Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a lamp for vehicle having a laser light source.

A vehicle refers to a device that carries a passenger in a passenger-intended direction. A car is a major example of the vehicle.

To increase the convenience of vehicle users, a vehicle is equipped with various sensors, electronic devices and the like. In particular, an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and an autonomous vehicle are under active study to increase the driving convenience of users.

In recent years, the use of a laser light source in a vehicle has become important. Such a laser light source has a size smaller than that of a conventional light source such as an LED, and thus advantageously may have high utilization efficiency and may increase the density of light output from a lamp.

A laser diode (LD) used for a vehicle headlamp is several watts, but animals' eyes, including humans' eyes, may be seriously damaged even if they are exposed to a laser of only <NUM> mW or more. Therefore, in order to protect the eyes of people and other living things, a lamp for vehicle does not directly radiate a laser beam, but converts and uses the laser beam. For example, as a headlamp using a laser light source, there is one that converts blue light into white light using an intermediate medium including phosphors when in use.

However, when the laser lamp is damaged due to, for example, the shock of an accident, the laser beam may be directly exposed to the outside of the lamp. Therefore, there is demand for a method of controlling the laser lamp in order to prevent damage to the eyes of people and living things due to the laser beam. <CIT> discloses a device for preventing animal casualties from a vehicle, in particular in darkness, which has a control and regulating unit which obtains at least a first input signal and a second input signal. <CIT> shows a lighting control device of a vehicle headlamp, including a lighting control part that controls an on state of the vehicle headlamp and an obstacle detecting part for detecting an obstacle that exists in front of the vehicle.

An object of embodiments of the present invention is to safely control a laser lamp before an accident occurs, in order to prevent a laser beam, which may very harmful to the visual system of a living thing, from being discharged to the outside of the lamp.

In addition, an object of embodiments of the present invention is to safely control a laser lamp before an accident occurs and to secure the driver's view effectively.

In addition, an object of embodiments of the present invention is to enable a laser lamp to be used safely and effectively through control after the laser lamp is controlled so as to be turned off.

In addition, an object of embodiments of the present invention is to minimize the inconvenience of a user such as, for example, a driver, while safely controlling a laser lamp.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the objects as mentioned above, and other unmentioned objects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. The aforementioned objects are achieved by the independent claim. Dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a lamp for vehicle includes a laser diode, an interface, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive brake operation information from a brake device via the interface. The controller is configured to control a light output of the laser diode based on the brake operation information.

The controller may control the laser diode so as to be turned off when it is determined that a full braking operation is performed.

The controller may control the laser diode so as to be dimmed when it is determined that a braking operation is performed with a preset value or more of force.

The controller receives, according to the invention, the object information including whether or not an object is a living thing. The controller controls the light output of the laser diode based on whether or not the object is the living thing.

The controller may receive vehicle shock information from a sensing unit via the interface. The controller may control the laser diode so as to be turned on when it is determined that a vehicle receives no shock in a state in which the laser diode is turned off.

The present invention also relates to a lamp for a vehicle comprising at least one laser diode configured to output light; at least one controller configured to receive a signal comprising brake operation information, and based on the signal comprising brake operation information, generate a signal to control on/off or a light intensity of the at least one laser diode.

Preferably, the at least one controller is further configured to when a signal indicating a full braking operation is received, generate a signal to control the at least one laser diode to be turned off.

According to the invention, the at least one controller is further configured to, when a signal indicating that a braking operation is performed with a preset value of force or more is received, generate a signal to control the at least one laser diode to reduce the light intensity.

According to the invention, the at least one controller is further configured to receive a signal comprising object information.

According to the invention, the at least one controller is further configured to generate a signal to control on/off or the light intensity of the at least one laser diode based on the signal comprising object information.

Preferably, the at least one controller is further configured to generate a signal to control the at least one laser diode to be turned off after being dimmed.

According to the invention, the object information includes information on whether an object is a living object.

According to the invention, the at least one controller is further configured to based on the signal comprising information whether an object is a living object, generate a signal to control on/off or the light intensity of the at least one laser diode.

Preferably, the vehicle further comprises an autonomous emergency braking system, AEBS.

Preferably, the at least one controller is further configured to receive a signal comprising vehicle shock information. Preferably, the at least one controller is further configured to generate a signal to control on/off or the light intensity of the at least one laser diode based on the signal comprising vehicle shock information.

Preferably, the vehicle shock information includes shock position information regarding a position at which the vehicle receives a shock.

Preferably, the at least one controller is further configured to generate a signal to control on/off or the light intensity of the at least one laser diode based on the signal comprising shock position information.

Preferably, in a state in which the at least one laser diode is turned off, the at least one controller is further configured to generate a signal to control the at least one laser diode to be turned on when a signal indicating that the vehicle receives no shock is received.

Preferably, the at least one controller is further configured to generate a signal to control the at least one laser diode individually.

Preferably, the at least one controller is further configured to, when the laser diode is controlled to be turned off, generate a signal to an output unit of the vehicle, the output unit being configured to, in response to reception of the signal from the at least one controller, generate an alarm.

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

Embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals denote the same or similar components throughout the drawings and a redundant description of the same components will be avoided. The terms with which the names of components are suffixed, 'module' and 'unit' are assigned or interchangeably used with each other, only in consideration of the readiness of specification writing. The terms do not have any distinguishable meanings or roles. A detailed description of a related known technology will be omitted lest it should obscure the subject matter of embodiments of the present invention. Further, the attached drawings are provided to help easy understanding of embodiments disclosed in the present invention, not limiting the scope of the present invention.

While ordinal numbers including 'first', 'second', etc. may be used to describe various components, they are not intended to limit the components. These expressions may be used to distinguish one component from another component.

When it is said that a component is 'coupled with/to' or 'connected to' another component, it should be understood that the one component is connected to the other component directly or through any other component in between. On the other hand, when it is said that a component is 'directly connected to' or 'directly coupled to' another component, it should be understood that there is no other component between the components.

Singular forms include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the present disclosure, the term 'have', 'may have', 'include', or 'may include' signifies the presence of a specific feature, number, step, operation, component, or part, or their combinations, not excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, or parts, or their combinations.

The term 'vehicle' used in the present disclosure may cover a car and a motorbike in concept. The following description is given with the appreciation that a vehicle is a car, by way of example.

In the present disclosure, a vehicle may be any of an internal combustion vehicle equipped with an engine as a power source, a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and an electrical motor as power sources, an electric vehicle equipped with an electrical motor as a power source, and the like.

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

<FIG> is a view illustrating the exterior of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> is a view illustrating exteriors of a vehicle, seen at various angles from the outside of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating interiors of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views referred to for describing objects according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a vehicle <NUM> may include wheels rotated by a power source, and a steering input device <NUM> for controlling a heading direction of the vehicle <NUM>.

The vehicle <NUM> may be an autonomous vehicle.

The vehicle <NUM> may switch to an autonomous driving mode or a manual mode based on a user input.

For example, the vehicle <NUM> may switch from the manual mode to the autonomous driving mode or from the autonomous driving mode to the manual mode, based on a user input received through a User Interface (UI) device <NUM>.

The vehicle <NUM> may switch to the autonomous driving mode or the manual mode based on driving situation information.

The driving situation information may include at least one of information on objects outside the vehicle <NUM>, navigation information, or vehicle state information.

For example, the vehicle <NUM> may switch from the manual mode to the autonomous driving mode or from the autonomous driving mode to the manual mode, based on driving situation information generated from an object detection device <NUM>.

For example, the vehicle <NUM> may switch from the manual mode to the autonomous driving mode or from the autonomous driving mode to the manual mode, based on driving situation information received through a communication device <NUM>.

The vehicle <NUM> may switch from the manual mode to the autonomous driving mode or from the autonomous driving mode to the manual mode, based on information, data, or signals provided from external devices.

When the vehicle <NUM> drives in the autonomous driving mode, the autonomous vehicle <NUM> may drive based on an operation system <NUM>.

For example, the autonomous vehicle <NUM> may drive based on information, data, or signals generated from a driving system <NUM>, a park-out system <NUM>, and a park-in system <NUM>.

When the vehicle <NUM> drives in the manual mode, the autonomous vehicle <NUM> may receive a user input for driving through a maneuvering device <NUM>. The vehicle <NUM> may drive based on the user input received through the maneuvering device <NUM>.

An overall length refers to a length from the front side to the rear side of the vehicle <NUM>, an overall width refers to a width of the vehicle <NUM>, and an overall height refers to a length from the bottom of a wheel to the roof of the vehicle <NUM>. In the following description, an overall length direction L may refer to a direction based on which the overall length of the vehicle <NUM> is measured, an overall width direction W may refer to a direction based on which the overall width of the vehicle <NUM> is measured, and an overall height direction H may refer to a direction based on which the overall height of the vehicle <NUM> is measured.

Referring to <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> may include the user interface device <NUM>, the object detection device <NUM>, the communication device <NUM>, the maneuvering device <NUM>, a vehicle driving device <NUM>, the operation system <NUM>, a navigation system <NUM>, a sensing unit <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, a power supply unit <NUM>, and a lamp for vehicle <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the vehicle <NUM> may further include a new component in addition to the components described in the present disclosure, or may not include some of the described components.

The user interface device <NUM> is a device used to enable the vehicle <NUM> to communicate with a user. The user interface device <NUM> may receive a user input, and provide information generated from the vehicle <NUM> to the user. The vehicle <NUM> may implement UIs or User Experience (UX) through the user interface device <NUM>.

The user interface device <NUM> may include an input unit <NUM>, an internal camera <NUM>, a biometric sensing unit <NUM>, an output unit <NUM>, and a processor <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the user interface device <NUM> may further include a new component in addition to components described below, or may not include some of the described components.

The input unit <NUM> is intended to receive information from a user. Data collected by the input unit <NUM> may be analyzed and processed as a control command from the user by the processor <NUM>.

The input unit <NUM> may be disposed inside the vehicle <NUM>. For example, the input unit <NUM> may be disposed in an area of a steering wheel, an area of an instrument panel, an area of a seat, an area of each pillar, an area of a door, an area of a center console, an area of a head lining, an area of a sun visor, an area of a windshield, an area of a window, or the like.

The input unit <NUM> may include a voice input unit <NUM>, a gesture input unit <NUM>, a touch input unit <NUM>, and a mechanical input unit <NUM>.

The voice input unit <NUM> may convert a voice input of the user to an electrical signal. The electrical signal may be provided to the processor <NUM> or the controller <NUM>.

The voice input unit <NUM> may include one or more microphones.

The gesture input unit <NUM> may convert a gesture input of the user to an electrical signal. The electrical signal may be provided to the processor <NUM> or the controller <NUM>.

The gesture input unit <NUM> may include at least one of an InfraRed (IR) sensor or an image sensor, for sensing a gesture input of the user.

According to an embodiment, the gesture input unit <NUM> may sense a Three-Dimensional (3D) gesture input of the user. To this end, the gesture input unit <NUM> may include a light output unit for emitting multiple IR rays or multiple image sensors.

The gesture input unit <NUM> may sense a 3D gesture input of the user by Time of Flight (ToF), structured light, or disparity.

The touch input unit <NUM> may convert a touch input of the user to an electrical signal. The electrical signal may be provided to the processor <NUM> or the controller <NUM>.

The touch input unit <NUM> may include a touch sensor for sensing a touch input of the user.

According to an embodiment, a touch screen may be configured by integrating the touch input unit <NUM> with a display unit <NUM>. This touch screen may provide both an input interface and an output interface between the vehicle <NUM> and the user.

The mechanical input unit <NUM> may include at least one of a button, a dome switch, a jog wheel, or a jog switch. An electrical signal generated by the mechanical input unit <NUM> may be provided to the processor <NUM> or the controller <NUM>.

The mechanical input unit <NUM> may be disposed on a steering wheel, a center fascia, the center console, a cockpit module, a door, or the like.

The internal camera <NUM> may acquire a vehicle interior image. The processor <NUM> may sense the state of a user based on the vehicle interior image. The processor <NUM> may acquire information on the gaze of the user in the vehicle interior image. The processor <NUM> may sense a gesture of the user in the vehicle interior image.

The biometric sensing unit <NUM> may acquire biometric information on the user. The biometric sensing unit <NUM> may include a sensor for acquiring biometric information on the user, and acquire information on a fingerprint, heart beats, and the like of the user, using the sensor. The biometric information may be used for user authentication.

The output unit <NUM> is intended to generate a visual output, an acoustic output, or a haptic output.

The output unit <NUM> may include at least one of the display unit <NUM>, an audio output unit <NUM>, or a haptic output unit <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> may display graphic objects corresponding to various pieces of information.

The display unit <NUM> may include at least one of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Thin-Film Transistor LCD (TFT LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, a flexible display, a 3D display, or an e-ink display.

A touch screen may be configured by forming a multilayered structure of the display unit <NUM> and the touch input unit <NUM>, or by integrating the display unit <NUM> with the touch input unit <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> may be configured as a Head Up Display (HUD). When the display unit <NUM> is configured as a HUD, the display unit <NUM> may be provided with a projection module to output information by an image projected onto the windshield or the window.

The display unit <NUM> may include a transparent display. The transparent display may be attached onto the windshield or the window.

The transparent display may display a specific screen with a specific transparency. To have a transparency, the transparent display may include at least one of a transparent Thin Film Electroluminescent (TFFL) display, a transparent OLED display, a transparent LCD, a transmissive transparent display, or a transparent LED display. The transparency of the transparent display is controllable.

Meanwhile, the user interface device <NUM> may include multiple display units 251a to <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> may be disposed in an area of the steering wheel, areas 251a, 251b and 251e of the instrument panel, an area 251d of a seat, an area 251f of each pillar, an area <NUM> of a door, an area of the center console, an area of a head lining, or an area of a sun visor, or may be implemented in an area 251c of the windshield and an area <NUM> of the window.

The audio output unit <NUM> converts an electrical signal received from the processor <NUM> or the controller <NUM> to an audio signal, and outputs the audio signal. To this end, the audio output unit <NUM> may include one or more speakers.

The haptic output unit <NUM> generates a haptic output. For example, the haptic output unit <NUM> may vibrate the steering wheel, a safety belt, a seat 110FL, 110FR, 110RL, or 110RR, so that the user may perceive the output.

The processor <NUM> may provide overall control to each unit of the user interface device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the user interface device <NUM> may include multiple processors <NUM> or no processor <NUM>.

When the user interface device <NUM> does not include any processor <NUM>, the user interface device <NUM> may operate under the control of a processor of another device in the vehicle <NUM>, or under the control of the controller <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the user interface device <NUM> may be referred to as a vehicle display device.

The user interface device <NUM> may operate under the control of the controller <NUM>.

The object detection device <NUM> is a device used to detect an object outside the vehicle <NUM>. The object detection device <NUM> may generate object information based on sensing data.

The object information may include information indicating the presence or absence of an object, information on the location of an object, information indicating the distance between the vehicle <NUM> and an object, and information on the speed of the vehicle <NUM> relative to an object.

An object may be any of various items related to driving of the vehicle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, objects O may include lanes OB10, another vehicle OB11, a pedestrian OB12, a <NUM>-wheel vehicle OB13, traffic signals OB14 and OB15, light, a road, a structure, a speed bump, topography, an animal, and the like.

The lanes OB10 may include a driving lane, a lane next to the driving lane, and a lane in which an opposite vehicle is driving. The lanes OB10 may conceptually include left and right lines that define each of the lanes. The lane may conceptually include the crossroad.

The other vehicle OB11 may be a vehicle driving in the vicinity of the vehicle <NUM>. The other vehicle OB11 may be located within a predetermined distance from the vehicle <NUM>. For example, the other vehicle OB11 may precede or follow the vehicle <NUM>.

The pedestrian OB12 may be a person located around the vehicle <NUM>. The pedestrian OB12 may be a person located within a predetermined distance from the vehicle <NUM>. For example, the pedestrian OB12 may be a person on a sidewalk or a roadway.

The <NUM>-wheel vehicle OB13 may refer to a transportation means moving on two wheels, located around the vehicle <NUM>. The <NUM>-wheel vehicle OB13 may be a transportation means having two wheels, located within a predetermined distance from the vehicle <NUM>. For example, the <NUM>-wheel vehicle OB13 may be a motorbike or bicycle on a sidewalk or a roadway.

The traffic signals may include a traffic signal lamp OB15, a traffic sign OB14, and a symbol or text drawn or written on a road surface.

The light may be light generated from a lamp of another vehicle. The light may be generated from a street lamp. The light may be sunlight.

The road may include a road surface, a curb, a ramp such as a down-ramp or an up-ramp, and the like.

The structure may be an object fixed on the ground, near to a road. For example, the structure may be any of a street lamp, a street tree, a building, a telephone pole, a signal lamp, and a bridge.

The topography may include a mountain, a hill, and the like.

Meanwhile, objects may be classified into mobile objects and fixed objects. For example, the mobile objects may conceptually include another vehicle, which is moving, and a pedestrian who is moving. For example, the fixed objects may conceptually include a traffic signal, a road, a structure, a vehicle, each of which stops, and a pedestrian who stops.

The object detection device <NUM> may include a camera <NUM>, a Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) <NUM>, a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) <NUM>, an ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, an infrared sensor <NUM>, and a processor <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the object detection device <NUM> may further include a new component in addition to components described below or may not include a part of the described components.

To acquire a vehicle exterior image, the camera <NUM> may be disposed at an appropriate position on the exterior of the vehicle <NUM>. The camera <NUM> may be a mono camera, a stereo camera 310a, Around View Monitoring (AVM) cameras 310b, or a <NUM>-degree camera.

The camera <NUM> may acquire information on the location of an object, information on the distance to the object, or information on the relative speed of the object using any of various image processing algorithms.

For example, the camera <NUM> may acquire information on the distance to an object and information on the speed relative to the object in an acquired image, based on a variation in the size of the object over time.

For example, the camera <NUM> may acquire information on the distance to an object and information regarding the speed relative to the object through a pin hole model, road surface profiling, or the like.

For example, the camera <NUM> may acquire information on the distance to an object and information regarding the speed relative to the object, based on disparity information in a stereo image acquired by the stereo camera 310a.

For example, to acquire an image of what lies ahead of the vehicle <NUM>, the camera <NUM> may be disposed in the vicinity of a front windshield inside the vehicle <NUM>. Alternatively, the camera <NUM> may be disposed around a front bumper or a radiator grill.

For example, to acquire an image of what lies behind the vehicle <NUM>, the camera <NUM> may be disposed in the vicinity of a rear glass inside the vehicle <NUM>. Alternatively, the camera <NUM> may be disposed around a rear bumper, a trunk, or a tail gate.

For example, to acquire an image of what lies on a side of the vehicle <NUM>, the camera <NUM> may be disposed in the vicinity of at least one of side windows inside the vehicle <NUM>. Alternatively, the camera <NUM> may be disposed around a side mirror, a fender, or a door.

The camera <NUM> may provide an acquired image to the processor <NUM>.

The RADAR <NUM> may include an electromagnetic wave transmitter and an electromagnetic wave receiver. The RADAR <NUM> may be implemented by pulse RADAR or continuous wave RADAR. The RADAR <NUM> may be implemented by Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) or Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) as a pulse RADAR scheme according to a signal waveform.

The RADAR <NUM> may detect an object in TOF or phase shifting by electromagnetic waves, and determine the location, distance, and relative speed of the detected object.

The RADAR <NUM> may be disposed at an appropriate position on the exterior of the vehicle <NUM>, in order to sense an object ahead of, behind, or beside the vehicle <NUM>.

The LiDAR <NUM> may include a laser transmitter and a laser receiver. The LiDAR <NUM> may be implemented in TOF or phase shifting.

The LiDAR <NUM> may be implemented in a driven or non-driven manner.

When the LiDAR <NUM> is implemented in a driven manner, the LiDAR <NUM> may be rotated by a motor and detect an object around the vehicle <NUM>.

When the LiDAR <NUM> is implemented in a non-driven manner, the LiDAR <NUM> may detect an object within a predetermined range from the vehicle <NUM> by optical steering. The vehicle <NUM> may include multiple non-driven LiDARs <NUM>.

The LiDAR <NUM> may detect an object in TOF or phase shifting by laser light, and determine the location, distance, and relative speed of the detected object.

The LiDAR <NUM> may be disposed at an appropriate position on the exterior of the vehicle <NUM> in order to sense an object ahead of, behind, or beside the vehicle <NUM>.

The ultrasonic sensor <NUM> may include an ultrasonic wave transmitter and an ultrasonic wave receiver. The ultrasonic sensor <NUM> may detect an object by ultrasonic waves, and determine the location, distance, and relative speed of the detected object.

The ultrasonic sensor <NUM> may be disposed at an appropriate position on the exterior of the vehicle <NUM>, in order to sense an object ahead of, behind, or beside the vehicle <NUM>.

The infrared sensor <NUM> may include an IR transmitter and an IR receiver. The infrared sensor <NUM> may detect an object by IR light, and determine the location, distance, and relative speed of the detected object.

The infrared sensor <NUM> may be disposed at an appropriate position on the exterior of the vehicle <NUM>, in order to sense an object ahead of, behind, or beside the vehicle <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may provide overall control to each unit of the object detection device <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may detect or classify an object by comparing data sensed by the camera <NUM>, the RADAR <NUM>, the LiDAR <NUM>, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, and the infrared sensor <NUM> with pre-stored data.

The processor <NUM> may detect an object and track the detected object, based on an acquired image. The processor <NUM> may calculate the distance to the object, the speed of the vehicle <NUM> relative to the object, and the like by an image processing algorithm.

For example, the processor <NUM> may acquire information on the distance to an object and information regarding the speed of the vehicle <NUM> relative to the object from an acquired image, based on a variation in the size of the object over time.

For example, the processor <NUM> may acquire information on the distance to an object and information regarding the speed of the vehicle <NUM> relative to the object via a pin hole model, road surface profiling, or the like.

For example, the processor <NUM> may acquire information on the distance to an object and information regarding the speed of the vehicle <NUM> relative to the object from an image acquired from the stereo camera 310a, based on disparity information.

The processor <NUM> may detect an object and track the detected object based on electromagnetic waves, which are transmitted, are reflected from the object, and then return. The processor <NUM> may calculate the distance to the object and the speed of the vehicle <NUM> relative to the object, based on the electromagnetic waves.

The processor <NUM> may detect an object and track the detected object based on laser light, which is transmitted, is reflected from the object, and then returns. The processor <NUM> may calculate the distance to the object and the speed of the vehicle <NUM> relative to the object, based on the laser light.

The processor <NUM> may detect an object and track the detected object based on ultrasonic waves, which are transmitted, are reflected from the object, and then return. The processor <NUM> may calculate the distance to the object and the speed of the vehicle <NUM> relative to the object, based on the ultrasonic waves.

The processor <NUM> may detect an object and track the detected object based on IR light, which is transmitted, is reflected from the object, and then returns. The processor <NUM> may calculate the distance to the object and the speed of the vehicle <NUM> relative to the object, based on the IR light.

According to an embodiment, the object detection device <NUM> may include multiple processors <NUM> or no processor <NUM>. For example, the camera <NUM>, the RADAR <NUM>, the LiDAR <NUM>, the ultrasonic sensor <NUM>, and the infrared sensor <NUM> may include individual processors.

When the object detection device <NUM> includes no processor <NUM>, the object detection device <NUM> may operate under the control of a processor of another device in the vehicle <NUM> or under the control of the controller <NUM>.

The object detection device <NUM> may operate under the control of the controller <NUM>.

The communication device <NUM> is used to communicate with an external device. The external device may be another vehicle, a mobile terminal, or a server.

The communication device <NUM> may include at least one of a transmission antenna and a reception antenna, for communication, and a Radio Frequency (RF) circuit and device, for implementing various communication protocols.

The communication device <NUM> may include a short-range communication unit <NUM>, a location information unit <NUM>, a Vehicle to Everything (V2X) communication unit <NUM>, an optical communication unit <NUM>, a broadcasting transceiver unit <NUM>, an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) communication unit <NUM>, and a processor <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may further include a new component in addition to components described below, or may not include a part of the described components.

The short-range communication module <NUM> is a unit for conducting short-range communication. The short-range communication module <NUM> may support short-range communication, using at least one of Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, or Wireless Universal Serial Bus (Wireless USB).

The short-range communication unit <NUM> may conduct short-range communication between the vehicle <NUM> and at least one external device by establishing a wireless area network.

The location information unit <NUM> is a unit configured to acquire information on the location of the vehicle <NUM>. For example, the location information unit <NUM> may include a GPS module or a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) module.

The V2X communication unit <NUM> is a unit used for wireless communication with a server (by Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I)), another vehicle (by Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V)), or a pedestrian (by Vehicle to Pedestrian (V2P)). The V2X communication unit <NUM> may include an RF circuit capable of implementing a V2I protocol, a V2V protocol, and a V2P protocol.

The optical communication unit <NUM> is a unit used to communicate with an external device by light. The optical communication unit <NUM> may include an optical transmitter for converting an electrical signal to an optical signal and emitting the optical signal to the outside, and an optical receiver for converting a received optical signal to an electrical signal.

According to an embodiment, the optical transmitter may be integrated with a lamp included in the vehicle <NUM>.

The broadcasting transceiver unit <NUM> is a unit used to receive a broadcast signal from an external broadcasting management server or transmit a broadcast signal to the broadcasting management server, on a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal.

The ITS communication unit <NUM> may exchange information, data, or signals with a traffic system. The ITS communication unit <NUM> may provide acquired information, data or signals to the traffic system. The ITS communication unit <NUM> may receive information, data, or a signal from the traffic system. For example, the ITS communication unit <NUM> may receive traffic information from the traffic system and provide the received traffic information to the controller <NUM>. For example, the ITS communication unit <NUM> may receive a control signal from the traffic system, and provide the received control signal to the controller <NUM> or a processor in the vehicle <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may provide overall control to each unit of the communication device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the communication device <NUM> may include multiple processors <NUM> or no processor <NUM>.

When the communication device <NUM> does not include any processor <NUM>, the communication device <NUM> may operate under the control of a processor of another device in the vehicle <NUM> or under the control of the controller <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the communication device <NUM> may be configured, along with the user interface device <NUM>, as a vehicle multimedia device. In this case, the vehicle multimedia device may be referred to as a telematics device or an Audio Video Navigation (AVN) device.

The communication device <NUM> may operate under the control of the controller <NUM>.

The maneuvering device <NUM> is a device used to receive a user command for driving the vehicle <NUM>.

In the manual mode, the vehicle <NUM> may drive based on a signal provided by the maneuvering device <NUM>.

The maneuvering device <NUM> may include the steering input device <NUM>, an acceleration input device <NUM>, and a brake input device <NUM>.

The steering input device <NUM> may receive a heading direction input for the vehicle <NUM> from the user. The steering input device <NUM> may be configured as a wheel for enabling a steering input by rotation. According to an embodiment, the steering input device <NUM> may be configured as a touch screen, a touchpad, or a button.

The acceleration input device <NUM> may receive an input for acceleration of the vehicle <NUM> from the user. The brake input device <NUM> may receive an input for deceleration of the vehicle <NUM> from the user. The acceleration input device <NUM> and the brake input device <NUM> may be formed into pedals. According to an embodiment, the acceleration input device <NUM> or the brake input device <NUM> may be configured as a touch screen, a touchpad, or a button.

The maneuvering device <NUM> may operate under the control of the controller <NUM>.

The vehicle driving device <NUM> is a device used to electrically control driving of various devices of the vehicle <NUM>.

The vehicle driving device <NUM> may include a power train driving unit <NUM>, a chassis driving unit <NUM>, a door/window driving unit <NUM>, a safety device driving unit <NUM>, a lamp driving unit <NUM>, and an air conditioner driving unit <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the vehicle driving device <NUM> may further include a new component in addition to components described below or may not include a part of the components.

Meanwhile, the vehicle driving device <NUM> may include a processor. Each individual unit of the vehicle driving device <NUM> may include a processor.

The power train driving unit <NUM> may control the operation of a power train device.

The power train driving unit <NUM> may include a power source driver <NUM> and a transmission driver <NUM>.

The power source driver <NUM> may control a power source of the vehicle <NUM>.

For example, when the power source is a fossil fuel-based engine, the power source driver <NUM> may perform electronic control on the engine. Therefore, the power source driver <NUM> may control an output torque of the engine, and the like. The power source driver <NUM> may adjust the engine output torque under the control of the controller <NUM>.

For example, when the power source is an electrical energy-based motor, the power source driver <NUM> may control the motor. The power source driver <NUM> may adjust the rotation speed, torque, and the like of the motor under the control of the controller <NUM>.

The transmission driver <NUM> may control a transmission.

The transmission driver <NUM> may adjust the state of the transmission. The transmission driver <NUM> may adjust the state of the transmission to drive D, reverse R, neutral N, or park P.

When the power source is an engine, the transmission driver <NUM> may adjust the engagement state of a gear in the drive state D.

The chassis driving unit <NUM> may control the operation of a chassis device.

The chassis driving unit <NUM> may include a steering driver <NUM>, a brake driver <NUM>, and a suspension driver <NUM>.

The steering driver <NUM> may perform electronic control on a steering device in the vehicle <NUM>. The steering driver <NUM> may change a heading direction of the vehicle <NUM>.

The brake driver <NUM> may perform electronic control on a brake device in the vehicle <NUM>. For example, the brake driver <NUM> may decrease the speed of the vehicle <NUM> by controlling the operation of a brake disposed at a tire.

Meanwhile, the brake driver <NUM> may control multiple brakes individually. The brake driver <NUM> may differentiate braking power applied to multiple wheels.

The suspension driver <NUM> may perform electronic control on a suspension device in the vehicle <NUM>. For example, when the surface of a road is rugged, the suspension driver <NUM> may control the suspension device to reduce jerk of the vehicle <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the suspension driver <NUM> may control multiple suspensions individually.

The door/window driving unit <NUM> may perform electronic control on a door device or a window device in the vehicle <NUM>.

The door/window driving unit <NUM> may include a door driver <NUM> and a window driver <NUM>.

The door driver <NUM> may perform electronic control on a door device. For example, the door driver <NUM> may control opening and closing of multiple doors in the vehicle <NUM>. The door driver <NUM> may control opening or closing of the trunk or the tail gate. The door driver <NUM> may control opening or closing of the sunroof.

The window driver <NUM> may perform electronic control on a window device in the vehicle <NUM>. The window driver <NUM> may control opening or closing of multiple windows in the vehicle <NUM>.

The safety device driving unit <NUM> may perform electronic control on various safety devices in the vehicle <NUM>.

The safety device driving unit <NUM> may include an airbag driver <NUM>, a seatbelt driver <NUM>, and a pedestrian protection device driver <NUM>.

The airbag driver <NUM> may perform electronic control on an airbag device in the vehicle <NUM>. For example, the airbag driver <NUM> may control inflation of an airbag, upon sensing an emergency situation.

The seatbelt driver <NUM> may perform electronic control on a seatbelt device in the vehicle <NUM>. For example, the seatbelt driver <NUM> may control securing of passengers on the seats 110FL, 110FR, 110RL, and 110RR by means of seatbelts, upon sensing a danger.

The pedestrian protection device driver <NUM> may perform electronic control on a hood lift and a pedestrian airbag in the vehicle <NUM>. For example, the pedestrian protection device driver <NUM> may control hood lift-up and inflation of the pedestrian airbag, upon sensing collision with a pedestrian.

The lamp driving unit <NUM> may perform electronic control on various lamp devices in the vehicle <NUM>.

The air conditioner driving unit <NUM> may perform electronic control on an air conditioner in the vehicle <NUM>. For example, when a vehicle internal temperature is high, the air conditioner driver <NUM> may control the air conditioner to operate and supply cool air into the vehicle <NUM>.

The vehicle driving device <NUM> may include a processor. Each individual unit of the vehicle driving device <NUM> may include a processor.

The vehicle driving device <NUM> may operate under the control of the controller <NUM>.

The operation system <NUM> is a system that controls various operations of the vehicle <NUM>. The operation system <NUM> may operate in the autonomous driving mode.

The operation system <NUM> may include the driving system <NUM>, the park-out system <NUM>, and the park-in system <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the operation system <NUM> may further include a new component in addition to components described below or may not include a part of the described components.

Meanwhile, the operation system <NUM> may include a processor. Each individual unit of the operation system <NUM> may include a processor.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, when the operation system <NUM> is implemented in software, the operation system <NUM> may lie under the controller <NUM> in concept.

According to an embodiment, the operation system <NUM> may conceptually include at least one of the user interface device <NUM>, the object detection device <NUM>, the communication device <NUM>, the maneuvering device <NUM>, the vehicle driving device <NUM>, the navigation system <NUM>, the sensing unit <NUM>, or the controller <NUM>.

The driving system <NUM> may drive the vehicle <NUM>.

The driving system <NUM> may drive the vehicle <NUM> by providing a control signal to the vehicle driving device <NUM> based on navigation information received from the navigation system <NUM>.

The driving system <NUM> may drive the vehicle <NUM> by providing a control signal to the vehicle driving device <NUM> based on object information received from the object detection device <NUM>.

The driving system <NUM> may drive the vehicle <NUM> by receiving a signal from an external device through the communication device <NUM> and providing a control signal to the vehicle driving device <NUM>.

Conceptually, the driving system <NUM> may be a system that drives the vehicle <NUM>, including at least one of the user interface device <NUM>, the object detection device <NUM>, the communication device <NUM>, the maneuvering device <NUM>, the vehicle driving device <NUM>, the navigation system <NUM>, the sensing unit <NUM>, or the controller <NUM>.

The driving system <NUM> may be referred to as a vehicle driving control device.

The park-out system <NUM> may perform park-out of the vehicle <NUM>.

The park-out system <NUM> may perform park-out of the vehicle <NUM> by providing a control signal to the vehicle driving device <NUM> based on navigation information received from the navigation system <NUM>.

The park-out system <NUM> may perform park-out of the vehicle <NUM> by providing a control signal to the vehicle driving device <NUM> based on object information received from the object detection device <NUM>.

The park-out system <NUM> may perform park-out of the vehicle <NUM> by receiving a signal from an external device through the communication device <NUM> and providing a control signal to the vehicle driving device <NUM>.

Conceptually, the park-out system <NUM> may be a system that performs park-out of the vehicle <NUM>, including at least one of the user interface device <NUM>, the object detection device <NUM>, the communication device <NUM>, the maneuvering device <NUM>, the vehicle driving device <NUM>, the navigation system <NUM>, the sensing unit <NUM>, or the controller <NUM>.

The park-out system <NUM> may be referred to as a vehicle park-out control device.

The park-in system <NUM> may perform park-in of the vehicle <NUM>.

The park-in system <NUM> may perform park-in of the vehicle <NUM> by providing a control signal to the vehicle driving device <NUM> based on navigation information received from the navigation system <NUM>.

The park-in system <NUM> may perform park-in of the vehicle <NUM> by providing a control signal to the vehicle driving device <NUM> based on object information received from the object detection device <NUM>.

The park-in system <NUM> may perform park-in of the vehicle <NUM> by receiving a signal from an external device through the communication device <NUM> and providing a control signal to the vehicle driving device <NUM>.

Conceptually, the park-in system <NUM> may be a system that performs park-in of the vehicle <NUM>, including at least one of the user interface device <NUM>, the object detection device <NUM>, the communication device <NUM>, the maneuvering device <NUM>, the vehicle driving device <NUM>, the navigation system <NUM>, the sensing unit <NUM>, or the controller <NUM>.

The park-in system <NUM> may be referred to as a vehicle park-in control device.

The navigation system <NUM> may provide navigation information. The navigation information may include at least one of map information, set destination information, route information based on setting of a destination, information regarding various objects on a route, lane information, or information regarding a current location of a vehicle.

The navigation system <NUM> may include a memory and a processor. The memory may store navigation information. The processor may control operation of the navigation system <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the navigation system <NUM> may receive information from an external device through the communication device <NUM> and update pre-stored information using the received information.

According to an embodiment, the navigation system <NUM> may be classified as a lower-layer component of the user interface device <NUM>.

The sensing unit <NUM> may sense the state of the vehicle <NUM>. The sensing unit <NUM> may include an inertial navigation unit (IMU) sensor, a collision sensor, a wheel sensor, a speed sensor, an inclination sensor, a weight sensor, a heading sensor, a position module, a vehicle forwarding/backwarding sensor, a battery sensor, a fuel sensor, a tire sensor, a handle rotation-based steering sensor, a vehicle internal temperature sensor, a vehicle internal humidity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an illumination sensor, an accelerator pedal position sensor, a brake pedal position sensor, and the like.

Meanwhile, the IMU sensor may include one or more of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and a magnetic sensor.

The sensing unit <NUM> may acquire sensing signals for vehicle posture information, vehicle motion information, vehicle yaw information, vehicle roll information, vehicle pitch information, vehicle collision information, vehicle heading information, vehicle location information (Global Positioning System (GPS) information), vehicle angle information, vehicle speed information, vehicle acceleration information, vehicle inclination information, vehicle forwarding/backwarding information, battery information, fuel information, tire information, lamp for vehicle information, vehicle internal temperature information, vehicle internal humidity information, a steering wheel rotation angle, a vehicle external illuminance, a pressure applied to an accelerator pedal, a pressure applied to a brake pedal, and the like.

The sensing unit <NUM> may further include an accelerator pedal sensor, a pressure sensor, an engine speed sensor, an Air Flow Sensor (AFS), an Air Temperature Sensor (ATS), a Water Temperature Sensor (WTS), a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), a Top Dead Center (TDC) sensor, a Crank Angle Sensor (CAS), and the like.

The sensing unit <NUM> may generate vehicle state information based on sensing data. The vehicle state information may be information generated based on data sensed by various sensors in the vehicle <NUM>.

For example, the vehicle state information may include vehicle posture information, vehicle speed information, vehicle inclination information, vehicle weight information, vehicle heading information, vehicle battery information, vehicle fuel information, vehicle tire pressure information, vehicle steering information, vehicle internal temperature information, vehicle internal humidity information, pedal position information, vehicle engine temperature information, and the like.

The interface <NUM> may serve paths to various types of external devices connected to the vehicle <NUM>. For example, the interface <NUM> may be provided with a port connectable to a mobile terminal, and may be connected to a mobile terminal through the port. In this case, the interface <NUM> may exchange data with the mobile terminal.

Meanwhile, the interface <NUM> may serve as a path in which electric energy is supplied to a connected mobile terminal. When a mobile terminal is electrically connected to the interface <NUM>, the interface <NUM> may supply electric energy received from the power supply unit <NUM> to the mobile terminal under the control of the controller <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> is electrically connected to the controller <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may store basic data for a unit, control data for controlling an operation of the unit, and input and output data. The memory <NUM> may be any of various storage devices in hardware, such as a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), an Erasable and Programmable ROM (EPROM), a flash drive, and a hard drive. The memory <NUM> may store various data for overall operations of the vehicle <NUM>, such as programs for processing or controlling in the controller <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the memory <NUM> may be integrated with the controller <NUM>, or configured as a lower-layer component of the controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may provide overall control to each unit inside the vehicle <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be referred to as an Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

The power supply unit <NUM> may supply power needed for operating each component under the control of the controller <NUM>. Particularly, the power supply unit <NUM> may receive power from a battery within the vehicle <NUM>.

One or more processors and the controller <NUM> in the vehicle <NUM> may be implemented using at least one of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Device (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and an electrical unit for executing other functions.

<FIG> is a block diagram referred to for describing a lamp for vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle <NUM> may include a lamp for vehicle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the lamp for vehicle <NUM> may include a laser diode <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a power supply unit <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the lamp for vehicle <NUM> may further include a new component in addition to the components described in the present disclosure, or may not include some of the described components.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> may include a light collecting system for collecting light emitted from the laser diode <NUM> into a predetermined direction. The light collecting system may include multiple lenses and phosphors.

In the present embodiment, the case in which the lamp for vehicle <NUM> is a headlamp of the vehicle <NUM> will be described by way of example, without the limitation thereto. For example, the lamp for vehicle <NUM> may be any other type of lamp used in the vehicle <NUM>, such as, for example, a fog lamp, a tail lamp, or a turn signal. Hereinafter, the case in which the lamp for vehicle <NUM> is a headlamp will be described as a representative example.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> may be a pair of headlamps 800a and 800b provided on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle <NUM>. The lamp for vehicle <NUM> may output light to the region ahead of the vehicle <NUM>.

The laser diode <NUM> may be a diode that emits laser light, and may emit a predetermined wavelength of light.

The laser diode <NUM> may emit various colors of light depending on the wavelength thereof.

The laser diode <NUM> may be controlled so as to be turned on or off by supplying or interrupting power to the laser diode <NUM>.

The amount of light output from the laser diode <NUM> may be controlled by adjusting the voltage and/or current supplied to the laser diode <NUM>.

The laser diode <NUM> may be controlled so as to be turned off after being dimmed.

The light output of the laser diode <NUM> may be controlled by the controller <NUM>.

The light output of the laser diode <NUM> may be controlled by the controller <NUM> based on brake operation information.

The brake operation information may be information including at least one of whether or not a brake is operated, the force of operation of the brake, or the brake operation time.

The light output of the laser diode <NUM> may be controlled by the controller <NUM> based on object information.

The object information may be at least one of the distance between the vehicle <NUM> and an object, the speed of an object relative to the vehicle <NUM>, the absolute speed of an object, the size of an object, the type of an object, whether or not an object is a living thing, or whether an object is a fixed object or a mobile object.

The light output of the laser diode <NUM> may be controlled by the controller <NUM> based on an expected time to collision (TTC).

The expected time to collision may be a value that is a result of predicting the time remaining until the vehicle <NUM> collides with an object.

The expected time to collision may be calculated by the processor <NUM> in the object detection device <NUM> based on the object information.

In another embodiment, the expected time to collision may be calculated by the controller <NUM> based on the distance between an object O and the vehicle <NUM>, the speed of the object O relative to the vehicle <NUM>, and the acceleration of the vehicle <NUM>.

The light output of the laser diode <NUM> may be controlled by the controller <NUM> based on whether or not an object is a living thing.

The light output of the laser diode <NUM> may be controlled by the controller <NUM> based on vehicle shock information.

The shock information may be information regarding whether or not the vehicle <NUM> receives shocks. The shock information may include information regarding whether there is a broken part of mechanisms provided in the vehicle <NUM> when the vehicle <NUM> receives shocks.

The light output of the laser diode <NUM> may be controlled by the controller <NUM> based on shock position information.

The shock position information may be information regarding the position at which the vehicle <NUM> receives shocks, and may be expressed in left/right/front/rear directions and combinations thereof. The shock position information is about the incidence of shocks applied to each mechanism provided in the vehicle <NUM>.

The light output of the laser diode <NUM> may be controlled by the controller <NUM> based on lamp information.

The lamp information may include at least one of information regarding whether or not a lamp is damaged, or information regarding the output state of light emitted from a lamp.

The light output of the laser diode <NUM> may be controlled by the controller <NUM> based on light output state information.

The light output state information may include at least one of the pattern of light emitted from a lamp, the amount of light, the color of light, or variation in the output of light in response to a control signal.

The controller <NUM> may perform a control operation to differentiate the light output of multiple laser diodes <NUM>.

The interface <NUM> may serve as paths to various types of external devices connected to the lamp for vehicle <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may exchange information, signals, or data with other devices included in the vehicle <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may transmit received information, signals, or data to the controller <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may transmit information, signals, or data, produced or processed in the controller <NUM>, to other devices included in the vehicle <NUM>.

The interface <NUM> may be the same as the interface <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may be provided in the lamp for vehicle <NUM>, separately from the interface <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may serve as paths to various types of external devices connected to the vehicle <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may provide overall control to each unit inside the lamp for vehicle <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may be implemented using at least one of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Device (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and electrical units for executing other functions.

The controller <NUM> may be the same as the controller <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be provided in the lamp for vehicle <NUM>, separately from the controller <NUM>.

A brake device <NUM> may be a device used to brake the vehicle <NUM>, and may be driven by the brake driver <NUM>. The brake driver <NUM> may control the brake device <NUM> upon receiving a signal from the brake input device <NUM>.

The brake device <NUM> may be controlled by an autonomous emergency braking system (AEBS). The brake driver <NUM> may control the brake device <NUM> upon receiving a signal from the autonomous emergency braking system.

The controller <NUM> may receive brake operation information from the brake device <NUM> via the interface <NUM>. the brake operation information may be information including at least one of whether or not a brake is operated, the force of operation of the brake, or the brake operation time.

The controller <NUM> may receive the brake operation information from the brake device <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may receive the brake operation information, which is produced in the brake driver <NUM> and is provided to the brake device <NUM>, from the brake device <NUM>.

According to another embodiment, the controller <NUM> may receive the brake operation information from the brake driver <NUM>.

According to still another embodiment, the controller <NUM> may receive the brake operation information from the brake input device <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may receive the brake operation information, which is produced in the autonomous emergency braking system and is provided to the brake device <NUM>, from the brake device <NUM>.

According to another embodiment, the controller <NUM> may receive the brake operation information from the autonomous emergency braking system.

The controller <NUM> may control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on the brake operation information.

The controller <NUM> may control at least one of the on/off operation, the output amount of light, the output pattern of light, and the operation time of the laser diode <NUM> based on the brake operation information.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> provided as described above may control the laser diode <NUM> in advance before the lamp for vehicle <NUM> is damaged due to an accident, thereby preventing a laser, which may be very harmful to the visual system of a living thing, from being discharged outward from the lamp for vehicle <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off when a full braking operation is determined, thereby preventing a laser from being discharged outward from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> when an accident occurs.

The full braking operation may mean that a brake is operated with the maximum force.

The full braking operation may mean that a brake is operated with the maximum force that the user can input.

The controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be dimmed when it is determined that a braking operation is performed with a preset value or more of force.

The preset value may be set to a value that is lower than the brake force upon a full braking operation.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be dimmed when it is determined that the brake force is equal to or greater than the preset value and is less than the maximum force.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the brightness of the laser diode <NUM> so as to be reduced in inverse proportion when the brake force continuously increases to the preset value or more.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> provided as described above may control the laser diode <NUM> in advance before an accident occurs so that the laser diode <NUM> outputs light in a dimmed state for a predetermined period so as to secure the driver's view.

The controller <NUM> may receive object information from the object detection device <NUM> via the interface <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on the object information.

The object information may be information regarding at least one of the distance between the vehicle <NUM> and an object, the speed of an object relative to the vehicle <NUM>, the absolute speed of an object, the size of an object, the type of an object, whether or not an object is a living thing, or whether an object is a fixed object or a mobile object.

For example, the controller <NUM> may determine the degree of danger with respect to each of one or more objects O based on object information.

The controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off at a longer distance to one object O, which is determined to have a high degree of danger, than a distance to another object O, which is determined to have a low degree of danger.

The controller <NUM> may determine a dangerous object based on object information, and may control the sensing unit <NUM> so as to sense a dangerous object first.

The controller <NUM> may receive object information including the expected time to collision (TTC) between the vehicle <NUM> and an object O.

In another embodiment, the expected time to collision may be calculated by the controller <NUM> based on the object information including the distance between the object O and the vehicle <NUM>, the speed of the object O relative to the vehicle <NUM>, and the acceleration of the object O.

The controller <NUM> may control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on the expected time to collision.

According to another embodiment, the controller <NUM> may control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on the expected time to collision. In this case, the controller <NUM> may control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on the expected time to collision, instead of brake operation information.

The controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off before the expected time to collision arrives.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off when the expected time to collision (TTC) is below a preset Off time Toff.

The Off time Toff may be set based on object information.

For example, the Off time Toff when the object O is a mobile object may be set to be longer than the Off time Toff when the object O is a fixed object.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> configured as described above may control the laser diode <NUM> in advance before the lamp for vehicle <NUM> is damaged due to an accident, thereby preventing a laser, which may be very harmful to the visual system of a living thing, from being discharged outward from the lamp for vehicle <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off after being dimmed.

The controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be dimmed from a predetermined time before the expected time to collision (TCC) arrives.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be dimmed when the expected time to collision TTC is equal to or greater than a preset Off time Toff and less than a dimming time Tdim.

The dimming time Tdim may be a preset time.

The dimming time Tdim may be set based on object information.

For example, the dimming time Tdim when the object O is a mobile object may be set to be longer than the diming time Tdim when the object O is a fixed object.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> configured as described above may control the laser diode <NUM> in advance before an accident occurs so that the laser diode <NUM> outputs light in a dimmed state for a predetermined period so as to secure the driver's view.

The controller <NUM> may receive object information including whether or not the object O is a living thing. The controller <NUM> may control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on whether or not the object O is a living thing.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be dimmed to a greater amount when the object O is a living thing than that when the object O is not a living thing.

For example, the controller <NUM> may set the Off time Toff so as to be longer when the object O is a living thing than that when the object O is not a living thing.

According to the invention, when the object O is a living thing, the controller <NUM> controls the laser diode <NUM> so as to be dimmed in response to a braking operation performed with a preset value or more of force.

According to the invention, when the object O is not a living thing, the controller <NUM> keeps the laser diode <NUM> in an On state, rather than being dimmed, even if a braking operation is performed with a preset value or more of force.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> provided as described above may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to prevent, for example, the visual system of a living thing from sustaining serious damage due to a laser, or to secure first the driver's view, when the object O is not a living thing.

The controller <NUM> may control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on brake operation information of the autonomous emergency braking system.

The controller <NUM> may receive the brake operation information from the autonomous emergency braking system. The controller <NUM> may control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on the received brake operation information.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off earlier when the autonomous emergency braking system senses the object O, compared to the case in which no object O is sensed.

For example, when the autonomous emergency braking system senses the object O, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off even if no brake operation is sensed. In this case, the vehicle <NUM> may be safely braked by the autonomous emergency braking system even if the user inputs no brake signal.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> provided as described above may effectively control the laser diode <NUM> in advance because the light output of the laser diode <NUM> is automatically controlled in connection with the autonomous emergency braking system.

The controller <NUM> may receive shock information of the vehicle <NUM> from the sensing unit <NUM> via the interface <NUM>.

The shock information may be information regarding whether or not the vehicle <NUM> receives shocks.

The shock information may include information regarding whether there is a broken part of mechanisms provided in the vehicle <NUM> when the vehicle <NUM> receives shocks.

The shock information may be produced by the sensing unit <NUM>, which includes a collision sensor capable of sensing a collision.

The controller <NUM> may control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on the shock information of the vehicle <NUM>.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off when it is determined that the vehicle <NUM> receives shocks.

The shock information of the vehicle <NUM> may include shock position information regarding the position at which the vehicle <NUM> receives shocks.

The shock information is information regarding the position at which the vehicle <NUM> receives shocks, and the shock position information may be expressed in left/right/front/rear directions and combinations thereof.

The shock position information may be about the incidence of shocks applied to each mechanism provided in the vehicle <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may receive the shock position information from the sensing unit <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on the shock position information.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM>, which is disposed at the position at which the vehicle receives shocks, so as to be turned off when it is determined that the vehicle receives shocks.

In a state in which the laser diode <NUM> is in an Off state, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned on when it is determined that the vehicle <NUM> receives no shock.

For example, after controlling the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off based on brake operation information, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned on when it is determined that the vehicle <NUM> receives no shock, so as to secure the driver's view.

For example, after controlling the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off based on brake operation information, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be kept in the Off state when it is determined that the vehicle <NUM> receives shocks, so as to prevent a laser from being discharged outward from the lamp for vehicle <NUM>.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM>, which is disposed at a position at which the vehicle receives shocks, so as to be kept in the Off state, but may control the laser diode <NUM>, which is disposed at a position at which the vehicle receives no shocks, so as to be turned on.

For example, after controlling the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned on when it is determined that the vehicle <NUM> receives shocks, but the lamp for vehicle <NUM> including the laser diode <NUM> is normal.

The controller <NUM> may receive lamp information from the sensing unit <NUM> via the interface <NUM>. the lamp information may include at least one of information regarding whether or not a lamp is damaged, or information regarding the output state of light emitted from a lamp.

The controller <NUM> may control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on the lamp information.

For example, when it is determined that the lamp including the laser diode <NUM> is damaged based on lamp information received from the sensing unit <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> provided in a corresponding lamp so as to be turned off.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off when it is determined, as a result of comparing reference information with lamp information received from the sensing unit <NUM>, that a lamp including the laser diode <NUM> is abnormal.

The reference information may be lamp information of the laser diode <NUM>, which is in the normal state, and may be calculated by the controller <NUM>, based on a control signal provided from the controller <NUM> to the lamp for vehicle <NUM>. The reference information may be pre-stored information in a memory.

Whether or not a lamp including the laser diode <NUM> is normal may be determined by the controller <NUM> based on the fact that the difference between reference information and lamp information exceeds a threshold value, as a result of comparing the reference information with the lamp information received from the sensing unit <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may receive the lamp information, including information on the output state of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM>, from the camera <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> via the interface <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on light output state information.

The light output state information may include at least one of the pattern of light emitted from a lamp, the amount of light, the color of light, or variation in light output in response to a control signal.

The light output state information may be generated using a camera provided in the sensing unit <NUM>.

The output state information of light emitted from a lamp may be generated using the camera provided in the sensing unit <NUM> by sensing an image of light emitted to the object O outside the vehicle.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off when it is determined that a lamp is abnormal, as a result of comparing reference information with light output state information received from the sensing unit <NUM>.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off when the difference between reference information and lamp information exceeds a threshold value, as a result of comparing the preset reference information with light output state information received from the sensing unit <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off when it is determined that the pattern of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> is not the same as the pattern of light based on a produced control signal.

Information regarding the pattern of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> may be acquired from a pattern image of light emitted to an object on, for example, the road photographed by the camera provided in the sensing unit <NUM>.

The pattern of light based on the produced control signal may be calculated by the controller <NUM> based on a control signal provided from the controller <NUM> to the laser diode <NUM> for controlling the output of light.

The pattern of light based on the produced control signal may be pre-stored information in the controller <NUM>.

Whether or not the pattern of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> is the same as the pattern of light based on the produced control signal may be determined by the controller <NUM> based on whether or not the difference between the pattern of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> and the pattern of light based on the produced control signal exceeds a threshold value.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> provided as described above may determine whether or not a lamp is faulty, and when it is determined that a lamp is faulty, may turn off the laser diode <NUM> of the lamp, thereby reducing the risk of a laser being discharged outward from the lamp.

The controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off when variation in the output of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> is not the same as variation in the output of light based on a produced control signal.

Variation in the output of light may mean variation over time in at least one of the pattern, amount, or color of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM>.

Information regarding variation in the output of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> may be produced using the camera provided in the sensing unit <NUM> by sensing an image of light emitted to the object O outside the vehicle.

Variation in the output of light based on the produced control signal may be calculated by the controller <NUM> based on a control signal provided from the controller <NUM> to the laser diode <NUM> for controlling the output of light.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off when it is determined that the output of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> does not correspond to that in the on state even though the laser diode <NUM> switches from the Off state to the On state.

For example, when the controller <NUM> provides a control signal to the laser diode <NUM> so that the amount of light of the laser diode <NUM> varies, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off when it is determined that variation in the amount of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> is not the same as variation in the amount of light based on the produced control signal.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off when it is determined that the difference between variation in the amount of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> and variation in the amount of light based on the produced control signal exceeds a threshold value.

The controller <NUM> may control multiple laser diodes <NUM> differently.

The controller <NUM> may control the multiple laser diodes <NUM> differently based on information regarding an object O.

The controller <NUM> may control the multiple laser diodes <NUM>, which are provided respectively in multiple lamp for vehicles <NUM>, differently.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control a laser diode <NUM>, which is provided on the front of the vehicle <NUM>, and a laser diode <NUM>, which is provided on the rear of the vehicle, differently.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> provided as described above may prevent in advance the risk of a laser being discharged outward from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> when an accident occurs and furthermore may secure the driver's view.

The controller <NUM> may control multiple laser diodes <NUM> provided in the lamp for vehicle <NUM> differently.

For example, among the multiple laser diodes <NUM> of the lamp for vehicle <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM>, which is determined to be abnormal, so as to be turned off, and may control the laser diode <NUM>, which is determined to be normal, so as to be turned on.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> provided as described above may control multiple laser diodes <NUM> differently based on whether or not the laser diodes <NUM> are abnormal, thereby preventing a laser from being discharged outward from the lamp and effectively securing the driver's view.

The controller <NUM> may control an auxiliary light source so as to be turned on when controlling the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off.

The auxiliary light source may be configured to emit light other than a laser, and may include a light output element.

The auxiliary light source may be, for example, a light emitting diode (LED).

The controller <NUM> configured as described above may secure the driver's view using the auxiliary light source when it becomes difficult for the driver to secure the view because the laser diode <NUM> is controlled so as to be turned off.

The controller <NUM> may control the interface <NUM> so as to transmit a signal for causing the vehicle output unit <NUM> to generate an alarm when the laser diode <NUM> is controlled so as to be turned off. The controller <NUM> provided as described above may inform the user, such as the driver, about the turning off of the laser diode <NUM> in advance, thereby minimizing the user inconvenience.

The power supply unit <NUM> may supply power required for the operation of respective components under the control of the controller <NUM>. In particular, the power supply unit <NUM> may receive power from, for example, a battery inside the vehicle <NUM>.

The power supply unit <NUM> may be the power supply unit <NUM>. Alternatively, the power supply unit <NUM> may be provided inside an operation assistance system, separately from the power supply unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the lamp for vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The controller <NUM> may receive brake operation information from the brake device <NUM> via the interface <NUM> (S910).

The brake operation information may be information including at least one of whether or not a brake is operated, the force of operation of a brake, or the brake operation time.

The controller <NUM> may receive object information from the object detection device <NUM> via the interface <NUM> (S920).

The object information may include the expected time to collision (TTC) between the vehicle <NUM> and an object O.

The controller <NUM> may receive shock information of the vehicle <NUM> from the sensing unit <NUM> via the interface <NUM> (S930).

The shock position information may include shock position information regarding the position at which the vehicle <NUM> receives shocks.

The controller <NUM> may receive lamp information from the sensing unit <NUM> via the interface <NUM> (S940).

The lamp information may include at least one of information regarding whether or not a lamp is damaged, or information regarding the output state of light emitted from a lamp. the light output state information may include at least one of the pattern of light emitted from a lamp, the amount of light, the color of light, or variation in light output in response to a control signal.

The controller <NUM> may control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on the brake operation information (S950).

The controller <NUM> may also control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on the object information.

The controller <NUM> may also control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on the shock information of the vehicle <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may also control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on the lamp information.

The controller <NUM> may control an auxiliary light source so as to be turned on when the laser diode <NUM> is controlled so as to be turned off (S960).

The controller <NUM> may control the interface <NUM> so as to transmit a signal to the vehicle output unit <NUM> for generating an alarm when the laser diode <NUM> is controlled so as to be turned off (S970).

<FIG> and <FIG> are views referred to for describing the operation of the lamp for vehicle when braking is sensed according to an embodiment which does not form part of the present invention.

The controller <NUM> may receive brake operation information from the brake device <NUM> via the interface <NUM>.

The brake operation information may be information, which is generated in the brake driver <NUM> in response to an input to the brake input device <NUM> and is provided to the brake device <NUM>.

The brake operation information may be information, which is generated in the automatic emergency braking device and provided to the brake device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the vehicle <NUM> is driving on a road OB1010 in the state in which no object O is present on a driving path, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so that light A1031 is output from a left lamp for vehicle 800a and light A1032 is output from a right lamp for vehicle 800b.

Referring to <FIG>, when the user notices an object OB1011 and inputs a brake signal A1051 with a preset value or more of force, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so that the amounts of light A1041 and A1042 output from the lamp for vehicles 800a and 800b are reduced.

Referring to <FIG>, when the user notices an object OB1012 and inputs a full braking signal A1052, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so that the lamp for vehicles 800a and 800b are turned off.

Although not illustrated, the controller <NUM> may differently control the amount of dimming of the laser diode <NUM> based on the type of the object O.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be dimmed to a greater amount when the light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> illuminates a pedestrian OB12 than that when the light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> illuminates a vehicle OB11.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views referred to for describing the operation of the lamp for vehicle depending on an expected collision time according to an embodiment which does not form part of the present invention.

The object information may include the expected time to collision (TTC) between the vehicle <NUM> and an object OB1111.

Referring to <FIG>, when the vehicle <NUM> is driving on a road OB1110 in the state in which no object O is present on a driving path, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so that light A1131 is output from the left lamp for vehicle 800a and light A1132 is output from the right lamp for vehicle 800b.

Referring to <FIG>, when the expected time to collision (TTC) is equal to or greater than a preset Off time Toff and is less than a dimming time Tdim, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so that the amounts of light A1141 and A1142 output from the lamp for vehicles 800a and 800b are reduced.

For example, the Off time Toff when the object O is a living thing may be set to be longer than the Off time Toff when the object O is an inanimate object.

For example, the dimming time Tdim when the object O is a living thing may be set to be longer than the diming time Tdim when the object O is an inanimate object.

Referring to <FIG>, when the expected time to collision (TCC) is less than the preset Off time Toff, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so that the lamp for vehicles 800a and 800b are turned off.

For example, when the Off time Toff is <NUM> seconds and the dimming time Tdim is <NUM> seconds, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be gradually dimmed within a period during which the expected time to collision is less than <NUM> seconds and is equal to or greater than <NUM> seconds, and thereafter may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off when the expected time to collision is less than <NUM> seconds.

<FIG> are views referred to for describing the operation of the lamp for vehicle depending on the types of objects according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The object information includes information regarding whether or not the object O is a living thing.

The controller <NUM> controls the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on the brake operation information.

The controller <NUM> also controls the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on whether or not the object O is a living thing.

Referring to <FIG>, when it is determined that a braking operation A1251 is performed with a preset value or more of force and that the object O is a pedestrian OB1211, the controller <NUM> controls the laser diode <NUM> so that the amounts of light A1231 and A1232 output from the lamps 800a and 800b are reduced.

At this time, the controller <NUM> may set the amount of dimming of the laser diode <NUM> based on information regarding the distance to the pedestrian OB1211.

Referring to <FIG>, when it is determined that the braking operation A1251 is performed with a preset value or more of force and that the object O is an inanimate object OB1212, the controller <NUM> controls the laser diode <NUM> so that the amounts of light A1241 and A1242 output from the lamps 800a and 800b are maintained, rather than being reduced.

For example, when it is determined that the object O is the inanimate object OB1212, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as not to be dimmed even if a braking operation is performed with a preset value or more of force, and may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off when a full braking operation is performed.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> provided as described above may prevent, for example, the visual system of a living thing from sustaining serious damage due to a laser, but may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to secure first the driver's view when the object is not a living thing.

<FIG> are views referred to for describing the operation of the lamp for vehicle upon automatic emergency braking according to an embodiment which does not form part of the present invention.

The brake operation information may be produced in an autonomous emergency braking system and may be provided to the brake device <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may also control the light output of the laser diode <NUM> based on brake operation information A1351 of the autonomous emergency braking system.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> differently when the autonomous emergency braking system senses an object O and when the autonomous emergency braking system senses no object O.

For example, in the case <NUM> in which the autonomous emergency braking system senses an object O, since the vehicle <NUM> may be automatically braked even if the driver does not notice the object O, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off.

For example, when the autonomous emergency braking system senses no object O, the driver needs to notice the object O and directly brake the vehicle <NUM>. Therefore, when it is determined that a braking operation is performed with a preset value or more of force, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be dimmed.

For example, when it is determined that a braking operation is performed at a preset value or more of force, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be dimmed to a greater amount in the case A1351 in which the autonomous emergency braking system senses an object O than in the case where the autonomous emergency braking system senses no object O.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> configured as described above may more safely control the laser diode <NUM> when the autonomous emergency braking system secures safe braking.

<FIG>, <FIG> are views referred to for describing the operation of the lamp for vehicle when no collision is sensed after turn-off control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, when the vehicle <NUM> is driving on a road OB1410, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so that the lamps 800a and 800b emit light A1421 and A1422.

Referring to <FIG>, when it is determined that a full braking operation A1451 is performed, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off.

<FIG> illustrates the case in which the vehicle <NUM> stops without colliding with another vehicle OB1411.

Referring to <FIG>, when it is determined that the vehicle <NUM> receives no shock based on the shock information received from the sensing unit <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned on.

When the laser diode <NUM> is controlled so as to be turned on because the vehicle <NUM> receives no shock, the controller <NUM> may also control the laser diode <NUM> based on object information.

For example, when an object O is the pedestrian OB12, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned on and dimmed.

For example, when the distance to the object O is less than a preset value, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned on and dimmed.

For example, when the distance to the object O is less than a preset value, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be kept in the Off state.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> configured as described above may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to rapidly secure the driver's view when there is no risk of a laser being directly discharged outwards.

<FIG>, <FIG> are views referred to for describing the operation of the lamp for vehicle when a collision is sensed after turn-off control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The shock information may include shock position information regarding the position at which the vehicle <NUM> receives shocks.

Referring to <FIG>, when the vehicle <NUM> is driving on a road OB1510, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so that the lamps 800a and 800b emit light A1521 and A1522.

Referring to <FIG>, when it is determined that a full braking operation A1551 is performed, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off.

<FIG> illustrates the case in which a collision between the vehicle <NUM> and another vehicle OB1511 occurs, and illustrates a collision C between the left front side of the vehicle <NUM> and the rear side of the other vehicle OB1511.

Referring to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> based on the shock information received from the sensing unit <NUM> so that the left lamp for vehicle 800a, which is determined to be receiving shocks, is kept in the Off state and so that the right lamp for vehicle 800b, which is determined not to be receiving shocks, is turned on so as to emit light A1531.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> configured as described above may control the laser diode <NUM> so that the lamp <NUM>, which is not damaged even when the vehicle <NUM> receives shocks, is rapidly turned on so as to rapidly secure the driver's view.

<FIG> are views referred to for describing the operation of the lamp for vehicle depending on optical patterns according to an embodiment which does not form part of the present invention.

The controller <NUM> may receive lamp information from the sensing unit <NUM> via the interface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates patterns A1521 and A1522 of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM>, which is normal, to a road OB1610.

The controller <NUM> may receive, from the sensing unit <NUM>, information regarding patterns A1621 and A1622 of light emitted from the lamp for vehicles 800a and 800b to a road OB1611.

Referring to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so as to be turned off when it is determined that patterns A1631 and A1632 of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> are not the same as the patterns A1621 and A1622 of light based on a produced control signal.

The patterns A1631 and A1632 of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> are patterns of light emitted to an actual road OB1610 as information received from the sensing unit <NUM>.

The patterns A1621 and A1622 of light based on the produced control signal may be calculated by the controller <NUM> based on a control signal provided from the controller <NUM> to the laser diode <NUM> in order to control the light output.

The patterns A1621 and A1622 of light based on the produced control signal may be pre-stored information in the controller <NUM>.

For example, the patterns A1621 and A1622 of light based on the produced control signal may be pre-stored information regarding the patterns A1521 and A1522 of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM>, which is normal, to the road OB1610 in a memory.

For example, the controller <NUM> may compare the patterns A1631 and A1632 of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> with the patterns A1621 and A1622 of light based on the produced control signal, and may control the laser diode <NUM> of the left lamp for vehicle 800a so as to be turned off when it is determined that the difference therebetween exceeds a threshold value.

Meanwhile, although not illustrated, the controller <NUM> may compare the patterns A1631 and A1632 of light emitted from the lamp for vehicle <NUM> with the patterns A1621 and A1622 of light based on the produced control signal with respect to at least one of the amount of light, the color of light, or variation in the output of light in response to a control signal, and may control the laser diode <NUM> of the left lamp for vehicle 800a so as to be turned off when it is determined that the difference therebetween exceeds a threshold value.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> provided as described above may determine whether or not the lamp is faulty, and may turn off the laser diode <NUM> of the lamp when it is determined that the lamp is faulty, thereby reducing the risk of a laser being discharged outward from the lamp.

<FIG> is a view referred to for describing the control of multiple laser diodes in the lamp for vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The multiple laser diodes <NUM> may be respectively provided in multiple lamp for vehicles <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when a braking operation A1751 is performed with a preset value or more of force, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so that only the lamp for vehicle 800b, which emits light toward an object OB1711, among the multiple lamp for vehicles 800a and 800b is dimmed.

For example, when it is determined that the vehicle <NUM> receives shocks based on shock information received from the sensing unit <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so that only the lamp for vehicle <NUM>, which is at the position at which the vehicle <NUM> receives shocks, among multiple lamp for vehicles <NUM>, is turned off.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the laser diode <NUM> so that only the lamp for vehicle <NUM>, which is determined to be abnormal, among multiple lamp for vehicles <NUM> is turned off, based on lamp information received from the sensing unit <NUM>.

The lamp for vehicle <NUM> configured as described above may safely control the multiple laser diodes <NUM> so as to secure the driver's view effectively.

The invention described above may be realized as a computer-readable code in a medium in which programs are recorded. The computer-readable medium includes all types of recording device in which data, which may be read by a computer system, are stored. Examples of the computer-readable medium may include a hard disk drive (HDD), solid state disk (SSD), silicon disk drive (SDD), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disc, or optical data storage device. In addition, the computer-readable medium may be realized in a carrier wave (e.g., transmission via the Internet). In addition, the computer may include the controller <NUM> of the terminal. Thus, the above detailed description should not be construed as being limitative in all terms, but should be considered as being illustrative.

As is apparent from the above description, according to the embodiments of the present invention, one or more effects as follows may be provided.

First, by safely controlling a laser lamp before an accident occurs, it is possible to prevent damage to the visual system of a living thing including a human due to the leakage of direct laser light.

Second, by controlling the dimming of a laser diode and controlling the output of light depending on whether or not an object is a living thing, it is possible to safely control a laser lamp before an accident occurs and to secure the driver's view effectively.

Third, by controlling a lamp for vehicle so as to be turned off and then turned on when no accident occurs, it is possible to safely control the lamp for vehicle and to increase the convenience of a user.

Claim 1:
A lamp (<NUM>) for a vehicle (<NUM>) comprising:
at least one laser diode (<NUM>) configured to output light;
at least one controller (<NUM>) configured to:
receive a signal comprising brake operation information, and
based on the signal comprising brake operation information, generate a signal to control on/off or a light intensity of the at least one laser diode (<NUM>) wherein the at least one controller (<NUM>) is further configured to:
when a signal indicating that a braking operation is performed with a preset value of force or more is received, generate a signal to control the at least one laser diode (<NUM>) to reduce the light intensity, wherein the at least one controller (<NUM>) is further configured to:
receive a signal comprising object information, and
generate a signal to control on/off or the light intensity of the at least one laser diode (<NUM>) based on the signal comprising object information,
characterized in, that
the object information includes information on whether an object is a living object, and
wherein the at least one controller (<NUM>) is further configured to:
based on the signal comprising information whether an object is a living object, generate a signal to control on/off or the light intensity of the at least one laser diode (<NUM>), wherein
when the object is a living thing, the controller (<NUM>) controls the laser diode (<NUM>) so as to be dimmed in response to a braking operation performed with a preset value or more of force, and wherein
when the object is not a living thing, the controller (<NUM>) keeps the laser diode (<NUM>) in an ON-state, rather than being dimmed, even if a braking operation is performed with a preset value or more of force.