KR-20260063606-A - APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE INTERIOR LIGHTING OF A VEHICLE BASED ON GEAR SHIFTING AND PARKING DISTANCE

KR20260063606AKR 20260063606 AKR20260063606 AKR 20260063606AKR-20260063606-A

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a device for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance is provided, comprising a shift detection unit that detects the operation of changing the vehicle's gear stage, an obstacle detection unit that detects the distance to an obstacle around the vehicle, and a control unit that determines an interior lighting pattern according to the position of the gear stage and illuminates the interior lighting pattern with a color determined based on the distance to the obstacle, thereby assisting the driver in clearly perceiving the distance to the obstacle by visualizing and conveying the distance to the obstacle during the parking process.

Inventors

최민규

Assignees

주식회사 서연이화

Dates

Publication Date: 20260507
Application Date: 20241030

Claims (20)

A transmission detection unit that detects the operation of changing the gear ratio of a vehicle; An obstacle detection unit that detects the distance to obstacles around the vehicle; and A control unit that determines an indoor lighting pattern according to the position of the above gear stage and illuminates the indoor lighting pattern with a color determined based on the distance from the obstacle; A device for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance, including
In paragraph 1, the indoor lighting pattern is, As a pattern using at least one wedge included in a pair of wedge shapes, A device for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance, characterized in that the above pair of wedge shapes includes two symmetrical V-shaped wedges with pointed ends pointing inward.
In paragraph 2, the control unit is, A device for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the gear shift and parking distance of the vehicle, characterized by determining a right wedge-shaped first interior lighting pattern when the gear position is R (Reverse), a left wedge-shaped second interior lighting pattern when the gear position is D (Drive), and a pair of wedge-shaped third interior lighting patterns when the gear position is P (Park).
In paragraph 2, the indoor lighting pattern is, A device for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance, characterized in that the two wedges are structurally separated by a cover having a light leakage prevention wall.
In paragraph 2, the pair of wedge shapes mentioned above are, A device for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance, characterized by a front surface of a cover formed by double injection molding of a case made of PC (Polycarbonate) material and a light-leakage prevention wall made of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), painted, and then formed on the cover through laser cutting.
In paragraph 1, An indoor lighting unit comprising a plurality of the above indoor lighting patterns; Includes, The above control unit is, A device for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance, characterized by controlling the plurality of interior lighting patterns to flash as the distance to the obstacle decreases.
In paragraph 1, the indoor lighting pattern is, A device for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance, characterized by being located around the side mirror of the vehicle.
In the first paragraph above, the control unit is, A device for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance, characterized by detecting the distance to an obstacle located in front of the vehicle in response to a user input requesting the execution of an obstacle warning function when the gear position is D.
In paragraph 1, the control unit is, A device for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance, characterized by controlling the color of the interior lighting pattern to change in response to a change in the distance from the obstacle.
In paragraph 1, the control unit is, A device for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance, characterized by illuminating an interior lighting pattern in green when the distance to the obstacle corresponds to a first distance range, yellow when it corresponds to a second distance range, and red when it corresponds to a third distance range.
In Paragraph 10, A device for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the gear shifting and parking distance of the vehicle, characterized in that the first distance is 60 to 120 cm, the second distance is 30 to 60 cm, and the third distance is 30 cm or less.
In paragraph 1, the obstacle detection unit is, A front parking assist sensor that detects the distance to an obstacle located in front of the vehicle; and A rear parking assist sensor that detects the distance to an obstacle located at the rear of the vehicle; A device for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance, characterized by including
A transmission detection step for detecting a change in the vehicle's gear ratio; An obstacle detection step for detecting the distance to an obstacle around the vehicle; and A lighting pattern control step for determining an indoor lighting pattern according to the position of the above gear stage and illuminating the indoor lighting pattern with a color determined based on the distance from the obstacle; A method for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance, including
In Clause 13, the above indoor lighting pattern is, As a pattern using at least one wedge included in a pair of wedge shapes, A method for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance, characterized in that the above pair of wedge shapes includes two symmetrical V-shaped wedges with pointed ends facing inward.
In Clause 14, the lighting pattern control step is, A method for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the gear shift and parking distance of the vehicle, characterized by determining a first interior lighting pattern in the shape of a right wedge when the gear position is R (Reverse), a second interior lighting pattern in the shape of a left wedge when the gear position is D (Drive), and a pair of third interior lighting patterns in the shape of a wedge when the gear position is P (Park).
In Clause 14, the above indoor lighting pattern is, A method for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the gear shift and parking distance of the vehicle, characterized in that the two wedges are structurally separated by a cover having a light leakage prevention wall.
In paragraph 14, the above-mentioned pair of wedge shapes is, A method for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance, characterized by double-injecting a case made of PC (Polycarbonate) material and a light-leakage prevention wall made of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) to form a front surface of a cover, and then painting the front surface of the cover and forming a laser cutting on the cover.
In Clause 13, the lighting pattern control step is, A method for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance, characterized by controlling a plurality of interior lighting patterns included in the interior lighting unit to flash as the distance to the obstacle decreases.
In Clause 13, the above indoor lighting pattern is, A method for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the gear shift and parking distance of the vehicle, characterized by being located around the side mirror of the vehicle.
In Clause 13, the lighting pattern control step is, A method for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the gear shift and parking distance of the vehicle, characterized by detecting the distance to an obstacle located in front of the vehicle in response to a user input requesting the execution of an obstacle warning function when the position of the gear is D.

Description

Apparatus and method for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on gear shifting and parking distance The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the vehicle's gear shift and parking distance, and more specifically, to an apparatus and method capable of delivering a visual warning notification to the driver by determining the shape of the lighting corresponding to the vehicle's gear shift and determining the color of the lighting corresponding to the parking distance. Various parking assistance systems are being introduced in modern vehicles to enhance driver convenience and safety during the parking process. Among these systems, the method of notifying the driver of the distance to a parking space via sound using parking sensors is very common. However, sound-based notification methods have several significant drawbacks. First, audible alerts can be easily drowned out by ambient noise. In noisy environments, such as urban centers or crowded public parking lots, audible alerts may not be clearly audible, making it difficult for drivers to recognize accurate parking information. This situation increases the risk of collision with other vehicles or surrounding objects while parked. Second, sound alerts can have a negative psychological impact on drivers. The frequency or intensity of the sound can cause discomfort or induce anxiety. In particular, if warning sounds are repeated continuously, drivers may feel pressured, leading them to rush the parking process or fail to make accurate judgments. Third, since sound alone cannot provide visual information about the parking space, drivers face the burden of constantly having to carefully observe their surroundings to clearly recognize the space. This can distract the driver's attention and reduce parking accuracy, particularly at night or in situations with limited visibility. Meanwhile, vehicle interior lighting is emerging as an important factor that helps drivers perceive their driving environment more clearly. Generally, vehicle interior lighting is not limited to merely providing visual comfort but is also utilized as a means of conveying warnings and information. Conventional vehicle interior lighting systems are primarily limited to basic brightness adjustments or simple color changes. However, these systems fail to adequately reflect the vehicle's dynamic changes, limiting their ability to provide users with immediate and intuitive information. In particular, they cannot intuitively convey distance perception during parking or gear shifting situations, which may lead to a lack of alertness or distraction of attention for the driver. Conventional technology refers to technical information that the inventor possessed for the derivation of the present invention or acquired during the process of deriving the present invention, and it cannot necessarily be considered publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the technical features of controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the gear shifting and parking distance of the vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a device for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the gear shifting and parking distance of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary indoor lighting pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of an indoor lighting unit including a light leakage prevention wall according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the manufacturing process and installation example of an indoor lighting unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the interior lighting of a vehicle based on the gear shifting and parking distance of the vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the attached drawings may be illustrated with exaggerated expressions to distinguish it from the prior art, ensure clarity, and facilitate the understanding of the technology. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present invention; since these terms may vary depending on the intentions or conventions of the user or operator, their definitions should be based on the technical content throughout this specification. Meanwhile, the embodiments are merely exemplary details of the components presented in the claims of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the rights of the present invention; the scope of rights should be interpreted based on the technical concept throughout the specification of the present invention.