Lighting method, lighting device, movable body and building system

Abstract

To provide a method of notifying a subject such as a person or a robot of existence of a movable body, in a building.SOLUTION: A lighting method is a lighting method of notifying a subject 90 existing in a first region S1 of a fact that a movable body approaches a second region S2 that is adjacent to the first region and through which the movable body 20 comes and goes. The lighting method includes a step of lighting a range S with a pattern P, the range S including the second region and being located in at least one of front and rear of the movable body in a movement direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to lighting methods, lighting devices, vehicles and building systems. [Background technology]

[0002] In Patent Document 1, a moving object moves within a building where people are present. Recently, mobile robots are sometimes placed within buildings. If the person or robot is unaware of the presence of the moving object, the moving object may come into contact with the person or robot. In warehouses and factories, items and equipment such as storage devices for storing items, processing devices, packaging devices, etc. may be installed. The items and equipment become obstacles that block a direct view of the moving object. Therefore, the above-mentioned contact problems become more serious in warehouses, factories, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-1840 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points. The present disclosure has an object to notify targets, such as people and robots, of the presence of a moving object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first illumination method according to the present disclosure comprises: 1. A lighting method for notifying an object in a first area that a moving object is approaching a second area adjacent to the first area and through which moving objects pass, comprising: The method includes a step of projecting a pattern onto a range that includes the second region and is located at least one of the front and rear in the movement direction of the moving body.

[0006] A first illumination method according to the present disclosure, The second area can be viewed directly from the first area, In the projecting step, the moving object may move through a third area that is blocked from direct view from the first area.

[0007] A second illumination method according to the present disclosure comprises: A lighting method for notifying an object that is in a position where a direct view of a moving object is blocked of the presence of the moving object, comprising: The method includes a step of projecting a pattern onto a range that includes an area directly visible from the position and is located at least one of the front and rear in the direction of movement of the moving body.

[0008] A third illumination method according to the present disclosure comprises: A lighting method for notifying objects around a moving object of the presence of the moving object, comprising: The method includes a step of projecting a pattern onto an area located at least either in front of or behind the moving body in the moving direction.

[0009] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, the pattern includes three or more element patterns spaced apart in a moving direction of the moving body, The interval in the movement direction between two element patterns adjacent to each other in the movement direction may become larger or smaller as the element patterns become farther away from the moving body in the movement direction.

[0010] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, the pattern includes three or more element patterns spaced apart in a moving direction of the moving body, An arrangement pitch in the movement direction of two element patterns adjacent to each other in the movement direction may increase or decrease as the element patterns become farther away from the moving body in the movement direction.

[0011] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, the pattern includes three or more element patterns spaced apart in a moving direction of the moving body, The length of the element pattern in the movement direction may increase or decrease as the element pattern moves away from the moving body in the movement direction.

[0012] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, the pattern includes three or more element patterns spaced apart in a moving direction of the moving body, A length of the element pattern in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction may increase or decrease as the element pattern moves away from the moving body in the movement direction.

[0013] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, the pattern includes three or more element patterns spaced apart in a moving direction of the moving body, The shapes of the element patterns may be different from each other.

[0014] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, the three or more element patterns may have the same shape.

[0015] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, the three or more element patterns may be illuminated simultaneously in the area.

[0016] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, any two of the three or more element patterns may be projected in different colors.

[0017] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, the three or more element patterns may be linear and parallel or perpendicular to the movement direction.

[0018] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, the patterns include, in order from the front in a moving direction of the moving body, a first element pattern, a second element pattern, and a third element pattern, A distance between the first pattern and the second element pattern elements along the movement direction may be greater than a distance between the second element pattern and the third element pattern along the movement direction.

[0019] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, the first element pattern, the second element pattern, and the third element pattern may have the same shape.

[0020] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, the first element pattern, the second element pattern, and the third element pattern may be projected onto the area simultaneously.

[0021] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, any two of the first element pattern, the second element pattern, and the third element pattern may be projected in different colors.

[0022] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, the first element pattern, the second element pattern, and the third element pattern may be in the form of lines parallel or perpendicular to the movement direction.

[0023] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, the pattern may include a line-shaped pattern extending intermittently or continuously along a circular line surrounding the moving body.

[0024] In any of the lighting methods according to the present disclosure, the pattern may include a peripheral pattern that peripherally surrounds the moving object.

[0025] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, the pattern may be illuminated by an illumination device mounted on the moving object.

[0026] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, the pattern may be projected from an illumination device installed outside the moving object.

[0027] Any illumination method according to the present disclosure comprises: The method further includes detecting the moving object, The projecting step may be performed when the moving object is detected.

[0028] In any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure, The moving body includes an object detection unit that detects the object, and a control unit that controls movement of the moving body based on a detection result of the object detection unit, The range may include at least an area that is at least one of an area in front of and an area behind, in the direction of movement, an area in which the object is detected by the object detection unit.

[0029] In any of the lighting methods according to the present disclosure, the target may be at least one of a human and a robot.

[0030] A first lighting device according to the present disclosure comprises: A lighting device that notifies an object in a first area that a moving object is approaching a second area adjacent to the first area and through which moving objects pass, A pattern is projected onto a range that includes the second region and is located at least one of the front and rear in the moving direction of the moving body.

[0031] A second lighting device according to the present disclosure comprises: A lighting device that notifies an object that is in a position where a direct view of a moving object is blocked of the presence of the moving object, A pattern is projected onto a range that includes an area directly visible from the position and is located at least one of the front and rear in the direction of movement of the moving body.

[0032] A third lighting device according to the present disclosure comprises: A lighting device that notifies objects around a moving object of the presence of the moving object, A pattern is projected onto an area located at least either forward or backward in the direction of movement of the moving body.

[0033] A fourth illumination device according to the present disclosure projects a pattern using any of the illumination methods according to the present disclosure described above.

[0034] A moving body according to the present disclosure includes: Any of the lighting devices according to the present disclosure described above; and a mobile body to which the lighting device is attached.

[0035] A building system according to the present disclosure comprises: Buildings and A moving body that transports an item; Any of the lighting devices according to the present disclosure described above. Effect of the Invention

[0036] According to the present invention, it is possible to notify a target of the presence of a moving object. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment, and is a plan view showing an example of a building system and a building. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of a robot that may be present in the building of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of a moving object that may be present in the building of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the inside of the building in FIG. 1, and is a diagram for explaining the operation of the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the state of FIG. 4 from a different direction. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a plan view showing the state of FIG. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a plan view showing a state in which the moving body has moved from the state shown in FIG. 6A. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing the state of FIG. 4, and is a diagram showing an example of an installation mode of the lighting device. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a side view showing the state of FIG. 4, and is a diagram showing another example of the installation mode of the lighting device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the projection pattern and the moving body. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the projection pattern. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing still another example of the projection pattern. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing still another example of the projection pattern. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing still another example of the projection pattern. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing still another example of the projection pattern. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing still another example of the projection pattern. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing still another example of the projection pattern. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing still another example of the projection pattern. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of a manner in which a projection pattern is moved on a road surface. [Figure 19A] FIG. 19A is a diagram illustrating another example of a manner in which a projection pattern is moved on a road surface. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B is a view showing FIG. 19A from a different angle. [Figure 20A] FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating yet another example of a manner in which a projection pattern is moved on a road surface. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B is a view showing FIG. 20A from a different angle. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing still another example of the projection pattern. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing still another example of the projection pattern. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing still another example of the projection pattern. [Figure 24]FIG. 24 is a diagram showing still another example of the projection pattern. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing still another example of the projection pattern. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing an example of a lighting device. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing another example of the lighting device. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing still another example of the lighting device. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a side view showing still another example of the lighting device. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating still another example of the lighting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings attached to this specification, the scale and the aspect ratio are appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for the convenience of illustration and understanding.

[0039] In order to clarify the directional relationships between the drawings, some of the drawings use arrows to indicate the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 as directions common to the drawings. The tip of the arrow is one side of each of the directions D1, D2, and D3. Also, an arrow pointing toward the viewer in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the drawing is indicated by a symbol with a dot in a circle, as shown in Figure 1, for example. An arrow pointing toward the viewer in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the drawing is indicated by a symbol with an X in a circle, as shown in Figure 7, for example.

[0040] As used in this specification, terms specifying shapes, geometric conditions, and the extent thereof, such as "parallel," "perpendicular," and "same," as well as values ​​of lengths and angles, are not limited to their strict meanings, but are interpreted to include a range within which similar functions can be expected.

[0041] 1 is a plan view showing a specific example of a building system 5. The building system 5 has a building 10 and a mobile object 20 that moves within the building 10. People and robots enter and exit the building 10. In this embodiment, a device is devised to make a person 91 or a robot 92 an object 90 aware of the presence of the mobile object 20.

[0042] The person 91 and the robot 92 perform work, etc., in the building 10. The robot 92 may be introduced for the purpose of labor saving. The robot 92 may work in place of a person. As shown in FIG. 2, the robot 92 has a moving means 93. The moving means 93 allows the robot 92 to move within the building 10. The moving means 93 may have a drive source and tires. The drive source may be an engine or a motor. The tires may be driven by the drive source. Furthermore, the robot 92 may have an imaging means 94 and a control means 95. The imaging means 94 may be a camera. The control means 95 performs image processing on the image data acquired by the imaging means 94. The image processing by the control means 95 allows the robot 92 to detect the presence of the moving body 20. The robot 92 shown in FIG. 2 further has a working arm 96.

[0043] The building 10 is, for example, a warehouse or a factory. The building 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a space 11 and a passage 12. The space 11 is an area used for various purposes depending on the use of the building 10. For example, the space 11 may be used as a space for workers to work, a space as a storage area where items are placed, a space in which storage equipment for storing items is installed, or a space in which processing equipment, packaging equipment, etc. are installed. As storage equipment for storing items, a storage shelf, a multi-story storage unit with an entrance / exit device, etc. may be used. This space 11 may become an obstacle 15 that blocks visibility when items, equipment, etc. are placed therein.

[0044] The passage 12 is used by the person 91 or the robot 92 when moving within the building 10. That is, the passage 12 becomes the movement route of the person 91 or the robot 92 within the building 10. The building 10 further has a running path 13 as an area other than the space 11 and the passage 12. The running path 13 is mainly used by the moving body 20 when moving within the building 10. That is, the running path 13 becomes the movement route of the moving body 20 within the building 10. However, the moving body 20 may move on the passage 12 as well as the running path 13. That is, the passage 12 and the running path 13 form a road surface 14 on which the moving body 20 moves. The road surface 14 may be the floor surface of the building 10 or the ground.

[0045] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the building 10 has two entrances 16 for a person 91 or a robot 92. The passage 12 is connected to the two entrances 16. The building 10 has four spaces 11. The passage 12 is connected to the four spaces 11. In the example shown in the figure, the passage 12 extends so as to surround the periphery of each space 11. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the building 10 has two entrances 17 for a moving object 20. The travel path 13 is connected to the two entrances 17.

[0046] The moving body 20 can move within the building 10. The moving body 20 is appropriately selected depending on the purpose of the building 10. The moving body 20 may be various devices capable of moving within the building 10. The moving body 20 may be a forklift as shown in FIG. 3 or a dolly. The moving body 20 may be operated by a person riding on the moving body 20. The moving body 20 may be remotely operated by a person. The moving body 20 may be capable of moving by autonomous driving. Autonomous driving refers to driving based on information received from a sensor or the like or information input in advance.

[0047] As already described, the person 91 working and the moving object 20 move in the building 10. Recently, the robot 92 may take on the task instead of the person 91 working. Meanwhile, there are obstacles 15 in the building 10 that block the view of the person 91 visually and the robot 92 capturing images. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the obstacles 15 are objects and equipment arranged or installed in the space 11. When the obstacles 15 are located between the person 91 or the robot 92 and the moving object 20, the direct view of the moving object 20 by the imaging means 94 of the person 91 or the robot 92 is blocked. When the direct view is blocked, it is assumed that the person 91 or the robot 92 cannot notice the presence of the moving object 20. Therefore, there is a possibility that the person 91 or the robot 92 may come into contact with the moving object 20. In particular, there are many obstacles 15 in the building 10 such as a warehouse or a factory. In addition, in the building 10 such as a warehouse or a factory, noise may be generated, and it is difficult to expect the person 91 or the robot 92 to detect the moving object 20 by hearing. Therefore, the contact problem becomes more serious in buildings 10 such as warehouses and factories.

[0048] Direct viewing means that the object can be seen directly by the eyes of the person 91 or the imaging means 94 of the robot 92 without using a means for controlling the field of view such as a mirror. If an opaque obstacle 15 exists between the eyes of the person 91 or the imaging means 94 of the robot 92 and the moving body 20, the object 90 cannot see the object directly.

[0049] In order to deal with this problem, the building system 5 has a lighting device 30, for example, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. The lighting device 30 projects a pattern P onto the road surface 14 in front of the moving body 20 in the moving direction. An object 90, such as a person 91 or a robot 92, located around the moving body 20 can visually recognize the pattern P on the road surface 14. The person 91 can visually recognize the pattern P. The robot 92 can visually recognize or detect the pattern P by processing in the imaging means 94 and the control means 95. The object 90 can know the existence of the moving body 20 by visually recognizing the pattern P on the road surface 14. As shown in Figs. 4 to 6A, by illuminating the road surface 14 with the pattern P, the object 90 who is blocked from looking directly at the moving body 20 by an obstacle 15 can be notified of the existence of the moving body 20. From this viewpoint, the distance along the moving direction of the moving body 20 from the range S where the pattern P is illuminated may be, for example, 3 m or more and 20 m or less, 1 m or more and 10 m or less, or 1 m or more and 5 m or less. Note that Figures 4 to 6A show the same state from different directions.

[0050] As can be well understood from FIG. 6A, the object 90 exists in the first area A1. The first area A1 is adjacent to the second area A2 where the moving object 20 travels. The object 90 located in the first area A1 can directly view the second area A2. However, the object 90 located in the first area A1 cannot directly view the third area A3. And the moving object 20 is located in the third area A3. That is, the object 90 cannot directly view the moving object 20. In this situation, the lighting device 30 projects the pattern P onto a range S including the second area A2 of the road surface 14. In the illustrated example, the moving object 20 is approaching the second area A2. That is, the second area A2 is located ahead in the moving direction of the moving object 20. The object 90 knows that the moving object 20 is approaching the second area A2 by visually recognizing the pattern P illuminated in the second area A2.

[0051] In the illustrated example, the first direction D1 is the moving direction of the moving object 20. The second direction D2 is the direction in which the passage 12 in which the object 90 exists extends. The third direction D3 is a normal direction to the road surface 14. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are perpendicular to each other. The moving object 20 is moving toward one side in the first direction D1. The object 90 faces toward one side in the second direction D2. In this situation, the object 90 can more reliably sense the presence of the moving object 20 moving from the first area A1 to the second area A2 by visually recognizing the pattern P.

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, the pattern P is projected onto the range S located ahead of the moving body 20 in the moving direction. The target 90 can become aware of the presence of the moving body 20 by visually recognizing the pattern P. Therefore, even if noise is occurring inside the building 10, the target 90 can more reliably become aware of the approach of the moving body 20. This allows the target 90 to take action to avoid approaching the moving body 20.

[0053] In this embodiment, the lighting device 30 may be mounted on a moving object 20 as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6A to FIG.

[0054] The lighting device 30 mounted on the moving body 20 may emit illumination light in a fixed direction toward the moving body 20 and project the pattern P onto the road surface 14. According to this example, if the relative positional relationship between the moving body 20 and the road surface 14 is fixed, the pattern P can be projected at a fixed relative position with respect to the moving body 20. Therefore, as can be understood from a comparison between FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the pattern P moves on the road surface 14 as the moving body 20 moves. The movement of the pattern P on the road surface 14 can more reliably inform the target 90 that the moving body 20 is moving, and further that the moving body 20 is approaching.

[0055] On the other hand, as described in detail below, the lighting device 30 may change the emission direction of the illumination light with respect to the moving object 20. For example, the relative position of the pattern P projected onto the road surface 14 with respect to the moving object 20 may be changed. The shape and size of the pattern P projected onto the road surface 14 may be changed.

[0056] The lighting device 30 mounted on the moving body 20 may, for example, emit illumination light to illuminate the road surface 14 with the pattern P when the main power supply of the moving body 20 is turned on. As another example, the lighting device 30 may emit illumination light to illuminate the road surface 14 with the pattern P while the moving body 20 is moving. As yet another example, the lighting device 30 mounted on the moving body 20 may emit illumination light to illuminate the road surface 14 with the pattern P in response to an instruction from an occupant of the moving body 20 or a remote operation by a worker or manager present in the building 10.

[0057] As yet another example, when the moving body 20 moves through a specific area, the lighting device 30 may emit illumination light to illuminate the pattern P on the road surface 14. As an example of this control method, when the lighting device 30 mounted on the moving body 20 receives an instruction from a signal transmitter installed in the building 10, it may emit illumination light to illuminate the pattern P on the road surface 14. The specific area in this example may be the vicinity of an area where the object 90 is expected to exist. In the illustrated example, the specific area may be the vicinity of the passage 12.

[0058] The lighting device 30 may be installed in a place other than the mobile object 20. As shown in Fig. 8, the lighting device 30 may be installed in a building 10. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the lighting device 30 may be fixed to a wall or ceiling of the building 10, or to equipment installed in the building 10. The lighting device 30 may be installed near an area where the target 90 is assumed to be present. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the lighting device 30 is installed near the passage 12.

[0059] The lighting device 30 installed in the building 10 may emit illumination light to illuminate the pattern P on the road surface 14 when the moving object 20 is approaching the vicinity of the lighting device 30 or when the moving object 20 is moving in the vicinity of the lighting device 30. As an example of implementing this control method, as shown in FIG. 8, the lighting device 30 may further include a control unit 31 and a moving object detection unit 32 in addition to a lighting fixture 40 that emits illumination light to illuminate the pattern P on the road surface 14. The moving object detection unit 32 is disposed in the vicinity of the lighting fixture 40. The moving object detection unit 32 can detect the moving object 20. Preferably, the moving object detection unit 32 can detect that the moving object 20 is approaching a range S on which the pattern P is projected. The control unit 31 controls the projection of the pattern P onto the range S on the road surface 14 by the lighting fixture 40 based on the detection result of the moving object detection unit 32. As a result, when the moving object 20 is located in the vicinity of the range S or is approaching the range S, the pattern P can be illuminated onto the range S. That is, the illumination method includes a step of detecting a moving object 20 using the moving object detection unit 32, and a step of projecting a pattern P onto a range S on the road surface 14 after the moving object 20 is detected.

[0060] Moving object detection unit 32 may be an imaging element such as a camera. Control unit 31 may include a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU). Control unit 31 may further include a memory such as a read only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). Control unit 31 may control lighting device 40 according to the detection result of moving object detection unit 32, etc., by executing a program recorded in the memory.

[0061] As another example, a lighting device 30 installed in the building 10 may emit illumination light and project a pattern P onto the road surface 14 in response to operation by a passenger in the mobile body 20 or remote control instructions from a worker or manager in the building 10.

[0062] The lighting device 30 installed in the building 10 may emit illumination light in a fixed direction toward the building 10 and project the pattern P onto the road surface 14 in a fixed range S. As another example, the lighting device 30 may change the emission direction of the illumination light toward the building 10. For example, the projected pattern P may be moved on the road surface 14. The shape and size of the pattern P projected onto the road surface 14 may be changed.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9, the moving body 20 may have a control unit 22 and an object detection unit 23 in addition to a moving body main body 21 having a moving means such as an engine and tires. The object detection unit 23 can detect an object 90. The control unit 22 controls the movement of the moving body main body 21 based on the detection result of the object detection unit 23. As an example, the object detection unit 23 detects an object 90 present in a detection area 23S. The detection area 23S may be a range surrounding the moving body main body 21 as in the example shown in FIG. 9. The detection area 23S may be a range centered on the moving body main body 21 as in the example shown in FIG. 9. As another example, the detection area 23S may be a range in front of the moving body 20 in the moving direction D1. The control unit 22 may restrict the movement of the moving body main body 21 when the object 90 exists in the detection area 23S. Specifically, the control unit 22 may decelerate the moving body main body 21 or may stop the moving body main body 21. The control unit 22 may be configured to emit a warning sound such as a horn when the target 90 is present within the detection area 23S.

[0064] The notification of the presence of the moving body 20 to the target 90 using the lighting device 30 may be performed before the movement of the moving body 20 is restricted. According to this example, the target 90 can notice the presence of the moving body 20 before approaching the moving body 20. The target 90 can retreat from the moving body 20 without approaching the moving body 20. This allows the production activity in the building system 5 to be highly efficient without restricting the movement of the moving body 20. From this perspective, the range S on the road surface 14 where the pattern P is illuminated may include at least an area that is forward in the movement direction D1 of the detection area 23S where the target detection unit 23 can detect the target 90. Preferably, more than half of the range S may be forward in the movement direction D1 of the detection area 23S. More preferably, 80% or more of the range S may be forward in the movement direction D1 of the detection area 23S, or the entire range S may be forward in the movement direction D1 of the detection area 23S.

[0065] The object detection unit 23 may be an imaging element such as a camera. The control unit 22 may include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 31 may further include a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 22 may control the mobile body 21 according to the detection result of the object detection unit 23 by executing a program recorded in the memory. The mobile body 21 may be automatically driven by the control of the control unit 22.

[0066] Next, a description will be given of the pattern P projected onto the range S on the road surface 14. There is no particular limitation on the pattern P projected by the lighting device 30. Hereinafter, the pattern P illuminated by the lighting device 30 will be described with reference to a specific example.

[0067] In the example shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6B, the pattern P includes a plurality of element patterns PE. The plurality of element patterns PE are spaced apart from each other. In the illustrated example, the plurality of element patterns PE are arranged in a first direction D1, which is the moving direction of the moving body 20. Two element patterns PE adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. In the example shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6B, the lighting device 30 is mounted on the moving body 20. The lighting device 30 is fixed to the moving body 20. In this example, when the moving body 20 moves to one side in the first direction D1, the position of the range S on the road surface 14 also moves to one side in the first direction D1. Here, the object 90 visually recognizes the pattern P from a position where the moving body 20 cannot be seen directly. As can be understood from FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, when the element patterns PE are arranged in the first direction D1, different element patterns PE come into the field of view of the object 90 in sequence as the moving body 20 moves. The change in the pattern P that comes into view makes it easier for the target 90 to notice that the pattern P is being projected. Therefore, the pattern P including a plurality of element patterns PE arranged in the first direction D1 can more reliably notify the target 90 of the presence or approach of the moving body 20.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6A, one or more of the arrangement pitch T in the first direction D1, the separation distance D in the first direction D1, and the length L in the first direction D1 of the element patterns PE arranged in the first direction D1 may be changed. In other words, one or more of the arrangement pitch T in the first direction D1, the separation distance D in the first direction D1, and the length L in the first direction D1 of the element patterns PE arranged in the first direction D1 may not be constant. According to such an example, the change in the pattern P that comes into view makes it easier for the target 90 to notice that the pattern P is being projected. Therefore, this pattern P can more reliably inform the target 90 of the presence of the moving body 20 or the approach of the moving body 20.

[0069] At least one of the arrangement pitch T in the first direction D1, the spacing D in the first direction D1, and the length L in the first direction D1 of three or more element patterns PE included in the pattern P may be increased toward one side in the first direction D1. Alternatively, at least one of the arrangement pitch T in the first direction D1, the spacing D in the first direction D1, and the length L in the first direction D1 of three or more element patterns PE may be decreased toward one side in the first direction D1. Here, the arrangement pitch T, the spacing D, or the length L increasing toward one side does not only mean that they constantly change to become larger toward one side, but also means that they are partially the same and do not change. Similarly, the arrangement pitch T, the spacing D, or the length L decreasing toward one side does not only mean that they constantly change to become smaller toward one side, but also means that they are partially the same and do not change.

[0070] In this way, by gradually increasing or decreasing the arrangement pitch T, separation distance D, or length L of the element patterns PE in the first direction D1, the change in the pattern P that comes into view has regularity. As can be seen from FIG. 4, it is assumed that only a part of the pattern P is visible from the object 90. Even in a situation where only a part of the pattern P is visible, the regular change in the pattern P can more reliably inform the object 90 of not only the presence of the moving object 20 but also the approach of the moving object 20. In addition, if the same pattern flows continuously at equal intervals, it may give the impression that the pattern is stationary, so by adding variation to the pattern P, it is possible to prevent such misrecognition.

[0071] In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 6B, the pattern P includes first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8. The first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 are arranged in the first direction D1 in this order, starting from one side in the first direction D1. In other words, the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 are arranged in the first direction D1 in this order, from the front to the rear in the moving direction D1. As shown in the drawings, the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 may have the same shape as one another. The first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 may be projected onto the road surface 14 at the same time.

[0072] In the example shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6B, the length L (or width) of the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 along the first direction D1 is the same. On the other hand, among the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8, the separation distance D between two element patterns PE adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 becomes longer as the arrangement positions of the two element patterns PE move toward one side in the first direction D1. In other words, the separation distance D between two element patterns PE adjacent to each other in the moving direction D1 becomes longer as the arrangement positions of the two element patterns PE move toward the front in the moving direction D1. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the separation distance D1 between the first element pattern PE1 and the second element pattern PE2 along the first direction D1 is larger than the separation distance D2 between the second element pattern PE2 and the third element pattern PE3 along the first direction D1.

[0073] Similarly, among the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8, the arrangement pitch T of two element patterns PE adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 becomes longer as the arrangement positions of the two element patterns PE move toward one side in the first direction D1. In other words, the arrangement pitch T of two element patterns PE adjacent to each other in the moving direction D1 becomes longer as the arrangement positions of the two element patterns PE move toward the front in the moving direction D1. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the arrangement pitch T1 of the first element pattern PE1 and the second element pattern PE2 along the first direction D1 is larger than the arrangement pitch T2 of the second element pattern PE2 and the third element pattern PE3 along the first direction D1.

[0074] 4 to 6B, as can be understood from a comparison of Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B, the number of element patterns PE visible to the target 90 increases with the movement of the moving object 20. This allows the target 90 to sense a change in the situation, for example, the approach of the moving object 20.

[0075] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the pattern P includes the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8, similarly to the examples shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6B. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the length L (or width) of the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 along the first direction D1 is the same as each other. Meanwhile, in the pattern P shown in FIG. 10, the separation distance D between two element patterns PE adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 among the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 becomes shorter as the arrangement positions of the two element patterns PE move toward one side in the first direction D1. Similarly, in the pattern P, the arrangement pitch T between two element patterns PE adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 among the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 becomes shorter as the arrangement positions of the two element patterns PE move toward one side in the first direction D1. Also in the example shown in FIG. 10, the regular change in the pattern P can more reliably inform the target 90 of not only the presence of the moving body 20 but also the approach of the moving body 20.

[0076] 11 and 12, similarly to the above-described examples, pattern P includes first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8. The first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 are arranged in this order in the first direction D1, starting from one side in the first direction D1. In other words, the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 are arranged in this order from the front to the rear in the moving direction D1.

[0077] In the pattern P shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the shape of the element pattern PE is not constant. More specifically, the length L of the element pattern PE along the first direction D1 is not constant. That is, the length L of the element pattern PE along the first direction D1 changes. In the pattern P shown in FIG. 11, the length L of the element pattern PE along the first direction D1 among the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 becomes longer as the arrangement position of the element pattern PE moves toward one side in the first direction D1. That is, in the pattern P shown in FIG. 11, the length L of the element pattern PE along the first direction D1 becomes longer as the arrangement position of the element pattern PE moves toward the front in the moving direction D1. In the pattern P shown in FIG. 12, the length L of the element pattern PE along the first direction D1 among the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 becomes shorter as the arrangement position of the element pattern PE moves toward one side in the first direction D1. That is, in the pattern P shown in Fig. 12, the length L of the element pattern PE along the first direction D1 becomes shorter as the arrangement position of the element pattern PE moves forward in the moving direction D1. Even in the example shown in Fig. 11 or 12, the regular change in the pattern P can more reliably notify the target 90 of not only the presence of the moving body 20 but also the approach of the moving body 20.

[0078] 11 and 12, the separation distance D between two element patterns PE adjacent in the first direction D1 is constant. As a result, in the example shown in Fig. 11, as in the examples shown in Figs. 4 to 6B, the arrangement pitch T of two element patterns PE adjacent in the first direction D1 becomes longer as the arrangement positions of the two element patterns PE move toward one side in the first direction D1. In the example shown in Fig. 12, as in the example shown in Fig. 10, the arrangement pitch T of two element patterns PE adjacent in the first direction D1 becomes shorter as the arrangement positions of the two element patterns PE move toward one side in the first direction D1.

[0079] 11 and 12, the arrangement pitch T of two element patterns PE adjacent in the first direction D1 may be constant. When the examples shown in Fig. 11 and 12 are modified in this way, the separation distance D between two element patterns PE adjacent in the first direction D1 becomes shorter or longer as the arrangement positions of the two element patterns PE move toward one side in the first direction D1. Even in such an example, the regular change in the pattern P can more reliably notify the target 90 of not only the presence of the moving body 20 but also the approach of the moving body 20.

[0080] 13 to 15, the pattern P includes a plurality of element patterns PE, and the shapes of the plurality of element patterns PE are not constant. At least two element patterns PE included in the plurality of element patterns PE have shapes different from each other. In these examples, the regular change in the pattern P can more reliably notify the target 90 of not only the presence of the moving object 20 but also the approach of the moving object 20.

[0081] 13 and 14, pattern P includes first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8. The first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 are arranged in this order in the first direction D1, starting from one side in the first direction D1. That is, the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 are arranged in this order from the front to the rear in the moving direction D1.

[0082] In the pattern P shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the length of the element pattern PE along the direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 is not constant. That is, the length of the element pattern PE along the second direction D2 changes. In the pattern P shown in FIG. 13, the length of the element pattern PE along the second direction D2 among the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 becomes shorter as the arrangement position of the element pattern PE moves toward one side in the first direction D1. That is, in the pattern P shown in FIG. 13, the length of the element pattern PE along the second direction D2 becomes shorter as the arrangement position of the element pattern PE moves toward the front in the moving direction D1. In the pattern P shown in FIG. 14, the length of the element pattern PE along the second direction D2 among the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 becomes longer as the arrangement position of the element pattern PE moves toward one side in the first direction D1. That is, in the pattern P shown in Fig. 14, the length of the element pattern PE along the second direction D2 becomes longer as the arrangement position of the element pattern PE moves forward in the moving direction D1. Even in the example shown in Fig. 13 or 14, the regular change in the pattern P can more reliably notify the target 90 of not only the presence of the moving body 20 but also the approach of the moving body 20.

[0083] In the example shown in FIG. 13, the ends of the multiple element patterns PE located on the other side in the second direction D2 are located at the same position in the second direction. However, this is not limited to the illustrated example, and the ends of the multiple element patterns PE located on one side in the second direction D2 may be located at the same position in the second direction. According to these examples, the target 90 observing the pattern P from the second direction D2 can more clearly grasp the difference in the shapes of the multiple element patterns PE. As a result, the regular change in the pattern P can more reliably inform the target 90 of not only the presence of the moving object 20 but also the approach of the moving object 20.

[0084] 14, the centers of the multiple element patterns PE in the second direction D2 are located at the same position in the second direction. According to such an example, the target 90 observing the pattern P from the first direction D1 can more clearly grasp the difference in the shapes of the multiple element patterns PE. This makes it possible to more reliably inform the target 90 of not only the presence of the moving object 20 but also the approach of the moving object 20 due to the regular change in the pattern P.

[0085] 15, the pattern P includes first to ninth element patterns PE1 to PE9. The first to ninth element patterns PE1 to PE9 are arranged in the first direction D1 in this order, from one side in the first direction D1. In other words, the first to ninth element patterns PE1 to PE9 are arranged in the first direction D1 from the front to the rear in the moving direction D1.

[0086] In the example shown in FIG. 15, the element pattern PE is in the form of a line extending in a direction non-parallel to the first direction D1, which is the moving direction. However, the element pattern PE has a missing portion (break portion) CP. The positions of the missing portions CP of the multiple element patterns PE change in a direction non-parallel to the first direction D1. In the illustrated example, the positions of the missing portions CP change in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. In the pattern P shown in FIG. 15, among the first to ninth element patterns PE1 to PE9, the missing portions CP are located on the other side in the second direction D2 as the arrangement position of the element pattern PE moves toward one side in the first direction D1. That is, in the pattern P shown in FIG. 15, the missing portions CP of the element pattern PE are located on the other side in the second direction D2 as the arrangement position of the element pattern PE moves toward the front in the moving direction D1. However, without being limited to the illustrated example, the missing portion CP of the element pattern PE may be located on one side in the second direction D2 as the arrangement position of the element pattern PE moves toward one side in the moving direction D1. Even in the example shown in Fig. 15, the regular change in the pattern P can more reliably notify the target 90 of not only the presence of the moving object 20 but also the approach of the moving object 20.

[0087] As in the above-described examples, the element pattern PE may be a line extending in a direction non-parallel to the first direction D1, which is the moving direction. The element pattern PE may be a line extending in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1, which is the moving direction. It is assumed that the target 90 visually recognizes the pattern P from a position where the moving body 20 cannot be viewed directly. According to such an example, as can be easily understood from FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, each element pattern PE may extend in the observation direction when the pattern P is observed from the target 90. As a result, the target 90 can easily visually recognize each element pattern PE. In other words, the target 90 can easily notice the element pattern PE, and as a result, the target 90 can more reliably sense the presence or approach of the moving body 20.

[0088] In an example where the element patterns PE extend in a direction non-parallel to the first direction D1, for example, in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, an upper limit may be set for the arrangement pitch T of two element patterns PE adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 6A, the arrangement pitch T may be equal to or smaller than the width W of the passage 12 of the building 10. By setting the arrangement pitch T of the patterns P equal to or smaller than the width W of the passage 12, one or more element patterns PE may be included in the field of view of an object 90 located in the passage 12. In this example, the object 90 can easily notice the element patterns PE, and as a result, can more reliably sense the presence or approach of the moving object 20.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 16, the pattern P or element pattern PE may extend in a direction non-parallel to the direction in which the passage 12 in which the object 90 is located extends, i.e., the second direction D2. In other words, the pattern P or element pattern PE may extend in a direction non-parallel to the second direction D2, which is the viewing direction of the object 90. In this example, the pattern P or element pattern PE may extend parallel to the moving direction of the moving body 20. According to such an example, the pattern P or element pattern PE is more likely to come into the field of view of the object 90. This makes it easier for the object 90 to notice the pattern P or element pattern PE, and as a result, the object 90 can more reliably sense the presence or approach of the moving body 20.

[0090] In the example shown in FIG. 16, the pattern P includes the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8, as in the above-described examples. The first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 are arranged in the first direction D1 in this order, starting from one side in the first direction D1. In the pattern P shown in FIG. 16, the arrangement pitch T and the spacing D of the pattern P become longer toward one side in the first direction D1. The lengths of the element patterns PE along the first direction D1 are the same. However, even in the example shown in FIG. 16, the arrangement pitch T in the first direction D1, the spacing D in the first direction D1, and the length L in the first direction D1 of the element patterns PE may be adjusted as described above. That is, the arrangement pitch T of the pattern P extending in the first direction D1 may become shorter toward one side in the first direction D1. The arrangement spacing D of the pattern P extending in the first direction D1 may become shorter toward one side in the first direction D1. The length L of the pattern P extending in the first direction D1 may become shorter or longer toward one side in the first direction D1.

[0091] 16, the pattern P includes two groups of element patterns PE including the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8, spaced apart in the second direction D2. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the pattern P may include only one group of element patterns PE, or may include three or more groups of element patterns PE.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of patterns P may be illuminated in different colors. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the first element pattern PE1 and the second element pattern PE2 are illuminated in the same color. The colors of the first element pattern PE1 and the second element pattern PE2 are different from the colors of the other element patterns PE. The third to fifth element patterns PE3 to 5 are illuminated in the same color. The colors of the third to fifth element patterns PE3 to 5 are different from the colors of the other element patterns PE. The sixth to eighth element patterns PE6 to 8 are illuminated in the same color. The colors of the sixth to eighth element patterns PE6 to 8 are different from the colors of the other element patterns PE. By illuminating a plurality of element patterns PE in different colors, the target 90 can easily notice that the pattern P is being projected. Therefore, by changing the color of the element patterns PE, the target 90 can be more reliably informed of the presence of the moving body 20 or the approach of the moving body 20.

[0093] As shown in Figs. 18 to 20B, the position of range S on road surface 14 may be changed during illumination. In the example shown in Figs. 18 to 20B, the position of range S on road surface 14 is moved by changing the emission direction of light emitted from lighting device 30. In the example shown in Figs. 18 to 20B, the position of range S on road surface 14 is moved by changing the orientations of lighting device 30 and lighting fixture 40. However, as will be described later, the position of range S on road surface 14 may be moved by changing the orientations and positions of some of the components depending on the configuration of lighting device 30 and lighting fixture 40.

[0094] 18 to 20B, the position of lighting device 30 before the change is indicated by a two-dot chain line. Pattern P projected by lighting device 30 indicated by a two-dot chain line, and range S onto which pattern P is projected, are also indicated by a two-dot chain line. The position of lighting device 30 after the change is indicated by a solid line. Pattern P projected by lighting device 30 indicated by a solid line, and range S onto which pattern P is projected, are also indicated by a solid line.

[0095] In the example shown in Fig. 18, the emission direction of the illumination light from the lighting device 30 changes when observed from a third direction D3 that is a normal direction to the road surface 14. For example, the position of the range S onto which the pattern P is projected may be changed by rotating the lighting device 30 around an axis line parallel to the third direction D3. According to the example shown in Fig. 18, the range S and the pattern P move on the road surface 14 along an arc centered on the rotation axis line of the lighting device 30.

[0096] In the example shown in FIG. 19A, the emission direction of the illumination light from the illumination device 30 changes when observed from the second direction D2 parallel to the road surface 14. For example, the positions of the pattern P and the range S may be changed by rotating the illumination device 30 around an axis parallel to the second direction D2. In FIG. 19A, the emission direction of the illumination device 30 is inclined so as to face the road surface 14. As a result, as shown in FIG. 19B, the pattern P and the range S on the road surface 14 approach the moving body 20 and the illumination device 30 along the first direction D1. In addition, since the optical path from the illumination device 30 to the pattern P and the range S becomes shorter, the length of the pattern P and the range S along the second direction D2 becomes shorter.

[0097] In the example shown in FIG. 20A, the emission direction of the illumination light from the lighting device 30 changes when observed from the second direction D2 parallel to the road surface 14. For example, the positions of the pattern P and the range S may be changed by rotating the lighting device 30 around an axis parallel to the second direction D2. In FIG. 20A, the emission direction of the lighting device 30 is tilted so as to face the opposite side to the road surface 14. That is, the lighting device 30 shown in FIG. 20A is tilted to the opposite side around the same rotation axis as the lighting device 30 shown in FIG. 19A. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20B, the pattern P and the range S on the road surface 14 move away from the moving body 20 and the lighting device 30 along the first direction D1. In addition, since the optical path from the lighting device 30 to the range S becomes longer, the length of the pattern P and the range S along the second direction D2 becomes longer.

[0098] 18 to 20B, the movement period of the range S and the pattern P on the road surface 14 is preferably 1 Hz or more and 10 Hz or less, and more preferably 2 Hz or more and 5 Hz or less. By repeatedly moving the pattern P and the range S on the road surface 14 at such a period, the target 90 can easily notice the pattern P projected on the road surface 14. This makes it possible to more reliably inform the target 90 of the presence or approach of the moving body 20.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 21 to Fig. 23, the lighting device 30 may illuminate the periphery of the moving body 20. In the example shown in Fig. 21, the pattern P includes a line-like pattern LP extending along a circular line CL surrounding the moving body 20. The line-like pattern LP shown in Fig. 21 extends along the entire circumference of the circular line CL and is circular. Unlike the example shown in Fig. 21, the line-like pattern LP may extend along only a portion of the circular line CL.

[0100] In the example shown in FIG. 22, the pattern P includes a plurality of line element patterns LPE that extend intermittently along a circular line CL that surrounds the moving body 20. The illustrated plurality of line element patterns LPE are equally spaced on the circular line CL. However, the illustrated example is not limited to this, and the intervals between the plurality of line element patterns LPE may not be constant. The number of line element patterns LPE is four in the illustrated example, but is not limited to this example. The number of line element patterns LPE may be two, three, or five or more. The line element patterns LPE are arrow-shaped on both sides, but may be arrow-shaped only on one side, or may be linear instead of arrow-shaped.

[0101] In the example shown in Fig. 23, the pattern P includes a surrounding pattern SP that surrounds the moving object 20. The surrounding pattern SP shown in Fig. 23 has a shape obtained by thickening the line-shaped pattern LP shown in Fig. 21.

[0102] 21 to 23, the presence of the moving object 20 can be notified to the target 90. In particular, the target 90 can be prompted to move away from the pattern P.

[0103] Also, as an example shown in Figs. 24 and 25, the line pattern LP and the surrounding pattern SP may move on the road surface 14 around the moving body 20. The line pattern LP and the surrounding pattern SP may move around the moving body 20. The line pattern LP and the surrounding pattern SP may move so as to rotate on a circular line CL. The line pattern LP and the surrounding pattern SP may move so as to rotate around the moving body 20. For example, the line pattern LP and the surrounding pattern SP may move in response to the turning movement of the moving body 20. According to such an example, it is possible to inform the target 90 that the moving direction of the moving body 20 is changing.

[0104] The line pattern LP shown in Fig. 24 includes a plurality of line element patterns LPE. The plurality of line element patterns LPE are located at a distance from each other around the moving body 20. In particular, in the illustrated example, the length of the interval between two adjacent line element patterns LPE is longer than the length of the line element patterns LPE along the circular line CL. According to such an example, it becomes easier for the object 90 to notice that the line pattern LP is moving on the road surface 14.

[0105] The surrounding pattern SP shown in Fig. 25 includes a plurality of surrounding element patterns SPE. The plurality of surrounding element patterns SPE are located at a distance from each other around the moving body 20. In the illustrated example, the distance between two adjacent surrounding element patterns SPE is longer than the width of each surrounding element pattern SPE. According to such an example, it becomes easier for the object 90 to notice that the surrounding pattern SP is moving on the road surface 14.

[0106] Next, a specific configuration of the illumination device 30 will be described.

[0107] Fig. 26 shows an example of lighting device 30. Lighting device 30 shown in Fig. 26 has lighting fixtures 40 and control unit 31. Lighting fixtures 40 project pattern P onto range S on road surface 14. Control unit 31 controls lighting fixtures 40 as already described. Control unit 31 may control lighting fixtures 40 based on information from the outside, for example, based on information from moving object detection unit 32.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 26, the lighting fixture 40 may have a light source 41, a shaping optical system 46, and an optical element 49. The light source 41 is a member or part that emits light, and is not particularly limited. A light-emitting diode may be used as the light source 41. A light-emitting diode is also written as an LED. A light-emitting diode has excellent energy efficiency. A coherent light source may be used as the light source 41. A coherent light source emits coherent light with a uniform wavelength and phase. The coherent light emitted from the coherent light source has excellent linearity. Therefore, the coherent light source is suitable for the lighting device 30 that illuminates a distant object. Various types of light sources can be used as the coherent light source. A laser light source that oscillates a laser light may be used as the coherent light source. An example of the laser light source is a semiconductor laser light source. In the example shown in FIG. 26, the light source 41 includes a single coherent light source. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 26, the road surface 14 is illuminated with a color pattern P corresponding to the wavelength range of the coherent light emitted from the coherent light source.

[0109] Next, the shaping optical system 46 will be described. The shaping optical system 46 shapes the light emitted from the light source 41. For example, the shaping optical system 46 shapes the shape of the light in a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis or the three-dimensional shape of the light. The shaping optical system 46 may expand the cross-sectional area of ​​the light in a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis of the light.

[0110] In the example shown in FIG. 26, the shaping optical system 46 shapes the light emitted from the light source 41 into a widened parallel beam. That is, the shaping optical system 46 functions as a collimating optical system. In the example shown in FIG. 26, the shaping optical system 46 has a first lens 47 and a second lens 48 arranged along the optical path. The first lens 47 shapes the light emitted from the light source 41 into a diverging beam. The second lens 48 shapes the diverging beam generated by the first lens 47 into a parallel beam. In this example, the second lens 48 functions as a collimating lens.

[0111] Next, a description will be given of the optical element 49. The optical element 49 controls the traveling direction of the light from the light source 41 to project the pattern P onto the road surface 14. As the optical element 49, a diffractive optical element 50 that diffracts the light emitted from the light source 41 or a microlens may be used.

[0112] The diffractive optical element 50 diffracts the light from the light source 41 and directs it toward a range S on the road surface 14. As a result, as shown in Fig. 4 etc., the light diffracted by the diffractive optical element 50 is projected onto the road surface 14. The road surface 14 is illuminated with a pattern P that corresponds to the diffraction pattern of the diffractive optical element 50.

[0113] The diffractive optical element 50 may be a hologram element. By using a hologram element as the diffractive optical element 50, it becomes easier to design the diffraction characteristics of the diffractive optical element 50. It is relatively easy to design a hologram element that can project light only over the entirety of a desired area that has a predetermined position, contour shape, size, and orientation on the road surface 14. The area on the road surface 14 that is irradiated with light becomes the pattern P.

[0114] When designing the diffractive optical element 50, the area onto which the pattern P is to be projected is set in real space at a predetermined position with respect to the diffractive optical element 50, with a predetermined contour shape, size and orientation. The position, contour shape, size and orientation of the area onto which the pattern P is projected depend on the diffraction characteristics of the diffractive optical element 50. By adjusting the diffraction characteristics of the diffractive optical element 50, the position, contour shape, size and orientation of the area onto which the pattern P is projected on the road surface 14 can be arbitrarily adjusted. Therefore, when designing the diffractive optical element 50, the position, contour shape, size and orientation of the area onto which the pattern P is projected are first determined according to the desired illumination pattern. Next, the diffraction characteristics of the diffractive optical element 50 may be adjusted so that light can be projected onto the entirety of the determined area.

[0115] The diffractive optical element 50 may be produced as a computer generated hologram (CGH). A computer generated hologram is produced by calculating a structure having any diffraction characteristics on a computer. Therefore, by adopting a computer generated hologram as the diffractive optical element 50, it is possible to eliminate the need to generate object light and reference light using a light source and an optical system, and to record interference fringes on a hologram recording material by exposure. The illumination device 30 is assumed to illuminate an area having a predetermined contour shape, size, and orientation at a predetermined position relative to the illumination device 30. By inputting information about the area to be illuminated as a parameter into a computer, a structure having diffraction characteristics capable of projecting diffracted light onto this area, such as an uneven surface, can be specified by computer calculation. By forming the specified structure, for example, by resin molding, the diffractive optical element 50 as a computer generated hologram can be produced at low cost by a simple procedure.

[0116] The diffractive optical element 50 may be designed using, for example, an iterative Fourier transform method. When the iterative Fourier transform method is used, processing may be performed on the assumption that the range S is far from the diffractive optical element 50, and the pattern P projected onto the road surface 14 may be a Fraunhofer diffraction image. Therefore, the road surface 14 may be non-parallel to the diffractive surface of the diffractive optical element 50, and even the normal direction of the road surface 14 may form a large angle of more than 45° with respect to the normal direction of the diffractive optical element 50. Even in such an example, the light intensity can be made uniform over the entire area on the road surface 14 where the pattern P is projected.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 27, the diffractive optical element 50 may include a plurality of element diffractive optical elements 55. Each element diffractive optical element 55 may be, for example, a hologram element, and may be configured in the same manner as the diffractive optical element 50 described above. In the example shown in FIG. 27, the light diffracted by the plurality of element diffractive optical elements 55 is projected onto the same area as each other. That is, the light diffracted by each element diffractive optical element 55 is projected onto the entire area of ​​the area on the road surface 14 where the pattern P is to be projected. According to such a diffractive optical element 50, the light directed toward each position in the pattern P can be dispersed and emitted from the plurality of element diffractive optical elements 55 included in the diffractive optical element 50. This prevents each position on the diffractive optical element 50 from becoming too bright, and improves laser safety.

[0118] Each element diffractive optical element 55 may be configured to have the same diffraction characteristics. However, in order to realize a more accurate projection, each element diffractive optical element 55 may be given a diffraction characteristic that is designed separately according to the arrangement position of the element diffractive optical element 55 in the diffractive optical element 50. According to this example, each element diffractive optical element 55 has its diffraction characteristics adjusted according to the difference in arrangement with other element diffractive optical elements 55, so that the diffracted light of the light can be directed with high accuracy only to the entire area on the road surface 14 where the pattern P is to be projected.

[0119] As shown in Fig. 28, the lighting device 30 may have a plurality of lighting fixtures 40. In the example shown in Fig. 28, the plurality of lighting fixtures 40 may include light sources 41 that emit light of different wavelengths. The illumination light emitted from each lighting fixture 40 overlaps on the road surface 14, so that the pattern P can be illuminated in a desired color. The lighting device 30 shown in Fig. 28 has first to third lighting fixtures 40A to 40C. Each of the lighting fixtures 40A to 40C has a light source 41A to 41C, a shaping optical system 46A to 46C, and a diffractive optical element 50A to 50C, respectively.

[0120] 28, the plurality of lighting fixtures 40 may each include a light source 41 that emits light of the same wavelength. The illumination light emitted from each lighting fixture 40 overlaps on the road surface 14, thereby brightly illuminating the pattern P.

[0121] The lighting fixtures 40A to 40C of the lighting device 30 shown in FIG. 28 may project different element patterns PE from each other. In the example shown in FIG. 6A to FIG. 17, the pattern P includes the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 arranged in the first direction D1, which is the moving direction. The first lighting fixture 40A may project the first and second element patterns PE1 and PE2, the second lighting fixture 40B may project the third to fifth element patterns PE3 to PE5, and the third lighting fixture 40C may project the sixth to eighth element patterns PE6 to PE8. According to this example, the diffraction angle range of light diffracted by one diffractive optical element 50 can be narrowed. This improves the diffraction efficiency of each diffractive optical element 50. In this example, the lighting fixtures 40A to 40C can project the pattern P shown in FIG. 17 by emitting light of different wavelength ranges.

[0122] In the example shown in Fig. 28, the multiple lighting devices 40A-40C are arranged in a third direction D3 that is a normal direction to the road surface 14. The arrangement is not limited to the example of Fig. 28, and the multiple lighting devices 40A-40C may be arranged, for example, in the second direction D2.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 29, the illumination device 30 may have a scanning device 60. The illumination device 30 shown in Fig. 29 has a plurality of diffractive optical elements 50A to 50C. The scanning device 60 adjusts the optical path of the light emitted by the light source 41 to control whether or not the light is supplied to the diffractive optical element 50 and the distribution of the light to the plurality of diffractive optical elements 50A to 50C. The scanning device 60 may be configured using various parts, members, devices, etc. that can change the optical path by utilizing refraction, reflection, diffraction, etc. Examples of the various parts, members, and devices that can change the optical path include lenses, prisms, mirrors, diffractive optical elements, etc.

[0124] The scanning device 60 is controlled by the control unit 31. The scanning device 60 operates based on an electrical signal from the control unit 31. The scanning device 60 changes the optical path of the light from the light source 41 over time. As a result, the incident position of the light moves on the multiple diffractive optical elements 50A to 50C. That is, the diffractive optical element 50 on which the light from the light source 41 is incident changes among the multiple diffractive optical elements 50A to 50C. The illustrated scanning device 60 has a reflecting surface that is rotatable around one axis RA. Such a scanning device 60 may use a galvanometer mirror.

[0125] The multiple diffractive optical elements 50A to 50C may project different element patterns PE from each other. In the example shown in Figs. 6A to 16, the first diffractive optical element 50A may project the first and second element patterns PE1 and PE2, the second diffractive optical element 50B may project the third to fifth element patterns PE3 to PE5, and the third diffractive optical element 50C may project the sixth to eighth element patterns PE6 to PE8. According to this example, the diffraction angle range of light diffracted by one diffractive optical element 50 can be narrowed. This improves the diffraction efficiency of each diffractive optical element 50. Note that, by operating the scanning device 60 at a speed exceeding the resolution of human vision, humans visually recognize the first to eighth element patterns PE1 to PE8 as if they were continuously illuminated simultaneously.

[0126] In the example shown in FIG. 30, the diffractive optical element 50 includes first to twelfth diffractive optical elements 55A to 55L. For example, the range S on the road surface 14 is divided into first to twelfth element ranges SA to SL. The coherent light diffracted by the first to twelfth diffractive optical elements 50A to 50L is projected onto the separate first to twelfth element ranges SA to SL, respectively. The scanning device 60 directs light from a light source to each of the diffractive optical elements 50A to 50L. The lighting device 40 can control whether or not light is irradiated onto each of the diffractive optical elements 50A to 50L according to the operation of the scanning device 60. For example, the light source 41 switches between emitting and stopping the emission of light according to the operation of the scanning device 60. As another example, a light blocking member that blocks light enters and retreats from the optical path of the light from the light source 41 according to the operation of the scanning device 60. By controlling whether or not light is irradiated onto each of the diffractive optical elements 50A-50L, it is possible to project coherent light onto only any of the diffractive optical elements 50A-50L. This makes it possible to illuminate only any of the first to twelfth element ranges SA-SL, and to illuminate the range S with a desired pattern. It is also possible to project a plurality of element patterns PE at different times.

[0127] The diffractive optical element 50 included in the illumination device 30 shown in FIGS. 28 to 30 may be divided into a plurality of element diffractive optical elements 55. In the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0128] The lighting device 30 and the lighting fixture 40 may have one or more microlenses as the optical element 49 instead of the diffractive optical element 50. The direction of light can be controlled by the microlenses as in the case of the diffractive optical element 50. This allows the pattern P to be projected onto the range S on the road surface 14. The lighting device 30 and the lighting fixture 40 may have a phosphor to convert the wavelength of the light from the light source 41. Furthermore, the lighting device 30 and the lighting fixture 40 may have a splitting optical system. The splitting optical system can split the light whose optical path has been adjusted by the diffractive optical element 50 or the microlens. The split light may proceed to different parts of the pattern P, or may proceed to different element patterns PE of the pattern P. As the splitting optical system, a polygonal mirror including multiple mirrors facing different directions, or a multi-directional prism having multiple prism surfaces may be used. The polygonal mirror may include a concave mirror, a convex mirror, a plane mirror, or the like.

[0129] In one aspect of the embodiment described above, the illumination method is an illumination method for informing an object present in a first area S1 that the moving object is approaching a second area S2 adjacent to the first area S1 and through which the moving object 20 travels. This illumination method includes a step of projecting a pattern P onto a range S including the second area S2 that is in front of the moving object 20 in the moving direction. In another aspect of the embodiment, the illumination method is an illumination method for informing an object 90 present in a position where the direct view of the moving object 20 is blocked of the presence of the moving object 20. This illumination method includes a step of projecting a pattern P onto a range S including a region S2 that can be directly viewed from the position of the road surface 14 located in front of the moving object 20 in the moving direction. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the illumination method is an illumination method for informing an object 90 present around the moving object 20 of the presence of the moving object 20. This illumination method includes a step of projecting a pattern P onto a range S located in front of the moving object 20 in the moving direction. According to such an embodiment, a pattern P is projected onto a range S located in front of the moving body 20 in the moving direction. The target 90 can become aware of the presence of the moving body 20 by visually recognizing the pattern P. This allows the target 90 to take action to avoid approaching the moving body 20.

[0130] Although one embodiment has been described above with reference to a specific example, the embodiment is not limited to the specific example. The above-described one embodiment can be embodied in various other specific examples, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, additions, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiment.

[0131] An example of the modification will be described below. In the following description, parts that can be configured in the same manner as the above-mentioned specific example will be designated by the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the above-mentioned specific example, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0132] In the above-mentioned specific examples, various patterns P have been described. The above-mentioned various patterns P or element patterns PE may be appropriately combined and projected onto the road surface 14. Furthermore, the pattern P is not particularly limited, and may include a pattern representing one or more of a character, a picture, a color pattern, a symbol, a mark, an illustration, a character, and a pictogram.

[0133] With reference to Figs. 18 to 20B, an example of moving the range S on the road surface 14 has been described. In the above description, the range S is moved by changing the position and orientation of the lighting device 30. However, this is not limiting, and the range S may be moved by changing the position and orientation of the diffractive optical element 50 or the microlens. The range S may be moved by changing the position and orientation of the shaping optical system 46. The range S may be moved by changing the position and orientation of the light source 41.

[0134] In the above-described specific example, the lighting device 30 projects the pattern P onto the range S located in front of the moving body 20 in the moving direction, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The lighting device 30 may project the pattern P onto the range S located behind the moving body 20 in the moving direction. The lighting device 30 may project the pattern P onto both the range S located in front of the moving body 20 in the moving direction and the range S located behind the moving body 20 in the moving direction.

[0135] In the above-mentioned specific example, the lighting device 30 is applied to the moving body 20 moving inside the building 10, but the present invention is not limited to this example. Examples of the moving body 21 to which the lighting device 30 is applied include a railroad car, an automobile, a dolly, a ship, an airplane, a helicopter, a drone, a robot, and the like. Such a moving body 20 may be used not only inside the building 10 but also outside the building 10. In this example, the projection surface including the range S onto which the pattern P is projected may be, for example, the ground such as a road surface or a runway, or the water surface such as the sea surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 5 Building Systems 10. Building 10A 1st area 10B 2nd area 10C 3rd area 11 Space 12 Passage 13. Running track 14 Road surface 15 Obstacles 16 Entrance / Exit 17 Entrance / exit 20 Mobile 21 Mobile body 22 Control section 23 Target detection unit 23S detection area 30 Lighting Equipment 31 Control Unit 32 Moving object detection unit 40 Lighting equipment 41 Light source 46 Shaping optical system 47 First Lens 48 Second lens 50 Diffractive Optical Element 55-element diffractive optical element 60 Scanning Device 90 Target 91 people 92 Robot 93 Transportation 94 Imaging Method 95 Control Means 96 Working Arm D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction D3 Third direction P-pattern LP Line Pattern SP Surrounding Pattern CL Circular Line PE1 First element pattern PE2 Second element pattern PE3 Third element pattern PE4 Fourth element pattern PE5 5th element pattern PE6 6th element pattern PE7 Seventh element pattern PE8 8th element pattern PE Element Pattern LPE Line Element Pattern S range

Claims

[Claim 1] 1. A lighting method for notifying an object in a first area that a moving object is approaching a second area adjacent to the first area and through which moving objects pass, comprising: An illumination method comprising the step of projecting a pattern onto a range including the second region and located at least one of forward and backward in a direction of movement of the moving body.

Images