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 in light-emitting patterns corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined states of the vehicle. The control part 130 controls the light-emitting part. Priorities are set to each of the light-emitting patterns. When the predetermined states are simultaneously achieved, the control part 130 controls the light-emitting part 120 according to the priorities.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light emitting device, a control method for a light emitting device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for enabling a passenger to recognize a display unit of an information presentation device, on which information that the passenger should recognize is displayed.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a technology relating to a vehicle lighting device that shares a light source and simultaneously provides a lighting function and produces effective illumination. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-240228 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2014-189101 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As disclosed in the above Patent Documents 1 and 2, technologies are disclosed in which the light-emitting section is illuminated in a predetermined light-emitting pattern depending on the vehicle's situation, but there is a demand for more effective communication of the vehicle's situation to the occupants.

[0006] One example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to effectively communicate the vehicle status to a passenger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is A light emitting device provided in a vehicle, a light emitting unit that emits light in a light emitting pattern corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined states of the vehicle; A control unit that controls the light emitting unit, Priority is set for each of the light emission patterns, The control unit is a light-emitting device that controls the light-emitting units in accordance with the priority order when the predetermined states are realized simultaneously.

[0008] The invention described in claim 7 is A control method for controlling a light emitting device provided in a vehicle, comprising: the light-emitting device includes a light-emitting unit that emits light in a light-emitting pattern corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined states of the vehicle, Priority is set for each of the light emission patterns, The method for controlling a light-emitting device includes a computer that controls the light-emitting units in accordance with the priority order when the predetermined states are realized simultaneously.

[0009] The invention described in claim 8 is A program for controlling a light emitting device provided in a vehicle, the light-emitting device includes a light-emitting unit that emits light in a light-emitting pattern corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined states of the vehicle, Priority is set for each of the light emission patterns, The program causes a computer to control the light-emitting units in accordance with the priority order when the predetermined states are realized simultaneously. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the light emitting device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a light-emitting unit. [Diagram 3] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a first example of a light emission pattern according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating a second example of a light emission pattern according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5]5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating examples of boundary light emission patterns according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a control unit. [Figure 7] 4 is a flow chart showing an example of control by a control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating control of a light-emitting unit according to an operation example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating control of a light-emitting unit according to an operation example of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining a part of the control of the light-emitting unit according to an operation example of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining another part of the control of the light-emitting unit in the operation example of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process of the light emitting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process of the light emitting device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating control of a light-emitting unit according to an operation example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining an example of control of a light-emitting unit according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0012] In the following description, each component of each device is represented as a functional block, not as a hardware configuration. Each component of each device is realized by any combination of hardware and software, centered on the CPU of any computer, memory, a program loaded into the memory, a storage medium such as a hard disk that stores the program, and a network connection interface. There are various variations in the realization method and device.

[0013] First Embodiment (Light emitting device 10) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a light-emitting device 10 according to a 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 a passenger space in which a passenger sits. 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 described below. The plurality of light-emitting regions 122 are arranged in 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 a current position. A 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 display provided in a portable device that can be carried into a vehicle, such as a tablet terminal or a so-called smartphone.

[0015] The control unit 130 may be incorporated in the same housing as the light-emitting unit 120, or may be incorporated in a housing separate from the light-emitting unit 120. For example, the control unit 130 may have a function 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 his / her line of sight. Therefore, when the light-emitting unit 120 is arranged in the driver's field of vision (including the case of peripheral vision), the driver does not need to lower his / her line of sight to recognize the light-emitting unit 120, and therefore, it is possible to suppress the light-emitting unit 120 from interfering with driving.

[0017] The width of light-emitting unit 120 is, for example, 50% to 130%, and preferably 80% to 100%, of the horizontal width of display 110. Keeping the width of light-emitting unit 120 within this range improves the design and makes it easier to coordinate the display content of display 110 with the light-emitting pattern of light-emitting unit 120. For example, when a notification icon is displayed in the upper right corner of display 110, it is possible to light up light-emitting area 122 closest to this icon.

[0018] The light-emitting unit 120 may be incorporated in the same housing as the display 110. In this case, the display 110 and the light-emitting unit 120 may be incorporated in 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] Furthermore, the light emitting unit 120 may be attached externally to a structure facing the passenger space of the vehicle, such as a dashboard, or may be attached externally 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 columns, 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 (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 a distance from each other, or may be arranged continuously without being spaced apart. When the plurality of light-emitting regions 122 are arranged at a distance from each other, the gap between the adjacent light-emitting regions 122 is, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less. The light-emitting region 122 has a light-emitting element such as an LED.

[0021] The light emitting unit 120 emits light in response 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 in 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 rapidly approaching the vehicle, a state in which an object exists near the vehicle, a state in which the vehicle is rapidly decelerating (rapidly accelerating), 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 vehicle occupants. The steady state is a state in which the light is constantly emitting light in a state in which there is no information to be notified to the vehicle occupants, and includes a state in which the light is emitting light in conjunction with playback information such as music.

[0022] (Lighting pattern) The light emitting unit 120 emits light in a light emitting pattern corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined states of the vehicle. The light emitting pattern refers to the type of light emitted by the light emitting unit 120. The light emitting pattern includes light emitting aspects such as the light emitting color of the light emitting unit 120, the light emitting intensity, and the method of selecting the light emitting region 122 to be illuminated (the length, position, and movement of the light emitting bar 124 described later). For example, the control unit 130 controls the length, position, and movement of the light emitting bar 124 described later by selecting the light emitting region 122 to be illuminated. The control unit 130 controls at least one of the light emitting intensity, the light emitting color, and the method of selecting the light emitting region 122 to be illuminated for the plurality of light emitting 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 a first state among the predetermined states. The first state is a specific vehicle state (turning right or left, approaching quickly, etc.) and is included in the predetermined states. The second light emission pattern is a light emission pattern corresponding to a 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 following the first light emission pattern. The second state is a state different from the first state and is a predetermined state following the first state.

[0024] (First example of light emission pattern) Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of a 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 that suggests that the vehicle is approaching a right turn point.

[0025] 3, light emitting region 122 includes non-emitting light emitting region 122a and emitting light emitting region 122b. 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, control unit 130 reduces the number of emitting light emitting regions 122b (increases the number of non-emitting light emitting regions 122a) as the distance between the vehicle and the above-mentioned point becomes shorter.

[0026] For example, the control unit 130 controls the multiple light-emitting regions 122 to cause the light-emitting unit 120 to display a light-emitting bar 124, and shortens the light-emitting bar 124 as the distance between the vehicle and the point becomes shorter. At this time, for example, as shown in Fig. 3, if the point is an intersection where a right turn is required or a point where a U-turn is required to be made to the right, the light-emitting bar 124 is shortened from the left side. On the other hand, if the point is an intersection where a left turn is required or a point where a U-turn is required to be made to the left, the light-emitting bar 124 is shortened from the right side. This is the opposite pattern to that in Fig. 3.

[0027] (Second example of light emission pattern) Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of a light emission pattern according to the first embodiment. The example shown in Fig. 4 shows a light emission pattern when a vehicle approaches an intersection where the vehicle should change its traveling direction to the right and turns right.

[0028] For example, the control unit 130 provides a light-emitting bar 124 by illuminating a portion of the light-emitting areas 122, and controls the light-emitting areas 122 so that the light-emitting bar 124 moves laterally (in 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 is required, 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 is required, the control unit 130 moves the light-emitting bar 124 from right to left.

[0029] The control unit 130 displays, for example, only one light-emitting bar 124. However, this number is not limited to one, and there may be multiple light-emitting bars 124. When there are multiple light-emitting bars 124, 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 just before a certain light-emitting bar 124 finishes moving, in other words, while 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 is preferably a constant speed. By moving at a constant speed, the passengers of the vehicle can correctly recognize the moving direction no matter when they look at the light emitting part.

[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 and moves the light-emitting bar 124. The control unit 130 repeats this control. The length of this turn-off time t1 [s] is shorter than the length of time t2 [s] during which the light-emitting bar 124 is displayed, and is, for example, 0.3 to 0.7 times t2 [s]. Here, it is not necessary to turn off the entire light-emitting unit 120 at once. However, turning off the light in this way makes it easier for the passenger to 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 is moving 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 the light-emitting bar 124 is moved from left to right, the control unit 130 may gradually increase the number of light-emitting regions 122 that are emitting light so that the light-emitting bar 124 becomes longer from the left end of the light-emitting unit 120, and after the light-emitting bar 124 reaches a specified length (first stage state in FIG. 4), the control unit 130 may move the light-emitting bar 124 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 (third stage state in FIG. 4), the control unit 130 may gradually reduce the number of light-emitting regions 122 that are emitting light, shortening the length toward the right end of the light-emitting unit 120, and finally turn off the entire light-emitting unit 120 (fourth stage state in FIG. 4). In this way, the movement of the light-emitting bar 124 can be easily recognized by the passenger. The length of the light-emitting bar 124 (e.g., the number of light-emitting regions 122 that make up the light-emitting bar 124) is, for example, 20% or more and 70% or less of the length of the light-emitting section 120 (e.g., the number of 122 that make up the light-emitting section 120), preferably 25% or more and 35% or less, but is not limited to this.

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

[0034] 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 areas 122 are lit. As another example, the boundary light emission pattern may include at least one of all of the plurality of light emission areas 122 being turned off, all of the plurality of light emission areas 122 continuously blinking, and all of the plurality of light emission areas 122 emitting a specific color.

[0035] As yet another example, the boundary light emission pattern may include at least one of at least a portion of the plurality of light emitting areas 122 being turned off, at least a portion of the plurality of light emitting areas 122 being turned on, at least a portion of the plurality of light emitting areas 122 continuously blinking, and at least a portion of the plurality of light emitting areas 122 emitting a particular color. When the boundary light emission pattern is at least a portion of the plurality of light emitting areas 122 being turned on, the boundary light emission pattern may include, for example, approximately 80% of the plurality of light emitting areas 122 being turned on.

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

[0037] In addition, the control unit 130 may determine whether the colors are similar using color information defined based on a color expression method using multiple colors. The color information defined based on a color expression method using multiple colors includes color information expressed by RGB (red, green, blue) and color information expressed by CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, key plate (black, etc.)). When determining whether the colors are similar using color information expressed by RGB (red, green, blue), the control unit 130 may determine that the colors are similar when the RGB values ​​are within a predetermined reference value.

[0038] Furthermore, the light emitting device 10 can be set to a color vision mode corresponding to each of monochromatic, dichromatic, and trichromatic color vision. Trichromatic color vision is a type of color vision in which the three main colors (red, green, and blue) can be distinguished. Dichromatic color vision is a type of color vision in which one of the three main colors can hardly be distinguished. Monochromatic color vision is what is known as total color blindness, a state in which there is no sensation of color at all, and everything appears gray, as in a monochrome photograph.

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

[0040] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration 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 transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. 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 implemented 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 removable medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, or a read only memory (ROM), and has a recording medium. This recording medium stores program modules that realize each function of the control unit 130. The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module.

[0045] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the control unit 130 to 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 for connecting the network interface 1060 to the network may be a wireless connection or a wired connection.

[0047] (Operation example of the first embodiment) Fig. 7 is a flow diagram showing an example of control by the control unit 130 according to the first embodiment. An example of control of the light-emitting unit 120 by the control unit 130 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In Fig. 7, it is assumed that the driver is driving straight along a road and then turns right at an intersection.

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

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

[0050] 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-emitting pattern A corresponding to the first state (steady state) is a light-emitting pattern in which all of the light-emitting areas 122 of the light-emitting unit 120 are lit. The light-emitting 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 judges whether the 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 that follows the first state. If the second state has not been reached and the first state (a steady state in the first embodiment) remains (NO in step S300), the process of step S300 is repeated. For example, if an intersection where a right turn should be made is approaching and the predetermined state of the vehicle has become the second state (a state in which the point where a right turn should be made is approaching), the control unit 130 judges 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 judges whether the luminous color of the luminous pattern corresponding to the stationary state (the first luminous pattern corresponding to the first state) and the luminous color of the second luminous pattern corresponding to the second state (the state where the point where a right turn is to be made is approaching) are similar colors. In the first embodiment, for example, when the RGB value of the luminous color of the first luminous pattern corresponding to the first state (stationary state) and the RGB value of the luminous color of the second luminous pattern corresponding to the second state are within a predetermined range, the control unit 130 may judge that the colors are similar. When the luminous color corresponding to the first state and the luminous color corresponding to the second state are similar colors (YES in step S400), the process proceeds to step S500.

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

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

[0055] 7, if the emission color of the second emission pattern corresponding to the second state is not similar (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 in Fig. 8. That is, in step S600, the first emission pattern A and the second emission pattern C are emitted in succession in that order.

[0056] As described above, the light emitting device 10 according to the first embodiment includes the light emitting unit 120 and the 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 the 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. This makes it easier for passengers (particularly the driver) to recognize that the first light emitting pattern has been switched to the second light emitting pattern. Therefore, the passenger can easily recognize that the state of the vehicle has changed. Therefore, the vehicle's status can be effectively conveyed to the passenger.

[0057] Furthermore, the light color of the boundary light emission pattern may be different from the light colors of the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern, which makes the boundary between the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern clearer, making it easier for passengers (especially the driver) to recognize the switch from the first light emission pattern to the second light emission pattern.

[0058] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the luminous color of the light-emitting unit 120 corresponding to the steady state can be set by the occupant. Therefore, the occupant can arbitrarily (preferably) set the luminous color of the light-emitting unit 120 in the steady state. However, when switching from the steady state (first state) to the second state, if the luminous color of the light-emitting unit 120 in the second light-emitting pattern corresponding to the second state is similar to the luminous color of the light-emitting unit 120 in the steady state, it is difficult for the occupant to recognize that the steady state has been switched to the second state.

[0059] However, the control unit 130 according to the first embodiment controls the light-emitting unit 120 to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern when the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 120 corresponding to the steady state (first state) and the light-emitting color corresponding to the second state are similar colors. This makes the boundary between the first light-emitting pattern (steady state) and the second light-emitting pattern (second state) clear. In this way, even if the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 120 corresponding to the steady state can be freely set by the passenger, it is easy for the passenger to recognize that the steady state (first state) has been switched to the second state.

[0060] Furthermore, the light emitting device 10 can be set to a color vision mode corresponding to each of monochromatic, dichromatic, and trichromatic color vision, and the control unit 130 may determine whether or not the colors are similar for each color vision mode.

[0061] For example, a person with deutochano-color vision has difficulty distinguishing between red and green, or between yellow-green and yellow (they appear to be similar colors). Therefore, in the case of the deutochano-color vision mode, when the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 120 in the first light-emitting pattern is red and the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 120 in the second light-emitting pattern is green, the control unit 130 may determine that the respective light-emitting colors are similar colors (in the case of the normal mode, the control unit 130 does not determine that the colors are similar colors). Furthermore, when the control unit 130 determines that the colors are similar, the control unit 130 may control the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 120 in the second light-emitting pattern to be changed from green to yellow, for example, to a color that is easily distinguishable for a person with deutochano-color vision. This makes it easier for even a passenger with color-weakness to recognize the difference in the light-emitting 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 an operation example of the second embodiment. The functional configuration of the light-emitting device 10 according to the second embodiment is similar to that of Fig. 1. The operation example of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the flow after step S300. In the second embodiment, a priority order is set in advance for the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting 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, a case will be described on the premise that another vehicle approaches from the right rear while the driver is approaching a right turn point. The first light emitting pattern D of FIG. 10 is a light emitting pattern that suggests that the driver is approaching a right turn point, similar to the second light emitting pattern C according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 8), but the light emitting pattern is cut off midway. The second light emitting pattern E of FIG. 10 is a light emitting pattern in which the multiple light emitting areas 122 at the right end portion of the light emitting unit 120 emit light in red, for example, suggesting a warning. The second light emitting pattern E is a light emitting pattern when another vehicle is approaching from the right rear with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle. In this case, for example, the priority of the second light emitting pattern E is set higher than the priority of the first light emitting pattern D.

[0064] Returning to FIG. 9, in step S401 after step S300, the control unit 130 judges whether the priority of the second light emission pattern E is equal to or lower than the priority of the first light emission pattern D. As described above, if 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 emission unit 120 so as not to insert a 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, the boundary light emission pattern can be omitted to immediately inform the driver of a predetermined state with a higher priority (urgent).

[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 part defining the first light emitting pattern and the second light emitting pattern is different. The first light emitting pattern F of FIG. 11 is a light emitting pattern when another vehicle approaches from the right rear with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle, similar to the second light emitting pattern E of FIG. 10. The second light emitting pattern H of FIG. 11 is a light emitting pattern that suggests that the vehicle is approaching a right turn point. Note that the second light emitting pattern H may indicate a continuation of the first light emitting pattern D of FIG. 10. In this case, the priority of the second light emitting pattern H is set lower than the priority of the first light emitting pattern F.

[0066] Returning to Fig. 9, in step S401, if it is determined whether the priorities of the first light emission pattern F and the second light emission pattern H shown in Fig. 11 are equal to or lower, as described above, 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, so the process proceeds to step S501. Then, in step S501, the control unit 130 controls the light emission 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, the boundary light emission pattern can be inserted to clarify the boundary between the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern while taking into account importance (urgency).

[0067] <Third embodiment> (Operation example of the third embodiment) Fig. 12 is a flow diagram showing the process 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 similar to that of Fig. 1. In the operation example of the third embodiment, the flow after step S300 is also different from that of the first embodiment.

[0068] The control unit 130 according to the third embodiment controls the light emitting unit 120 to include a boundary light emitting pattern when the first light emitting pattern and the second light emitting pattern have commonality. The phrase "the first light emitting pattern and the second light emitting pattern have commonality" refers to a case where the light emitting modes, such as the light emitting color, light emitting intensity, and the method of selecting the light emitting area 122 to be illuminated, of the first light emitting pattern and the second light emitting pattern are the same, the same type, or similar. Examples of light emitting patterns having commonality (the same type, similar) include a light emitting pattern (right turn) in which the light emitting bar 124 moves toward the right end of the light emitting unit 120 and a light emitting pattern (left turn) in which the light emitting bar 124 moves toward the left end of the light emitting unit 120. Another example is a light emitting pattern in which only the right side of the light emitting unit 120 lights up (a vehicle approaches from the rear on the right side), and a light emitting pattern in which only the left side of the light emitting unit 120 lights up (a vehicle approaches from the rear on the left side).

[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 a 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 emission 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 emission unit 120 so as not to include the boundary light emission pattern.

[0072] As described above, the control unit 130 according to the third embodiment determines whether to insert a boundary light emission pattern depending on 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, so that the passenger can easily recognize that the light emission pattern has been switched, that is, that the state of the vehicle has been switched.

[0073] <Fourth embodiment> FIG. 13 is a flow diagram 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 of FIG. 1. In the operation example of the fourth embodiment, the flow after step S400 is also different from that of the first embodiment. The light emitting unit 120 according to the fourth embodiment emits light in a light color corresponding to each pattern in 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 light emitting unit 120 according to the fourth embodiment does not emit light in a boundary light emitting pattern as in the first embodiment.

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

[0075] Returning to FIG. 13, in step S400, control unit 130 determines whether the emitted color in the first emission pattern and the emitted color in the second emission pattern are similar colors.

[0076] If the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are similar colors (YES in step S400), the process proceeds to step S503, where the control unit 130 controls the light-emitting unit 120 to make the emission color in the first emission pattern different from the emission color in the second emission pattern. For example, if 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] The control unit 130 may change either the light emitting color corresponding to the first light emitting pattern or the light emitting color corresponding to the second light emitting pattern. For example, a case will be described in which a vehicle travels straight along a road, approaches an intersection at which a right turn should be made, and then turns right at the intersection. Since the navigation device can predict that the vehicle will approach an intersection at which a right turn should be made and then turn right at the intersection, if the light emitting color of the first light emitting pattern in a state where the vehicle approaches an intersection at which a right turn should be made and the second light emitting pattern in a state where the vehicle will turn right at the intersection are similar colors, the light emitting color of the first light emitting pattern in a state where the vehicle approaches an intersection at which a right turn should be made may be changed in advance.

[0078] Returning to FIG. 13, if the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are not similar 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 light emission color in the first light emission pattern and the light emission color in the second light emission pattern are similar colors, the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment controls the light emission unit 120 to make the light emission color in the first light emission pattern different from the light emission color in the second light emission pattern. This makes it easier for the passenger to recognize that the light emission pattern has been switched to the second light emission pattern, and therefore allows the passenger to effectively recognize that the situation of the vehicle has changed.

[0080] Furthermore, 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 may be preset. The first state may be a steady state, and the light emission color in the first light emission pattern corresponding to the steady state may be preset. This allows the color preferred by the passenger to be reflected, improving driving comfort.

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

[0082] "Different colors within a similar color range" refers to colors whose RGB values ​​are within a predetermined range, for example. For example, when the luminous color in the first light emission pattern and the luminous color in the second light emission pattern are green (i.e., when both are similar colors), the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may change the luminous color in the second light emission pattern to a light green whose RGB value is within a predetermined range. This makes it easier to recognize that the first light emission pattern has been switched to the second light emission pattern while maintaining the passenger's preference.

[0083] Furthermore, in the case where the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are similar colors, 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 become different colors outside the range of similar colors.

[0084] "Another color outside the range of similar colors" refers to, for example, a color whose RGB value is outside a predetermined range. For example, when the luminous color in the first emission pattern and the luminous color in the second emission pattern are green (i.e., when both are similar colors), the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may change the luminous color in the second emission pattern to blue whose RGB value is outside the predetermined range. This makes it easier to recognize that the first emission pattern has been switched to the second emission pattern.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may determine whether the colors are similar for each color vision mode. Furthermore, when the emission color in the first emission pattern and the emission color in the second emission pattern are similar colors, 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 for each color vision mode. This makes it easier for even a passenger with color-blindness to 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 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 of FIG. 1. Priorities are set for the light-emitting patterns according to the fifth embodiment. Then, the control unit 130 according to the fifth embodiment controls the light-emitting unit 120 according to the priorities when predetermined states are realized simultaneously. In other words, "simultaneously" here refers to a case where another predetermined state occurs within a time range from the start to the end of a light-emitting pattern corresponding to a certain predetermined state.

[0087] The example shown in Fig. 15 shows a lighting pattern when a vehicle is approaching a right turn point at an intersection and another vehicle approaches from the right rear with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle. Note that the priority of the lighting pattern when approaching a right turn point is lower than the priority of the lighting 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 a right turn point at an intersection (predetermined state), the light emitting unit 120 emits light in the first light emitting pattern K. 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. When the above-mentioned predetermined states are realized simultaneously, 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 changes the light emitting pattern by inserting the second light emitting pattern L, which has a higher priority order than the priority order of the first light emitting pattern K. This makes it possible to immediately inform the passenger of a predetermined state of high importance or urgency.

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

[0090] Furthermore, as in the second embodiment, the control unit 130 according to the fifth embodiment may control the light-emitting unit 120 so as not to include a boundary light-emitting pattern when the second light-emitting pattern, which has a higher priority than the first light-emitting pattern, is activated while the light-emitting unit 120 is emitting light in the first light-emitting pattern.

[0091] Furthermore, as in the second embodiment, the control unit 130 according to the fifth embodiment may control the light-emitting unit 120 to enter a boundary light-emitting pattern when a second light-emitting pattern having a priority level lower than that of the first light-emitting pattern is entered while the light-emitting unit 120 is emitting light in a first light-emitting pattern.

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

[0093] Furthermore, the light emission pattern according to the fifth embodiment may have a light emission color set for each priority order. In the fifth embodiment, a light emission color may be determined for each vehicle function (steady state, route guidance, warning, etc.). A priority order may be set for each function. By setting a light emission color for each priority order, for example, by setting the light emission color of a light emission pattern with a high priority order to red, the passenger can easily recognize the importance and urgency.

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

[0095] The vehicle may be a car or a two-wheeled vehicle. The lighting device 10 may be external to the vehicle (mounted on a motorbike).

[0096] The light-emitting section 120 does not have to have a plurality of light-emitting regions 122. In other words, the light-emitting section 120 may have a configuration including one light-emitting region 122.

[0097] Below, examples of reference forms are given. 1. A light emitting device to be installed in a vehicle, a light emitting unit that emits light in a light emitting pattern corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined states of the vehicle; A control unit that controls the light emitting unit, Priority is set for each of the light emission patterns, The control unit controls the light-emitting units in accordance with the priority order when the predetermined states are realized simultaneously. 2. In the light emitting device according to 1., The control unit controls the light-emitting unit to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern different from the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern between 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. 3. In the light emitting device according to 2., The control unit controls the light emitting unit so as not to include the boundary light emitting pattern when the second light emitting pattern, which has a higher priority than the priority of the first light emitting pattern, is activated while the light emitting unit is emitting light in the first light emitting pattern. 4. The light emitting device according to 2. or 3., The control unit controls the light-emitting unit to enter the boundary light-emitting pattern when the second light-emitting pattern, which has a priority level lower than that of the first light-emitting pattern, is activated while the light-emitting unit is emitting light in the first light-emitting pattern. 5. In the light emitting device according to any one of 2. to 4., The control unit controls the light emitting unit to include the boundary light emitting pattern when the first light emitting pattern and the second light emitting pattern have commonality. 6. The light emitting device according to any one of 1. to 5., A light emitting device, wherein a light emitting color is set for each of the light emitting patterns for each of the priorities. 7. A control method for controlling a light emitting device provided in a vehicle, comprising: the light-emitting device includes a light-emitting unit that emits light in a light-emitting pattern corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined states of the vehicle, Priority is set for each of the light emission patterns, A control method for controlling a light emitting device, the method comprising: a computer controlling the light emitting units in accordance with the priority order when the predetermined states are realized simultaneously. 8. 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 in a light-emitting pattern corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined states of the vehicle, Priority is set for each of the light emission patterns, A program causing a computer to control the light-emitting units in accordance with the priority order when the predetermined states are realized simultaneously. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10 Light emitting device 110 Display 120 Light emitting part 122 Light-emitting area 124 Light Bar 130 Control section

Claims

1. A light emitting device provided in a vehicle, a light emitting unit that emits light in a light emitting pattern corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined states of the vehicle; A control unit that controls the light emitting unit, Priority is set for each of the light emission patterns, The control unit controls the light-emitting units in accordance with the priority order when the predetermined states are realized simultaneously.

2. 2. The light emitting device according to claim 1, The control unit controls the light-emitting unit to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern different from the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern between a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state among the specified states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state among the specified states.

3. 3. The light emitting device according to claim 2, The control unit controls the light emitting unit so as not to include the boundary light emitting pattern when the second light emitting pattern, which has a higher priority than the priority of the first light emitting pattern, is activated while the light emitting unit is emitting light in the first light emitting pattern.

4. 4. The light emitting device according to claim 2, The control unit controls the light-emitting unit to enter the boundary light-emitting pattern when the second light-emitting pattern, which has a priority level lower than that of the first light-emitting pattern, is activated while the light-emitting unit is emitting light in the first light-emitting pattern.

5. 4. The light emitting device according to claim 2, The control unit controls the light emitting unit to include the boundary light emitting pattern when the first light emitting pattern and the second light emitting pattern have commonality.

6. 4. The light emitting device according to claim 1, A light emitting device, wherein a light emitting color is set for each of the light emitting patterns for each of the priorities.

7. A control method for controlling a light emitting device provided in a vehicle, comprising: the light-emitting device includes a light-emitting unit that emits light in a light-emitting pattern corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined states of the vehicle, Priority is set for each of the light emission patterns, A control method for controlling a light emitting device, the method comprising: a computer controlling the light emitting units in accordance with the priority order when the predetermined states are realized simultaneously.

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 in a light-emitting pattern corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined states of the vehicle, Priority is set for each of the light emission patterns, A program causing a computer to control the light-emitting units in accordance with the priority order when the predetermined states are realized simultaneously.

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