Light-emitting device, control method of light-emitting device and program

Abstract

To effectively transmit the situation of a vehicle to a passenger.SOLUTION: A light-emitting device 10 is provided on a vehicle. The light-emitting device 10 includes a light-emitting part 120, and a control part 130. The light-emitting part 120 emits light corresponding to predetermined states of the vehicle. The control part 130 controls the light-emitting part. The light-emitting part 120 emits light in light-emitting colors corresponding to each of a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state among the predetermined states, and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state among the predetermined states. When the light-emitting color in the first light-emitting pattern and the light-emitting color in the second light-emitting pattern are similar colors, the control part 130 controls the light-emitting part 120 so that the light-emitting color in the first light-emitting pattern, and the light-emitting color in the second light-emitting pattern are made different from one another.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light-emitting device, a control method of the light-emitting device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to making a display unit that displays information to be recognized by a passenger recognizable to the passenger in an information presentation device.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique related to a vehicle lighting device that shares a light source and achieves both a lighting function and an effective illumination effect.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As in the above Patent Document 1 and the above Patent Document 2, a technique of causing a light-emitting unit to emit light in a predetermined light-emitting pattern according to the situation of a vehicle is disclosed, but it is required to more effectively convey the situation of the vehicle to the passenger.

[0006] As an example of the problems to be solved by the present invention, effectively conveying the situation of the vehicle to the passenger can be mentioned.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The invention according to claim 1 is a light-emitting device provided in a vehicle, a light-emitting unit that emits light corresponding to a predetermined state of the vehicle, A control unit that controls the light emitting unit, and The light emitting unit emits light in a light emission color corresponding to each pattern, with a first light emission pattern corresponding to a first state among the predetermined states and a second light emission pattern corresponding to a second state among the predetermined states. When the light emission color in the first light emission pattern and the light emission color in the second light emission pattern are analogous colors, the control unit controls the light emitting unit so as to make the light emission color in the first light emission pattern different from the light emission color in the second light emission pattern. The light emitting device is as described above.

[0008] The invention according to claim 7 is A method for controlling a light emitting device provided in a vehicle, comprising: The light emitting device includes a light emitting unit that emits light corresponding to a predetermined state of the vehicle. The light emitting unit emits light in a light emission color corresponding to each pattern, with a first light emission pattern corresponding to a first state among the predetermined states and a second light emission pattern corresponding to a second state among the predetermined states. When the light emission color in the first light emission pattern and the light emission color in the second light emission pattern are analogous colors, a computer controls the light emitting unit so as to make the light emission color in the first light emission pattern different from the light emission color in the second light emission pattern. The method is for controlling a light emitting device.

[0009] The invention according to claim 8 is A program for controlling a light emitting device provided in a vehicle, comprising: The light emitting device includes a light emitting unit that emits light corresponding to a predetermined state of the vehicle. The light emitting unit emits light in a light emission color corresponding to each pattern, with a first light emission pattern corresponding to a first state among the predetermined states and a second light emission pattern corresponding to a second state among the predetermined states. A program that causes a computer to control the light emitting unit so as to make the light emission color in the first light emission pattern different from the light emission color in the second light emission pattern when the light emission color in the first light emission pattern and the light emission color in the second light emission pattern are analogous colors.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] In the following description, each component of each device represents a block of a functional unit, not a configuration of a hardware unit. Each component of each device is realized by an arbitrary combination of hardware and software centered around a CPU, a memory, a program loaded into the memory, a storage medium such as a hard disk storing the program, and a network connection interface of an arbitrary computer. And there are various modifications to the realization method and device.

[0013] <First Embodiment> (Light-emitting device 10) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the light-emitting device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the light-emitting device 10 is provided in a vehicle. In the first embodiment, the light-emitting device 10 is disposed inside the vehicle and emits light toward the passenger space where passengers board. The light-emitting device 10 includes a light-emitting unit 120 and a control unit 130. The light-emitting unit 120 has a plurality of light-emitting regions 122 as will be described later. The plurality of light-emitting regions 122 are arranged along one direction.

[0014] For example, the light-emitting device 10 is used together with a display 110. The display 110 is, for example, a part of a navigation device and performs display based on navigation information and the current position. The control unit that controls the display 110 may be the control unit 130 or may be different from the control unit 130. The display 110 may be a portable device that can be brought into the vehicle, for example, a display provided in a tablet terminal or a so-called smartphone.

[0015] The control unit 130 may be incorporated into the same housing as the light emitting unit 120, or may be incorporated into a housing different from the light emitting unit 120. For example, the control unit 130 may have functions other than the control of the light emitting unit 120, such as a wireless communication function.

[0016] The light emitting unit 120 is arranged, for example, along the width direction of the vehicle. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the light emitting unit 120 is arranged along a part of the edge of the display 110. For example, when the display 110 is substantially rectangular, the light emitting unit 120 is arranged near the upper edge or the lower edge of the display 110. When the light emitting unit 120 is arranged near the upper edge of the display, the passenger can recognize the light emitting unit 120 without lowering the line of sight. Therefore, when the light emitting unit 120 is arranged in the driver's field of view (including the case of peripheral vision), the driver does not need to lower the line of sight when recognizing the light emitting unit 120, so it is possible to suppress interference with driving.

[0017] The width of the light emitting unit 120 is, for example, 50% or more and 130% or less of the horizontal width of the display 110, preferably 80% or more and 100% or less. When the width of the light emitting unit 120 is within this range, the design property is improved and it becomes easier to cooperate the display content of the display 110 and the light emission pattern of the light emitting unit 120. For example, when a notification icon is displayed in the upper right of the display 110, the light emitting area 122 closest to this icon can be lit.

[0018] The light emitting unit 120 may be incorporated into the same housing as the display 110. In this case, the display 110 and the light emitting unit 120 may be incorporated into the vehicle, or may be a portable device that can be brought into the vehicle, such as a tablet terminal or a so-called smartphone.

[0019] Further, the light emitting unit 120 may be externally attached to a structure facing the passenger space of the vehicle, such as a dashboard, or may be externally attached to a device having the display 110.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the light emitting unit 120. In the first embodiment, the light emitting unit 120 has a configuration in which a plurality of light emitting regions 122 are arranged in a row. The light emitting unit 120 may have a configuration in which the light emitting regions 122 are arranged in a plurality of rows, for example, n rows and m columns (n ≧ 3 and m ≧ 2). Here, m indicates the number of light emitting regions 122 in the lateral direction (the width direction of the vehicle), and n indicates the number of light emitting regions 122 in the height direction of the vehicle. The plurality of light emitting regions 122 may be arranged at intervals or may be arranged continuously without intervals. When the plurality of light emitting regions 122 are arranged at intervals, the gap between adjacent light emitting regions 122 is, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less. Further, the light emitting region 122 has a light emitting element such as an LED, for example.

[0021] The light emitting unit 120 emits light corresponding to a predetermined state of the vehicle. The "predetermined state of the vehicle" refers to a state related to the vehicle and is also a predetermined vehicle situation. The "predetermined state of the vehicle" includes, for example, a state in which the vehicle is approaching a right or left turn (or U-turn) point during route guidance by navigation, a state in which the vehicle should make a right or left turn (or U-turn), a state in which the vehicle should go straight, a state in which another vehicle is approaching the vehicle rapidly, a state in which an object exists near the vehicle, a state in which the vehicle is decelerating (accelerating) rapidly, a state in which the vehicle is parked (stopped), a state in which some abnormality has occurred in the vehicle, and a steady state in which there is no information to be notified to the passengers of the vehicle. The steady state is a state in which light is constantly emitted in a state where there is no information to be notified to the passengers of the vehicle, and includes a state in which light is emitted in conjunction with reproduction information such as music.

[0022] (Light emission pattern) The light emitting unit 120 emits light in a light emission pattern corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined states of the vehicle. The light emission pattern refers to the type of light emission of the light emitting unit 120. The light emission pattern includes light emission modes such as the light emission color, light emission intensity, and the way of selecting the light emission region 122 to be emitted (the length, position, and movement of the light emission bar 124 described later). For example, the control unit 130 controls the length, position, and movement of the light emission bar 124 described later by selecting the light emission region 122 to be emitted. The control unit 130 controls at least one of the light emission intensity, light emission color, and the way of selecting the light emission region 122 to be emitted for the plurality of light emission regions 122.

[0023] In the first embodiment, the light emission pattern includes a first light emission pattern and a second light emission pattern. The first light emission pattern is a light emission pattern corresponding to the first state among the predetermined states. The first state is a state of a certain specific vehicle (such as turning right or left, sudden approach, etc.) and is included in the predetermined states. The second light emission pattern is a light emission pattern corresponding to the second state among the predetermined states. The second light emission pattern is a light emission pattern different from the first light emission pattern and is a light emission pattern after the first light emission pattern. The second state is a state different from the first state and is a predetermined state after the first state.

[0024] (First example of the light emission pattern) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of the light emission pattern according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the light emission pattern has a pattern when the vehicle approaches a point where it should change its traveling direction. The point where the vehicle should change its traveling direction is, for example, an intersection where it should turn right or left, or a point where it should make a U-turn. The example shown in FIG. 3 is a light emission pattern suggesting that the vehicle is approaching a right-turning point.

[0025] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the light-emitting region 122 includes a non-light-emitting light-emitting region 122a and a light-emitting light-emitting region 122b. The control unit 130 controls the plurality of light-emitting regions 122 according to the distance between the vehicle and the above-mentioned point. For example, as the distance between the vehicle and the above-mentioned point decreases, the control unit 130 decreases the number of light-emitting light-emitting regions 122b (increases the number of non-light-emitting light-emitting regions 122a).

[0026] For example, the control unit 130 controls the plurality of light-emitting regions 122 to cause the light-emitting bar 124 to be displayed on the light-emitting unit 120, and shortens the light-emitting bar 124 as the distance between the vehicle and the point decreases. At this time, for example, when the above-mentioned point is an intersection where a right turn should be made or a point where a U-turn should be made to the right as shown in FIG. 3, the light-emitting bar 124 is shortened from the left side. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned point is an intersection where a left turn should be made or a point where a U-turn should be made to the left, the light-emitting bar 124 is shortened from the right side. This is a pattern that is the opposite of left and right to FIG. 3.

[0027] (Second example of the light-emitting pattern) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of the light-emitting pattern according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle is approaching an intersection where it should change its traveling direction to the right, and shows the light-emitting pattern when making a right turn.

[0028] For example, the control unit 130 provides the light-emitting bar 124 by causing a part of the plurality of light-emitting regions 122 to emit light, and controls the plurality of light-emitting regions 122 so that the light-emitting bar 124 moves in the lateral direction (the width direction of the vehicle). At this time, the control unit 130 controls the moving direction of the light-emitting bar 124 based on the direction in which the vehicle turns. For example, in the case of an intersection where a right turn should be made, the control unit 130 moves the light-emitting bar 124 from left to right. Also, in the case of an intersection where a left turn should be made, the control unit 130 moves the light-emitting bar 124 from right to left.

[0029] Note that the control unit 130 causes only one light-emitting bar 124 to be displayed, for example. However, this number is not limited to one, and a plurality of them may be used. When a plurality of light-emitting bars 124 are provided, the control unit 130 may start displaying the tip of the next light-emitting bar 124 at the other end of the light-emitting unit 120 immediately before a certain light-emitting bar 124 finishes moving, that is, when the rear end of the light-emitting bar 124 remains at one end of the light-emitting unit 120.

[0030] The apparent moving speed of the light-emitting bar 124 preferably moves at a constant speed. By moving at a constant speed, the vehicle passengers can correctly recognize the moving direction regardless of the timing at which they view the light-emitting unit.

[0031] Then, when the light-emitting bar 124 reaches the end of the light-emitting unit 120, the control unit 130 turns off the entire light-emitting unit 120 for a predetermined time (t1 [s]), and then forms the light-emitting bar 124 again to move the light-emitting bar 124. The control unit 130 repeats this control. The length t1 [s] of this light-off time is shorter than the length t2 [s] of the time during which the light-emitting bar 124 is displayed, for example, 0.3 times or more and 0.7 times or less of t2 [s]. Here, it is not necessary to turn off the entire light-emitting unit 120 at once. However, when this light-off is performed, the passengers can easily distinguish the current light-emitting pattern from other light-emitting patterns.

[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 4, while the light-emitting bar 124 moves without overlapping the end of the light-emitting unit 120, the length of the light-emitting bar 124 does not change. However, the length of the light-emitting bar 124 may change in conjunction with the movement of the light-emitting bar 124. Specifically, when moving the light-emitting bar 124 from left to right, the control unit 130 gradually increases the number of the lit light-emitting regions 122 so that the light-emitting bar 124 becomes longer from the left end of the light-emitting unit 120. After the light-emitting bar 124 reaches the specified length (the state of the first stage in FIG. 4), the light-emitting bar 124 may be moved in a direction away from the left end. Then, after the light-emitting bar 124 reaches the right end of the light-emitting unit 120 (the state of the third stage in FIG. 4), the control unit 130 gradually reduces the number of the lit light-emitting regions 122, thereby shortening it toward the right end of the light-emitting unit 120, and finally turning off the entire light-emitting unit 120 (the state of the fourth stage in FIG. 4). By doing so, it becomes easier for the passenger to recognize the movement of the light-emitting bar 124. The length of the light-emitting bar 124 (for example, the number of the light-emitting regions 122 constituting the light-emitting bar 124) is, for example, 20% or more and 70% or less, preferably 25% or more and 35% or less of the length of the light-emitting unit 120 (for example, the number of 122 constituting the light-emitting unit 120), but is not limited thereto.

[0033] (Boundary light-emitting pattern) The boundary light-emitting pattern is a light-emitting pattern different from the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern. The boundary light-emitting pattern is a light-emitting pattern not related to a predetermined state of the vehicle. The boundary light-emitting pattern is a light-emitting pattern not corresponding to a predetermined state. In the first embodiment, the boundary light-emitting pattern is used at the boundary between the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern. The boundary light-emitting pattern has a role of clarifying the boundary of the light-emitting pattern. The light-emitting mode of the boundary light-emitting pattern can be set by the user in advance.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a boundary light emission pattern according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the boundary light emission pattern is a light emission pattern in which all of the plurality of light emission regions 122 are lit. As another example, the boundary light emission pattern may include at least one of the following: all of the plurality of light emission regions 122 are turned off, all of the plurality of light emission regions 122 are continuously flashing, and all of the plurality of light emission regions 122 emit a specific color.

[0035] As yet another example, the boundary light emission pattern may include at least one of the following: at least a part of the plurality of light emission regions 122 is turned off, at least a part of the plurality of light emission regions 122 is lit, at least a part of the plurality of light emission regions 122 is continuously flashing, and at least a part of the plurality of light emission regions 122 emits a specific color. When the boundary light emission pattern is such that at least a part of the plurality of light emission regions 122 is lit, the boundary light emission pattern may include, for example, about 80% of the plurality of light emission regions 122 being lit.

[0036] The control unit 130 controls the light emitting unit 120 to insert a boundary light emission pattern between the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern. In the first embodiment, the control unit 130 may control the light emitting unit 120 to insert a boundary light emission pattern when the light emission color of the light emitting unit 120 corresponding to the first light emission pattern and the light emission color of the light emitting unit 120 corresponding to the second light emission pattern are analogous colors.

[0037] Further, the control unit 130 may determine whether the colors are analogous colors using color information defined based on a color representation method using a plurality of colors. The color information defined based on a color representation method using a plurality of colors includes color information represented by RGB (red, green, blue) and color information represented by CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, key plate (black, etc.)). When determining whether the colors are analogous colors using the color information represented by RGB (red, green, blue), the control unit 130 may determine that the colors are analogous colors when the RGB values are within a predetermined reference value.

[0038] In addition, the light-emitting device 10 can be set to a color vision mode corresponding to each of one-color type color vision, two-color type color vision, and three-color type color vision. Three-color type color vision is a type of color vision that can distinguish three main colors (red, green, and blue). Two-color type color vision is a type of color vision in which it is almost impossible to distinguish one of the three main colors. One-color type color vision is so-called complete color blindness, a state in which there is no sensation for colors, and a state in which everything appears gray like a monochrome photograph.

[0039] In the first embodiment, the control unit 130 may determine whether colors are of the same series for each of the above color vision modes.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the control unit 130. The control unit 130 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0041] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for the processor 1020, the memory 1030, the storage device 1040, the input / output interface 1050, and the network interface 1060 to transmit and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0042] The processor 1020 is a processor realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0043] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0044] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a removable medium such as a memory card, or a read only memory (ROM), etc., and has a recording medium. This recording medium stores program modules for realizing the respective functions of the control unit 130. By the processor 1020 loading and executing these program modules onto the memory 1030, the respective functions corresponding to those program modules are realized.

[0045] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the control unit 130 and various input / output devices. For example, the control unit 130 communicates with the light emitting unit 120 via the input / output interface 1050.

[0046] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the control unit 130 to a network. This network is, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). The method by which the network interface 1060 connects to the network may be a wireless connection or a wired connection.

[0047] (Operation example of the first embodiment) FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control example of the control unit 130 according to the first embodiment. Using FIG. 7, a control example of the light emitting unit 120 by the control unit 130 will be described. In FIG. 7, it is assumed that the driver is going straight on the road and then turns right at an intersection.

[0048] In step S100, the control unit 130 acquires the current predetermined state of the vehicle as a first state. In the first embodiment, the driver is going straight on the road, and it is a state where there is no information to be notified to the passenger (driver) (= steady state). In this case, the control unit 130 acquires the steady state as the first state.

[0049] Next, in step S200, the control unit 130 controls the light emitting unit 120 to emit light in a first light emission pattern corresponding to the first state (steady state).

[0050] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing control of the light emitting unit 120 according to an operation example of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the first light emission pattern A corresponding to the first state (steady state) is a light emission pattern in which all of the light emission regions 122 of the light emitting unit 120 are lit. Note that the light emission color of the light emitting unit 120 corresponding to the steady state can be set in advance by the user.

[0051] Returning to FIG. 7, in step S300, the control unit 130 determines whether or not a predetermined state of the vehicle has become the second state. The second state is a state of the vehicle different from the first state and is a predetermined state of the vehicle following the first state. If the vehicle does not enter the second state and remains in the first state (steady state in the first embodiment) (NO in step S300), the process of step S300 is repeated. For example, if an intersection where a right turn should be made approaches and the predetermined state of the vehicle becomes the second state (a state where a point where a right turn should be made is approaching), the control unit 130 determines that the predetermined state of the vehicle has become the second state (YES in step S300) and proceeds to step S400.

[0052] In step S400, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the light emission color of the light emission pattern corresponding to the steady state (the first light emission pattern corresponding to the first state) and the light emission color of the second light emission pattern corresponding to the second state (a state where a point where a right turn should be made is approaching) are analogous colors. In the first embodiment, for example, if the RGB values of the light emission color of the first light emission pattern corresponding to the first state (steady state) and the RGB values of the light emission color of the second light emission pattern corresponding to the second state are within a predetermined range, the control unit 130 may determine that they are analogous colors. If the light emission color corresponding to the first state and the light emission color corresponding to the second state are analogous colors (YES in step S400), the process proceeds to step S500.

[0053] In step S500, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 130 inserts the boundary emission pattern B, and then controls the light emitting unit 120 to emit light in the second emission pattern C. Similar to FIG. 3, the second emission pattern C is an emission pattern that suggests approaching a right turn point. In the first embodiment, similar to FIG. 5, the boundary emission pattern B is an emission pattern in which all of the plurality of light emitting regions 122 are lit. Note that in the first embodiment, the emission color of the boundary emission pattern B is different from the emission colors of the first emission pattern A and the second emission pattern C. This makes it easier for the passenger to distinguish the boundary emission pattern B from the first emission pattern A and the second emission pattern C.

[0054] As described above, as shown in FIG. 8, when the vehicle is in the steady state (first state), the light emitting unit 120 emits light in the first emission pattern A corresponding to the first state (steady state). When the emission color of the second emission pattern corresponding to the second state is a color in the same color system as the emission color of the first emission pattern A, the boundary emission pattern B is inserted (for example, for 0.5 [s]), and then the second emission pattern C is obtained.

[0055] Returning to FIG. 7, when the emission color of the second emission pattern corresponding to the second state is not a color in the same color system (NO in step S400), the process proceeds to step S600. In step S600, the control unit 130 controls the light emitting unit 120 to emit light in the second emission pattern C without inserting the boundary emission pattern B as shown in FIG. 8. That is, in step S600, the light is emitted continuously in the order of the first emission pattern A and the second emission pattern C.

[0056] As described above, the light-emitting device 10 according to the first embodiment includes a light-emitting unit 120 and a control unit 130. The control unit 130 controls the light-emitting unit 120 to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern between a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state among predetermined states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state among the predetermined states. By inserting the boundary light-emitting pattern between the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern, the boundary between the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern becomes clear. As a result, a passenger (especially a driver) can easily recognize that the pattern has switched from the first light-emitting pattern to the second light-emitting pattern. Therefore, the passenger can easily recognize that the state of the vehicle has changed. Accordingly, the vehicle situation can be effectively conveyed to the passenger.

[0057] Furthermore, the emission color of the boundary light-emitting pattern may be different from the emission colors of the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern. Thereby, since the boundary between the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern becomes clearer, a passenger (especially a driver) can more easily recognize that the pattern has switched from the first light-emitting pattern to the second light-emitting pattern.

[0058] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the emission color of the light-emitting unit 120 corresponding to the steady state can be set by the passenger. Therefore, the passenger can arbitrarily (according to preference) set the emission color of the light-emitting unit 120 in the steady state. However, when switching from the steady state (the first state) to the second state, if the emission color of the light-emitting unit 120 in the second light-emitting pattern corresponding to the second state is a color of the same system as the emission color of the light-emitting unit 120 in the steady state, the passenger will have difficulty recognizing that the state has switched from the steady state to the second state.

[0059] However, when the emission color of the light emitting unit 120 corresponding to the steady state (first state) and the emission color corresponding to the second state are analogous colors, the control unit 130 according to the first embodiment controls the light emitting unit 120 to insert a boundary emission pattern. Thereby, the boundary between the first emission pattern (steady state) and the second emission pattern (second state) becomes clear. In this way, even if the emission color of the light emitting unit 120 corresponding to the steady state can be freely set by the passenger, the passenger can easily recognize that the state has switched from the steady state (first state) to the second state.

[0060] Furthermore, the light emitting device 10 can be set to a color vision mode corresponding to each of one-color type color vision, two-color type color vision, and three-color type color vision, and the control unit 130 may determine whether or not they are analogous colors for each color vision mode.

[0061] For example, among those with two-color type color vision, people with deuteranopia have difficulty distinguishing between red and green, or between yellow-green and yellow (they appear to be analogous colors). Therefore, in the case of the two-color type color vision mode, when the emission color of the light emitting unit 120 in the first emission pattern is red and the emission color of the light emitting unit 120 in the second emission pattern is green, the control unit 130 may determine that the respective emission colors are analogous colors (assuming that they are not determined to be analogous colors in the normal mode). Furthermore, when the control unit 130 determines that they are the above-mentioned analogous colors, the control unit 130 may control to change the emission color of the light emitting unit 120 in the second emission pattern from, for example, green to yellow so as to change to a color that is easier to distinguish for those with two-color type color vision. Thereby, even for a passenger with color weakness, it becomes easier to recognize the difference in the emission colors of the light emitting unit 120.

[0062] <Second Embodiment> (Operation Example of the Second Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the control of the light emitting unit 120 according to the operation example of the second embodiment. The functional configuration of the light emitting device 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 1. The operation example of the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in the flow after step S300. In the second embodiment, priorities are preset for the first emission pattern and the second emission pattern.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a part of the control of the light emitting unit 120 according to the operation example of the second embodiment. In the example of FIG. 10, it is described on the premise that when the driver is approaching the right turn point and another vehicle is approaching from the right rear. The first light emission pattern D in FIG. 10 is the same as the second light emission pattern C according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 8), and is a light emission pattern suggesting that the vehicle is approaching the right turn point, but the light emission pattern is interrupted in the middle. The second light emission pattern E in FIG. 10 is a light emission pattern in which a plurality of light emission regions 122 at the right end portion of the light emitting unit 120 emit light in, for example, red suggesting a warning. The second light emission pattern E is a light emission pattern when another vehicle is approaching from the right rear with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle. In this case, for example, it is assumed that the priority of the second light emission pattern E is set higher than the priority of the first light emission pattern D.

[0064] Returning to FIG. 9, in step S401 after step S300, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the priority of the second light emission pattern E is the same as or lower than the priority of the first light emission pattern D. As described above, when the priority of the second light emission pattern E in the second embodiment is set higher than the priority of the first light emission pattern D (NO in step S401), the process proceeds to step S601. Then, in step S601, the control unit 130 controls the light emitting unit 120 so as not to include the boundary light emission pattern. As shown in FIG. 10, no boundary light emission pattern is inserted between the first light emission pattern D and the second light emission pattern E. In this way, when a light emission pattern with a higher priority than the first light emission pattern comes after the first light emission pattern, by omitting the boundary light emission pattern, a predetermined state with a higher (urgent) priority can be immediately conveyed to the driver.

[0065] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another part of the control of the light emitting unit 120 according to the operation example of the second embodiment. The operation example of FIG. 11 is the same as the operation example of FIG. 10, but the parts defining the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern are different. The first light emission pattern F in FIG. 11 is the same as the second light emission pattern E in FIG. 10, which is the light emission pattern when another vehicle approaches from the rear right with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle. The second light emission pattern H in FIG. 11 is a light emission pattern suggesting that the vehicle is approaching a right turn point. Note that the second light emission pattern H may show the continuation of the first light emission pattern D in FIG. 10. In this case, the priority of the second light emission pattern H is set lower than the priority of the first light emission pattern F.

[0066] Returning to FIG. 9, in step S401, if it is determined whether or not the priorities of the first light emission pattern F and the second light emission pattern H shown in FIG. 11 are the same or lower, then as described above, since the priority of the second light emission pattern H in the second embodiment is lower than the priority of the first light emission pattern F, the process proceeds to step S501. Then, in step S501, the control unit 130 controls the light emitting unit 120 to insert the boundary light emission pattern G as shown in FIG. 11. In this way, when a light emission pattern with a lower priority than the first light emission pattern comes after the first light emission pattern, by inserting the boundary light emission pattern, the boundary between the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern can be clarified while considering the importance (urgency).

[0067] <Third Embodiment> (Operation Example of the Third Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of the light emitting device 10 according to the third embodiment. The functional configuration of the light emitting device 10 according to the third embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 1. Also, for the operation example of the third embodiment, the flow after step S300 is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0068] When the control unit 130 according to the third embodiment determines that the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern have commonality, the control unit 130 controls the light emitting unit 120 to insert a boundary light emission pattern. "The first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern have commonality" means that the light emission modes such as the light emission color, light emission intensity, and the way of selecting the light emission region 122 to be lit of the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern are the same, of the same kind, or similar. The light emission patterns having commonality (of the same kind, similar) are, for example, a light emission pattern in which the light emission bar 124 moves toward the right end of the light emitting unit 120 (right turn) and a light emission pattern in which the light emission bar 124 moves toward the left end of the light emitting unit 120 (left turn). As another example, there are a light emission pattern in which only the right side of the light emitting unit 120 emits light (a vehicle approaches from the right rear) and a light emission pattern in which only the left side of the light emitting unit 120 emits light (a vehicle approaches from the left rear).

[0069] In step S402 after step S300, the control unit 130 determines whether the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern have commonality.

[0070] If the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern have commonality (YES in step S402), the process proceeds to step S502. Then, in step S502, the control unit 130 controls the light emitting unit 120 to insert a boundary light emission pattern between the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern.

[0071] If the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern do not have commonality (NO in step S402), the process proceeds to step S602. Then, in step S602, the control unit 130 controls the light emitting unit 120 not to insert a boundary light emission pattern.

[0072] As described above, the control unit 130 according to the third embodiment determines whether to insert the boundary light emission pattern according to whether the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern have commonality. As a result, when switching to a light emission pattern with a similar light emission mode, the boundary light emission pattern is inserted, making it easier for the passenger to recognize that the light emission pattern has switched, that is, the state of the vehicle has switched.

[0073] <Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing of the light emitting device 10 according to the fourth embodiment. The functional configuration of the light emitting device 10 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 1. Regarding the operation example of the fourth embodiment as well, the flow after step S400 is different from that of the first embodiment. The light emitting unit 120 according to the fourth embodiment emits light in a light emission color corresponding to each pattern, with a first light emission pattern corresponding to the first state among the predetermined states and a second light emission pattern corresponding to the second state among the predetermined states. The light emitting unit 120 according to the fourth embodiment does not emit light in a boundary light emission pattern like that of the first embodiment.

[0074] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the control of the light emitting unit 120 according to the operation example of the fourth embodiment. The example in FIG. 14 shows the state when a vehicle that has been going straight on the road is approaching an intersection where it should turn right. The first light emission pattern I in the first state is the light emission pattern in the steady state, and the second light emission pattern J in the second state is the light emission pattern when the vehicle is approaching an intersection where it should turn right.

[0075] Returning to FIG. 13, in step S400, the control unit 130 determines whether the light emission color in the first light emission pattern and the light emission color in the second light emission pattern are of the same color system.

[0076] When the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are analogous colors (YES in step S400), the process proceeds to step S503, and the control unit 130 controls the light emitting unit 120 so as to make the emission color in the first emission pattern different from the emission color in the second emission pattern. For example, when the emission color in the first emission pattern I shown in FIG. 14 is green and the emission color in the second emission pattern J is also green, the control unit 130 may change the emission color in the second emission pattern J to blue and cause the light emitting unit 120 to emit light.

[0077] Note that the control unit 130 may change either the emission color corresponding to the first emission pattern or the emission color corresponding to the second emission pattern. For example, a case where the vehicle is going straight on a road, approaching an intersection where a right turn should be made, and then making a right turn at the intersection will be described. Since the navigation device can predict approaching an intersection where a right turn should be made and then making a right turn at the intersection, when the emission color of the first emission pattern in the state of approaching the intersection where a right turn should be made and the second emission pattern in the state of making a right turn at the intersection are analogous colors, the emission color of the first emission pattern in the state of approaching the intersection where a right turn should be made may be changed in advance.

[0078] Returning to FIG. 13, when the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are not analogous colors (NO in step S400), the process proceeds to step S603, and the control unit 130 does not change either the emission color in the first emission pattern or the emission color in the second emission pattern.

[0079] As described above, when the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are analogous colors, the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment controls the light emitting unit 120 so as to make the emission color in the first emission pattern different from the emission color in the second emission pattern. Thereby, since it becomes easier for the passenger to recognize that the second emission pattern has been switched, the passenger can effectively recognize that the situation of the vehicle has changed.

[0080] Furthermore, at least one of the emission colors in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern may be preset. Also, the first state may be a steady state, and the emission color in the first emission pattern corresponding to the steady state may be preset. Thereby, since the preferred color of the passenger can be reflected, the driving comfort is improved.

[0081] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may determine whether colors are of the same color family using color information (e.g., RGB) defined based on a color representation method expressed using multiple colors. Also, when the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are of the same color family, the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may control the light emitting unit 120 so that the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are different colors within the range of the same color family.

[0082] "Different colors within the range of the same color family" refers to, for example, colors whose RGB values are within a predetermined range. For example, when the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are green (i.e., both are of the same color family), the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may change the emission color in the second emission pattern to a light green whose RGB value is within a predetermined range. Thereby, while maintaining the preference of the passenger, it can be made easier to recognize that the switch has been made from the first emission pattern to the second emission pattern.

[0083] Furthermore, when the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are of the same color family, the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may control the light emitting unit 120 so that the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are different colors outside the range of the same color family.

[0084] "Another color outside the range of the same color system" refers to, for example, a color whose RGB value is outside a predetermined range. For example, when the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are green (that is, when both are the same color system), the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may change the emission color in the second emission pattern to blue whose RGB value is outside the predetermined range. Thereby, it is possible to make it easier to recognize that the switch has been made from the first emission pattern to the second emission pattern.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may determine whether the colors are the same color system for each color vision mode. In addition, when the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are the same color system, the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may control the light emitting unit 120 so as to make the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern different for each color vision mode. Thereby, even a color - weak passenger can easily recognize the difference in the emission colors of the light emitting unit 120.

[0086] <Fifth Embodiment> FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of the control of the light emitting unit 120 according to the fifth embodiment. The functional configuration of the light emitting device 10 according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 1. Priority levels are set for each of the emission patterns according to the fifth embodiment. And the control unit 130 according to the fifth embodiment controls the light emitting unit 120 according to the priority level when a predetermined state is realized simultaneously. Here, "simultaneously" means, in other words, when another predetermined state occurs within the time range from the start to the end of the emission pattern corresponding to a certain predetermined state.

[0087] In the example shown in FIG. 15, when the vehicle is approaching the right - turn point at an intersection, it shows the emission pattern when another vehicle approaches from the right rear with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle. It is assumed that the priority level of the emission pattern when approaching the right - turn point is lower than the priority level of the emission pattern when another vehicle approaches from the right rear with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 15, when the vehicle is approaching the right-turn point at the intersection (predetermined state), the light-emitting unit 120 emits light in the first light-emitting pattern K. And when another vehicle is approaching from the right rear with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle (predetermined state), the light-emitting unit 120 emits light in the second light-emitting pattern L. And when the above-described predetermined states are simultaneously realized, the control unit 130 controls the light-emitting unit 120 according to the priority order. Specifically, for example, while the light-emitting unit 120 is emitting light in the first light-emitting pattern K, the control unit 130 interrupts the second light-emitting pattern L having a higher priority than the priority of the first light-emitting pattern K, and changes the light-emitting pattern. Thereby, it is possible to immediately notify the passenger of a predetermined state with high importance and urgency.

[0089] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 130 according to the fifth embodiment may control the light-emitting unit 120 so as to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern between the first light-emitting pattern corresponding to the first state among the predetermined states and the second light-emitting pattern corresponding to the second state among the predetermined states.

[0090] Furthermore, similar to the second embodiment, when the light-emitting unit 120 is emitting light in the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern having a higher priority than the priority of the first light-emitting pattern is obtained, the control unit 130 according to the fifth embodiment may control the light-emitting unit 120 so as not to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern.

[0091] Furthermore, similar to the second embodiment, when the light-emitting unit 120 is emitting light in the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern having a priority equal to or lower than the priority of the first light-emitting pattern is obtained, the control unit 130 according to the fifth embodiment may control the light-emitting unit 120 so as to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern.

[0092] Furthermore, similar to the third embodiment, when the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern have commonality, the control unit 130 according to the fifth embodiment may control the light-emitting unit 120 so as to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern.

[0093] Furthermore, in the light emission pattern according to the fifth embodiment, the light emission color may be set for each priority level. In the fifth embodiment, the light emission color may be determined for each function of the vehicle (steady state, route guidance, warning, etc.). And a priority level may be set for each such function. By setting the light emission color for each priority level, for example, by setting red as the light emission color of the light emission pattern with a high priority level, it becomes easier for the passengers to recognize the importance and urgency.

[0094] As described above, the embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings, but these are examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than the above can also be adopted.

[0095] The vehicle may be a motor vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle. The light-emitting device 10 may be located outside the vehicle (mounted on a motorcycle).

[0096] The light-emitting unit 120 does not necessarily have a plurality of light-emitting regions 122. That is, the light-emitting unit 120 may be configured to have one light-emitting region 122.

[0097] Examples of reference forms are appended below. 1. A light-emitting device provided in a vehicle, a light-emitting unit that emits light corresponding to a predetermined state of the vehicle; a control unit that controls the light-emitting unit, wherein the light-emitting unit emits light in a first light emission pattern corresponding to a first state among the predetermined states and a second light emission pattern corresponding to a second state among the predetermined states, with a light emission color corresponding to each pattern; and the control unit controls the light-emitting unit so as to make the light emission color in the first light emission pattern different from the light emission color in the second light emission pattern when the light emission color in the first light emission pattern and the light emission color in the second light emission pattern are analogous colors. 2. The light-emitting device according to 1., wherein at least one of the light emission color in the first light emission pattern and the light emission color in the second light emission pattern can be set in advance. 3. In the light-emitting device according to 2., the first state includes a steady state in which there is no information to be notified to the vehicle occupant, a light-emitting device in which the emission color in the first light emission pattern is preset. 4. In the light-emitting device according to any one of 1. to 3., the control unit determines whether the colors are analogous colors using color information defined based on a color representation method expressed using a plurality of colors, when the emission color in the first light emission pattern and the emission color in the second light emission pattern are analogous colors, the control unit controls the light-emitting unit so that the emission color in the first light emission pattern and the emission color in the second light emission pattern are different colors within the range of the analogous colors. 5. In the light-emitting device according to any one of 1. to 4., the control unit determines whether the colors are analogous colors using color information defined based on a color representation method expressed using a plurality of colors, when the emission color in the first light emission pattern and the emission color in the second light emission pattern are analogous colors, the control unit controls the light-emitting unit so that the emission color in the first light emission pattern and the emission color in the second light emission pattern are different colors outside the range of the analogous colors. 6. In the light-emitting device according to any one of 1. to 5., the light-emitting device can be set to a color vision mode corresponding to each of monochromatic color vision, dichromatic color vision, and trichromatic color vision, the control unit determines whether the colors are analogous colors for each of the color vision modes, when the emission color in the first light emission pattern and the emission color in the second light emission pattern are analogous colors, the control unit controls the light-emitting unit so that the emission color in the first light emission pattern and the emission color in the second light emission pattern are different for each of the color vision modes. 7. A method for controlling a light-emitting device provided in a vehicle, The light-emitting device includes a light-emitting unit that emits light corresponding to a predetermined state of the vehicle. The light-emitting unit emits light in a light-emitting color corresponding to each pattern, with a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state among the predetermined states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state among the predetermined states. A control method for a light-emitting device, wherein when a computer determines that the light-emitting color in the first light-emitting pattern and the light-emitting color in the second light-emitting pattern are of the same color system, the computer controls the light-emitting unit to make the light-emitting color in the first light-emitting pattern different from the light-emitting color in the second light-emitting pattern. 8. A program for controlling a light-emitting device provided in a vehicle, The light-emitting device includes a light-emitting unit that emits light corresponding to a predetermined state of the vehicle. The light-emitting unit emits light in a light-emitting color corresponding to each pattern, with a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state among the predetermined states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state among the predetermined states. A program that causes a computer to control the light-emitting unit to make the light-emitting color in the first light-emitting pattern different from the light-emitting color in the second light-emitting pattern when the light-emitting color in the first light-emitting pattern and the light-emitting color in the second light-emitting pattern are of the same color system.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0098] 10 Light-emitting device 110 Display 120 Light-emitting unit 122 Light-emitting area 124 Light-emitting bar 130 Control unit

Claims

1. A light-emitting device provided in a vehicle, comprising: a light-emitting unit that emits light corresponding to a predetermined state of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the light-emitting unit, wherein the light-emitting unit emits light in a light-emitting color corresponding to each of a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state among the predetermined states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state among the predetermined states; the control unit controls the light-emitting unit so that the light-emitting color in the first light-emitting pattern and the light-emitting color in the second light-emitting pattern are different when the light-emitting color in the first light-emitting pattern and the light-emitting color in the second light-emitting pattern are analogous colors.

2. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the light-emitting color in the first light-emitting pattern and the light-emitting color in the second light-emitting pattern can be preset.

3. The light-emitting device according to claim 2, wherein the first state includes a steady state in which there is no information to be notified to a passenger of the vehicle, and the light-emitting color in the first light-emitting pattern is preset.

4. In the light-emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the control unit determines whether the colors are analogous colors using color information defined based on a color representation method represented by a plurality of colors, and when the light-emitting color in the first light-emitting pattern and the light-emitting color in the second light-emitting pattern are analogous colors, the control unit controls the light-emitting unit so that the light-emitting color in the first light-emitting pattern and the light-emitting color in the second light-emitting pattern are different colors within the range of the analogous colors.

5. In the light-emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the control unit determines whether the colors are analogous colors using color information defined based on a color representation method represented by a plurality of colors, and when the light-emitting color in the first light-emitting pattern and the light-emitting color in the second light-emitting pattern are analogous colors, the control unit controls the light-emitting unit so that the light-emitting color in the first light-emitting pattern and the light-emitting color in the second light-emitting pattern are different colors outside the range of the analogous colors.

6. In the light-emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the light-emitting device can be set to a color vision mode corresponding to each of one-color type color vision, two-color type color vision, and three-color type color vision. The control unit determines whether it is the same homologous color for each of the color vision modes. When the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are the same homologous color, the control unit controls the light emitting unit so as to make the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern different for each of the color vision modes. A light emitting device.

7. A method for controlling a light emitting device provided in a vehicle, The light emitting device includes a light emitting unit that emits light corresponding to a predetermined state of the vehicle. The light emitting unit emits light with an emission color corresponding to each pattern, with a first emission pattern corresponding to a first state among the predetermined states and a second emission pattern corresponding to a second state among the predetermined states. A method for controlling a light emitting device, wherein when a computer determines that the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are the same homologous color, the computer controls the light emitting unit so as to make the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern different.

8. A program for controlling a light emitting device provided in a vehicle, The light emitting device includes a light emitting unit that emits light corresponding to a predetermined state of the vehicle. The light emitting unit emits light with an emission color corresponding to each pattern, with a first emission pattern corresponding to a first state among the predetermined states and a second emission pattern corresponding to a second state among the predetermined states. A program that causes a computer to control the light emitting unit so as to make the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern different when the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are the same homologous color.

Images