Vehicle lamp system

Abstract

A vehicle lamp system capable of reducing the frequency of replacement of a vehicle lamp is provided. A vehicle lamp system (SYS) has a vehicle lamp (100) having a plurality of elements (11) capable of irradiating light to a corresponding irradiation region, and a detection unit (20) that detects whether or not the plurality of elements (11) are abnormal, and a notification unit (200) that, when an abnormality is detected with respect to an element (11), notifies abnormality information related to the generation of the abnormality, and that, when an abnormality is detected with respect to a target element (11a) of the plurality of elements (11) capable of irradiating light to a prescribed region, and when an abnormality is detected with respect to a non-target element (11b) of the plurality of elements (11) different from the target element (11a), notifies different abnormality information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to lighting systems for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle lighting fixtures are known to individually control multiple components such as LEDs to form an ADB light distribution pattern in front of a vehicle. As a vehicle lighting system using such a vehicle lighting fixture, for example, a structure is known that detects whether a short circuit, open circuit, or other malfunction has occurred in the multiple components, and when a malfunction is detected, stops or reduces the power supply to the vehicle lighting fixture (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-9825 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the aforementioned vehicle lighting system, even if one of the multiple components is detected to be malfunctioning, the power supply to all components is cut off, resulting in a complete shutdown, and the entire vehicle lighting system must be replaced. Therefore, the frequency of vehicle lighting system replacement is higher in this system.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a vehicle lighting system that can reduce the replacement frequency of vehicle lights.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The vehicle lighting system of the present invention includes: a vehicle lighting fixture having a plurality of elements capable of illuminating light to a corresponding illumination area, and a detection unit for detecting whether there is an abnormality in the plurality of elements; and a notification unit that, when an abnormality is detected in the elements, notifies abnormality information related to the occurrence of the abnormality, and notifies different types of abnormality information when the abnormality is detected in a target element among the plurality of elements capable of illuminating light to a specified illumination area, and when the abnormality is detected in a non-target element among the plurality of elements that is different from the target element.

[0011] Alternatively, when the anomaly is detected in the non-object element, the notification unit may notify different types of anomaly information based on the detection status of the non-object element in which the anomaly was detected.

[0012] Alternatively, the detection status may include the ratio of the number of non-object elements that detected the anomaly to the total number of non-object elements.

[0013] Alternatively, when the anomaly is detected for a plurality of adjacent non-object elements, the detection state may include the number of the plurality of adjacent non-object elements or a value calculated based on that number.

[0014] Alternatively, the detection state may include the distance between the object element and the non-object element that detected the anomaly.

[0015] Alternatively, the specified illumination area may be the central portion of the pattern along the horizontal line when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0016] Alternatively, when the vehicle lighting detects the abnormality in the target element, it may set all of the multiple elements to a non-irradiation state, preventing them from irradiating light into the corresponding multiple irradiation areas.

[0017] Alternatively, when the vehicle lamp detects the anomaly in a non-object element that is different from the object element among the plurality of elements, it at least ensures that the object element continues to be able to irradiate light into the corresponding illumination area.

[0018] Alternatively, in the vehicle-mounted state, at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions may be provided with a plurality of the plurality of elements, wherein the object element is disposed at the central part in the horizontal direction and the lower part in the vertical direction.

[0019] Alternatively, the notification unit may be a display device located in the vehicle, and the abnormal information may be displayed on the display device.

[0020] Invention Effects

[0021] According to the present invention, a vehicle lighting system capable of reducing the replacement frequency of vehicle lighting fixtures can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle lighting system according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a driving pattern formed by multiple elements.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an anomaly detected in an object component.

[0025] Figure 4This is a diagram illustrating an example of an anomaly detected in a non-object component.

[0026] Figure 5 This is another example of an anomaly detected when a non-object component is detected.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the vehicle lighting system according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the light source section of the vehicle lighting system according to the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 This is another example of a driving pattern formed by multiple elements.

[0030] Figure 9 It is a diagram that schematically represents the structure of a modified element. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the vehicle lighting system of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the constituent elements in the following embodiments include constituent elements that can be easily substituted by those skilled in the art, or substantially the same constituent elements.

[0032] [First Implementation Method]

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle lighting system SYS according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle lighting system SYS includes a vehicle lighting unit 100 and a notification unit 200. The vehicle lighting unit 100 includes a light source unit 10, a detection unit 20, and a light source control unit (control unit) 30.

[0034] The light source unit 10 includes multiple elements 11 and a substrate 12. In this embodiment, the multiple elements 11 are, for example, semiconductor-type elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). Furthermore, as described later, the multiple elements 11 may also be miniature electromechanical systems such as DMDs (Digital Micromirror Devices).

[0035] Multiple elements 11 are disposed on a substrate 12. These multiple elements 11 are, for example, arranged in a left-right direction when mounted in a vehicle. In this embodiment, a structure in which multiple elements 11 are arranged in a single row along the left-right direction on the substrate 12 is described as an example, but this is not a limitation; a structure in which multiple rows are arranged along the left-right direction, as described later, is also possible. Figure 1The example shown is a structure with, for example, 11 or more elements 11, but it is not limited to this and may also have 10 or fewer or 11 or more elements.

[0036] Hereinafter, when distinguishing the multiple elements 11, they will be referred to as elements S1, S2, S3, ..., S11 sequentially from the left side when the vehicle is mounted. The multiple elements 11 form a driving pattern PH in front of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the driving pattern PH includes, for example, a high beam pattern such as the ADB pattern.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a driving pattern formed by multiple elements 11. Figure 2 When representing driving patterns, VV lines represent vertical lines on the screen, and HH lines represent horizontal lines on the left and right sides of the screen. The driving pattern PH is composed of illumination areas P1 to P11. Illumination areas P1 to P11 are partially overlapped with adjacent illumination areas along the left and right directions.

[0038] A predetermined illumination area (hereinafter referred to as "prescribed area") AR is set in the driving pattern PH. The prescribed area AR is, for example, set in the main part of the driving pattern PH. In this embodiment, the prescribed area AR is set as the central part of the prescribed illumination area AR in the left-right direction along the horizontal line when viewed from the front of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the prescribed area AR is the area that includes illumination areas P4 to P7. The illumination area AR is, for example, an area that needs to be illuminated according to regulations, or an area set in an area that needs to be illuminated according to such regulations, which is conducive to visual recognition and product quality.

[0039] Here, Figure 1 The element S1 shown is directed towards Figure 2 The illumination area P1 is illuminated. Similarly, element S2 illuminates the illumination area P2. Element S3 illuminates the illumination area P3. Element S4 illuminates the illumination area P4. Element S5 illuminates the illumination area P5. Element S6 illuminates the illumination area P6. Element S7 illuminates the illumination area P7. Element S8 illuminates the illumination area P8. Element S9 illuminates the illumination area P9. Element S10 illuminates the illumination area P10. Element S11 illuminates the illumination area P11. In this way, multiple elements 11 (elements S1 to S11) can illuminate the corresponding multiple illumination areas P1 to P11. The multiple elements 11 can switch between an illumination state illuminating the respective illumination areas P1 to P11 and a non-illumination state not illuminating those areas. In this embodiment, the illumination state and non-illumination state can be switched by adjusting the current supplied to the multiple elements 11.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plurality of elements 11 includes target elements 11a and non-target elements 11b. In this embodiment, elements S4 to S7, which irradiate light onto the designated area AR (irradiation areas P4 to P7) in the driving pattern PH, are designated as target elements 11a. At this time, among the plurality of elements 11, elements 11 that are different from target elements 11a are non-target elements 11b. That is, in this embodiment, elements S1 to S3 and S8 to S11, which irradiate light onto the irradiation areas P1 to P3 and P8 to P11 in the driving pattern PH that are different from the designated area AR in the left-right direction, are non-target elements 11b.

[0041] The detection unit 20 detects whether there are any abnormalities in multiple components 11. The detection unit 20 can detect whether there are any abnormalities in each component 11 individually. The detection unit 20 outputs the detection results to the light source control unit 30 and the notification unit 200.

[0042] The light source control unit 30 controls multiple elements 11. The light source control unit 30 includes a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). The light source control unit 30 can individually control the illumination and non-illumination states of each element 11. By individually controlling the illumination and non-illumination of multiple elements 11, each element 11 can be individually set to a non-illumination state to prevent light from illuminating, for example, vehicles in front, pedestrians, or oncoming vehicles. This reduces glare from vehicles in front or oncoming vehicles. When the light source control unit 30 detects an anomaly in the target element 11a, it sets all multiple elements 11 to a non-illumination state, preventing light from illuminating the illumination areas P1 to P11. When the light source control unit 30 detects an anomaly in a non-target element 11b, it ensures that at least the target element 11a continues to illuminate the corresponding illumination areas P1 to P11.

[0043] Based on the detection results of the detection unit 20, when an anomaly is detected in multiple components 11, the notification unit 200 notifies the anomaly information related to the occurrence of the anomaly. When an anomaly is detected in the target component 11a and when an anomaly is detected in the non-target component 11b, the notification unit 200 notifies different anomaly information.

[0044] In this embodiment, as described later, when an anomaly is detected in the target element 11a, a first anomaly message can be sent warning of the need to replace the vehicle lighting fixture 100. Furthermore, when an anomaly is detected in a non-target element 11b, a second anomaly message can be sent, for example, to guide the maintenance of the vehicle lighting fixture 100, based on the detection status of the non-target element 11b.

[0045] The notification unit 200 includes a processing unit 201 and an output unit 202. The processing unit 201 obtains the detection results and determines whether an abnormality has occurred in any of the multiple components 11. When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in one or more components 11, the processing unit 201 determines whether the component 11 that caused the abnormality is the target component 11a. When it is determined that the component 11 that caused the abnormality is the target component 11a, the processing unit 201 causes the output unit 202 to output abnormality information.

[0046] Furthermore, when the processing unit 201 determines that the component 11 that has generated an abnormality is a non-target component 11b, it can cause the output unit 202 to output second abnormality information based on the detection state of the non-target component 11b. For example, when the detection state of the non-target component 11b meets a predetermined condition, the processing unit 201 can cause the output unit 202 to output the second abnormality information. Conversely, when the detection state of the non-target component 11b does not meet the predetermined condition, the processing unit 201 can prevent the output unit 202 from outputting the second abnormality information.

[0047] The detection state of non-object element 11b includes, for example, the ratio of the number of non-object elements 11b that are detected as abnormal to the total number of all non-object elements 11b or all elements 11. In this case, the processing unit 201 may be configured to output second abnormal information when the ratio is above a threshold.

[0048] Furthermore, when an anomaly is detected in a plurality of adjacent non-object elements 11b, the detection state of the non-object elements 11b includes the number of the plurality of adjacent non-object elements 11b or a calculated value (such as the aforementioned ratio) based on that number. In this case, for example, the processing unit 201 may cause the output unit 202 to output second anomaly information when the number or the calculated value is above a threshold.

[0049] Furthermore, the detection state of the non-object element 11b includes the distance between the object element 11a and the non-object element 11b from which the anomaly was detected. In this case, the processing unit 201 may be configured such that, for example, when the distance between the non-object element 11b from which the anomaly was detected and the object element 11a is below a threshold, the processing unit 201 causes the output unit 202 to output second anomaly information.

[0050] The output unit 202 outputs first and second abnormality information according to the instructions from the processing unit 201. By outputting the first and second abnormality information from the output unit 202, the driver and others in the vehicle are notified of the first and second abnormality information. Examples of output units 202 include, for example, a display device installed in the vehicle. The first and second abnormality information are then displayed on the display device. Examples of such display devices include, for example, a display panel or indicator light installed on the dashboard, a display panel capable of displaying map information from a car navigation system, and a HUD (Head-Up Display). Alternatively, the output unit 202 may also be a speaker that outputs sound information. In this case, the first and second abnormality information are output as sound information.

[0051] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of an anomaly detected in object component 11a. For example... Figure 3 As shown, for example, when an abnormality such as a short circuit or open circuit occurs in element S5, which is the object element 11a, element S5 cannot irradiate light onto the irradiation area P5. Therefore, the irradiation area P5 is in a state where it is not irradiated.

[0052] The detection unit 20 detects an anomaly in component S5 and outputs the detection result to the light source control unit 30 and the notification unit 200. In the notification unit 200, the processing unit 201, based on the detection result, determines that an anomaly has occurred in component S5, the target component, and causes the output unit 202 to display first anomaly information C1. By displaying the first anomaly information C1 on the output unit 202, the first anomaly information C1 is notified to the vehicle's driver, etc. Figure 3 In the example shown, the notification unit 200 displays information indicating that the vehicle lamp 100 is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired as the first abnormality information C1. When the light source control unit 30 receives information that an abnormality has occurred in the element S5, it sets all the multiple elements 11 to a non-illumination state, preventing light from illuminating the illumination areas P1 to P11.

[0053] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates an example of an anomaly detected in a non-target element 11b. (See diagram for example.) Figure 4 As shown, for example, when an abnormality such as a short circuit or open circuit occurs in element S2, which is a non-object element 11b, element S2 cannot irradiate the irradiation area P2. Therefore, the irradiation area P2 is in a state where it is not irradiated.

[0054] The detection unit 20 detects an anomaly in element S2 and outputs the detection result to the light source control unit 30 and the notification unit 200. In the notification unit 200, the processing unit 201, based on the detection result, determines that an anomaly has occurred in element S2, which is a non-target element 11b, and determines whether the detection state of element S2 meets a predetermined condition. Here, the predetermined condition is set to, for example, that the ratio of the number of non-target elements 11b that have detected anomalies to the total number of non-target elements 11b (7) is 20% or more. In this case, the number of non-target elements 11b that have detected anomalies is 1, so the aforementioned ratio is approximately 14%, and the processing unit 201 determines that the predetermined condition is not met. When the processing unit 201 determines that the detection state of the non-target element 11b does not meet the predetermined condition, it may not output the second anomaly information to the output unit 202. At this time, the light source control unit 30 can maintain the plurality of elements 11, including at least the target element 11a, in an irradiation state.

[0055] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates another example of an anomaly detected in a non-target element 11b. (See diagram for example.) Figure 5 As shown, for example, when an abnormality such as a short circuit or open circuit occurs in the two components S1 and S2, which are non-object components 11b, these components S1 and S2 cannot irradiate the irradiation areas P1 and P2. Therefore, the irradiation areas P1 and P2 are in a state where they are not irradiated.

[0056] The detection unit 20 detects an anomaly in components S1 and S2 and outputs the detection result to the light source control unit 30 and the notification unit 200. In the notification unit 200, the processing unit 201, based on the detection result, determines that an anomaly has occurred in components S1 and S2, which are non-target components 11b, and determines whether the detection state of components S1 and S2 meets a predetermined condition. Here, similarly to the above, the predetermined condition is set to the ratio of the number of non-target components 11b that have detected anomalies to the total number of non-target components 11b (7) being 20% ​​or more. At this time, the number of non-target components 11b that have detected anomalies is 2, so the ratio is approximately 28%, and the processing unit 201 determines that the predetermined condition is met. When the processing unit 201 determines that the detection state of the non-target components 11b meets the predetermined condition, the output unit 202 outputs second anomaly information C2. Furthermore, at this time, the light source control unit 30 can put multiple components 11 into a non-irradiated state. Furthermore, the light source control unit 30 can also perform the following control at this time: for example, keep the target element 11a in the irradiation state, and keep the non-target element 11b in the non-irradiation state. Figure 5 In the example shown, the notification unit 200 displays the maintenance of the vehicle guidance light 100 as the second abnormal information C2. The content of the second abnormal information C2 is of lower importance or urgency than the content of the first abnormal information C1.

[0057] In this way, the notification unit 200 can notify the corresponding element 11a of the multiple elements 11 in different ways according to the level of importance or urgency when an abnormality occurs (high importance or urgency), when an abnormality occurs in a non-corresponding element 11b but the specified conditions are met (medium importance or urgency), and when an abnormality occurs in a non-corresponding element 11b but the specified conditions are not met (low importance or urgency).

[0058] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the vehicle lighting system SYS according to this embodiment. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the detection unit 20 detects whether there are any abnormalities in the multiple components 11 and outputs the detection results (step S10). The processing unit 201 detects whether the detection results of the multiple components 11 contain any abnormalities (step S20). If the processing unit 201 determines that there are no abnormalities (step S20 No), it executes the determination in step S20 again.

[0059] When the processing unit 201 determines in step S20 that an abnormality is present (step S20 is yes), it determines whether the abnormality is in the target element 11a (step S30). If the processing unit 201 determines in step S30 that the target element 11a is abnormal (step S30 is yes), it notifies the target element 11a of the abnormality by having the output unit 202 output first abnormality information C1 (step S40). In addition, the light source control unit 30 sets all of the plurality of elements 11 to a non-illuminated state (step S50) and ends the processing.

[0060] On the other hand, if the processing unit 201 determines in step S30 that the abnormality is not in the target element 11a (step S30 No), it determines that the abnormality is in the non-target element 11b, and determines whether the detection state of the non-target element 11b meets the prescribed conditions (step S60). If the processing unit 201 determines in step S60 that the detection state meets the prescribed conditions (step S60 Yes), it notifies the output unit 202 of the abnormality information C2 (step S70) and ends the processing. On the other hand, if the processing unit 201 determines in step S60 that the detection state does not meet the prescribed conditions (step S60 No), it executes the processing after step S20.

[0061] As described above, the vehicle lighting system SYS of this embodiment includes: a vehicle lighting 100, which has a plurality of elements 11 capable of irradiating light to corresponding illumination areas P1 to P11, and a detection unit 30 for detecting whether there is any abnormality in the plurality of elements 11; and a notification unit 200, which notifies abnormal information related to the occurrence of the abnormality when an abnormality is detected in an object element 11a among the plurality of elements 11 capable of irradiating light to a specified area AR (P4 to P7), and when an abnormality is detected in a non-object element 11b among the plurality of elements 11 that is different from the object element 11a.

[0062] According to this structure, different abnormality information is notified when an abnormality is detected in the target element 11a that illuminates the AR in the designated area, and when an abnormality is detected in the non-target element 11b that illuminates light outside the designated AR area. Therefore, the driver and others can determine the necessity of replacing the vehicle lamp 100 based on the notified abnormality information. Therefore, compared to a structure that requires replacing the vehicle lamp 100 even when an abnormality is detected in one of the multiple elements 11, the frequency of replacing the vehicle lamp 100 can be reduced based on the driver's judgment.

[0063] In the vehicle lighting system SYS of this embodiment, when an anomaly is detected in a non-target element 11b, the notification unit 200 notifies a second anomaly message with different content based on the detection status of the non-target element 11b. Therefore, for example, if it is determined that the necessity to replace the vehicle lighting fixture 100 is lower, the second anomaly message may not be notified, thus further reducing the replacement frequency of the vehicle lighting fixture 100.

[0064] In the vehicle lighting system SYS of this embodiment, the detection status includes the ratio of the number of non-objective elements 11b that have detected anomalies to the total number of non-objective elements 11b. Therefore, a high-precision detection status corresponding to the total number of non-objective elements 11b can be obtained.

[0065] In the vehicle lighting system SYS of this embodiment, when an anomaly is detected in a plurality of adjacent non-objective elements 11b, the detection state includes the number of the plurality of adjacent non-objective elements 11b or a value calculated based on that number. Therefore, a high-precision detection state corresponding to the positional relationship of the non-objective elements 11b in which the anomaly was detected can be obtained.

[0066] In the vehicle lighting system SYS of this embodiment, the detection state includes the distance between the target element 11a and the non-target element 11b that has been detected as abnormal. Therefore, for the non-target element 11b that has been detected as abnormal, a high-precision detection state corresponding to the positional relationship with the target element 11a can be obtained.

[0067] In the vehicle lighting system SYS of this embodiment, the defined area AR is the central portion of the driving pattern PH along the horizontal line when viewed from the front of the vehicle in the left-right direction. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the element 11 that illuminates the main portion of the driving pattern PH, the abnormality can be reliably notified.

[0068] In the vehicle lighting system SYS of this embodiment, when an abnormality is detected in the target element 11a, the vehicle lighting system 100 sets all the multiple elements 11 to a non-illumination state, preventing them from illuminating the corresponding multiple illumination areas P1 to P11. This reduces power consumption when an abnormality is detected in the target element 11a.

[0069] In the vehicle lighting system SYS of this embodiment, a plurality of elements 11 are arranged in at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions when the vehicle is mounted, and the target element 11a is arranged in the central part of the horizontal direction and the lower part of the vertical direction.

[0070] In the vehicle lighting system SYS of this embodiment, the notification unit 200 is a display device installed in the vehicle, and abnormal information is displayed on the display device. This allows for visual notification of abnormal information to the driver and others.

[0071] In the vehicle lighting system SYS of this embodiment, when an anomaly is detected in a non-target element 11b, the vehicle lighting system 100 ensures that at least the target element 11a continues to illuminate the corresponding illumination areas P1 to P11. According to this structure, when an anomaly is detected in a non-target element 11b, at least the target element 11a continues to be illuminated. For example, as described in this embodiment, when the driving pattern PH is divided into multiple parts, even if an anomaly exists in one part other than the designated area AR, the impact on the driving pattern PH as a whole is minimal. In such a case, ensuring that at least the target element 11a continues to be illuminated improves the driver's visual visibility compared to a structure that extinguishes all elements 11, thus contributing to safety.

[0072] [Second Implementation]

[0073] Figure 7This diagram schematically illustrates an example of the light source section of the vehicle lighting system SYS2 according to the second embodiment. In the vehicle lighting system SYS2 of the second embodiment, the structure of the light source section 10A differs from that of the light source section 10 of the first embodiment, but other structures are the same as in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the structure of the light source section 10A will be described in detail. The light source section 10A has a plurality of elements 11 and a substrate 12. The light source section 10A has a plurality of elements 11 arranged in a matrix along the left-right and up-down directions on the substrate 12. The structure of each element 11 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0074] Figure 8 This diagram shows another example of a driving pattern formed by multiple elements 11. The driving pattern PHA has irradiation areas P formed in a matrix shape along the horizontal and vertical directions. Each irradiation area P is formed by one element 11. Each of the multiple elements 11 corresponds to one of the elements 11. Each irradiation area P is formed such that it contacts or partially overlaps with the adjacent irradiation areas P in the left-right and up-down directions.

[0075] Figure 7 The arrangement of the multiple elements 11 shown is consistent with Figure 8 The multiple irradiation areas P shown are configured at corresponding positions. As in the embodiment described above, the multiple elements 11 can be individually controlled in both irradiation and non-irradiation states. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the illustrated method, compared to the above embodiment, the driving pattern PHA is finely divided. Therefore, compared to the above embodiment, the formation range of the driving pattern PHA in front of the vehicle can be controlled with high precision.

[0076] The multiple elements 11 are divided into target elements 11a and non-target elements 11b. For example, the element that forms the defined area AR in the central part of the horizontal line when viewed from the front of the vehicle in the driving pattern PHA is the target element 11a. The target element 11a is arranged in the central part in the horizontal direction and the lower part in the vertical direction of the multiple elements 11 arranged in a matrix. In this embodiment, the target element 11a is set to cover the bottommost column and the second column from the bottom in the vertical direction. The non-target elements 11b are arranged around the target element 11a, that is, on both sides in the horizontal direction and on the upper side in the vertical direction of the target element 11a.

[0077] In this structure, the detection unit 20 detects whether there are any abnormalities in the multiple components 11, similar to the embodiment described above. The detection unit 20 is capable of detecting abnormalities individually for each component 11. The detection unit 20 outputs the detection results to the light source control unit 30 and the notification unit 200.

[0078] Based on the detection results from the detection unit 200, the notification unit 200 notifies different types of abnormality information when an abnormality is detected in the target component 11a and when an abnormality is detected in the non-target component 11b. For example, similar to the first embodiment described above, when an abnormality is detected in the target component 11a, a first abnormality message warning of replacement of the vehicle lamp 100 can be notified. Furthermore, when an abnormality is detected in the non-target component 11b, a second abnormality message, such as guiding the maintenance of the vehicle lamp 100, can be notified based on the detection status of the non-target component 11b.

[0079] Similar to the first embodiment described above, the detection state of non-object element 11b includes the ratio of the number of non-object elements 11b that have detected anomalies to the total number of all non-object elements 11b or all elements 11. Furthermore, when anomalies are detected in multiple adjacent non-object elements 11b, the detection state of non-object element 11b includes the number of adjacent non-object elements 11b or a calculated value based on that number (such as the aforementioned ratio). In this case, the adjacent direction can be either the left-right direction or the up-down direction. Additionally, the detection state of non-object element 11b includes the distance between object element 11a and the non-object element 11b that has detected anomalies. In this case, the object element 11a used as the reference for calculating the distance can be, for example, pre-set based on one object element 11a, or based on the element 11 located at the closest distance to the non-object element 11b that has detected anomalies.

[0080] In addition, similarly to the first embodiment, when an abnormality is detected in the target element 11a, the light source control unit 30 sets all the multiple elements 11 to a non-irradiation state that does not irradiate light into the irradiation areas P1 to P11. When an abnormality is detected in a non-target element 11b that is different from the target element 11a, the target element 11a is at least able to continue to irradiate light into the corresponding irradiation areas P1 to P11.

[0081] Thus, in the vehicle lighting system SYS2 of the second embodiment, in a matrix structure where multiple elements 11 are arranged in the left-right and up-down directions—that is, a structure with an increased number of elements 11 compared to the structure of the first embodiment—different abnormality information is notified when an abnormality is detected in the target element 11a and when an abnormality is detected in a non-target element 11b. Therefore, compared to the structure of the first embodiment, the frequency of abnormality information notification, such as the second abnormality information, can be suppressed, and thus the replacement frequency of the vehicle lighting 100 can be further suppressed. Furthermore, compared to a structure where the vehicle lighting 100 must be replaced even when an abnormality is detected in just one of the multiple elements 11, the replacement frequency of the vehicle lighting 100 can be further reduced, and thus the cost associated with replacing the vehicle lighting 100 can be further suppressed.

[0082] Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the vehicle lamp 100, which has an increased number of elements 11 compared to the first embodiment, when an anomaly is detected in the target element 11a, all elements 11 are placed in a non-illumination state, preventing light from illuminating the illumination areas P1 to P11. When an anomaly is detected in a non-target element 11b (different from the target element 11a), at least the target element 11a continues to illuminate the corresponding illumination areas P1 to P11. When the driving pattern PH is divided into multiple parts, even if an anomaly exists in one division outside the designated area AR, the impact on the driving pattern PH as a whole is minimal. In this case, by ensuring that at least the target element 11a continues to be illuminated, compared to a structure where all elements 11 are extinguished, the driver's visual recognition is improved, thus contributing to safety.

[0083] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the first and second embodiments described above, semiconductor-type elements were used as examples of element 11, but the invention is not limited to this, and may also be a micro electromechanical system such as a DMD.

[0084] Figure 9 This is a diagram schematically representing the component structure of a modified example. For example... Figure 9 As shown, element 41 has a reflecting member 42 and a drive unit 43 for switching the posture of the reflecting member 42. The reflecting member 42 has a reflecting surface 42a. The reflecting surface 42a reflects light from the light source 50. The drive unit 43 changes the orientation of the reflected light reflected by the reflecting surface 42a by switching the posture of the reflecting member 42.

[0085] For example, the drive unit 43 can switch the posture of the reflective component 42 between a first posture D1 and a second posture D2. The first posture D1 is when the reflective surface 42a reflects light from the light source 50 toward a corresponding illumination area in front of the vehicle. The second posture D2 is when the reflective surface 42a reflects light from the light source 50 in a direction different from the illumination area.

[0086] By using the drive unit 43 to set the orientation of the reflective member 42 to a first orientation D1, light from the light source 50 is reflected by the reflective surface 42a, and the reflected light L1 illuminates the designated illumination area. By using the drive unit 43 to set the orientation of the reflective surface 42a to a second orientation D2, light from the light source 50 is reflected by the reflective surface 42a, and the reflected light L2 is directed in a direction different from the aforementioned illumination area. At this time, light is not illuminating the designated illumination area. In this way, by adjusting the orientation of the reflective member 42 by the drive unit 43, it is possible to switch between an illumination state where light illuminates the illumination area and a non-illumination state where light does not illuminate the illumination area.

[0087] Such element 41 can be used in the same way as the structure shown in the first embodiment, in a single column along the left and right direction, or in the same way as the structure shown in the second embodiment, in a matrix arrangement along the left and right and up and down directions.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example given is the determination in the processing unit 201 of the notification unit 200 whether the abnormal element 11 is the target element 11a, and whether the detection state of the non-target element 11b meets the prescribed conditions, but it is not limited to this. It may also be configured such that, for example, one or both of the above two determinations are performed on the vehicle lamp 100 side, and the determination result and the detection result are sent together to the notification unit 200 side.

[0089] Symbol Explanation

[0090] C1…First anomaly information, C2…Second anomaly information, L1, L2…Reflected light, 11, 41…Element, AR…Specified area, P1~P11…Illumination area, PH, PHA…Driving pattern, SYS, SYS2…Vehicle lighting system, 10, 10A…Light source unit, 11a…Target element, 11b…Non-target element, 12…Substrate, 20…Detection unit, 30…Light source control unit, 42…Reflective component, 42a…Reflective surface, 43…Driver unit, 50…Light source, 100…Vehicle lighting, 200…Notification unit.

Claims

1. A vehicle lighting system, characterized in that, The vehicle lighting system has the following features: A vehicle lighting fixture having multiple elements capable of illuminating light in front of the vehicle to form a driving pattern while the vehicle is mounted, and a detection unit for detecting whether each of the elements is abnormal; as well as When the abnormality is detected in the component, the notification unit notifies the abnormality information related to the occurrence of the abnormality. The driving pattern is composed of multiple adjacent illumination areas in the left-right direction in front of the vehicle. The plurality of elements are disposed on a substrate and arranged in a left-right direction when mounted in a vehicle, and each element is capable of irradiating light into its corresponding irradiation area. Of the plurality of elements, those elements that illuminate a predetermined illumination area in the driving pattern are designated as target elements, and those elements that illuminate an illumination area in the driving pattern that differs from the predetermined illumination area in the left-right direction are designated as non-target elements. The designated illumination area is the central portion of the driving pattern formed by the plurality of elements in the left-right direction along the horizontal line when viewed from the front of the vehicle. The notification unit determines whether the abnormal element detected by the detection unit is any one of the multiple target elements or any one of the multiple non-target elements. When the abnormality is detected for any one of the target elements and when the abnormality is detected for any one of the non-target elements, it notifies different abnormality information.

2. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the anomaly is detected in any of the non-object elements, the notification unit notifies the anomaly information of different content according to the detection status of the non-object element in which the anomaly was detected.

3. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detection status includes the ratio of the number of non-object elements that detected the anomaly to the total number of non-object elements.

4. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the anomaly is detected for a plurality of adjacent non-object elements, the detection state includes the number of the plurality of adjacent non-object elements or a value calculated based on that number.

5. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detection status includes the distance between the object element and the non-object element from which the anomaly was detected.

6. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the vehicle lighting system detects the anomaly in any of the target elements, it sets all of the multiple elements to a non-illumination state, preventing them from illuminating the corresponding multiple illumination areas.

7. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the vehicle lighting system detects the anomaly in any of the non-target elements, it ensures that the target element continues to be able to irradiate light into the corresponding illumination area.

8. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple components are arranged in both the horizontal and vertical directions when the vehicle is in its mounted state. The object element is disposed at the central part in the horizontal direction and at the lower part in the vertical direction.

9. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The notification unit is a display device installed in the vehicle. The abnormal information is displayed on the display device.

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