RADIATION DEVICE AND RADIATION PROCEDURE

The radiation device addresses the challenge of conveying accurate vehicle information to a target person outside the vehicle by using a system of radiation units, information recording, determination, and control units to adapt the display mode based on changing vehicle situations, ensuring effective communication and enhanced safety.

DE112017008039B4Active Publication Date: 2025-05-08MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
View PDF 3 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
DE112017008039
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2017-09-15
Publication Date
2025-05-08
Estimated Expiration
2037-09-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle information display devices struggle to accurately convey information to a target person outside the vehicle, as the display patterns are based solely on the vehicle's status and do not adapt to changing situations inside and outside the vehicle.

Method used

A radiation device comprising one or more radiation units, an information recording unit, a determination unit, and a control unit, which captures and analyzes information about the vehicle's situation, determines if the information meets specific notification conditions, and adjusts the display mode of the radiation units accordingly to ensure accurate information transfer to a target person outside the vehicle.

Benefits of technology

The solution enables accurate and timely communication of vehicle information to a target person outside the vehicle, ensuring that the information displayed is relevant and up-to-date, thereby enhancing safety and awareness.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
    Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

Irradiation device comprising the following: one or more irradiation units (3) for displaying information outside a vehicle by emitting light; an information acquisition unit (30) for acquiring information regarding a situation inside and outside the vehicle; a determination unit (31) for determining whether the information acquired by the information acquisition unit (30) regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle meets a display start condition or not; and a control unit (32) for displaying the information according to the display start condition, which is determined by the determination unit (31) as fulfilling the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle, outside the vehicle by controlling one or more irradiation units (3), wherein The determination unit (31) determines whether the information acquired by the information acquisition unit (30) regarding the situation outside the vehicle meets a display change condition after the display of the information outside the vehicle, and the control unit (32) changes a display mode of each of the parts of the information displayed outside the vehicle by controlling one or more irradiation units (3) when the determination unit (31) determines that the information relating to the situation outside the vehicle meets the display change condition, comprising a first vehicle-external oriented sensor, which is a sensor that detects an object in the vicinity of the vehicle; and a second vehicle-external oriented sensor, which is a sensor that detects an object in the vicinity of the vehicle and is arranged in a different position than the first vehicle-external oriented sensor, wherein the information acquisition unit (30) receives detection information from the first vehicle-external oriented sensor and the second vehicle-external oriented sensor, and the determination unit (31) determines a match between the detection information and the display start condition and / or a match between the detection information and the display change condition based on detection information from the first vehicle-external oriented sensor and detection information from the second vehicle-external oriented sensor.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an irradiation device and an irradiation method for displaying information outside a vehicle by light irradiation. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for displaying information outside a vehicle by irradiating a road surface with light is known. For example, in a vehicle information display device described in Patent Literature 1, a display pattern corresponding to vehicle information regarding the state of a vehicle is projected onto a road surface using an illumination lamp or an indicator lamp installed in the vehicle.

[0003] WO 2016 / 114 048 A1 describes an image projection device for projecting an image. The image projection device comprises a detection unit that detects information about a vehicle and a video projection unit for projecting the image based on the detected information. CITATION LISTPATENT LITERATURES

[0004] Patent Literature 1: JP 2014-144725 A SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0005] In the vehicle information display device described in Patent Literature 1, at the time when it is detected that the vehicle is in a certain state, a display pattern representing the vehicle state at that time is displayed outside the vehicle.

[0006] Since the actual situation inside and outside the vehicle changes from one time to another, a problem arises that even if information outside the vehicle is displayed only based on the vehicle state, information displayed outside the vehicle may not be accurately transmitted to a target person outside the vehicle in some situations inside and outside the vehicle.

[0007] The present invention solves the above problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an irradiation apparatus and an irradiation method that can accurately inform a target person outside a vehicle of information displayed outside the vehicle. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0008] An irradiation device according to the present invention includes one or more irradiation units, an information acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a control unit. The irradiation unit emits light and displays information outside a vehicle. The information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle. The determination unit determines whether or not the information regarding the situation outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit satisfies a display start condition. The control unit displays information outside the vehicle according to the display start condition determined by the determination unit as satisfying the information regarding the situation outside the vehicle, by controlling the one or more irradiation units.

[0009] In this configuration, after displaying the information outside the vehicle, the determination unit determines whether the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit satisfies a display change condition or not.

[0010] When the determination unit determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition, the control unit controls the one or more irradiation units and changes a display mode of each of the information displayed in parts of the outside the vehicle, comprising a first sensor directed externally to the vehicle, which is a sensor that detects an object in the surroundings of the vehicle; and a second sensor directed externally of the vehicle, which is a sensor that detects an object in the surroundings of the vehicle and is arranged at a different position than the first sensor directed externally of the vehicle, wherein the information acquisition unit receives detection information of the first vehicle-external sensor and the second vehicle-external sensor, and the determination unit determines a match between the detection information and the display start condition and / or a match between the detection information and the display change condition based on detection information of the first vehicle-external sensor and detection information of the second vehicle-external sensor. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to the present invention, when the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition, the display mode of the information displayed outside the vehicle is changed, and therefore a target person outside the vehicle can be accurately informed of the information displayed outside the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration in a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an irradiation apparatus according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an irradiation method according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle condition in which a vehicle door is about to be opened. Fig. 4B is a diagram illustrating another example of display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle condition in which a vehicle door is about to be opened. Fig. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle condition in which the vehicle is about to move forward. Fig. 5B is a diagram illustrating another example of display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to move forward. Fig. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle condition in which the vehicle is about to move backward. Fig. 6B is a diagram illustrating another example of display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle condition in which the vehicle is about to move backward. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle condition in which the vehicle is about to turn left. Fig. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle condition in which crossing in front of the vehicle is permitted. Fig. 8B is a diagram illustrating another example of display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle condition in which crossing in front of the vehicle is permitted. Fig. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle condition in which entry guidance is provided. Fig. 9B is a diagram illustrating another example of display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle condition in which entry guidance is provided. Fig. Figure 10A is a diagram illustrating detection ranges of several sensors directed external to the vehicle. Fig. 10B is a diagram showing an attention-gathering detection area in a vehicle state where the left rear door of a vehicle is about to be opened, among the detection areas of Fig. 10A illustrates. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of display information pieces for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle state in which the left rear door is about to be opened. Fig. 12A is a diagram illustrating an example of display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle condition in which crossing in front of the vehicle is permitted. Fig. 12B is a diagram illustrating an example of display information for attracting the attention of both a pedestrian and a newly approaching vehicle. Fig. 13A is a diagram illustrating an attention-gathering detection area in a vehicle state where a vehicle is about to move backward, among a plurality of detection areas. Fig. 13B is a diagram illustrating how the display position of display information is changed depending on a movement of a pedestrian behind a vehicle. Fig. 14A is a diagram illustrating an example of display information for a pedestrian near a vehicle. Fig. 14B is a diagram illustrating an example of display information for a bicycle away from a vehicle. Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating how the display position of display information is changed depending on a distance from a vehicle to a target person outside the vehicle. Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an irradiation apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating an illumination state of a door handle lamp in the second embodiment. Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating a state in which display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to move backward is displayed on an in-vehicle monitor. Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating a state in which image information corresponding to a vehicle state in which a door of a vehicle is about to be opened is displayed on a rearview mirror monitor. Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state in which image information corresponding to a vehicle state in which a door of a vehicle is about to be opened is displayed on an in-vehicle monitor. Fig. 21A is a diagram illustrating an example of display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle state in which the left rear door is about to be opened. Fig. 21B is a diagram linking a lighting state of a door handle lamp with the display of the display information in Fig. 21A illustrates. Fig. 22A is a diagram illustrating a state immediately after the end of displaying the display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle state in which the left rear door is about to be opened. Fig. 22B is a diagram showing an illumination state of a door handle lamp in the state of Fig. 22A illustrates. Fig. 23A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a certain time has elapsed after the end of displaying the display information for notifying a person outside a vehicle of a vehicle state in which the left rear door is about to be opened. Fig. 23B is a diagram showing an illumination state of a door handle lamp in the state of Fig. 23A illustrates. Fig. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an irradiation apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 25 is a diagram illustrating an out-of-vehicle lamp and display information in the third embodiment. Fig. Figure 26 is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of a lamp directed externally to the vehicle. Fig. 27A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern (pattern A) of display information in the third embodiment. Fig. 27B is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern (pattern B) of display information in the third embodiment. Fig. Figure 28A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of a vehicle-external directed lamp. Fig. Fig. 28B is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern (pattern A) of display information in which an illumination is simultaneously with the vehicle-externally directed lamp in Fig. 28A is repeated. Fig. 29A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of a vehicle-external directed lamp. Fig. Fig. 29B is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern (pattern B) of display information in which an illumination is simultaneously flashed with the vehicle-externally directed lamp in Fig. 29A is repeated. Fig. Figure 30A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of a lamp directed externally to the vehicle. Fig. 30B is a diagram illustrating a corrected flashing pattern (pattern A) of display information earlier than the lighting timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp in Fig. 30A was illuminated. Fig. 31A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of a vehicle-external directed lamp. Fig. 31B is a diagram illustrating a corrected flashing pattern (pattern B) of display information earlier than the lighting timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp in Fig. 31A was illuminated. Fig. 32A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of an externally directed lamp. Fig. 32B is a diagram illustrating a corrected flashing pattern (pattern A) of display information later used as the lighting timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp in Fig. 32A was illuminated. Fig. 33A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of a vehicle-external directed lamp. Fig. 33B is a diagram illustrating a corrected flashing pattern (pattern B) of display information later used as the lighting timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp in Fig. 33A was illuminated. Fig. 34A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of an externally directed lamp. Fig. 34B is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern (pattern A) of display information in which the lighting timing is corrected so that it flashes alternately with the vehicle-external directed lamp in Fig. 34A is illuminated. Fig. 35A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of a vehicle-external directed lamp. Fig. 35B is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern (pattern B) of display information in which the lighting timing is corrected so that it flashes alternately with the vehicle-external directed lamp in Fig. 35A is illuminated. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0013] In order to describe the present invention in more detail, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. First embodiment.

[0014] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration in a first embodiment of the present invention. A vehicle in the first embodiment includes an in-vehicle device 1 serving as various sensors and an in-vehicle device. An overall control ECU 2 (ECU: Electronic Control Unit) can control hardware of a control target based on information acquired by the in-vehicle device 1.The vehicle device 1 includes a vehicle speed sensor 1a, a steering angle sensor 1b, an accelerator pedal sensor 1c, a brake sensor 1d, a gear shift sensor 1e, a turn signal sensor 1f, a hazard warning sensor 1g, a windshield wiper sensor 1h, a light sensor 1i, a door opening / closing sensor 1j, a driver camera 1k, a seat sensor 1l, an acceleration sensor 1m, an angular velocity sensor 1n, a GPS device 1o, a navigation system 1p, an externally directed camera 1q, an externally directed sensor 1r, an illuminance sensor 1s, a door handle sensor 1t and a seat belt sensor 1u.

[0015] The overall control ECU 2 outputs information received via a CAN (Controller Area Network) to a lighting control device 3A. The lighting control device 3A controls each of a lighting device 4a, a lighting device 4b, a lighting device 4c, and a lighting device 4d based on the information input from the overall control ECU 2. The overall control ECU 2 receives information detected by each of the plurality of sensors in the vehicle device 1 or an image captured by the camera in the vehicle device 1.

[0016] The speed sensor 1a detects the speed of a vehicle and outputs an electric signal (vehicle speed pulse) corresponding to a wheel speed to the overall control ECU 2.

[0017] The steering angle sensor 1b detects a steering angle of a vehicle and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the steering angle to the overall control ECU 2.

[0018] The accelerator pedal sensor 1c detects the opening degree of an accelerator pedal of a vehicle, that is, the operation amount of an accelerator pedal, and outputs operation amount information of the accelerator pedal to the entire control ECU 2.

[0019] The brake sensor 1d detects the operation amount of a brake pedal of a vehicle and outputs operation amount information of the brake pedal to the overall control ECU 2.

[0020] The gearshift sensor 1e detects the state (or change) of a gearshift lever of a vehicle and outputs gearshift operation information such as a gearshift change by a vehicle driver to the overall control ECU 2.

[0021] The turn signal sensor 1f detects the operation of a turn signal (direction indicator) and outputs information indicating a direction indicated by the turn signal operation to the overall control ECU 2.

[0022] The hazard warning sensor 1g detects an operation of a hazard warning switch and outputs hazard warning switch operation information to the overall control ECU 2.

[0023] The wiper sensor 1h detects an operation of a wiper and outputs wiper operation information to the overall control ECU 2.

[0024] The light sensor 1i detects an operation of a light switch and outputs light switch operation information to the overall control ECU 2.

[0025] The door opening / closing sensor 1j detects the opening / closing of a door of a vehicle and outputs door opening / closing information to the overall control ECU 2.

[0026] The driver camera 1k is a camera (imaging device) arranged at an in-vehicle position facing a driver's seat and has a function of imaging a driver sitting in the driver's seat. The driver camera 1k images a face or upper body of the driver and outputs the captured image information to the overall control ECU 2.

[0027] The seat sensor 11 detects the seating of a vehicle occupant and detects, for example, the seating of the occupant by detecting the fastening / unfastening of a seat belt. Fastening / unfastening of a seat belt can be detected, for example, using a pressure sensor. When an occupant is sitting or removed from the seat, the seat sensor 11 outputs information indicating that the occupant is sitting or removed from the seat to the overall control ECU 2. The seat sensor 11 may be one or more pressure sensors arranged in a seat. The overall control ECU 2 may estimate the posture of an occupant based on information detected by each of the multiple pressure sensors.

[0028] The acceleration sensor 1m detects the acceleration of a vehicle and is, for example, a triaxial acceleration sensor. When the acceleration sensor 1m detects vehicle acceleration information, the acceleration sensor 1m outputs this acceleration information to the overall control ECU 2.

[0029] The angular velocity sensor 1n detects the angular velocity (gyro) of a vehicle and outputs angular velocity information to the overall control ECU 2. The overall control ECU 2 can detect a turning speed or the like of a vehicle based on the angular velocity information.

[0030] The GPS device 1o (GPS: Global Positioning System) detects the position of a vehicle using radio waves transmitted from a GPS satellite and outputs the position coordinates of the vehicle to the overall control ECU 2 and the navigation system 1p.

[0031] The navigation system 1p has a function for calculating a recommended route to a vehicle destination based on a vehicle position and map information.

[0032] The navigation system 1p can calculate a recommended route of a vehicle based on information such as traffic congestion information or traffic jam information around the vehicle acquired through communication with an external device.

[0033] The navigation system 1p may be a device for receiving a recommended route calculated by a server based on vehicle position information and vehicle destination information. The navigation system 1p outputs vehicle route information to the overall control ECU 2.

[0034] The vehicle-external camera 1q is a camera (imaging device) mounted in a vehicle, images the vehicle's external surroundings, for example, in each of the front, rear, left, and right directions of the vehicle, and outputs a captured image in each of the directions to the overall control ECU 2. The overall control ECU 2 performs detection and recognition of a person or detection and recognition of an object in the vehicle's surroundings based on an image captured by the vehicle-external camera 1q.

[0035] The vehicle-external sensor 1r detects an object in the vehicle's surroundings and can be implemented using, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a millimeter-wave radar sensor, or an infrared radar sensor. The vehicle-external sensor 1r outputs detection information of an object in the vehicle's surroundings to the overall control ECU 2.

[0036] The overall control ECU 2 calculates the position of an object or a distance between the object and a vehicle based on the object detection information input from the off-vehicle sensor 1r. Note that the position of the object or the distance between the object and the vehicle may be calculated by the overall control ECU 2, but may be calculated by the off-vehicle sensor 1r and output to the overall control ECU 2.

[0037] The illuminance sensor 1s is arranged in a vehicle, detects the illuminance (brightness) outside the vehicle, and outputs the detected illuminance information to the overall control ECU 2.

[0038] The door handle sensor 1t detects whether or not an occupant of a vehicle touched a door handle, and outputs detection information indicating that the occupant touched the door handle to the overall control ECU 2.

[0039] The seat belt sensor 1u detects fastening / unfastening of a seat belt on a seat and outputs detection information indicating the fastening / unfastening of the seat belt to the overall control ECU 2.

[0040] The overall control ECU 2 has a function for controlling an entire vehicle. As shown in Fig. 1, the overall control ECU 2 includes a processor 2a, a read-only memory (ROM) 2b, and a random access memory (RAM) 2c.

[0041] The processor 2a is a calculation processing circuit for executing various calculation processes in the overall control ECU 2, and is hardware called a processor, a calculation processing circuit, an electrical circuit, a controller, or the like. The processor 2a includes a set of one or two or more calculation processing circuits. The processor 2a can execute a calculation process by expanding a program read from the ROM 2b to the RAM 2c.

[0042] The ROM 2b is a non-volatile storage device for storing one or more programs. The RAM 2c is a volatile storage device used by the processor 2a as an expansion area for programs and various types of information. The ROM 2b and the RAM 2c are formed, for example, from semiconductor storage devices and can also be called memories.

[0043] It should be noted that in Fig. 1, the ROM 2b is illustrated as a storage device for storing a program executed by the processor 2a, but the storage device is not limited thereto.

[0044] The storage device may, for example, be a non-volatile mass storage device called a storage, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). A storage device including a storage device may be collectively referred to as a memory. The same applies to an irradiation device 3 described later.

[0045] An engine 2d is a power source for generating power to rotate wheels and may be an internal combustion engine powered by burning fuel or a motor powered by electrical energy. The engine 2d can also be operated by an instruction from the overall control ECU 2.

[0046] A transmission 2e transmits the power generated by the engine 2d to the wheels. The transmission 2e changes the torque transmitted to the wheels by changing gears according to an instruction from the overall control ECU 2.

[0047] A brake actuator 2f is a mechanism for operating a brake (reduction gear) of a vehicle and operates the brake based on an instruction from the overall control ECU 2 and brakes the vehicle.

[0048] A steering actuator 2g is a mechanism for operating the steering (steering device) of a vehicle and can control a traveling direction of the vehicle by controlling the steering based on an instruction from the overall control ECU 2.

[0049] A head-up display (HUD) 2h is a transmissive display device for displaying information by superimposing the information on a front field of view of a driver, and can display the information on a windshield or the like based on an instruction from the overall control ECU 2.

[0050] An in-vehicle monitor 2i displays information in a vehicle and is achieved, for example, by a monitor of the navigation system 1p. Please note that the in-vehicle monitor 2i can be a rearview mirror monitor mounted on a rearview mirror.

[0051] The lighting control device 3A controls various lighting devices arranged in a vehicle and includes an integration determination ECU 3a and a lighting control ECU 3b.

[0052] A vehicle in the first embodiment has a function for notifying a person around the vehicle of a vehicle condition, an operating intention, or a warning by means of light emitted from various lighting devices. "Lighting device" is a generic term for the lighting devices 4a to 4d.

[0053] The integration determination ECU 3a determines the situation inside and outside the vehicle based on information indicating the situation inside and outside the vehicle input from the overall control ECU 2 or a wireless communication device 5, and determines information that should be displayed outside the vehicle by controlling the lighting device. The integration determination ECU 3a includes a processor 3a-1, a ROM 3a-2, and a RAM 3a-3. The processor 3a-1 is a calculation processing circuit for performing various types of calculation processes in the integration determination ECU 3a. The processor 3a-1 includes a set of one or more calculation processing circuits. The processor 3a-1 can execute a calculation process by expanding a program read from the ROM 3a-2 onto the RAM 3a-3.

[0054] The light control ECU 3b displays information outside the vehicle by controlling the light irradiation by the lighting device. The light control ECU 3b determines the irradiation shape, size, color, brightness, irradiation position, time, and irradiation timing of light by the lighting device based on information input from the integration determination ECU 3a, and instructs the lighting device to emit light with the specified content.

[0055] The lighting control ECU 3b includes a processor 3b-1, a ROM 3b-2, and a RAM 3b-3. The processor 3b-1 is a calculation processing circuit for performing various types of calculation processes in the lighting control ECU 3b. The processor 3b-1 includes a set of one or more calculation processing circuits. The processor 3b-1 can execute a calculation process by expanding a program read from the ROM 3b-2 onto the RAM 3b-3.

[0056] The lighting device 4a is an irradiation unit for displaying information by irradiating the external environment of a vehicle with light, and displays information by irradiating a road surface or a wall surface outside the vehicle with light.

[0057] The information displayed by the lighting device 4a outside the vehicle includes, for example, information indicating an operation that the vehicle will perform, information indicating a current state of the vehicle, and information for attracting attention to the operation that the vehicle will perform.

[0058] The lighting device 4a displays information outside the vehicle with a light pattern, an image shape, a size, a color, brightness, an irradiation position, time and irradiation timing suitable for these pieces of information.

[0059] The lighting device 4a includes a light driver 4a1 and a light 4a2. The light driver 4a1 is a control device for driving the light 4a2 and controls the light irradiation by the light 4a2. The light 4a2 displays a light pattern, animation, or image outside the vehicle by irradiating the vehicle's external environment with light.

[0060] The light pattern contains one or more light elements.

[0061] The animation is achieved by continuously changing the irradiation state of the light pattern. Examples of animation include an animation in which multiple light patterns are illuminated sequentially, and the light patterns appear to enlarge sequentially from a person outside the vehicle, and an animation in which multiple light patterns alternately illuminate and extinguish.

[0062] The image is a marker, text information, or a moving image projected outside the vehicle using light. The image is a warning marker to attract the attention of someone outside the vehicle or text indicating the vehicle's status.

[0063] The lighting device 4b is a lighting unit for displaying information outside the vehicle by emitting light to an outer surface of a vehicle body or emitting light from the vehicle body toward the outside environment. Similar to the lighting device 4a, the information displayed by the lighting device 4b outside the vehicle includes information indicating an operation the vehicle will perform, information indicating a current state of the vehicle, and information for drawing attention to the operation the vehicle will perform. The lighting device 4b displays information outside the vehicle with a shape, size, color, brightness, irradiation position, time, and irradiation timing of a light pattern suitable for these pieces of information.

[0064] The lighting device 4b includes a lamp driver 4b1 and a lamp 4b2. The lamp driver 4b1 is a driving device for driving the lamp 4b2 and controls the light irradiation by the lamp 4b2. The lamp 4b2 is a device for displaying information by emitting light from an exterior surface of the vehicle or a vehicle body toward the outside environment, and is, for example, a display device using a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a light-emitting diode (LED). In this display device, a display surface is directed toward the outside environment of the vehicle, and the outside environment of the vehicle is irradiated with light emitted by the LED and light passed through the LCD. The lamp 4b2 may be organic electroluminescence (organic EL) with a display surface directed toward the outside environment of the vehicle.

[0065] That is, the lighting device 4b may be a display device for displaying information outside the vehicle by directly or indirectly irradiating the external environment of the vehicle with backlight or image display light as described above.

[0066] The lighting device 4c includes a lamp driver 4c1 and a lamp 4c2. The lamp driver 4c1 is a control device for driving the lamp 4c2 and controls the illumination of the lamp 4c2. The lamp 4c2 is an in-vehicle lamp for emitting light in the interior of the vehicle and is achieved, for example, by a door handle lamp for illuminating a door handle in the vehicle.

[0067] The lighting device 4d includes a lamp driver 4d1 and a lamp 4d2. The lamp driver 4d1 is a device for driving the lamp 4d2 according to an instruction from the overall control ECU 2 or the lighting control ECU 3b and controls the light irradiation of the lamp 4d2. The lamp 4d2 is a general term for various externally directed lamps for emitting light outside the vehicle. Examples of externally directed lamps include a headlight, a turn signal lamp, a side mirror lamp, and a brake lamp.

[0068] The wireless communication device 5 performs wireless communication with an external communication device and includes an antenna 5a, a transmitting unit 5b, and a receiving unit 5c. The transmitting unit 5b transmits a radio signal to an external communication device via the antenna 5a, and the receiving unit 5c receives a radio signal from the external communication device via the antenna 5a and outputs the radio signal to the integration determination ECU 3a.

[0069] The wireless communication device 5 can perform vehicle-to-vehicle communication with a wireless communication device mounted on another vehicle, can perform road-to-vehicle communication with a wireless communication device arranged in a roadside facility, or can communicate with a communication terminal such as a smartphone.

[0070] A communication method of the wireless communication device 5 may be a specific communication method using a predetermined frequency band or a communication method of an existing communication standard.

[0071] For example, a communication method of an existing communication standard such as wireless local area network (wireless LAN), Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Zigbee (registered trademark) can be used.

[0072] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the irradiation apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment.

[0073] The irradiation device 3 is realized by the illumination control device 3A and the lighting devices 4a to 4d, and controls the light irradiation by the lighting devices 4a to 4d. As a functional configuration of the irradiation device 3, the irradiation device 3 includes an information acquisition unit 30, a determination unit 31, a condition database (hereinafter referred to as condition DB) 31a, and a control unit 32.

[0074] The information acquisition unit 30 acquires information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle from the overall control ECU 2 or the wireless communication device 5. A function of the information acquisition unit 30 is implemented by executing a program read from the ROM 3a-2 by the processor 3a-1 of the integration determination ECU 3a. The information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle is information detected by various sensors, information acquired by an in-vehicle device, or an image or video captured by a camera in the in-vehicle device 1.

[0075] The condition DB 31 is a database that stores a display start condition, a display change condition, a display reset condition, and a display termination condition, and is formed, for example, on a storage area of ​​the ROM 3a-2 of the integration determination ECU 3a.

[0076] The display start condition summarizes condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle and display information of a vehicle state corresponding to the condition information.

[0077] Examples of the vehicle state include a vehicle state in which a door of the vehicle is about to be opened, a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to move forward or backward, a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to turn left or right, a vehicle state in which crossing in front of the vehicle is permitted, a vehicle state in which boarding guidance into the vehicle is provided, and a vehicle state in which the attention of a pedestrian around the vehicle is obtained.

[0078] The above display information includes a light pattern, an animation and an image that indicate the vehicle status.

[0079] The determination unit 31 determines whether the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit 30 satisfies a display start condition. For example, by comparing the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit 30 with a display start condition stored in the condition DB 31a, the determination unit 31 determines whether the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle in the display start condition.

[0080] Note that a function of the determination unit 31 is implemented by executing a program read from the ROM 3a-2 by the processor 3a-1 of the integration determination ECU 3a.

[0081] When the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle in the display start condition, the determination unit 31 outputs display information of the vehicle state corresponding to the display start condition to the control unit 32.

[0082] Note that when the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies each of a plurality of display start conditions stored in the condition DB 31a, the determination unit 31 outputs a plurality of pieces of display information corresponding to each of the display start conditions to the control unit 32.

[0083] After displaying the information outside the vehicle, the determination unit 31 determines whether or not the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit 30 satisfies a display change condition.

[0084] The display change condition includes, in summary, display information of a vehicle state, condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle under which the display information should be changed, and information indicating a display mode of the above display information after the change. Examples of a condition under which the display information should be changed include a case where a pedestrian has come within a certain distance range near a vehicle door when an animation indicating a vehicle state where the door is about to be opened is displayed.

[0085] Examples of the display mode after the change include a mode where the blinking speed of a light pattern in the animation is increased (for example, double speed).

[0086] By comparing information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit 30 with a display change condition stored in the condition DB 31a, the determination unit 31 determines whether or not the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle in the display change condition. If the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle in the display change condition, the determination unit 31 outputs information indicating a display mode after the change according to the display change condition to the control unit 32.

[0087] After changing the display mode of the information displayed outside the vehicle, the determination unit 31 determines whether the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit 30 satisfies a display reset condition. The display reset condition includes, in summary, display information in which a display mode has been changed and condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle in which the display information should be reset to the display mode before the change.

[0088] Examples of a condition under which the display information about the display mode before the change should be reset include a case where a pedestrian moves away from a door of the vehicle by a certain distance or more after the display mode of an animation indicating a vehicle state in which the door is about to be opened is changed.

[0089] By comparing information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit 30 with a display reset condition stored in the condition DB 31a, the determination unit 31 determines whether or not the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle in the display reset condition. If the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle in the display reset condition, the determination unit 31 outputs the determination result to the control unit 32.

[0090] The determination unit 31 determines whether or not the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit 30 satisfies a display termination condition.

[0091] The display termination condition is information that specifies condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle under which the display information should be terminated.

[0092] Examples of a condition under which the display information should be stopped include a case where there is no pedestrian who should be informed of a vehicle condition where a door of the vehicle is about to be opened in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0093] By comparing information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit 30 with a display termination condition stored in the condition DB 31a, the determination unit 31 determines whether or not the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle in the display termination condition. If the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle in the display termination condition, the determination unit 31 outputs the determination result to the control unit 32.

[0094] The control unit 32 displays one or more pieces of display information input from the determination unit 31 and corresponding to one or more display start conditions outside the vehicle by controlling the lighting device 4a and the lighting device 4b. The display information is displayed outside the vehicle in the form of a light pattern, an animation, or an image.

[0095] A function of the control unit 32 is implemented by executing a program read from the ROM 3b-2 by the processor 3b-1 of the light control ECU 3b.

[0096] When the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition, the control unit 32 changes a display mode of the information displayed outside the vehicle by controlling the lighting device 4a and the lighting device 4b.

[0097] For example, the control unit 32 changes the display mode of the display information by controlling the lighting device 4a and the lighting device 4b based on the information indicating the display mode of the display information after the change, which is input from the determination unit 31. At this time, the control unit 32 stores information indicating the display mode before the change in the ROM 3b-2.

[0098] When the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display reset condition, the control unit 32 resets the information whose display mode has been changed to the display mode before the change by controlling the lighting device 4a and the lighting device 4b.

[0099] For example, when the determination unit 31 inputs a determination result that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display reset condition to the control unit 32, the control unit 32 resets the display information to the display mode before the change by controlling the lighting device 4a and the lighting device 4b based on the information indicating the display mode before the change stored in the ROM 3b-2.

[0100] When the determination unit 31 inputs a determination result that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display termination condition to the control unit 32, the control unit 32 terminates the display of the display information by controlling the lighting device 4a and the lighting device 4b.

[0101] Next, the operation is described.

[0102] Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an irradiation method according to the first embodiment.

[0103] First, the information acquisition unit 30 acquires information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle from the overall control ECU 2 (step ST1).

[0104] The information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle is detected by various sensors and vehicle devices contained in the in-vehicle device 1.

[0105] Examples of the information include vehicle speed information, steering angle information, accelerator pedal operation information, brake operation information, gear lever operation information, turn signal operation information, hazard warning operation information, windshield wiper operation information, light switch operation information, door opening / closing information, driver image information, passenger seat information, vehicle acceleration information, angular velocity information, position information, route information, image information around a vehicle, object detection information around a vehicle, illuminance information around a vehicle, door handle contact information, and seat belt fastening / unfastening information. The information acquisition unit 30 outputs information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle to the determination unit 31.

[0106] By comparing information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquiring unit 30 with a display start condition stored in the condition DB 31a, the determining unit 31 determines whether or not the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle in the display start condition (step ST2).

[0107] If the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start condition (step ST2; YES), the determination unit 31 outputs display information of a vehicle state corresponding to the display start condition to the control unit 32.

[0108] Meanwhile, if the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle does not satisfy the display start condition (step ST2; NO), the process of step ST1 is repeated.

[0109] It should be noted that the determination unit 31 may change a combination of conditions in the display start condition depending on the situation inside and outside the vehicle. For example, when the wiper sensor 1h detects that a wiper is operating (when it is raining), the determination unit 31 changes an illuminance condition effective for road surface display. When it is dry, for example, the illuminance condition is set to 50 lux or more. However, the illuminance condition is set to 20 lux when it is raining because irregular light reflection occurs. The determination unit 31 determines whether the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start condition or not by comparing the changed condition with information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle.

[0110] For example, in a display start condition corresponding to a vehicle state where a door of the vehicle is about to be opened, conditions (1) to (14) are set as condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle. (1) The vehicle speed is zero. (2) The amount of operation of an accelerator pedal is zero. (3) A brake pedal is depressed. (4) A gear lever is in a parking position. (5) A warning light is illuminated. (6) A light switch is activated. (7) A vehicle door is closed. (8) A passenger is sitting in the vehicle. (9) A vehicle acceleration is zero. (10) The vehicle is in a position where the vehicle can stop. (11) There is a moving object (for example a pedestrian or a bicycle) in the vicinity of the vehicle. (12) The illuminance is effective for road surface display. (13) A passenger touches a door handle in the vehicle. (14) A seat belt of the occupant touching the door handle is unfastened. If the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies all or some of the conditions (1) to (14), the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the above display start condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which a door of the vehicle is about to be opened.

[0111] For example, in a display start condition corresponding to a vehicle state where the vehicle is about to move forward or backward, conditions (1a) to (8a) are set as condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle. (1a) Vehicle speed is a speed at which the vehicle can stop suddenly. (2a) An accelerator pedal is pressed. (3a) A gear lever is in a drive position or a reverse position. (4a) A warning light is illuminated. (5a) A light switch is turned on. (6a) The vehicle is in a position where the vehicle can move forward or backward. (7a) There is a moving object (for example a pedestrian or a bicycle) in the vicinity of the vehicle. (8a) The illuminance is effective for road surface display.

[0112] When the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies all or some of the conditions (1a) to (8a), the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the above display start condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to move forward or backward.

[0113] For example, in a display start condition corresponding to a vehicle state where the vehicle is about to turn left or right, conditions (1b) to (8b) are set as condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle. (1b) Vehicle speed is a speed at which the vehicle can stop suddenly. (2b) An accelerator pedal is pressed. (3b) A gear lever is located at a driving position. (4b) An indicator is activated. (5b) A light switch is turned on. (6b) The vehicle is in a position where the vehicle can turn left or right. (7b) There is a moving object (for example a pedestrian or a bicycle) in the vicinity of the vehicle. (8b) The illuminance is effective for road surface display.

[0114] When the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies all or some of the conditions (1b) to (8b), the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the above display start condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to turn left or right.

[0115] For example, in a display start condition corresponding to a vehicle state where crossing in front of the vehicle is permitted, conditions (1c) to (9c) are set as condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle. (1c) The vehicle speed is zero or a speed at which the vehicle can stop suddenly. (2c) The amount of operation of an accelerator pedal is zero. (3c) A brake pedal is pressed. (4c) A gear lever is in a parking position. (5c) A light switch is turned on. (6c) A driver detects a pedestrian attempting to cross a road in front of the vehicle. (7c) The vehicle is in a position where a pedestrian can cross a road. (8c) There is a moving object (for example a pedestrian or a bicycle) attempting to cross a road in front of the vehicle. (9c) The illuminance is effective for road surface display.

[0116] When the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies all or some of the conditions (1c) to (9c), the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the above display start condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which crossing in front of the vehicle is permitted.

[0117] For example, in a display start condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which vehicle entry guidance is provided, conditions (1d) to (5d) are set as condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle. (1d) The vehicle speed is zero or a speed at which the vehicle can stop suddenly. (2d) A light switch is turned on. (3d) The vehicle is located in a position where boarding guidance is possible. (4d) There is a target person for the initial tour. (5d) The illuminance is effective for road surface display.

[0118] When the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies all or some of the conditions (1d) to (5d), the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the above display start condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which vehicle entry guidance is provided.

[0119] Note that an example of the display start condition has been described so far. However, the display start condition can be any condition other than the one described above, as long as it indicates a vehicle condition that a person outside the vehicle should be informed about.

[0120] The control unit 32 starts displaying the above display information outside the vehicle by controlling the lighting device 4a or the lighting device 4b based on display information input from the determination unit 31 (step ST3). Fig. 4A is a diagram illustrating display information 6a for notifying a person outside a vehicle 100 of a vehicle state in which the left rear door of the vehicle 100 is about to be opened, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from above. Fig. 4B is a diagram illustrating display information 6b for notifying a person outside the vehicle 100 of the vehicle state in which the left rear door of the vehicle 100 is about to be opened, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from the rear.

[0121] For example, the Fig. 4A illustrated display information 6a and / or the Fig. 4B is associated with condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle 100 in a display start condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which the left rear door of the vehicle 100 is about to be opened.

[0122] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4A, the display information 6a is an animation of a fan-shaped irradiation pattern including three light patterns, and is displayed by the lamp 4a2 on a road surface on one side of the left rear door of the vehicle 100. This animation is an irradiation pattern to be illuminated sequentially from a light pattern at a position of the pivot point of the fan to a light pattern at an end position thereof. The fan shape of the animation corresponds to a range in which the left rear door moves when the left rear door is opened or closed.By visually recognizing the display information 6a displayed on a road surface on a side of the vehicle 100, a pedestrian who has moved to the side of the vehicle 100 from the rear thereof can recognize that the left rear door will be opened, and can further recognize an area in which the left rear door moves when the left rear door is opened or closed.

[0123] As in Fig. 4B, the display information 6b is an image with a text “DOOR OPEN” and is displayed by the lamp 4b2 on a rear window of the vehicle 100.

[0124] By visually recognizing the display information 6b displayed on the rear window of the vehicle 100, the pedestrian who has moved from the rear of the vehicle 100 can recognize that the left rear door is about to be opened. It is difficult for the driver to visually recognize the state of the external environment of the left rear door of the vehicle 100.

[0125] Therefore, in the first embodiment, by displaying the display information 6a or the display information 6b, the attention of a moving object outside the vehicle (for example, a pedestrian, a bicycle, or another vehicle) is drawn to the opening of the left rear door of the vehicle 100. In Fig. 4, the left rear door is exemplified, but the present invention can be applied to a left front door, a right front door, or a right rear door. The display content is an example, and therefore may vary depending on the shape of the vehicle or the like.

[0126] Fig. 5A is a diagram illustrating display information 7a-1 and 7a-2 for notifying a person outside the vehicle 100 of a vehicle state in which the vehicle 100 is about to move forward, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from above. Fig. 5B is a diagram illustrating display information 7b for notifying a person outside the vehicle 100 of the vehicle state in which the vehicle 100 is about to move forward, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from the rear.

[0127] For example, the Fig. 5A illustrated display information 7a-1 and 7a-2 and / or the Fig. 5B is associated with condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle 100 in a display start condition corresponding to the vehicle state in which the vehicle 100 is about to move forward.

[0128] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5A, the display information 7a-1 and 7a-2 are each a stripe-shaped animation including four light patterns, and are displayed by the lamp 4a2 on a road surface at the left front and right front of the vehicle 100, respectively. In the animation, a sequence of operations is repeated in which a light pattern is sequentially illuminated from a light pattern closest to the vehicle 100 to a light pattern farthest from the vehicle 100, and then all light patterns are extinguished. The stripe shape of the animation corresponds to a moving direction of the vehicle 100.

[0129] By visually recognizing the display information 7a-1 and 7a-2 displayed on a road surface on one side of the vehicle 100, a pedestrian who has moved to a front of the vehicle 100 can recognize that the vehicle 100 is about to move forward. Note that the display content is an example, and therefore, it may change depending on the shape of the vehicle or the like.

[0130] As in Fig. 5B, the display information 7b is an image of an arrow mark indicating a traveling direction of the vehicle 100 and is displayed by the lamp 4b2 on a windshield of the vehicle 100.

[0131] By visually recognizing the display information 7b displayed on the windshield of the vehicle 100, a pedestrian who has moved to a front of the vehicle 100 can recognize that the vehicle 100 is about to move forward.

[0132] Fig. 6A is a diagram illustrating display information 8a for notifying a person outside the vehicle 100 of a vehicle state in which the vehicle 100 is about to move backward, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from above. Fig. 6B is a diagram illustrating display information 8b for notifying a person outside the vehicle 100 of a vehicle state in which the vehicle 100 is about to move backward, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from the rear.

[0133] For example, the Fig. 6A illustrated display information 8a and / or the Fig. 6B is associated with condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle 100 in a display start condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which the vehicle 100 is about to move backward.

[0134] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6A, the display information 8a is an arrow-shaped animation including four light patterns, and is displayed by the lamp 4a2 on a road surface behind the vehicle 100. In the animation, a sequence of operations is repeated in which a light pattern is illuminated sequentially from a light pattern closest to the vehicle 100 to a light pattern farthest from the vehicle 100, and then all light patterns are extinguished. The arrow shape of the animation corresponds to a movement direction of the vehicle 100.

[0135] By visually recognizing the display information 8a displayed on a road surface behind the vehicle 100, a pedestrian who has moved to the rear of the vehicle 100 can recognize that the vehicle 100 is about to move backward.

[0136] As in Fig. 6B, the display information 8b is an image of an arrow mark indicating a traveling direction of the vehicle 100 and is displayed by the lamp 4b2 on a rear window of the vehicle 100.

[0137] By visually recognizing the display information 8b displayed on the rear window of the vehicle 100, a pedestrian who has moved to the rear of the vehicle 100 can recognize that the vehicle 100 is about to move backward. Note that the display content is an example, and therefore, it may change depending on the shape of the vehicle or the like.

[0138] Fig. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating display information 9 for notifying a person outside the vehicle 100 of a vehicle state in which the vehicle 100 is about to turn left, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from above. Fig. For example, the display information 9 illustrated in Fig. 7 is associated with condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle in a display start condition for notifying a person outside the vehicle 100 of a vehicle state in which the vehicle 100 is about to turn left.

[0139] The display information 9 is an image of a mark for drawing attention to the left turn of the vehicle 100 and is displayed by the lamp 4a2 on a road surface on the left rear side of the vehicle 100, as shown in Fig. 7. By visually recognizing the display information 9 displayed on a road surface at the left rear side of the vehicle 100, a cyclist about to move from the rear of the vehicle 100 to one side thereof can recognize that the vehicle 100 is about to turn left.

[0140] Fig. 8A is a diagram illustrating display information 10a for notifying a person outside the vehicle 100 of a vehicle state in which crossing in front of the vehicle 100 is permitted, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from above. Fig. 8B is a diagram illustrating display information 10b for notifying a person outside the vehicle 100 of a vehicle state in which crossing in front of the vehicle 100 is permitted, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from the front.

[0141] For example, the Fig. 8A illustrated display information 10a and / or the Fig. 8B is associated with condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle 100 in a display start condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which crossing in front of the vehicle is permitted.

[0142] As in Fig. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the display information 10a is an image of an arrow mark in a direction of crossing a road in front of the vehicle 100, and is displayed by the lamp 4a2 on a road surface at the left front of the vehicle 100. By visually recognizing the display information 10a displayed on a road surface in front of the vehicle 100, a pedestrian who has moved to the left front of the vehicle 100 can recognize that crossing in front of the vehicle 100 is permitted.

[0143] As in Fig. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, the display information 10b is an image with the text "KEEP GOING" and is displayed by the lamp 4b2 on a windshield of the vehicle 100. By visually recognizing the display information 10b displayed on the windshield of the vehicle 100, a pedestrian who has moved to the left front of the vehicle 100 can recognize that crossing in front of the vehicle 100 is permitted. Note that the display content is an example, and therefore, it may change depending on the shape of the vehicle or the like.

[0144] Fig. 9A is a diagram illustrating display information 11a for notifying a person outside the vehicle 100 of a vehicle state in which entry guidance is provided, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from above. Fig. Fig. 9B is a diagram illustrating display information 11b for notifying a person outside the vehicle 100 of the vehicle state in which entry guidance is provided, and illustrates the vehicle 100 viewed from the front. For example, the Fig. 9A illustrated display information 11a and / or the Fig. 9B is associated with condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle 100 in a display start condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which entry guidance is provided.

[0145] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 9A, the display information 11a is a stripe-shaped animation including three light patterns, and is displayed by the lamp 4a2 on a road surface on a left side of the vehicle 100. In the animation, a series of operations is repeated in which a light pattern is sequentially illuminated from a light pattern farthest from the vehicle 100 to a light pattern closest to the vehicle 100, and then all the light patterns are extinguished. The stripe shape of the animation corresponds to an entry direction into the vehicle 100. By visually recognizing the display information 11a displayed on a road surface on a left side of the vehicle 100, a pedestrian who has moved to the left side of the vehicle 100 can recognize that the vehicle 100 is providing entry guidance.

[0146] As in Fig. 9B, the display information 11b is an image with a text “WELCOME” and is displayed by the lamp 4b2 on a windshield of the vehicle 100.

[0147] By visually recognizing the display information 11b displayed on the windshield of the vehicle 100, a pedestrian who has moved toward the front of the vehicle 100 can recognize that the vehicle 100 is providing boarding guidance. Note that the display content is an example, and therefore may vary depending on the shape of the vehicle or the like.

[0148] Now again referring to the description of Fig. 3. Even after displaying the display information outside the vehicle, the information acquisition unit 30 acquires information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle from the overall control ECU 2 (step ST4). The information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit 30 is output to the determination unit 31.

[0149] Next, the determination unit 31 determines whether or not the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit 30 satisfies a display termination condition (step ST5).

[0150] Here, if the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle does not satisfy the display termination condition (step ST5; NO), the process proceeds to step ST6.

[0151] It should be noted that the display termination condition may be a situation where information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle does not meet the display start condition.

[0152] In step ST6, the determination unit 31 determines whether or not the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle in the display change condition by comparing information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquiring unit 30 with a display change condition stored in the condition DB 31a.

[0153] If the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition (step ST6; YES), the determination unit 31 outputs information indicating a display mode after the change according to the display change condition to the control unit 32.

[0154] Meanwhile, if the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle does not satisfy the display change condition (step ST6; NO), the process returns to step ST4 and the above-described process is repeated.

[0155] For example, in a display change condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which a door of the vehicle is about to be opened, conditions (1A) to (3A) are set as condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle. (1A) After displaying display information, a moving object (for example, a pedestrian, a bicycle, or another vehicle) has approached a door corresponding to the display information within a first distance (distance closer than that at the time the display information was started). (2A) After displaying display information, a moving object has approached a door corresponding to the display information within a second standoff distance (standoff distance closer than the first standoff distance). (3A) After displaying display information, a moving object has approached a door corresponding to the display information within a third distance (distance closer than the second distance).

[0156] When the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the conditions (1A) to (3A), the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which a door of the vehicle is about to be opened.

[0157] For example, in a display change condition corresponding to a vehicle state where the vehicle is about to move forward or backward, conditions (1B) to (3B) are set as condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle. (1B) After displaying display information, a moving object (for example, a pedestrian, bicycle, or other vehicle) has approached within a first standoff distance in front of or behind the vehicle. (2B) After displaying display information, a moving object has approached within a second standoff distance in front of or behind the vehicle. (3B) After displaying display information, a moving object has approached within a third standoff distance in front of or behind the vehicle.

[0158] When the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the conditions (1B) to (3B), the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to move forward or backward.

[0159] For example, in a display change condition corresponding to a vehicle state where the vehicle is about to turn left or right, conditions (1C) to (3C) are set as condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle. (1C) After displaying display information, a moving object (for example, a pedestrian, bicycle, or other vehicle) has approached within a first standoff distance to the right rear or left rear of the vehicle. (2C) After displaying display information, a moving object has approached within a second standoff distance to the right rear or left rear of the vehicle. (3C) After displaying display information, a moving object has approached within a third standoff distance to the right rear or left rear of the vehicle.

[0160] When the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the conditions (1C) to (3C), the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to move forward or backward.

[0161] For example, in a display change condition corresponding to a vehicle state where crossing in front of the vehicle is permitted, conditions (1D) to (3D) are set as condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle. (1D) After displaying display information, a moving object (for example, a pedestrian, bicycle, or other vehicle) has approached within a first standoff distance in front of the vehicle. (2D) After displaying display information, a moving object has approached within a second standoff distance in front of the vehicle. (3D) After displaying display information, a moving object has approached within a third standoff distance in front of the vehicle.

[0162] When the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the conditions (1D) to (3D), the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to move forward or backward.

[0163] For example, in a display change condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which vehicle entry guidance is provided, conditions (1E) to (3E) are set as condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle. (1E) After displaying display information, a target person for boarding guidance has approached within a first standoff distance of an boarding location. (2E) After displaying display information, a moving object has approached within a second standoff distance of an entry location of a target person for entry guidance. (3E) After displaying display information, a moving object has approached within a third standoff distance of an entry location of a target person for entry guidance.

[0164] When the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the conditions (1E) to (3E), the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to move forward or backward.

[0165] Note that an example of the display change condition has been described so far. However, the display change condition can be a condition other than the one described above, as long as it specifies a situation where the display mode of the display information should be changed.

[0166] For example, the control unit 32 changes the display mode of the display information by controlling the lighting device 4a or the lighting device 4b based on the information indicating the display mode after the change input from the determination unit 31 according to the above display change condition.

[0167] When the display information is an animation, the control unit 32 changes the color and / or brightness and / or irradiation position and / or irradiation state change speed of the light pattern of the animation.

[0168] When the display information is an image, the control unit 32 changes the shape and / or color and / or brightness and / or size and / or display position and / or display timing and / or display time of the image.

[0169] Note that when the display mode of the display information is changed, the control unit 32 saves the display mode of the display information before the change. The saved display mode is used for a display reset process.

[0170] A sound may be output outside the vehicle according to the change of the display mode of the display information.

[0171] For example, the control unit instructs the overall control ECU 2 to output a sound from an out-of-vehicle speaker according to the change in the display mode of the display information. The overall control ECU 2 outputs a sound from the out-of-vehicle speaker according to an instruction from the control unit 32. The mode of the sound output from the out-of-vehicle speaker can be changed for each display mode after the change. Note that examples of the sound mode include volume, frequency characteristics, pitch, tempo, and the position of the out-of-vehicle speaker.

[0172] The display change condition includes, in summary, display information of a vehicle state, condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle in which the display information should be changed, and information indicating a display mode of the display information after the change.

[0173] For example, in a display change condition corresponding to a vehicle state in which the left rear door of the vehicle 100 is about to be opened, a display mode after the change for each of the conditions (1A) to (3A) is provided with the Fig. 4A illustrated display information 6a and the in Fig. 4B illustrated display information 6b.

[0174] The condition (1A) indicates a situation where a moving object has approached within a first distance to the left rear door corresponding to the display information 6a after displaying the display information 6a or the display information 6b.

[0175] For example, the condition (1A) is associated with a display mode in which the blinking speed of the light pattern of the display information 6a is faster than that before the change, and is associated with a display mode in which the text size of the display information 6b is larger than that before the change.

[0176] By controlling the lighting device 4a or the lighting device 4b based on the display mode after the change according to the condition (1A), the control unit 32 increases the flashing speed of the light pattern of the display information 6a or enlarges the text size of the display information 6b.

[0177] In the situation indicated by the condition (1A), a moving object such as a pedestrian is closer to the left rear door than at the time of display start of the display information 6a or the display information 6b.

[0178] Therefore, when the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the condition (1A), the flashing speed of the light pattern of the display information 6a is increased or the text size of the display information 6b is increased.

[0179] As a result, the display information 6a or the display information 6b is highlighted. Therefore, visual recognition by a pedestrian or the like is easier, and the pedestrian or the like can be accurately informed that the left rear door is being opened.

[0180] Condition (2A) indicates a situation where a moving object has approached the left rear door within a second distance after displaying the display information 6a or the display information 6b. The second distance is a distance closer to the door than the first distance.

[0181] For example, the condition (2A) is associated with a display mode in which the blinking speed of the light pattern of the display information 6a is faster than that in the condition (1A) and the color of the light pattern is a pre-warning color such as yellow, and is associated with a display mode in which the text size of the display information 6b is larger than that in the condition (1A) and the character color is a pre-warning color.

[0182] By controlling the lighting device 4a or the lighting device 4b based on the display mode after the change according to the condition (2A), the control unit 32 increases the flashing speed of the light pattern of the display information 6a and changes the color of the light pattern to a pre-warning color, or enlarges the text size of the display information 6b and changes the character color to a pre-warning color.

[0183] In the situation specified by condition (2A), a moving object such as a pedestrian is closer to the left rear door than in the situation specified by condition (1A).

[0184] Therefore, when the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the condition (2A), the flashing speed of the light pattern of the display information 6a is increased and the color of the light pattern is changed to a pre-warning color, or the text size of the display information 6b is increased and the character color is changed to a pre-warning color.

[0185] As a result, the display information 6a or the display information 6b is further emphasized. Therefore, visual recognition by a pedestrian or the like is easier, and the pedestrian or the like can be accurately informed that the left rear door is being opened.

[0186] Condition (3A) indicates a situation where a moving object has approached the left rear door within a third distance after displaying the display information 6a or the display information 6b. The third distance is a distance closer to the door than the second distance.

[0187] For example, the condition (3A) is associated with a display mode in which the flashing speed of the light pattern of the display information 6a is faster than that in the condition (2A) and the color of the light pattern is a warning color such as red, and is associated with a display mode in which the text size of the display information 6b is larger than that in the condition (2A) and the character color is a warning color.

[0188] By controlling the lighting device 4a or the lighting device 4b based on the display mode after the change according to the condition (3A), the control unit 32 further increases the flashing speed of the light pattern of the display information 6a and changes the color of the light pattern to a warning color, or further enlarges the text size of the display information 6b and changes the character color to a warning color.

[0189] In the situation specified by condition (3A), a moving object such as a pedestrian is closer to the left rear door than in the situation specified by condition (2A).

[0190] Therefore, when the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the condition (3A), the flashing speed of the light pattern of the display information 6a is increased and the color of the light pattern is changed to a warning color, or the text size of the display information 6b is increased and the character color is changed to a warning color.

[0191] As a result, the display information 6a or the display information 6b is further emphasized. Therefore, visual recognition by a pedestrian or the like is easier, and the pedestrian or the like can be accurately informed that the left rear door is being opened.

[0192] So far, the case where the display mode of the display information 6a and 6b is changed for notifying a person outside a vehicle 100 of the vehicle state in which the left rear door of the vehicle 100 is about to be opened has been described.However, the control unit 32 may also similarly change the display mode in the display information 7a-1, 7a-2, 7b, 8a, and 8b for notifying a person outside the vehicle of a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to move forward or backward, the display information 9 for notifying a person outside the vehicle of a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to turn left or right, the display information 10a and 10b for notifying a person outside the vehicle of a vehicle state in which crossing in front of the vehicle is permitted, and the display information 11a and 11b for notifying a person outside the vehicle of a vehicle state in which entry guidance into the vehicle is provided.As a result, a target person outside the vehicle can be accurately informed of the vehicle status indicated by the display information.

[0193] So far, the display change condition according to a distance (first to third distance distances) between a moving object (a pedestrian, a bicycle, or another vehicle) outside the vehicle and the vehicle has been described. However, in the first embodiment, a display change condition may be set according to the position of the moving object around the vehicle, a moving direction, a distance between the vehicle and the moving object, and a moving speed.

[0194] The determination unit 31 determines, for example, whether the position of the moving object in the surroundings of the vehicle and / or a moving direction and / or a distance between the vehicle and the moving object and / or a moving speed detected by the information detection unit 30 satisfy the above display change condition.

[0195] When the determination unit 31 determines that the position of the moving object and / or a moving direction and / or a distance between the vehicle and the moving object and / or a moving speed satisfy the above display change condition, the control unit 32 changes the display mode of one or more pieces of display information by controlling the lighting device 4a or the lighting device 4b.

[0196] Even with such a configuration, the display mode of the display information is changed depending on the situation inside and outside the vehicle, and a target person outside the vehicle can be accurately informed of the display information.

[0197] Even after changing the display mode of the display information, the information acquisition unit 30 acquires information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle from the overall control ECU 2 (step ST8). The information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit 30 is output to the determination unit 31.

[0198] In step ST9, the determination unit 31 determines whether or not the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies condition information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle in the display reset condition by comparing information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquiring unit 30 with a display reset condition stored in the condition DB 31a.

[0199] For example, if an in-vehicle sensor (e.g., the door handle sensor 1t) fails to respond while displaying information (animation) about a vehicle state in which a vehicle door is about to be opened, the animation display mode is changed (the intensity of the display is reduced). When the in-vehicle sensor responds again and resets the display, the animation flashes (the display is reset by sustained attention gain).

[0200] If the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle does not satisfy the display reset condition (step ST9; NO), the process returns to step ST8. As a result, the above-described process is repeated.

[0201] Meanwhile, if the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display reset condition (step ST9; YES), the determination unit 31 outputs information indicating the determination result to the control unit 32. If the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display reset condition, the control unit 32 resets the display mode of the display information to the original mode by controlling the lighting device 4a or the lighting device 4b (step ST10). As a result, the display information outside the vehicle is displayed in the display mode before the change. Thereafter, the process returns to step ST4, and the above-described sequence of processes is repeated until the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies a display termination condition.

[0202] Note that, for example, if the animation blinking occurs once every 2 seconds in step ST3 and the animation blinking occurs once per second in step ST7, the animation blinking operation is performed twice per second after the process of step ST10 is completed and before the process returns to the display of step ST3. That is, a process for changing a display mode from those in steps ST3 and ST7 may be added. This blinking operation is an example and can be freely specified.

[0203] For example, as a display reset condition of the display information 6a, a situation (a) where a moving object moves away from the left rear door and goes outside a first distance, a situation (b) where a moving object moves away from the left rear door and goes outside a second distance, and a situation (c) where a moving object moves away from the left rear door and goes outside a third distance are set. When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies condition (c) as a display reset condition, the control unit 32 resets the display mode of the display information 6a or the display information 6b to the state before the change based on condition (3A) by controlling the lighting device 4a or the lighting device 4b.As a result, the flashing speed of the light pattern of the display information 6a returns to that before the change, and the color of the light pattern also returns from the warning color to the pre-warning color. The text size of the display information 6b returns to that before the change, and the character color also returns from the warning color to the pre-warning color.

[0204] When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies condition (b) as a display reset condition, the control unit 32 returns the display mode of the display information 6a or the display information 6b to the state before the change based on condition (2A) by controlling the lighting device 4a or the lighting device 4b. As a result, the flashing speed of the light pattern of the display information 6a returns to that before the change, and the color of the light pattern also returns from the pre-warning color to the color at the time the display information 6a started. The text size of the display information 6b returns to that before the change, and the character color also returns from the pre-warning color to the color at the time the display information 6b started.

[0205] When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies condition (a) as a display reset condition, the control unit 32 returns the display mode of the display information 6a or the display information 6b to the state before the change based on condition (1A) by controlling the lighting device 4a or the lighting device 4b. As a result, the flashing speed of the light pattern of the display information 6a returns to that at the time the display information 6a was started. The text size of the display information 6b returns to that at the time the display information 6b was started.

[0206] When the process of step ST10 is completed, the process returns to step ST4, and the above-described process is repeated. In the above-described process, if the determination unit 31 determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the above display termination condition (step ST5; YES), the control unit 32 terminates the display of the display information by controlling the lighting device 4a or the lighting device 4b (step ST11). As a result, a Fig. 3 illustrated sequence of processes

[0207] When there are multiple detection areas around the vehicle by multiple out-of-vehicle sensors 1r arranged in the vehicle, display information may be displayed depending on a detection situation of a moving object in these detection areas, and a display mode may be changed.

[0208] Fig. 10A is a diagram illustrating detection ranges of the plurality of vehicle-external sensors 1r, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from above. Fig. 10B is a diagram showing an attention-gathering detection area in a vehicle state where the left rear door of the vehicle 100 is about to be opened, among the detection areas of Fig. 10A illustrates and illustrates the vehicle 100 viewed from above.

[0209] As in Fig. 10A, the detection areas A to D are located in front of the vehicle 100, and the detection areas a to d are located behind the vehicle 100.

[0210] Examples of the off-vehicle sensor 1r include a corner sensor disposed in the vehicle 100. However, the off-vehicle sensor 1r may be a LiDAR sensor, and the detection areas A to D and a to d may be achieved by the off-vehicle camera 1q instead of the off-vehicle sensor 1r.

[0211] A situation in which a moving object (a pedestrian or a bicycle) has been detected in the detection area A can be set as a display start condition of the display information 6a. A situation in which the moving object has been detected in the detection area a can be set as a display change condition of the display information 6a. A situation in which the moving object has not been detected in the detection area a for a certain period of time can be set as a display reset condition of the display information 6a.

[0212] When a pedestrian is detected in the detection area A, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start condition. When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start condition, the control unit 32 starts displaying the display information 6a, as shown in Fig. 10B illustrates.

[0213] If a pedestrian is detected in the detection area a after displaying the display information 6a, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition. If the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition, the control unit 32 changes the display mode of the display information 6a.

[0214] If a pedestrian is not detected in the detection area a for a certain period of time after the display mode of the display information 6a is changed, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display reset condition. If the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display reset condition, the control unit 32 resets the display mode of the display information 6a to the mode before the change.

[0215] A situation where the moving object has been detected in the detection area a can be set as a display start condition of the display information 6a, and a situation where the moving object has not been detected in the detection area a for a certain time can be set as a display end condition of the display information 6a.

[0216] When a pedestrian is detected in the detection area a, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start condition. When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start condition, the control unit 32 starts displaying the display information 6a, as shown in Fig. 10B illustrates.

[0217] If a pedestrian has not been detected in the detection area a for a certain period of time, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle meets the display termination condition. If the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle meets the display termination condition, the control unit 32 stops displaying the display information 6a.

[0218] A situation where the moving object has been detected in the detection area a can be set as a display start condition of the display information 6a, and a situation where the moving object has been detected in the detection area A can be set as a display end condition of the display information 6a.

[0219] When a pedestrian is detected in the detection area a, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle meets the display start condition. When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle meets the display start condition, the control unit 32 starts displaying the display information 6a.

[0220] When the pedestrian is moving and is detected in the detection area A, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle meets the display termination condition. When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle meets the display termination condition, the control unit 32 stops displaying the display information 6a.

[0221] Note that the display information 6a for notifying a person outside the vehicle of a vehicle state in which the left rear door is about to be opened has been described so far. However, for the display information 6b, the start of display, change of a display mode, reset of the display mode, and termination of display can be performed similarly.

[0222] Likewise, for the display information 7a-1, 7a-2, 7b, 8a and 8b for notifying a person outside the vehicle of a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to move forward or backward, the display information 9 for notifying a person outside the vehicle of a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to turn left or right, the display information 10a and 10b for notifying a person outside the vehicle of a vehicle state in which crossing in front of the vehicle is permitted, and the display information 11a and 11b for notifying a person outside the vehicle of a vehicle state in which entry guidance into the vehicle is provided, the start of displaying, the change of a display mode, the resetting of the display mode, and the termination of displaying can be performed similarly.

[0223] A situation where the illuminance around the vehicle exceeds a threshold may be set as a display change condition of the display information, and a situation where the illuminance around the vehicle becomes equal to or lower than the above threshold and a certain time has elapsed may be set as a display reset condition of the display information.

[0224] For example, if the illuminance sensor 1s detects that the illuminance around the vehicle has exceeded a threshold after displaying the display information, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition. If the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition, the control unit 32 changes the display mode of the display information.

[0225] In the display mode after the change, the display information can be visually recognized even at an illuminance exceeding the threshold. For example, if the display information is an animation, the color or brightness of the light pattern is changed in such a way that the animation can be visually recognized even at an illuminance exceeding the threshold. If the display information is an image, the shape, color, brightness, and size of the image are changed in such a way that the image can be visually recognized even at an illuminance exceeding the threshold.

[0226] When the illuminance sensor 1s detects that the illuminance around the vehicle has become equal to or lower than the threshold and a certain time has passed after the change of the display mode of the display information, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display reset condition.

[0227] When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display reset condition, the control unit 32 resets the display mode of the display information to the mode before the change.

[0228] Multiple pieces of display information can be displayed at multiple locations outside the vehicle depending on the situation inside and outside the vehicle.

[0229] By adding display information of a new vehicle state depending on the situation inside and outside the vehicle, in addition to the display information for notifying a vehicle state such as a door being opened, attention is more accurately captured. As a result, attention can be captured appropriately even when, for example, there are one or two pedestrians present. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating several pieces of display information for notifying a person outside the vehicle of a vehicle state in which the left rear door is about to be opened, and illustrates the vehicle 100 viewed from above. In Fig. 11, the detection areas A to D are located in front of the vehicle 100, and the detection areas a to d are located behind the vehicle 100, as in Fig. 10A.

[0230] As a display start condition (a) of the display information 6a for notifying a person outside the vehicle of a vehicle state in which the left rear door is about to be opened, for example, a situation in which a moving object (a pedestrian, a bicycle, or another vehicle) has been detected in the detection area a is set.

[0231] As a display start condition (b) of the display information 9b for drawing attention from a moving object approaching the vehicle 100 from the right front side thereof to a moving object moving from the rear of the vehicle 100 to the left front side thereof, a situation is set where a moving object has been detected in the detection area D and a moving object has been detected in the detection area a or the detection area A.

[0232] As a display start condition (c) of the display information 9a for drawing attention of a moving object moving from the rear of the vehicle 100 to the left front side to a moving object approaching the vehicle 100 from the right front side thereof, a situation is set where a moving object has been detected in the detection area a or detection area A and a moving object has been detected in the detection area D.

[0233] When a pedestrian 200a is detected in the detection area a, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start condition (a). When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start condition (a), the control unit 32 starts displaying the display information 6a, as shown in Fig. 11 illustrates.

[0234] Meanwhile, if the pedestrian 200a is detected in the detection area a or the detection area A and a pedestrian 200b is further detected in the detection area D, the pedestrian 200a and the pedestrian 200b may collide with each other when they meet.

[0235] Therefore, when the pedestrian 200a is detected in the detection area a or detection area A and the pedestrian 200b is detected in the detection area D, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start conditions (b) and (c). When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start conditions (b) and (c), the control unit 32 starts displaying the display information 9a and the display information 9b, as shown in Fig. 11 illustrates.

[0236] As a result, the attention of the pedestrian 200a is drawn to the pedestrian 200b by the display information 9a, and the attention of the pedestrian 200b is drawn to the pedestrian 200a by the display information 9b.

[0237] The display modes of the multiple display information pieces can be changed depending on a movement situation between moving objects around the vehicle.

[0238] As a display change condition of the display information 9a, for example, a situation is set in which an approach of a moving object within a certain distance from the vehicle 100 in the detection area D has been detected.

[0239] As a display change condition of the display information 9b, a situation is set in which a moving object has been detected in the detection area A after the detection of a moving object in the detection area a.

[0240] If, after detecting the approach of the pedestrian 200b within a certain distance from the vehicle 100 in the detection area D and after detecting the pedestrian 200a in the detection area a, the pedestrian 200a and the pedestrian 200b are expected to approach each other.

[0241] When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle meets the display change condition, the control unit 32 changes the display modes of the display information 9a and the display information 9b to more prominent modes. As a result, the attention of the pedestrian 200a can be accurately drawn to the pedestrian 200b, and the attention of the pedestrian 200b can be accurately drawn to the pedestrian 200a.

[0242] Fig. 12A is a diagram illustrating display information 10a for notifying a person outside the vehicle 100 of a vehicle state in which crossing in front of the vehicle 100 is permitted, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from above. Fig. 12B is a diagram illustrating display information 9d and 9c for attracting the attention of both a pedestrian 200c and a newly approaching vehicle 300, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from above.

[0243] In the Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B, the detection areas A to D are located in front of the vehicle 100, and the detection areas a to d are located behind the vehicle 100, as in Fig. 10A.

[0244] As a display start condition (a1) of the display information 10a for notifying a person outside the vehicle of a vehicle state in which crossing in front of the vehicle is permitted, for example, a situation in which a moving object (a pedestrian, a bicycle, or another vehicle) has been detected in the detection area A is set.

[0245] As a display start condition (b1) of the display information 9c for drawing attention of a moving object approaching from the rear of the vehicle 100 to the right front thereof to a moving object moving from the left side of the vehicle 100 to the right front thereof, a situation is set where a moving object has been detected in the detection area d and a moving object has been detected in the detection area C.

[0246] As a display start condition (c1) of the display information 9d for drawing attention of a moving object approaching from the left side of the vehicle 100 to the right front thereof to a moving object moving from the rear of the vehicle 100 to the right front thereof, a situation is set where a moving object has been detected in the detection area C and a moving object has been detected in the detection area d.

[0247] When the pedestrian 200c is detected in the detection area A, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start condition (a1).

[0248] When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start condition (a1), the control unit 32 starts displaying the display information 10a as shown in Fig. 12A illustrates.

[0249] Meanwhile, if the pedestrian 200c is detected in the detection area C and the vehicle 300 is further detected in the detection area d, the pedestrian 200c and the vehicle 300 may collide with each other.

[0250] Therefore, when the pedestrian 200c is detected in the detection area C and the vehicle 300 is detected in the detection area d, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start conditions (b1) and (c1).

[0251] When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start conditions (b1) and (c1), the control unit 32 starts displaying the display information 9c and the display information 9d as shown in Fig. 11. As a result, the attention of a driver of the vehicle 300 is drawn to the pedestrian 200c by the display information 9c, and the attention of the pedestrian 200c is drawn to the vehicle 300 by the display information 9d.

[0252] As a display change condition of the display information 9d, for example, a situation is set in which an approach of a moving object within a certain distance from the vehicle 100 has been detected in the detection range d.

[0253] When it is detected that the vehicle 300 has approached within a certain distance from the vehicle 100 in the detection area d, the pedestrian 200c and the vehicle 300 are expected to approach each other.

[0254] When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the above display change condition, the control unit 32 changes the display mode of the display information 9d to a more prominent mode.

[0255] As a result, the attention of the pedestrian 200c can be more accurately directed to the approach of the vehicle 300.

[0256] When there are multiple detection areas around the vehicle, the irradiation device 3 according to the first embodiment can change the display position of display information depending on a detection situation of a moving object in these detection areas. Fig. 13A is a diagram illustrating an attention-gathering detection area in a vehicle state where the vehicle 100 is about to move backward among a plurality of detection areas, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from above. Fig. 13B is a diagram illustrating how the display position of display information is changed depending on a movement of a pedestrian behind the vehicle, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from the rear.

[0257] In the Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B, the detection areas A to D are located in front of the vehicle 100, and the detection areas a to d are located behind the vehicle 100, as in Fig. 10A.

[0258] The Fig. 1 illustrates the lamp 4a2 showing display information on a road surface corresponding to each of the Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B illustrates detection areas a to d behind the vehicle 100.

[0259] The Fig. The lamp 4b2 illustrated in Figure 1 displays display information in each of the areas aa, bb, cc and dd of the rear window of the vehicle 100.

[0260] It should be noted that the rear window area aa corresponds to the detection area a, the rear window area bb corresponds to the detection area b, the rear window area cc corresponds to the detection area c and the rear window area dd corresponds to the detection area d.

[0261] As a display start condition of the display information for notifying a person outside the vehicle 100 of a vehicle state in which the vehicle 100 is about to move backward, for example, a situation in which a moving object (a pedestrian, a bicycle, or another vehicle) has been detected in the detection areas a to d is set.

[0262] When a pedestrian 200d is detected in the detection area a, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the above display start condition.

[0263] When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start condition, the control unit 32 specifies the detection area b adjacent to the detection area a in which the pedestrian 200d was detected (adjacent detection area in the moving direction of the pedestrian 200d).

[0264] The control unit 32 starts displaying the display information in an area on a road surface corresponding to the specified detection area b by controlling the lighting device 4a as shown in Fig. 13B illustrates.

[0265] The control unit 32 can start displaying the display information in the area bb of the rear window corresponding to the detection area b by controlling the lighting device 4b, as shown in Fig. 13B illustrates.

[0266] As a display change condition of the display information, for example, a situation is set where a moving object was detected in a detection area adjacent to the detection area in which a moving object was detected at the time of displaying the display information, among the detection areas a to d.

[0267] When the pedestrian 200d is detected in the detection area b subsequent to the detection area a, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition.

[0268] When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition, the control unit 32 specifies the detection area c adjacent to the detection area b in which the pedestrian 200d was detected (adjacent detection area in the moving direction of the pedestrian 200d).

[0269] The control unit 32 changes the display position of the display information to an area on a road surface corresponding to the specified detection area c by controlling the lighting device 4a.

[0270] The control unit 32 can change the display position of the display information to the area cc on the rear window according to the detection area c by controlling the lighting device 4b.

[0271] As described above, the display position of the display information is changed depending on a detection situation of a moving object in the multiple detection areas.

[0272] As a display reset condition of the display information, a situation may be set where a moving object is detected again in a detection area in which a moving object was detected among the detection areas a to d.

[0273] For example, when the pedestrian 200d is detected again in the detection area b subsequent to the detection area c, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display reset condition.

[0274] When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display reset condition, the control unit 32 specifies the detection area a adjacent to the detection area b in which the pedestrian 200d was detected (adjacent detection area in the moving direction of the pedestrian 200d).

[0275] The control unit 32 changes the display position of the display information to an area on a road surface corresponding to the specified detection area a by controlling the lighting device 4a.

[0276] The control unit 32 can change the display position of the display information to the area aa on the rear window according to the detection area a by controlling the lighting device 4b.

[0277] As described above, the display position of the display information is reset to the position before the change depending on the detection situation of a moving object in the multiple detection areas. As a result, attention can be appropriately aroused depending on the detection situation of a moving object.

[0278] The irradiation device 3 according to the first embodiment can change the display position of the display information depending on the moving speed of a moving object around the vehicle, its moving direction, and a distance between the moving object and the vehicle. Fig. 14A is a diagram illustrating an example of display information for a pedestrian 200e near the vehicle 100, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from above. Fig. 14B is a diagram illustrating an example of display information for a bicycle remote from the vehicle 100, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from above. Fig. 14A and Fig. 14B, the detection areas A to D are located in front of the vehicle 100, and the detection areas a to d are located behind the vehicle 100, as in Fig. 10A.

[0279] As a display start condition of the display information 9 for drawing attention to the left rear door of the vehicle 100, for example, a situation is set in which the display information 6a is displayed corresponding to a vehicle state in which the left rear door is about to be opened and a moving object around the vehicle has been detected in the detection range a.

[0280] As a display change condition of the display information 9, a situation is set where the vehicle 100 is present in the moving direction of a moving object in the detection range a and is present in the surroundings of the vehicle, the moving speed of the moving object is one of a plurality of speed ranges, and a distance between the moving object and the vehicle 100 is one of a plurality of separation distances.

[0281] When a pedestrian 200e or a bicycle 200f is detected in the detection area a after displaying the display information 6a, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle meets the display start condition. At this time, the determination unit 31 outputs the moving direction of the pedestrian 200e or the bicycle 200f, its moving speed, and a distance between the vehicle 100 and the pedestrian 200e or the bicycle 200f, which are acquired by the information acquisition unit 30, to the control unit 32, in addition to the display information 9 corresponding to the display start condition.

[0282] When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start condition, the control unit 32 specifies the position of the pedestrian 200e or the bicycle 200f based on the moving direction of the pedestrian 200e or the bicycle 200f, its moving speed, and a distance between the vehicle 100 and the pedestrian 200e or the bicycle 200f.

[0283] The control unit 32 starts displaying the display information 9 near the specified position of the pedestrian 200e or the bicycle 200f by controlling the lighting device 4a.

[0284] After displaying the display information 9, when the vehicle 100 is present in the moving direction of the pedestrian 200e, the moving speed of the pedestrian 200e is one of a plurality of speed ranges, and a distance between the pedestrian 200e and the vehicle 100 is one of a plurality of distance distances, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition. At this time, the determination unit 31 outputs the moving direction of the pedestrian 200e, its moving speed, and a distance between the vehicle 100 and the pedestrian 200e, which are acquired by the information acquisition unit 30, to the control unit 32.

[0285] When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition, the control unit 32 specifies the position of the pedestrian 200e based on the moving direction of the pedestrian 200e, its moving speed, and a distance between the vehicle 100 and the pedestrian 200e.

[0286] The control unit 32 changes the display position of the display information 9 near the specified position of the pedestrian 200e by controlling the lighting device 4a, as shown in Fig. 14A illustrates.

[0287] As described above, by displaying the display information 9 depending on the moving speed of the pedestrian 200e, the moving direction thereof, and a distance between the vehicle 100 and the pedestrian 200e, the attention of the pedestrian 200e can be accurately directed to the opening of the left rear door of the vehicle 100.

[0288] After displaying the display information 9, when the vehicle 100 is present in the moving direction of the bicycle 200f, the moving speed of the bicycle 200f is one of a plurality of speed ranges, and a distance between the bicycle 200f and the vehicle 100 is one of a plurality of distance distances, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle meets the display change condition. At this time, the determination unit 31 outputs the moving direction of the bicycle 200f, its moving speed, and a distance between the vehicle 100 and the bicycle 200f, which are acquired by the information acquisition unit 30, to the control unit 32.

[0289] When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition, the control unit 32 specifies the position of the bicycle 200f based on the moving direction of the bicycle 200f, its moving speed, and a distance between the vehicle 100 and the bicycle 200f.

[0290] The control unit 32 changes the display position of the display information 9 near the specified position of the bicycle 200f by controlling the lighting device 4a, as shown in Fig. 14B illustrates.

[0291] As described above, by displaying the display information 9 depending on the moving speed of the bicycle 200f, its moving direction and a distance between the vehicle 100 and the bicycle 200f, the attention of a rider of the bicycle 200f can be accurately directed to the opening of the left rear door of the vehicle 100.

[0292] The case of drawing attention to the vehicle state where a door of the vehicle 100 is about to be opened by changing the display position of the display information depending on the moving speed of a moving object around the vehicle, its moving direction, and a distance between the moving object and the vehicle has been described. However, no limitation is intended.

[0293] Similarly, by changing the display position of the display information, attention can be drawn to a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to move forward or backward, a vehicle state in which the vehicle is about to turn left or right, a vehicle state in which crossing in front of the vehicle is permitted, a vehicle state in which boarding guidance into the vehicle is provided, and a vehicle state in which the attention of a pedestrian around the vehicle is attracted.

[0294] Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating how the display position of display information is changed depending on a distance from the vehicle 100 to a target person outside the vehicle. Fig. The lamp 4b2 illustrated in Figure 1 may be capable of displaying information in each of the plurality of display areas A1 to A4 of the rear window of the vehicle 100, as shown on the right side of Fig. 15 illustrates.

[0295] As on the right side of Fig. 15, the display area A1 is located at the lowest position of the rear window of the vehicle 100 and corresponds to a distance P1 closest to the vehicle 100.

[0296] The display area A2 is located at the second lowest position of the rear window of the vehicle 100 and corresponds to a distance P2 that is the second closest to the vehicle 100.

[0297] The display area A4 is located at the highest position of the rear window of the vehicle 100 and corresponds to a distance P4 that is furthest away from the vehicle 100.

[0298] The display area A3 is located at the second highest position of the rear window of the vehicle 100 and corresponds to a distance P3 that is the second furthest away from the vehicle 100.

[0299] For example, when the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies a display start condition of certain display information, the determination unit 31 outputs, in addition to the display information corresponding to the display start condition, the moving direction of a moving object (a pedestrian or the like) around the vehicle, its moving speed, and a distance between the moving object and the vehicle 100, which are acquired by the information acquiring unit 30, to the control unit 32.

[0300] When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display start condition, the control unit 32 specifies the position of the moving object based on the moving direction of the moving object, its moving speed, and a distance between the vehicle 100 and the moving object. The control unit 32 starts displaying the display information in a display area corresponding to the specified position of the moving object among the display areas A1 to A4 of the rear window by controlling the lighting device 4b.

[0301] As a display change condition of the display information, a situation may be set in which a moving object in the surroundings of the vehicle approaches the vehicle 100.

[0302] For example, if it is detected that the moving object in the surroundings of the vehicle is approaching the vehicle 100 after displaying the above display information, the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle meets the display change condition. At this time, the determination unit 31 outputs the moving direction of the moving object, its moving speed, and a distance between the vehicle 100 and the moving object, which are acquired by the information acquisition unit 30, to the control unit 32.

[0303] When the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition, the control unit 32 specifies the position of the moving object based on the moving direction of the moving object, its moving speed, and a distance between the vehicle 100 and the moving object. The control unit 32 changes the display position of the display information to a display area corresponding to the specified position of the moving object among the display areas A1 to A4 of the rear window by controlling the lighting device 4b.

[0304] As described above, the display position of the display information is changed depending on a distance from the vehicle 100 to a target person outside the vehicle, and therefore, the target person outside the vehicle can easily visually recognize the display information. Fig. 15, the display information is displayed at a high position on the rear window in such a manner that a target person located far from the vehicle 100 can easily visually recognize the display information.

[0305] As described above, in the irradiation device 3 according to the first embodiment, when it is determined that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle conforms to a display change condition, the control unit 32 changes the display mode of the information displayed outside the vehicle by controlling the lighting device 4a or the lighting device 4b. As a result, information can be displayed in a display mode corresponding to the situation inside and outside the vehicle, and a target person outside the vehicle can be accurately informed of the information displayed outside the vehicle. Second embodiment.

[0306] In a second embodiment, a configuration is described in which a person in a vehicle is notified of information displayed outside the vehicle.

[0307] The configuration of an irradiation apparatus according to the second embodiment is basically the same as that shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrated configuration of the first embodiment. Therefore, the second embodiment will also refer to Fig. 1 for a hardware configuration, and on Fig. 2 is referred to for a functional configuration. Next, the operation is described.

[0308] Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an irradiation device 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. First, similarly to the first embodiment, the control unit 32 displays information outside a vehicle by controlling a lighting device 4a or a lighting device 4b (step ST1a).

[0309] Subsequently, the control unit 32 notifies a person in the vehicle that information outside the vehicle has been displayed by controlling the lighting device 4c and / or an in-vehicle monitor 2i (step ST2a).

[0310] Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating a lighting state of a door handle lamp 101a in the second embodiment, and illustrates the interior of a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 includes a door handle lamp 101a having the Fig. 1. The door handle lamp 101a is an in-vehicle lamp for emitting light within the vehicle and illuminating a door handle 101 within the vehicle.

[0311] The irradiation device 3 according to the second embodiment illuminates the door handle lamp 101a in response to displaying display information indicating a vehicle state in which a door having the door handle 101 is about to be opened outside the vehicle.

[0312] For example, if a determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies a display start condition of the above display information, the control unit 32 of the irradiation device 3 instructs a lamp driver 4c1 to illuminate the door handle lamp 101a of the door about to be opened. As a result, the lamp driver 4c1 illuminates the door handle lamp 101a according to the instruction from the control unit 32.

[0313] It should be noted that the light emitted by the door handle lamp 101a may be flashed.

[0314] A passenger of the vehicle can confirm that the display information regarding the opening of the door is displayed outside the vehicle by visually recognizing a lighting state of the door handle lamp 101a.

[0315] That is, the occupant can determine a next action to be taken after confirming the situation where the display information draws the attention of a person outside the vehicle to open the door.

[0316] Note that the case where the door handle lamp 101a is illuminated has been described, but the in-vehicle lamp illuminated according to the display information is not limited to the door handle lamp 101a.

[0317] The same effect can be achieved with an in-vehicle lamp placed at a location within the field of vision of the occupant attempting to open the door.

[0318] Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating a state in which display information 8a for notifying a person outside the vehicle 100 of a vehicle state in which the vehicle 100 is about to move backward is displayed on an in-vehicle monitor 102, and illustrates the interior of the vehicle 100. The display information 8a shown in Fig. The in-vehicle monitor 102 illustrated in Figure 18 is a monitor that allows a passenger to visually recognize the information displayed on the display 102a, and is achieved, for example, by the in-vehicle monitor 2i of the in-vehicle navigation system 1p. The display on the in-vehicle monitor 102 is controlled by the overall control ECU 2.

[0319] In response to displaying the display information 8a corresponding to a vehicle state in which the vehicle 100 is about to move backward outside the vehicle, the irradiation device 3 according to the second embodiment instructs the overall control ECU 2 to display the display information 8a on the in-vehicle monitor 102.

[0320] For example, when the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies a display start condition of the display information 8a, the control unit 32 instructs the overall control ECU 2 to display the display information 8a on the in-vehicle monitor 102. As a result, the overall control ECU 2 displays the display information 8a on the in-vehicle monitor 102 according to the instruction from the control unit 32.

[0321] An occupant of the vehicle can confirm that the display information regarding the backward movement of the vehicle 100 is displayed outside the vehicle by visually recognizing the display on the in-vehicle monitor 102.

[0322] That is, the occupant can determine an action to be performed next after confirming the situation where the display information draws the attention of a person outside the vehicle to the backward movement of the vehicle 100.

[0323] It should be noted that Fig. 18 illustrates the case where the display information 8a is displayed while being superimposed on the situation behind the vehicle 100 displayed on the in-vehicle monitor 102, but no limitations are intended therefor.

[0324] For example, an in-vehicle lamp disposed in the interior of a tailgate door of the vehicle 100, a lamp attached to an in-vehicle monitor, or a lamp attached to an outside mirror may be illuminated according to the display of the display information 8a.

[0325] Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating a state in which image information 12 corresponding to a vehicle state in which a door of the vehicle is about to be opened is displayed on a rearview mirror monitor, and illustrates the interior of the vehicle 100. The rearview mirror monitor 103 is a monitor mounted on the rearview mirror of the vehicle 100. The display on the rearview mirror monitor 103 is controlled by the overall control ECU 2.

[0326] The irradiation device 3 according to the second embodiment instructs the overall control ECU 2 to display the image information 12 on the rearview mirror monitor 103 in response to the display of the display information corresponding to a vehicle state in which a door of the vehicle is about to be opened.

[0327] For example, when the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies a display start condition of the above display information, the control unit 32 instructs the overall control ECU 2 to display the image information 12 on the rearview mirror monitor 103. As a result, the overall control ECU 2 displays the image information 12 on the rearview mirror monitor 103 according to the instruction from the control unit 32.

[0328] The image information 12 is an image (around view or bird's eye view) that overlooks the vehicle 100 and displays the above display information outside the vehicle.

[0329] A vehicle occupant can confirm that the display information regarding the opening of the vehicle door is displayed outside the vehicle by visually recognizing the display on the rearview mirror monitor 103. That is, the occupant can determine a next action after confirming the situation where the image information 12 draws the attention of a person outside the vehicle to the opening of the door.

[0330] Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state in which image information 13 corresponding to a vehicle state in which a door of the vehicle is about to be opened is displayed on the in-vehicle monitor 102.

[0331] As in Fig. 20, the image information 13 is an image obtained by combining an image overlooking the vehicle 100 and displaying the display information outside the vehicle (animation is displayed on a road surface) with an image of the vehicle 100 displaying the display information outside the vehicle (displays on the rear window) as viewed from the rear.

[0332] An occupant of the vehicle can confirm that the display information regarding the opening of a door of the vehicle is displayed outside the vehicle by visually recognizing the image information 13.

[0333] Now again referring to the description of Fig. 16. The control unit 32 confirms whether the display of information outside the vehicle has ended (step ST3a). If the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle does not satisfy a display termination condition, the control unit 32 proceeds to display information outside the vehicle (step ST3a; NO). In this case, the control unit 32 repeats the process from step ST3a. While this process is being performed, the display of information outside the vehicle and the notification in the vehicle continue.

[0334] Meanwhile, when the determination unit 31 determines that the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display termination condition, the control unit 32 terminates the display of the information outside the vehicle by controlling the lighting device 4a or the lighting device 4b. Fig. 21A is a diagram illustrating display information 6a for notifying a person outside the vehicle 100 of a vehicle state in which the left rear door is about to be opened, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from above. Fig. Fig. 21B is a diagram linking a lighting state of the door handle lamp 101a with the display of the display information 6a of Fig. 21A illustrates, and illustrates the interior of the vehicle 100. When the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies a display start condition of the display information 6a, the control unit 32 displays the display information 6a by controlling the lighting device 4a, as shown in Fig. 20A. As shown in Fig. 21B, the door handle lamp 101a starts lighting at the time when the display of the display information 6a is started.

[0335] Subsequently, the control unit 32 determines whether a certain time has elapsed after the end of displaying the information outside the vehicle (step ST4a).

[0336] If a certain time has not elapsed after the end of displaying the information outside the vehicle (step ST4a; NO), the control unit 32 repeats the process from step ST4a. While this process is being performed, the notification in the vehicle continues. Fig. 22A is a diagram illustrating a state immediately after the end of displaying the display information 6a for notifying a person outside the vehicle of a vehicle state in which the left rear door is about to be opened, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from above. Fig. Fig. 22B is a diagram showing an illumination state of the door handle lamp 101a in the state of Fig. 22A illustrates, and illustrates the interior of the vehicle 100. When the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies a display termination condition of the display information 6a, the control unit 32 terminates the display of the display information 6a by controlling the lighting device 4a, as shown in Fig. 22A. If a certain time has not elapsed after the end of displaying the display information 6a, the door handle lamp 101a continues to be illuminated as shown in Fig. 22B illustrates.

[0337] If a certain period of time has elapsed after the end of displaying the information outside the vehicle (step ST4a; YES), the control unit 32 ends the notification in the vehicle by extinguishing the door handle lamp 101a (step ST5a).

[0338] Fig. 23A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a certain time has elapsed after the end of displaying the display information 6a for notifying a person outside the vehicle of a vehicle state in which the left rear door is about to be opened, and illustrates the vehicle 100 as viewed from above. Fig. Fig. 23B is a diagram showing an illumination state of the door handle lamp 101a in the state of Fig. 23A illustrates and illustrates the interior of the vehicle 100.

[0339] When a certain time (about three seconds) has elapsed after the end of displaying the display information 6a, the door handle lamp 101a goes out, as shown in Fig. 23B illustrates.

[0340] For example, when a certain time has elapsed after the display of the display information 6a has ended, the control unit 32 instructs the lamp driver 4c1 to extinguish the door handle lamp 101a. The lamp driver 4c1 extinguishes the door handle lamp 101a according to the instruction from the control unit 32.

[0341] A passenger of the vehicle can confirm that the display information 6a regarding the opening of the door is displayed outside the vehicle by visually recognizing a lighting state of the door handle lamp 101a.

[0342] However, if the door handle lamp 101a is extinguished immediately after the display of the display information 6a ends, the occupant may feel uncomfortable about whether the vehicle is in an external situation that does not require attracting attention with the display information 6a.

[0343] Therefore, the inventor of the present invention conducted intensive studies and experiments on a relationship between a display outside a vehicle and a notification in the vehicle, and as a result, found that the above-described discomfort of the occupant can be reduced by continuing the notification in the vehicle for a certain time (about three seconds) after the end of the display of the information outside the vehicle.

[0344] That is, the Fig. The operation illustrated in Fig. 16 is obtained by integrating a new finding discovered by the inventor into the operation of the irradiation device 3.

[0345] Note that it has been described that the illumination of the door handle lamp 101a is continued until a certain time has elapsed, but the discomfort of the occupant can be similarly reduced by continuing to display it also on the screen on the in-vehicle monitor 102 and the screen on the rearview mirror monitor 103.

[0346] As described above, in the irradiation device 3 according to the second embodiment, the control unit 32 causes the door handle lamp 101a, the in-vehicle monitor 102, and the rearview mirror monitor 103 to notify a person in the vehicle that the display information is being displayed outside the vehicle. As a result, a vehicle occupant can confirm that the display information is being displayed outside the vehicle by visually recognizing it.

[0347] In the irradiation device 3 according to the second embodiment, the control unit 32 causes the door handle lamp 101a, the in-vehicle monitor 102, and the rearview mirror monitor 103 to continue the notification in the vehicle until a certain time has elapsed after the end of displaying the display information outside the vehicle.

[0348] As a result, the occupant's discomfort about whether the vehicle is in an external situation that does not require gaining attention with the display information can be reduced. Third embodiment.

[0349] In a third embodiment, a configuration is described in which the blinking of a light pattern of an animation to be displayed outside a vehicle is controlled according to a lamp directed outside the vehicle.

[0350] The configuration of an irradiation apparatus according to the third embodiment is basically the same as that shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrated configuration of the first embodiment. Therefore, the third embodiment will also refer to Fig. 1 for a hardware configuration, and on Fig. 2 is referred to for a functional configuration. Next, the operation is described.

[0351] Fig. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. First, similar to the first embodiment, a control unit 32 displays an animation outside a vehicle by controlling a lighting device 4a. At this time, the control unit 32 confirms whether or not both the illumination of a vehicle-extending lamp and the display of an animation outside the vehicle are performed (step ST1b).

[0352] If no illumination of a lamp directed outside the vehicle is performed, but only displaying an animation outside the vehicle is performed (step ST1b; NO), the control unit 32 repeats the process of step ST1b.

[0353] Fig. 25 is a diagram illustrating vehicle-external directed lamps 103a, 103b, 104a, 104b, 105a and 105b and display information 6a in the third embodiment.

[0354] In Fig. 25, the lamps 103a, 103b, 104a, 104b, 105a and 105b directed towards the outside of the vehicle are the lamps 4d2, which in the Fig. 1, and their illumination is controlled by a lamp driver 4d1. The vehicle-externally directed lamps 103a and 103b are turn signal lamps of a vehicle 100, the vehicle-externally directed lamps 104a and 104b are exterior mirror lamps of the vehicle 100, and the vehicle-externally directed lamps 105a and 105b are hazard warning lamps or brake lamps of the vehicle 100. The display information 6a is an animation in which several light patterns flash, as in Fig. 4A illustrates.

[0355] When the display information 6a is displayed while light emitted from a lamp directed outside the vehicle is flashing, uneven flashing light is generated in some flashing patterns of the display information 6a.

[0356] In this case, a person in the vicinity of the vehicle may be dazzled, the visibility of the display information 6a may be reduced, and it may be impossible to attract sufficient attention.

[0357] Therefore, if both the illumination of an off-vehicle lamp and the display of an animation outside the vehicle are performed (step ST1b; YES), when a light pattern of the animation is flashed while the off-vehicle lamp is flashing, the control unit 32 matches the illumination timing of a light pattern of the animation with the illumination timing of the off-vehicle lamp, or alternately illuminates the off-vehicle lamp and the light pattern of the animation by controlling the lighting device 4a (step ST2b).

[0358] As a result, glare caused by uneven flashing light is prevented and the visibility of the animation is improved.

[0359] Fig. Figure 26 is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of a lamp directed externally to the vehicle. Fig. 27A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern (pattern A) of the display information 6a in the third embodiment. Fig. 27B is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern (pattern B) of the display information 6a in the third embodiment.

[0360] As in Fig. For example, as illustrated in Figure 26, the lamp directed outward from the vehicle has a flashing pattern in which the illumination and extinction are repeated at intervals of 0.5 seconds. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 27A, the display information 6a has a flashing pattern (pattern A) in which the lighting and extinguishing are repeated at intervals of 0.5 seconds as a light pattern. It should be noted that, as shown in Fig. 27B, the display information 6a may have a flashing pattern (pattern B) in which lighting up and extinguishing are repeated at intervals of 0.25 seconds as a light pattern.

[0361] Please note that these are only examples and the flashing pattern of the display information can be freely set.

[0362] Fig. Figure 28A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of a vehicle-external directed lamp. Fig. Fig. 28B is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern (pattern A) of the display information 6a in which illumination is simultaneously with the vehicle-external directed lamp in Fig. 28A is repeated. Fig. 29A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of a vehicle-external directed lamp. Fig. Fig. 29B is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern (pattern B) of the display information 6a in which illumination is simultaneously with the vehicle-external directed lamp in Fig. 29A is repeated. As in the Fig. 28A, Fig. 28B, Fig. 29A and Fig. 29B illustrates that when the flashing pattern of the display information 6a is a pattern in which the illumination is repeated simultaneously with the lamp directed outward from the vehicle, no uneven flashing light is generated, and a person around the vehicle is not dazzled.

[0363] However, if the flashing pattern of the display information 6a causes illumination earlier than the illumination timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp, uneven flashing light is generated, causing glare.

[0364] Therefore, when the lighting timing of the display information 6a is earlier than that of the vehicle-external directed lamp, the control unit 32 performs a correction to match the lighting timing of the display information 6a with that of the vehicle-external directed lamp by lengthening the lighting time of the light pattern of the display information 6a.

[0365] Fig. Figure 30A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of a lamp directed externally to the vehicle. Fig. 30B is a diagram illustrating a corrected flashing pattern (pattern A) of the display information 6a earlier than the lighting timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp in Fig. 30A was illuminated. If the illumination timing of the display information 6a is earlier than that of the vehicle-external directed lamp, the control unit 32 extends the illumination time of pattern A by a time T1 by controlling the lighting device 4a. As a result, the illumination timing of the display information 6a can be aligned with the illumination timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp. Note that the time T1 is approximately (1 - x) seconds.

[0366] Fig. 31A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of a vehicle-external directed lamp. Fig. 31B is a diagram illustrating a corrected flashing pattern (pattern B) of the display information 6a earlier than the lighting timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp in Fig. 31A was illuminated. If the illumination timing of the display information 6a is earlier than that of the vehicle-external directed lamp, the control unit 32 extends the illumination time of the light pattern B by a time T2 by controlling the lighting device 4a. As a result, the illumination timing of the display information 6a can be aligned with the illumination timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp. Note that the time T2 is approximately (1 - y) seconds.

[0367] In addition, if the flashing pattern of the display information 6a causes illumination later than the illumination timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp, uneven flashing light is generated, causing glare.

[0368] Therefore, when the lighting timing of the display information 6a is later than that of the vehicle-external directed lamp, the control unit 32 performs a correction to match the lighting timing of the display information 6a with that of the vehicle-external directed lamp by shortening the extinguishing time of the light pattern of the display information 6a.

[0369] Fig. 32A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of an externally directed lamp. Fig. 32B is a diagram illustrating a corrected flashing pattern (pattern A) of the display information 6a, which is later used as the lighting timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp in Fig. 32A was illuminated. When the illumination timing of the display information 6a is later than that of the vehicle-external directed lamp, the control unit 32 shortens the extinction time of the pattern A by a time T3 by controlling the lighting device 4a. As a result, the illumination timing of the display information 6a can be aligned with the illumination timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp.

[0370] Fig. 33A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of a vehicle-external directed lamp. Fig. 33B is a diagram illustrating a corrected flashing pattern (pattern B) of the display information 6a, which is later used as the lighting timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp in Fig. 33A was illuminated. When the illumination timing of the display information 6a is later than that of the vehicle-external directed lamp, the control unit 32 shortens the extinction time of the pattern B by a time T4 by controlling the lighting device 4a. As a result, the illumination timing of the display information 6a can be aligned with the illumination timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp.

[0371] The control unit 32 can alternately illuminate the vehicle-external lamp and the information display light pattern 6a by extending the illumination time of the information display light pattern 6a. This can also prevent glare to a person around the vehicle without generating uneven flashing light.

[0372] Fig. 34A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of an externally directed lamp. Fig. 34B is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern (pattern A) of the display information 6a in which the lighting timing has been corrected in such a manner that the display information 6a is flashed alternately with the vehicle-externally directed lamp in Fig. 34A. When the lighting timing of the display information 6a is earlier than that of the vehicle-external lamp, the control unit 32 extends the lighting time of the pattern A by controlling the lighting device 4a. As a result, the vehicle-external lamp and the light pattern of the display information 6a can be alternately illuminated.

[0373] Fig. 35A is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern of a vehicle-external directed lamp. Fig. 35B is a diagram illustrating a flashing pattern (pattern B) of the display information 6a in which the lighting timing has been corrected in such a manner that the display information 6a is flashed alternately with the vehicle-externally directed lamp in Fig. 35A. When the lighting timing of the display information 6a is earlier than that of the vehicle-external lamp, the control unit 32 shortens the extinction time of the pattern B by controlling the lighting device 4a. As a result, the vehicle-external lamp and the light pattern of the display information 6a can be alternately illuminated.

[0374] As described above, in the irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment, when both the vehicle-extending lamp and the animation light pattern are flashing, the illumination timing of the animation light pattern is consistent with the illumination timing of the vehicle-extending lamp. As a result, uneven flashing light is not generated, and glare to a person around the vehicle can be prevented. The visibility of the animation is also improved.

[0375] In the irradiation device 3 according to the third embodiment, when both the vehicle-external lamp and the animation light pattern are flashed, the vehicle-external lamp and the animation light pattern are alternately illuminated. Such a configuration can also prevent glare to a person around the vehicle without generating uneven flashing light. The visibility of the animation is also improved.

[0376] The case where the control unit 32 aligns the lighting timing of the animation light pattern with the lighting timing of the off-vehicle lamp, or alternately illuminates the off-vehicle lamp and the animation light pattern by dynamically controlling the lighting device 4a, has been described. However, this is not intended to be limited. For example, the control unit 32 may display an animation in which the lighting timing of the light pattern matches the lighting timing of the off-vehicle lamp in advance in the lighting device 4a, or may display an animation of a blinking pattern that alternately illuminates the off-vehicle lamp in the lighting device 4a.

[0377] It should be noted that in the third embodiment, the blinking control of the display information immediately after the “display start of the display information” illustrated in the first embodiment was described as an example, but also the blinking control of the display information may be equally performed “when the display mode of the display information is changed” and “when the display mode is changed and then returned to the original display mode again” according to the illumination of the vehicle-external directed lamp.

[0378] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the embodiments can be freely combined with each other, any component in the embodiments can be modified, or any component in the embodiments can be omitted within the scope of the present invention. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0379] The irradiation device according to the present invention can accurately inform a target person outside a vehicle of information displayed outside the vehicle, and therefore can be used for various driving support devices, for example. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0380] 1: Vehicle device, 1a: Vehicle speed sensor, 1b: Steering angle sensor, 1c: Accelerator pedal sensor, 1d: Brake sensor, 1e: Gear shift sensor, 1f: Turn signal sensor, 1g: Hazard warning sensor, 1h: Windshield wiper sensor, 1i: Light sensor, 1j: Door opening / closing sensor, 1k: Driver camera, 1l: Seat sensor, 1m: Acceleration sensor, 1n: Angular velocity sensor, 1o: GPS device, 1p: Navigation system, 1q: Vehicle-external camera, 1r: Vehicle-external sensor, 1s: Illuminance sensor, 1t: Door handle sensor, 1u: Seat belt sensor, 2: Overall control ECU, 2a, 3a-1, 3b-1: Processor, 2b, 3a-2, 3b-2: ROM, 2c, 3a-3, 3b-3: RAM, 2d: Engine, 2e: Transmission, 2f: Brake actuator, 2g: Steering actuator, 2h: HUD, 2i, 102: In-vehicle monitor, 3: Irradiation device, 3A: Lighting control device, 3a: Integration determination ECU, 3b: Lighting control ECU, 4a to 4d: Lighting device, 4a1 to 4d1: Lamp driver, 4a2 to 4d2: Lamp,5: wireless communication device, 5a: antenna, 5b: transmitting unit, 5c: receiving unit, 6a, 6b, 7a-1, 7a-2, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9, 9a to 9d, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b: display information, 12, 13: image information, 30: information acquisition unit, 31: determination unit, 32: control unit, 100, 300: vehicle, 101: door handle, 101a: door handle lamp, 102a: display, 103: rearview mirror monitor, 103a, 103b, 104a, 104b, 105a, 105b: vehicle-external directed lamp, 200a to 200e: pedestrian, 200f: Bicycle,

Claims

[1] Irradiation device comprising: one or more irradiation units (3) for displaying information outside a vehicle by emitting light; an information acquisition unit (30) for acquiring information regarding a situation inside and outside the vehicle; a determination unit (31) for determining whether or not the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit (30) satisfies a display start condition; and a control unit (32) for displaying the information corresponding to the display start condition determined by the determination unit (31) as satisfying the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle, outside the vehicle by controlling the one or more irradiation units (3), wherein the determination unit (31) determines whether or not the information concerning the situation outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit (30) after the information outside the vehicle is displayed satisfies a display change condition, and the control unit (32) changes a display mode of each of the information displayed in parts of the information outside the vehicle by controlling the one or more irradiation units (3) when the determination unit (31) determines that the information regarding the situation outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition, comprising a first vehicle-externally directed sensor which is a sensor that detects an object in the surroundings of the vehicle; and a second sensor directed externally of the vehicle, which is a sensor that detects an object in the surroundings of the vehicle and is arranged at a different position than the first sensor directed externally of the vehicle, wherein the information acquisition unit (30) receives detection information of the first vehicle-external sensor and the second vehicle-external sensor, and the determination unit (31) determines a match between the detection information and the display start condition and / or a match between the detection information and the display change condition based on detection information of the first vehicle-external sensor and detection information of the second vehicle-external sensor. [2] The irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit (31) performs a first determination for determining a match with the display start condition based on detection information of the first vehicle-external sensor and detection information of the second vehicle-external sensor and / or a second determination for determining a match with the display start condition based on detection information of the first vehicle-external sensor and for determining a match with the display change condition based on detection information of the second vehicle-external sensor. [3] The irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (32) displays an animation in which an irradiation state of a light pattern including a single or multiple light elements continuously changes outside the vehicle by controlling the one or more irradiation units (3). [4] The irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (32) displays an image outside the vehicle by controlling the one or more irradiation units (3). [5] The irradiation device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit (32) changes a color and / or a brightness and / or an irradiation position and / or an irradiation state change speed of the light pattern in the animation by controlling the one or more irradiation units (3). [6] The irradiation device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit (32) changes a shape and / or a color and / or a brightness and / or a size and / or a display position and / or a display timing and / or a display time of the image displayed outside the vehicle by controlling the one or more irradiation units (3). [7] Irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit (31) determines whether a position of a moving object in the surroundings of the vehicle and / or a direction of movement thereof and / or a distance between the vehicle and the moving object and / or a speed of movement satisfy a display change condition, and when it is determined that the positions of the moving object and / or its moving direction and / or the distance between the vehicle and the moving object and / or the moving speed satisfy the display change condition, the control unit (32) changes a display mode of one or more pieces of information by controlling the one or more irradiation units (3). [8] Irradiation device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the determination unit (31) determines whether or not the information acquired by the information acquisition unit (30) regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle after the change of the display mode of the information displayed outside the vehicle satisfies a display reset condition, and when the determination unit (31) determines that the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle satisfies the display reset condition, the control unit (32) resets the information displayed outside the vehicle to the display mode before the change by controlling the one or more irradiation units (3). [9] The irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (32) causes an in-vehicle notification unit to notify a person in the vehicle that information is displayed outside the vehicle. [10] The irradiation device according to claim 9, wherein the in-vehicle notification unit is an in-vehicle lamp or an in-vehicle monitor for emitting light in the vehicle. [11] The irradiation device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the control unit (32) causes the in-vehicle notification unit to continue notifying a person in the vehicle until a certain time has elapsed after the end of displaying information outside the vehicle. [12] The irradiation device according to claim 3, wherein, when both an off-vehicle lamp for emitting light outside the vehicle and a light pattern of the animation are flashed, an illumination timing of the light pattern of the animation coincides with an illumination timing of the off-vehicle lamp. [13] The irradiation device according to claim 12, wherein, when the illumination timing of the animation is earlier than the illumination timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp, the control unit (32) adjusts the illumination timing of the light pattern of the animation with the illumination timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp by extending the illumination time of the light pattern of the animation. [14] The irradiation device according to claim 12, wherein, when the illumination timing of the animation is later than the illumination timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp, the control unit (32) adjusts the illumination timing of the light pattern of the animation with the illumination timing of the vehicle-external directed lamp by shortening the extinction time of the light pattern of the animation. [15] The irradiation device according to claim 3, wherein when both an off-vehicle lamp for emitting light outside the vehicle and a light pattern of the animation are flashed, the light pattern of the animation and the off-vehicle lamp are alternately illuminated. [16] The irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the determination unit (31) determines whether there is agreement with a display termination condition based on detection information of the first vehicle-external sensor and detection information of the second vehicle-external sensor acquired by the information acquisition unit (30) after displaying information outside the vehicle. [17] Irradiation device comprising: one or more irradiation units (3) for displaying information outside a vehicle by emitting light; an information acquisition unit (30) for acquiring information regarding a situation inside and outside the vehicle; a determination unit (31) for determining whether information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit (30) and a display start condition match; and a control unit (32) for displaying information corresponding to the display start condition determined by the determination unit (31) as being consistent with information regarding a situation inside and outside the vehicle, outside the vehicle by controlling the one or more irradiation units (3), wherein the determination unit (31) determines whether the information acquired by the information acquisition unit (30) regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle and a display change condition match, wherein the control unit (32) changes a display mode of the information displayed outside the vehicle by controlling the one or more irradiation units (3) when the determination unit (31) determines that the information regarding the situation outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition, wherein the control unit (32) further causes an in-vehicle notification unit to notify the display of information outside the vehicle inside the vehicle, and causes the in-vehicle notification unit to continue the notification inside the vehicle until a certain time elapses from an end of the display of information outside the vehicle. [18] The irradiation device according to claim 17, wherein the in-vehicle notification unit is an in-vehicle lamp that emits light to the inside of the vehicle or an in-vehicle monitor. [19] Irradiation procedure comprising: a step in which an information acquisition unit (30) acquires information regarding a situation inside and outside the vehicle; a step in which a determination unit (31) determines whether or not the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit (30) satisfies a display start condition; and a step in which a control unit (32) displays the information outside the vehicle according to the display start condition determined by the determination unit (31) as satisfying the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle by controlling one or more irradiation units (3) for displaying information outside the vehicle by light irradiation, wherein the determination unit (31) determines whether or not the information concerning the situation outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit (30) after the information outside the vehicle is displayed satisfies a display change condition, and the control unit (32) changes a display mode of each of the information displayed in parts of the outside the vehicle by controlling the one or more irradiation units (3) when the determination unit (31) determines that the information regarding the situation outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition, comprising a first sensor directed externally to the vehicle, which is a sensor that detects an object in the surroundings of the vehicle; and a second sensor directed externally of the vehicle, which is a sensor that detects an object in the surroundings of the vehicle and is arranged at a different position than the first sensor directed externally of the vehicle, wherein the information acquisition unit (30) receives detection information of the first vehicle-external sensor and the second vehicle-external sensor, and the determination unit (31) determines a match between the detection information and the display start condition and / or a match between the detection information and the display change condition based on detection information of the first vehicle-external sensor and detection information of the second vehicle-external sensor. [20] Irradiation procedure comprising: a step in which an information acquisition unit (30) acquires information regarding a situation inside and outside the vehicle; a step in which a determination unit (31) determines whether the information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit (30) and a display start condition match; a step in which a control unit (32) displays information corresponding to the display start condition determined by the determination unit (31) to be consistent with information regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle, outside the vehicle by controlling one or more irradiation units (3); and a step in which the control unit (32) causes an in-vehicle notification unit within the vehicle to report the display of information outside the vehicle, wherein the determination unit (31) determines whether the information acquired by the information acquisition unit (30) regarding the situation inside and outside the vehicle and a display change condition match, wherein the control unit (32) changes a display mode of the information displayed outside the vehicle by controlling the one or more irradiation units (3) when the determination unit (31) determines that the information regarding the situation outside the vehicle satisfies the display change condition, wherein the control unit (32) further causes the in-vehicle notification unit to continue the notification inside the vehicle until a certain time elapses from an end of displaying information outside the vehicle.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Vehicle information display device

    JP2014144725A

  • Image projection device

    WO2016114048A1

  • JP002014144725A