Vehicle control device and operation method thereof, vehicle and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a technology for effectively interpreting the interior space of a vehicle using light. The present invention relates to a vehicle control device comprising: a first light source portion, disposed on a vehicle and extending in the vehicle width direction, in a strip-shaped manner; a second light source portion, extending along the inner lining of a vehicle door in a manner continuous with the first light source portion; and a control unit that controls the light emission of the first and second light sources according to the vehicle's condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device, a vehicle, an operating method of the vehicle control device, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for causing a strip-shaped light source provided near a start switch to emit light in response to the pressing of a start switch.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-81491 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is limited to light emission based on the operation of a start switch, which makes it difficult to effectively create a vehicle interior space using light according to various vehicle conditions.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology for effectively expressing the interior space of a vehicle using light.

[0009] Means used to solve problems

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle control device, characterized in that:

[0011] The vehicle control device comprises:

[0012] A first light source portion in a strip shape provided on the vehicle and extending in the vehicle width direction;

[0013] a strip-shaped second light source portion extending along the inner lining of the vehicle door in a manner continuous with the first light source portion; and

[0014] A control unit controls light emission of the first light source unit and the second light source unit according to a condition of the vehicle.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a vehicle control device, the method comprising a first light source portion in the form of a strip provided on a vehicle and extending in the vehicle width direction, and a second light source portion in the form of a strip extending along the inner lining of a vehicle door in a manner continuous with the first light source portion, wherein:

[0016] The operating method of the vehicle control device includes a control step of controlling light emission of the first light source unit and the second light source unit according to a condition of the vehicle.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, the interior space of a vehicle can be effectively rendered using light. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle control device according to the embodiment.

[0020] 2( a ) and 2 ( b ) are diagrams for explaining an example of movement of the light emitting position according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3(a) to Figure 3(c) It is an explanatory diagram of an example of movement of the light-emitting position in the display unit according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process performed by the vehicle control device according to the first embodiment when boarding a vehicle.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process when getting off the vehicle, which is performed by the vehicle control device according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram of light emission control of the light source unit according to the detection of an object according to the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing performed by the vehicle control device according to the second embodiment.

[0026] FIG8(a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of movement of the light emitting position when the driver gets on the vehicle according to the third embodiment, and FIG8(b) is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of movement of the light emitting position when the driver gets off the vehicle according to the third embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9 A flowchart showing the procedure of processing performed by the vehicle control device according to the third embodiment.

[0028] Description of Reference Numerals

[0029] 10: Vehicle; 100: Vehicle control device; 101: Control unit; 102: Storage unit; 103: Display unit; 104: Operation input unit; 200: Light source unit; 201: First light source unit; 202: Second light source unit; 203: Third light source unit; 300: Detection unit; 301: Opening and closing detection unit; 302: Occupant detection unit; 303: Object detection unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the inventions described in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Any combination of two or more of the multiple features described in the embodiments may be used. Identical or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0031] (First embodiment)

[0032] In this embodiment, an example of controlling a light source unit is described in which the following interpretation is performed: the flow of light is interpreted by continuously moving the light emitting position from both sides in the vehicle width direction in conjunction with the vehicle, and an agent that provides information to the vehicle occupants appears starting from the point where the light collides.

[0033] <Configuration of Vehicle Control Device>

[0034] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment. Figure 1 In FIG, the vehicle 10 includes a vehicle control device 100 , a light source unit 200 , and a detection unit 300 .

[0035] The vehicle control device 100 controls light emission of the light source unit 200 based on various conditions of the vehicle 10 detected by the detection unit.

[0036] The vehicle control device 100 includes a control unit 101 , a storage unit 102 , a display unit 103 , and an operation input unit 104 .

[0037] The control unit 101 controls the manner in which at least one of the first light source unit 201, the second light source unit 202, and the third light source unit 203 emits light based on the condition of the vehicle 10 detected by the detection unit 300. The condition of the vehicle 10 includes, for example, the open / close state of the doors, the amount of opening / closing, the presence or absence of passengers, the number of passengers, and the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 10 (e.g., detection of pedestrians). The control unit 101 simulates the flow of light by continuously moving the light-emitting position of the light source unit 200. The control unit 101 controls the direction and speed of movement of the light-emitting position, as well as the period of repetition of the series of light-emitting position movements.

[0038] The control unit 101 is, for example, a CPU, and implements the various functions of the vehicle control device 100 by controlling the operation of the vehicle control device 100 using computer programs and data stored in the storage unit 102. Furthermore, the vehicle control device 100 may include one or more dedicated hardware components other than the CPU, with the dedicated hardware executing at least a portion of the CPU's processing. Examples of dedicated hardware include ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0039] The storage unit 102 is a ROM, RAM, and / or a hard disk drive. The ROM stores programs that do not need to be changed, etc. The RAM temporarily stores programs and data provided from the hard disk drive. The hard disk drive stores various data.

[0040] The display unit 103 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays various information on a screen. The operation input unit 104 is various physical buttons, or touch panel buttons if the display unit 103 has a touch panel function, and receives operation input from the user.

[0041] The light source unit 200 includes a first light source unit 201, a second light source unit 202, and a third light source unit 203. As shown in Fig. 2 , each light source unit is configured such that a plurality of light emitting units are arranged in an elongated strip shape.

[0042] The first light source unit 201 is a strip-shaped light source unit provided in the vehicle 10 and extending in the vehicle width direction. The second light source unit 202 is a strip-shaped light source unit extending along the inner lining of a vehicle door (e.g., the driver's door) in a manner continuous with the first light source unit 201. The third light source unit 203 is a strip-shaped light source unit extending along the inner lining of a second vehicle door (e.g., the passenger door) on the side opposite to the vehicle door (e.g., the driver's door) in a manner continuous with the first light source unit 201.

[0043] The detection unit 300 includes an opening / closing detection unit 301, an occupant detection unit 302, and an object detection unit 303. The opening / closing detection unit 301 is a sensor installed on the hinge of each door (not shown) that detects the open / closed state of the door and the degree of door opening (indicating the degree of door opening). The occupant detection unit 302 is a camera that captures and detects occupants seated in the driver's seat, passenger seat, rear seats, etc. of the vehicle 10. Alternatively, a sensor that detects seat occupancy by detecting the weight of the seat may be used.

[0044] The object detection unit 303 detects objects (such as pedestrians) that exist around the vehicle 10. The object detection unit 303 includes a camera that captures the front of the vehicle 10. In the case of this embodiment, it is installed on the inside of the front window at the front of the roof of the vehicle 10. By analyzing the image captured by the camera, the outline of the target (object) and the lane dividing lines on the road (white lines, etc.) can be extracted. In addition, the object detection unit 303 is Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR: optical radar), which detects targets around the vehicle 10 or measures the distance to the target. In the case of this embodiment, five optical radars are provided, one at each corner of the front of the vehicle 10, one at the center of the rear, and one at each side of the rear. In addition, the object detection unit 303 includes a millimeter wave radar that detects targets around the vehicle 10 or measures the distance to the target. In the present embodiment, five millimeter-wave radars are provided: one at the front center of the vehicle 10 , one at each front corner, and one at each rear corner.

[0045] By having multiple devices for detecting the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 10, the reliability of the detection results can be improved. In addition, by having different types of detection units such as cameras, optical radars, and radars, the surrounding environment of the vehicle 10 can be analyzed in many aspects.

[0046] <Light Source Control Example>

[0047] Next, referring to FIG. 2(a), FIG. 2(b) and Figure 3(a) to Figure 3(c) An example of control of the light source unit by the vehicle control device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG2(a) and FIG2(b) are diagrams illustrating an example of movement of the light emission position in the light source unit according to the present embodiment. Figure 3(a) to Figure 3(c) This diagram illustrates an example of the movement of the light emitting position within display unit 103 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the light emitting position is continuously moved from both sides in the vehicle width direction in conjunction with the vehicle, thereby creating a light flow. Starting from the point where the light collides, an intelligent agent that provides information to the vehicle's occupants appears.

[0048] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), in response to the detection of the passenger boarding the vehicle by the detection unit 300, the control unit 101 causes the strip-shaped second light source unit 202 to emit light in sequence along the direction of the arrow (the direction in which the first light source unit 201 is located). Moreover, at the same time, the control unit 101 causes the strip-shaped third light source unit 203 to emit light in sequence along the direction of the arrow (the direction in which the first light source unit 201 is located). In addition, as a light-emitting method, the light-emitting position of monochromatic light can be continuously moved, and the light-emitting position of monochromatic gradient light can be continuously moved. In addition, boarding the vehicle can be detected when the door is detected to be closed by the opening and closing detection unit 301 and the passenger detection unit 302 detects the passenger in the driver's seat of the vehicle 10.

[0049] Then, the light that continuously moves from the second light source unit 202 to the first light source unit 201, and the light that continuously moves from the third light source unit 203 to the first light source unit 201 respectively reach the side of the display unit 103. After arriving, as shown in Figure 3(a), the light-emitting position is changed in a flowing manner through the display of the display unit 103. In addition, it can change in a curved manner as shown in Figure 3(a) or in a straight line as shown in Figure 3(b). Then, the two lights that move from the left and right to near the center inside the display unit 103 collide, and an interpretation such as the intelligent agent 320 that provides various information to the occupants of the vehicle is generated and appears at the collision position (the example shown is position 310) (for example, the collision point gradually increases and expands into a circular interpretation). The intelligent agent 320 can, for example, detect the passenger's speech content and perform retrieval processing, and prompt the retrieval results through voice and / or display on the display unit 103.

[0050] In this way, it is possible to perform an interpretation in which the light-emitting action of the light source unit is linked with the appearance action of the intelligent body, thereby providing a sense of hospitality to the passengers.

[0051] In addition, the appearance position (display position) of the intelligent agent 320 is not limited to the position shown in the figure. For example, when an occupant is detected in both the driver's seat and the passenger seat, the intelligent agent 320 can be displayed near the center in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 10 (for example, near the center of the display on the passenger seat side of the two displays constituting the display unit 103). In addition, when an occupant is detected only in the driver's seat, the intelligent agent 320 can be displayed near the driver's seat in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 10 (for example, near the center of the display on the driver's seat side of the two displays constituting the display unit 103). In this way, the intelligent agent can be displayed at the optimal position near the occupant who needs the intelligent agent, making it easier to communicate with the intelligent agent.

[0052] On the other hand, when it is detected that the ignition switch is off, the control unit 101 eliminates the intelligent body 320 and performs the opposite operation to that when riding in the vehicle. That is, starting from the vanishing point of the intelligent body 320, the light-emitting position of each light is moved from the display unit 103 to the left and right in the vehicle width direction, and the light-emitting position is continuously moved from each side of the display unit 103 to the first light source unit 201, and further the light-emitting position is continuously moved to the second light source unit 302 and the third light source unit 203 respectively. Then, control is performed in such a way as to illuminate the area near the door handle. Moreover, when it is detected that the door is opened in order to get off the vehicle, the following control is performed: the lighting embedded in the lower part of the door (not shown) is controlled to illuminate the area near the ground below the door.

[0053] <Handling During Ride>

[0054] Next, refer to Figure 4 The flowchart of FIG. 1 illustrates the steps of the processing performed by the vehicle control device involved in this embodiment when boarding the vehicle (immediately after boarding the vehicle).

[0055] In S401, the control unit 101 determines whether a passenger's boarding is detected based on the detection result of the detection unit 300. If boarding is detected, the process proceeds to S402. On the other hand, if boarding is not detected, the process remains on standby.

[0056] In S402, the control unit 101 controls the light emission of the light source unit 200. The details of the control are as described with reference to FIG2 , and the light emission position is continuously changed to perform a flow-like effect on the light.

[0057] In S403, the control unit 101 causes the display unit 103, which is continuous with the light source unit 200, to continuously emit light from both sides. Based on the collision of the light flowing from both sides at a predetermined position of the display unit 103, the intelligent body 320 is generated and displayed on the display unit 103. Figure 4 A series of processing is completed.

[0058] <What to do when getting off the bus>

[0059] Further, refer to Figure 5 The flowchart of FIG. 1 will now be used to describe the steps of the processing performed by the vehicle control device according to this embodiment when the user gets off the vehicle (immediately before getting off the vehicle).

[0060] In S501, the control unit 101 determines whether it has been detected that the vehicle 10 is parked and the ignition switch is off. If the ignition switch is off, the process proceeds to S502. On the other hand, if the ignition switch is not off, the process proceeds to standby.

[0061] In S502, the control unit 101 erases the agent 320 currently displayed on the display unit 103. For example, the display of the agent 320 is terminated by rendering a circle gradually smaller toward the center of the agent 320 and disappearing.

[0062] In S503, the control unit 101 controls the light emission of the light source unit 200. Specifically, the light emission position is continuously moved in steps opposite to the light emission when riding in a vehicle. First, the light emission position is continuously moved from the vanishing point of the intelligent body 320 to the left and right in the vehicle width direction, and the light emission position is continuously moved from both sides of the display unit 103 along the first light source unit 201 toward the vehicle door. Furthermore, the light emission position is continuously moved from the first light source unit 201 to the second light source unit 202 on the driver's seat side, and the light emission position is continuously moved from the first light source unit 201 to the third light source unit 203 on the passenger seat side.

[0063] In S504 , the control unit 101 controls the second light source unit 202 and the third light source unit 203 so that the second light source unit 202 illuminates the vicinity of the driver's door handle and the third light source unit 203 illuminates the vicinity of the passenger's door handle.

[0064] In S505, the control unit 101 determines whether the door is open based on the detection result of the detection unit 300. If the door is detected to be open, the process proceeds to S506. On the other hand, if the door is not detected to be open, the process proceeds to standby.

[0065] In S506, the control unit 101 controls the lighting (not shown) embedded below the vehicle door to illuminate the ground below the door. If the driver's door is detected to be open, the ground below the driver's door is illuminated. If the passenger door is detected to be open, the ground below the passenger door is illuminated. If both doors are open, the lighting is controlled to illuminate the area below each door. This completes the series of processes.

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, by continuously controlling the light-emitting position of the strip-shaped light source portion provided on the vehicle when boarding the vehicle (just after boarding the vehicle) and when getting off the vehicle (just before getting off the vehicle), light can be used to effectively interpret the space inside the vehicle, thereby creating a sense of hospitality.

[0067] In addition, in this embodiment, an example in which the first light source unit 201 and the display unit 103 are configured to be continuous in the vehicle width direction is described, but it is not limited to this example. For example, the first light source unit 201 can also be configured to be continuous in the vehicle width direction, and the first light source unit 201 can be configured above or below the display unit 103. That is, the first light source unit 201 can be configured independently of the display unit 103 and along the vehicle width direction from the end on the driver's seat side to the end on the co-driver's seat side. Moreover, it can be configured so that the intelligent body 320 is displayed at a specified position of the display unit 103 due to the collision of light flowing from the left and right at a certain position of the first light source unit 201. In addition, the first light source unit 201 and the display unit 103 can also be understood as one light source unit for configuration. Alternatively, the light emission of one of the three light source units can also be controlled.

[0068] (Second embodiment)

[0069] In the first embodiment, an example of controlling the light source unit's lighting during boarding and exiting the vehicle was described. In contrast, this embodiment describes an example of controlling the light source unit's lighting when an object (e.g., a pedestrian) is detected around the vehicle 10. The device configuration is the same as in the first embodiment, so its description will be omitted.

[0070] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram of an example of control of the light source unit involved in this embodiment. The control unit 101 controls the light emission of the light source unit 200 based on the detection result of the object detection unit 303. For example, when an object (such as a pedestrian 601) is detected around the vehicle 10 by the object detection unit 303, the light source unit 200 at the position (position 602 in the example shown in the figure) where the connecting line connecting the driver's seat and the pedestrian 601 intersects with the light source unit 200 (the first light source unit 201 in the example shown in the figure) is illuminated. As a result, the driver can easily recognize that there is an object (pedestrian 601) in the direction of the light-emitting position, and can therefore pay attention to it. In the case where the intersection position is within the display unit 103, the corresponding position within the display unit 103 can be illuminated. In addition, the light-emitting method can be either lighting or flashing.

[0071] Furthermore, the object detection unit 303 can measure the distance between the object and the vehicle 10 and change the lighting pattern based on the distance. For example, when the distance is below a threshold, red light is used to draw attention, while when the distance is greater than the threshold, green light is used to draw attention. This allows the distance to the object (pedestrian 601) to be understood simply by observing the color. Furthermore, the types of lighting colors are not limited to these two; other colors can be used, and three or more colors can be used based on the distance, thereby using color to more accurately represent the distance to the object.

[0072] Furthermore, the flashing interval can be changed based on distance while maintaining the same luminous color. For example, the flashing interval can be set to a first interval when the distance is above a threshold, and a second interval shorter than the first interval when the distance is below the threshold. By shortening the flashing interval when the distance to an object is close, it is easier to determine how close the object is.

[0073] <Processing>

[0074] Next, refer to Figure 7 The flowchart of FIG. 1 will be used to describe the steps of the processing performed by the vehicle control device involved in this embodiment.

[0075] In S701, the control unit 101 determines whether an object is detected around the vehicle 10 based on the detection result of the object detection unit 303. If an object is detected, the process proceeds to S702. On the other hand, if no object is detected, the process remains on standby.

[0076] In S702, the control unit 101 determines the light emission position of the light source unit 200 based on the position of the detected object. For example, the light emission position is determined to be the position where the line connecting the detected object and the driver's seat of the vehicle 10 intersects the light source unit 200 (or the display unit 103).

[0077] In S703, the control unit 101 determines whether the distance between the detected object and the vehicle 10 is greater than or equal to a threshold based on the detection result of the object detection unit 303. If the distance is greater than or equal to the threshold, the process proceeds to S704. On the other hand, if the distance is less than the threshold, the process proceeds to S705.

[0078] In S704, the control unit 101 controls the light source unit 200 at the position determined in S702 to emit light in the first light color (for example, green). In S705, the control unit 101 controls the light source unit 200 at the position determined in S702 to emit light in the second light color (for example, red). Figure 7 The processing is completed.

[0079] As described above, in this embodiment, when an object (e.g., a pedestrian) is detected around the vehicle, the light source unit located in the direction of the object is illuminated, thereby making it easy to identify the direction of the object. In particular, even in conditions of poor visibility such as at night or in thick fog, the presence of pedestrians can be detected early, thereby improving driving safety.

[0080] Furthermore, the light source illuminates in different ways depending on the distance between the vehicle and surrounding objects (e.g., pedestrians), making it easy to intuitively identify whether a vehicle is approaching a pedestrian or is at a certain distance. This makes it easier to predict pedestrian movements or avoid them.

[0081] In addition, while this embodiment describes an example in which the first light source unit 201 and the display unit 103 are arranged continuously in the vehicle width direction, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the first light source unit 201 may be arranged continuously in the vehicle width direction and positioned above or below the display unit 103. In other words, the first light source unit 201 may be arranged independently of the display unit 103, extending from the end on the driver's seat side to the end on the passenger seat side along the vehicle width direction.

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, an example using multiple luminous colors is described, but in S704 and S705, a single luminous color may be used to control the flashing of the light source unit 200 at different time intervals. For example, in S704, the control unit 101 may flash the light source unit 200 at a first time interval, and in S705, the control unit 101 may flash the light source unit 200 at a second time interval that is shorter than the first time interval.

[0083] In addition, in this embodiment, an example is described in which the light source unit 200 emits light in a green luminous color when the distance between the object and the vehicle 10 is above a threshold value, and in a red luminous color when the distance is less than the threshold value. Furthermore, when the distance is less than the threshold value, the color may gradually change from green to red. Alternatively, the area of ​​the light source unit 200 emitting light in red may be larger as the distance is less than the threshold value and the shorter the distance is. Thus, it is easier to intuitively grasp the approach of an object (e.g., a pedestrian).

[0084] (Third embodiment)

[0085] In the third embodiment, the light emission control of the light source unit when the door is closed and when the door is opened will be described. The device configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] FIG8(a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the light emission control of the light source unit 200 when the driver's door is closed. When the driver's door is closed, the control unit 101 controls the light emission position to continuously change from the second light source unit 202 arranged on the driver's seat side, through the first light source unit 201, to the third light source unit 203 arranged on the passenger seat side.

[0087] That is, the light-emitting position of the second light source unit 202 is moved from the open end side of the driver's door to the hinge side, and the light-emitting position is continuously moved from the second light source unit 202 to the first light source unit 201. Then, the light-emitting position of the first light source unit 201 is continuously moved from the hinge side of the driver's door to the hinge side of the passenger door, and the light-emitting position is continuously moved from the first light source unit 201 to the third light source unit 203. Next, the light-emitting position of the third light source unit 203 is continuously moved from the hinge side of the passenger door to the open end side. Once the end of the third light source unit 203 is reached, the same action can be repeated by returning to the end of the second light source unit 202.

[0088] This creates a repetitive flow of light in the direction of the arrows, encouraging passengers to look inward while boarding. It also creates a sense of hospitality while boarding, allowing passengers to intuitively understand that the doors are about to close.

[0089] Alternatively, it is possible to control only the light emission of the second light source unit 202 so that the light emission position within the second light source unit 202 continuously changes. Specifically, the light emission position of the light source unit can be continuously shifted from the open end of the door toward the hinged portion of the door, targeting only the driver's door. Alternatively, the light emission position of the light source unit can be continuously shifted between the first light source unit 201 and the second light source unit 202.

[0090] FIG8( b ) is an explanatory diagram of the light emission control of the light source unit 200 when the driver's door is open. When the driver's door is opened (when exiting the vehicle), the control unit 101 controls the light emission position to continuously change from the third light source unit 203 arranged on the passenger seat side, through the first light source unit 201, to the second light source unit 202 arranged on the driver's seat side.

[0091] That is, the light-emitting position of the third light source unit 203 is moved from the open end side of the passenger seat door to the hinge side, and the light-emitting position is continuously moved from the third light source unit 203 to the first light source unit 201. Then, the light-emitting position of the first light source unit 201 is continuously moved from the hinge side of the passenger seat door to the hinge side of the driver's seat door, and the light-emitting position is continuously moved from the first light source unit 201 to the second light source unit 202. Next, the light-emitting position of the second light source unit 202 is continuously moved from the hinge side of the driver's seat door to the open end side. In this way, the light-emitting position is controlled to continuously change in the direction opposite to that when riding in the vehicle. If the end of the second light source unit 202 is reached, it is possible to return to the end of the third light source unit 203 again and repeat the same action.

[0092] This creates a repetitive flow of light in the direction of the arrows, prompting the driver to look outward when exiting the vehicle. It also creates a sense of hospitality when exiting the vehicle, and allows the driver to intuitively understand that the door will open shortly.

[0093] Alternatively, it is possible to control only the light emission of the second light source unit 202 so that the light emission position within the second light source unit 202 continuously changes. Specifically, the light emission position of the light source unit can be continuously shifted from the hinged portion of the door toward the open end of the door, targeting only the driver's door. Alternatively, the light emission position of the light source unit can be continuously shifted between the first light source unit 201 and the second light source unit 202.

[0094] Furthermore, the light-emitting position may be continuously moved through the light-emitting display of the display portion 103 as in the first embodiment, but the light-emitting display of the display portion 103 may not be performed.

[0095] In addition, the control unit 101 can change the moving speed of the light-emitting position or the cycle of a series of movements based on the door opening detected by the opening and closing detection unit 301, both when the door is open and when it is closed. For example, when the door is fully open, the moving speed of the light-emitting position is slowest, or the cycle of a series of movements is longest. Moreover, just before the door is about to close, because there is a possibility of pinching the hand, the moving speed of the light-emitting position is fastest, or the cycle of a series of movements is shortest. That is, the light emission of the light source unit 200 is controlled in such a way that the moving speed of the light-emitting position increases and / or the cycle of a series of movements shortens as the door opening decreases.

[0096] <Processing>

[0097] Next, refer to Figure 9 The flowchart of FIG. 1 will be used to describe the steps of the processing performed by the vehicle control device involved in this embodiment.

[0098] In S901, the control unit 101 determines whether the door is open or closed based on the detection result of the opening and closing detection unit 301. If the door is open (open), the process proceeds to S902. On the other hand, if the door is closed (closed), the process proceeds to S903.

[0099] In S902, the control unit 101 performs the first light emission control during riding, for example, the light emission control of the light source unit 200 described with reference to FIG8(b) .

[0100] In S903, the control unit 101 performs the second light emission control when riding. For example, the light emission control of the light source unit 200 described with reference to FIG8(a) is performed. Figure 9 The processing is completed.

[0101] While S901 illustrates an example of branching the process based on whether the door is open or closed, the process can also be branched based on whether the next step is to board or exit the vehicle. For example, based on the detection results of the opening / closing detection unit 301 and the detection results of the occupant detection unit 302, the control unit 101 can determine that the next step is to exit the vehicle if the door of a seat with a passenger is open, and determine that the next step is to board the vehicle if the door of a seat without a passenger is open. Furthermore, if the next step is to board the vehicle, the process proceeds to S903 and performs light control as shown in FIG8(a). If the next step is to exit the vehicle, the process proceeds to S902 and performs light control as shown in FIG8(b).

[0102] As described above, in this embodiment, when the vehicle door is closed (or before boarding), the light source unit's emitting position is controlled to shift so that light enters the vehicle from outside. Furthermore, when the vehicle door is opened (or before boarding), the light source unit's emitting position is controlled to shift so that light goes from inside the vehicle to outside. This provides a sense of hospitality both when boarding and when boarding.

[0103] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the light emission of the first light source unit 201, the second light source unit 202, and the third light source unit 203 is controlled, but it is not necessary to control the light emission of all light source units. For example, the light emission control of each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be performed by controlling the light emission of the first light source unit 201 and the second light source unit 202. Similarly, the light emission control of each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be performed by controlling the light emission of the first light source unit 201 and the third light source unit 203. In addition, the control content described using the driver's side door as an example can also be applied to the passenger side door.

[0104] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0105] In addition, a program that implements one or more functions described in each embodiment can be supplied to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and read and executed by one or more processors in a computer of the system or device.

[0106] <Summary of Implementation Methods>

[0107] 1. The vehicle control device (e.g., 100) of the above embodiment includes:

[0108] A first light source (e.g., 201) provided on the vehicle (e.g., 10) and extending in the vehicle width direction;

[0109] a strip-shaped second light source portion (eg, 202 ) extending along the inner lining of the vehicle door in a manner continuous with the first light source portion; and

[0110] A control unit (eg, 101 ) controls the light emission of the first light source unit and the second light source unit according to the condition of the vehicle.

[0111] According to this embodiment, the interior space of a vehicle can be effectively rendered using light.

[0112] 2. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0113] The vehicle control device further includes an opening / closing detection unit (eg, 301) for detecting the opening / closing state of the vehicle door.

[0114] The control unit controls light emission of the first light source unit and the second light source unit according to an open / closed state of the vehicle door.

[0115] According to this embodiment, since the light emission is controlled according to the open / closed state of the doors as the vehicle condition, it is possible to perform a rendering of the vehicle interior space in conjunction with the opening / closing of the doors.

[0116] 3. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0117] The control unit controls the moving direction of the light emitting position.

[0118] According to this embodiment, by controlling the movement direction of the light emitting position according to the open / close state of the door, the flow of light can be expressed, and thus the interior space of the vehicle can be effectively portrayed using light.

[0119] 4. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0120] When the opening and closing detection unit detects that the door is opened from a closed state, the control unit moves the light emitting position of the second light source unit from a hinge side of the door to an open end side of the door.

[0121] According to this embodiment, since the movement of the light-emitting position is intuitively integrated with the movement of the door opening, the opening of the door can be interpreted using light.

[0122] 5. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0123] The control unit moves the light-emitting position in the first light source unit from the hinge side of the second door on the side opposite to the door to the hinge side of the door, and continuously moves the light-emitting position from the first light source unit to the second light source unit, and further moves the light-emitting position in the second light source unit from the hinge side of the door to the open end side of the door.

[0124] According to this embodiment, since the movement of the light-emitting position is intuitively integrated with the movement of the door opening, the opening of the door can be interpreted using light.

[0125] 6. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0126] When the opening and closing detection unit detects that the door is closed from an open state, the control unit moves the light emitting position of the second light source unit from the open end side of the door to the hinge side of the door.

[0127] According to this embodiment, since the movement of the light-emitting position is intuitively integrated with the action of closing the door, the closing of the door can be interpreted using light.

[0128] 7. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0129] The control unit moves the light-emitting position in the second light source unit from the open end side of the vehicle door to the hinge side of the vehicle door, and continuously moves the light-emitting position from the second light source unit to the first light source unit, and further moves the light-emitting position in the first light source unit from the hinge side of the vehicle door to the hinge side of the second vehicle door on the opposite side of the vehicle door.

[0130] According to this embodiment, since the movement of the light-emitting position is intuitively integrated with the action of closing the door, the closing of the door can be interpreted using light.

[0131] 8. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0132] The open / closed state of the vehicle door is the opening degree of the vehicle door.

[0133] According to this embodiment, since the light emission is controlled according to the degree of opening of the vehicle door, it is possible to perform a rendering of the vehicle interior space in conjunction with the degree of opening of the vehicle door.

[0134] 9. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0135] The control unit controls a moving speed of the light emitting position.

[0136] According to this embodiment, the moving speed of the light-emitting position is controlled, and thus it is possible to perform a vehicle interior space reproduction in conjunction with the door opening.

[0137] 10. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0138] The control unit performs control so that the moving speed increases as the opening degree of the door decreases.

[0139] According to this embodiment, since the moving speed of the light emitting position increases during the closing process of the door, it is possible to call attention to avoid pinching the hand.

[0140] 11. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0141] The control section controls a cycle of repeating a series of movements of the light-emitting position.

[0142] According to this embodiment, the vehicle interior space can be effectively portrayed by periodic light emission.

[0143] 12. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0144] The control unit performs control so as to shorten the cycle as the door opening becomes smaller.

[0145] According to this embodiment, since the period of a series of light emission becomes shorter during the door closing process, it is possible to call attention to avoid pinching the hand.

[0146] 13. The vehicle control device of the above embodiment further includes a strip-shaped third light source unit (e.g., 203) extending along the inner lining of a second door on the side opposite to the door so as to be continuous with the first light source unit.

[0147] The control unit controls light emission of the first light source unit, the second light source unit, and the third light source unit according to a condition of the vehicle.

[0148] According to this embodiment, light emission is controlled across the strip-shaped light source portions provided on both the driver's seat side and the passenger's seat side doors and the strip-shaped light source portions extending in the vehicle width direction, thereby enabling a design that utilizes the vehicle interior space more extensively.

[0149] 14. The vehicle control device of the above embodiment further comprises:

[0150] an opening and closing detection unit (e.g., 301 ), which detects the opening and closing state of the vehicle door;

[0151] an occupant detection unit (e.g., 302 ) for detecting an occupant of the vehicle; and

[0152] a generating unit (e.g., 101) that generates an agent for providing information to an occupant of the vehicle,

[0153] When the passenger detection unit detects that an occupant has boarded the vehicle and the door opening and closing detection unit detects that the vehicle door is closed, the control unit moves the first light emitting position from the second light source unit to the first light source unit, and moves the second light emitting position from the third light source unit to the first light source unit.

[0154] The generating unit generates the agent based on the fact that the first light emitting position and the second light emitting position coincide with each other in the first light source unit.

[0155] According to this embodiment, it is possible to perform an interpretation in which the light-emitting action of the light source unit is linked with the appearance action of the intelligent body, thereby providing a sense of hospitality to the passengers.

[0156] 15. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0157] The first light source unit is configured to include two strip-shaped light source units.

[0158] The two strip-shaped light source portions and the display portion are arranged in such a manner that an end portion of one light source portion is continuous with a side portion of one side of the display portion (e.g., 103) and an end portion of the other light source portion is continuous with the other side portion of the display portion,

[0159] The control unit controls the emission of light by the first light source unit and the emission display on the display unit by continuously moving the emission position from the one light source unit to the other light source unit via the emission display on the display unit.

[0160] According to this embodiment, by displaying light emission on the display unit, the light emission operation of the first light source unit can be continuously expressed also in the display unit.

[0161] 16. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0162] The generating unit generates the agent based on the fact that the first light emitting position and the second light emitting position in the display unit coincide with each other,

[0163] The control unit causes the display unit to display the agent generated by the generation unit.

[0164] According to this embodiment, it is possible to perform an interpretation in which the light-emitting action of the light source unit is linked with the appearance action of the intelligent body, thereby providing a sense of hospitality to the passengers.

[0165] 17. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0166] When the occupant is detected by the occupant detection unit, the control unit changes the display position of the agent on the display unit to a predetermined position closer to a direction in which the occupant is detected.

[0167] According to this embodiment, the agent can be displayed near the passenger who needs the agent, so the passenger can use the agent more comfortably.

[0168] 18. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0169] The vehicle control device further includes an object detection unit for detecting objects around the vehicle.

[0170] The control unit controls light emission of the first light source unit and the second light source unit based on a detection result of the object detection unit.

[0171] According to this embodiment, the light source unit can be controlled according to the surrounding conditions of the vehicle.

[0172] 19. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0173] The control unit controls light emission of the first light source unit and the second light source unit based on a direction of an object detected by the object detection unit relative to the vehicle.

[0174] According to this embodiment, it is possible to control the light source unit in a manner reflecting the direction in which an object detected around the vehicle exists.

[0175] 20. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0176] The control unit controls light emission of the first light source unit and the second light source unit based on a direction of an object detected by the object detection unit relative to the vehicle and a distance between the object and the vehicle.

[0177] According to this embodiment, it is possible to control the light source unit in a manner reflecting the direction of an object detected around the vehicle and the distance to the object.

[0178] 21. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0179] The control unit causes light to be emitted to indicate the presence of the object at a position of the first light source unit corresponding to a connecting line connecting the object and the driver's seat, or at a position of the second light source unit corresponding to the connecting line.

[0180] According to this embodiment, the direction in which an object exists as viewed from the driver's seat can be easily recognized by light emission.

[0181] 22. Based on the vehicle control device of the above embodiment,

[0182] The control unit changes the color of the emitted light or the intensity of the emitted light for indicating the presence of the object, according to the distance between the object and the vehicle.

[0183] According to this embodiment, the distance to an object can be easily recognized by emitting light.

[0184] 23. The vehicle of the above embodiment is a vehicle (for example, 10 ) equipped with the vehicle control device of the above embodiment (for example, 100 ).

[0185] According to this embodiment, the processing performed by the vehicle control device can be realized by the vehicle.

[0186] 24. The method for operating the vehicle control device of the above embodiment is a method for operating the vehicle control device comprising a first strip-shaped light source portion provided on the vehicle and extending in the vehicle width direction, and a second strip-shaped light source portion extending along the inner lining of the vehicle door in a manner continuous with the first light source portion.

[0187] The operating method of the vehicle control device includes a control step of controlling light emission of the first light source unit and the second light source unit according to a condition of the vehicle.

[0188] According to this embodiment, the interior space of a vehicle can be effectively rendered using light.

[0189] 25. The program of the above embodiment is a program for causing a computer to function as the vehicle control device (for example, 100 ) of the above embodiment.

[0190] According to this embodiment, the contents of the present invention can be realized by a computer.

[0191] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle control device, characterized in that: The vehicle control device comprises: A first light source portion in a strip shape provided on the vehicle and extending in the vehicle width direction; a strip-shaped second light source portion extending along the inner lining of the vehicle door in a manner continuous with the first light source portion; an opening / closing detection unit for detecting an opening / closing state of the vehicle door; as well as a control unit that controls the moving directions of the light emitting positions of the first light source unit and the second light source unit according to the open / close state of the vehicle door, When the opening and closing detection unit detects that the vehicle door is opened from a closed state, the control unit moves the light-emitting position in the first light source unit from the hinge side of the second vehicle door on the side opposite to the vehicle door to the hinge side of the vehicle door, and continuously moves the light-emitting position from the first light source unit to the second light source unit, and further moves the light-emitting position in the second light source unit from the hinge side of the vehicle door to the open end side of the vehicle door.

2. A vehicle control device, characterized in that: The vehicle control device comprises: A first light source portion in a strip shape provided on the vehicle and extending in the vehicle width direction; a strip-shaped second light source portion extending along the inner lining of the vehicle door in a manner continuous with the first light source portion; an opening / closing detection unit for detecting an opening / closing state of the vehicle door; as well as a control unit that controls the moving directions of the light emitting positions of the first light source unit and the second light source unit according to the open / close state of the vehicle door, When the opening and closing detection unit detects that the vehicle door is closing from an open state, the control unit moves the light-emitting position in the second light source unit from the open end side of the vehicle door to the hinge side of the vehicle door, and continuously moves the light-emitting position from the second light source unit to the first light source unit, and further moves the light-emitting position in the first light source unit from the hinge side of the vehicle door to the hinge side of the second vehicle door on the opposite side of the vehicle door.

3. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle includes the vehicle control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A method for operating a vehicle control device, comprising: a first light source portion in the form of a strip provided on a vehicle and extending in a vehicle width direction; a second light source portion in the form of a strip extending along an inner lining of a vehicle door in a manner continuous with the first light source portion; and an opening / closing detection portion for detecting an opening / closing state of the vehicle door; wherein: The operating method of the vehicle control device includes a control step, in which the moving directions of the light emitting positions of the first light source unit and the second light source unit are controlled according to the open / close state of the vehicle door. In the control step, when the opening and closing detection unit detects that the vehicle door is opened from a closed state, the light-emitting position in the first light source unit is moved from the hinge side of the second vehicle door on the side opposite to the vehicle door to the hinge side of the vehicle door, and the light-emitting position is continuously moved from the first light source unit to the second light source unit, and further, the light-emitting position in the second light source unit is moved from the hinge side of the vehicle door to the open end side of the vehicle door.

5. A method for operating a vehicle control device, comprising: a first strip-shaped light source portion provided on a vehicle and extending in a vehicle width direction; a second strip-shaped light source portion extending along an inner lining of a vehicle door in a manner continuous with the first light source portion; and an opening / closing detection portion for detecting an opening / closing state of the vehicle door; wherein: The operating method of the vehicle control device includes a control step, in which the moving directions of the light emitting positions of the first light source unit and the second light source unit are controlled according to the open / close state of the vehicle door. In the control step, when the opening and closing detection unit detects that the vehicle door is closed from an open state, the light-emitting position in the second light source unit is moved from the open end side of the vehicle door to the hinge side of the vehicle door, and the light-emitting position is continuously moved from the second light source unit to the first light source unit, and further, the light-emitting position in the first light source unit is moved from the hinge side of the vehicle door to the hinge side of the second vehicle door on the opposite side of the vehicle door.

6. A storage medium, characterized in that The vehicle control device stores a program for causing a computer to execute the operating method of the vehicle control device according to claim 4 or 5 .

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