WO2024253454A1 - Method and device for controlling ambient light installed in vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for controlling an ambient light installed in a vehicle. According to the present invention, the method for controlling an ambient light installed in a vehicle comprises the steps of: acquiring position information of a surrounding vehicle; and on the basis of a relative position of the surrounding vehicle with respect to the vehicle, controlling the ambient light including a front light and side lights to emit light in a display area corresponding to the relative position on the ambient light.

Description

Ambient light control method and device installed in a vehicle

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0073851, filed on June 8, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0072630, filed on June 3, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to an ambient light control method and device installed in a vehicle, which can intuitively and emotionally display the relative position of surrounding vehicles based on one's own vehicle using ambient light.

Ambient light is a type of lighting installed inside a vehicle (such as an automobile) that uses lighting to create an indoor environment that is functional, aesthetically beautiful, and psychologically comfortable.

While interior lighting in previous vehicles was primarily used to illuminate the interior, recently the aspect of vehicle interior design has been highlighted, playing an important role in enhancing the aesthetic and emotional experience of the user.

Meanwhile, vehicle users (drivers, etc.) must be provided with various information necessary for driving. However, in the past, information was provided to users only by relying on signal sounds, instrument panels, and navigation screens. These had the problem that they could not provide intuitive information to users, and that they were limited to simply providing information and not providing information that stimulates users' emotions.

The present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide an ambient light control method and device installed in a vehicle, which can intuitively and emotionally display the relative position of surrounding vehicles based on one's own vehicle using ambient light.

A method for controlling ambient light installed in a vehicle according to the present invention comprises the steps of obtaining position information of surrounding vehicles, and the steps of controlling the ambient light including front lights and side lights so that a display area corresponding to the relative position is emitted on the ambient light based on the relative position of the surrounding vehicles with respect to the vehicle.

In this case, the step of controlling the ambient light may include the step of controlling the ambient light so that the display area on the side light emits light when the surrounding vehicle is located to the side of the vehicle.

In this case, the side lights include left side lights and right side lights, and the step of controlling the ambient light so that the display area on the side lights emits light may control the display area on the left side lights to emit light when the surrounding vehicle is located on the left side of the vehicle, and control the display area on the right side lights to emit light when the surrounding vehicle is located on the right side of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the step of controlling the ambient light so that the display area on the side light illuminates can set the display area on the side light further forward as the surrounding vehicle located on the side is further forward.

Meanwhile, the display area on the side light can move forward on the side light when the speed of the surrounding vehicle located on the side is faster than the speed of the vehicle, and can move backward on the side light when the speed of the surrounding vehicle located on the side is slower than the speed of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the step of controlling the ambient light so that the display area corresponding to the relative position is illuminated may determine a point on the ambient light located in the specific direction based on a reference point within the vehicle as the display area, based on a specific direction of the surrounding vehicles based on the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the step of controlling the ambient light so that the display area corresponding to the relative position emits light may include the step of controlling the ambient light so that the distance between the vehicle and the surrounding vehicles is indicated by at least one of the emission color or the size of the display area.

Meanwhile, the step of controlling the ambient light so that the display area corresponding to the relative position emits light includes the step of controlling the display areas of surrounding vehicles within a specific range based on the vehicle so that they emit light, and the size of the specific range may vary depending on the driving mode of the vehicle or the speed of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the step of controlling the ambient light so that the display area corresponding to the relative position emits light may include the step of determining the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle based on a change in the distance from the surrounding vehicle and the speed of the vehicle, and, if the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle is opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle, the step of controlling the ambient light so that the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle is indicated to be opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle.

In this case, the step of controlling the ambient light so that the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle is opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle may include the step of controlling the ambient light so that a warning is output when the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle is opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle and the lane in which the surrounding vehicle is driving is the same as the lane in which the vehicle is driving.

Meanwhile, the step of controlling the ambient light so that the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle is indicated to be opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle may include a step of changing a specific range for selecting the surrounding vehicle to be the target of light emission of the display area according to the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle.

In this case, the step of changing the specific range for selecting the surrounding vehicle to be the target of light emission of the display area includes the step of controlling the first display area corresponding to the first surrounding vehicle to emit light when the driving direction of the first surrounding vehicle is opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle and the first surrounding vehicle is within the first specific range, and the step of controlling the second display area corresponding to the second surrounding vehicle to emit light when the driving direction of the second surrounding vehicle is the same as the driving direction of the vehicle and the second surrounding vehicle is within the second specific range, and the first specific range may be larger than the second specific range.

Meanwhile, an ambient light control device installed in a vehicle according to the present invention includes an information acquisition unit that acquires location information of surrounding vehicles, ambient light including front lights and side lights, and a control unit that controls the ambient light so that a display area corresponding to the relative position on the ambient light emits light based on the relative position of the surrounding vehicles with respect to the vehicle.

In this case, the control unit can control the ambient light so that the display area on the side light illuminates when the surrounding vehicle is located to the side of the vehicle.

In this case, the side lights include a left side light and a right side light, and the control unit can control the display area on the left side light to emit light when the surrounding vehicle is located on the left side of the vehicle, and can control the display area on the right side light to emit light when the surrounding vehicle is located on the right side of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the control unit can set the display area on the side light further forward as the surrounding vehicle located on the side is further forward.

Meanwhile, the display area on the side light can move forward on the side light when the speed of the surrounding vehicle located on the side is faster than the speed of the vehicle, and can move backward on the side light when the speed of the surrounding vehicle located on the side is slower than the speed of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the control unit may determine a point on the ambient light located in a specific direction based on a reference point within the vehicle as the display area, based on a specific direction of the surrounding vehicles based on the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the control unit can control the ambient light so that the distance between the vehicle and the surrounding vehicles is indicated by at least one of the light-emitting color and the size of the display area.

Meanwhile, the control unit controls the display area of surrounding vehicles within a specific range based on the vehicle to illuminate, and the size of the specific range may vary depending on the driving mode of the vehicle or the speed of the vehicle.

According to the present invention, information on surrounding vehicles can be intuitively provided to the driver and safe driving can be induced. In addition, information on surrounding vehicles can be provided through ambient light to enhance the excitement and fun of driving (for example, displaying in real time through ambient light the situation in which one's own vehicle is overtaking a surrounding vehicle) and thus increase the emotional satisfaction of the driver.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating components of an ambient light control device installed in a vehicle according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an ambient light control method installed in a vehicle according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle and surrounding vehicles equipped with an ambient light control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a method for displaying the relative positions of surrounding vehicles according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a method for displaying the relative positions of surrounding vehicles according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which a vehicle overtakes a surrounding vehicle in chronological order according to the present invention.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the speed of a surrounding vehicle is faster than the speed of a vehicle in time sequence according to the present invention.

Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining various display methods according to the present invention.

Figure 9 is a drawing for explaining display conditions of surrounding vehicles according to the present invention.

Figure 10 is a drawing for explaining a method for determining the driving direction of surrounding vehicles.

FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating ambient light according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing symbols, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. In addition, when describing embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

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

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprises" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood to not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

In implementing the present invention, components may be described in detail for convenience of explanation, but these components may be implemented in one device or module, or one component may be implemented by being divided into multiple devices or modules.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating components of an ambient light control device installed in a vehicle according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an ambient light control device (100) (hereinafter, referred to as “device (100)”) may include an information acquisition unit (110), a control unit (120), a memory (130), and ambient light (140).

The information acquisition unit (110) can acquire information for setting the display area (such as location information of surrounding vehicles).

To this end, the information acquisition unit (110) includes a communication module and can communicate with various devices that perform various functions within the vehicle. For example, a sensing means for collecting data on surrounding vehicles may be installed within the vehicle, and the sensing means may include one or more of an ultrasonic sensor, a camera sensor, a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, etc. Then, the ECU of the vehicle can use the collected data to acquire location information of surrounding vehicles (direction, distance, coordinates, etc. of surrounding vehicles based on the vehicle) and transmit the acquired location information to the information acquisition unit (110).

However, it is not limited to this, and it is also possible for the information acquisition unit (110) to directly collect data on surrounding vehicles by directly including a sensing means, and in this case, the location information may be data on surrounding vehicles. In this case, the control unit (120) can directly calculate the direction, distance, coordinates, etc. of surrounding vehicles based on the vehicle. In addition, it is also possible to implement a method in which the information acquisition unit (110) receives data on surrounding vehicles from a sensing means in the vehicle, and the control unit (120) calculates the direction, distance, coordinates, etc. of surrounding vehicles.

The memory (130) can store programs, applications, commands, etc. for performing operations of the device (100).

Ambient light (140) can be installed inside a vehicle and emit light. In this case, the ambient light (140) can emit light of one or more colors. In addition, the ambient light (140) can include a plurality of light-emitting elements. The plurality of light-emitting elements can emit light individually under the control of the control unit (120). In addition, the plurality of light-emitting elements can emit light in colors indicated by the control unit (120). For example, the plurality of light-emitting elements can be ISE LEDs (Intelligent Smart Embedded LEDs) capable of expressing mixed colors of R, G, and B.

Ambient light (140) may be implemented in the form of a bar. In this case, a plurality of light-emitting elements may be arranged in one or more rows along the length of the bar.

The ambient light (140) may include a front light (141) installed in front of the driver of the vehicle, a left light (142) installed in the left side of the driver of the vehicle, and a right light (143) installed in the right side of the driver of the vehicle. For example, the front light (141) may be installed on the dashboard of the vehicle, the left light (142) may be installed on the inner side (e.g., door trim) of the driver's side door of the vehicle, and the right light (143) may be installed on the inner side (e.g., door trim) of the passenger's side door of the vehicle. The front light (141) may be connected to the left light (142) and the right light (143), but is not limited thereto.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the front light (141) is installed to extend in the width direction of the vehicle, the left side light (142) is installed to extend from the left side of the front light (141) to the rear of the vehicle, and the right side light (143) is installed to extend from the right side of the front light (141) to the rear of the vehicle. In this case, the front light (141), the left side light (142), and the right side light (143) may all be installed in front of the driver. In this case, the front light (141), the left side light (142), and the right side light (143) may all be installed on the upper surface of the dashboard.

The front light (141) may be installed to extend in the width direction of the vehicle, and the left side light (142) and right side light (143) may be installed to extend in the length direction of the vehicle.

The control unit (120) can control the overall operation of the device (100). The control unit (120) can include one or more processors, one or more controllers, one or more microprocessors, etc. In addition, the ECU of the vehicle can perform the operation of the control unit (120) described below.

The control unit (120) determines whether each light-emitting element will emit light (i.e., whether the light is on or off) or the light-emitting color, and can individually control multiple light-emitting elements. In addition, the control unit (120) can determine a display area on the ambient light (140) using the location information of surrounding vehicles, and control the ambient light (140) so that the light-emitting elements within the display area emit light.

Here, the control unit may be expressed as a controller and may be composed of one or more processors (or microcontrollers, or microprocessors). In addition, one or more processors (or microcontrollers, or microprocessors) may be coupled to other components of the device (100). In addition, the communication module may be referred to as a communicator or a communication interface, and may include one or more communication modules (or communication circuits) to transmit or receive data with other devices other than the device (100). In addition, the sensing means may be referred to as a sensor.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an ambient light control method installed in a vehicle according to the present invention.

The ambient light control method according to the present invention may include a step (S210) of obtaining position information of a surrounding vehicle, and a step (S220) of controlling the ambient light including a front light and two side lights so that a display area corresponding to the relative position is emitted on the ambient light based on the relative position of the surrounding vehicle with respect to the vehicle.

In the description below, at least one of the vehicle or surrounding vehicles may be driving (moving). For example, the vehicle may be stopped and the surrounding vehicle may be moving, or the vehicle may be moving and the surrounding vehicle may be stopped, or both the vehicle and the surrounding vehicle may be moving.

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle and surrounding vehicles equipped with an ambient light control device according to the present invention.

The information acquisition unit (110) can acquire location information of a surrounding vehicle (2) (S210). Here, the location information of the surrounding vehicle (2) can include a relative location of the surrounding vehicle (2) based on a vehicle (1) in which an ambient light control device (100) is installed. More specifically, the relative location of the surrounding vehicle (2) can include at least one of a direction of the surrounding vehicle (2) based on the vehicle (1) or a distance of the surrounding vehicle (2) based on the vehicle (1) (i.e., the distance between the vehicle (10) and the surrounding vehicle (2)). The relative location of the surrounding vehicle (2) can be acquired by various known methods.

For example, the relative position of the surrounding vehicle (2) may be the direction and length of the line connecting the position reference point of the vehicle (1) (e.g., the exact center of the vehicle (1)) and the position reference point of the surrounding vehicle (2) (e.g., the exact center of the surrounding vehicle (2)), but is not limited thereto.

The control unit (120) can control the ambient light (140) so that a display area corresponding to the relative position on the ambient light (140) is illuminated based on the relative position of the surrounding vehicle (2) based on the vehicle (1) (S220).

Here, “illuminating a display area corresponding to a relative position” may mean displaying an interface element corresponding to a surrounding vehicle (2) in an area (display area) on the ambient light (140) corresponding to the relative position of the surrounding vehicle (2) so that the driver can know the relative position of the surrounding vehicle (2) based on the vehicle (1).

In addition, the interface elements may be displayed based on at least one of the light-emitting or color. For example, the control unit (120) may display an interface element corresponding to a surrounding vehicle (2) by emitting one or more light-emitting elements within the display area and not emitting light-emitting elements around the display area. For another example, the control unit (120) may display an interface element corresponding to a surrounding vehicle (2) by emitting one or more light-emitting elements within the display area with a first color and emitting light-emitting elements around the display area with a second color. Therefore, “the display area corresponding to the relative position lights up” may include not only the display area lighting up and the surrounding area not lighting up, but also the display area and the surrounding area lighting up with different colors.

A method for determining a display area is described with reference to Fig. 3. Referring to Fig. 3a, when a surrounding vehicle (2) is located in front of a vehicle (1), the control unit (120) can control the ambient light (140) so that the display area on the front light (141) lights up.

Specifically, the control unit (120) can determine the relative position of the surrounding vehicle (2). More specifically, the control unit (120) can determine whether the surrounding vehicle (2) is located in the front area of the reference line (310) (for example, a line extending 45 degrees forward from the vehicle (1)). If the surrounding vehicle (2) is located in the front area of the reference line (310), the control unit (120) can set a display area on the front light (141) and control the ambient light (140) so that the display area on the front light (141) emits light.

Referring to Fig. 3b, when a surrounding vehicle (2) is located at the side of the vehicle (1), the control unit (120) can control the ambient light (140) so that the display area on the side light illuminates.

Specifically, the control unit (120) can determine the relative position of the surrounding vehicle (2). More specifically, the control unit (120) can determine whether the surrounding vehicle (2) is located in a lateral area of the reference line (310) (for example, a line extending 45 degrees forward from the vehicle (1)). If the surrounding vehicle (2) is located in a lateral area of the reference line (310), the control unit (120) can set a display area on the side lights and control the ambient light (140) so that the display area on the side lights emits light.

In addition, the control unit (120) can control the display area (312) on the right side light (143) to emit light when the surrounding vehicle (2) is located on the right side of the vehicle (1), and can control the display area on the left side light to emit light when the surrounding vehicle (2) is located on the left side of the vehicle (1).

According to the embodiment of Fig. 3, the user can intuitively recognize whether the surrounding vehicle (2) is in front of his/her vehicle (1), on the right side, or on the left side.

FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a method for displaying the relative positions of surrounding vehicles according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The further forward the surrounding vehicle located on the side is, the further forward the control unit (120) can set the display area on the side light. Specifically, referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, both the surrounding vehicle (2) of FIG. 4A and the surrounding vehicle (2) of FIG. 4B are located on the side of the vehicle (1). However, the surrounding vehicle (2) of FIG. 4A is located further forward than the surrounding vehicle (2) of FIG. 4B.

In this case, the control unit (120) can set the display area (410) corresponding to the surrounding vehicle (2) of Fig. 4a in front of the display area (420) corresponding to the surrounding vehicle (2) of Fig. 4b on the right side light (143).

FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a method for displaying the relative positions of surrounding vehicles according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Based on a specific direction of a surrounding vehicle (2) based on a vehicle (1), the control unit (120) can determine a point on the ambient light located in a specific direction based on a reference point within the vehicle as a display area.

Fig. 5a is a drawing for explaining a specific direction of a surrounding vehicle (2) based on a vehicle (1), and Fig. 5b is a drawing for explaining a display area when a surrounding vehicle (2) shows a relative position as in Fig. 5a.

The control unit (120) can set a specific direction (580 of FIG. 5b) based on a reference point (510 of FIG. 5b) within the vehicle based on a specific direction (580 of FIG. 5a) of a surrounding vehicle (2) with respect to the vehicle (1). Then, a point on the ambient light located in a specific direction (580 of FIG. 5b) based on the reference point (510 of FIG. 5b) within the vehicle can be set as a display area (520).

Fig. 5c is a drawing for explaining a specific direction of a surrounding vehicle (2) based on a vehicle (1), and Fig. 5d is a drawing for explaining a display area when a surrounding vehicle (2) shows a relative position as in Fig. 5c.

The control unit (120) can set a specific direction (590 of FIG. 5d) based on a reference point (510 of FIG. 5d) within the vehicle based on a specific direction (590 of FIG. 5c) of a surrounding vehicle (2) with respect to the vehicle (1). Then, a point on the ambient light located in a specific direction (590 of FIG. 5d) based on the reference point (510 of FIG. 5d) within the vehicle can be set as a display area (530).

According to the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5, the user can intuitively recognize a more accurate location of the surrounding vehicle (2).

Meanwhile, the control unit (120) can continuously (e.g. periodically) collect location information of the same surrounding vehicle (2) and change the location of the display area according to changes in the relative location of the same surrounding vehicle. This will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which a vehicle overtakes a surrounding vehicle in chronological order according to the present invention.

Figure 6a illustrates a first point in time, Figure 6b illustrates a second point in time after the first point in time, Figure 6c illustrates a third point in time after the second point in time, and Figure 6d illustrates a fourth point in time after the third point in time.

Referring to the first point in time of Fig. 6a, the control unit (120) can control the display area (610) corresponding to the relative position of the surrounding vehicle (2) at the first point in time to emit light. Since the surrounding vehicle (2) is located in the front area of the reference line (310 of Fig. 3), the display area (610) is formed on the front light (141).

Referring to the second time point of FIG. 6b, the control unit (120) can control the display area (620) corresponding to the relative position of the surrounding vehicle (2) at the second time point to emit light. Since the surrounding vehicle (2) is located in the front area of the reference line (310 of FIG. 3) with respect to the vehicle (1) and has moved relatively to the right compared to the first time point (i.e., since the relative position of the surrounding vehicle (2) at the second time point is to the right compared to the relative position of the surrounding vehicle (2) at the first time point), the display area (620) at the second time point has also moved to the right compared to the display area (610) at the first time point.

Referring to the third point in time of Fig. 6c, the control unit (120) can control the display area (630) corresponding to the relative position of the surrounding vehicle (2) at the third point in time to emit light. Since the surrounding vehicle (2) has moved to the lateral area of the reference line (310 of Fig. 3) with respect to the vehicle (1) (since the surrounding vehicle (2) has moved to the side of the vehicle (1)), the control unit (120) can emit light in the display area (630) on the right side light (153).

Meanwhile, if the speed of the surrounding vehicle (2) located on the side is slower than the speed of the vehicle (1), the display area can move backward on the side light. Specifically, referring to the fourth point of view of FIG. 6d, the control unit (120) can control the display area (640) corresponding to the relative position of the surrounding vehicle (2) at the fourth point of view to be illuminated. Since the speed of the surrounding vehicle (2) is slower than the speed of the vehicle (1), the surrounding vehicle (2) has moved further backward compared to the third point of view when viewed based on the vehicle (1). Therefore, the display area (640) at the fourth point of view can also move backward compared to the display area (630) at the third point of view.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the speed of a surrounding vehicle is faster than the speed of a vehicle in time sequence according to the present invention.

Figure 7a illustrates a first point in time, Figure 7b illustrates a second point in time after the first point in time, and Figure 7c illustrates a third point in time after the second point in time.

Referring to the first point in time of Fig. 7a, the control unit (120) can control the display area (710) corresponding to the relative position of the surrounding vehicle (2) at the first point in time to emit light. Since the surrounding vehicle (2) is located on the right side of the vehicle (1), the display area (710) is formed on the right side light (143).

Meanwhile, if the speed of the surrounding vehicle (2) located on the side is faster than the speed of the vehicle (1), the display area can move forward on the side light. Specifically, referring to the second point of view of FIG. 7b, the control unit (120) can control the display area (720) corresponding to the relative position of the surrounding vehicle (2) at the second point of view to light up. Since the speed of the surrounding vehicle (2) is faster than the speed of the vehicle (1), the surrounding vehicle (2) has moved further forward compared to the first point of view when viewed based on the vehicle (1). Therefore, the display area (720) at the second point of view can also move forward compared to the display area (710) at the first point of view.

Referring to the third point of time in Fig. 7c, the control unit (120) can control the display area (730) corresponding to the relative position of the surrounding vehicle (2) at the third point of time to be illuminated. Since the speed of the surrounding vehicle (2) is faster than the speed of the vehicle (1), the surrounding vehicle (2) has moved further forward compared to the second point of time when viewed from the vehicle (1). Accordingly, the display area (730) at the third point of time can also move forward compared to the display area (720) at the second point of time.

In this way, according to the present invention, a user can continuously and intuitively track the relative positions of identical surrounding vehicles.

Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining various display methods according to the present invention.

The control unit (120) can control the ambient light (140) so that a plurality of display areas (810, 820, 830) corresponding to a plurality of surrounding vehicles (3, 4, 5) respectively emit light. Specifically, the control unit (120) can control the ambient light so that a display area (810) corresponding to a relative position of a first surrounding vehicle (3) emits light, control the ambient light so that a display area (820) corresponding to a relative position of a second surrounding vehicle (4) emits light, and control the ambient light so that a display area (830) corresponding to a relative position of a third surrounding vehicle (5) emits light.

Meanwhile, the control unit (120) can control the ambient light so that the distance between the vehicle and the surrounding vehicles is indicated by the light-emitting color. Specifically, when the distance between the vehicle (1) and the second surrounding vehicle (4) is a first distance smaller than the threshold value, the control unit (12) can control the display area (820) corresponding to the relative position of the second surrounding vehicle (4) to emit light in a first color (e.g., red). On the other hand, when the distance between the vehicle (1) and the third surrounding vehicle (5) is a second distance larger than the threshold value, the control unit (120) can control the display area (830) corresponding to the relative position of the third surrounding vehicle (5) to emit light in a second color (e.g., green) different from the first color. Accordingly, the user can intuitively recognize not only the direction of the surrounding vehicle but also the distance in the ambient light.

In another embodiment, the control unit (120) may control the ambient light so that the distance between the vehicle and the surrounding vehicles is indicated by the size of the display area. Specifically, when the distance between the vehicle (1) and the second surrounding vehicle (4) is a first distance smaller than the threshold value, the control unit (12) may set the size of the display area (820) corresponding to the relative position of the second surrounding vehicle (4) to the first size. On the other hand, when the distance between the vehicle (1) and the third surrounding vehicle (5) is a second distance larger than the threshold value, the control unit (120) may set the size of the display area (830) corresponding to the relative position of the third surrounding vehicle (5) to the second size. Here, the first size may be larger than the second size.

That is, since the display area (820) corresponding to the second surrounding vehicle (4) is larger than the display area (830) corresponding to the third surrounding vehicle (5), the first number of light-emitting elements emitting light within the display area (820) corresponding to the second surrounding vehicle (4) may be larger than the second number of light-emitting elements emitting light within the display area (830) corresponding to the third surrounding vehicle (5). Since a closer surrounding vehicle is displayed larger on the ambient light (140), the distance between the vehicle and the surrounding vehicle can be provided more intuitively.

In addition, the device (100) can provide various information such as the size and color of the display area. For example, the control unit (120) can control a display area of a first size to emit light when the distance from a specific surrounding vehicle is getting closer, and can control a display area of a second size different from the first size to emit light when the distance from a specific surrounding vehicle is getting farther.

Figure 9 is a drawing for explaining display conditions of surrounding vehicles according to the present invention.

The control unit (120) can control the display area of surrounding vehicles within a specific range based on the vehicle to light up.

Specifically, referring to Fig. 9, if it is assumed that a specific range is range A, the control unit (120) can determine whether a surrounding vehicle is within the specific range (A) based on the location information of the surrounding vehicle. Due to the characteristics of vehicle driving that requires a longer-distance perception of the front or rear, the left-right length of the specific range may be shorter than the up-down length of the specific range.

When the first surrounding vehicle (2) is within a specific range (A), the control unit (120) can set a display area corresponding to the first surrounding vehicle (2) and control the display area to emit light. On the other hand, when the second surrounding vehicle (3) is outside the specific range (A), the control unit (120) can not set a display area corresponding to the second surrounding vehicle (3). Accordingly, the second surrounding vehicle (3) may not be displayed on the ambient light (1450).

Meanwhile, the size of the specific range may vary depending on the vehicle's driving mode or vehicle speed. Specifically, the larger the vehicle's driving mode is, the more rapid the vehicle movement is, and the faster the vehicle's speed is, the larger the specific range may be. This is because the more rapidly or quickly the vehicle moves, the wider the range of surrounding objects must be recognized and provided to the driver.

For example, when the driving mode of the vehicle is the general mode, the control unit (120) controls the display area (910) corresponding to the first surrounding vehicle (2) within the first specific range (A) to emit light, and may not set the display area corresponding to the second surrounding vehicle (2) outside the first specific range (A). On the other hand, when the driving mode of the vehicle is the sports mode (for example, a mode in which the speed increases faster or the vehicle can move further compared to the general mode even when the driver presses the accelerator pedal with the same force), the control unit (120) controls the display area (910) corresponding to the first surrounding vehicle (2) within the second specific range (B) to emit light, and may control the display area (920) corresponding to the second surrounding vehicle (3) to emit light. The second specific range (B) may be larger than the first specific range (A).

In another embodiment, when the speed of the vehicle is the first speed, the control unit (120) controls the display area (910) corresponding to the first surrounding vehicle (2) within the first specific range (A) to emit light, and the display area corresponding to the second surrounding vehicle (2) outside the first specific range (A) may not be set. On the other hand, when the speed of the vehicle is the second speed that is faster than the first speed, the control unit (120) controls the display area (910) corresponding to the first surrounding vehicle (2) within the second specific range (B) to emit light, and the display area (920) corresponding to the second surrounding vehicle (3) to emit light. The second specific range (B) may be larger than the first specific range (A).

Figure 10 is a drawing for explaining a method for determining the driving direction of surrounding vehicles.

The control unit (120) can determine the driving direction of the surrounding vehicles. Since vehicles move one-dimensionally on the road, the driving direction of the surrounding vehicles may include the same direction as the driving direction of the vehicle (1) and the opposite direction to the driving direction of the vehicle (1). For example, the driving direction of the second surrounding vehicle (3) moving in the same direction as the vehicle (1) on a four-lane road may be the same as the driving direction of the vehicle (1). For another example, the driving direction of the first surrounding vehicle (1) moving in the opposite lane on a four-lane road may be the opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle (1).

Additionally, the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle may include Stop (no direction). For example, if the surrounding vehicle is not moving while at a standstill, the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle may be Stop (no direction).

The control unit (120) can determine the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle based on the change in distance from the surrounding vehicle and the speed of the vehicle (1).

Specifically, the control unit (120) can continuously track the distance to surrounding vehicles and obtain changes in the distance to surrounding vehicles. In addition, the control unit (120) can determine the driving direction of surrounding vehicles based on the changes in the distance and the speed of the vehicle (1).

For example, the control unit (120) may determine that the distance between the vehicle (1) and the second surrounding vehicle (3) is 200 meters at the first point in time, and that the distance between the vehicle (1) and the second surrounding vehicle (3) is also 200 meters at the second point in time (1 second after the first point in time). If the speed of the vehicle (1) is 10 meters per second, this means that the second surrounding vehicle (3) is also moving in the same direction at a speed of 10 meters per second. Therefore, the control unit (120) may determine that the driving direction of the second surrounding vehicle (3) is the same as the driving direction of the vehicle (1).

For another example, the control unit (120) may determine that the distance between the vehicle (1) and the fourth surrounding vehicle is 200 meters at a first point in time, and that the distance between the vehicle (1) and the fourth surrounding vehicle is 190 meters at a second point in time (1 second after the first point in time). If the speed of the vehicle (1) is 10 meters per second, this means that the second surrounding vehicle (3) is not moving. Therefore, the control unit (120) may determine that the driving direction of the second surrounding vehicle (3) is stop (no direction).

For another example, the control unit (120) may determine that the distance between the vehicle (1) and the first surrounding vehicle (2) is 200 meters at a first point in time, and that the distance between the vehicle (1) and the first surrounding vehicle (2) is 180 meters at a second point in time (1 second after the first point in time). If the speed of the vehicle (1) is 10 meters per second, this means that the first surrounding vehicle (2) is moving in the opposite direction at a speed of 10 meters per second. Therefore, the control unit (120) may determine that the driving direction of the first surrounding vehicle (2) is opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle (1).

When the driving direction of the first surrounding vehicle (2) is opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle (1), the control unit (120) can control the ambient light to indicate that the driving direction of the first surrounding vehicle (2) is opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle (1). For example, the control unit (120) can control the ambient light (140) to indicate that the driving direction of the first surrounding vehicle (2) is opposite by at least one of the size or emission color of the display area of the first surrounding vehicle (2). As another example, the control unit (120) can display the display area of the second surrounding vehicle (3) in the same driving direction as the vehicle (1) with a first color, the display area of the first surrounding vehicle (2) in the opposite driving direction to the vehicle (1) with a second color, and the display area of the surrounding vehicle that is stationary with a third color.

Referring to Fig. 10, the first surrounding vehicle (2) and the second surrounding vehicle (3) are spaced apart from the vehicle (1) by the same distance. Nevertheless, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide the fact that the first surrounding vehicle (2) is a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction to the vehicle (1) and the second surrounding vehicle (3) is a vehicle traveling in the same direction as the vehicle (1). In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide the driver with the fact that another surrounding vehicle is stopped. Accordingly, the driver can clearly recognize the surrounding situation and prepare for any possible danger in advance.

Meanwhile, the control unit (12) can determine whether the first surrounding vehicle (2) in the opposite driving direction is driving in reverse.

Specifically, the control unit (12) can obtain information about the lane in which the first surrounding vehicle (2) is driving. For this purpose, a lane recognition technology already known can be used.

If the first surrounding vehicle (2) is driving in the opposite lane, the first surrounding vehicle (2) is driving normally. On the other hand, if the first surrounding vehicle (2) is driving in the same lane as vehicle (1), the first surrounding vehicle (2) is currently driving in reverse and requires a warning.

Accordingly, if the driving direction of the first surrounding vehicle (2) is opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle (1), and the lane in which the first surrounding vehicle (2) is driving is the same as the lane in which the vehicle (1) is driving, the control unit (120) can control the ambient light so that a warning is output. For example, the control unit (120) can increase the size of the display area, display a color indicating a warning on the entire ambient light, perform a blink on or off on all or part of the ambient light, or sequentially illuminate multiple areas of the ambient light.

Meanwhile, the control unit (120) can change a specific range for selecting surrounding vehicles to be the target of light emission in the display area depending on the driving direction of the surrounding vehicles.

Specifically, if the driving direction of the first surrounding vehicle is opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle and the first surrounding vehicle is within the first specific range, the control unit (120) can control the first display area corresponding to the first surrounding vehicle to emit light. In addition, if the driving direction of the second surrounding vehicle is stationary or the same as the driving direction of the vehicle and the second surrounding vehicle is within the second specific range, the control unit (120) can control the second display area corresponding to the second surrounding vehicle to emit light. Here, the first specific range may be larger than the second specific range. That is, since the first surrounding vehicle opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle may pose a greater threat to the safety of the vehicle, the device (100) can provide information on the first surrounding vehicle to the driver from a further distance.

In addition, the control unit (120) can change the specific range for selecting the surrounding vehicle to be the target of the light emission of the display area depending on whether the surrounding vehicle is driving in reverse. Specifically, if the first surrounding vehicle is driving in reverse, the control unit (120) can control the first display area corresponding to the first surrounding vehicle to light emission. Also, if the second surrounding vehicle is driving normally, the control unit (120) can control the second display area corresponding to the second surrounding vehicle to light emission. Here, the first specific range can be larger than the second specific range. That is, since reverse driving can be a greater threat to the safety of the vehicle, the device (100) can provide the driver with information about the first surrounding vehicle driving in reverse from a greater distance.

In this way, according to the present invention, information about surrounding vehicles can be intuitively provided to the driver and safe driving can be induced. In addition, information about surrounding vehicles can be provided through ambient light to enhance the thrill and fun of driving (for example, displaying in real time through ambient light the situation in which one's own vehicle is overtaking a surrounding vehicle) and thus increase the emotional satisfaction of the driver.

The above-described present invention can be implemented as a computer-readable code on a medium in which a program is recorded. The computer-readable medium includes all kinds of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer-readable medium include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state disk (SSD), a silicon disk drive (SDD), a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, etc. In addition, the computer may include a processor of a server. Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all aspects but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

In a method for controlling ambient light installed in a vehicle, Step for obtaining location information of surrounding vehicles; and A step of controlling the ambient light, including front lights and side lights, so that a display area corresponding to the relative position is illuminated based on the relative position of the surrounding vehicles based on the vehicle; A method for controlling ambient light installed in a vehicle. In paragraph 1, The steps for controlling the above ambient light are: A step of controlling the ambient light so that the display area on the side light illuminates when the surrounding vehicle is located on the side of the vehicle; A method for controlling ambient light installed in a vehicle. In the second paragraph, The above side lights include a left side light and a right side light, The step of controlling the ambient light so that the display area on the side light illuminates is: When the surrounding vehicle is located on the left side of the vehicle, the display area on the left side light is controlled to emit light, and when the surrounding vehicle is located on the right side of the vehicle, the display area on the right side light is controlled to emit light. A method for controlling ambient light installed in a vehicle. In the second paragraph, The step of controlling the ambient light so that the display area on the side light illuminates is: The further forward the surrounding vehicle located on the side is, the further forward the display area is set on the side light. A method for controlling ambient light installed in a vehicle. In the second paragraph, The display area on the above side light is, If the speed of the surrounding vehicle located on the side is faster than the speed of the vehicle, it moves forward on the side light, If the speed of the surrounding vehicle located on the side is slower than the speed of the vehicle, the vehicle moving backwards on the side light A method for controlling ambient light installed in a vehicle. In paragraph 1, The step of controlling the ambient light so that the display area corresponding to the above relative position lights up is, Based on a specific direction of the surrounding vehicles based on the vehicle, a point on the ambient light located in the specific direction based on a reference point within the vehicle is determined as the display area. A method for controlling ambient light installed in a vehicle. In paragraph 1, The step of controlling the ambient light so that the display area corresponding to the above relative position lights up is, A step of controlling the ambient light so that the distance between the vehicle and the surrounding vehicle is indicated by at least one of the light-emitting color or the size of the display area; A method for controlling ambient light installed in a vehicle. In paragraph 1, The step of controlling the ambient light so that the display area corresponding to the above relative position lights up is, A step of controlling the display area of surrounding vehicles within a specific range based on the above vehicle to illuminate; including; The size of the above specific range is, Depending on the driving mode of the vehicle or the speed of the vehicle, A method for controlling ambient light installed in a vehicle. In paragraph 1, The step of controlling the ambient light so that the display area corresponding to the above relative position lights up is, A step of determining the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle based on the change in distance from the surrounding vehicle and the speed of the vehicle; and A step of controlling the ambient light so that the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle is opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle, when the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle is opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle; including A method for controlling ambient light installed in a vehicle. In Article 9, The step of controlling the ambient light so that the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle is opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle is, A step of controlling the ambient light so that a warning is output when the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle is opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle and the lane in which the surrounding vehicle is driving is the same as the lane in which the vehicle is driving; A method for controlling ambient light installed in a vehicle. In Article 9, The step of controlling the ambient light so that the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle is opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle is, A step of changing a specific range for selecting a surrounding vehicle to be the target of light emission in the display area according to the driving direction of the surrounding vehicle; A method for controlling ambient light installed in a vehicle. In Article 11, The step of changing a specific range for selecting surrounding vehicles that are the target of light emission in the above display area is: A step of controlling a first display area corresponding to the first surrounding vehicle to emit light when the driving direction of the first surrounding vehicle is opposite to the driving direction of the vehicle and the first surrounding vehicle is within a first specific range; and A step of controlling a second display area corresponding to the second surrounding vehicle to emit light when the driving direction of the second surrounding vehicle is the same as the driving direction of the vehicle and the second surrounding vehicle is within a second specific range; The above first specific range is greater than the above second specific range. A method for controlling ambient light installed in a vehicle. In an ambient light control device installed in a vehicle, Information acquisition unit that acquires location information of surrounding vehicles; Ambient light including front lights and side lights; and A control unit that controls the ambient light so that a display area corresponding to the relative position on the ambient light is illuminated based on the relative position of the surrounding vehicle based on the vehicle; Ambient light control device installed in a vehicle. In Article 13, The above control unit, When the above surrounding vehicle is located on the side of the above vehicle, the ambient light is controlled so that the display area on the side light illuminates. Ambient light control device installed in a vehicle. In Article 14, The above side lights include a left side light and a right side light, The above control unit, When the surrounding vehicle is located on the left side of the vehicle, the display area on the left side light is controlled to emit light, and when the surrounding vehicle is located on the right side of the vehicle, the display area on the right side light is controlled to emit light. Ambient light control device installed in a vehicle. In Article 14, The above control unit, The further forward the surrounding vehicle located on the side is, the further forward the display area is set on the side light. Ambient light control device installed in a vehicle. In Article 14, The display area on the above side light is, If the speed of the surrounding vehicle located on the side is faster than the speed of the vehicle, it moves forward on the side light, If the speed of the surrounding vehicle located on the side is slower than the speed of the vehicle, the vehicle moving backwards on the side light Ambient light control device installed in a vehicle. In Article 13, The above control unit, Based on a specific direction of the surrounding vehicles based on the vehicle, a point on the ambient light located in the specific direction based on a reference point within the vehicle is determined as the display area. Ambient light control device installed in a vehicle. In Article 13, The above control unit, Controlling the ambient light so that the distance between the vehicle and the surrounding vehicle is indicated by at least one of the light-emitting color or the size of the display area. Ambient light control device installed in a vehicle. In Article 13, The above control unit, Controls the display area of surrounding vehicles within a specific range based on the above vehicle to illuminate, The size of the above specific range is, Depending on the driving mode of the vehicle or the speed of the vehicle, Ambient light control device installed in a vehicle.

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