Lighting device and vehicle lamp system

Abstract

To achieve both reduction of a control load and high definition when performing variable light distribution using a plurality of light emitting elements.SOLUTION: The lighting device includes a light source including a plurality of light emitting elements and configured to generate illumination light having a variable light distribution, a controller configured to generate a control signal for controlling an operation of the light source, and a memory connected to the controller and configured to store a data table indicating a correspondence relationship between each position in the target range and the plurality of light emitting elements. The lighting device specifies one or more first light-emitting elements corresponding to a specific range among the light-emitting elements, and generates a control signal by changing a first set value of each of the first light-emitting elements from a default value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting device and a vehicle lighting system. [Background technology]

[0002] Variable light distribution technology is known that dims (or blocks) part of the illumination range of a vehicle headlamp depending on the position of an oncoming vehicle, etc. (See, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5233627.) When performing variable light distribution as described above, for example, a light source equipped with a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs as an example) is used, and the brightness of the light emitted from each light-emitting element is individually controlled, thereby realizing illumination light in which part of the illumination range is dimmed.

[0003] However, when the number of light-emitting elements in a light source is increased to achieve a more precise variable light distribution, the control load increases because each light-emitting element must be controlled individually. For example, when a light source including a large number of light-emitting elements arranged two-dimensionally is used, the increase in control load becomes significant. Furthermore, when the cycle of light distribution change is shortened to smooth the change in the light distribution state over time, the increase in control load becomes even more significant. For this reason, a technology that can suppress the increase in control load is desired. Note that this issue is not limited to the generation of illumination light for a vehicle, but can arise in general lighting technology that performs variable light distribution using multiple light-emitting elements. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5233627 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the objectives of a specific aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can achieve both a reduction in control load and high definition when performing variable light distribution using a plurality of light-emitting elements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] An illumination device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: A lighting device configured to be able to irradiate illumination light with variable light distribution in a target range, a light source having a plurality of light-emitting elements to generate the illumination light; a controller that generates control signals to control operation of the light source; a memory connected to the controller and storing a data table indicating a correspondence between each position within the target range and the plurality of light-emitting elements; Including, the controller refers to the data table stored in the memory based on data indicating a specific range that is a part of the target range, thereby identifying one or more first light-emitting elements among the light-emitting elements that correspond to the specific range, and changes a first setting value of each of the first light-emitting elements from a default value to generate the control signal; It is a lighting device. [2] A vehicle lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle lighting system including the lighting device described in [1] above.

[0007] According to the above configuration, a technique is provided that can achieve both a reduction in control load and high definition when performing variable light distribution using a plurality of light-emitting elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Fig. 1A is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle lighting system according to an embodiment, and Fig. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of each light source unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic arrangement of the light emitting elements of the light source. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the position of a forward vehicle detected by an object sensor. [Figure 5] 5(A) to 5(D) are diagrams for explaining the contents of the data tables stored in the memory. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a method for setting the output value of each light-emitting element included in the dimming target range. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the vehicle lighting system. [Figure 8] 8(A) and 8(B) are diagrams showing the arrangement of light emitting elements in a modified light source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 1A is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle lighting system according to one embodiment. The vehicle lighting system shown in the figure is configured to be able to irradiate illumination light with variable light distribution ahead of the vehicle, and is configured to include a vehicle lighting fixture 1, an object sensor 2, and a vehicle-side ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 3.

[0010] The vehicle lamp 1 is configured to be able to emit illumination light whose light intensity distribution is variably controlled according to the positions of preceding vehicles, oncoming vehicles, two-wheeled vehicles, pedestrians, etc., that are present ahead of the vehicle. Note that the illumination light referred to here includes at least high beams and may also include low beams.

[0011] The object sensor 2 detects target objects such as a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle (hereinafter collectively referred to as a "forward vehicle"), a two-wheeled vehicle, a pedestrian, etc. In this embodiment, a camera configured to be able to detect the position of the target objects, their type (pedestrian, bicycle, preceding vehicle, oncoming vehicle, etc.), the distance between the target object and the vehicle, etc., by analyzing an image obtained by capturing an image of the space around the vehicle is used as the object sensor 2.

[0012] As the object sensor 2, a camera, millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), or the like may be used, or two or more of them may be used in combination. Millimeter-wave radar is a sensor configured to emit radio waves in a frequency band of, for example, 30 GHz to 300 GHz and detect the position, type, distance between objects, etc. based on the reflected waves. LiDAR is a sensor configured to emit laser light and detect the position, type, distance between objects, etc. based on the reflected light.

[0013] The vehicle-side ECU 3 is a controller for performing various controls within the vehicle. The vehicle-side ECU 3 is connected to the object sensor 2 and also to a lamp switch (not shown). When the driver operates the lamp switch, the vehicle-side ECU 3 transmits the operation status to the lamp ECU 10 of the vehicle lamp 1. The transmitted operation status includes a low beam illumination command, a high beam illumination command, a variable light distribution high beam illumination command, etc. The vehicle-side ECU 3 also transmits the detection result of the object sensor 2 to the lamp ECU 10.

[0014] The above-described vehicle lamp 1 includes a lamp ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 10, a pair of light source units 11L and 11R, and a memory 12. The lamp ECU 10 is configured to be able to communicate with a vehicle-side ECU 3. The lamp ECU 10 is connected to the light source units 11L and 11R, and also to the memory 12.

[0015] The lamp ECU 10 is a controller for controlling the operation of each of the light source units 11L and 11R. The lamp ECU 10 can be configured using a computer system including a processor 201, a read-only memory (ROM) 202, a random access memory (RAM) 203, a storage device (STORAGE) 204, an input / output unit (IF) 205, etc., as shown in Fig. 1(B), for example. A program 206 stored in the storage device 204 is read and executed by the processor 201, thereby realizing various functions described below.

[0016] The light source units 11L and 11R are mounted at predetermined positions on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle, and operate in response to control signals given from the lamp ECU 10 to irradiate the front of the vehicle with illumination light in a desired light distribution pattern.

[0017] Each of the light source units 11L, 11R can be configured using a variable light distribution unit that includes a light source 30 equipped with a plurality of light-emitting elements (e.g., LEDs: Light Emitting Diodes) as shown in Fig. 2, and a lens 31 that projects light emitted from the light source 30, and is configured to be able to individually control the on / off and luminous intensity (brightness) of each light-emitting element. By individually controlling the on / off and luminous intensity of each light-emitting element, it is possible to generate illumination light with variable light distribution that includes a dimming range 33 at any position within a light irradiation range 32. Note that in this specification, "dimming" is a concept that includes not only a relative decrease in brightness but also setting the brightness to zero (i.e., blocking light).

[0018] The memory 12 stores data necessary for information processing in the lamp ECU 10. For example, the memory 12 stores a data table necessary for information processing in the dimming target setting unit 20, which will be described later.

[0019] The functions of the above-mentioned lamp ECU 10 will be explained using functional blocks to make it easier to understand. The lamp ECU 10 includes a dimming target setting unit (dimming target setting function) 20, an output value setting unit (output value setting function) 21, and a control signal generating unit (control signal generating function) 22.

[0020] The dimming target setting unit 20 sets the light-emitting elements to be dimmed among the light-emitting elements provided in the light source units 11L and 11R in order to provide the above-mentioned dimming range 33 (see Figure 2) according to the position of the vehicle ahead obtained from the object sensor 2 via the vehicle-side ECU 3.

[0021] The output value setting section 21 sets an output value when driving each of the light emitting elements in the light source units 11L and 11R, based on the light emitting elements to be dimmed that are set by the dimming target setting section 20.

[0022] The control signal generating unit 22 generates control signals for driving the light source units 11L and 11R based on the output values ​​set by the output value setting unit 21, and outputs the control signals to the light source units 11L and 11R.

[0023] 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the arrangement of each light-emitting element of the light source. As an example, the light source 30 provided in each of the light source units 11L and 11R of this embodiment is configured to include a total of 16,384 light-emitting elements 34 arranged in 256 columns (columns 0 to 255) in the X direction and 64 rows (rows 0 to 63) in the Y direction in the figure. In the figure, only one representative light-emitting element 34 is labeled with a reference numeral. Each light-emitting element 34 can be individually controlled to be turned on or off, and the luminous intensity of the emitted light can be individually controlled. The above-mentioned dimming range 33 can be formed by individually controlling the turning on and off of each light-emitting element 34 or their luminous intensity.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the position of a forward vehicle detected by an object sensor. In this embodiment, the position of the forward vehicle is identified by a rectangular area R in a plan view of the forward vehicle. This area R is a partial area (specific area) within a target area to which illumination light is applied. Area R may be set to a minimum size that surrounds the forward vehicle, or may have a certain margin as in the illustrated example. The position of the forward vehicle is identified by parameters of area R: a left end position x1, a right end position x2, an upper end position y1, and a lower end position y2. The object sensor 2 detects these positions x1, x2, y1, and y2 and outputs them to the vehicle-side ECU 3. The vehicle-side ECU 3 transmits data indicating these positions to the lamp ECU 10. As an example, in this embodiment, the positions x1, x2, y1, and y2 are expressed as relative angles based on a predetermined position of the host vehicle. A dimming area 33 is set corresponding to area R identified by these positions x1, x2, y1, and y2.

[0025] 5(A) to 5(D) are diagrams for explaining the contents of a data table stored in memory. In this embodiment, a data table is used that shows the correspondence between each position within a target range to be irradiated with illumination light and each light-emitting element 34 of the light source 30. When a range R, which is a part of the target range, is identified according to the position of the vehicle ahead, it is possible to identify the light-emitting elements 34 that correspond to this range R. The light-emitting elements 34 that belong to range R are the light-emitting elements 34 that are to be dimmed to achieve the dimming range 33. In the following description, the range to which the light-emitting elements that are to be dimmed belong will be abbreviated as the "dimming target range."

[0026] The data table shown in Figure 5(A) shows the relationship between the upper end angle indicating the upper end position of range R and the upper end position of the dimming target range (Y direction position: see Figure 3). For example, when the upper end angle of range R is -1°, the upper end position of the dimming target range can be identified as row 0 in the Y direction. Similarly, when the upper end angle of range R is -4°, the upper end position of the dimming target range can be identified as row 3 in the Y direction.

[0027] The data table shown in Figure 5(B) shows the relationship between the bottom angle indicating the bottom position of range R and the bottom position of the dimming target range (position in the Y direction: see Figure 3). For example, if the bottom angle of range R is -2°, the bottom position of the dimming target range can be identified as row 2 in the Y direction. Similarly, if the top angle of range R is -3°, the top position of the dimming target range can be identified as row 3 in the Y direction.

[0028] The data table shown in Figure 5(C) shows the relationship between the left edge angle indicating the left edge position of range R and the left edge position of the dimming target range (position in the X direction: see Figure 3). For example, if the left edge angle of range R is 1°, the left edge position of the dimming target range can be identified as column 0 in the X direction. Similarly, if the left edge angle of range R is 3°, the left edge position of the dimming target range can be identified as column 7 in the X direction.

[0029] The data table shown in Figure 5(D) shows the relationship between the right edge angle indicating the right edge position of range R and the right edge position of the dimming target range (position in the X direction: see Figure 3). For example, if the right edge angle of range R is 2°, the right edge position of the dimming target range can be identified as column 6 in the X direction. Similarly, if the left edge angle of range R is 4°, the right edge position of the dimming target range can be identified as column 14 in the X direction.

[0030] Therefore, for example, if the left end position x1, right end position x2, top end position y1, and bottom end position y2 of range R detected by object sensor 2 are x1=2°, x2=3°, y1=-1°, and y2=-2°, then by using each data table, the dimming target range can be identified as a range defined by row 0 for the top end position, row 2 for the bottom end position, column 3 for the left end position, and column 10 for the right end position. The dimming target range in this case is shown with a pattern in Figure 3. Each light-emitting element 34 belonging to this dimming target range is identified as a target for dimming.

[0031] Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a method for setting the output value of each light-emitting element included in the dimming target range. To simplify the explanation, the explanation will be given assuming a total of nine light-emitting elements arranged in three rows and three columns. The default value of each light-emitting element (for example, the value corresponding to the maximum luminous intensity) is 255. In response to this, a dimming coefficient is set for each light-emitting element, and this dimming coefficient is multiplied by the default value.

[0032] In the illustrated example, the four light-emitting elements on the bottom right of the 3x3 matrix belong to the dimming target range. The light-emitting elements included in the dimming target range are set to dimming coefficients of, for example, 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. In other words, the dimming coefficients are 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3. The light-emitting elements outside the dimming target range are set to a dimming coefficient of 100%. In other words, the dimming coefficient is 1, which means that no dimming is required and the default value can be used.

[0033] In this case, for each light-emitting element belonging to the dimming target range, the output value to be set for each light-emitting element is obtained by multiplying the default value by each dimming coefficient. For example, the output value of a light-emitting element with a dimming coefficient of 0 set is 0, the output value of a light-emitting element with a dimming coefficient of 0.1 set is 25, the output value of a light-emitting element with a dimming coefficient of 0.2 set is 51, and the output value of a light-emitting element with a dimming coefficient of 0.3 set is 76. Note that the decimal points of each output value are rounded down. The default value of 255 is used for the output value of each light-emitting element with a dimming coefficient of 1 set. In other words, no processing operations are required to change the output value.

[0034] As described above, the output value of each light-emitting element included in the dimming target range can be set. Note that each output value may be directly edited instead of being multiplied by the dimming coefficient.

[0035] 7 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the vehicle lighting system. Note that the order of the processes shown here can be changed as long as no contradictions or inconsistencies occur in the results of the information processing, and other processes not explicitly shown here can also be added.

[0036] The dimming target setting unit 20 of the lamp ECU 10 acquires data indicating the position of the forward vehicle detected by the object sensor 2, i.e., data (x1, x2, y1, y2) that can identify the range R, via the vehicle-side ECU 3 (step S11).

[0037] The dimming target setting unit 20 determines the positions of the upper end, lower end, left end, and right end of the dimming target range based on the data (x1, x2, y1, y2) indicating the position of the forward vehicle by referring to the data table stored in the memory 12 (steps S12, S13, S14, S15). As a result, the dimming target range is identified, and each light-emitting element belonging to the dimming target range is identified.

[0038] The output value setting unit 21 of the lamp ECU 10 sets a dimming coefficient for each light-emitting element that belongs to the dimming target range (step S16). The specific value of the dimming coefficient can be set to, for example, any predetermined value.

[0039] The output value setting unit 21 calculates the output value to be set for each light-emitting element that belongs to the dimming target range using the set dimming coefficient (step S17). Note that for each light-emitting element that is outside the dimming target range, a default value is used as the output value.

[0040] The control signal generating unit 22 generates a control signal for turning on each light-emitting element according to the output value set by the output value setting unit 21, and outputs the control signal to each light source unit 11L, 11R (step S18). As a result, illumination light having a dimming range 33 according to the position of the vehicle ahead is irradiated ahead of the host vehicle. Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0041] The effects of the vehicle lighting system of this embodiment will be described. As a comparative example, a light source including a total of 16,384 light-emitting elements arranged in 256 rows and 64 columns, similar to this embodiment, is assumed. In this comparative example, it is determined individually for each of the 16,384 light-emitting elements whether or not each of the light-emitting elements belongs to the dimming target range, and an output value is set for each of the light-emitting elements.

[0042] In this comparative example, four calculations are required for each of the 16,384 light-emitting elements to determine whether each element is within the dimming range. This is because the determination of whether each light-emitting element belongs to the dimming range is made by comparing it with each of the four positions (top, bottom, left, and right). Furthermore, one calculation is required to set the output value for each light-emitting element. Therefore, five calculations are required for each light-emitting element. If this is performed for all 16,384 light-emitting elements, the total number of calculations is 81,920.

[0043] In contrast, in this embodiment, the dimming target range is determined by referencing a data table based on the four positions (top, bottom, left, and right), so the number of calculations is four. Even if all 16,384 light-emitting elements are included in the dimming target range, the number of calculations required to set the output value for each light-emitting element is 16,384, so the total number of calculations required to determine the dimming target range is 16,514. This is the maximum number of calculations in this embodiment, and even in this case, the number of calculations is reduced by approximately 80% compared to the comparative example. If a predetermined output value (255, for example) is set to be used for light-emitting elements outside the dimming target range, the number of information processing operations decreases as the number of light-emitting elements included in the dimming target range decreases. To give an example of a case where the number of calculations is minimized, if there is one light-emitting element in the dimming range determined based on the four positions of the top, bottom, left, and right ends, then only five calculations are required: four calculations to determine the dimming range and one calculation required to set the output value for one light-emitting element in the dimming range. This represents a reduction in the number of calculations by approximately 99% compared to the comparative example described above. This reduction in the number of calculations also makes it possible to increase the number of cycles in which the light distribution is changed per unit time, making it possible to smooth the change in the light distribution over time.

[0044] According to the above-described embodiment, a technique is provided that can achieve both a reduction in control load and high definition when performing variable light distribution using a plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0045] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified and embodied in various ways within the scope of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments illustrate a vehicle lighting system in which a specific range is set according to the position of an oncoming vehicle or other target object ahead of the vehicle, and variable light distribution illumination light is formed ahead of the vehicle. However, the scope of application of the present disclosure is not limited to vehicle lighting systems. For example, the present disclosure can be applied to a lighting device that forms image light using variable light distribution illumination light to display various information on a predetermined surface such as a road surface, or a system including such a lighting device. Examples of illumination light on a predetermined surface include illumination light for highlighting a driving lane, illumination light for forming a mark to alert the driver, and illumination light for forming various guidance displays and animation displays.

[0046] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the light-emitting elements are arranged in a matrix at equal intervals along two directions as illustrated in FIG. 3, but the arrangement of the light-emitting elements is not limited to this. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8(A), the positions of the light-emitting elements in each row adjacent in the X direction may be shifted from each other by half a pitch in the Y direction. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 8(B), the positions of the light-emitting elements in each row adjacent in the X direction may be shifted from each other by half a pitch in the Y direction, and the number of light-emitting elements belonging to each row may be gradually increased along the X direction. In either case, the shift in position in the Y direction does not have to be half a pitch.

[0047] That is, the arrangement of the light-emitting elements does not necessarily have to be uniform, as long as they are arranged along at least one of the X and Y directions. In these modified examples, for example, if the light-emitting elements are arranged along the X direction, a data table (see FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B)) is prepared for each row in the Y direction and stored in memory 12, and by referring to the data table, the Y-direction positions corresponding to the upper end angles and lower end angles for each row can be found. The same applies when the light-emitting elements are arranged along the Y direction, in which case a data table (see FIGS. 5(C) and 5(D)) is prepared for each column in the X direction.

[0048] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the light-emitting elements to be dimmed (i.e., the light-emitting elements to be changed in setting value) are identified by identifying the four ends of the dimming target range (i.e., the specific range): the top end, the bottom end, the left end, and the right end. However, the light-emitting elements to be dimmed may be identified by identifying at least one of the four ends. For example, by identifying the top end, light-emitting elements located above the top end can be excluded from the dimming target range, thereby reducing the control load. The same applies when any one of the bottom end, left end, or right end is identified. Furthermore, the control load can be further reduced by identifying the dimming target range using a combination of the top end and the bottom end or the left end and the right end, i.e., a pair of both ends (one end and the other end).

[0049] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment is based on a light source in which the light-emitting elements are arranged in a plane (i.e., two-dimensionally), the present disclosure can also be applied to a light source in which the light-emitting elements are arranged in a three-dimensional manner (i.e., three-dimensionally). In this case, the three-dimensionally arranged light-emitting elements can be treated as multiple surfaces, and the above disclosure can be applied to each surface.

[0050] Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates a case where a control signal is supplied directly from the controller to each light source unit, the control signal generated by the controller may be provided to another control unit, etc., and the light source unit may be controlled by the other control unit, etc.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the luminous intensity, which is a value specifying brightness, is used as an example of the setting value of each light-emitting element, but the setting value is not limited to this. For example, a value specifying a color (RGB value as an example) may be used as the setting value.

[0052] The present disclosure has the following additional features. (Appendix 1) A lighting device configured to be able to irradiate illumination light with variable light distribution in a target range, a light source having a plurality of light-emitting elements to generate the illumination light; a controller that generates control signals to control operation of the light source; a memory connected to the controller and storing a data table indicating a correspondence between each position within the target range and the plurality of light-emitting elements; Including, the controller refers to the data table stored in the memory based on data indicating a specific range that is a part of the target range, thereby identifying one or more first light-emitting elements among the light-emitting elements that correspond to the specific range, and changes a first setting value of each of the first light-emitting elements from a default value to generate the control signal; Lighting equipment. (Appendix 2) the controller generates the control signal without changing second setting values ​​of one or more second light-emitting elements other than each of the first light-emitting elements among the light-emitting elements from the default values. 10. The lighting device of claim 1. (Appendix 3) Each of the first setting value and the second setting value is a value that specifies brightness. 10. The lighting device of claim 2. (Appendix 4) the controller identifies each of the first light-emitting elements by identifying a position of the light-emitting element corresponding to at least one end of the specific range among the light-emitting elements based on the data table; 4. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) the controller further identifies the positions of the light-emitting elements corresponding to one end of the specific range and the other end paired with the one end, among the light-emitting elements, based on the data table, thereby identifying each of the first light-emitting elements; 4. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. (Appendix 6) the controller identifies each of the first light-emitting elements by identifying positions of the light-emitting elements corresponding to both ends of the specific range in a first direction and both ends in a second direction different from the first direction, based on the data table; 4. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. (Appendix 7) The light emitting elements of the light source are arranged along two directions. 7. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) the specific range is a range set according to the position of a target object present in the target range; 8. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) The light source is used to configure a vehicle lamp, The target object is an oncoming vehicle or a leading vehicle. 10. The lighting device of claim 8. (Appendix 10) A vehicle lighting system including the lighting device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1: Vehicle lamp, 2: Object sensor, 3: Vehicle ECU, 10: Lamp ECU, 11L, 11R: Light source unit, 12: Memory, 20: Dimming target setting unit, 21: Output value setting unit, 22: Control signal generation unit, 30: Light source, 31: Lens, 32: Light irradiation range, 33: Dimming range, 34: Light emitting element

Claims

1. A lighting device configured to be able to irradiate illumination light with variable light distribution in a target range, a light source having a plurality of light-emitting elements to generate the illumination light; a controller that generates control signals to control operation of the light source; a memory connected to the controller and storing a data table indicating a correspondence between each position within the target range and the plurality of light-emitting elements; Including, the controller refers to the data table stored in the memory based on data indicating a specific range that is a part of the target range, thereby identifying one or more first light-emitting elements among the light-emitting elements that correspond to the specific range, and changes a first setting value of each of the first light-emitting elements from a default value to generate the control signal; Lighting equipment.

2. the controller generates the control signal without changing second setting values ​​of one or more second light-emitting elements other than the first light-emitting elements among the light-emitting elements from the default values. The lighting device according to claim 1 .

3. each of the first setting value and the second setting value is a value that specifies brightness; 3. The lighting device according to claim 2.

4. the controller identifies each of the first light-emitting elements by identifying a position of the light-emitting element corresponding to at least one end of the specific range among the light-emitting elements based on the data table; The lighting device according to claim 1 .

5. the controller further identifies the positions of the light-emitting elements corresponding to one end of the specific range and the other end paired with the one end, among the light-emitting elements, based on the data table, thereby identifying each of the first light-emitting elements; The lighting device according to claim 1 .

6. the controller identifies each of the first light-emitting elements by identifying positions of the light-emitting elements corresponding to both ends of the specific range in a first direction and both ends in a second direction different from the first direction, based on the data table; The lighting device according to claim 1 .

7. The light emitting elements of the light source are arranged along two directions. The lighting device according to claim 1 .

8. the specific range is a range set according to the position of a target object present in the target range; The lighting device according to claim 1 .

9. The light source is used to configure a vehicle lamp, The target object is an oncoming vehicle or a leading vehicle.

9. The lighting device according to claim 8.

10. A vehicle lighting system comprising the lighting device according to claim 1.

Images