Lighting system

Abstract

The lighting system (100) includes: a road surface drawing lamp that irradiates a light beam (BM) onto a road surface (900); and a light control unit (120) that controls the road surface drawing lamp and draws a pattern (PTN) on the road surface (900) in front of a vehicle through the light beam (BM). The light control unit (120) draws a first pattern before the start of a predetermined event and draws a second pattern with the start of the event. The first pattern includes first information that should be prompted to the driver in advance so that the driver can cope with the event, and the second pattern includes second information corresponding to the event.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting system. Background Art

[0002] The functionality of vehicle lamps has been continuously improved. As an example, a lamp has been proposed that irradiates a pattern of light beams onto a road surface to draw figures and characters.

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. WO2015 / 133302

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-055691 Summary of the Invention

[0007] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0008] The present invention was completed under such circumstances, and one of the exemplary purposes of one embodiment thereof is to provide a lighting system that contributes to traffic safety.

[0009] [Technical solutions for solving technical problems]

[0010] 1. A lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a road surface depicting lamp that radiates a light beam toward a road surface; and a lamp control unit that controls the road surface depicting lamp to depict a pattern on the road surface in front of a vehicle using the light beam. The lamp control unit depicts a first pattern before a predetermined event begins, and a second pattern upon the start of the event. The first pattern includes first information that should be presented to the driver in advance so that the driver can prepare for the event, and the second pattern includes second information corresponding to the event.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention is also a lighting system. The lighting system includes: a head-up display; a road surface depicting lamp that radiates a light beam toward the road surface; a HUD control unit that controls the head-up display to display first information on the head-up display before a predetermined event begins, the first information being provided to the driver in advance so that the driver can respond to the event; and a lamp control unit that controls the road surface depicting lamp to depict a pattern including second information corresponding to the event on the road surface in front of the vehicle as the event begins.

[0012] 2. A lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a road surface drawing lamp that emits a light beam toward a road surface; and a control unit that controls the road surface drawing lamp to draw a pattern on the road surface using the light beam. The control unit draws the start notification pattern on the road surface in response to any one of the following conditions: the release of the parking brake, the release of the accelerator brake, the start of the vehicle, or the release of the accelerator.

[0013] Furthermore, any combination of the above-described constituent elements, or substitution of constituent elements or expressions of the present invention in methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., may also be effective as aspects of the present invention.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, a lighting system that contributes to traffic safety can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the lighting system according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 (a)~ Figure 2 (d) is a diagram illustrating the operation of the lighting system in relation to a road narrowing event.

[0018] Figure 3 (a)~ Figure 3 (d) is a diagram illustrating the operation of the lighting system related to the event of switching the traveling direction.

[0019] Figure 4 (a)~ Figure 4 (d) is a diagram illustrating the operation of the lighting system related to the temporary stop event.

[0020] Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 (d) is a diagram illustrating the operation of the lighting system related to the road narrowing event when the first information is displayed on the HUD.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a lighting system according to Embodiment 2.

[0022] Figure 7 Yes Figure 6 An example of a pattern drawn on a road surface by a variable light distribution lamp.

[0023] Figure 8 (a)~ Figure 8 (d) is a diagram illustrating the operation of the lighting system related to the start notification in time series.

[0024] Figure 9 (a)~ Figure 9 (e) is a diagram showing a second pattern of a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the invention. Not all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Identical or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the various drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0026] (Implementation Method 1)

[0027] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a lighting system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The lighting system 100 includes a variable light distribution lamp (road surface depicting lamp) 110, a lamp control unit 120, a head-up display (HUD) 130, a HUD control unit 140, and a camera 150. The actual lighting system 100 includes high beams, low beams, and other components, but these are omitted here.

[0028] The variable light distribution lamp 110 receives a control signal S from the lamp control unit 120 indicating a pattern PTN to be drawn on the road surface 900. CTRL , will have the same CTRL The light beam BM having the corresponding intensity distribution is irradiated toward the road surface 900 in front of the vehicle, and draws a pattern PTN on the road surface 900 .

[0029] The configuration of the variable light distribution lamp 110 is not particularly limited; for example, it may include a semiconductor light source such as an LD (laser diode) or LED (light-emitting diode), and a lighting circuit that drives and illuminates the semiconductor light source. To form an illumination distribution corresponding to the pattern PTN, the variable light distribution lamp 110 may also include a matrix-type patterning device such as a DMD (digital micromirror device) or a liquid crystal device. Alternatively, the variable light distribution lamp 110 may be an array of light-emitting elements (also known as μ-LEDs).

[0030] The illumination area of ​​the variable light distribution lamp 110 is determined to cover at least the road surface 900. Therefore, the illumination area of ​​the variable light distribution lamp 110 may partially overlap with the illumination area of ​​the low beam. Therefore, the variable light distribution lamp 110 may illuminate the pattern PTN with a brighter illumination than the low beam.

[0031] The lamp control unit 120 controls the variable light distribution lamp 110. The lamp control unit 120 can be implemented using a digital processor, such as a combination of a microcomputer including a CPU and a software program, or can be implemented using an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0032] More specifically, the lamp control unit 120 controls the variable-light distribution lamp 110 to draw a driving-assistance pattern PTN on the road surface 900 using the light beam BM. The drawn PTN pattern is not particularly limited, but may, for example, depict legal speed limits, road signs, etc. in a manner easily visible to the driver. Alternatively, the vehicle's direction of travel may be depicted to assist other vehicles. In either case, the PTN pattern contains information intended for the driver and other road users, rather than simply illumination like low beams.

[0033] The HUD 130 is a display, for example, formed of a front window, and the HUD control unit 140 displays appropriate information on the HUD 130 according to the driving scene.

[0034] More specifically, the HUD control unit 140 controls the display of the HUD 130 to provide the driver with information for driving assistance. This information may include, but is not limited to, (i) external information that the vehicle should comply with, (ii) information linked to the car navigation system, and (iii) information about the vehicle itself. (i) External information includes speed limits, prohibited entry, temporary stops, etc., which can be obtained by photographing road signs with the camera 150 or from the car navigation system. (ii) Information linked to the car navigation system includes routes, the name of the intersection to turn, or the distance to it. (iii) Information about the vehicle itself includes vehicle speed, engine speed, remaining fuel, and various vehicle warnings.

[0035] The camera 150 captures the front of the vehicle. The light control unit 120 may control the pattern PTN that the variable light distribution light 110 should draw on the road surface 900 based on the image captured by the camera 150 (hereinafter referred to as the camera image IMG). Furthermore, the HUD control unit 140 may control the information displayed on the HUD 130 based on the camera image IMG.

[0036] The ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 200 comprehensively controls the lamp system 100 . For example, the ECU 200 generates commands for turning on and off the variable light distribution lamp 110 . Furthermore, the ECU 200 transmits information necessary for light distribution control to the lamp control unit 120 .

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the light control unit 120 and the HUD control unit 140 may be connected via a bus so that they directly cooperate. Alternatively, a host processor (e.g., ECU 200) may be interposed between the light control unit 120 and the HUD control unit 140 so that the light control unit 120 and the HUD control unit 140 indirectly cooperate.

[0038] Before the start of a predetermined event EVT_# (# is a character that distinguishes events, for example, #=1, 2, ...), the lighting system 100 depicts a pattern PTN, which includes information that should be prompted to the driver in advance so that the driver can respond to the event EVT_# (hereinafter referred to as the first information). Alternatively, the lighting system 100 may display the first information on the HUD 130 before the start of the predetermined event EVT_#. The first information may also be information indicating the content of the event EVT_#. By prompting the content of the event EVT_# before the start of the event EVT_#, the driver can take the necessary actions to respond to the event EVT_# before the start of the event EVT_#. Alternatively, the first information may be information indicating the necessary actions to respond to the event EVT_# before the start of the event EVT_#. The first information can also be understood as serving as a warning of the occurrence of the event EVT_#.

[0039] Furthermore, the lighting system 100 draws the pattern PTN upon the start of event EVT_# and turns off the pattern PTN upon the end of event EVT_#. The pattern PTN includes information for responding to event EVT_# (hereinafter referred to as second information). Alternatively, the second information should be presented to the driver to assist driving during event EVT_#.

[0040] The occurrence and termination of event EVT_# may be determined by lamp control unit 120 or by ECU 200 .

[0041] The following describes the operation of the lighting system 100 in detail based on some embodiments.

[0042] (Example 1)

[0043] In the first embodiment, the predetermined event EVT_1 is a width reduction. Figure 2 (a)~ Figure 2 (d) is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lighting system 100 related to the road narrowing event EVT_1.

[0044] When it is determined that the event EVT_1 is scheduled to occur soon based on the camera image IMG of the road sign 912 showing the narrowing of the road width or based on information obtained from the car navigation system, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in (a), a pattern PTN_A is drawn on the road surface 900. This pattern PTN_A includes information (first information) indicating that the road width has narrowed due to the event EVT_1. Figure 2 In (a), the pattern PTN_A includes a graphic (first information) of a road sign imitating a narrowing road width.

[0045] Then, if Figure 2 As shown in (b), a pattern PTN_B is drawn on the road surface 900. This pattern PTN_B includes information (first information) indicating deceleration as an action that the driver should take before the start of event EVT_1. Figure 2 In (b), pattern PTN_B includes characters (first information) indicating deceleration.

[0046] because Figure 2 (a) Figure 2 The patterns PTN_A and B of (b) are drawn on the road surface 900. Therefore, in order to cope with the road narrowing event, that is, the event of driving on a narrow road, the driver can take actions such as slowing down before the start of the event and can safely meet the event. Alternatively, as the pattern PTN containing the first information, only Figure 2 (a) and Figure 2 One of the patterns PTN in (b) is drawn on the road surface 900, while the other pattern PTN is not drawn.

[0047] Next, when the distance to the road narrowing point becomes less than a certain level, it is determined that the event EVT_1 has occurred (started), as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in (c), a pattern PTN_C is drawn on the road surface 900. This pattern PTN_C includes information (second information) for assisting driving in the event of a road narrowing. Figure 2 In (c), pattern PTN_C includes a graphic representing the vehicle width (second information). The vehicle width can be the width between the predetermined portions of the left and right tires, the width of the vehicle body, or the width between the predetermined portions of the left and right mirrors. The predetermined portion of the tire can be the outermost end of the tire in the vehicle width direction or the center of the tire in the vehicle width direction. Alternatively, the predetermined portion of the mirror can be the outermost end of the mirror in the vehicle width direction.

[0048] By mapping the vehicle width pattern PTN_C on the road surface, the driver can understand the vehicle width and reduce the risk of derailment or collision with obstacles such as walls. In addition, traffic participants (pedestrians or other vehicles) can be notified of the vehicle's approach and can be encouraged to take evasive action.

[0049] When it is determined that the event EVT_1 has ended, Figure 2 As shown in (d), the pattern PTN_C indicating the width of the vehicle is turned off.

[0050] (Example 2)

[0051] In the second embodiment, the predetermined event EVT_2 is a switch in the traveling direction, ie, a left or right turn. Figure 3 (a)~ Figure 3 (d) is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lighting system 100 related to the traveling direction switching event EVT_2.

[0052] When it is determined based on the information obtained from the car navigation system that the event EVT_2 is scheduled to occur in the near future, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in (a), a pattern PTN_A is drawn on the road surface 900. This pattern PTN_A includes information (first information) indicating that the event EVT_2 is a switch in the traveling direction. Figure 3 In (a), the pattern PTN_A includes an arrow indicating the direction in which the traveling direction should be switched, and characters indicating the distance to the point where the traveling direction is switched.

[0053] Then, if Figure 3 As shown in (b), a pattern PTN_B is drawn on the road surface 900. This pattern PTN_B includes information (first information) indicating deceleration as an action that the driver should take before the start of event EVT_2. Figure 3 In (b), pattern PTN_B includes characters (first information) indicating deceleration.

[0054] because Figure 3 (a) Figure 3 The patterns PTN_A and B of (b) are drawn on the road surface 900, so that in order to cope with the event of switching the direction of travel, the driver can take actions such as slowing down before the start of the event and can safely meet the event. In addition, it can also be that as the pattern PTN containing the first information, only Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 One of the patterns PTN in (b) is drawn on the road surface 900, while the other pattern PTN is not drawn.

[0055] Next, when the distance to the switching point of the traveling direction becomes less than a certain level, it is determined that the event EVT_2 has occurred (started), as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in (c), a pattern PTN_C is drawn on the road surface 900. This pattern PTN_C includes information (second information) indicating the direction in which the traveling direction should be switched. Figure 3 In (c), a pattern PTN_C is drawn on the road surface 900 , and this pattern PTN_C includes an arrow indicating that the vehicle should turn left.

[0056] When it is determined that the event EVT_2 has ended, Figure 3 As shown in (d), the pattern PTN_C indicating the switching of the traveling direction is turned off.

[0057] (Example 3)

[0058] In the third embodiment, the predetermined event EVT_3 is a temporary stop. Figure 4 (a)~ Figure 4 (d) is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lighting system 100 related to the temporary stop event EVT_3.

[0059] When it is determined that the event EVT_3 is scheduled to occur soon based on the camera image IMG of the road sign 914 showing a temporary stop, or based on information obtained from the car navigation system, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in (a), a pattern PTN_A is drawn on the road surface 900. This pattern PTN_A includes information (first information) indicating a temporary stop of the event EVT_3. Figure 4 In (a), the pattern PTN_A includes a graphic (first information) imitating a road sign indicating a temporary stop.

[0060] Then, if Figure 4 As shown in (b), a pattern PTN_B is drawn on the road surface 900. This pattern PTN_B includes information (first information) indicating deceleration as an action that the driver should take before the start of event EVT_3. Figure 4 In (b), pattern PTN_B includes characters (first information) indicating deceleration.

[0061] because Figure 4 (a) Figure 4 The patterns PTN_A and B of (b) are drawn on the road surface 900, so that in order to cope with the temporary stop event, the driver can take actions such as slowing down before the start of the event and can safely meet the event. In addition, it is also possible that as the pattern PTN containing the first information, only Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 One of the patterns PTN in (b) is drawn on the road surface 900, while the other pattern PTN is not drawn.

[0062] Then, when the occurrence of event EVT_3 is detected, Figure 4 As shown in (c) , a pattern PTN_C is drawn on the road surface 900 , and this pattern PTN_C includes a graphic (second information) indicating that the vehicle should stop temporarily.

[0063] When it is determined that the event EVT_3 has ended, Figure 4 As shown in (d), the pattern PTN_C including the graphic indicating that the system should be temporarily stopped is turned off.

[0064] In the above-described first to third embodiments, the case where the first information is provided to the driver by depicting the road surface has been described. However, the first information may be provided to the driver by being displayed on the HUD 130 .

[0065] Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 (d) is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lighting system 100 related to the road narrowing event EVT_1 when the first information is displayed on the HUD 130. Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 Here, the case where the first information is displayed on the HUD 130 is described using the road narrowing event EVT_1 as an example, but the first information can be displayed on the HUD 130 similarly for other events.

[0066] When it is detected that the event EVT_1 is scheduled to occur recently, such as Figure 5 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , information (first information) 132 indicating an event EVT_1 in which the road width is narrowed is displayed on the HUD 130 . Figure 5 In (a), the information 132 is a graphic imitating a road sign indicating that the road width is narrowing.

[0067] Then, if Figure 5 As shown in (b), information (first information) 134 is displayed on the HUD 130. This information (first information) 134 indicates the action that the driver should take before the start of the event EVT_1, that is, deceleration. Figure 5 In (b), information 134 is a text indicating deceleration.

[0068] Alternatively, only Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 Any one of the information in (b) is displayed on HUD 130 , and the other information is not displayed on HUD 130 .

[0069] Alternatively, instead of Figure 5 (a) Display ground of the HUD 130, Figure 2 The pattern PTN_A of (a) is drawn on the road surface 900. Alternatively, instead of Figure 5 (b) The display ground of the HUD 130, Figure 2 The pattern PTN_B of (b) is drawn on the road surface 900 .

[0070] That is, it can also be, like Figure 2 As shown in (a), a pattern PTN representing the content of the event is drawn on the road surface 900, and then, as shown in Figure 5 As in (b) of FIG. 1 , information indicating the actions that the driver should take before the start of the event is displayed on HUD 130. Alternatively, it may be as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As in (a), the content of the event is displayed on the HUD 130, and then, as in Figure 2As shown in (b), a pattern PTN is drawn on the road surface 900, and the pattern PTN includes information indicating the action that the driver should take before the start of the event.

[0071] Next, when it is determined that the event EVT_1 occurs, Figure 5 As shown in (c), a pattern PTN is drawn on the road surface 900. This pattern PTN includes information (second information) for assisting driving during the road narrowing event. When it is determined that the event EVT_1 has ended, the pattern PTN goes out.

[0072] When frequently depicted on the road surface 900, it sometimes causes trouble for the driver and other traffic participants. However, since the first information is presented through HUD 130 and the second information is presented through the road surface depiction, the trouble can be reduced. In addition, the position of the image displayed on HUD 130 is closer to the front side than the objects in front of the vehicle (vehicles, pedestrians, road signs). Therefore, in order to keep an eye on HUD 130 while driving, the driver needs to move the focus. Therefore, the driver may sometimes not pay attention to the display of HUD 130. In contrast, the road surface 900 has a shorter movement distance from the object in front of the vehicle than HUD 130, and the movement of the focus is smaller. Therefore, by presenting the second information, which is more important information, through the road surface depiction rather than HUD 130, the second information can be reliably conveyed to the driver.

[0073] The above describes the first embodiment. Next, a modification example related to the first embodiment will be described.

[0074] (Variation 1-1)

[0075] In the first embodiment, the variable light distribution lamp 110 is an additional light source for low beam and high beam. However, the function of at least one of low beam and high beam may be integrated with the variable light distribution lamp 110 .

[0076] (Implementation Method 2)

[0077] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a lighting system 100 according to Embodiment 2. The lighting system 100 includes a variable light distribution lamp (road surface depicting lamp) 110, a lamp control unit 120, a low beam 102, a high beam 104, and a camera 150. These components may all be housed in the same housing, or some components may be located outside the housing, in other words, on the vehicle side.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the variable light distribution lamp 110 is provided in addition to the low beam 102 and the high beam 104. Therefore, the variable light distribution lamp 110 may also be referred to as an additional beam.

[0079] The variable light distribution lamp 110 receives a control signal S from the lamp control unit 120 indicating a pattern PTN to be drawn on the road surface 900. CTRL , will have the same CTRL The light beam BM having the corresponding intensity distribution 902 is irradiated toward a road surface 900 in front of the vehicle, and a pattern PTN is drawn on the road surface 900. The pattern PTN is formed within an irradiation area 904 of the light beam BM.

[0080] The configuration of the variable light distribution lamp 110 is not particularly limited; for example, it may include a semiconductor light source such as an LD (laser diode) or LED (light-emitting diode), and a lighting circuit that drives and illuminates the semiconductor light source. To create an illumination distribution corresponding to the pattern PTN, the variable light distribution lamp 110 may also include a matrix-type patterning device such as a DMD (digital micromirror device) or a liquid crystal device. Alternatively, the variable light distribution lamp 110 may be an array of light-emitting elements (also known as μ-LEDs).

[0081] The illumination area of ​​the variable light distribution lamp 110 is determined to cover at least the road surface 900. Therefore, the illumination area of ​​the variable light distribution lamp 110 may partially overlap with the illumination area of ​​the low beam 102. Therefore, the variable light distribution lamp 110 may illuminate the pattern PTN with a brighter illumination than the low beam.

[0082] The camera 150 captures an image of the area in front of the vehicle. The lamp control unit 120 may control the pattern PTN that the variable light distribution lamp 110 should draw on the road surface 900 based on an image captured by the camera 150 (hereinafter referred to as a camera image IMG).

[0083] The high beam 104 may also have a variable light distribution, similar to the variable light distribution lamp 110. In this case, the lamp control unit 120 may also control the light distribution of the high beam 104 based on the camera image IMG.

[0084] Instructions for turning on and off the variable light distribution lamp 110, the low beam 102, and the high beam 104 are transmitted from the vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 201 to the lighting system 100. In addition, information required for light distribution control is transmitted.

[0085] Furthermore, the vehicle ECU 201 is connected to a parking brake sensor 202, an accelerator brake sensor 204, an accelerator sensor 206, and a vehicle speed sensor 208. The parking brake sensor 202 detects the on / off switching of the parking brake. The accelerator brake sensor 204 detects the on / off switching of the accelerator brake (e.g., the foot brake). The accelerator sensor 206 detects the amount of operation on the accelerator pedal. The vehicle speed sensor 208 detects the vehicle speed by detecting the rotational speed of the wheels. The angle sensor transmits the detection results to the light control unit 120 at a predetermined period.

[0086] The lamp control unit 120 can be configured using a digital processor, for example, a combination of a microcomputer including a CPU and a software program, or can be configured using an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0087] More specifically, the lamp control unit 120 controls the variable light distribution lamp 110 to draw a pattern PTN on the road surface 900 using the light beam BM. For example, the lamp control unit 120 draws a pattern PTN indicating that the vehicle is about to start and a pattern PTN indicating the direction of turning left or right.

[0088] The above is the basic structure of the lighting system 100. Next, its operation will be described.

[0089] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing an example (PTN_A) of a pattern PTN drawn on a road surface 900 by the variable light distribution lamp 110 . Figure 7 This depicts a driving scene. The pattern PTN_A depicted on road surface 900 indicates the direction of a left or right turn. The pattern PTN_A consists of multiple water droplets, and the shape formed by the collection of these droplets indicates the direction of the turn. The light control unit 120 can display the pattern PTN_A in conjunction with the operation of the turn indicator (winker). By using the multiple water droplets to indicate the direction of the turn, it can attract the attention of pedestrians and other vehicle drivers and reliably inform them of the direction of the turn.

[0090] Figure 8 (a)~ Figure 8 (d) is a diagram illustrating the operation of the lighting system 100 related to the start notification in a time series. Figure 8 In (a), the vehicle 906 equipped with the lighting system 100 is parked. Figure 8In (b), a first pattern PTN_1 is drawn on the road surface 900 in front of the vehicle 906. The light control unit 120 draws the first pattern PTN_1 when a first condition is met. The first condition is when the ignition switch is turned on or the parking brake is released. In this example, the first pattern PTN_1 includes a rectangular shape extending in the direction of travel.

[0091] exist Figure 8 In (c), a second pattern, PTN_2, is depicted on road surface 900 in front of vehicle 906. Light control unit 120 changes the pattern depicted on road surface 900 from first pattern PTN_1 to second pattern PTN_2 when the second condition is met. The second condition is the release of the parking brake, the release of the accelerator brake, the vehicle starting (i.e., the detection value of vehicle speed sensor 208 exceeds 0), or the accelerator is in the open state. In other words, second pattern PTN_2 is a start notification pattern used to notify that the vehicle has started or is about to start. If the first condition is the release of the parking brake, the release of the parking brake is excluded from the second condition.

[0092] In this example, the second pattern PTN_2 is an animation in which a graphic is repeatedly stretched in the vehicle width direction. The second pattern PTN_2 may also be Figure 8 The graphic of (b) is stretched. The graphic of the second pattern PTN_2 can also be stretched to the same width as the width of the vehicle 906. The width of the vehicle 906 can be the width of the body of the vehicle 906, or the width between predetermined parts (such as the outermost ends) of the left and right tires, or the width between predetermined parts (such as the outermost ends) of the left and right mirrors. Alternatively, after the vehicle 906 starts, the speed of the animation of the second pattern PTN_2 can be set to Figure 8 In the example of (c), the speed at which the graphic is stretched varies according to the speed of the vehicle 906 .

[0093] The second pattern PTN_2 may be different from the first pattern PTN_1 and is not limited to being an animation. The second pattern PTN_2 being different from the first pattern PTN_1 means that the graphics contained in each pattern differ in at least one of shape, size, color, animation content, or flicker.

[0094] exist Figure 8 In (d), the second pattern PTN_2 is turned off. The lamp control unit 120 turns off the second pattern PTN_2 when a third condition is met. The third condition is that a predetermined time has passed since the second pattern was drawn, a predetermined time has passed since the vehicle started, and the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined value.

[0095] Since the pattern drawn on road surface 900 has changed from first pattern PTN_1 to second pattern PTN_2, pedestrians and drivers of other vehicles nearby can quickly recognize that vehicle 906 has started or is about to start, allowing them to quickly take evasive action. Furthermore, since first pattern PTN_1 is drawn before second pattern PTN_2, the possibility of a vehicle starting can be known in advance, allowing pedestrians and others to take actions that take this into account.

[0096] The above describes Embodiment 2. Next, a modification example related to Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0097] (Variation 2-1)

[0098] Figure 9 (a)~ Figure 9 (e) is a diagram showing a second pattern PTN_2 of a modified example. The graphics constituting the second pattern PTN_2 are not limited to rectangles. For example, the graphics constituting the second pattern PTN_2 may be as follows: Figure 9 As shown in (a), it is an arrow, or it can be as Figure 9 As shown in (b), it is a triangle. In addition, the second pattern PTN_2 can also be composed of multiple graphics. For example, the second pattern PTN_2 can be as follows Figure 9 As shown in (c), multiple graphics including inverted "V" shapes can also be as shown in Figure 9 As shown in (d), the second pattern PTN_2 may include a plurality of water droplets arranged in an inverted V shape. In addition, the second pattern PTN_2 may also include text. For example, the second pattern PTN_2 may also be as follows Figure 9 As shown in (e), it contains text indicating that it is time to start.

[0099] The graphics constituting the first pattern PTN_1 are not limited to rectangles. Like the second pattern PTN_2, the graphics constituting the first pattern PTN_1 may be arrows or triangles, may include multiple graphics, or may include text.

[0100] (Variation 2-2)

[0101] A vehicle equipped with the lighting system 100 can also be a self-driving vehicle. The first pattern PTN_1 and the second pattern PTN_2 can be depicted in the same manner during automatic driving as during manual driving. This variation achieves the same effects as the second embodiment. Furthermore, it communicates to pedestrians that the autonomous vehicle is paying attention to its surroundings, providing them with a sense of security.

[0102] (Variation 2-3)

[0103] In the second embodiment, the variable light distribution lamp 110 is an additional light source for the low beam 102 and the high beam 104 . However, the function of at least one of the low beam 102 and the high beam 104 may be integrated with the variable light distribution lamp 110 .

[0104] Although the present invention is described using specific words based on the implementation method, the implementation method only shows one aspect of the principle and application of the present invention. In the implementation method, many variations or configurations are allowed to be changed without departing from the scope of the idea of ​​the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0105] [Industrial Applicability]

[0106] The present invention relates to a lighting system.

[0107] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0108] 100 lighting system, 110 variable light distribution lamp, 120 lighting control unit, 130 HUD, 140 HUD control unit, 900 road surface.

Claims

1. A lighting system, characterized in that: include: a road surface delineating light that shines a light beam onto the road surface, and a light control unit that controls the road surface drawing light to draw a pattern on the road surface in front of the vehicle through the light beam; The light control unit draws a first pattern before the start of a predetermined event and draws a second pattern with the start of the event. The first pattern includes first information that should be prompted to the driver in advance so that the driver can cope with the event, and the second pattern includes second information corresponding to the event. The aforementioned scheduled event is the narrowing of the road width; The first information is a deceleration instruction; The second information is the width of the vehicle.

2. A lighting system, characterized in that: include: a road surface delineating light that shines a light beam onto the road surface, and a light control unit that controls the road surface drawing light to draw a pattern on the road surface in front of the vehicle through the light beam; The light control unit draws a first pattern before the start of a predetermined event and draws a second pattern with the start of the event. The first pattern includes first information that should be prompted to the driver in advance so that the driver can cope with the event, and the second pattern includes second information corresponding to the event. The above scheduled events are temporarily suspended; The first information is a deceleration instruction; The second information is a temporary stop instruction.

3. A lighting system, characterized in that: include: a road surface delineating light that shines a light beam onto the road surface, and a light control unit that controls the road surface drawing light to draw a pattern on the road surface in front of the vehicle through the light beam; The light control unit draws a first pattern before the start of a predetermined event and draws a second pattern with the start of the event. The first pattern includes first information that should be prompted to the driver in advance so that the driver can cope with the event, and the second pattern includes second information corresponding to the event. The predetermined event is a switch in the direction of travel; The first information is a deceleration instruction; The second information is an instruction to switch the traveling direction.

4. A lighting system, characterized in that: include: Head-up display, A road surface depicting light that shines a light beam onto the road surface. a HUD control unit that controls the head-up display and displays first information on the head-up display before a predetermined event begins, wherein the first information should be presented to the driver in advance so that the driver can cope with the event; and a light control unit that controls the road surface drawing light and draws a pattern including second information corresponding to the event on the road surface in front of the vehicle as the event starts; The aforementioned scheduled event is the narrowing of the road width; The first information is a deceleration instruction; The second information is the width of the vehicle.

5. A lighting system, characterized in that: include: Head-up display, Road surface delineating lights that shine a light beam onto the road surface. a HUD control unit that controls the head-up display and displays first information on the head-up display before a predetermined event begins, wherein the first information should be presented to the driver in advance so that the driver can cope with the event; and a light control unit that controls the road surface drawing light and draws a pattern including second information corresponding to the event on the road surface in front of the vehicle as the event starts; The above scheduled events are temporarily suspended; The first information is a deceleration instruction; The second information is a temporary stop instruction.

6. A lighting system, characterized in that: include: Head-up display, Road surface delineating lights that shine a light beam onto the road surface. a HUD control unit that controls the head-up display and displays first information on the head-up display before a predetermined event begins, wherein the first information should be presented to the driver in advance so that the driver can cope with the event; and a light control unit that controls the road surface drawing light and draws a pattern including second information corresponding to the event on the road surface in front of the vehicle as the event starts; The predetermined event is a switch in the direction of travel; The first information is a deceleration instruction; The second information is an instruction to switch the traveling direction.

7. A lighting system, characterized in that: include: a road surface delineating light that shines a light beam onto the road surface, and a control unit configured to control the road surface drawing lamp and draw a pattern on the road surface via the light beam; The control unit draws a first pattern on the road surface when the parking brake is released, and changes the pattern drawn on the road surface from the first pattern to a second pattern as a start notification pattern when the accelerator brake is released.

8. The lighting system according to claim 7, wherein: The control unit turns off the second pattern based on any one of a lapse of a predetermined time since the second pattern was drawn, a lapse of a predetermined time since the vehicle started, and a vehicle speed exceeding a predetermined value.

9. The lighting system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The second pattern mentioned above is an animation; The control unit changes the speed of the animation according to the vehicle speed.

10. The lighting system according to claim 8, wherein: The second pattern is an animation in which a graphic is stretched in the vehicle width direction.

11. A lighting system, characterized in that: include: a road surface delineating light that shines a light beam onto the road surface, and a control unit configured to control the road surface drawing lamp and draw a pattern on the road surface via the light beam; The control unit changes the pattern drawn on the road surface from the first pattern to the second pattern as the start notification pattern based on any one of the release of the parking brake, the release of the accelerator brake, the start of the vehicle, and the opening of the accelerator. The second pattern is an animation in which a graphic is stretched in the vehicle width direction.

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