattern unit 660 may change the shape, color, size, or brightness of the visual image.

The beam pattern unit 600 may selectively include a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) module 700 and a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) scanner module 800 .

DMD (Digital Micro-mirror Device) module 700, under the control of the processor 670, by changing the posture of each of the plurality of micro-mirrors included in the DMD (Digital Micro-mirror Device), the visual image can be changed. there is. The DMD module 700 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7 .

The MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) scanner module 800 may change a visual image by changing a scanning path generated through the scanner mirror and a pattern of light output on the scanning path under the control of the processor 670 . . The MEMS scanner module 800 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8 .

The processor 670 may be electrically connected to each unit in the vehicle lighting device 600 to control the overall operation of each unit.

The processor 670 may control to secure visibility through the light generated by the light output unit 650 . The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern generator 660 to output light for securing visibility based on the light generated by the light output unit 650 . In this case, the light generated by the light output unit 650 may be output toward the front or rear of the vehicle to help the driver when driving at night or driving in bad weather.

The processor 670 may receive the first information through the interface unit 630 .

The processor 670 may receive the first information from the sensing unit 135 or the display device 141 .

The first information may be vehicle driving information. For example, the first information may include at least one of driving speed information, object information located around the vehicle, navigation information, turn signal information, and on-board diagnostics (OBD) information.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern generator 660 to display a visual image corresponding to the first information using the light generated by the light output unit 650 . Specifically, the processor 670 may output light for displaying a visual image within a range of light for securing visibility.

By displaying the visual image using the light generated by the light output unit 650 , the driver may recognize the first information through the visual image. In this case, the driver may recognize the first information while looking at the front in which visibility is secured. The driver's gaze for driving coincides with the driver's gaze for information acquisition, thereby reducing the risk of an accident caused by the driver's gaze deviation.

Meanwhile, the processor 670 may adjust and display a region in which a visual image is displayed or a color of the visual image based on the first information.

For example, the processor 670 may adjust and display an area in which a visual image corresponding to the driving speed information is displayed, based on the driving speed information of the vehicle 100 . Specifically, the processor 670 may display by adjusting the position of the region where the visual image is displayed within the light for securing visibility.

When the vehicle 100 travels at a high speed, the processor 670 may control to display a visual image at a longer distance than when the vehicle 100 travels at a low speed. When the driver drives at a high speed while gazing at a long distance than when driving at a low speed, the ability to transmit information according to the visual image may be higher. When the driving speed of the vehicle 100 is equal to or greater than the reference speed, the processor 670 may control the visual image to be displayed in the first color. Accordingly, it is possible to induce the driver to be alert.

For example, the processor 670 may adjust and display a color of a visual image corresponding to the driving speed information based on the driving speed information of the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle 100 travels at a speed equal to or greater than the first reference speed, the processor 670 may display the visual image in the first color. In this way, during high-speed driving, by adjusting the color to the visual image, it is possible to raise the driver's awareness and promote safe driving.

The processor 670 may display a visual image based on color adjustment or light amount adjustment of the light generated by the light output unit 650 .

For example, the processor 670 may display a visual image by adjusting different colors of the light for securing visibility and the light for displaying the visual image.

For example, the processor 670 may display a visual image by differently adjusting the amount of light for securing visibility and light for displaying a visual image.

The processor 670 may receive the second information through the interface unit 630 .

The processor 670 may receive the second information from the sensing unit 135 .

The second information may be vehicle surrounding situation information or vehicle surrounding environment information. For example, the second information may include at least one of road information, external light information, and other vehicle information located around the vehicle.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern generator 660 to change the visual image based on the second information.

By changing and displaying the visual image according to the circumstance or environment around the vehicle, the driver can better see the visual image. Accordingly, the effect of better conveying information corresponding to the visual image to the driver may be derived.

The processor 670 may change the visual image by controlling the beam pattern unit 660 .

For example, when the beam pattern unit 660 includes a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) module 700, the processor 670 controls the posture of each of the plurality of micro-mirrors included in the DMD to display a visual image. can be changed

For example, when the beam pattern unit 660 includes the MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) scanner module 800, the processor 670 includes a scanning path generated through a scanner mirror and a pattern of light output on the scanning path. to change the visual image.

When the light output unit 650 includes a plurality of micro LEDs, the processor 670 may change the visual image by controlling each of the plurality of micro LEDs.

Meanwhile, the processor 670 may receive vehicle attitude information from the sensing unit 135 through the interface unit 630 . The processor 670 may change an area in which a visual image is displayed based on the received vehicle attitude information.

When the vehicle 100 is driven on an uneven road surface, the area of the visual image displayed outside the vehicle 100 is changed according to the vertical movement of the vehicle body. In this case, it may take time for the driver to recognize the visual image, or the driver may be distracted from recognizing the visual image, and an accident may occur. In this case, by changing the area in which the visual image is displayed in response to the vehicle attitude information, the visual image may be stably displayed without being affected by the state of the road surface.

The processor 670 may control a visual image to be displayed within the driving lane.

The processor 670 may control the visual image to be displayed within a range corresponding to the vehicle width.

When a visual image is displayed outside the driving lane, information is not properly transmitted to the driver of the vehicle 100 , and there is a possibility that an accident may occur by attracting the attention of a driver of another vehicle driving in another lane. By allowing the visual image to be displayed only within the driving lane or within a range corresponding to the vehicle width, information transfer to the driver of the vehicle 100 can be concentrated.

The processor 670 may control an area in which a visual image is displayed to be changed based on the second information. In this case, the processor 670 may control the visual image to be gradually changed in response to the second information. Specifically, the processor 670 may control the position of the visual image display area to be changed within a light range for securing visibility.

For example, the processor 670 may receive external light irradiation information as the second information. If external light is irradiated to the area where the visual image is displayed, the processor 670 may control the visual image to be displayed outside the area to which the external light is irradiated. Specifically, the processor 670 may control the visual image to be displayed outside the area to which external light is irradiated within the range of light for securing visibility.

Alternatively, in this case, the processor 670 may control the visual image to be displayed in a region in which the brightness of the external light is equal to or less than a reference value in the region to which the external light is irradiated.

By controlling in this way, even when external light flows into the visual image display area, the driver can accurately recognize the visual image.

For example, the processor 670 may receive curve section information as the second information. The processor 670 may control the area in which the visual image is displayed to be changed in response to the curve section information.

Specifically, the processor 670 may control the area in which the visual image is displayed to change in the direction in which the curve is formed.

For example, when the vehicle 100 travels in a curve section formed in the left side of the driving direction, the processor 670 may control the area in which the visual image is displayed to be changed to the left side. In this case, the processor 670 may adjust the degree of change according to the curvature of the curve.

For example, when the vehicle 100 travels in a curve section formed in the right side of the driving direction, the processor 670 may control an area in which a visual image is displayed to be changed to the right side. In this case, the processor 670 may adjust the degree of change according to the curvature of the curve.

By controlling in this way, when driving in a curve section, a visual image is displayed in an area the driver is looking at, so that the driver can accurately recognize the visual image.

The processor 670 may control the shape, color, size, or brightness of the visual image to be changed based on the second information. In this case, the processor 670 may control to gradually change the shape, color, size, or brightness of the visual image in response to the second information.

For example, the processor 670 may receive external light irradiation information as the second information. If external light is irradiated to the area where the visual image is displayed, the processor 670 may control the visual image to be displayed brighter. Alternatively, in this case, the processor 670 may control the visual image to be displayed in a color different from that of external light.

By controlling in this way, even when external light flows into the visual image display area, the driver can accurately recognize the visual image.

The processor 670 may receive, as the second information, information on other vehicles driving around the vehicle 100 . The processor 670 may receive information on whether another vehicle approaches the vehicle 100 from the rear of the next lane of the driving lane.

When another vehicle approaches the vehicle 100 from the rear of the next lane of the driving lane, the processor 670 may control the visual image to be displayed brighter. Alternatively, the processor 670 may control the visual image to be displayed in a color different from that of the external light.

The processor 670 may receive light amount information of light output from a lighting device of another vehicle. The camera 200 may obtain information about the amount of light by computer-processing the photographed image (eg, analyzing the brightness of the photographed image). Alternatively, the light amount information may be obtained through an illuminance sensor included in the internal sensing unit 125 .

The processor 670 may control the brightness of the visual image in response to the amount of light information. For example, the processor 670 may control the visual image to be brightly displayed in proportion to the amount of light.

By controlling in this way, even when external light flows into the visual image display area, the driver can accurately recognize the visual image.

As the second information, the processor 670 may receive distance information from a preceding vehicle. Distance information from the preceding vehicle may be acquired through the external sensing unit 126 . Meanwhile, here, the other vehicle may be another vehicle preceding in the driving lane of the vehicle 100 .

The processor 670 may control the area in which the visual image is displayed to be changed in response to the distance information.

When the distance between the vehicle 100 and the other vehicle is within the first reference distance, the processor 670 may control the display of the visual image on the body of the other vehicle.

By controlling in this way, when the vehicle 100 and another vehicle are close to each other, it is displayed on the other vehicle instead of the road surface, so that the driver can accurately recognize the visual image.

The processor 670 may receive, through the interface unit 630 , object information obtained by image processing from the camera 200 or a control signal based on the object information.

The processor 670 may receive distortion display information of the visual image through the interface unit 630 . The camera 200 may obtain distortion display information by computer processing the photographed image. When the visual image is distorted and displayed, the processor 670 may adjust a position where the visual image is displayed on the body of another vehicle. Alternatively, when the visual image is distorted and displayed, the processor 670 may adjust the size of the visual image displayed on the body of another vehicle.

In general, the body of a vehicle has a mixture of flat parts and non-flat parts due to design elements. If the visual image is displayed on an uneven portion of another vehicle, it may be displayed distorted. In this case, by adjusting the position at which the visual image is displayed to a flat part or displaying the visual image in a small size, it is possible to prevent the visual image from being distorted and displayed.

The processor 670 may receive information about a flat part of a body of another vehicle through the interface unit 630 . The camera 200 may obtain information about the flat part by computer processing the photographed image. The processor 670 may control a visual image to be displayed on a flat area.

When displaying a visual image on the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle, by displaying it on a flat part, it is possible to prevent the visual image from being displayed distorted.

The processor 670 may receive distortion display information of the visual image through the interface unit 630 . The camera 200 may computer-process the photographed image to obtain distortion display information of the visual image.

The processor 670 may correct the visual image based on the distortion indication information.

For example, when a visual image is displayed on an uneven road surface, the processor 670 may receive distortion display information of the visual image. In this case, the processor 670 may change the display area of the visual image so that the visual image is displayed on a flat road surface.

The processor 670 may control to display the second width corresponding to the second point in the longitudinal direction of the visual image to be larger than the first width corresponding to the first point in the longitudinal direction of the visual image. Here, the distance between the vehicle 100 and the second point may be closer than the distance between the vehicle 100 and the first point.

In this way, when the visual image is displayed, by determining the width of the visual image according to the degree of proximity to the vehicle 100 , when the driver looks forward from the driver's seat, it is possible to minimize the discomfort caused by the visual image.

The processor 670 may determine the size of the visual image based on a distance between the vehicle 100 and an area in which the visual image is displayed.

The processor 670 may adjust the length and width of the visual image based on the distance between the vehicle 100 and the area in which the visual image is displayed.

The processor 670 may display the length and width of the visual image gradually larger as the visual image approaches the vehicle 100 . The processor 670 may display the length and width of the visual image to be smaller and smaller as the visual image gets further away from the vehicle 100 .

The processor 670 may adjust the rate of change of the length and width of the visual image based on the distance between the vehicle 100 and the area in which the visual image is displayed.

The processor 670 may adjust the rate of change of the width of the lower portion of the visual image to be greater than the rate of change of the width of the upper portion of the visual image as the distance between the vehicle and the area in which the visual image is displayed increases.

In this way, according to the control, the driver may recognize the visual image as displayed on the road, thereby minimizing the sense of heterogeneity of the visual image.

Meanwhile, the processor 670 may receive information, a signal, or data through the communication unit 610 . The processor 670 may change the visual image further based on information received through the communication unit 610 .

For example, the processor 670 may receive other vehicle information through the V2X communication module 616 or the optical communication module 618 . Here, the other vehicle information may be at least one of location information, speed information, direction information, and destination information of the other vehicle. The processor 670 may change the visual image based on other vehicle information.

The processor 670 is ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), processors (processors), a controller ( controllers), micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

The power supply unit 690 may supply power required for operation of each unit of the vehicle lighting device 600 under the control of the processor 670 . In particular, the power supply unit 690 may receive power from a battery inside the vehicle 100 .

7 is a diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying a visual image using a DMD module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the light output unit 650 may include a light source unit 651 , a light source driver 651 , a light conversion unit 712 , and optical units 713 and 715 . Also, the beam pattern unit 660 may include a DMD module 700 .

The light emitting device included in the light source unit 651 may convert electrical energy into light. For example, the light source unit 651 may include a light emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode as a light emitting device. When a laser diode is used as a light source, greater brightness than an LED can be realized. Hereinafter, it is assumed that a laser diode is used as the light source 651 .

The light source driver 652 may provide an electrical signal for driving the light source unit 651 to the light source unit 651 . The electrical signal provided from the light source driver 652 may be generated under the control of the processor 670 .

The light conversion unit 712 may convert the laser beam emitted from the light source 651 into a predetermined color. For example, a laser beam emitted from the light source 651 may be converted into light of various wavelengths while passing through the light conversion unit 712 . Lights of these various wavelength bands may be synthesized and converted into visible light of a predetermined color (eg, white).

The light conversion unit 712 may include at least one type of fluorescent material. For example, the light conversion element 712 may include phosphorous.

The optical unit 711 may include a first lens 713 and a second lens 715 .

The first lens 713 may refract visible light incident through the light conversion element 712 and provide it to the DMD module 700 . The first lens 713 may refract the visible light emitted from the light conversion element 712 so that the visible light emitted from the light conversion element 712 is transmitted to the DMD module 700 . For example, the first lens 713 may be a collimator lens. Incident visible light may be collimated through the first lens.

The DMD module 700 may change a pattern of incident visible light. The DMD module 700 may display a visual image by changing a pattern of visible light. The DMD module 700 may change the displayed visual image by changing the pattern of visible light.

The DMD module 700 may include a plurality of micro-mirrors M. For example, the DMD module 700 may include hundreds of thousands of micro-mirrors M.

The DMD module 700 includes a mirror layer including a plurality of micromirrors, a driving layer including a plurality of yokes and a plurality of hinges formed to correspond to each of the plurality of micromirrors, a landing point of the plurality of yokes, and a plurality of hinges. It may include a supporting metal layer and a semiconductor memory (eg, CMOS SRAM).

The plurality of yokes and hinges included in the driving layer may receive a signal from the semiconductor memory to adjust the posture of each of the plurality of micromirrors. For example, the plurality of yokes and the hinges may or may not tilt each of the plurality of micromirrors according to a signal provided from the semiconductor memory.

The semiconductor memory may provide a signal for adjusting the posture of the plurality of fine mirrors under the control of the processor 670 .

Meanwhile, the processor 670 may adjust the projection angle and/or reflectivity of the first visible light in units of pixels by individually controlling the tilt angles of each of the micromirrors M. For example, each micromirror M may change its tilt angle thousands of times per second or more by a magnetic field. By changing the tilt angle, the projection angle of at least a portion of the visible light emitted from the first lens 713 to the DMD module 700 may be changed. Accordingly, a portion of the visible light emitted from the first lens 713 may be blocked from being projected toward the front of the vehicle 100 .

By the DMD module 700 , only at least a portion of the visible light emitted from the first lens 713 may be projected toward the front of the vehicle 100 after passing through the second lens 715 . According to an embodiment, the second lens 715 may be omitted.

The processor 670 may implement various patterns of visible light by controlling the postures of at least some of the micromirrors M included in the DMD module 700 based on the received first information. The processor 670 may display a visual image corresponding to the first information on the outside of the vehicle 100 through the micromirror M posture control. The processor 670 may change the displayed visual image in response to the second information through the micromirror M posture control.

Meanwhile, the DMD module 700 of FIG. 7 may output both visible light for displaying a visual image and visible light for securing visibility.

The processor 670 may output the visible light for displaying a visual image and the visible light for securing the visibility with a time difference using the DMD module 700 . By alternately outputting the visible light for displaying a visual image and the visible light for ensuring visibility with a very short time difference that is not recognized by the human eye, the DMD module 700 can output both the visible light for displaying a visual image and the visible light for ensuring visibility. .

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, one or more reflectors may be further included on an optical path through which the light generated by the light source 651 is output to the outside.

8 is a diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying a visual image using a MEMS scanner module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the light output unit 650 may include a light source unit 651 , a light source driver 651 , a light conversion unit 712 , an optical unit 713 , and a reflector 716 . Also, the beam pattern unit 660 may include a MEMS scanner module 700 .

The light emitting device included in the light source unit 651 may convert electrical energy into light. For example, the light source unit 651 may include a light emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode as a light emitting device. When a laser diode is used as a light source, it is possible to realize greater brightness than an LED. Hereinafter, it is assumed that a laser diode is used as the light source 651 .

The light source driver 652 may provide an electrical signal for driving the light source unit 651 to the light source unit 651 . The electrical signal provided from the light source driver 652 may be generated under the control of the processor 670 .

The light conversion unit 712 may convert the laser beam emitted from the light source 651 into a predetermined color. For example, a laser beam emitted from the light source 651 may be converted into light of various wavelengths while passing through the light conversion unit 712 . Lights of these various wavelength bands may be synthesized and converted into visible light of a predetermined color (eg, white).

The light conversion unit 712 may include at least one type of fluorescent material. For example, the light conversion element 712 may include phosphorous.

The optical unit 711 may include a first lens 713 .

The first lens 713 may refract visible light incident through the light conversion element 712 to provide it to the MEMS scanner module 800 . The first lens 713 may refract the visible light emitted from the light conversion element 712 so that the visible light emitted from the light conversion element 712 is transmitted to the MEMS scanner module 800 . For example, the first lens 713 may be a collimator lens. Incident visible light may be collimated through the first lens.

The reflector 716 can change the path of light. The reflector 716 may reflect the light passing through the first lens 713 and transmit it to the MEMS scanner module 800 . According to an embodiment, the reflector 716 may be omitted.

The MEMS scanner module 800 may include a scanner mirror, a structure supporting the scanner mirror, and a driver driving the scanner mirror. For example, the driving unit may include a magnetic material. The driving unit may rotate the scanner mirror based on electromagnetic waves generated by the applied current.

The driver may drive the scanner mirror under the control of the processor 670 .

The scanner mirror may be rotated according to the driving of the driving unit. As the scanner mirror is rotated, the path of visible light incident on the scanner mirror may be continuously changed.

The MEMS scanner module 800 may generate a scanning path based on the scanner mirror rotation. The scanning path may be a path through which visible light is reflected and output by the scanner mirror.

For example, the MEMS scanner module 800 may receive visible light and sequentially and repeatedly perform first-direction scanning and second-direction scanning to the outside.

As shown in the drawing, the MEMS scanner module 800 may perform scanning from left to right, and from right to left, in an oblique or horizontal direction, with respect to the outer area 840 , based on the scannable area. there is. In addition, such a scanning operation may be repeatedly performed for the entire outer region 840 . Accordingly, a projection image corresponding to visible light may be displayed to the outside.

The processor 670 may implement various patterns of visible light by adjusting a scanning path through rotation control of the scanner mirror. The processor 670 may display a visual image corresponding to the first information on the outside of the vehicle 100 through rotation control of the scanner mirror. The processor 670 may change the displayed visual image in response to the second information through rotation control of the skinner mirror.

Meanwhile, the MEMS scanner module 800 of FIG. 8 may output visible light for displaying a visual image and visible light for securing visibility together.

The processor 670 may output the visible light for displaying a visual image and the visible light for securing the visibility with a time difference using the MEMS scanner module 800 . By alternately outputting visible light for displaying a visual image and visible light for securing visibility with a very short time difference that is not recognized by the human eye, the MEMS scanner module 800 can output both visible light for displaying a visual image and visible light for securing visibility there is.

9 is a diagram referenced for explaining a lighting apparatus for a vehicle when a plurality of light sources are included in a light output unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the light output unit 650 may include a light source unit 651 , a light source driver 651 , an optical unit 713 , a photosynthesis unit 920 , and a reflector 716 .

The light source unit 651 may include a plurality of light emitting devices 651R, 651G, and 651B. For example, the light source unit 651 may include a red laser diode 651R, a green laser diode 651G, and a blue laser diode 651R.

The light source driver 652 may provide an electrical signal for driving the light source unit 651 to the light source unit 651 . The electrical signal provided from the light source driver 652 may be generated under the control of the processor 670 .

The jack color, green, and blue lights output from the light sources 651R, 651G, and 651B may be collimated through each collimator lens in the optical unit 712 .

The photosynthesis unit 920 synthesizes the respective lights output from the light source units 651R, 651G, and 651B and outputs them in one direction. To this end, the photosynthesis unit 920 may include three 2D MEMS mirrors 920a, 920b, and 920c.

The first photosynthesis unit 920a, the second photosynthesis unit 920b, and the third photosynthesis unit 920c are, respectively, the red light output from the red light source unit 651R, the green light output from the green light source unit 651G, and the blue light source unit ( The blue light output from 651B) is output in the direction of the beam pattern unit 660 .

The reflector 716 reflects the red light, green light, and blue light passing through the photosynthesis unit 920 in the direction of the beam pattern unit 660 . The reflector 716 reflects light of various wavelengths, and for this purpose, it may be implemented as a Total Mirror(TM).

The beam pattern unit 660 may selectively include a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) module 700 and a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) scanner module 800 .

When the DMD module 700 is included in the beam pattern unit 660, as described with reference to FIG. 7 , the processor 670 displays a visual image corresponding to the first information, and displays the displayed visual image. 2 It can be changed in response to information.

When the MEMS scanner module 800 is included in the beam pattern unit 600, as described with reference to FIG. 8, the processor 670 displays a visual image corresponding to the first information, and displays the displayed visual image, It can be changed in response to the second information.

10 is a diagram referenced for explaining a light source unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the light source unit 651 may include a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in a predetermined shape.

For example, the light source unit 651 may include a plurality of micro LEDs 1010 as light emitting devices. Each of the plurality of micro LEDs 1010 may be individually turned on and off under the control of the processor 670 . The color and brightness of light output from each of the plurality of micro LEDs 1010 may be individually adjusted under the control of the processor 670 .

The processor 670 may individually drive each of the plurality of micro LEDs 1010 to output visible light for displaying a visual image and visible light for securing visibility together.

The processor 670 may group and control the plurality of micro LEDs 1010 . For example, the processor 670 may control the visible light for image display to be output through the microLEDs of the first group, and control the visible light for ensuring visibility to be output through the microLEDs of the second group.

11A to 11C are diagrams referenced for explaining a visual image displayed on a road according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the vehicle lighting device 600 may display a visual image on the road. The vehicle lighting device 600 may output light to secure visibility and display a visual image. For this, the light output unit 650 and the beam pattern unit 660 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10 may be used.

The visual image may be an image corresponding to the first information. The first information may be information sensed by the sensing unit 135 . Specifically, the first information may be state information of the vehicle 100 sensed by the internal sensing unit 125 or external situation information of the vehicle 100 sensed by the external sensing unit 126 .

The visual image may be implemented as a design and text.

The vehicle lighting apparatus 600 may change the displayed visual image based on the second information. The second information may be information sensed by the sensing unit 135 . Specifically, the second information may be external context information of the vehicle 100 sensed by the external sensing unit 126 .

The vehicle lighting apparatus 600 may change an area in which a visual image is displayed. The vehicle lighting device 600 may change the shape, color, size, or brightness of the visual image.

The processor 670 may output the light 1150 for securing visibility based on the light generated by the light output unit 650 .

The processor 670 may output lights 1110 and 1120 for visual image display based on the light generated by the light output unit 650 .

As illustrated in FIG. 11A , the processor 670 may display a visual image by adjusting differently the amounts of the light 1150 for securing visibility and the lights 1110 and 1120 for displaying the visual image.

For example, the processor 670 may adjust the lights 1110 and 1120 for visual image display to be darker than the light 1150 for securing visibility. According to an embodiment, the processor 670 may display a visual image by outputting only the light 1150 for securing visibility and not outputting the lights 1110 and 1120 for displaying the visual image.

As illustrated in FIG. 11B , the processor 670 may display a visual image by differentiating the colors of the lights 1150 for securing visibility and the lights 1110 and 1120 for displaying a visual image.

For example, the processor 670 may output the light 1150 for securing visibility as a first color and output the lights 1110 and 1120 for displaying a visual image as a second color.

As illustrated in FIG. 11C , the processor 670 may output only the lights 1110 and 1120 for displaying a visual image without outputting the light 1150 for securing visibility.

12 is a diagram referenced to explain a process of obtaining first information and second information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

12 , the processor 670 may receive first information from the sensing unit 125 of the vehicle 100 or the control unit 170 of the vehicle 100 through the interface unit 630 . .

For example, the first information may include at least one of driving speed information, object information located around the vehicle, navigation information, turn signal information, and OBD information.

The object information may be information about other vehicles, pedestrians, or traffic signals. The object information may include information on the existence of an object, information on the location of the object, information on a distance to the object, and information on a relative speed with respect to the object.

The navigation information may include set destination information, route information, map information, expected arrival time information to the destination, estimated elapsed time information, and current location information of the vehicle.

The processor 670 may adjust an area in which the visual image is displayed or the color of the visual image based on the driving speed information.

When the vehicle 100 travels at a high speed, the processor 670 may control to display a visual image at a longer distance than when the vehicle 100 travels at a low speed. When the driver drives at a high speed while gazing at a long distance than when driving at a low speed, the ability to transmit information according to the visual image may be higher.

When the driving speed of the vehicle 100 is equal to or greater than the reference speed, the processor 670 may control the visual image to be displayed in the first color. Accordingly, it is possible to induce the driver to be alert.

The processor 670 may receive the second information from the sensing unit 125 of the vehicle 100 or the controller 170 of the vehicle 100 through the interface unit 630 .

For example, the second information may include any one of road information, external light information, and other vehicle information located around the vehicle.

The road information includes information on the type of road on which the vehicle 100 is traveling (eg, highway, city road, automobile-only road, etc.) and section information of the road (eg, straight section, slope section, curve section). , may include information on the speed limit of the road.

The external light information may be detected by the camera 200 or an illuminance sensor. The camera 200 may acquire external light information by analyzing the luminance of the acquired image. The external light may be generated from sunlight, a street lamp, or a lighting device of another vehicle.

The other vehicle information may include information on the presence or absence of another vehicle, location information of another vehicle, distance information with another vehicle, and relative speed information with another vehicle. The other vehicle may be a vehicle running in front, rear, or side of the vehicle 100 .

13A to 13C are diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of changing an area in which a visual image is displayed based on vehicle attitude information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawing, the processor 670 may receive attitude information of the vehicle 100 from the sensing unit 135 . The processor 670 may change an area in which a visual image is displayed based on the vehicle posture information.

As illustrated in FIG. 13A , the vehicle 100 may travel on an uneven road surface. An object affecting the posture of the vehicle 100 may be located on the road surface. Objects affecting the posture of the vehicle 100 are various, such as a speed bump 1301, a port hole, a stone, a road damaged part, and a falling object.

When the vehicle 100 steps on the object 1301 and passes, the vehicle 100 does not maintain a constant posture, and the pitch of the vehicle 100 may change.

The light output from the vehicle lighting apparatus 100 may be changed according to a change in the posture of the vehicle 100 . On the other hand, the driver drives while gazing at a certain area regardless of the vertical movement of the vehicle 100 . In this case, when the visual image is changed according to the change in the posture of the vehicle 100 , the driver's field of vision is changed according to the visual image and may interfere with driving.

The processor 670 may change an area in which a visual image is displayed within a light range 1315 for securing visibility based on a change in the pitch of the vehicle 100 .

In addition, the processor 670 may change the area in which the visual image is displayed within the range of light 1315 for securing visibility even based on a change in yaw or roll of the vehicle 100 . there is.

As illustrated in FIG. 13B , when the front end of the vehicle 100 is raised, the processor 670 corresponds to the degree of raising, within the range of light output to ensure visibility 1315, the visual image 1310 is , can be controlled to be displayed closer to the vehicle 100 than the visual image 1320 displayed when the front end of the vehicle 100 is not raised.

As illustrated in FIG. 13C , when the rear end of the vehicle 100 is raised, the processor 670 corresponds to the degree of raising, within the range of light output to ensure visibility 1315, the visual image 1310 is , than the visual image 1330 displayed when the rear end of the vehicle 100 is not raised, it can be controlled to be displayed farther away from the vehicle 100 .

14A to 14B are diagrams referenced to describe an area in which a visual image is displayed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14A , the processor 670 may control the visual image 1410 to be displayed in the driving lane 1401 of the vehicle 100 .

The visual image 1410 is for transmitting information to the driver of the vehicle 100 . If the visual image 1410 is displayed outside the driving lane 1401 of the vehicle 100 , it may interfere with driving of surrounding vehicles. By controlling in this way, it is possible to increase the concentration of information transmission without disturbing other vehicles.

Referring to FIG. 14B , the processor 670 may control the visual image 1410 to be displayed within a range 1402 corresponding to the vehicle width of the vehicle 100 .

The range 1402 corresponding to the vehicle width of the vehicle 100 may mean the inside of a pair of virtual lines extending forward from the left and right sides of the vehicle 100 .

By allowing the visual image to be displayed only within a range corresponding to the vehicle width, information transfer to the driver of the vehicle 100 can be more concentrated.

15 to 17 are diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of controlling a region in which a visual image is displayed to be changed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the processor 670 may control an area in which a visual image 1510 is displayed to be changed within a light range 1501 for securing visibility based on the second information. In this case, the processor 670 may control the visual image 1510 to be gradually changed in response to the second information.

As illustrated in FIG. 16 , when the external light 1605 is irradiated to the area where the visual image 1510 is displayed, the processor 670, within the range of light for securing visibility, the external light 1605 is It is possible to control the visual image 1510 to be displayed outside the irradiated area.

Alternatively, the processor 670 may control the visual image 1510 to be displayed in an area irradiated with the least external light within a light range for securing visibility.

Alternatively, the processor 670 may control the visual image to be displayed in an area in which the brightness of external light is less than or equal to a reference value within a light range for securing visibility.

As such, even when the external light 1605 is irradiated, by changing the area in which the visual image 1510 is displayed, the driver can accurately recognize the visual image 1510 , thereby increasing the accuracy of information transfer.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 17 , before the vehicle 100 enters the curve section or when the vehicle 100 drives the curve section, the processor 670 transmits the curve section information through the interface unit 630 . can receive The processor 670 may control an area in which the visual image 1710 is displayed to be changed in response to the curve section information.

Specifically, the processor 670 may control an area in which a visual image is displayed to change in a direction in which a curve is formed.

For example, when the vehicle 100 enters or drives in the curved section 1701 formed in the left side of the driving direction, the processor 670 may control the area in which the visual image 1710 is displayed to be changed to the left. In this case, the processor 670 may adjust the degree of change according to the curvature of the curve.

For example, when the vehicle 100 enters or drives in a curved section 1702 formed in the right side of the driving direction, the processor 670 may control the area in which the visual image 1710 is displayed to be changed to the right. In this case, the processor 670 may adjust the degree of change according to the curvature of the curve.

By controlling in this way, when driving in a curve section, a visual image is displayed in an area the driver is looking at, so that the driver can accurately recognize the visual image.

18 to 19 are diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of controlling a shape, color, size, or brightness of a visual image to be changed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 18 , the processor 670 may control the shape, color, size, or brightness of the visual image 1810 to be changed within a light range 1801 for securing visibility based on the second information. there is. In this case, the processor 670 may control the visual image 1810 to be gradually changed in response to the second information.

As illustrated in FIG. 19 , when external light is irradiated to an area where the visual image 1810 is displayed, the processor 670 may control the visual image 1810 to be displayed brighter. Alternatively, the processor 670 may control the visual image 1810 to be displayed in a color different from that of external light.

For example, when another vehicle 1901 following in a lane next to the driving lane approaches the vehicle 100, external light ( 1905) can be investigated. In this case, the processor 670 may control the visual image 1810 to be displayed brighter or the visual image 1810 to be displayed in a different color.

By controlling in this way, even when the external light 1905 flows into the visual image 1810 display area, the driver can accurately recognize the visual image.

The processor 670 may receive, as the second information, information on the other vehicle 1905 driving in the vicinity of the vehicle 100 . The processor 670 may receive information on whether the other vehicle 1905 approaches the vehicle 100 from the rear of the next lane of the driving lane.

When the other vehicle 1905 approaches the vehicle 100 from the rear of the next lane of the driving lane, the processor 670 may control the visual image 1810 to be displayed brighter.

Meanwhile, the processor 670 may receive information on the amount of light output from the lighting device of another vehicle. The camera 200 may obtain light amount information by computer processing the captured image (eg, analyzing the luminance of the captured image). Alternatively, the light amount information may be obtained through an illuminance sensor included in the internal sensing unit 125 .

The processor 670 may control the brightness of the visual image in response to the light amount information. For example, the processor 670 may control the visual image to be brightly displayed in proportion to the amount of light.

In this way, by controlling the change of the visual image 1810 according to the approach of the other vehicle 1901 following, it is possible to accurately recognize the visual image 1810 to the driver so that information can be transmitted well. Also, by changing the visual image 1810 , the driver may recognize the approach of another vehicle 1901 following.

20 is a diagram referenced for explaining an operation of changing a visual image in response to distance information from a preceding other vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 20 , the processor 670 may receive distance information from the preceding vehicle 2001 through the interface unit 630 . The distance information may be acquired through the external sensing unit 126 . The other vehicle 2001 may be another vehicle preceding in the driving lane of the vehicle 100 .

The processor 670 may control a region in which the visual image 2010 is displayed to be changed within a light range 2020 for securing visibility based on the distance information.

As the distance from the preceding vehicle 2001 increases, the space for displaying the visual image 2010 decreases. In order to completely display the visual image 2010, as the distance from the preceding vehicle 2001 increases, the processor 670 displays the visual image 2010 in an area closer to the vehicle 100. can be controlled

21 to 22 are diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of displaying a visual image on a vehicle body of another preceding vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 21 , when the distance between the vehicle 100 and the preceding other vehicle 2001 is within a first reference distance, the processor 670 displays the visual image 2010 on the body of the other vehicle 200 . can be controlled as much as possible. The body of the other vehicle 200 may be at least one of a trunk lid, a rear bumper, a rear window, and a tailgate of the other vehicle 200 .

Meanwhile, the first reference distance may be determined by whether the visual image 2010 enters the driver's field of vision when the visual image 2010 is displayed on the road.

When the visual image 2010 is displayed on the vehicle body of the other vehicle 200 , the processor 670 may adjust the size or color of the visual image 2010 .

For example, the processor 670 may adjust the size of the visual image 2010 to be small so that the entire visual image 2010 may be displayed on the body of the other vehicle 2001 . In this case, the size of the visual image 2010 may be determined by the distance between the vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 2001 .

For example, the processor 670 may adjust the color of the visual image 2010 so that the visual image 2010 may be displayed in a color different from that of the body of the other vehicle 2001 . Body color information of the other vehicle 2001 may be obtained by the camera 200 and received through the interface unit 630 .

Meanwhile, the processor 670 may receive object information obtained by image processing from the camera 200 through the interface unit 630 .

When the vehicle lighting device 600 displays a visual image on the outside of the vehicle 100 , the camera 200 may capture the visual image. The camera 200 may computer-process the acquired image to determine whether the visual image is distorted. For example, the camera 200 may compare the visual image data provided from the vehicle lighting device 600 with a visual image detected from the acquired image to determine whether distortion is displayed.

The processor 670 may receive distortion display information of the visual image through the interface unit 630 .

If the visual image is distorted and displayed due to the shape of the body of the other vehicle 2001 , the processor 670 may adjust a position at which the visual image is displayed on the body of the other vehicle. Alternatively, the processor 670 may adjust the size of a visual image displayed on the body of another vehicle. Alternatively, the processor 670 may correct and display the visual image.

Referring to FIG. 22 , the camera 200 may capture an image in front of the vehicle and detect another vehicle 2001 preceding the image. The camera 200 may detect the flat parts 2211 and 2212 of the body of the other vehicle 2001 through an edge detector algorithm or the like.

The processor 670 may receive information on a flat portion of the other vehicle 2001 through the interface unit 630 . The processor 670 may control the flat portions 2211 and 2212 to display a visual image.

When displaying the visual image on the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle 2001 , the processor 670 may control the visual image to be displayed on the flat parts 2211 and 2212 .

When displaying a visual image on the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle 2001, by displaying it on a flat part, it is possible to prevent the visual image from being distorted in advance.

23 is a diagram referenced for explaining an operation of correcting a distortion display of a visual image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 23 , the camera 200 may acquire an image around the vehicle. The camera 200 may computer-process the acquired image. The camera 200 may detect a visual image displayed through the vehicle lighting device 600 from the acquired image.

The camera 200 may determine whether the visual image is distorted and displayed. For example, the camera 200 may determine whether the visual image is distorted and displayed by comparing the visual image data provided from the vehicle lighting device 600 with the visual image detected from the acquired image.

The processor 670 may receive distortion display information of the visual image through the interface unit 630 .

The processor 670 may control the optical output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 so that the visual image is corrected and displayed based on the distortion display information of the visual image.

Specifically, the processor 670 may control the area in which the visual image is displayed to be changed. Alternatively, the processor 670 may control the shape or size of the visual image to be changed.

24 to 25 are diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of displaying a visual image, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 24 , the processor 670 may control the visual image to be displayed in perspective.

The processor 670 is configured to be configured at a second point in the longitudinal direction 2400 of the visual image 2410 , rather than a first width 2411 corresponding to the first point 2401 in the longitudinal direction 2400 of the visual image 2410 . The second width 2412 corresponding to 2042 may be controlled to be displayed larger.

The distance between the vehicle 100 and the second point 2402 may be shorter than the distance between the vehicle 100 and the first point 2401 .

The second point 2402 may be closer to the vehicle 100 than the first point 2401 .

Meanwhile, the longitudinal direction 2401 of the visual image 2410 may coincide with the overall length direction.

Referring to FIG. 25 , the processor 670 may determine the size of the visual image based on a distance between the vehicle 100 and an area in which the visual image is displayed. Specifically, the processor 670 may adjust the length and width of the visual images 2510a and 2510b based on the distances 2511a and 2511b between the vehicle 100 and the regions where the visual images 2510a and 2510b are displayed. .

As illustrated in FIG. 25 , when the area in which the visual image 2510b is displayed is separated from the vehicle 100 by the second distance 2511b, the processor 670 determines that the area in which the visual image 2510a is displayed is the vehicle 100 . The length and width may be controlled to be displayed smaller than when 100 and the first distance 2511a are separated. Here, the second distance 2511b is longer than the first distance 2511a.

26 is a diagram referenced for explaining an operation of changing a visual image based on information received through a communication unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The processor 670 may receive information, a signal, or data through the communication unit 610 . The processor 670 may change the visual image further based on information received through the communication unit 610 .

The processor 670 may receive other vehicle information through the V2X communication module 616 or the optical communication module 618 . For example, the other vehicle information may be at least one of location information, speed information, direction information, and destination information of the other vehicle. The processor 670 may change the visual image based on other vehicle information.

For example, the processor 670 may receive location information, speed information, and direction information of another vehicle through the communication unit 670 . Here, the other vehicle may be another vehicle approaching the vehicle 100 in a lane next to the driving lane. The processor 670 may determine whether the light generated by the other vehicle interferes with the display of the visual image based on the location information, speed information, direction information, and route information of the other vehicle. When it is determined that the light generated by the other vehicle interferes with the visual image display, the processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image.

27 to 45 are diagrams referenced to explain an operation of displaying a visual image when a lighting apparatus for a vehicle is implemented as a head lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.

27 is an exemplary diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying and changing a visual image corresponding to an object warning according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 27 , the processor 670 may receive information on the object 2705 around the vehicle through the interface unit 630 . The object 2705 information includes at least one of information on the existence of the object 2705 , location information of the object 2705 , distance information between the vehicle 100 and the object 2705 , and movement direction information of the object 2705 . may include

The object 2705 may collide with the vehicle 100 , such as a pedestrian, a bicycle, or a motorcycle, and may be an object requiring the attention of the driver. The external sensing unit 126 of the vehicle 100 may detect an object 2705 around the vehicle. The external sensing unit 126 of the vehicle 100 may obtain location information of the object. The external sensing unit 126 of the vehicle 100 may acquire distance information from the object 2705 around the vehicle. The external sensing unit 126 of the vehicle 100 may acquire movement direction information of the object 2705 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display the visual image 2710 based on the received object 2705 information. Here, the visual image 2810 may be displayed around the object 2805 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 2710 based on the second information.

28 is an exemplary diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying and changing a visual image corresponding to a distance from a preceding vehicle or a following vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 28 , the processor 670 may receive distance information between the vehicle 100 and the front object 2805 through the interface unit 630 . The external sensing unit 126 of the vehicle 100 may obtain distance information between the vehicle 100 and the front object 2805 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display the visual image 2810 based on the received distance information with the object 2805 . Here, the visual image 2810 may be displayed between the vehicle 100 and the object 2805 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 2810 based on the second information.

29 to 30 are exemplary diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of displaying and changing a visual image corresponding to road information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 29 , the processor 670 may receive information on the slope of the road through the interface unit 630 . Here, the slope information of the road may be slope information obtained from a slope sensor included in the internal sensing unit 125 of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the slope information of the road may be slope information obtained by processing a depth map of a stereo image in front of the vehicle by the camera 200 .

The camera 200 generates a depth map based on the stereo image in front of the vehicle, detects an uphill or downhill slope in front of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, based on the generated depth map, and detects the inclination. can

The camera 200 may detect a road surface from a stereo image or a depth map, detect an uphill or downhill slope in front of the road based on the detected road surface, and detect the slope.

The camera 200 may detect a lane from the stereo image or the depth map, detect an uphill or downhill slope in front of the road based on the detected shape of the lane, and detect the inclination thereof.

The camera 200 may detect an uphill or downhill slope in front of the road based on the vanishing point displayed on the stereo image or the depth map, and detect the inclination thereof.

The camera 200 may detect an uphill or downhill slope based on a plurality of fixed objects (eg, a street tree or a street lamp) around a road displayed on a stereo image or a depth map, and detect the slope.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 2910 corresponding to the inclination information.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 2910 based on the second information.

Referring to FIG. 30 , the processor 670 may receive curvature information of the road through the interface unit 630 . Here, the curvature information of the road may be information detected based on a steering wheel rotation angle obtained from a steering sensor included in the internal sensing unit 125 of the vehicle.

Alternatively, the curvature information of the road may be information about a curve obtained by the camera 200 based on an image in front of the vehicle.

The camera 200 may detect a lane in the image in front of the vehicle and generate information on a curve of a road through the detected lane. The camera 200 may detect a lane based on both lanes of a lane in which the vehicle currently travels, and generate information about the curve. Alternatively, the camera 200 may detect a lane based on the center lane and generate information about the curve. For example, the camera 200 may detect a lane through Hough transformation and generate information on a curve of a road. Here, the information about the curve may include a curvature.

The processor 670 of the vehicle lighting apparatus may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display the visual image 3010 corresponding to the curvature information.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 3010 based on the second information.

31 is an exemplary diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying and changing a visual image corresponding to traffic signal information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 31 , the processor 670 may receive traffic sign recognition (TSR) information through the interface unit 630 . Here, the traffic signal information may be information obtained by computer processing an image in front of the vehicle obtained by the camera 200 .

The detected traffic signal information may include traffic sign detection information, traffic light detection information, and road surface detection information.

The camera 200 may detect a traffic sign from the acquired image in front of the vehicle. The camera 200 may detect a design or text from the detected traffic sign. The detected design or text information may be transmitted to the vehicle lighting device 600 .

The camera 200 may detect a traffic light from the acquired image in front of the vehicle. The camera 200 may detect a signal output from the detected traffic light. The detected signal information may be transmitted to the vehicle lighting device 600 .

The camera 200 may detect a road surface from the acquired image in front of the vehicle. The camera 200 may detect a design or text from the detected road surface. The detected design or text information may be transmitted to the vehicle lighting device 600 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 3110 corresponding to the traffic signal information.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 3110 based on the second information.

32 is an exemplary diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying and changing a visual image corresponding to speed bump detection information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 32 , the processor 670 may receive the detected speed bump information through the interface unit 630 . Here, the speed bump information may be information detected based on the image in front of the vehicle acquired by the camera 200 .

The camera 200 may detect a road surface from the acquired image in front of the vehicle. The camera 200 may detect a speed bump based on a color or shape on the detected road surface. The detected speed bump information may be transmitted to the vehicle lighting device 600 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 3210 corresponding to the speed bump information on the irradiation surface.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 3210 based on the second information.

33 to 35 are exemplary diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of displaying and changing obstacle detection information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawing, the processor 670 may receive obstacle information through the interface unit 630 . Here, the obstacle information may include other vehicle information, two-wheeled vehicle information, pedestrian information, traffic accident information, construction information, or road congestion information.

The obstacle information may be detected through the camera 200 . The camera 200 may detect other vehicles, two-wheeled vehicles, and pedestrians based on the acquired image in front of the vehicle. The camera 200 may detect other vehicles, two-wheeled vehicles, and pedestrians by comparing the detected shape of the object with the shape stored in the memory 440 . The detected other vehicle, two-wheeled vehicle, and pedestrian information may be transmitted to the vehicle lighting device 600 .

According to an embodiment, the obstacle information may be received through the communication unit 110 of the vehicle 100 . The vehicle 100 may receive traffic accident information, construction information, and road congestion information from another vehicle, a mobile terminal, or an external server through the communication unit 110 .

Referring to FIG. 33 , the processor 670 may receive two-wheeled vehicle detection information or pedestrian information through the interface unit 630 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image corresponding to the two-wheeled vehicle detection information or the pedestrian detection information.

Meanwhile, the processor 670 of the vehicle lighting device 600 may receive, through the interface unit 630 , detection information of another vehicle 3370 following in a lane next to the driving lane. The other vehicle 3370 may be detected by the camera 200 .

In a state in which the detection information of the other vehicle 3370 is received, when the two-wheeled vehicle or pedestrian detection information is received, the processor 670 sets the visual image 3350 corresponding to the two-wheeled vehicle or the pedestrian in the driving lane 3372 of the side driving vehicle. A visual image 3355 corresponding to may be displayed. When the obstacle is obscured by the vehicle 100 , the driver of the other vehicle 3370 following in the lane next to the driving lane has no way to check the obstacle. In this case, since the vehicle lighting device 600 displays the obstacle information on the driving lane of the side traveling vehicle, an accident can be prevented.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual images 3350 and 3355 based on the second information.

Referring to FIG. 34 , the processor 670 may receive traffic accident information through the interface unit 630 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 3450 corresponding to traffic accident information.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 3350 based on the second information.

Referring to FIG. 35 , the processor 670 may receive road congestion information through the interface unit 630 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 3550 corresponding to road congestion information.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 3550 based on the second information.

36 to 37 are exemplary diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of displaying and changing a visual image corresponding to navigation information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 36 , the processor 670 may receive navigation information through the interface unit 630 . The navigation information may be provided from the display device 141 or a separate navigation device (not shown).

The navigation information may include driving route information, preset destination information, remaining distance information, driving area information, driving road information, and speed prevention camera information.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 3650 corresponding to the navigation information.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 3650 based on the second information.

Referring to FIG. 37 , the processor 670 of the vehicle lighting device controls the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a turn by turn (TBT) image 3750 corresponding to driving route information. can

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 3750 based on the second information.

Meanwhile, the processor 670 may receive, through the interface unit 630 , information on detecting other vehicles following in a lane next to the driving lane.

When navigation information is received while the other vehicle detection information is received, the processor 670 may display a TBT image corresponding to the navigation information in the driving lane of the side driving vehicle. Here, the TBT image may be a straight arrow, a left-turn arrow, a right-turn arrow or a U-turn arrow corresponding to the driving route.

38 is an exemplary diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying and changing a visual image corresponding to vehicle state information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 38 , the processor 670 may receive vehicle state information through the interface unit 630 . Here, the vehicle state information may be OBD information. OBD information includes parking brake status information, high beam on or off status information, washer fluid low status information, engine oil low status information, power source temperature status information, residual energy status information, tire pressure status information, brake oil It may include status information or door open status information.

The processor 670 of the vehicle lighting device 600 may receive OBD information from the vehicle controller 170 or the sensing unit 135 .

The processor 670 may control the optical output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display the image 3850 corresponding to the OBD information.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 3850 based on the second information.

39 to 40 are exemplary diagrams referenced to explain an operation of displaying a visual image corresponding to vehicle driving information, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawing, the processor 670 may receive vehicle driving information through the interface unit 630 . Here, the vehicle driving information may include driving speed information, gear shift state information, or turn signal information transmitted to a direction indicator.

The processor 670 may receive vehicle driving information from the controller 170 or the sensing unit 135 of the vehicle 100 .

Referring to FIG. 39 , the processor 670 may receive driving speed information through the interface unit 630 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 3950 corresponding to the driving speed information of the vehicle.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 3950 based on the second information.

Referring to FIG. 40 , the processor 670 may receive turn signal information through the interface unit 630 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 4050 corresponding to the turn signal information.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 4050 based on the second information.

41 is an exemplary diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying and changing information in a lane other than the driving lane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The processor 670 may receive other vehicle 4105 detection information through the interface 630 . Here, the other vehicle 4105 may be another vehicle driving in the lane 4106 next to the driving lane of the vehicle 100 .

When the turn signal information is received while the detection information of the other vehicle 4105 is received, the processor 670 displays a visual image 4150 corresponding to the turn signal information in the driving lane 4106 of the other vehicle 4105 can be displayed

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 4150 based on the second information.

In this way, by displaying the visual image 4150 corresponding to the turn signal information on the driving lane 4106 of the other vehicle 4105 following, a signal with good visibility is given to the driver of the other vehicle 4105, which occurs when changing lanes It is effective in preventing possible accidents.

42 is an exemplary diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying and changing a visual image corresponding to in-vehicle situation information, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 42 , the processor 670 may receive in-vehicle context information through the interface unit 630 . Here, the in-vehicle situation information may be patient evacuation situation information, emergency relief request information, infant boarding information, or novice driver information. The in-vehicle context information may be generated according to a user input through the input unit 120 of the vehicle 100 .

The processor 670 of the vehicle lighting device may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 4250 corresponding to the in-vehicle situation information.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 4250 based on the second information.

43 to 44 are exemplary diagrams referenced to explain an operation of displaying and changing driving environment information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawing, the processor 670 may receive driving environment information through the interface unit 630 . Here, the driving environment information may include weather information or time information during driving.

Referring to FIG. 43 , the processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 4350 corresponding to the weather information. Here, the weather information is It may be received from a mobile terminal, another vehicle, or an external server through the communication unit 110 of the vehicle 100 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 4350 based on the second information.

Referring to FIG. 44 , the processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 4450 corresponding to time information. Here, the time information may be stored in the memory 130 of the vehicle 100 . Alternatively, the time information may be received from a mobile terminal, another vehicle, or an external server through the communication unit 110 of the vehicle 100 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 4450 based on the second information.

45 is an exemplary diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying and changing a visual image corresponding to a driving lane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 45 , the processor 670 may receive driving lane information. The external sensing unit 126 of the vehicle 100 may detect a driving lane. For example, the camera 200 may computer-process the acquired image to detect a driving lane.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 2710 based on the received driving lane information. Here, the visual image 2710 may be a driving lane image. The driving lane image 4550 may be displayed to overlap the driving lane in whole or in part.

Meanwhile, the camera 200 may detect a preceding vehicle. In particular, the camera 200 may detect a tail light or a brake light of a preceding vehicle at night.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 4550 based on the received preceding vehicle information.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 4550 based on the second information.

When driving at night or in bad weather conditions, the driving lane may be temporarily out of sight. In this case, there is an effect of promoting safe driving by displaying a virtual lane on the road surface based on previously received lane information or preceding vehicle information.

46 to 51 are diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of displaying a visual image when a vehicle lighting apparatus is implemented as a rear combination lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.

46 is an exemplary diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying and changing a visual image corresponding to in-vehicle situation information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The processor 670 may receive in-vehicle context information through the interface unit 630 . Here, the in-vehicle situation information may be patient evacuation situation information, emergency relief request information, infant boarding information, or novice driver information. The in-vehicle context information may be generated according to a user input through the input unit 120 of the vehicle 100 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 4650 corresponding to in-vehicle situation information.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 4650 based on the second information.

In this case, there is an effect that the in-vehicle situation information can be transmitted to the following vehicle.

47 to 48 are exemplary diagrams referenced for explaining an operation of changing a visual image according to a relative distance to a following vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawing, the processor 670 may receive information on the vehicle rear object 4705 through the interface unit 630 . Here, the vehicle rear object may be a vehicle following. The processor 670 may receive relative distance information to the following vehicle.

The camera 200 may acquire an image of the rear of the vehicle. The camera 200 may detect the following vehicle 4705 from the image behind the vehicle. The camera 200 may calculate relative distance information with the following vehicle 4705 based on disparity information or information on the size change of the following vehicle 4705 over time. The following vehicle information including the relative distance information may be transmitted to the vehicle lighting device 600 .

The processor 670 may control the distance 4740 between the visual image display area 4720 and the vehicle lighting device 600 to be adjusted according to the relative distance information with the following vehicle 4705 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to adjust the distance 4720 .

Meanwhile, the processor 670 may adjust the amount of light emitted from the vehicle lighting device 600 to the outside according to distance information from the following vehicle 4705 .

49 is an exemplary diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying and changing a visual image corresponding to traffic signal information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

49 , the processor 670 may receive detected traffic signal (Traffic Sign Recognition, TSR) information through the interface unit 630 . Here, the traffic signal information may be information detected based on the image in front of the vehicle acquired by the camera 200 .

The detected traffic signal information may include traffic sign detection information, traffic light detection information, and road surface detection information.

The camera 200 may detect a traffic sign from the acquired image in front of the vehicle. The camera 200 may detect a design or text from the detected traffic sign. The detected design or text information may be transmitted to the vehicle lighting device 600 .

The camera 200 may detect a traffic light from the acquired image in front of the vehicle. The camera 200 may detect a signal output from the detected traffic light. The detected signal information may be transmitted to the vehicle lighting device 600 .

The camera 200 may detect a road surface from the acquired image in front of the vehicle. The camera 200 may detect a design or text from the detected road surface. The detected design or text information may be transmitted to the vehicle lighting device 600 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 4950 corresponding to the traffic signal information.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 4950 based on the second information.

In this case, there is an effect that the detected traffic signal information can be transmitted to the following vehicle.

50 is an exemplary diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying speed bump detection information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 50 , the processor 670 may receive the detected speed bump information through the interface unit 630 . Here, the speed bump information may be information detected based on the image in front of the vehicle acquired by the camera 200 .

The camera 200 may detect a road surface from the acquired image in front of the vehicle. The camera 200 may detect a speed bump based on a color or shape on the detected road surface. The detected speed bump information may be transmitted to the vehicle lighting device 600 .

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to display a visual image 5050 corresponding to the speed bump information.

The processor 670 may control the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit 660 to change the visual image 5050 based on the second information.

In this case, there is an effect that the speed bump information can be transmitted to the following vehicle.

51 is an exemplary diagram referenced for explaining an operation of displaying and changing information using fog as an irradiation surface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The camera 200 may detect a fog situation based on an image in front of the vehicle or an image around the vehicle. The communication unit 110 of the vehicle may receive fog situation information at the current location. Here, the information on the current location may be detected by the location information module 114 or may be received from the vehicle display device 141 or the navigation device (not shown).

When the vehicle 100 is driving in a space in which fog is formed, the processor 670 of the vehicle lighting device is configured to display a visual image corresponding to predetermined information in the space in which the fog is formed by the light output unit 650 or the beam pattern unit ( 660) can be controlled.

By transmitting information to the following vehicle using the fog as the irradiation surface, an effect of promoting safe driving of the following vehicle based on the transmitted information may be derived.

The present invention described above can be implemented as computer-readable codes on a medium in which a program is recorded. The computer-readable medium includes all types of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable media include Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Disk (SSD), Silicon Disk Drive (SDD), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc. There is this. In addition, the computer may include a processor or a control unit. Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects but as exemplary. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

100: vehicle
200: vehicle camera
400: vehicle driving assistance device
600: vehicle lighting device

Claims (12)

a power supply unit receiving electric energy from a battery inside the vehicle;
a light output unit generating light based on the electric energy and outputting it to the outside of the vehicle;
an interface unit for exchanging signals with at least one electronic device included in the vehicle; and
electrically connected to the power supply unit, the optical output unit, and the interface unit;
At least one processor for controlling the light output unit so that light for securing visibility is output to a first area on the road surface and light for displaying a visual image is outputted to a second area on the road surface;
The second area is located within the first area,
The processor receives a signal associated with the visual image from the electronic device,
The processor may control the amount of light of the light for securing the visibility and the light amount of the light for displaying the visual image by controlling the electric energy supplied to the light output unit to be different from each other. The method of claim 1,
The processor is
A vehicle lighting device that controls the light for displaying a visual image to be displayed brighter than the light for securing visibility. The method of claim 1,
The processor is
A vehicle lighting device for controlling the light output unit to output light for displaying the visual image within a lane in which the vehicle is traveling. The method of claim 1,
The processor is
based on the first signal received from the electronic device, controlling the light output unit to output light for securing visibility;
A vehicle lighting device for controlling the light output unit to output light for displaying a visual image based on a second signal received from the electronic device. 5. The method of claim 4,
The processor is
A vehicle lighting device for controlling the light output unit to change at least one of a shape, color, size, brightness, and position of the visual image based on a third signal received from the electronic device. 6. The method of claim 5,
The second signal is
Corresponds to at least one of driving speed information, detected object information, navigation information, turn signal information, and OBD information,
The third signal is
A lighting device for a vehicle corresponding to at least one of road information, external light information, and other vehicle information located around the vehicle. 6. The method of claim 5,
The third signal is
Corresponding to external light irradiation information,
The processor is
A vehicle lighting device for controlling the light output unit so that the visual image is displayed outside an area irradiated with external light. 6. The method of claim 5,
The second signal corresponds to path information,
The processor is
Light for TBT (turn by turn) image display is output,
A vehicle lighting device for controlling the light output unit to change the shape of the TBT image. The method of claim 1,
The light output unit,
Including a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode),
The processor is
A lighting device for a vehicle that differently controls the amount of light for securing the visibility and light for displaying the visual image by controlling the current supplied to the plurality of LEDs. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising; a beam pattern unit for changing the pattern of the light generated by the light output unit;
The processor is
A lighting device for a vehicle that differently controls the amount of light for securing the visibility and for displaying the visual image through the control of the beam pattern unit. step of the power supply unit, receiving electric energy from a battery inside the vehicle;
controlling, by at least one processor, the light output unit to output light for securing visibility to a first area on the road surface based on the electrical energy;
receiving, by the at least one processor, a signal associated with the visual image from at least one electronic device included in the vehicle through the interface unit; and
Including, by at least one processor, controlling the light output unit so that light for displaying a visual image is output to a second area on the road surface;
The second area is located within the first area,
The step of controlling the light to be output to display the visual image,
A method of operating a vehicle lighting apparatus for differently controlling the amount of light for securing the visibility and light for displaying the visual image by controlling the electric energy supplied to the light output unit. generating a first signal for controlling the light output unit so that light for securing visibility is output to a first area on the road surface;
Receive data from at least one electronic device included in the vehicle,
generating first information based on at least one of the data;
generating a second signal for controlling the light output unit to display a visual image corresponding to the first information in a second area on the road surface using the light generated from the light output unit;
generating second information based on at least one of the data;
and a processor configured to generate a third signal for changing the visual image based on the second information.

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