Lighting control device and lighting control method for vehicle lamp, and vehicle lamp system

By moving bright and dark spots within the luminous area of ​​a vehicle lamp and utilizing flashing control with different brightnesses, the visual recognition load problem caused by sequential turn indications is resolved, achieving a better direction indication effect.

CN114466769BActive Publication Date: 2025-09-05STANLEY ELECTRIC CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202080067914.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-09-30
Filing Date
2020-09-28
Publication Date
2025-09-05
Estimated Expiration
2040-09-28

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Abstract

The present invention aims to reduce the discomfort when providing sequential turn signals. A lighting control device for a vehicle lamp is provided, which is used to control the lighting of the vehicle lamp. The lighting control device controls the vehicle lamp by causing the light-emitting area of ​​the vehicle lamp to flash at a first brightness, and causing one or more bright spots and one or more dark spots to move within the light-emitting area during the lighting of the light-emitting area, wherein the one or more bright spots are formed by causing a portion of the light-emitting area to have a second brightness higher than the first brightness, and the one or more dark spots are formed by causing a portion of the first light-emitting area to have a third brightness lower than the first brightness.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp system used as, for example, a turn signal lamp (a blinker). Background Art

[0002] As a type of vehicle turn signal, a type of turn signal in which multiple light-emitting components are sequentially illuminated with time differences is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This lighting method is referred to herein as sequential turn signaling. A vehicle lamp that performs this sequential turn signaling is, for example, controlled to repeatedly perform the following operation: after each light-emitting component is sequentially illuminated from the inside of the vehicle toward the outside, all light-emitting components are simultaneously extinguished.

[0003] However, in a vehicle lamp that performs sequential turn signals as described above, the burden of recognizing lateral movement from the inside to the outside of the vehicle is increased for those visually recognizing the vehicle lamp (e.g., pedestrians, drivers of other vehicles, etc.). Therefore, compared to conventional turn signals that simply flash repeatedly, sequential turn signals as directional indicators may feel awkward.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-145224 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] One of the objects of a specific embodiment of the present invention is to provide a technique that can reduce the uncomfortable feeling when providing sequential turn instructions.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] [1] One embodiment of the present invention is a lighting control device for a vehicle lamp, (A) for controlling the lighting of the vehicle lamp, (B) the lighting control device performs the following control: causing the light-emitting area of ​​the vehicle lamp to flash at a first brightness, and causing any one of one or more bright spots and one or more dark spots to move within the light-emitting area during the lighting of the light-emitting area, wherein the one or more bright spots are formed by causing a portion of the light-emitting area to have a second brightness higher than the first brightness, and the one or more dark spots are formed by causing a portion of the first light-emitting area to have a third brightness lower than the first brightness.

[0011] [2] The present invention relates to a lighting control device for a vehicle lamp in one embodiment, (A) for controlling the lighting of a vehicle lamp having a plurality of light-emitting parts, (B) the lighting control device repeatedly controls the plurality of light-emitting parts to light up and extinguish at a first brightness, and (C) controls the movement of any one of one or more bright spots and one or more dark spots in a prescribed direction during the lighting period of the plurality of light-emitting parts, wherein the one or more bright spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the plurality of light-emitting parts to a second brightness higher than the first brightness, and the one or more dark spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the plurality of light-emitting parts to a third brightness lower than the first brightness.

[0012] [3] The present invention relates to a lighting control device for a vehicle lamp in one embodiment, (A) for controlling the lighting of a vehicle lamp, wherein the vehicle lamp comprises a plurality of first light-emitting portions and a plurality of second light-emitting portions intermittently arranged between the first light-emitting portions, (B) the lighting control device repeatedly controls the plurality of first light-emitting portions to light up and light down at a first brightness, and (C) controls the plurality of first light-emitting portions to move in a predetermined direction during the lighting period of the plurality of first light-emitting portions, wherein the one or more bright spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the plurality of second light-emitting portions to a second brightness higher than the first brightness, and the one or more dark spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the plurality of second light-emitting portions to a third brightness lower than the first brightness.

[0013] [4] The present invention relates to a lighting control method for a vehicle lamp in one embodiment, (A) for controlling the lighting of a vehicle lamp, and (B) the lighting control method performs the following control: causing the light-emitting area of ​​the vehicle lamp to flash at a first brightness, and causing any one of one or more bright spots and one or more dark spots to move within the light-emitting area during the lighting of the light-emitting area, wherein the one or more bright spots are formed by causing a portion of the first light-emitting area to have a second brightness higher than the first brightness, and the one or more dark spots are formed by causing a portion of the first light-emitting area to have a third brightness lower than the first brightness.

[0014] [5] The present invention relates to a lighting control method for a vehicle lamp in one embodiment, (A) for controlling the lighting of a vehicle lamp having a plurality of light-emitting parts, (B) the lighting control method repeatedly controls the plurality of light-emitting parts to light up and extinguish at a first brightness, and (C) controls the movement of any one of one or more bright spots and one or more dark spots in a prescribed direction during the lighting period of the plurality of light-emitting parts, wherein the one or more bright spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the plurality of light-emitting parts to a second brightness higher than the first brightness, and the one or more dark spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the plurality of light-emitting parts to a third brightness lower than the first brightness.

[0015] [6] The present invention relates to a lighting control method for a vehicle lamp in one embodiment, (A) for controlling the lighting of a vehicle lamp, wherein the vehicle lamp comprises a plurality of first light-emitting portions and a plurality of second light-emitting portions intermittently arranged between the first light-emitting portions, (B) the lighting control method repeatedly controls the plurality of first light-emitting portions to light up and extinguish at a first brightness, and (C) controls the plurality of first light-emitting portions to move in a predetermined direction during the lighting period of the plurality of first light-emitting portions, wherein the one or more bright spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the plurality of second light-emitting portions to a second brightness higher than the first brightness, and the one or more dark spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the plurality of second light-emitting portions to a third brightness lower than the first brightness.

[0016] [7] A vehicle lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes any one of the above-mentioned lighting control devices and a vehicle lighting device controlled by the lighting control device.

[0017] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the uncomfortable feeling when performing sequential turn instructions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle lighting system according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a plan view showing the external structure of the lamp unit.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a diagram for explaining the operating state of the vehicle lighting system according to the present embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 (A)~ Figure 4 (D) is a timing chart showing the driving current waveform of the LED corresponding to each light emitting portion of the lamp unit.

[0022] Figure 5 (A) is a diagram for explaining preferred values ​​of brightness of a bright spot. Figure 5 (B) is a diagram for explaining a preferred value of the width of a bright spot. Figure 5 (C) is a diagram for explaining a modification example of the bright spot.

[0023] Figure 6 (A) Figure 6 (B) is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the lamp unit.

[0024] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the operating state of a vehicle lighting system according to a modified example.

[0025] Figure 8 (A)~ Figure 8 (D) is a timing chart showing a driving current waveform of an LED corresponding to each light emitting portion of the lamp unit in a modified example in which the dark spot is moved. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle lighting system according to one embodiment. The illustrated vehicle lighting system is used, for example, as a direction indicator (turn signal), and includes a control device 1 and a pair of lamp units (vehicle lighting) 2L and 2R whose operation is controlled by the control device 1.

[0027] When a turn signal indicating that the direction indicator has been operated is input from the vehicle, the control device 1 controls the lighting state of one of the lamp units 2L, 2R according to the turn signal to emit light indicating the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0028] A pair of lamp units 2L and 2R each include a drive circuit 20 and an LED array 21. Lamp unit 2L is located on the left side of the front of the vehicle. Lamp unit 2R is located on the right side of the front of the vehicle. Alternatively, a pair of lamp units can be located on the left and right sides of the rear of the vehicle. For simplicity, this embodiment only considers the pair of lamp units 2L and 2R located on the front of the vehicle.

[0029] The drive circuit 20 supplies drive power to each LED (light emitting element) included in the LED array 21 to turn each LED on and off.

[0030] The LED array 21 includes a plurality of LEDs, and each LED emits light by the driving power supplied from the driving circuit 20 .

[0031] Figure 2: This is a top view showing the external structure of the lamp unit. Lamp unit 2L is shown here, but lamp unit 2R also has a bilaterally symmetrical and similar structure. As shown in the figure, lamp unit 2L has a plurality of (nine in the example shown) light-emitting sections 22 arranged from the inside (center side) of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle. Each light-emitting section 22 corresponds to one or more LEDs included in the LED array 21, can be individually lit and extinguished by the control of the drive circuit 20, and its brightness (luminance) can be freely set. In addition, for the sake of convenience, each light-emitting section 22 corresponds to one LED.

[0032] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the operating states of the vehicle lighting system according to this embodiment. While the operating states of the lamp units 2L and 2R are shown side by side, in actual operation, either lamp unit 2L or 2R operates according to the direction of travel for which direction indication is to be provided. While the following description uses lamp unit 2L as an example, the lamp unit 2R also operates in the same manner.

[0033] When a turn signal is input, at time t1, each LED corresponding to each of the light-emitting sections 22 of the lamp unit 2L, excluding the one light-emitting section 22 on the vehicle interior side, is driven with a rated current, and each light-emitting section 22 emits light at a first brightness. Since the brightness of the corresponding LEDs in each light-emitting section 22 may vary, the "first brightness" described above does not necessarily have to be a fixed value; for example, it may be a brightness within a tolerance range of approximately ±10%.

[0034] At time t1, the LED corresponding to the innermost light-emitting section 22 is temporarily driven with a current higher than the rated current, causing the light-emitting section 22 to emit light at a second brightness higher than the first brightness. This creates a bright spot, or area, corresponding to the light-emitting section 22 on the vehicle's inner side, which is brighter than the other light-emitting sections 22.

[0035] At the next time t2, the driving current for the LED corresponding to the innermost light-emitting section 22 returns to the rated current, and light is emitted from this light-emitting section 22 at the first brightness. Furthermore, at this time t2, the second light-emitting section 22 from the inner side is temporarily driven with a current higher than the rated current, and emits light from this light-emitting section 22 at a second brightness higher than the first brightness. As a result, a bright spot, or area with a higher brightness than the other light-emitting sections 22, is formed in the area corresponding to the second light-emitting section 22 from the inner side of the vehicle.

[0036] Similarly, at times t3, t4, ..., t9, the light-emitting unit 22 driven with a current higher than the rated current is sequentially switched. As shown in the figure, the bright spot formed by emitting light at the second brightness moves sequentially from the vehicle interior to the vehicle exterior. Then, for a certain period starting at time t10, all light-emitting units 22 are turned off. After this off period, the next cycle begins, and the operation from time t1 onward is repeated.

[0037] Each light emitting portion 22 of the lamp unit 2L maintains a state of emitting light at the first brightness as a whole during the period from time t1 to time t9. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as basic lighting. In this way, when each light emitting portion 22 is basically lit, the light emitting portion 22 that is lit and emits light at the second brightness is switched in sequence, so that the bright spot moves in sequence. During a certain period after time t10, all the light emitting portions 22 are extinguished. By combining these actions, the lamp unit 2L as a whole repeatedly flashes (lights up and goes out) at regular intervals, and operates in a manner that moves the bright spot from the inside of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle during the lighting period. That is, it is possible to achieve a display of a direction indication in which a sequential turn indication is superimposed on the previous simple flashing direction indication.

[0038] Furthermore, when providing a hazard signal instead of a turn signal, the lamp units 2L and 2R may be operated simultaneously by the above-mentioned control method.

[0039] Figure 4 (A)~ Figure 4 (D) is a timing chart showing the driving current waveform of the LED corresponding to each light emitting portion of the lamp unit. Here, the driving current for the lamp unit 2L is also described, but the same applies to the lamp unit 2R. Figure 4 (A) is the driving current waveform of the LED corresponding to the innermost light emitting portion 22, Figure 4 (B) is the driving current waveform of the LED corresponding to the second light-emitting portion 22 from the inner side. Figure 4 (C) is the driving current waveform of the LED corresponding to the third light-emitting portion 22 from the inner side, Figure 4 (D) is a driving current waveform of the LED corresponding to the outermost light emitting portion 22 .

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown in (A), at time t1, the driving current of the LED corresponding to the innermost light emitting portion 22 is set higher than the rated current, and this state is maintained until time t2, after which the driving current returns to the rated current. As a result, during the period from time t1 to t2, the light emitted from the area corresponding to the light emitting portion 22 becomes the second brightness, forming a bright spot in this area (refer to Figure 3 ). At this time, if Figure 4 (B)~ Figure 4 As shown in (D), the driving current of the LED corresponding to the other light emitting units 22 is set to the rated current, so the light emitted from each light emitting area corresponding to the other light emitting units 22 becomes the first brightness (basic lighting).

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown in (B), at time t2, the driving current of the LED corresponding to the second light-emitting portion 22 from the inner side is set to be higher than the rated current, and this state is maintained until time t3, after which the driving current returns to the rated current. As a result, during the period from time t2 to t3, the light emitted from the area corresponding to the light-emitting portion 22 becomes the second brightness, forming a bright spot in this area (refer to Figure 3 ). At this time, if Figure 4 (A) Figure 4 (C) Figure 4 As shown in (D), the driving current of the LED corresponding to the other light emitting units 22 is set to the rated current, so the light emitted from each light emitting area corresponding to the other light emitting units 22 becomes the first brightness (basic lighting).

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown in (C), at time t3, the driving current of the LED corresponding to the third light-emitting portion 22 from the inner side is set to be higher than the rated current, and this state is maintained until time t4, after which the driving current returns to the rated current. As a result, during the period from time t3 to t4, the light emitted from the area corresponding to the light-emitting portion 22 becomes the second brightness, forming a bright spot in this area (refer to Figure 3 ). At this time, if Figure 4 (A) Figure 4 (B) Figure 4 As shown in (D), the driving current of the LED corresponding to the other light emitting units 22 is set to the rated current, so the light emitted from each light emitting area corresponding to the other light emitting units 22 becomes the first brightness (basic lighting).

[0043] The driving current is also supplied in the same manner at the subsequent moments. Figure 4 As shown in (D), at time t9, the driving current of the LED corresponding to the outermost light-emitting portion 22 is set to be higher than the rated current, and this state is maintained until time t10, after which the driving current returns to the rated current. As a result, during the period from time t9 to t10, the light emitted from the area corresponding to the light-emitting portion 22 becomes the second brightness, forming a bright spot in this area (refer to Figure 3 ). At this time, if Figure 4 (A) Figure 4 (B) Figure 4As shown in (C), the driving current of the LED corresponding to the other light emitting units 22 is set to the rated current, so the light emitted from each light emitting area corresponding to the other light emitting units 22 becomes the first brightness (basic lighting).

[0044] After that, the driving current to each light-emitting unit 22 is cut off, and each light-emitting unit 22 is turned off. This off period is set to, for example, the same length as the period from time t1 to time t10. Furthermore, the length from a certain moment (e.g., time t1) to the next moment (e.g., time t2) is preferably set to, for example, approximately 50 milliseconds. In this case, the lighting period (the period from time t1 to t10) is 500 milliseconds, and the off period is also 500 milliseconds. The above values ​​are merely examples.

[0045] By supplying the above-mentioned driving current from the driving circuit 20 to the LED array 21 under the control of the control device 1, it is possible to realize Figure 3 The conventional simple blinking direction indication is shown in a display in which a sequential turn signal is superimposed on the direction indication.

[0046] Figure 5 (A) is a diagram for explaining the preferred value of brightness of a bright spot. The vertical axis of the diagram corresponds to brightness (cd / m 2 ), with the horizontal axis corresponding to the position in the vehicle width direction. As shown in the figure, let the brightness of the light-emitting unit 22 corresponding to each area of ​​basic lighting (first brightness) be X, and let the brightness of the light-emitting unit 22 corresponding to the area of ​​bright spot (second brightness) be Y. In this case, Y is preferably set to be greater than 1.2 times X, more preferably greater than 1.5 times, and even more preferably greater than 1.7 times. By setting the bright spot with this brightness ratio, the visual recognition of the bright spot can be further improved.

[0047] Figure 5 (B) is a diagram for explaining the preferred value of the width of the bright spot. The vertical axis of the diagram corresponds to the brightness (cd / m 2 ), with the horizontal axis corresponding to the position in the vehicle width direction. As shown in the figure, the width of each area used for basic lighting is x, and the width of the area used for bright spots is y. In this case, y is preferably set to less than 1 / 2 of x, more preferably less than 1 / 3, and even more preferably greater than 1 / 5. By setting the bright spots with this width ratio, the visibility of the bright spots can be further improved.

[0048] Figure 5 (C) is a diagram for explaining a modification of a bright spot. The vertical axis of the diagram corresponds to brightness (cd / m 2), with the horizontal axis corresponding to the position in the vehicle width direction. As shown in the figure, on both sides (or either side) of the bright spot area, dimmed areas can be set to a brightness lower than that of the base illuminated luminous area. In this case, the drive current in this area can be set lower. Dimming can be done by either extinguishing the light or simply reducing the brightness. By providing such dimmed areas, the visual recognition of the bright spot can be further improved.

[0049] Figure 6 (A) Figure 6 (B) is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the lamp unit. Figure 6 In the modified example lamp unit 102L shown in (A), the light emitting parts 22 are arranged in a "Z" shape instead of a single row. In this lamp unit 102L, the area that becomes the bright spot also moves in a "Z" shape as the light emitting parts 22 are arranged. However, as a whole, the bright spot moves from the inside of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle. In addition, Figure 6 The modified example lamp unit 202L shown in (B) includes a plurality of first light-emitting sections 22a arranged in one direction (left-right in the figure), and a plurality of second light-emitting sections 22b arranged intermittently between these first light-emitting sections 22a. Each first light-emitting section 22a constitutes a first optical system, and each second light-emitting section 22b constitutes a second optical system, and each is driven independently. In this lamp unit 202L, each first light-emitting section 22a continues to emit light at a first brightness, while each second light-emitting section 22b is lit in sequence. As a result, the bright spot moves from the inside of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle within the light-emitting area that is generally lit as a base.

[0050] Furthermore, while the descriptions thus far illustrate multiple light-emitting sections arranged in the vehicle width direction, the arrangement of the light-emitting sections is not limited to this. For example, the light-emitting sections can be arranged from the lower side of the vehicle toward the upper side, or arranged in an oblique direction, or a combination of these arrangement directions. This allows the bright spot to move from the lower side of the vehicle toward the upper side, move in an oblique direction, or move in a direction combining these multiple movement directions. Furthermore, the shape and area of ​​the light-emitting sections do not need to be identical.

[0051] According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to realize a display of a direction indication with sequential turn signals superimposed on a direction indication by simple blinking, thereby reducing a sense of discomfort when performing sequential turn signals.

[0052] Furthermore, the movement of the bright spot creates what's known as phi phenomenon movement. This allows for increased attention and salience of the direction indicator display, even without significantly increasing the brightness relative to the base illuminated area. This improves visual legibility without significantly increasing the drive current. Furthermore, the movement of the bright spot enhances instantaneous attention from all visual angles, achieving a striking new appearance.

[0053] Furthermore, since all areas other than the area corresponding to the bright spot are illuminated simultaneously as a base, compared to conventional sequential turn indicators, the illumination can be instantly confirmed at all visual angles within the light distribution range. This allows, for example, easy identification of the turn signal even if part of the lamp unit is obscured by an obstruction (e.g., a two-wheeled vehicle).

[0054] Furthermore, since the base lit area flickers on and off as a whole, the entire group of light-emitting units is recognized as a single group. This is based on the principle of common fate in Gestalt psychology. Since the bright spot moves (pseudo-motion) within the area recognized as a group, its movement does not hinder the recognition of the flickering of the entire group.

[0055] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the rising period of the basic lighting and the rising period of the initial bright spot are the same period, but the two periods can also be different periods. Similarly, although the falling period of the basic lighting and the falling period of the final bright spot are the same period, they can also be different periods. In addition, the repetition period of the bright spot movement can also be different from the repetition period of the basic lighting.

[0056] In addition, the movement speed of the bright spot may not be fixed; for example, it may gradually increase in speed, gradually decrease in speed, or change irregularly. Furthermore, the number of bright spots formed in a certain period is not limited to one; two or more bright spots may be formed and move in the same period. Furthermore, the area and shape of the bright spot may not necessarily be fixed; for example, the area may gradually increase in size, gradually decrease in size, or change irregularly in size and shape.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described where a bright spot is moved within a light-emitting region of basic lighting. However, a dark spot may be moved instead of a bright spot by similar control.

[0058] Figure 7This diagram illustrates the operating states of a modified vehicle lighting system. While the operating states of the lamp units 2L and 2R are shown side by side, in actual operation, either lamp unit 2L or 2R is operated based on the direction of travel for which direction indication is to be provided. As shown in the example, control is performed so that dark spots (regions with a third brightness lower than the first brightness) gradually shift over time, replacing the bright spots in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0059] Figure 8 (A)~ Figure 8 (D) is a timing chart showing the driving current waveforms of the LEDs corresponding to the light emitting portions of the lamp units in a modified example of moving the dark spot. The driving current for the lamp unit 2L is also described here, but the same applies to the lamp unit 2R. Figure 8 (A) is the driving current waveform of the LED corresponding to the innermost light emitting portion 22, Figure 8 (B) is the driving current waveform of the LED corresponding to the second light-emitting portion 22 from the inner side. Figure 8 (C) is the driving current waveform of the LED corresponding to the third light-emitting portion 22 from the inner side, Figure 8 (D) is the driving current waveform for the LED corresponding to the outermost light-emitting portion 22. As shown in the figures, the driving current is set to be higher than the rated current when the light is bright, while the driving current is temporarily set to be lower than the rated current when the light is dark. In the example shown, the driving current is set to the same level as when the light is dark, but different levels are possible.

[0060] By supplying the above-mentioned driving current from the driving circuit 20 to the LED array 21 under the control of the control device 1, it is possible to realize Figure 7 The conventional simple blinking direction indication is superimposed with a direction indication display in which dark dots are moved in place of bright dots to indicate a sequential turn direction.

[0061] In addition, when replacing the bright spot with a dark spot, the above-mentioned Figure 5 The brightness of the areas on both sides (or one side) of the dark spot is set relatively high based on the same idea as the brightness setting shown in (C). This can further improve the visibility of the dark spot.

[0062] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is applied to a vehicle lighting system used as a turn signal, but the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to various vehicle lighting systems that are mounted on a vehicle and irradiate light to its surroundings.

[0063] Label Description

[0064] 1: Control device, 2L, 2R, 102L, 102R, 202L, 202R: Lamp unit (vehicle lamp), 20: Drive circuit, 21: LED array, 22, 22a, 22b: Light-emitting unit.

Claims

1. A lighting control device for a vehicle lamp, which is used to control the lighting of a vehicle lamp, wherein: The lighting control device performs the following control: causing the entire light emitting area of ​​the vehicle lamp to flash as a whole at a first brightness; and during the lighting period of the light-emitting area, the entire light-emitting area is lit, and any one of one or more bright spots and one or more dark spots is moved within the light-emitting area, wherein the one or more bright spots are formed by making a part of the light-emitting area have a second brightness higher than the first brightness, and the one or more dark spots are formed by making a part of the light-emitting area have a third brightness lower than the first brightness, and the light-emitting area other than the part is lit at the first brightness, During the period when the light-emitting area is turned off, all the light-emitting areas are turned off.

2. A lighting control device for a vehicle lamp, which is used to control the lighting of a vehicle lamp having a plurality of light-emitting units, wherein: The lighting control device repeatedly controls the plurality of light emitting units to light up and turn off at a first brightness as a whole, and performs the following control: During the lighting period of the plurality of light-emitting sections, all of the plurality of light-emitting sections are lit, and any one of one or more bright spots and one or more dark spots is moved in a specified direction, wherein the one or more bright spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the plurality of light-emitting sections to a second brightness higher than the first brightness, and the one or more dark spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the plurality of light-emitting sections to a third brightness lower than the first brightness, and the light-emitting sections other than the at least one light-emitting section are lit at the first brightness. During the period in which the plurality of light emitting units are turned off, all of the plurality of light emitting units are turned off.

3. A lighting control device for a vehicle lamp, for controlling the lighting of the vehicle lamp, wherein the vehicle lamp comprises a plurality of first light emitting portions and a plurality of second light emitting portions intermittently arranged between the first light emitting portions, wherein: The lighting control device repeatedly controls the plurality of first light emitting units to light up and turn off at a first brightness, and performs the following control: During the lighting period of the multiple first light-emitting portions, any one of more than one bright spot and more than one dark spot is moved in a specified direction, wherein the one or more bright spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the multiple second light-emitting portions to a second brightness higher than the first brightness one by one, and the one or more dark spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the multiple second light-emitting portions to a third brightness lower than the first brightness one by one.

4. The lighting control device for a vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein: The first brightness is a brightness corresponding to a rated current of each of the plurality of light emitting units.

5. The lighting control device for a vehicle lamp according to claim 3, wherein: The first brightness is a brightness corresponding to a rated current of each of the plurality of first light emitting units.

6. The lighting control device for a vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The prescribed direction is a direction from the inside toward the outside of the vehicle, a direction from the outside toward the inside of the vehicle, a direction from the bottom toward the top of the vehicle, or a direction from the top toward the bottom of the vehicle, or a combination of two or more of the above directions.

7. The lighting control device for a vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The second brightness is set to be greater than 1.2 times the first brightness.

8. The lighting control device for a vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The width of the bright spot is set to be greater than 1 / 2 of the width of the light-emitting area of ​​the first brightness.

9. A method for controlling the lighting of a vehicle lamp, for controlling the lighting of a vehicle lamp, wherein: The lighting control method performs the following control: causing the entire light emitting area of ​​the vehicle lamp to flash as a whole at a first brightness; and during the lighting period of the light-emitting area, the entire light-emitting area is lit, and any one of one or more bright spots and one or more dark spots is moved within the light-emitting area, wherein the one or more bright spots are formed by making a part of the light-emitting area have a second brightness higher than the first brightness, and the one or more dark spots are formed by making a part of the light-emitting area have a third brightness lower than the first brightness, and the light-emitting area other than the part is lit at the first brightness, During the period when the light-emitting area is turned off, all the light-emitting areas are turned off.

10. A lighting control method for a vehicle lamp, for controlling the lighting of a vehicle lamp having a plurality of light emitting units, wherein: The lighting control method repeatedly performs control to turn on and off the plurality of light emitting units as a whole at a first brightness, and performs the following control: During the lighting period of the plurality of light-emitting sections, all of the plurality of light-emitting sections are lit, and any one of one or more bright spots and one or more dark spots is moved in a specified direction, wherein the one or more bright spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the plurality of light-emitting sections to a second brightness higher than the first brightness, and the one or more dark spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the plurality of light-emitting sections to a third brightness lower than the first brightness, and the light-emitting sections other than the at least one light-emitting section are lit at the first brightness. During the period in which the plurality of light emitting units are turned off, all of the plurality of light emitting units are turned off.

11. A lighting control method for a vehicle lamp, for performing lighting control of the vehicle lamp, wherein the vehicle lamp comprises a plurality of first light emitting portions and a plurality of second light emitting portions intermittently arranged between the first light emitting portions, wherein: The lighting control method repeatedly controls the plurality of first light emitting units to light up and turn off at a first brightness, and performs the following control: During the lighting period of the multiple first light-emitting portions, any one of more than one bright spot and more than one dark spot is moved in a specified direction, wherein the one or more bright spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the multiple second light-emitting portions to a second brightness higher than the first brightness one by one, and the one or more dark spots are formed by temporarily changing at least one of the multiple second light-emitting portions to a third brightness lower than the first brightness one by one.

12. A vehicle lighting system, comprising: The lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; as well as A vehicle lamp is controlled by the lighting control device.

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