Vehicle lamp and control device for vehicle lamp

Abstract

A vehicle lamp includes a first high beam unit (20A) capable of forming a first high beam distribution pattern or a part thereof and drawing a first animation to a space in front of the lamp, and a first actuator (30A) configured to switch an irradiation direction of the first high beam unit (20A). The first high beam unit (20A) is configured to form the first high beam distribution pattern when directed toward a first irradiation direction by the first actuator (30A), and draw the first animation to the space when directed toward a second irradiation direction lower than the first irradiation direction by the first actuator (30A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicle lighting fixtures, for example, those that can be mounted on automobiles or other vehicles. Furthermore, this invention relates to a control device for such vehicle lighting fixtures. Background Technology

[0002] Headlights equipped with matrix LEDs, liquid crystal displays, or DMD (Digital Mirror Device) devices, capable of forming various desired light patterns, are known in the past (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Using this light source, the headlight can not only illuminate the area in front of the vehicle but also create road surface patterns.

[0003] Prior art literature Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-131922 Summary of the Invention The technical problem that the invention aims to solve The inventors of this invention conducted research on the aforementioned headlight and ultimately recognized the following technical problem: In the road surface depiction based on this headlight, only static text or graphics are projected onto the road surface as information for pedestrians.

[0004] The present invention was made in view of the following situation, and one of the exemplary objects of one of its solutions is to provide a vehicle lamp that depicts animation in space, thereby providing a visual display.

[0005] Methods for solving technical problems To address the aforementioned technical problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle lighting fixture comprising: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a first animation in space in front of the lighting fixture; and a first actuator configured to switch the illumination direction of the first high beam unit. The first high beam unit is configured to form the first high beam light distribution pattern when directed toward a first illumination direction via the first actuator, and to depict the first animation in space when directed toward a second illumination direction downwards from the first illumination direction via the first actuator.

[0006] According to this scheme, an animation is drawn in space using the high beam unit used for high beam illumination, thereby providing a visual display to vehicle occupants or other viewers. The second illumination direction used for animation drawing is set downwards compared to the first illumination direction used for high beam, thus drawing the animation closer to the vehicle, making it easier for viewers to see compared to high beams illuminating distant areas. Furthermore, a single high beam unit combines the functions of high beam and animation drawing, eliminating the need for a dedicated unit for animation drawing, which is advantageous in terms of miniaturization and cost reduction of vehicle lighting fixtures.

[0007] The vehicle lighting fixture may further include: a second high beam unit capable of forming a second high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a second animation in space in front of the fixture; and a second actuator configured to switch the illumination direction of the second high beam unit. The second high beam unit may also be configured to form a second high beam light distribution pattern when directed toward a first illumination direction via the second actuator, and to depict a second animation in space when directed toward a second illumination direction via the second actuator. In this way, by utilizing two high beam units, a visual display can be provided in a wider space.

[0008] The vehicle lighting fixture may also include a first lighting unit and a second lighting unit disposed at different locations on the vehicle. For example, a first high beam unit and a first actuator may be mounted on the first lighting unit, and a second high beam unit and a second actuator may be mounted on the second lighting unit.

[0009] The second animation can include animation that applies special effects to at least a portion of the first animation. For example, the second animation can include animation that flips at least a portion of the first animation. In this way, by creating the second animation based on the first animation and depicting the two animations in space, more types of visual displays can be provided.

[0010] The first high beam unit can also be configured to depict a first animation in response to the vehicle's start. In this way, animation can be depicted in space when the vehicle starts, providing a visual display indicating start-up.

[0011] The first high-beam unit can also be configured to, when depicting the first animation within the first depiction range, make the visibility of areas outside a specific region within the first depiction range lower than that of the specific region, or make the visibility of the specific region higher than that of areas outside the specific region. In this way, the viewer's attention can be focused on the specific region.

[0012] The first high beam unit can also be configured to form a road surface depiction pattern when directed toward a third illumination direction downwards from the first illumination direction via the first actuator. In this way, not only can the space be animated, but road surface depiction can also be provided.

[0013] The vehicle lighting fixture may also include a low beam unit that forms a low beam pattern, and a common support member that supports both the first high beam unit and the low beam unit. The first actuator may also be configured to drive the common support member in a manner that switches the illumination direction of the first high beam unit.

[0014] The vehicle lighting fixture may also include a low beam unit that forms a low beam light distribution pattern, and a support member that supports the low beam unit and the first actuator. The first actuator may also be configured to drive the first high beam unit to the support member and the low beam unit in a manner that switches the illumination direction of the first high beam unit.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is a control device for a vehicle lighting fixture. The vehicle lighting fixture includes: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a first animation in space in front of the lighting fixture; and a first actuator configured to switch the illumination direction of the first high beam unit. The control device is configured to operate the first high beam unit in a manner that forms the first high beam light distribution pattern when the first high beam unit is oriented toward a first illumination direction via the first actuator, and to operate the first high beam unit in a manner that depicts the first animation in space when the first high beam unit is oriented toward a second illumination direction downwards from the first illumination direction via the first actuator.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is a control device for a vehicle lighting fixture. The vehicle lighting fixture includes: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a first animation in space in front of the fixture; and a second high beam unit capable of forming a second high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a second animation in space in front of the fixture. The control device is configured to operate the first high beam unit by depicting the first animation in space, and to operate the second high beam unit by depicting the second animation in space. The second animation includes an animation in which special effects are applied to at least a portion of the first animation.

[0017] According to this scheme, by creating a second animation based on the first animation, and by depicting these two animations in space, more types of visual displays can be provided.

[0018] It should be noted that any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements, or any scheme in which the constituent elements of the present invention are converted into one another in a method, apparatus, system, computer program, recording medium, etc., is also valid as a scheme of the present invention.

[0019] Invention Effects According to the present invention, vehicle lighting fixtures can be used to depict animation in space, providing a visual display. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the vehicle lamps of the embodiment are installed in a vehicle.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing the general structure of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a summary illustration of the implementation method. Figure 2 The diagram shows the cross-section of the first lamp unit of the vehicle lamp system along line A-A.

[0023] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram showing a vertical cross-section of the second lamp unit of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary light distribution pattern of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of the range of motion depicted by the vehicle lighting fixtures according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7 (e) is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an animation depicted by vehicle lights in an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 (b) is a schematic diagram showing the road surface depiction performed by the vehicle lights according to the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 (b) is a schematic perspective view showing the general structure of the vehicle lamp according to the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary light distribution pattern of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings based on preferred embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting, and all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments do not necessarily represent the essential content of the invention. Identical or equivalent constituent elements, components, and processes shown in the various drawings are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, the scales or shapes of the parts shown in the various drawings are set for ease of explanation and are not intended to be limiting unless specifically mentioned. Additionally, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., in this specification or claims does not indicate any order or degree of importance, but is used to distinguish one configuration from other configurations. Furthermore, in the various drawings, parts of less important components are omitted when describing the embodiments.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the vehicle lighting fixture of the embodiment installed in a vehicle. Furthermore, Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing the general structure of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. Figure 3 It is a summary illustration of the implementation method. Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view along line A-A of the first lamp unit of the vehicle lamp. Similarly, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing a vertical cross-section of the second lamp unit of the vehicle lamp according to an embodiment.

[0032] The vehicle lamp 10 of the embodiment is a vehicle headlight device having a pair of lamp units 11A and 11B arranged on the left and right sides at the front of the vehicle. The pair of lamp units 11A and 11B have a substantially symmetrical structure and are substantially identical in configuration. Therefore, the configuration of the first lamp unit 11A will be described below as an example. The second lamp unit 11B also has the same configuration, so the description will be omitted appropriately to avoid repetition.

[0033] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first lighting unit 11A includes a lamp body 12 having a front surface opening 13 and a light-transmitting cover 14 mounted on the lamp body 12 to cover the front surface opening 13. The lamp body 12 and the light-transmitting cover 14 constitute the housing of the first lighting unit 11A. Typically, the lamp body 12 is formed of a suitable material, such as a general-purpose resin material, and the light-transmitting cover 14 is formed of a suitable light-transmitting material, such as a synthetic resin material or glass. Furthermore, in Figure 2 For ease of explanation and to clearly show the internal components of the first lamp unit 11A, the light-transmitting cover 14 is shown removed from the lamp body 12.

[0034] The first luminaire unit 11A includes a low beam unit 18 and a first high beam unit 20A. Furthermore, the first luminaire unit 11A includes a common support member 26 that supports both the low beam unit 18 and the first high beam unit 20A; and a first actuator 30A configured to switch the illumination direction of the first high beam unit 20A. These components of the first luminaire unit 11A are disposed within a lamp chamber 16, which serves as the internal space of the luminaire housing.

[0035] The low beam unit 18 is configured to form a low beam light distribution pattern (e.g., Figure 5 The low beam pattern Lo is shown in (a). The low beam unit 18 includes a light source such as an LED and an optical system for projecting light from the light source onto the front of the vehicle. As the low beam unit 18, any known optical configuration for forming the low beam pattern can be adopted.

[0036] The first high beam unit 20A is configured to form a first high beam light distribution pattern (e.g., Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5The first high beam pattern Hi1 is shown in (b). Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the first high beam unit 20A is configured to depict a first animation in the space in front of the luminaire. The first high beam unit 20A is configured to: form the first high beam pattern when the first actuator 30A is directed toward a first illumination direction, and depict the first animation in space when the first actuator 30A is directed toward a second illumination direction downwards from the first illumination direction.

[0037] The first high beam unit 20A includes a pattern generator 22 and a projection optical system 24. The pattern generator 22 and the projection optical system 24 are supported by a support member 26 within the lamp chamber 16.

[0038] Pattern generator 22 includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional manner, each of which can be independently controlled. By individually controlling these pixels (e.g., switching them on and off), pattern generator 22 can generate various light distribution patterns. For example, bright areas within a light distribution pattern are formed by the on pixels, and dark areas within a light distribution pattern are formed by the off pixels. To generate light distribution patterns at high resolution, pattern generator 22 may have at least 1,000 pixels or at least 10,000 pixels.

[0039] In this embodiment, the pattern generator 22 can be a device that arranges multiple light-emitting elements (e.g., LEDs) in a matrix. In this case, each light-emitting element functions as a pixel. Such a high-precision device can also be called a pixel lamp or a matrix LED, etc. For example, the pattern generator 22 can be a 64-row, 256-column matrix LED light source.

[0040] Alternatively, instead of this self-illuminating pattern generator 22, other forms of pattern generators can be used, such as combinations of light sources and MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) devices like micromirror devices, or liquid crystal displays.

[0041] The so-called ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) control, which dynamically and adaptively controls the high beam pattern based on the conditions around the vehicle, can also be applied to the pattern generator 22. As is known, in ADB control, a vehicle in front, such as a vehicle traveling in front or oncoming traffic, is detected, and a dark area is formed in the high beam pattern at the location corresponding to the vehicle in front, thereby reducing or preventing glare to the vehicle in front.

[0042] Pattern generator 22 can not only generate high beam distribution patterns, but also perform animation depiction of the space in front of the luminaire. An example of this operation will be described later.

[0043] The projection optical system 24 is configured to project the light distribution pattern generated by the pattern generator 22 onto the exterior of the vehicle lamp 10. The projection optical system 24 includes at least one optical component (e.g., a lens or mirror). Typically, as shown, the projection optical system 24 may also include a projection lens that receives light from the pattern generator 22 and projects it through the light-transmitting cover 14 onto the exterior of the vehicle lamp 10. Alternatively, the projection optical system 24 may also be a flip optical system that flips and projects the light distribution pattern generated on the pattern generator 22.

[0044] The support member 26 is supported by the lamp body 12 within the lamp chamber 16 in a tiltable manner relative to the lamp body 12. As an example, the support member 26 may also be a support component (e.g., a support bracket) having a plate-like portion configured to have one side facing forward (towards the light-transmitting cover 14) and the opposite side facing backward (towards the lamp body 12). The support member 26 may be formed from suitable materials such as synthetic resin or metal. The support member 26 may function as a heat dissipation component for releasing heat generated by the pattern generator 22, or such a heat dissipation component may be mounted on the support member 26.

[0045] As described above, the support member 26 supports the low beam unit 18 and the first high beam unit 20A. They can be fixed to the support member 26, in which case the relative positional relationship between the low beam unit 18 and the first high beam unit 20A on the support member 26 remains unchanged.

[0046] Alternatively, for example, for initial adjustments during manufacturing or maintenance, at least one of the low beam unit 18 and the first high beam unit 20A may be mounted on the support member 26 in an adjustable manner relative to the support member 26. For example, the low beam unit 18 (or the first high beam unit 20A) may also be mounted on the support member 26 via a beam adjustment mechanism such as a calibration bolt.

[0047] The first actuator 30A is configured to drive the first high beam unit 20A by changing its posture. For example, the first actuator 30A may also be a so-called leveling actuator that drives the first high beam unit 20A by changing its posture in the vertical direction. The drive shaft of the first actuator 30A is connected to the support member 26, thereby allowing the first actuator 30A to drive the support member 26. Within the lamp housing 16, the first actuator 30A may also be positioned relative to the first high beam unit 20A on the side of the lamp body 12 (e.g., below or behind the first lamp unit 11A). The support structure of the first actuator 30A and the support member 26 for the lamp body 12 can be adapted to various known structures and will not be described in detail here.

[0048] By activating the first actuator 30A, the posture (angle) of the first high beam unit 20A relative to the lamp body 12 is changed, thereby altering the illumination direction of the first high beam unit 20A. In other words, the direction of the light emanating from the vehicle's lamps 10 can be set to a desired direction.

[0049] The support member 26 supports not only the first high beam unit 20A but also the low beam unit 18. Therefore, the first actuator 30A can drive the low beam unit 18 and the first high beam unit 20A as a single unit (i.e., while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the low beam unit 18 and the first high beam unit 20A). Through the first actuator 30A, the illumination direction can be changed not only for the first high beam unit 20A but also for the low beam unit 18.

[0050] For example, the first luminaire unit 11A can switch between a first illumination direction typically used for illuminating the low beam pattern and the first high beam pattern, and a second illumination direction that is downward relative to the first illumination direction. Figure 2 As schematically shown by arrow 28, the first actuator 30A can drive the support member 26 by switching between a first illumination direction and a second illumination direction. The second illumination direction is used in the animation depicting the space in front of the luminaire from the first high beam unit 20A.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the first high beam unit 20A includes a light distribution control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 36 that controls the pattern generator 22. The light distribution control ECU 36 may also be mounted on the support member 26. Furthermore, the first lamp unit 11A may also include a lamp ECU 38 that controls the first lamp unit 11A. The lamp ECU 38 may also be mounted on the lamp body 12. The ECU can be implemented through a combination of a processor (hardware) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcomputer, and a software program executed by the processor (hardware).

[0052] The light distribution control ECU 36 includes a processor 36a and a memory 36b. The processor 36a is configured to receive command signals from the luminaire ECU 38, determine the light distribution pattern to be generated based on the command signals, and generate the determined light distribution pattern on the pattern generator 22. The control function of the pattern generator 22 of the processor 36a is achieved by the processor 36a executing the software program for light distribution control stored in the memory 36b, which is installed in the processor 36a. The memory 36b may contain non-volatile memory and / or volatile memory. In addition to the software program, the memory 36b also stores data necessary for the operation of the luminaire ECU 38 or the execution of the software program, and data generated by the execution of the software program.

[0053] The lighting ECU 38 obtains necessary vehicle information from the host controller for controlling the vehicle lighting 10, and controls the first lighting unit 11A based on this information. This host controller is an ECU that comprehensively controls the entire vehicle or a part thereof, located outside the vehicle lighting 10; it can also be referred to as the vehicle ECU 39. The lighting ECU 38 and the vehicle ECU 39 can communicate via in-vehicle networks according to network protocols such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network), or other suitable communication networks, and can receive vehicle information from the vehicle ECU via such networks.

[0054] For example, the lighting ECU 38 can control the operation of the low beam unit 18 (e.g., turning it on / off, adjusting the light intensity) based on vehicle information. The lighting ECU 38 can also control the operation of the first high beam unit 20A (e.g., turning it on / off, adjusting the light distribution pattern) based on vehicle information. The lighting ECU 38 can generate the aforementioned command signals based on vehicle information and send them to the light distribution control ECU 36. The lighting ECU 38 can also control the operation of the first actuator 30A (e.g., switching from a first illumination direction to a second illumination direction, or switching from a second illumination direction to a first illumination direction) based on vehicle information.

[0055] Similarly, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the second lighting unit 11B includes a low beam unit 18 and a second high beam unit 20B. The second high beam unit 20B is capable of performing a second high beam light distribution pattern (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 The formation of the second high beam pattern Hi2 shown in (b) and the depiction of the second animation in the space in front of the luminaire include a pattern generator 22 and a projection optical system 24. In addition, the second luminaire unit 11B includes a common support member 26 supporting both the low beam unit 18 and the second high beam unit 20B, a second actuator 30B configured to switch the illumination direction of the second high beam unit 20B, a light distribution control ECU 36, and a luminaire ECU 38.

[0056] The second high beam unit 20B is configured to form a second high beam pattern when it is directed toward the first illumination direction via the second actuator 30B, and to depict a second animation in space when it is directed toward the second illumination direction via the second actuator 30B.

[0057] The illumination direction of the second high beam unit 20B is linked to the illumination direction of the first high beam unit 20A. That is, when the first high beam unit 20A is oriented towards the first illumination direction via the first actuator 30A, the second high beam unit 20B is oriented towards the first illumination direction via the second actuator 30B. When the first high beam unit 20A is oriented towards the second illumination direction via the first actuator 30A, the second high beam unit 20B is oriented towards the second illumination direction via the second actuator 30B.

[0058] The first high beam unit 20A is configured to depict a first animation when a predetermined event occurs. Similarly, the second high beam unit 20B is configured to depict a second animation when a predetermined event occurs. Information indicating the occurrence of an event can be included in vehicle information provided from the vehicle ECU 39 to the lighting ECU 38. In response to such vehicle information, the lighting ECU 38 controls the first actuator 30A and the second actuator 30B to switch the illumination direction of the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B from a first illumination direction to a second illumination direction. Furthermore, in response to such vehicle information, the lighting ECU 38 generates a command signal instructing the depiction of an animation and sends it to the light distribution control ECU 36 of the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B. The light distribution control ECU 36 receives the command signal from the lighting ECU 38, determines the animation to be depicted based on the command signal, and controls the pattern generator 22 to depict the determined animation.

[0059] In this manner, when the first high beam unit 20A is directed toward the second illumination direction via the first actuator 30A, it can display a first animation in the space in front of the lamp. Meanwhile, when the second high beam unit 20B is directed toward the second illumination direction via the second actuator 30B, it can display a second animation in the space in front of the lamp. By combining the first animation from the first high beam unit 20A and the second animation from the second high beam unit 20B, a visual display can be provided to vehicle occupants or other viewers.

[0060] The animation should depict events such as the opening of the vehicle's starter switch (e.g., ignition switch) or events caused by the vehicle starting. By animates in space as the vehicle starts, a visual representation of the starting process can be provided.

[0061] Furthermore, the first high beam unit 20A can also be configured to display a first animation when the vehicle is parked. Therefore, the first high beam unit 20A can also be configured to display a first animation when the vehicle is started or kept parked. Similarly, the second high beam unit 20B can also be configured to display a second animation when the vehicle is parked (e.g., when the vehicle is started or kept parked).

[0062] Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary light distribution pattern of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. Figure 5 In (a), the first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 and the second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 are illustrated when the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are oriented toward the first illumination direction. Figure 5 In (b), the first high beam pattern Hi1 and the second high beam pattern Hi2 are shown when the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are facing the second illumination direction. Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 In (b), a light distribution pattern is shown in summary on an imaginary vertical screen located 5 to 10 meters (e.g., about 7 meters) in front of the vehicle's luminaire.

[0063] Figure 5 In (a), a low beam pattern Lo is also illustrated along with the first high beam pattern Hi1 and the second high beam pattern Hi2. As is known, the low beam pattern Lo is illuminated in a predetermined area below the horizontal line H. The cutoff line of the low beam pattern Lo is located at or near the horizontal line H. Furthermore, in Figure 5 For simplicity, the diagram of the low beam pattern Lo is omitted in (b).

[0064] As is known, the first high beam pattern Hi1 and the second high beam pattern Hi2 are beam patterns used to illuminate a distance greater than the low beam pattern Lo. When the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam pattern Hi2 are illuminating a predetermined area above the horizontal line H, the first high beam pattern Hi1 and the second high beam pattern Hi2 illuminate the area above the horizontal line H when the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are oriented toward the first illumination direction.

[0065] When the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are oriented towards the first illumination direction, the first high beam light distribution pattern Hi1 and the second high beam light distribution pattern Hi2 are at the same height. That is, the upper edges 34a of the first high beam light distribution pattern Hi1 and the second high beam light distribution pattern Hi2 are aligned in the vertical direction (the direction of the vertical line V). In addition, the lower edges 34b of the first high beam light distribution pattern Hi1 and the second high beam light distribution pattern Hi2 are aligned in the vertical direction.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 and the second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 can partially overlap in the horizontal direction at the central portion 35. Additionally, a portion of the high beam distribution pattern Hi can illuminate below the cutoff line of the low beam distribution pattern Lo, overlapping with the low beam distribution pattern Lo.

[0067] Figure 5In (b), the first high beam pattern Hi1 and the second high beam pattern Hi2 when the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are facing the second illumination direction are shown in solid lines. In addition, for comparison, the first high beam pattern Hi1 and the second high beam pattern Hi2 when the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are facing the first illumination direction are shown in dashed lines.

[0068] When the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are oriented towards the second illumination direction, the first high beam light distribution pattern Hi1 and the second high beam light distribution pattern Hi2 are also at the same height. As described above, the second illumination direction is set to be downward compared to the first illumination direction, therefore... Figure 5 As shown in (b), the high beam patterns Hi1 and Hi2 illuminating in the second illumination direction are offset vertically downwards compared to the high beam patterns Hi1 and Hi2 illuminating in the first illumination direction. The second illumination direction is determined so that the high beam patterns Hi1 and Hi2 are formed above the road surface 32 at a predetermined distance in front of the vehicle. The predetermined distance can be selected from, for example, a range of 5m to 10m, and for example, approximately 7m.

[0069] By controlling the pattern generator 22 of the first high beam unit 20A, light is irradiated from the first high beam unit 20A onto at least a portion of the first high beam light distribution pattern Hi1. Therefore, when the pattern generator 22 controls the first high beam unit 20A to face the second irradiation direction and generate the first animation, the first high beam unit 20A can depict the first animation in the space in front of the vehicle and above the road surface 32. When there are other objects on the wall in front of the vehicle, the first animation can be displayed on that surface.

[0070] In other words, by facing the second illumination direction, the first high beam unit 20A forms a first depiction range 40A for the first animation in the space in front of the vehicle and above the road surface 32. The first depiction range 40A corresponds to the range in which the first high beam unit 20A forms the first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 when facing the second illumination direction.

[0071] Furthermore, by controlling the pattern generator 22 of the second high beam unit 20B, light is irradiated from the second high beam unit 20B onto at least a portion of the second high beam light distribution pattern Hi2. Therefore, the pattern generator 22 is controlled so that the second high beam unit 20B faces the second illumination direction, and when generating the second animation, the second high beam unit 20B can depict the second animation in the space in front of the vehicle and above the road surface 32. If there is a wall or other object in front of the vehicle, the second animation can be displayed on that surface.

[0072] In other words, by oriented towards the second illumination direction, the second high beam unit 20B forms a second depiction range 40B for the second animation in the space in front of the vehicle and above the road surface 32. The second depiction range 40B corresponds to the range in which the second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 is formed when the second high beam unit 20B is oriented towards the second illumination direction.

[0073] The downward angle of the second illumination direction relative to the first illumination direction can be at least 2.00 degrees, at least 2.50 degrees, or at least 3.00 degrees. Furthermore, the downward angle of the second illumination direction relative to the first illumination direction can be at most 4.00 degrees, at most 4.50 degrees, or at most 5.00 degrees. In this way, animation can be depicted in space at a height that is relatively easy for vehicle occupants, such as drivers, to perceive.

[0074] The angle of the horizontal line H can be set to 0 degrees, and positive (negative) values ​​can be used to represent the angle relative to the upper (lower) side of the horizontal line H. In this case, the angle of the upper edge 34a of the first drawing area 40A and the second drawing area 40B relative to the horizontal line H can, for example, be in the range of 1.50 degrees to 3.50 degrees, preferably in the range of 3.00 degrees to 3.50 degrees. The angle of the upper edge 34a can, for example, be approximately 3.40 degrees. Furthermore, the angle of the lower edge 34b of the first drawing area 40A and the second drawing area 40B relative to the horizontal line H can, for example, be in the range of -6.00 degrees to -4.00 degrees, preferably in the range of -4.50 degrees to -4.00 degrees. The angle of the lower edge 34b can, for example, be -4.10 degrees. In this way, animation can be drawn in space at a height that is relatively easy for vehicle occupants such as drivers to perceive.

[0075] Reference Figure 6 As explained below, the first high-beam unit 20A can also be configured to, when depicting the first animation within the first depicting range 40A, reduce the visibility of areas outside a specific region within the first depicting range 40A to that specific region. In this way, the viewer's attention can be focused on the portion depicted in the specific region of the first animation. For example, the first high-beam unit 20A can also be configured to make the image in areas outside the specific region of the first depicting range 40A more blurred than the specific region. Simultaneously, or alternatively, the first high-beam unit 20A can also be configured to reduce the brightness of the image in areas outside the specific region compared to the specific region. For example, the first high-beam unit 20A can also be configured to set the luminance to zero in areas outside the specific region (i.e., no image is formed in that region).

[0076] Similarly, the second high-beam unit 20B can also be configured to make the visibility of areas outside a specific region within the second depiction range 40B lower than that specific region when depicting the second animation to the second depiction range 40B. In this way, the viewer's attention can be focused on the portion depicted in the specific region of the second animation. For example, the second high-beam unit 20B can be configured to make the image in areas outside the specific region of the second depiction range 40B more blurred than the specific region. At the same time, or instead, the second high-beam unit 20B can be configured to reduce the brightness of the image in areas outside the specific region compared to the specific region. For example, the second high-beam unit 20B can also be configured to set the brightness to zero in areas outside the specific region (i.e., no image is formed in that region).

[0077] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of the depiction range of an animation performed by a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. As described above, the first depiction range 40A and the second depiction range 40B correspond to the ranges in which the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are formed when they face the second illumination direction, respectively.

[0078] A specific area of ​​the first depicting range 40A can also be set on the side of the first depicting range 40A that is close to the second depicting range 40B. Furthermore, a specific area of ​​the second depicting range 40B can be set on the side of the second depicting range 40B that is close to the first depicting range 40A. In this way, the specific area can be set in a relatively inner part of the viewer's field of vision, such as the central portion 35.

[0079] The area outside the specific region within the first depicting range 40A can also be set at a first end 42A on the side of the first depicting range 40A away from the second depicting range 40B. The angular range of the first end 42A in the horizontal direction can also be an angle range within, for example, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 15 degrees from the edge of the side of the first depicting range 40A away from the second depicting range 40B. Furthermore, the area outside the specific region within the second depicting range 40B can be set at a second end 42B on the side of the second depicting range 40B farther from the first depicting range 40A. The angular range of the second end 42B in the horizontal direction can be an angle range within, for example, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 15 degrees from the edge of the side of the second depicting range 40B farther from the first depicting range 40A. Furthermore, in Figure 6 For ease of understanding, the first end 42A and the second end 42B are marked with diagonal lines. In this way, areas outside a specific region can be positioned on the outer edge of the viewer's field of vision.

[0080] The first high-beam unit 20A can also be configured to blur and / or reduce the brightness of the image at the first end 42A compared to other areas of the first depiction range 40A when depicting the first animation within the first depiction range 40A. Similarly, the second high-beam unit 20B can be configured to blur and / or reduce the brightness of the image at the second end 42B compared to other areas of the second depiction range 40B when depicting the second animation within the second depiction range 40B. In this way, when the first and second animations are depicted, the viewer's attention can be focused on the central portion 35.

[0081] Furthermore, the first high-beam unit 20A can also be configured to make a specific area within the first depiction range 40A more visible than areas outside that specific area when depicting the first animation within the first depiction range 40A. For example, the first high-beam unit 20A can be configured to make the image sharper and / or increase the image brightness in a specific area compared to other areas. Similarly, the second high-beam unit 20B can also be configured to make a specific area within the second depiction range 40B more visible than areas outside that specific area when depicting the second animation within the second depiction range 40B. In this way, the viewer's attention can be focused on specific areas of the first and second animations.

[0082] Furthermore, the first high beam unit 20A can be configured such that, when depicting a first animation within the first depicting range 40A, the visibility of a region 44A above a predetermined height (e.g., the horizontal line H) within the first depicting range 40A is lower than that of a region 44B below the predetermined height. Similarly, the second high beam unit 20B can be configured such that, when depicting a second animation within the second depicting range 40B, the visibility of a region 44A above a predetermined height (e.g., the horizontal line H) within the second depicting range 40B is lower than that of a region 44B below the predetermined height. In this way, it is less likely to cause glare to other vehicles or pedestrians in the surrounding traffic.

[0083] Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7 (e) is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an animation drawn by a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. In each figure, a first animation A1 drawn by a first drawing area 40A and a second animation A2 drawn by a second drawing area 40B are shown.

[0084] As an example, the first animation A1 (or the second animation A2) can also be designed to depict the flow of light. The first animation A1 (or the second animation A2) can also be designed to show one or more localized bright or dark areas moving along one or more lines. Bright areas can also move against a darker background. Dark areas can also move against a brighter background. Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7 In (e), arrows are used to schematically represent the movement of such bright or dark areas.

[0085] A bright area (or dark area, hereinafter the same) can move while maintaining its size, shape, brightness, and color, or it can move while changing at least one of its size, shape, brightness, and color. Furthermore, multiple bright areas can move while maintaining or changing their distance from each other. The line traversed by a bright area can be, for example, a straight line, a broken line, or a curved line. The line traversed by a bright area can be stationary, or it can move or change on its own. The line traversed by a bright area can branch out in the middle, or it can merge.

[0086] like Figure 7 As illustrated in (a), the second animation A2 can also be the same as the first animation A1. The movement of the bright area in the first animation A1 can also be from the first end 42A toward the central portion 35. In this case, the movement of the bright area in the second animation A2 is from the central portion 35 toward the second end 42B.

[0087] Furthermore, the first animation A1 and the second animation A2 can be different. For example, the first animation A1 (or the second animation A2) can be a derived animation generated from an animation used as source material. The first animation A1 (or the second animation A2) can also be a derived animation generated by applying special effects to at least a portion of the source animation.

[0088] The source animation can also be a first animation A1 (or a second animation A2). Therefore, the second animation A2 (or the first animation A1) can be a derived animation generated by applying special effects to at least a part of the first animation A1 (or the second animation A2).

[0089] In this way, a second animation A2 (or a first animation A1) is created based on the first animation A1 (or the second animation A2). By combining these two animations and depicting them in space, more types of visual displays can be provided. Furthermore, by generating one animation from another, memory capacity can be saved compared to preparing the two animations separately and pre-storing them in the storage device (e.g., memory 36b) of the vehicle lighting fixture 10.

[0090] Derivative animations can also be generated by customizing animations according to user preferences.

[0091] like Figure 7 (b) to Figure 7 As illustrated in (d), one example of an effect is flipping. For example, a second animation A2 may contain an animation that flips at least a portion of a first animation A1.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown in (b), the second animation A2 can also be a left-right flip of the first animation A1. In this example, the movement of the bright area in the first animation A1 is from the first end 42A toward the center 35. By flipping it left and right, the movement of the bright area in the second animation A2 becomes from the second end 42B toward the center 35. By combining the first animation A1 and the second animation A2, it is possible to show the flow of light concentrating from both ends in the horizontal direction toward the center 35.

[0093] The direction of the flip is not limited to left or right. For example Figure 7 As shown in (c), the second animation A2 can also flip the first animation A1 vertically. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown in (d), the second animation A2 can also flip the first animation A1 horizontally and vertically.

[0094] Another example of a special effect is parallel movement. For example, as shown... Figure 7 As shown in (e), the second animation A2 can also move the first animation A1 horizontally in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the second animation A2 can also move the first animation A1 horizontally in other directions (e.g., the left and right directions).

[0095] It can also apply rotation, zoom in, zoom out, undulation, blurring, brightness changes, color changes, and various other special effects. Furthermore, it can apply delays, change playback speed, and other effects that impart temporal changes. Therefore, the second animation A2 can include animation that applies at least one of the following effects to at least a portion of the first animation A1: flipping, parallel movement, rotation, zooming in, zooming out, undulation, blurring, brightness changes, color changes, and temporal changes.

[0096] In addition, refer to Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8(b) As explained below, the vehicle lamp 10 can also be configured to provide road surface depiction. Therefore, the first high beam unit 20A can also be configured to form a road surface depiction pattern when the first actuator 30A faces a third illumination direction downwards from the first illumination direction. Furthermore, the second high beam unit 20B can also be configured to form a road surface depiction pattern when the second actuator 30B faces a third illumination direction downwards from the first illumination direction. The third illumination direction can also be the same as the second illumination direction used for animation depiction. Alternatively, the third illumination direction can be a different direction from the second illumination direction (e.g., downwards from the second illumination direction).

[0097] In this way, the vehicle lamp 10 can provide not only animation depiction of the space in front of the lamp, but also depiction of the road surface 32 in front of the lamp. Furthermore, by using a high beam unit, both animation depiction and road surface depiction can be achieved in addition to high beam illumination. Therefore, compared to lamps where these depiction functions are handled by separate optical units, the structure can be simplified, enabling miniaturization and cost reduction of the vehicle lamp 10.

[0098] Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the road surface depiction of the first high beam unit and the second high beam unit of the vehicle lamp according to the embodiment. As described above, when the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are facing the second illumination direction, a first depiction range 40A and a second depiction range 40B are formed in the space in front of the lamp (e.g., an imaginary vertical screen 46 located 5m to 10m in front) for animation depiction. As described above, these depiction ranges have a region 44A above the horizontal plane H and a region 44B below the horizontal plane H.

[0099] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), light from the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B toward the lower region 44B crosses the imaginary vertical screen 46 and illuminates region 48 on the road surface 32. Using this, the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B can illuminate the road surface pattern onto region 48 on the road surface 32.

[0100] The first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are respectively directed towards a third irradiation direction that is downward compared to the second irradiation direction via the first actuator 30A and the second actuator 30B. Figure 8 In (b), for ease of understanding, the beam of the high beam unit when it is facing the third illumination direction is shown in solid lines, and the beam of the high beam unit when it is facing the second illumination direction is shown in dashed lines. The first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B can illuminate the road surface pattern onto the area 50 of the road surface 32 that is closer to the vehicle than the area 48.

[0101] Road surface markings can include various patterns such as desired text, graphics, and markings that should be depicted on the road surface. Through road surface markings, various information can be conveyed, such as prompting the driver of the vehicle, pedestrians around the vehicle, or drivers of other vehicles, or displaying messages welcoming drivers to their vehicles on the ground near the vehicle. Road surface markings can be static images or animations.

[0102] This invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above. Embodiments and modifications can be combined, and further modifications can be made according to the understanding of those skilled in the art. Such combined or further modified embodiments or modifications are also included within the scope of this invention. The embodiments or modifications described above, as well as new embodiments resulting from combinations of the above embodiments or modifications with the following modifications, possess the respective effects of the combined embodiments, modifications, and further modifications.

[0103] In the above embodiments, in the first lamp unit 11A (or the second lamp unit 11B), a common support member 26 supports both the low beam unit 18 and the first high beam unit 20A (or the second high beam unit 20B). The first actuator 30A (or the second actuator 30B) drives the support member 26, thereby switching the illumination direction of the first high beam unit 20A (or the second high beam unit 20B). However, the support structure of these optical units is not limited to this specific structure and can also be other structures.

[0104] Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 (b) is a schematic perspective view showing the general structure of the vehicle lamp according to the embodiment. Figure 9 As shown in (a), the first actuator 30A can also be a dedicated actuator for switching the illumination direction of the first high beam unit 20A. The first lamp unit 11A may be provided with a support member 26 for supporting the low beam unit 18 and the first actuator 30A, and the first high beam unit 20A may also be connected to the support member 26 via the first actuator 30A.

[0105] like Figure 9 In (a), arrow 28 schematically shows that the first actuator 30A can also be configured to drive the first high beam unit 20A to the support member 26 and the low beam unit 18 in a manner that switches the illumination direction of the first high beam unit 20A. In other words, the first actuator 30A can also be configured to drive only the first high beam unit 20A to the support member 26. The support member 26 can also be connected to the lamp body 12 via an actuator 31, which is different from the first actuator 30A.

[0106] In addition, such as Figure 9As shown in (b), the low beam unit 18 and the first high beam unit 20A can each be supported by separate support members 26A and 26B. Alternatively, the first high beam unit 20A can be supported by the support member 26A for the high beam unit, and the support member 26A is connected to the lamp body 12 via a first actuator 30A. The first actuator 30A drives the support member 26A relative to the lamp body 12, thereby... Figure 9 As illustrated by arrow 28 in (a), the illumination direction of the first high beam unit 20A can be switched independently with the low beam unit 18.

[0107] Alternatively, the low beam unit 18 may be supported by a support member 26B for the low beam unit, and the support member 26B may be connected to the lamp body 12 via an actuator 31, which is different from the first actuator 30A. The actuator 31 drives the support member 26B to the lamp body 12, thereby enabling the switching of the illumination direction of the low beam unit 18.

[0108] Regarding the second lighting unit 11B, it can also be applied Figure 9 (a) or Figure 9 The support structure of the optical unit shown in (b).

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the high beam illumination of the vehicle lamp 10 was described as an example using only the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The high beam illumination of the vehicle lamp 10 can also be achieved by combining these two high beam units 20A and 20B with other optical units (e.g., low beam unit 18).

[0110] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary light distribution pattern of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. Figure 10 The diagram illustrates the light distribution pattern of the low beam unit 18. The low beam unit 18 can also be configured to illuminate both the low beam light distribution pattern Lo and an additional high beam light distribution pattern Hi3. The low beam unit 18 may include a first row of light-emitting elements (e.g., an LED row) for forming the low beam light distribution pattern Lo and a second row of light-emitting elements for forming the additional high beam light distribution pattern Hi3. Such a low beam unit 18 may also be referred to as a BiLED unit. For ease of understanding, Figure 10 The first high beam pattern Hi1 and the second high beam pattern Hi2 of the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are shown together.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are respectively mounted on the first lamp unit 11A and the second lamp unit 11B has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B may be mounted on a single lamp unit (e.g., the first lamp unit 11A or the second lamp unit 11B).

[0112] According to the embodiments, the present invention has been described using specific statements. However, the embodiments only show one aspect of the principle and application of the present invention. Various modifications or configuration changes are allowed for the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0113] The implementation method can be represented by the following items, which are assigned numbers.

[0114] 1. A vehicle lighting fixture, characterized in that it comprises: The first high beam unit is capable of forming a first high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a first animation in the space in front of the lamp, and The first actuator is configured to switch the illumination direction of the first high beam unit; The first high beam unit is configured to form the first high beam distribution pattern when it is directed toward a first illumination direction via the first actuator, and to depict the first animation in the space when it is directed toward a second illumination direction that is downward of the first illumination direction via the first actuator.

[0115] 2. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: The second high beam unit is capable of forming a second high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a second animation in the space in front of the lamp, and The second actuator is configured to switch the illumination direction of the second high beam unit; The second high beam unit is configured to form the second high beam distribution pattern when it is directed toward the first illumination direction via the second actuator, and to depict the second animation in the space when it is directed toward the second illumination direction via the second actuator.

[0116] 3. The vehicle lamp according to item 2, characterized in that, This includes a first lamp unit and a second lamp unit that are configured in different locations on the vehicle. The first high beam unit and the first actuator are mounted on the first lamp unit, and the second high beam unit and the second actuator are mounted on the second lamp unit.

[0117] 4. The vehicle lamp according to item 2 or 3, characterized in that, The second animation includes an animation that applies special effects to at least a portion of the first animation.

[0118] 5. The vehicle lamp according to any one of items 2 to 4, characterized in that, The second animation includes an animation that flips at least a portion of the first animation.

[0119] 6. The vehicle lamp according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first high beam unit is configured to depict the first animation in response to the starting of the vehicle.

[0120] 7. The vehicle lamp according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first high beam unit is configured to, when depicting the first animation within a first depiction range, make the visibility of the area outside a specific region within the first depiction range lower than that specific region, or make the visibility of the specific region higher than that of the area outside the specific region.

[0121] 8. The vehicle lamp according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first high beam unit is configured to form a road surface pattern when it is directed toward a third illumination direction that is downward of the first illumination direction via the first actuator.

[0122] 9. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises: The low beam unit that forms the low beam light distribution pattern, and A common support member that supports both the first high beam unit and the low beam unit; The first actuator drives the common support member in a manner that switches the illumination direction of the first high beam unit.

[0123] 10. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises: The low beam unit that forms the low beam light distribution pattern, and Support member for supporting the low beam unit and the first actuator; The first actuator drives the first high beam unit to the support and the low beam unit in a manner that switches the illumination direction of the first high beam unit.

[0124] 11. A control device for vehicle lighting, characterized in that, The vehicle lighting fixture includes: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a first animation in the space in front of the lighting fixture; and a first actuator configured to switch the illumination direction of the first high beam unit. The control device is configured as follows: When the first high beam unit is oriented toward the first illumination direction via the first actuator, the first high beam unit is activated in a manner that forms the first high beam light distribution pattern. When the first high beam unit is oriented toward a second illumination direction that is downward of the first illumination direction via the first actuator, the first high beam unit is activated in such a way as to depict the first animation in the space.

[0125] 12. A program for controlling vehicle lights, characterized in that, The vehicle lighting fixture includes: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a first animation in the space in front of the lighting fixture; and a first actuator configured to switch the illumination direction of the first high beam unit. The program causes the computer to execute: The steps of enabling the first high beam unit to operate by forming the first high beam light distribution pattern when the first high beam unit is oriented toward the first illumination direction via the first actuator; and The step of making the first high beam unit work in a way that depicts the first animation in the space when the first high beam unit is oriented toward a second illumination direction that is downward of the first illumination direction by the first actuator.

[0126] 13. A control device for vehicle lighting, characterized in that, The vehicle lighting fixture includes: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a first animation in the space in front of the lighting fixture; and a second high beam unit capable of forming a second high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a second animation in the space in front of the lighting fixture. The control device is configured as follows: The first high-beam unit is activated in a manner that depicts the first animation in the space. The second high-beam unit is activated in a manner that depicts the second animation in the space. The second animation includes an animation that applies special effects to at least a portion of the first animation.

[0127] 14. A program for controlling vehicle lights, characterized in that, The vehicle lighting fixture includes: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a first animation in the space in front of the lighting fixture; and a second high beam unit capable of forming a second high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a second animation in the space in front of the lighting fixture. The program causes the computer to execute: The steps of making the first high beam unit work in a manner that depicts the first animation in the space, and The steps of making the second high-beam unit work in a way that depicts the second animation in the space. The second animation includes an animation in which at least a portion of the first animation is applied with special effects.

[0128] Industrial availability This invention can be used in vehicle lighting fixtures that can be mounted in vehicles such as automobiles. Furthermore, this invention can be used in control devices for such vehicle lighting fixtures.

[0129] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 10 Vehicle lamps, 11A First lamp unit, 11B Second lamp unit, 18 Low beam unit, 20A First high beam unit, 20B Second high beam unit, 26 Support, 30A First actuator, 30B Second actuator, 32 Road surface, 40A First drawing range, 40B Second drawing range, A1 First animation, A2 Second animation, Hi1 First high beam light distribution pattern, Hi2 Second high beam light distribution pattern, Lo Low beam light distribution pattern.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that, include: The first high beam unit is capable of forming a first high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a first animation in the space in front of the lamp, and The first actuator is configured to switch the illumination direction of the first high beam unit; The first high beam unit is configured to form the first high beam distribution pattern when it is directed toward a first illumination direction via the first actuator, and to depict the first animation in the space when it is directed toward a second illumination direction downwards from the first illumination direction via the first actuator.

2. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The second high beam unit is capable of forming a second high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a second animation in the space in front of the lamp, and The second actuator is configured to switch the illumination direction of the second high beam unit; The second high beam unit is configured to form the second high beam pattern when it is directed toward the first illumination direction via the second actuator, and to depict the second animation in the space when it is directed toward the second illumination direction via the second actuator.

3. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, This includes a first lamp unit and a second lamp unit that are configured in different locations on the vehicle. The first high beam unit and the first actuator are mounted on the first lamp unit, and the second high beam unit and the second actuator are mounted on the second lamp unit.

4. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second animation includes an animation that applies special effects to at least a portion of the first animation.

5. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second animation includes an animation that flips at least a portion of the first animation.

6. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first high beam unit is configured to depict the first animation in response to the starting of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first high beam unit is configured to, when depicting the first animation within a first depiction range, make the visibility of the area outside a specific region within the first depiction range lower than that specific region, or make the visibility of the specific region higher than that of the area outside the specific region.

8. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first high beam unit is configured to form a road surface pattern when it is directed toward a third illumination direction that is downward of the first illumination direction via the first actuator.

9. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The low beam unit that forms the low beam light distribution pattern, and A common support member that supports both the first high beam unit and the low beam unit; The first actuator drives the common support member in a manner that switches the illumination direction of the first high beam unit.

10. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The low beam unit that forms the low beam light distribution pattern, and Support member that supports the low beam unit and the first actuator; The first actuator drives the first high beam unit to the support and the low beam unit in a manner that switches the illumination direction of the first high beam unit.

11. A control device for vehicle lighting, characterized in that, In the control device for vehicle lighting, the vehicle lighting includes: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a first animation in the space in front of the lighting unit; and a first actuator configured to switch the illumination direction of the first high beam unit. The control device is configured as follows: When the first high beam unit is oriented toward the first illumination direction via the first actuator, the first high beam unit is activated in a manner that forms the first high beam light distribution pattern. When the first high beam unit is oriented toward a second illumination direction that is downward of the first illumination direction via the first actuator, the first high beam unit is activated in such a way as to depict the first animation in the space.

12. A program, characterized in that, It is a program for controlling vehicle lighting fixtures, the vehicle lighting fixtures including: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam light distribution pattern and drawing a first animation in front of the lighting fixture; and a first actuator configured to switch the illumination direction of the first high beam unit; The program causes the computer to execute: The steps of activating the first high beam unit in a manner that forms the first high beam light distribution pattern when the first high beam unit is oriented toward the first illumination direction by the first actuator, and... The step of making the first high beam unit work in a way that depicts the first animation in the space when the first high beam unit is oriented toward a second illumination direction that is downward of the first illumination direction by the first actuator.

13. A control device for vehicle lighting, characterized in that, In the control device for vehicle lighting, the vehicle lighting includes: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam light distribution pattern and drawing a first animation in the space in front of the lighting; and a second high beam unit capable of forming a second high beam light distribution pattern and drawing a second animation in the space in front of the lighting. The control device is configured as follows: The first high-beam unit is activated in a manner that depicts the first animation in the space. The second high-beam unit is operated in a manner that depicts the second animation in the space; The second animation includes an animation that applies special effects to at least a portion of the first animation.

14. A program for controlling vehicle lights, characterized in that, The vehicle lighting fixture includes: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a first animation in the space in front of the lighting fixture; and a second high beam unit capable of forming a second high beam light distribution pattern and depicting a second animation in the space in front of the lighting fixture. The program causes the computer to execute: The steps of making the first high beam unit work in a manner that depicts the first animation in the space, and The step of making the second high beam unit work in a manner that depicts the second animation in the space; The second animation includes an animation that applies special effects to at least a portion of the first animation.

Images