Street surface lighting system

Abstract

Street surface lighting system, including: a vehicle information procurement unit (1) which is designed to procure vehicle information from a vehicle-internal device mounted in a vehicle; a vehicle motion prediction device (2) configured to predict a motion that the vehicle will perform from the current time onward, in accordance with the vehicle information supplied by the vehicle information acquisition unit (1); and a light animation setting unit (3; 3a) configured to cause a lighting device mounted in the vehicle to illuminate a road surface in front of the vehicle with a light animation representing forward movement of the vehicle when the movement predicted by the vehicle motion prediction device (2) is forward movement, wherein the light animation setting unit (3; 3a) predicts positions of the vehicle based on vehicle information indicating a speed at which the vehicle is moving forward, obtained by the vehicle information acquisition unit (1), and causes the light animation to disappear when a rear portion of the vehicle passes over the light animation.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a road surface lighting device that illuminates a road surface around a vehicle with light. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Typically, a technique of illuminating a road surface with laser light was used as a method to indicate the movement of a vehicle to others outside the vehicle.

[0003] For example, patent literature 1 discloses a method for determining both a possibility that a vehicle will start a movement, and a direction in which the vehicle will start to move, and for illuminating an area in front of or behind the vehicle with laser light before the vehicle starts to move.

[0004] For example, patent literature 2 discloses a method for changing the pattern of a light beam used to illuminate a road surface in accordance with a vehicle's behavioral state, such as whether the vehicle is stationary, starting to move, accelerating, traveling at a very low speed, or traveling at a high speed. For instance, when the vehicle is traveling at a very low speed, a road surface near the vehicle is illuminated with a visible light pattern of short length in the vehicle's direction of travel, whereas when the vehicle is traveling at a high speed, a road surface far from the vehicle is illuminated with a visible light pattern of long length in the vehicle's direction of travel. LITERATURE LIST PATENT LITERATURE Patent Literature 1: JP 2009-40236 A Patent literature 2: JP 2003-231 450 A

[0005] Further state of the art can be found in the documents DE 10 2012 219 572 A1, US 2008 / 0 175 012 A1, US 2014 / 0 218 212 A1 and DE 20 2014 101 755 U1. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAL PROBLEM

[0006] The problem with the method disclosed in patent literature 1, however, is that even if laser light is provided before the vehicle begins to move, no indication can be provided for others to show what kind of movement the vehicle is about to make if they cannot understand the meaning of the light. For example, even if a road surface is illuminated with uniform laser light, as shown in patent literature 1, others do not intuitively understand that the illumination means the vehicle is beginning to move there.

[0007] Another problem with the method disclosed in patent literature 2 is that, since the visible light pattern used to illuminate a road surface is changed in accordance with the vehicle speed, for example by decreasing the length of the visible light pattern when the vehicle is traveling at a very low speed, or increasing the length of the visible light pattern when the vehicle is traveling at a high speed, but the visible light pattern is changed in accordance with the speed at which the vehicle is traveling, others cannot predict the future movement of the vehicle, even if they look at the visible light pattern.

[0008] The present invention was created to solve the problems mentioned above, and it is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a technique for intuitively displaying to persons outside the vehicle the movement that a vehicle will perform from the current time. SOLUTION TO THE TASK

[0009] According to the present invention, a road surface lighting device is provided, comprising: a vehicle information acquisition unit configured to acquire vehicle information from a vehicle-internal device mounted in a vehicle; a vehicle movement prediction device configured to predict a movement that the vehicle will perform from the current time onward, in accordance with the vehicle information supplied by the vehicle information acquisition unit; and a light animation setting unit configured to set a movement predicted by the vehicle movement prediction unit, and configured to cause a lighting device mounted in the vehicle to illuminate the road surface with the animation before the vehicle performs the movement. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Since the road surface lighting device according to the invention illuminates a road surface with a light animation expressing movement before the vehicle performs a movement, the road surface lighting device can intuitively report the movement to persons outside the vehicle that the vehicle is about to perform from the present time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1; Fig. Figures 3A to 3D are illustrations showing a light animation of a road surface being illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1, and they show an example of a vehicle starting its engine; Fig. Figures 4A to 4C are illustrations showing a light animation with which a road surface is illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1, and they show an example when the position of a shift lever has been moved from “P” to “D”; Fig. Figures 5A to 5D are illustrations showing a light animation of a road surface being illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1, and they show an example when the vehicle has started to move forward; Fig. Figures 6A to 6F are illustrations showing a light animation with which a road surface is illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1, and they show a variant when the position of the shift lever has been moved from “P” to “D”; Fig. Figures 7A to 7D are illustrations showing a light animation with which a road surface is illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1, and they show a variant when the vehicle has started to move forward; Fig. Figure 8 is a representation showing a light animation with which a road surface is illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1, and it shows an example when a steering wheel is turned at a time when the vehicle is moving forward; Fig. Figures 9A to 9D are illustrations showing a light animation of a road surface being illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1, and they show an example when the vehicle starts its engine; Fig. Figures 10A to 10F are illustrations showing a light animation of a road surface being illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1, and they show an example when the position of the shift lever has been moved from “P” to “R”; Fig. Figures 11A to 11C are illustrations showing a light animation of a road surface being illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1, and they show an example when the vehicle starts to move backwards; Fig. Figures 12A to 12D are illustrations showing a light animation with which a road surface is illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1, and they show an example when the position of the shift lever has been moved from “R” to “P” or “D”; Fig. Figure 13 is a representation showing a light animation with which a road surface is illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1, and it shows an example when the steering wheel is turned at a time when the vehicle is moving backwards; Fig. Figures 14A to 14E are illustrations showing a light animation of a road surface being illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1, and they show an example of when a vehicle occupant begins to open a door; Fig. Figures 15A to 15E are illustrations showing a light animation of a road surface being illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1, and they show an example of the doors being unlocked by using a keyless access system; Fig. Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the construction of a road surface lighting device according to an embodiment 2 of the present invention; Fig. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 2; Figures 18A and 18B are illustrations showing a light animation of a road surface being illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 2, and they show an example when a person is present in front of a vehicle; Fig. 19A and Fig. Figure 19B shows a light animation of a road surface being illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 2, and they show an example when no person is present in front of the vehicle; and Fig. 20A and Fig. Figure 20B shows a light animation of a road surface illuminated by the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 2, and Fig. 20A shows an example when a person is present to the right of the vehicle, and Fig. Figure 20B shows an example where there are people on both the left and right sides of the vehicle. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0011] In order to explain this invention in more detail, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawing. Example 1

[0012] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1 comprises a vehicle information acquisition unit 1, a vehicle motion prediction device 2, and a light animation adjustment unit 3, and illuminates an area around a vehicle with visible light from a lighting device 4 mounted in the vehicle. This road surface lighting device is equipped with a CPU (central processing unit), memory, and the like, and performs the functions of the vehicle information acquisition unit 1, the vehicle motion prediction device 2, and the light animation adjustment unit 3 by executing a program. The lighting device 4 is a laser or the like, mounted in the vehicle, and illuminates a road surface under the vehicle and a road surface around the vehicle with visible light to display a graphic or the like.

[0013] Vehicle Information Acquisition Unit 1 acquires vehicle information either from other in-vehicle devices via an in-vehicle network, such as a CAN (Controller Area Network), or directly from other in-vehicle devices. Examples of vehicle information include CAN data (information about operating modes, such as the operation of a turn signal, accelerator pedal, brake, handbrake, and gearshift lever), information detected by a touch sensor, such as one attached to a door handle, information about locking or unlocking doors using a keyless entry system, and so on.

[0014] The vehicle information acquisition unit 1 delivers the acquired vehicle information to the vehicle movement prediction device 2.

[0015] The vehicle motion predictor 2 predicts the motion the vehicle will begin to perform, in accordance with the vehicle information received from the vehicle information acquisition unit 1. For example, the motion the vehicle will begin to perform is moving forward from a stationary position, moving backward from a stationary position, or opening a door. For example, if it is detected that, in accordance with the vehicle information, the gearshift lever position has moved from "P (Park)" to "D (Drive)" and the brake is released, the vehicle motion predictor 2 predicts that the vehicle will begin to move forward from a stationary position.If the system continues to detect that the vehicle is stationary and that a vehicle occupant has touched a door handle in the vehicle cabin, the vehicle motion prediction device 2 predicts that a vehicle occupant is about to open the door.

[0016] The vehicle movement prediction device 2 can not only predict the movement of the vehicle, but can also determine the state of the vehicle, e.g. a state in which the doors have been unlocked using the keyless entry system.

[0017] The vehicle motion prediction device 2 provides information about the predicted vehicle motion to the light animation adjustment unit 3. The vehicle motion information can include not only the predicted motion of the vehicle, but also the vehicle's condition.

[0018] The light animation setting unit 3 sets a light animation to illuminate a road surface in accordance with the vehicle movement information received by the vehicle movement prediction device 2. The light animation is light that expresses a graphic to intuitively indicate the vehicle's movement through animation. For example, the light animation is the one applied when the vehicle begins to move forward from a stationary position, the one applied when the vehicle begins to move backward from a stationary position, or the one applied when a door is being opened.

[0019] The light animation setting unit 3 delivers the set light animation to the lighting device 4.

[0020] The light animation setting unit 3 can store light animations intended for vehicle movements and select a light animation from the light animations in accordance with the vehicle movement information received from the vehicle movement prediction device 2.

[0021] The lighting device 4 illuminates a road surface with the light animation received from the light animation control unit 3. Although a method of projecting laser light onto a road surface or the like can be considered a method for illuminating a road surface with the light animation, this embodiment is limited to this method.

[0022] Next, the operation of the road surface lighting system will be described using a flowchart according to... Fig. 2 explained.

[0023] In step ST1, the vehicle information acquisition unit 1 first obtains the vehicle information from the vehicle and delivers the vehicle information to the vehicle movement prediction device 2. For example, the vehicle information acquisition unit obtains the vehicle information indicating that the position of the gearshift lever has been moved from "P" to "D" and the handbrake has been switched "off".

[0024] In step ST2, the vehicle motion prediction device 2 predicts the movement of the vehicle in accordance with the vehicle information and provides the vehicle motion information to the light animation adjustment unit 3. For example, if the vehicle information shows that the position of the gearshift lever has been moved from “P” to “D” and the handbrake has been switched off, the vehicle motion prediction device 2 predicts that the vehicle will begin to move forward from the stationary state.

[0025] The vehicle movement prediction device 2 can not only predict the movement of the vehicle, but can also determine the state of the vehicle (e.g. a state in which the doors have been unlocked using the keyless entry system).

[0026] In step ST3, the light animation setting unit 3 sets a light animation in accordance with the vehicle motion information and delivers the light animation to the lighting device 4. For example, if the vehicle motion information indicates that the vehicle is beginning to move forward from the stationary state, the light animation setting unit 3 sets a light animation for forward motion.

[0027] In step ST4, the lighting device 4 illuminates a road surface with the light animation received from the light animation setting unit 3.

[0028] The road surface lighting device can instruct an internal vehicle speaker to emit a sound pattern suitable for the light animation when the road surface is illuminated with the light animation. At this time, the road surface lighting device can transmit the sound pattern to the driver and other occupants of the vehicle, or to persons outside the vehicle.

[0029] The street lighting system repeatedly performs the actions shown in the flowchart. Fig. 2. Processing is carried out at regular intervals.

[0030] Next, the light animations will be explained.

[0031] First, examples of light animations will be presented with reference to the Fig. 3 to 5 explains when the vehicle begins to move forward from a stationary position.

[0032] The Fig. 3A to 3D show a light animation when the vehicle starts the engine. Fig. 3A shows a state in which vehicle 100 is stationary with its engine off. A person 101 is present in a front left area near vehicle 100. When the engine is started, the road surface lighting device obtains the vehicle information indicating that the engine has started, predicts that the vehicle will begin to move, and sets a light animation. The lighting device 4 then illuminates a road surface near the vehicle with the light animation, which differs from the one shown in 3A. Fig. 3B shown up to the one in Fig. 3C and then to the one in Fig. The 3D effect shown changes. In this example, a road surface facing the vehicle 100 is illuminated with the light animation in a way in which two straight lines extending lengthwise along the vehicle are arranged parallel to each other, lying close together ( Fig. 3B) and these two straight lines move away from each other in approximately 0.5 seconds to positions just outside the vehicle ( Fig. 3D). By moving the two straight lines away from each other to positions just outside both sides of vehicle 100, the area occupied by the single vehicle is expressed.

[0033] This light animation indicates that the vehicle has been brought to life by the starting of its engine. As a result, the road surface lighting device for persons near the vehicle can display a status message indicating that the vehicle may move after the engine has started.

[0034] The in the Fig. The light animation shown in 3A to 3D is an example; any light animation with a different expression can be used alternatively, as long as the animation can express both that the vehicle could move after the engine is started or that life has been breathed into the vehicle.

[0035] The Fig. 4A to 4C display a light animation when the vehicle's gear selector is moved from "P" to "D". In a Fig. In the state shown in Figure 4A, the road surface lighting device obtains the vehicle information indicating that the gearshift lever position has been moved from "P" to "D", predicts that the vehicle will begin to move forward, and sets a light animation. The lighting device 4 illuminates a road surface with the light animation in which two straight lines, applied at position just outside both sides of vehicle 100, move forward a distance equal to the length of the single vehicle, with the light animation moving from the to Fig. 4A to the after Fig. 4B and then to the next Fig. 4C varies. The two at the positions after Fig. The straight lines applied in 4A are caused to move to the positions after approximately 1 second. Fig. 4C to move. Alternatively, the two straight lines can be made to move at the same speed as the vehicle speed at the moment the stationary vehicle begins to move forward. It is assumed that information about the vehicle width, the overall vehicle length, the typical speed at the moment the vehicle begins to move forward, and the like is pre-stored in the light animation setting unit 3.

[0036] Since the two straight lines illuminating the road surface represent the vehicle width of vehicle 100 and the area occupied by the single vehicle, a person 101 nearby can intuitively predict that vehicle 100 is about to start moving forward, based on the forward movement of the two straight lines.

[0037] Furthermore, the person 101 in front of vehicle 100 may also detect a message indicating that the person should not cross the road in front of vehicle 100, as the two straight lines expressing the vehicle width are extended to a road surface near their feet.

[0038] The in the Fig. The light animation shown in 4A to 4C is an example and any light animation with a different expression can be used alternatively, as long as the animation can express that the vehicle starts to move forward.

[0039] Fig. Figure 5 shows a light animation when vehicle 100 has started moving forward. When vehicle 100 is moving forward, changing from a state of Fig. 5A, about a state of Fig. 5B and Fig. 5C to a state of Fig. In 5D, the road surface lighting device displays a light animation showing two straight lines, which illuminated the road surface in front of vehicle 100, fixed in their positions, so that vehicle 100 will travel over the area between the two straight lines. At this point, the road surface lighting device obtains the vehicle information, which determines the speed at which vehicle 100 is moving forward, predicts the positions of vehicle 100, and adjusts the light animation to cause the two straight lines to disappear as the rear of vehicle 100 passes. As a result, all the light illuminating the road surface disappears once vehicle 100 has passed over the light animation. Fig. 5D). Since the light illuminating the road surface disappears as the vehicle passes, there is an advantage to being able to instruct a procedure for extinguishing the light without causing the person to feel that anything is unusual. Furthermore, since the road surface lighting device only applies the light animation when the vehicle begins to move forward and does not apply any light animation while the vehicle is moving, there is an advantage to preventing the entire city from being filled with light while the vehicle is moving.

[0040] In the example mentioned above, the road surface lighting device enables person 101 to predict and recognize the movement that the vehicle will make from the current time by observing the expression (animation) of the light emitted by Fig. 3B via Fig. 3C to Fig. 3D varies and the expression of the light that comes from Fig. 4A via Fig. 4b to Fig. 4C varies. The road surface lighting device provides a measure to enable persons to estimate the movement of the vehicle by processing the light with which a road surface is to be illuminated to generate an animation with a movement, and provides an advantage of enabling persons to intuitively predict the movement of the vehicle simply by looking at the light.

[0041] Furthermore, in the case of light animation, questions arise regarding the Fig. 3A to 3D, the two straight lines that illuminate the side areas near vehicle 100, also extend slightly from the rear of the vehicle. In the case of the light animation according to the Fig. In phases 4A to 4C, the light projecting from the rear of the vehicle moves to an area in front of the vehicle. As a result, people behind the vehicle can intuitively predict that the vehicle will not approach them.

[0042] The light animations applied at the moment the vehicle begins to move forward, as introduced in the example above, are just one example, and other light animations can be used. Furthermore, changing the color of the lighting can effectively signal the movement of each light animation to people outside the vehicle. Additionally, a sound effect can be played along with each light animation.

[0043] Next, another example of the expression of light animation will be given with reference to the Fig. Sections 6A to 6F explain what happens when the gearshift lever position of vehicle 100 is changed from "P" to "D". In the example of... Fig. 6A to 6F can enhance the street surface lighting system by adding an animation in which the light flows, to the one already in the Fig. The light animation shown in 4A to 4C highlights that the vehicle 100 begins to move forward and causes a person 101 outside the vehicle to intuitively receive an advance warning that the vehicle begins to move forward.

[0044] The lighting device 4 moves two straight lines, with which the road surfaces to the right and left of the vehicle 100 are illuminated, to an area in front of the vehicle in such a way that the two straight lines are separated from those in Fig. 6A shown above the in Fig. 6B shown to those in Fig. The 6C shown varies and then continues to illuminate a front road surface with a graphic, such as arrows pointing forward, and repeatedly displays an animation in which three arrows flow forward, such that the arrows differ from those in Fig. 6D shown about the in Fig. 6E shown to those in Fig. The arrows shown in Figure 6F may vary. By causing the arrows to move at the same speed as the speed at which the stationary vehicle begins to move forward, the road surface lighting device can convey a realistic feeling.

[0045] The road surface lighting device expresses the direction of travel of the vehicle with the light and the movement of the three arrows and expresses the place through which the vehicle passes by expressing the vehicle width using the two straight lines.

[0046] The Fig. Figures 7A to 7D show a case in which vehicle 100 has begun to move forward in a state where the road surface lighting device has completed the light animation according to the Fig. applies 6A to 6F. As in the Fig. As shown in 7A to 7D, when the vehicle passes 100 over the light animation, the road surface lighting device causes the two straight lines and the three arrows to disappear together at the time the rear of the vehicle passes the person.

[0047] Next, an example of light animation will be shown with reference to Fig. 8 explains what happens when the steering wheel of vehicle 100 is turned. When the position of the gearshift lever of vehicle 100 has been moved from “P” to “D”, or when vehicle 100 has begun to move forward, the road surface lighting device predicts the path the vehicle will travel, based on vehicle information indicating that the steering wheel has been turned, and sets a light animation shaped as a graphic curved along the path. The lighting device 4 then illuminates a road surface with the light animation, in which two straight lines (e.g., the one in Fig. 6A), which are applied at positions just outside the two sides of the vehicle 100, move along the path, curving ( Fig. 8) The lighting device can then repeatedly display an animation in which arrows expressing the direction of travel flow along the path between the two straight lines as they curve.

[0048] By providing this light animation, the road surface lighting device can indicate to people around the vehicle that the vehicle is moving forward while turning.

[0049] Next, an example of light animations will be presented, referring to the Fig. Sections 9 to 11 explain when the vehicle moves backwards from a stationary position.

[0050] Fig. 9A to 9D show an example of a light animation when the vehicle 100 starts the engine. Fig. 9A shows a state in which the vehicle is stationary with the engine off. A person 101 is present in a left rear area near the vehicle 100. When the engine starts, the road surface lighting device illuminates a road surface with the light animation shown in Fig. 9B shown to the in Fig. 9C shown and then to the one in Fig. The 9D version shown varies. This light animation is the same as the one shown in the Fig. 3A to 3D shown.

[0051] The Fig. Figures 10A to 10F show an example of a light animation when the vehicle's gearshift lever is moved from "P" to "R" (reverse). In a state after Fig. 10A obtains the vehicle information from the road surface lighting system, indicating that the gear selector position has been moved from "P" to "R", predicts that the vehicle will move backward, and sets a light animation. The light animation at the time the vehicle is moving backward is the one in which two straight lines are displayed instead of the two straight lines following the Fig. 4A to 4C, move to an area behind the vehicle, instead of to an area in front of the vehicle. More precisely, the two straight lines applied to positions exactly outside both sides of vehicle 100 move backwards by a distance equal to the length of the single vehicle, with the light animation moving from the one in Fig. 10A shown in the Fig. 10B shown and then to the one in Fig. The 10C shown varies.

[0052] Furthermore, the street lighting system illuminates, as in the case of the light animation, according to the Fig. 6A to 6F features a rear street surface with a graphic, such as arc-shaped lines pointing in the reverse direction, and repeatedly displays an animation in which six arc-shaped lines flow in the reverse direction, in such a way that the arc-shaped lines differ from those in Fig. 10D shown about the in Fig. 10E to those in Fig. The lines shown in Figure 10F vary. By causing the arc-shaped lines to move at the same speed as the speed at which the stationary vehicle begins to reverse, the road surface lighting device can convey a realistic feeling. It is assumed that the light animation setting unit 3 stores information about a typical speed, etc., at the time the vehicle begins to reverse.

[0053] The road surface lighting device expresses the direction of travel of the vehicle 100 with the light and the movement of the six arc-shaped lines and also expresses the place through which the vehicle will pass by expressing the vehicle width using the two straight lines.

[0054] The Fig. Figures 11A to 11C show an example of a light animation when vehicle 100 has started to move backwards. When vehicle 100 moves backwards, from one state to the next... Fig. 11A about a state after Fig. 11B into a state after Fig. 11C changes, the road surface lighting device repeatedly illuminates the rear road surface with the same light animation as in the Fig. 10D to 10F shown.

[0055] While in the case of the light animation ( Fig. 7A to 7D) at the time the vehicle moves forward, the road surface lighting device extinguishes the light as soon as the vehicle moves forward 100, the road surface lighting device in the case of the light animation ( Fig. 11A to 11C) at the time the vehicle is moving backwards, the light animation repeats without extinguishing the light. While it is difficult for the driver to check the direction of travel during reverse movements, unlike in the case of forward movements, the present embodiment provides the advantage of being able to continuously warn persons around the vehicle at all times when the vehicle is moving backwards.

[0056] Next, with reference to the Fig. Sections 12A to 12D explain an example of a light animation that occurs when the position of the vehicle's gearshift lever 100 is moved from "R" to "P", "D", or the like. In a Fig. In the state shown in Figure 12A, the road surface lighting device obtains the vehicle information indicating that the gearshift lever position has been moved from "R" to "P", "D", or the like, predicts that the vehicle will no longer reverse, and sets a light animation to indicate that the vehicle has stopped reversing. When the vehicle stops reversing, the road surface lighting device, although it can only extinguish the light of the two straight lines and the six arc-shaped lines from the lighting device 4 that illuminated the rear road surface, sets an animation in which the light is gradually extinguished from its part furthest from the vehicle 100 to a part near the vehicle 100, in such a way that the light from the Fig. 12A shown above the one in the Fig. 12B and Fig. 12C shown to the one in Fig. The variation shown in Figure 12D strongly indicates that the vehicle is no longer driving in reverse.

[0057] Next, an example of a light animation will be presented, referring to Fig. 13 explains, where the steering wheel of vehicle 100 is turned. When the position of the gearshift lever of vehicle 100 has been moved from “P” to “R”, or when vehicle 100 has begun to move in reverse, the road surface lighting device, in accordance with the vehicle information, indicates that the steering wheel has been turned, the path ahead along which the vehicle will travel, and sets a light animation shaped as a graphic curved along the path, as shown in Fig. 13 is shown.

[0058] The light animations introduced in the examples mentioned above, which are applied when the vehicle begins to reverse, are to be considered examples, and light animations other than those mentioned above may be used. Furthermore, by changing the color of the lighting, the movement of each light animation can be effectively indicated to people outside the vehicle. Additionally, to distinguish between forward and reverse movement, the road surface lighting device can, for example, set the color of the light animation to green when moving forward and to red when moving backward. To further emphasize reverse movement, the animation can also be combined with a flashing animation, in which the lighting flashes, or with a motion animation.A motion animation is one in which there is a flow, such as in the . Fig. 10D, Fig. 10E and Fig. 10F is expressed.

[0059] Additionally, a soundscape can be output along with each of the light animations.

[0060] Next, an example of a light animation will be presented, referring to the Fig. Sections 14A to 14E explain what happens when a passenger in the vehicle is opening a door.

[0061] Fig. 14A shows a state in which the vehicle is stationary. A person 101 exists in an area to the right of the vehicle 100. A touch sensor or the like is arranged in each door handle in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 100, and a detection result obtained by the sensor is supplied to the road surface lighting device as vehicle information. The road surface lighting device obtains the vehicle information, which shows a state in which a passenger has touched a door handle, predicts that the door is about to be opened, and sets a light animation with a movement that causes people to imagine the opening or closing of the door. The lighting device 4 then illuminates a road surface under the door with the light animation, which expresses the location of a straight line imitating the door and its opening in the form of a fan, with the light animation, from which in Fig. 14B shown about the in the Fig. 14C and Fig. 14D shown in the Fig. The variation shown in Figure 14E is varied. By applying the light animation in such a way, with a movement that causes people to imagine a door opening and closing, an advantage is provided in enabling person 101 nearby to intuitively predict that an occupant of vehicle 100 is about to open the door, simply by watching the light animation. Since person 101 nearby can perceive in advance that the door of vehicle 100 is about to be opened, there is a further advantage in that the person is enabled to ride past the vehicle door on a bicycle.

[0062] In a scenario where the light animation for an automatic door is applied to the rear seat of a taxi, the road surface lighting unit can prevent motorcycles, bicycles, and similar vehicles from passing between the taxi and the curb. Furthermore, the road surface lighting unit can indicate to a passenger about to enter the taxi that the door is about to open.

[0063] Next, with reference to the Fig. 15A to 15E explains an example of a light animation in which the doors were unlocked using a keyless entry system.

[0064] Fig. 15A shows a state in which vehicle 100 is stationary. When a vehicle occupant, such as the driver, unlocks the doors of vehicle 100 from outside the vehicle using a keyless entry system, the vehicle information indicating that the doors have been unlocked is supplied to the road surface lighting device. The road surface lighting device obtains the vehicle information, determines that the vehicle is in a state in which the doors have been unlocked, and sets a light animation designed to welcome the vehicle occupant. The lighting device 4 then illuminates the road surfaces beneath the doors with the light animation, which features a graphic, such as star markings, to create a sparkling effect on the road surfaces, with the light animation being initiated by the Fig. 15B shown about the in the Fig. 15C and Fig. 15D shown to the in Fig. The lighting device shown in Figure 15E varies. As an alternative, it can illuminate road surfaces under the doors with spotlight-like beams of light. Additionally, the lighting device can illuminate not only the road surfaces to the right and left of vehicle 100 with the light animation, but also the road surfaces in front of and behind the vehicle. Furthermore, a sound effect can be played along with the light animation.

[0065] By applying such an animation, the road surface lighting system can display information welcoming passengers to vehicle 100. Furthermore, this is intended to make it easier for passengers to locate vehicle 100.

[0066] In a case where light animation is provided for in a taxi, an advantage is provided in that it enables the driver to express the intention of welcoming the passengers.

[0067] As mentioned above, the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1 is designed such that it includes the vehicle information acquisition unit for obtaining vehicle information from vehicle-internal devices mounted in the vehicle, the vehicle movement prediction device for predicting the movement that the vehicle will perform from the current time in accordance with the vehicle information supplied by the vehicle information acquisition unit 1, and the light animation setting unit 3 for setting a movement predicted by the vehicle movement prediction unit, and the lighting device 4 is caused to illuminate a road surface with the animation before the vehicle performs the movement, wherein the road surface lighting device can intuitively report the movement that the vehicle will perform from the current time to persons outside the vehicle.People outside the vehicle are enabled to predict the vehicle's movement through the light animation that illuminates the road surface.

[0068] Furthermore, since the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 1 is designed in such a way that the vehicle movement prediction device 2 determines the state of the vehicle in accordance with the vehicle information obtained by the vehicle information acquisition unit 1, and the light animation setting unit 3 sets the light animation that expresses the vehicle state determined by the vehicle movement prediction device 2 and causes the lighting device 4 to illuminate the road surface with the light animation, the road surface lighting device can provide messages that express a welcome to the passengers using the light animation, for example, when the doors have been unlocked using the keyless entry system. Example 2

[0069] Fig. Figure 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the construction of a road surface lighting system according to a second embodiment. Fig. 16 are the same components as those of the Fig. 1 or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and the explanation of the components is omitted here. The road surface lighting device according to embodiment 2 is designed to additionally include a detector 21 for nearby objects, a lighting method determination unit 22, and a lighting area adjustment unit 23.

[0070] The nearby object detector 21 acquires scanning information from sensors mounted in a vehicle and detects the positions of pedestrians, other vehicles, etc. (hereinafter referred to as nearby objects) present in an area around the vehicle. A scanning method is provided for determining information indicating the type of nearby object (e.g., a walking person, a stationary person, a child, or a vehicle), the direction of or distance to each nearby object, and other information about each nearby object from an image captured by a camera's image sensor.Furthermore, a method is provided for determining information indicating the type of each nearby object, its direction or distance, and other information about each nearby object, using a photosensor that employs an LED light source. Other methods can be used as alternative scanning methods.

[0071] The detector 21 for nearby objects provides the information obtained about the nearby object to the illumination method determination unit 22.

[0072] The lighting procedure determination unit 22 determines a method for applying a light animation in accordance with vehicle motion information received by a vehicle motion prediction device 2 and information about a nearby object received by the nearby object detector 21. For example, the lighting procedure determination unit determines a method for extending the illumination area of ​​a light animation in a direction where a pedestrian or another vehicle is present, or for emphasizing the light animation as the light animation gets closer to the pedestrian or another vehicle.In contrast, the lighting procedure determination unit specifies a procedure for reducing or suppressing the illuminated area of ​​a light animation in a direction where there is neither a pedestrian nor another vehicle, or for processing a light animation in such a way that the light animation becomes blurred or weaker as the light animation gets closer to a place where there is neither a pedestrian nor another vehicle.

[0073] The lighting procedure determination unit 22 supplies the determined lighting procedure to a light animation setting unit 3a and the lighting area setting unit 23.

[0074] The lighting area setting unit 23 sets the lighting area of ​​the light animation in accordance with the lighting procedure determined by the lighting procedure determination unit 22 and provides the illuminated area as lighting area information to the light animation setting unit 3a. The light animation setting unit 3a sets a light animation based on the vehicle movement information received by the vehicle movement prediction device 2 for the illuminated area, based on the lighting area information received by the lighting area setting unit 23. The light animation setting unit 3a also processes the light animation in accordance with the lighting procedure determined by the lighting procedure determination unit 22. For example, the light animation setting unit 3a may intensify the light animation.The lighting device 4a provides the light animation set by the light animation setting unit 3a.

[0075] Next, the operation of the road surface lighting device will be described using a flowchart according to Fig. 17 explained. Since the processes in steps ST1 and ST2 of the Fig. 17 are the same as those after Fig. 2. The explanations of the processes are omitted below.

[0076] In step ST21, the detector 21 for nearby objects determines whether an object is present around the vehicle and detects the distance from the vehicle to the nearby object, and so on, in accordance with the scanning information, and provides the information about nearby objects to the illumination procedure determination unit 22.

[0077] In step ST22, the lighting procedure determination unit determines a lighting procedure for light animations in accordance with the information about nearby objects and delivers the lighting procedure information to the light animation setting unit 3a and the lighting area setting unit 23.

[0078] In step ST23, the lighting area setting unit 23 determines the illuminated area of ​​the light animations in accordance with the lighting procedure information and provides this information to the light animation setting unit 3a. In step ST3a, the light animation setting unit 3a sets a light animation according to the vehicle movement information, changes the illuminated area of ​​the light animations in accordance with the lighting area information, and modifies a method for expressing the light animation in accordance with the lighting procedure information. In step ST4a, the lighting device 4a illuminates a road surface with the light animation set by the light animation setting unit 3a.

[0079] The street lighting system repeatedly performs the actions shown in the flowchart. Fig. The 17 processes mentioned occur at regular intervals.

[0080] Next, using the Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 An example of a light animation is explained when the position of the gearshift lever has been moved from “P” to “D” so that the vehicle moves forward from a stationary state.

[0081] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 18A, the detector 21 for objects near the road surface lighting device detects a person 101 who exists in a front left area near the vehicle 10. The lighting procedure determination unit 22 determines a highlighting of a light animation with which an area in front of the vehicle is to be illuminated. The light animation setting unit 3a sets a light animation as shown in Figure 18A. Fig. 18B, in which arrows pointing in the direction of travel are added between two straight lines indicating the vehicle width, in accordance with the regulation, thereby emphasizing the light animation.

[0082] If, on the other hand, the detector 21 for objects near the road surface lighting device does not detect an object nearby, such as a person in an area around the vehicle, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 19A, the lighting procedure setting unit 22 determines that the light animation used to illuminate an area in front of the vehicle becomes weaker and almost imperceptible. The light animation setting unit 3a sets a light animation in which two straight lines indicating the width of the vehicle are faint and almost imperceptible, as shown in Figure 19A. Fig. 19B is shown, in accordance with the specification. Although in this example the light animation is set in such a way that it is faint and barely noticeable, the light of the animation can be extinguished in an alternative manner.

[0083] Next, an example will be given with reference to the Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B explains a light animation in which the doors are unlocked using a keyless access system.

[0084] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 20A, when the detector 21 for objects near the road surface lighting device detects a person 101 who exists in a right-hand area near the vehicle 100, the lighting procedure determination unit 22 determines that only the right-hand area near the vehicle where the person 101 exists is illuminated with the light animation. The lighting area setting unit 23 sets the area of ​​the road surface to be illuminated under the doors on the right side of the vehicle in accordance with the determination. Therefore, the road surface under the doors on the right side of the vehicle is illuminated with star markings, as shown in Figure 20A. Fig. 20A is shown.

[0085] If, on the other hand, the detector 21 detects persons 101 in areas to the left and right of the vehicle 100 for objects near the road surface lighting unit, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 20B, the lighting procedure determination unit 22 specifies that each of the areas to the left and right of the vehicle is to be illuminated with a light animation. The lighting area setting unit 23 sets the area of ​​the road surfaces to be illuminated under the doors on the left and right of the vehicle in accordance with the specification. Therefore, each of the road surfaces under the doors on the right and left sides of the vehicle is illuminated with star markings, as shown in Figure 20B. Fig. 20B is shown.

[0086] In this way, the street lighting system can modify the illuminated area of ​​the light animation and the expression pattern according to nearby objects. As a result, the street lighting system does not need to illuminate an area in every direction with a light animation where no object is nearby, thus preventing the entire city from being fully illuminated. Furthermore, it offers the advantage that an area in a direction where a detected object is nearby can be illuminated with a more noticeable light animation, and that the illuminated area of ​​the light animation can be limited to the area of ​​the street.

[0087] Furthermore, if a person is detected as an object nearby, the street surface lighting device can illuminate only an area in one direction with a light animation where the person is present, the light animation being directed to welcome the person, and it provides an advantage in that the intention to convey a welcome to persons can be emphasized.

[0088] As mentioned above, the road surface lighting device according to embodiment 2 comprises a detector 21 for nearby objects to obtain information indicating the presence or absence and direction of an object near the vehicle, and the lighting method determination unit 22 to determine a method of applying an animation in accordance with the information for nearby objects obtained by the detector 21, and the light animation setting unit 3a is configured to change the animation, which is set in accordance with the movement of the vehicle, in accordance with the lighting method determined by the lighting method determination unit 22.For example, the light animation setting unit 3a makes the animation used to illuminate a street surface in a direction where an object is nearby more noticeable, in accordance with the lighting procedure determined by the lighting procedure setting unit 22, and limits the area to be illuminated with the animation to the street surface in that direction where an object is nearby. As a result, the street surface lighting device does not have to perform illumination in every direction where no object is nearby, thus preventing the entire city from being flooded with light. Furthermore, the street surface lighting device can illuminate an area in a direction where an object is nearby, with a highlighted animation, or alternatively, it can illuminate only that area with animation.

[0089] Furthermore, according to embodiment 2, the light animation setting unit 3a can not only change the animation set according to the vehicle's movement in accordance with the lighting procedure, but can also change the animation set according to the vehicle's state in accordance with the lighting procedure. As a result, the road surface lighting device can illuminate a road surface with an animation only in the direction where a person is present, thus making it possible to emphasize the intention of welcoming people.

[0090] While the present invention has been described with its preferred embodiments, it should be understood that an arbitrary combination of two or more of the above-mentioned embodiments can be carried out, various modifications can be made in an arbitrary component according to any of the above embodiments, and an arbitrary component according to any of the above embodiments can be omitted, and this is within the scope of protection of the invention. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0091] Since the road surface lighting device according to the present invention illuminates a road surface with a light animation that expresses a movement that the vehicle is about to perform, the road surface lighting device is suitable for use as a road surface lighting device or the like, which provides for a notification of the movement of the vehicle to others outside the vehicle. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0092] 1 Vehicle information acquisition unit, 2 Vehicle movement prediction device, 3, 3a Light animation adjustment device, 4, 4a Lighting device, 21 Near object detector, 22 Lighting procedure determination unit and 23 Lighting area adjustment unit.

Claims

[1] Street lighting system, comprising: a vehicle information procurement unit (1) which is designed to procure vehicle information from a vehicle-internal device mounted in a vehicle; a vehicle motion prediction device (2) configured to predict a motion that the vehicle will perform from the current time onward, in accordance with the vehicle information supplied by the vehicle information acquisition unit (1); and a light animation setting unit (3; 3a) configured to cause a lighting device mounted in the vehicle to illuminate a road surface in front of the vehicle with a light animation representing forward movement of the vehicle when the movement predicted by the vehicle motion prediction device (2) is forward movement, wherein the light animation setting unit (3; 3a) predicts positions of the vehicle based on vehicle information indicating a speed at which the vehicle is moving forward, obtained by the vehicle information acquisition unit (1), and causes the light animation to disappear when a rear portion of the vehicle passes over the light animation. [2] Street surface lighting device according to claim 1, comprising: a detector (21) for nearby objects, which is designed to obtain information indicating the presence or absence of an object and a direction of the object around the vehicle, a lighting procedure determination unit (22) configured to determine a lighting procedure for the light animation in accordance with the information obtained from the detector (21) for nearby objects, wherein the light animation setting unit (3a) changes the light animation, which is set in accordance with the movement of the vehicle, in accordance with the lighting procedure determined by the lighting procedure determining unit (22). [3] Road surface lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the light animation setting unit (3a) makes the light animation, in which a road surface in a direction in which an object is present, highlightable in accordance with the lighting method determined by the lighting method determination unit (22). [4] Road surface lighting device comprising a vehicle information acquisition unit (1) configured to acquire vehicle information from a vehicle-internal device mounted in a vehicle; a vehicle movement prediction device (2) configured to predict a movement that the vehicle will perform from the current time onwards in accordance with the vehicle information supplied by the vehicle information acquisition unit (1); a light animation setting unit (3a) configured to set a light animation expressing a movement of the vehicle predicted by the vehicle movement prediction device (2), and configured to cause a lighting device (4a) mounted in the vehicle to illuminate a road surface with the light animation before the vehicle performs the movement; a detector (21) for nearby objects, which is designed to obtain information indicating the presence or absence of an object and a direction of the object around the vehicle, a lighting procedure determination unit (22) configured to determine a lighting procedure for the light animation in accordance with the information obtained from the detector (21) for nearby objects, and a lighting area setting unit (23) configured to limit an area illuminated by the light animation to a road surface in a direction in which the object exists, in accordance with the lighting procedure determined by the lighting procedure determining unit (22). [5] Street surface lighting device according to claim 1, wherein: the vehicle movement prediction device (2) determines a state of the vehicle in accordance with the vehicle information obtained by the vehicle information acquisition unit (1); and the light animation setting unit (3; 3a) a light animation which expresses, sets and causes the state of the vehicle as determined by the vehicle movement prediction device (2), that the lighting device (4; 4a) illuminates the road surface with the light animation expressing the condition of the vehicle. [6] Road surface lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising the lighting device (4; 4a). [7] Street lighting system, comprising: a vehicle information acquisition unit (1) which is designed to acquire vehicle information from a vehicle-internal device mounted in a vehicle; and a light animation setting unit (3;) configured to cause a lighting device (4) mounted in the vehicle to illuminate a road surface in the vicinity of the vehicle with a light animation displaying two straight lines extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the two straight lines moving away from each other in order to provide a nearby person with a message of a condition indicating that the vehicle could start moving after the vehicle's engine has been started, when the vehicle information acquisition unit (1) acquires the vehicle information indicating that the vehicle's engine has been started. [8] Road surface lighting device according to claim 7, further comprising the lighting device (4). [9] Methods for illuminating a road surface, comprising: Obtaining vehicle information from a vehicle-internal device mounted in a vehicle; Predictions of a movement that the vehicle will make from a current time, in accordance with the vehicle information obtained; Causing a lighting device (4; 4a) fitted in the vehicle to illuminate a road surface in front of the vehicle with a light animation indicating forward movement of the vehicle when the predicted movement is forward; Predictions of the vehicle's position based on vehicle information, which specifies the speed at which the vehicle is moving forward and which is obtained from the vehicle's internal device, and causing the light animation to disappear along with a passage of a rear area of ​​the vehicle beyond the light animation. [10] Method for illuminating a road surface, comprising: Obtaining vehicle information from a vehicle-integrated device; and Causing a lighting device (4; 4a) mounted in the vehicle to illuminate a road surface in the vicinity of the vehicle with a light animation displaying two straight lines extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the two straight lines moving away from each other in order to provide a nearby person with a message of a condition indicating that the vehicle is ready to move after the vehicle's engine has been started, when the vehicle information indicating that the vehicle's engine has been started is obtained.

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