Vehicle exterior lamp control system

Abstract

The invention provides an exterior lamp control system which reduces discomfort brought to passengers due to overlapping of repeated sound notified to a vehicle interior along with operation of an exterior lamp and other rhythm sound such as music in the vehicle interior, and improves comfort in the vehicle interior. An exterior lamp control system includes: a speed acquisition unit that acquires a speed of an interior sound, which is a sound in a vehicle interior of a host vehicle, the speed being the number of beats per minute; an instruction detection unit that detects an operation instruction relating to an exterior lamp that performs a flickering operation of light; an exterior lamp control unit that controls a fixed-cycle flicker operation of the exterior lamp on the basis of the operation instruction; and a notification control unit that controls the output of an interior notification that notifies the interior of the vehicle that the exterior lamp is operating, the interior notification including the output of a notification sound that is a repetition sound of a fixed period, and the notification control unit controls the output of the notification sound such that the repetition frequency, which is the number of repetitions per minute of the repetition sound, coincides with the speed of the interior sound.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle exterior light control system. Background Art

[0002] During the running of a vehicle, it is important to appropriately inform the driver of the operating status of a turn signal lamp (winker) and the like.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a driving instruction device that changes the display of a turn signal indicator disposed in the vehicle as the vehicle approaches a predetermined location such as an intersection where the vehicle should turn.

[0004] Patent document 2 describes a vehicle driving assistance device that aims to inform the driver of changes in potential risks around the vehicle at an early stage and changes the flashing pattern and flashing sound pattern of the turn signal lamp according to the proximity of obstacles around the vehicle.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses that the flashing frequency of the turn signal lamp is increased as the steering angle of the vehicle increases so that other vehicles can easily recognize the timing when the vehicle changes its lane or decelerates.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-59264

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 3991915

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 4213059 Summary of the invention

[0011] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0012] However, the repetitive sound output into the vehicle interior when the vehicle's exterior lights, such as turn signals and hazard lights, are turned on may overlap with other rhythmic sounds such as music played in the vehicle interior and give uncomfortable stimulation to the passengers' hearing.

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the purpose of the present application is to reduce the discomfort caused to passengers by the overlap of the repetitive sound notified to the vehicle interior accompanying the operation of the exterior lights and other rhythmic sounds in the vehicle interior, thereby improving the comfort in the vehicle interior.

[0014] Means for solving problems

[0015] One embodiment of the present invention is an exterior light control system comprising: a speed acquisition unit, which acquires the speed of sound inside the cabin of a vehicle, i.e., interior sound, wherein the speed is the number of beats per minute; an indication detection unit, which detects an action indication related to the exterior lights that perform a flashing action; an exterior light control unit, which controls the fixed-period flashing action of the exterior lights based on the action indication; and a notification control unit, which controls the output of an interior notification for notifying the interior of the vehicle that the exterior lights are in action, wherein the interior notification includes the output of a repetitive sound, i.e., a notification sound, at a fixed period, and the notification control unit controls the output of the notification sound so that the number of repetitions per minute, i.e., the repetition frequency, of the repetitive sound is consistent with the speed of the interior sound.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, the indoor notification includes output of notification light that flashes at a fixed period, and the notification control unit controls the output of the notification light so that the flashing light is synchronized with the repetitive sound.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, the exterior lamp control unit controls the operation of the exterior lamp so that the number of flashing times per minute of the exterior lamp, ie, the flashing frequency, matches the speed of the interior sound within a predetermined frequency range.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, the exterior light control unit controls the operation of the exterior lights so that the number of flashes per minute of the exterior lights, i.e., the flashing frequency, is consistent with a value obtained by multiplying the speed of the interior sound by a natural number within a predetermined frequency range.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, the exterior light control unit controls the operation of the exterior lights so that the number of flashes per minute of the exterior lights, i.e., the flashing frequency, is consistent with a value obtained by dividing the speed of the interior sound by a natural number within a predetermined frequency range.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, the exterior light control system includes a strong beat determination unit that extracts the timing of the strong beat of the interior sound, and the exterior light control unit controls the operation of the exterior lights so that the exterior lights are lit at a timing that matches the strong beat.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the exterior light control unit controls the operation of the exterior light so that the number of flashes per minute of the exterior light, i.e., the flashing frequency, is consistent with a value obtained by dividing the speed of the interior sound by a natural number m and multiplying the value by a natural number n, where n≠m.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, when the speed of the interior sound changes while the exterior lights are operating, the exterior light control unit maintains the number of flashes per minute of the exterior lights, that is, the flashing frequency, at the flashing frequency before the speed change.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, the exterior light control system includes a strong beat determination unit that determines the timing of the strong beat of the interior sound, and the notification control unit controls the output of the notification sound so that the repeated sound is output as the notification sound at the timing of the strong beat.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the exterior light control system includes a management unit that manages the operation of a music output device that outputs music in a vehicle interior. When the exterior lights are in operation, when the output of a piece of music as the interior sound from the music output device ends, the management unit instructs the music output device to start outputting the same piece of music again, or to start outputting other music at the same speed as the piece of music.

[0025] Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the discomfort caused to passengers by overlapping of repeated sounds notified to the vehicle interior in association with the operation of the exterior lights and other rhythmic sounds in the vehicle interior, thereby improving the comfort level in the vehicle interior. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle equipped with an exterior lamp control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure inside the cabin of the vehicle.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an instrument panel.

[0030] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a configuration of an exterior lamp control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 1 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the exterior light control system.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of setting the repetition frequency of the notification sound and the blinking frequency of the direction indicator light when the indoor sound has an even-numbered beat.

[0033] Figure 7The diagram shows the relationship between the timing of the beats of triple and quadruple room sounds and the lighting timing of the direction indicator lights that flash at a flashing frequency that is 1 / 2 times the speed of the room sounds.

[0034] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between the timing of the beats of triple-beat room sound and the lighting timing of the direction indicator lights that flash at a flashing frequency that is n / 3 times the speed of the room sound.

[0035] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of setting the repetition frequency of the notification sound and the blinking frequency of the direction indicator light when the indoor sound is 3 beats.

[0036] Description of symbols

[0037] 1…exterior light control system, 2…own vehicle, 3…sound information acquisition device, 4…exterior light control device, 5…IVI device, 6…turn indicator, 6a…left turn indicator, 6b…right turn indicator, 10…turn indicator switch, 11…hazard switch, 12…steering wheel, 13…steering column, 14…instrument panel, 15…touch panel, 16…microphone, 17…speaker, 18…driver's seat, 19…instrument panel, 20…instrument, 21…display, 22…notification light, 22a…left notification light, 22b…right notification light, 23…notification speaker, 30…first processor, 31…first memory, 32…first program, 33…sound acquisition unit, 34…beat detection unit, 35…tempo acquisition unit, 36…strong beat determination unit, 37…beat number acquisition unit, 38…sound information providing unit, 40…second processor, 41…second memory, 42…second program, 43…indication detection unit, 44…notification control unit, 45…exterior light control unit, D…passenger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] [1. Structure of this vehicle]

[0040] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a host vehicle 2 equipped with an exterior lamp control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The vehicle 2 is provided with an exterior light control system 1. The exterior light control system 1 includes: a sound information acquisition device 3 that acquires information (sound information) related to audio in the vehicle interior; and an exterior light control device 4 that controls the operation of the direction indicator 6 based on the acquired sound information. In the present embodiment, the exterior light control device 4 controls the output of an interior notification that notifies the interior of the vehicle 2 that the direction indicator 6 is in operation, in addition to controlling the operation of the direction indicator 6. The structures of the sound information acquisition device 3 and the exterior light control device 4 will be described later.

[0042] The vehicle 2 further includes an IVI device 5 (IVI: In-Vehicle Infotainment). The IVI device 5 uses a speaker 17 and a touch panel 15 in the vehicle interior to provide various entertainments to the passenger D by playing music and video. The IVI device 5 corresponds to a music output device that outputs music in the vehicle interior of the vehicle 2 in the present disclosure.

[0043] The vehicle 2 is also equipped with a turn signal lamp 6. The turn signal lamp 6 includes three left turn signal lamps 6a arranged on the front left side, rear left side, and left side of the vehicle body, and three right turn signal lamps 6b arranged on the front right side, rear right side, and right side of the vehicle body. In addition to being operated to indicate the turning direction when the vehicle 2 turns left or right, the turn signal lamps 6 also operate as hazard warning lights indicating abnormal conditions or emergency conditions. Here, the turn signal lamps 6 are equivalent to the exterior lights in the present disclosure that are provided on the outside of the vehicle body and flash light. In addition, in Figure 1 In the figure, other lamps generally provided in a vehicle, such as headlamps, tail lamps, and brake lamps, which are less relevant to the operation of the exterior lamp control system 1 of the present embodiment, are not shown.

[0044] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the interior of the vehicle 2 .

[0045] The interior of the vehicle 2 is provided with a lever-type turn signal switch 10 for operating the turn signal 6 in the turning direction of the vehicle 2 and a hazard switch 11 for lighting the turn signal 6 as a hazard warning light. The turn signal switch 10 is provided, for example, on a steering column 13 of a steering wheel 12. The hazard switch 11 is provided at approximately the center of the instrument panel 14 in the vehicle width direction. A touch panel 15 is provided at the center of the instrument panel 14. The IVI device 5 plays animations and obtains instructions from the passenger D through the touch panel 15.

[0046] A microphone 16 for acquiring sounds in the vehicle interior is disposed on the upper portion of the steering column 13. The microphone 16 may be, for example, a microphone for providing voice instructions to the IVI device 5, or for making a hands-free call during a call or emergency notification via a wireless phone (not shown). As described later, the sound information acquisition device 3 acquires sounds in the vehicle interior through the microphone 16.

[0047] Speakers 17 for outputting audio such as music and voice into the vehicle interior are arranged on the left and right sides of the upper part of the instrument panel 14. The speakers 17 can be used for the IVI device 5 to play music and the like, as well as for the above-mentioned telephone calls and hands-free calls for emergency notifications.

[0048] An instrument panel 19 is disposed above the instrument panel 14 and in front of the driver's seat 18 .

[0049] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the instrument panel 19. In addition to various instruments 20 such as a speedometer and a display 21 that displays the temperature outside the vehicle, etc., the instrument panel 19 is provided with a notification light 22 that notifies that the direction indicator 6 is operating. The notification light 22 includes a left notification light 22a and a right notification light 22b that respectively indicate that the left direction indicator 6a and the right direction indicator 6b are operating. In addition, a notification speaker 23 that outputs a notification sound into the vehicle interior when the direction indicator 6 is operating is arranged inside the instrument panel 19.

[0050] [2. Structure of the exterior light control system]

[0051] Figure 4 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the exterior lamp control system 1 .

[0052] In the present embodiment, the exterior light control system 1 includes a sound information acquisition device 3 and an exterior light control device 4. The exterior light control system 1 may also include one or more of other devices used by the sound information acquisition device 3 and the exterior light control device 4. In addition, the sound information acquisition device 3 and the exterior light control device 4 may also be configured as one device including all functional elements of these devices.

[0053] [2.1 Structure of Sound Information Acquisition Device]

[0054] The sound information acquisition device 3 analyzes the sound inside the cabin of the host vehicle 2 and determines whether the sound inside the cabin is a rhythmic sound such as music. Then, if the interior sound is a rhythmic sound, the sound information (information related to the speed (tempo), timing of the strong beat, and the number of beats described later) related to the periodicity (rhythm) of the interior sound acquired is sent to the exterior light control device 4.

[0055] The sound information acquisition device 3 has a first processor 30 and a first memory 31. The first memory 31 is composed of, for example, a volatile and / or non-volatile semiconductor memory and / or a hard disk device. The first processor 30 is, for example, a computer having a CPU. The first processor 30 may also be configured to have a ROM in which a program is written, a RAM for temporarily storing data, etc. In addition, the first processor 30 has a sound acquisition unit 33, a beat detection unit 34, a tempo acquisition unit 35, a strong beat determination unit 36, a beat number acquisition unit 37, and a sound information providing unit 38 as functional elements or functional units.

[0056] These functional elements of the first processor 30 are realized, for example, by the first processor 30 as a computer executing the first program 32 stored in the first memory 31. In addition, the first program 32 may be pre-stored in any computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, all or part of the above-mentioned functional elements of the first processor 30 may be constituted by hardware each including one or more electronic circuit components.

[0057] The sound acquisition unit 33 acquires the sound in the interior of the host vehicle 2 (hereinafter referred to as interior sound) through the microphone 16. The sound acquisition unit 33 instructs the beat detection unit 34, the tempo acquisition unit 35, the strong beat determination unit 36, and the beat number acquisition unit 37 to detect the beat, tempo, strong beat timing, and beat number of the interior sound when the acquired interior sound is regarded as rhythmic sound.

[0058] Specifically, the sound acquisition unit 33 instructs the beat detection unit 34, the tempo acquisition unit 35, the downbeat determination unit 36 ​​and the beat number acquisition unit 37 to detect the beat, tempo, timing of the downbeat and the beat number of the room sound in the most recently acquired predetermined time length at predetermined time intervals.

[0059] The beat detection unit 34 detects the beat of the room sound according to the instruction from the sound information acquisition device 3 .

[0060] The tempo acquisition unit 35 acquires the tempo of the indoor sound (hereinafter also referred to as indoor sound tempo) according to the instruction from the sound information acquisition device 3 when the tempo detection unit 34 detects the tempo of the indoor sound. Here, tempo refers to the number of beats per minute, and the unit is BPM (Beats Per Minute).

[0061] The downbeat identification unit 36 ​​determines whether a downbeat can be detected in the room sound when the beat detection unit 34 detects the beat of the room sound according to the instruction from the sound information acquisition device 3. When a downbeat can be detected in the room sound, the downbeat identification unit 36 ​​extracts the timing of the downbeat.

[0062] The beat number acquisition unit 37 detects the beat number of the indoor sound when the strong beat of the indoor sound is detected by the strong beat determination unit 36 ​​according to the instruction from the sound information acquisition device 3. The beat number refers to the number of beats in one measure from one strong beat to the next strong beat. The beat number is, for example, the number "2" in "2 beats" or the number "3" in "3 beats".

[0063] The beat detection unit 34, the tempo acquisition unit 35, the strong beat determination unit 36 ​​and the beat number acquisition unit 37 analyze the indoor sound according to the existing technology, for example, by the beat tracking method (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2023-69663), and detect the beat, tempo, presence or absence of strong beats, and timing and number of strong beats of the indoor sound.

[0064] The sound information providing unit 38 determines that the indoor sound is a rhythmic sound such as music when the strong beat is detected by the strong beat determining unit 36. When the indoor sound is a rhythmic sound with a strong beat detected by the strong beat determining unit 36, the sound information providing unit 38 transmits the speed of the indoor sound acquired by the speed acquiring unit 35, the timing of the strong beat extracted by the strong beat determining unit 36, and the number of beats of the indoor sound acquired by the number of beats acquiring unit 37 as sound information to the exterior light control device 4. The timing of the strong beat can be transmitted to the exterior light control device 4 as a pulse signal (timing pulse) synchronized with the timing of the extracted strong beat, for example.

[0065] [2.2 Structure of the exterior light control device]

[0066] The exterior lamp control device 4 controls the blinking operation of the direction indicator 6. In addition, the exterior lamp control device 4 controls the output of an indoor notification to notify the interior of the vehicle that the direction indicator 6 is operating. The indoor notification includes the output of a notification sound using the notification speaker 23 and the output of a notification light using the notification lamp 22.

[0067] In the present embodiment, in particular, when receiving the sound information from the sound information acquisition device 3 , the exterior lamp control device 4 performs operation control of the direction indicator 6 and output control of the indoor notification based on the received sound information.

[0068] The exterior light control device 4 includes a second processor 40 and a second memory 41. The second memory 41 is composed of, for example, a volatile and / or non-volatile semiconductor memory and / or a hard disk device. The second processor 40 is, for example, a computer including a CPU. The second processor 40 may also be configured to include a ROM in which a program is written, a RAM for temporarily storing data, and the like. Furthermore, the second processor 40 includes an instruction detection unit 43, a notification control unit 44, an exterior light control unit 45, and a management unit 46 as functional elements or functional units.

[0069] These functional elements of the second processor 40 are realized, for example, by the second processor 40 as a computer executing the second program 42 stored in the second memory 41. In addition, the second program 42 may be pre-stored in any computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, all or part of the above-mentioned functional elements of the second processor 40 may be constituted by hardware each including one or more electronic circuit components.

[0070] The indication detection unit 43 detects an action indication related to the turn signal. The action indication is provided by the passenger D operating the turn signal switch 10 or the hazard switch 11. The indication detection unit 43 transmits the detected action indication to the notification control unit 44 and the exterior light control unit 45. When the action indication is provided by the turn signal switch 10, the action indication includes direction indication information related to right turn or left turn.

[0071] The notification control unit 44 controls output of an indoor notification to notify the vehicle interior that the direction indicator 6 is operating. When the exterior lamp control unit 45 described later starts blinking the direction indicator 6 based on an operation instruction from the instruction detection unit 43, the notification control unit 44 starts outputting the indoor notification.

[0072] The indoor notification includes the output of notification sound by the notification speaker 23 and the output of notification light by the notification lamp 22. The notification sound is a repetitive sound with a fixed period.

[0073] The notification light is a flashing light that flashes at a fixed cycle. When an action instruction is notified from the instruction detection unit 43, the notification light is output using either the left or right notification lamp 22 (i.e., the left notification lamp 22a or the right notification lamp 22b) corresponding to the direction instruction information included in the action instruction. In addition, when a notification of an action start instruction based on the operation of the hazard switch 11 is received from the instruction detection unit 43, the notification light is output using all the notification lamps 22 (i.e., the left notification lamp 22a and the right notification lamp 22b).

[0074] Here, the number of repetitions per minute of the repetitive sound as the notification sound is referred to as the repetition frequency of the notification sound, and the number of flashing times per minute of the flashing light as the notification light is referred to as the repetition frequency of the notification light.

[0075] The notification control unit 44 may set the repetition frequency of the notification sound and the repetition frequency of the notification light to the same value and control the output of the notification light from the notification lamp 22 so that the flashing light as the notification light and the repetition sound as the notification sound are synchronized. Hereinafter, the repetition frequency of the notification sound and the repetition frequency of the notification light are collectively referred to as the repetition frequency of the indoor notification.

[0076] The exterior light control unit 45 controls the fixed-cycle flashing action of the direction indicator 6 based on the action instruction detected by the instruction detection unit 43. When the action instruction from the direction indicator switch 10 is notified from the instruction detection unit 43, the exterior light control unit 45 starts the flashing action of either the left or right direction indicator 6 (i.e., the left direction indicator 6a or the right direction indicator 6b) corresponding to the direction instruction information included in the action instruction. In addition, when the action instruction from the hazard switch 11 is notified from the instruction detection unit 43, the exterior light control unit 45 starts the flashing action of all the direction indicators 6 (i.e., the left direction indicator 6a and the right direction indicator 6b). Hereinafter, the number of flashes per minute of the direction indicator 6 is referred to as the flashing frequency.

[0077] Here, the laws and regulations usually stipulate the flashing frequency of the turn signal lamp and the flashing frequency of the hazard warning lamp when the vehicle turns. For example, in Japan, the Road Transport Vehicle Law stipulates that the turn signal lamp and the hazard warning lamp flash at a constant flashing frequency of not less than 60 times and not more than 120 times per minute. On the other hand, the above-mentioned laws and regulations do not stipulate the repetition frequency of the indoor notification when turning and when there is danger.

[0078] In the present embodiment, in consideration of the operational error of the flashing action of the direction indicator 6, the exterior lamp control unit 45 controls the flashing action of the direction indicator 6 at a flashing frequency in the range of 70 to 110 times per minute as a flashing frequency that complies with the above-mentioned regulations. Hereinafter, the range of flashing frequencies in the range of 70 to 110 times per minute used by the exterior lamp control unit 45 for the flashing action of the direction indicator 6 as a flashing frequency that complies with the regulations is referred to as a prescribed frequency range or a prescribed frequency range. The above-mentioned prescribed frequency range is equivalent to the "predetermined prescribed frequency range" in the present disclosure.

[0079] When no sound information is received from the sound information acquisition device 3, the notification control unit 44 and the exterior light control unit 45 control the output of the indoor notification and the flashing action of the turn indicator 6, so that the repetition frequency of the indoor notification and the flashing frequency of the turn indicator 6 become a default frequency predetermined within a specified frequency range (for example, 90 times per minute).

[0080] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in particular, when sound information is received from the sound information acquisition device 3, the notification control unit 44 and the exterior light control unit 45 control the action of the indoor notification and the turn signal indicator 6 based on the received sound information, so that the indoor notification is synchronized with the rhythm of the indoor sound, and the flashing action of the turn signal indicator 6 is synchronized with the indoor sound within a specified frequency range.

[0081] Specifically, the notification control unit 44 and the exterior light control unit 45 perform, for example, Figure 6The notification sound control and the direction indicator lamp 6 are controlled according to the settings shown. Figure 6 This is an example of setting the repetition frequency of the notification sound and the blinking frequency of the direction indicator 6 when the indoor sound is an even-numbered beat (for example, 2 beats, 4 beats, etc.). The case where the indoor sound is an odd-numbered beat will be described later.

[0082] exist Figure 6 In the table shown, the leftmost column, i.e., the first column, is the speed range of the indoor sound, the second column is the repetition frequency of the control of the notification sound used as the indoor notification, and the third column is the flashing frequency of the control of the direction indicator 6. The speed ranges shown in the first column are respectively marked with numbers for identifying the respective speed ranges, such as range I, range II, ...

[0083] In the present embodiment, the notification control unit 44 sets the repetition frequency of the notification sound and the repetition frequency of the notification light to the same value and controls the notification sound and the notification light so that the repetition of the notification sound and the blinking of the notification light are synchronized.

[0084] As described above, since there are no regulations regarding the method of indoor notification during turns and dangers, the notification control unit 44 can make the repetition frequency of the indoor notification consistent with the speed of the indoor sound regardless of the speed range of the indoor sound. Figure 6 As shown, for example, when the speed of the indoor sound is in the range from range II to range VI (35 BPM or more and less than 220 BPM), the notification control unit 44 controls the output of the notification sound so that the repetition frequency of the notification sound is consistent with the speed of the indoor sound. In this way, it is possible to reduce the discomfort caused to the passengers by the overlap of the repeated sound as the notification sound and the indoor sound such as music, and improve the comfort of listening to music in the vehicle interior. In addition, in the above case, it is preferred that the notification control unit 44 controls the output of the notification sound so that the output of the repeated sound as the notification sound is consistent with the timing of the beat of the indoor sound.

[0085] On the other hand, when the speed of the indoor sound is in range I (less than 35 BPM) or range VII (220 BPM or more), the notification control unit 44 controls the repetition frequency of the indoor notification to a predetermined default frequency (e.g., 90 times per minute) within the specified frequency range. This is because the speed of the indoor sound in range I and range VII greatly deviates from the specified frequency range, so even if the repetition frequency of the notification sound is set to a frequency within the specified frequency range, the passenger D rarely feels the incongruity of the sound.

[0086] Regarding the control of the turn signal lamp 6 by the exterior light control unit 45, it is preferable to make the flashing frequency of the turn signal lamp 6 consistent with the speed of the interior sound according to the above-mentioned control operation of the notification control unit 44. This is because if the repetition frequency of the notification sound is different from the flashing frequency of the turn signal lamp 6, the passenger D may feel a sense of discomfort at night when the flashing of the turn signal lamp 6 can be indirectly visually recognized in the vehicle interior.

[0087] However, as described above, since the blinking frequency of the turn signal lamp is legally regulated, the exterior lamp control unit 45 cannot perform the same control as the notification sound control in the notification control unit 44 when the speed of the interior sound is outside the prescribed frequency range.

[0088] Therefore, the exterior lamp control unit 45 controls the operation of the direction indicator lamp 6 in the following manner.

[0089] First, when the speed of the interior sound is within a predetermined frequency range, the exterior light control unit 45 controls the operation of the direction indicator 6 so that the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 is consistent with the speed of the interior sound within the predetermined frequency range. Figure 6 In the embodiment, when the speed of the indoor sound is in the same range IV (70 BPM or more and 110 BPM or less) as the prescribed frequency range, the exterior light control unit 45 controls the operation of the direction indicator 6 so that the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 matches the speed of the indoor sound. In this case, it is preferred that the exterior light control unit 45 controls the operation of the direction indicator 6 so that the timing of lighting the direction indicator 6 matches the timing of the beat of the indoor sound.

[0090] On the other hand, when the speed of the indoor sound is not within the specified frequency range, the exterior light control unit 45 controls the operation of the direction indicator 6 so that the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 is consistent with the value obtained by multiplying the speed of the indoor sound by a natural number within the specified frequency range. Specifically, when the speed of the indoor sound is in the range II (35 BPM or more and less than 55 PPM) which is 1 / 2 of the specified frequency range, the exterior light control unit 45 controls the operation of the direction indicator 6 so that the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 is consistent with the value obtained by multiplying the speed of the indoor sound by 2.

[0091] Alternatively, the exterior light control unit 45 controls the operation of the direction indicator 6 so that the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 is consistent with the value obtained by dividing the speed of the indoor sound by a natural number within the specified frequency range. Specifically, when the speed of the indoor sound is in the range VI (140 BPM or more and less than 220 PPM) which is twice the frequency range of the specified frequency, the exterior light control unit 45 controls the operation of the direction indicator 6 so that the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 is consistent with the value obtained by dividing the speed of the indoor sound by 2.

[0092] When the beat number of the indoor sound is an even number, through these controls, even when the speed of the indoor sound is slower or faster than the specified frequency range, the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 can be within the specified frequency range, and the discomfort caused to the passengers by the difference in rhythm between the flashing of the direction indicator 6 and the indoor sound can be reduced.

[0093] Furthermore, the exterior lamp control unit 45 may control the flashing frequency of the direction indicator lamp 6 to a predetermined frequency within a predetermined frequency range when the speed of the interior sound is within a range in which neither a value obtained by multiplying the speed of the interior sound by a natural number nor a value obtained by dividing the speed of the interior sound by a natural number falls within a range of values ​​within the predetermined frequency range. Figure 6 In the control shown, range III (55 BPM or more and less than 70 BPM) and range V (55 BPM or more and less than 70 BPM) correspond to the above range. In the present embodiment, when the speed of the indoor sound is in range III which is slower than the range of the prescribed frequency, the exterior light control unit 45 controls the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 to 70 BPM, which is the lower limit frequency of the prescribed frequency range. In addition, when the speed of the indoor sound is in range V which is faster than the range of the prescribed frequency, the exterior light control unit 45 controls the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 to 110 BPM, which is the upper limit frequency of the prescribed frequency range.

[0094] Here, when the exterior lamp control unit 45 controls the operation of the direction indicator lamp 6 so that the flashing frequency of the direction indicator lamp 6 matches the value obtained by multiplying the speed of the indoor sound by a natural number or the value obtained by dividing the speed of the indoor sound by a natural number within the range of a predetermined frequency, it is preferable to control the operation of the direction indicator lamp 6 so that the direction indicator lamp 6 is lit at the timing of the strong beat of the indoor sound. This is because, when people generally perceive the rhythmic sound and the flashing of the light, if the strong beat of the rhythmic sound and the timing of the lighting of the light match, they tend not to feel a sense of disharmony even if the weak beat of the rhythmic sound and the timing of the lighting of the light do not match.

[0095] On the other hand, when the number of beats of the indoor sound is an odd number, that is, when the indoor sound is an odd number such as 3 beats, in range VI, if the action of the direction indicator 6 is controlled with a flashing frequency that is consistent with the value obtained by dividing the speed of the indoor sound by 2 as described above, the direction indicator 6 may not light up at the timing of the strong beat.

[0096] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing, as an example, the relationship between the timing of the beats of triple and quadruple beats of room sound and the lighting timing of the direction indicator 6 that flashes at a flashing frequency that is 1 / 2 times the speed of the room sound. Figure 7 a) and b) are the timing of the beats of the room sound of 4 beats and 3 beats of the same speed, respectively, and the black circle is the strong beat. Figure 7 c) shows the lighting timing of the direction indicator light 6 controlled to a flashing frequency 1 / 2 times the speed of the indoor sound. Figure 7 In the diagram, time flows from the left to the right.

[0097] exist Figure 7 In a), with respect to the odd-numbered beats of the room sound (i.e., 3 beats), since the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 is controlled to be an even-numbered fraction (i.e., 1 / 2) of the speed of the room sound, the direction indicator 6 may not light up at the timing of the strong beat (the timing indicated by the dotted line in the figure) once in every 2 strong beats. The same is true for other odd-numbered beats such as 5 beats and 7 beats, and the direction indicator 6 may not light up at the timing of the strong beat.

[0098] In contrast, in the room, the sound is even-numbered. Figure 7 In the case of b), the direction indicator lamp 6 does not light up at the timing of the strong beat. The same is true for other even-numbered beats such as 2 beats and 8 beats.

[0099] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the indoor sound has an odd number of beats and the speed of the indoor sound is outside the range of the prescribed frequency, the exterior lamp control unit 45 controls the operation of the direction indicator 6 so that the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 is consistent with a value obtained by dividing the speed of the indoor sound by a natural number m and multiplying the value by a natural number n (≠m) within the range of the prescribed frequency. Here, m is the number of beats (the number of beats) of the indoor sound, and n is a natural number (1, 2, ..., m-1) less than m.

[0100] Figure 8 The diagram shows the relationship between the timing of the beat of the indoor sound and the blinking timing of the direction indicator 6 set to 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 times the speed of the indoor sound when the indoor sound is 3 beats (ie, m=3).

[0101] Figure 8 a) shows the timing of the beat of the room sound. Figure 8 b) and c) are lighting timings of the direction indicator light 6 with the flashing frequency set to 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 times the speed of the indoor sound, respectively.

[0102] As shown in the figure, by setting the blinking frequency of the direction indicator 6 to 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 times the speed of the indoor sound, the direction indicator 6 is always lit at the timing of the strong beat.

[0103] The ranges of the speed of the room sound at 2 / 3 times and 1 / 3 times the speed of the room sound within the predetermined frequency range are respectively 140 BPM to 165 BPM and 210 BPM to 330 BPM.

[0104] Therefore, when the indoor sound is 3 beats, the notification control unit 44 and the exterior light control unit 45 are notified as follows, for example. Fig. 9 As shown in the table, the repetition frequency of the notification sound and the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 are controlled.

[0105] exist Fig. 9 As shown in the table, Figure 6 The same marked parts as shown in the table are referenced above Figure 6 Related instructions. Fig. 9 The settings shown in the table are Figure 6 The settings shown in the table are the same as those shown in FIG. 1 , but instead of the range VI of the speed of the room sound, ranges VIa, VIb, and VIc are defined.

[0106] Range VIa and range VIc are ranges of the indoor sound velocity where 2 / 3 times and 1 / 3 times the indoor sound velocity are values ​​within the prescribed frequency range, respectively. In range VIa and range VIc, the exterior light control unit 45 controls the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 to be 2 / 3 times and 1 / 3 times the indoor sound velocity, respectively. In these cases, it is also preferable that the exterior light control unit 45 controls the operation of the direction indicator 6 so that the direction indicator 6 is lit at the timing of the strong beat of the indoor sound.

[0107] On the other hand, range VIb is a range of the indoor sound velocity where n / 3 times (n=1, 2) the indoor sound velocity does not become a value within the predetermined frequency range. Therefore, in range VIb, similarly to the setting of range V, the exterior lamp control unit 45 controls the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 to a fixed value of 110 times per minute.

[0108] In range VIc, the notification control unit 44 controls the repetition frequency of the notification sound to a frequency 1 / 3 times the indoor sound speed, similarly to the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6. This is because range VIc also includes the case where the indoor sound speed is above 220 BPM. When the notification sound is output at the same repetition frequency as the indoor sound speed, the repetition speed of the notification sound is too fast, which may cause discomfort to the passenger D. In addition, in this case, it is preferred that the notification control unit 44 controls the output of the notification sound so that the repeated sound as the notification sound is output at the timing of the strong beat of the indoor sound. This is because, when people usually perceive two sounds, if the strong beat of the rhythm sound of one party coincides with the beat of the other party's sound, even if the weak beat of the rhythm sound of one party does not coincide with the beat of the other party's sound, they tend not to feel a sense of disharmony.

[0109] Fig. 9 Range VIIa shown in the table is a speed range faster than range VIc. In range VIIA, Figure 6Similarly to the control in range VII, the repetition frequency of the notification sound and the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 are both controlled to the default frequencies.

[0110] In the speed range of range V, 2 / 3 times the indoor sound speed is within the predetermined frequency range. However, in this embodiment, the same control as in the above range VIa is not performed, but the same control as in the above range VIa is performed. Figure 6 This is to adjust the range V according to the number of beats of the room sound. Figure 6 The settings shown are Fig. 9 When the repetition frequency of the notification sound and the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 are switched between the settings shown, the sense of incongruity felt by the passenger D is alleviated. However, this is only an example, and in the speed range of range V, the exterior light control unit 45 may control the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 to a frequency 2 / 3 times the speed of the interior sound, similarly to range Via.

[0111] When the number of beats of the indoor sound is an odd number other than 3 beats (5 beats, 7 beats, etc.), control is performed in the same manner as in the above-mentioned 3 beat case.

[0112] For example, when the room sound is 5 beats (m=5), within the range of 140 BPM or more, the range of the room sound velocity where the value obtained by multiplying the room sound velocity by n / 5 is within the specified frequency range and the range of the room sound velocity where the value is not within the specified frequency range are as follows (unit: BPM).

[0113] 140 or more and less than 183 (the range of indoor sound velocity within the specified frequency range at 3 / 5 times).

[0114] 183 or more and less than 275 (the range of indoor sound velocity within the specified frequency range at 2 / 5 times).

[0115] 275 or more and less than 350 (the range of indoor sound velocity that is not within the prescribed frequency range at n / 5 times).

[0116] 350 or more and less than 550 (the range of indoor sound velocity within the specified frequency range at 1 / 5 times).

[0117] Therefore, when the indoor sound is 5 beats, the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 is controlled to be 3 / 5 times, 2 / 5 times, and 1 / 5 times the indoor sound speed, respectively, when the indoor sound speed is 140 or more and less than 183, 183 or more and less than 275, and 350 or more and less than 550. In addition, when the indoor sound speed is 275 or more and less than 350, the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 is controlled to be a fixed value of 110 times per minute.

[0118] Furthermore, when the direction indicator 6 is in operation, even if the value of the speed of the interior sound received from the sound information acquisition device 3 at a predetermined time interval changes, the notification control unit 44 and the exterior light control unit 45 do not change the repetition frequency of the notification sound and the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6, but maintain the repetition frequency and the flashing frequency before the speed change. This is because, depending on the country where the host vehicle 2 is traveling, there may be cases where the laws and regulations stipulate that the flashing frequency of the direction indicator in operation should be constant, and therefore the laws and regulations should be followed.

[0119] Reference Figure 4 , the management unit 46 communicates with the IVI device 5 to obtain information on whether the IVI device 5 is playing music in the vehicle. When the IVI device 5 is playing music, if a piece of music that is the indoor sound ends when the turn signal lamp 6 is in operation, the management unit 46 instructs the IVI device 5 to start outputting the aforementioned piece of music again, or to start outputting another piece of music with the same speed as the aforementioned piece of music. As a result, the speed of the music that is the indoor sound does not change when the turn signal lamp 6 is in operation, thereby preventing the passenger D from feeling a sense of disharmony in the sound during the operation of the turn signal lamp 6.

[0120] [3. Operation of the exterior lighting control system]

[0121] Next, the operation procedure of the exterior lamp control system 1 will be described.

[0122] Figure 5 1 is a flowchart showing the steps of processing executed by the first processor 30 of the sound information acquisition device 3 and the second processor 40 of the exterior light control device 4, which are computers of the exterior light control system 1. Figure 5 In the example, the processing when the turn signal switch 10 is turned on / off is shown, but the same processing is performed when the hazard switch 11 is turned on / off, except that the selection of the turn signal 6 to be operated and the selection of the notification light are different. Figure 5 As an example, the rhythmic sound such as music detected as room sound is a two-beat or a four-beat sound with an even number of beats, or a three-beat sound with an odd number of beats.

[0123] Figure 5 The processing shown is started when the power switch of the host vehicle 2 is turned on and the power of the sound information acquiring device 3 and the exterior light control device 4 is turned on, and is repeatedly executed.

[0124] When the processing starts, first, the first processor 30 of the sound information acquisition device 3 performs indoor sound analysis at a predetermined time interval (S100). As described above, the acquisition and analysis of indoor sound are performed by the sound acquisition unit 33, the beat detection unit 34, the tempo acquisition unit 35, the strong beat determination unit 36, and the beat number acquisition unit 37 of the first processor. Figure 5 The processing shown in the figure repeats the analysis of the indoor sound at a predetermined time interval in parallel. When a strong beat is detected from the indoor sound during the analysis of the indoor sound, the sound information providing unit 38 of the sound information acquisition device 3 sends the speed of the indoor sound, the timing of the strong beat and the number of beats as sound information to the vehicle exterior light control device 4.

[0125] Next, the indication detection unit 43 of the exterior lamp control device 4 determines whether the turn signal switch 10 is turned on (S102). If the turn signal switch 10 is not turned on (S102, No), the indication detection unit 43 returns to step S102 and repeats the process, waiting for the turn signal switch 10 to be turned on.

[0126] On the other hand, when the direction indicator switch 10 is turned on (S102, Yes), the sound information acquisition device 3 determines whether the indoor sound is a rhythmic sound (S104). As described above, the sound information acquisition device 3 determines that the indoor sound is a rhythmic sound such as music when the strong beat determination unit 36 ​​detects a strong beat. In addition, as described above, when the indoor sound is a rhythmic sound, the sound information providing unit 38 of the sound information acquisition device 3 sends the sound information to the exterior light control device 4.

[0127] Then, when the indoor sound is a rhythmic sound (S104, Yes), the notification control unit 44 and the exterior light control unit 45 of the exterior light control device 4 determine whether the indoor sound is an even beat based on the sound information (S106). Then, when the indoor sound is an even beat (S106, Yes), the notification control unit 44 and the exterior light control unit 45 perform the following operations according to the rhythmic sound. Figure 6 The repetition frequency of the indoor notification and the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6 are set according to the settings shown, and the operation of the indoor notification and the operation of the direction indicator 6 are controlled (S108).

[0128] Next, the indication detection unit 43 determines whether the turn signal switch 10 is turned off (S114). Then, when the turn signal switch 10 is not turned off (S114, No), the indication detection unit 43 of the exterior lamp control device 4 repeatedly performs the process of step S114 and waits for the turn signal switch 10 to be turned off.

[0129] On the other hand, when the turn signal switch 10 is turned off (S114, Yes), the instruction detection unit 43 causes the notification control unit 44 and the exterior light control unit 45 to stop outputting the indoor notification and operating the turn signal 6, respectively (S116), and the present process ends.

[0130] On the other hand, when the indoor sound is an odd beat in step S106 (S106, No), the notification control unit 44 and the exterior light control unit 45 are Fig. 9 The repetition frequency of the indoor notification and the blinking frequency of the direction indicator 6 are set according to the settings shown, and the operation of the indoor notification and the operation of the direction indicator 6 are controlled (S110). Thereafter, the instruction detection unit 43 transfers the process to step S114.

[0131] On the other hand, when the indoor sound is not a rhythmic sound in step S104 (S104), the notification control unit 44 and the exterior light control unit 45 of the exterior light control device 4 set a predetermined default frequency as the repetition frequency of the indoor notification and the flashing frequency of the direction indicator 6, and control the operation of the indoor notification and the operation of the direction indicator 6 (S112). After that, the instruction detection unit 43 transfers the processing to step S114.

[0132] [4. Other embodiments]

[0133] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the sound information acquisition device 3 acquires the tempo, strong beat timing, and beat number of the indoor sound by analyzing the indoor sound acquired from the microphone 16. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sound information acquisition device 3 may also communicate with the IVI device 5, and when the IVI device 5 plays music, the tempo acquisition unit 35 and beat number acquisition unit 37 acquire the tempo and beat number of the currently playing music from the IVI device 5. For example, the IVI device 5 may pre-store meta-information including information on the tempo and beat number of the music to be played.

[0134] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0135] [5. Structure supported by the above-mentioned embodiment]

[0136] The above-mentioned embodiment supports the following structure.

[0137] (Structure 1) An exterior light control system, comprising: a speed acquisition unit, which acquires the speed of sound inside the cabin of a vehicle, i.e., interior sound, wherein the speed is the number of beats per minute; an indication detection unit, which detects an action indication related to the exterior light that performs a flashing action; an exterior light control unit, which controls the fixed-period flashing action of the exterior light based on the action indication; and a notification control unit, which controls the output of an interior notification for notifying the interior of the vehicle that the exterior light is in action, wherein the interior notification includes the output of a repetitive sound, i.e., a notification sound, at a fixed period, and the notification control unit controls the output of the notification sound so that the number of repetitions per minute, i.e., the repetition frequency, of the repetitive sound is consistent with the speed of the interior sound.

[0138] According to the exterior light control system of configuration 1, the discomfort caused to passengers by the overlapping of repeated sounds notified to the vehicle interior accompanying the operation of the exterior lights and interior sounds such as music can be reduced, thereby improving the comfort of listening to music in the vehicle interior.

[0139] (Structure 2) The vehicle exterior light control system of Structure 1, wherein the indoor notification includes output of a fixed-cycle flashing light, namely, a notification light, and the notification control unit controls the output of the notification light so that the flashing light is synchronized with the repetitive sound.

[0140] According to the vehicle exterior light control system of Configuration 2, it is also possible to reduce the discomfort felt by passengers due to the difference in rhythm between the flickering of the notification light output into the vehicle interior and the interior sound.

[0141] (Structure 3) An exterior light control system of Structure 1 or 2, wherein the exterior light control unit controls the operation of the exterior lights so that the number of flashes per minute of the exterior lights, i.e., the flashing frequency, is consistent with the speed of the interior sound within a predetermined range of frequencies.

[0142] According to the exterior light control system of structure 3, the discomfort caused to passengers by the difference in rhythm between the flickering of the exterior lights and the interior sound can be reduced at night when the flashing frequency of the exterior lights is within a specified frequency range and the flashing state of the exterior lights can be indirectly visually recognized from inside the vehicle interior.

[0143] (Structure 4) An exterior light control system of any one of Structures 1 to 3, wherein the exterior light control unit controls the operation of the exterior lights so that the number of flashes per minute of the exterior lights, i.e., the flashing frequency, is consistent with a value obtained by multiplying the speed of the interior sound by a natural number within a range of a predetermined frequency.

[0144] According to the exterior light control system of structure 4, even when the speed of the interior sound is slower than the prescribed frequency range, the flashing frequency of the exterior lights can be kept within the prescribed frequency range, and the discomfort caused to the passengers by the difference in rhythm between the flashing of the exterior lights and the interior sound can be reduced.

[0145] (Structure 5) An exterior light control system of any one of Structures 1 to 4, wherein the exterior light control unit controls the operation of the exterior lights so that the number of flashes per minute of the exterior lights, i.e., the flashing frequency, is consistent with a value obtained by dividing the speed of the interior sound by a natural number within a predetermined range of frequencies.

[0146] According to the exterior light control system of structure 5, even when the speed of the interior sound is faster than the prescribed frequency range, the flashing frequency of the exterior lights can be kept within the prescribed frequency range, and the discomfort caused to the passengers by the difference in rhythm between the flashing of the exterior lights and the interior sound can be reduced.

[0147] (Structure 6) An exterior light control system according to any one of Structures 1 to 5, wherein the exterior light control system comprises a strong beat determination unit which extracts the timing of the strong beat of the indoor sound, and the exterior light control unit controls the operation of the exterior lights so that the exterior lights are turned on at a timing consistent with the strong beat.

[0148] According to the exterior light control system of Configuration 6, it is possible to further reduce the discomfort felt by passengers due to the difference in rhythm between the flickering of the exterior lights and the interior sound.

[0149] (Structure 7) An exterior light control system of any one of Structures 1 to 6, wherein the exterior light control unit controls the operation of the exterior light so that the number of flashes per minute, i.e., the flashing frequency, of the exterior light is consistent with a value obtained by dividing the speed of the interior sound by a natural number m and multiplying the value by a natural number n, wherein n≠m.

[0150] According to the exterior light control system of structure 7, when the speed of interior sound is faster than the specified frequency range and when the interior sound is a rhythmic sound with odd beats, the strong beat of the interior sound can be made consistent with the timing of lighting the exterior lights, thereby further reducing the discomfort caused to the passengers by the difference in rhythm between the flashing of the exterior lights and the interior sound.

[0151] (Structure 8) An exterior light control system according to any one of Structures 1 to 7, wherein, when the speed of the interior sound changes while the exterior lights are in operation, the exterior light control unit maintains the number of flashes per minute of the exterior lights, i.e., the flashing frequency, at the flashing frequency before the speed changed.

[0152] According to the exterior lamp control system of Configuration 8, it is possible to prevent the surrounding vehicles from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in the blinking frequency of the exterior lamps in operation.

[0153] (Structure 9) An exterior light control system according to any one of Structures 1 to 8, wherein the exterior light control system comprises a strong beat determination unit which determines the timing of the strong beat of the indoor sound, and the notification control unit controls the output of the notification sound so that the repeated sound is output as the notification sound at the timing of the strong beat.

[0154] According to the vehicle exterior light control system of Configuration 9, it is possible to further reduce the discomfort caused to the passengers by the difference in rhythm between the output of the repetitive sound as the notification sound and the interior sound.

[0155] (Structure 10) An exterior light control system of any one of Structures 3 to 8, wherein the exterior light control system includes a management unit that manages the operation of a music output device that outputs music in a vehicle interior, and when the exterior lights are in operation, when the output of a piece of music as the interior sound from the music output device ends, the management unit instructs the music output device to start outputting the same piece of music again, or to start outputting other music at the same speed as the piece of music.

[0156] According to the exterior light control system of structure 10, when the exterior lights are in operation, the speed of the music serving as the interior sound is maintained at the same speed, so that the flashing frequency of the exterior lights in operation can be kept constant to prevent a sense of disharmony to surrounding vehicles, and the discomfort caused to passengers by the difference in rhythm between the notification sound and the interior sound can be reduced.

Claims

1. A vehicle exterior light control system, comprising: a speed acquisition unit that acquires the speed of the sound in the interior of the vehicle, that is, the speed of the interior sound, the speed being the number of beats per minute; an instruction detection unit for detecting an operation instruction related to the exterior lamp that performs a light flashing operation; an exterior light control unit configured to control a fixed-cycle flashing operation of the exterior light based on the operation instruction; as well as a notification control unit that controls output of an indoor notification to notify the interior of the vehicle that the exterior lamp is operating, The indoor notification includes outputting a repetitive sound, i.e., a notification sound, at a fixed period. The notification control unit controls the output of the notification sound so that the number of repetitions per minute of the repetitive sound, that is, the repetition frequency, matches the speed of the indoor sound.

2. The vehicle exterior light control system according to claim 1, wherein: The indoor notification includes outputting a fixed-cycle flashing light, i.e., a notification light. The notification control unit controls output of the notification light so that the flashing light is synchronized with the repeated sound.

3. The vehicle exterior light control system according to claim 1, wherein: The exterior lamp control unit controls the operation of the exterior lamp so that the number of flashing times per minute of the exterior lamp, ie, the flashing frequency, matches the speed of the interior sound within a predetermined frequency range.

4. The vehicle exterior light control system according to claim 1, wherein: The exterior lamp control unit controls the operation of the exterior lamp so that the number of flashing times per minute of the exterior lamp, ie, the flashing frequency, matches a value obtained by multiplying the speed of the interior sound by a natural number within a predetermined frequency range.

5. The vehicle exterior light control system according to claim 1, wherein: The exterior lamp control unit controls the operation of the exterior lamp so that the number of flashing times per minute of the exterior lamp, ie, the flashing frequency, matches a value obtained by dividing the speed of the interior sound by a natural number within a predetermined frequency range.

6. The vehicle exterior light control system according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle exterior lamp control system includes a strong beat determination unit that extracts the timing of the strong beat of the indoor sound. The exterior light control unit controls the operation of the exterior lights so that the exterior lights are turned on at a timing that matches the strong beat.

7. The vehicle exterior light control system according to claim 1, wherein: The exterior light control unit controls the operation of the exterior light so that the number of flashing times per minute of the exterior light, i.e., the flashing frequency, is consistent with a value obtained by dividing the speed of the interior sound by a natural number m and multiplying the value by a natural number n, where n≠m.

8. The vehicle exterior light control system according to claim 1, wherein: When the speed of the interior sound changes while the exterior lamp is operating, the exterior lamp control unit maintains the number of flashes per minute of the exterior lamp, ie, the flashing frequency, at the flashing frequency before the speed change.

9. The vehicle exterior light control system according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle exterior lamp control system includes a strong beat determination unit that determines the timing of the strong beat of the indoor sound. The notification control unit controls output of the notification sound so that the repeated sound is output as the notification sound at the timing of the downbeat.

10. The vehicle exterior light control system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The vehicle exterior light control system includes a management unit that manages the operation of a music output device that outputs music in a vehicle interior. When the output of a piece of music as the indoor sound from the music output device ends while the exterior lights are operating, the management unit instructs the music output device to start outputting the same piece of music again, or to start outputting other pieces of music at the same speed as the piece of music.

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