Attitude control system, vehicle lighting system, and computer program

Abstract

To improve the visibility of the driver of a saddle-type vehicle. [Solution] The attitude control device 16 controls the attitude of the vehicle light fixture 2 mounted on the saddle-type vehicle 100. When the attitude control device 16 receives a boarding signal RID indicating that a driver has boarded the saddle-type vehicle 100, it outputs a control signal CTR1 that corrects the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a posture control device, a vehicle lighting system, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an optical axis adjustment device for a headlamp mounted on a motorcycle. In this optical axis adjustment device, a bar-shaped tool is inserted through an insertion hole provided on the side surface of the cowling, and the optical axis of the headlamp can be adjusted by rotating a rotating body provided on the headlamp with the bar-shaped tool.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As for the conventional optical axis adjustment device, the driver had to manually adjust the optical axis. For this reason, there was a possibility that the driver would forget to adjust the optical axis and start the saddle-type vehicle. If the optical axis adjustment is not properly performed, the saddle-type vehicle will travel with the posture of the headlamp not suitable for the posture of the saddle-type vehicle. In this case, the visibility of the driver of the saddle-type vehicle may be reduced.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and one of its objects is to provide a technique for improving the visibility of a driver of a saddle-type vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is an attitude control device for controlling the attitude of a vehicle light fixture mounted on a saddle-type vehicle. When this attitude control device receives a boarding signal indicating that a driver has boarded the saddle-type vehicle, it outputs a control signal that corrects the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lighting system. This vehicle lighting system comprises a vehicle lighting unit mounted on a saddle-type vehicle, a first bracket that supports the vehicle lighting unit so that the front-rear tilt angle of the vehicle lighting unit can be changed, a passenger detection device that outputs a passenger signal indicating that a driver has boarded the saddle-type vehicle, and an attitude control device of the above aspect that, upon receiving a passenger signal, outputs a control signal to the first bracket to correct the front-rear tilt angle of the vehicle lighting unit.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a computer program executed by an attitude control device that controls the attitude of a vehicle light fixture mounted on a saddle-type vehicle. This computer program causes the attitude control device to execute a function that outputs a control signal to correct the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture when it receives a boarding signal indicating that a driver has boarded the saddle-type vehicle.

[0009] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as conversions of the expression of the present invention between methods, apparatus, systems, etc., are also valid embodiments of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the visibility of the driver of a saddle-type vehicle can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of a vehicle lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This flowchart illustrates an example of the control performed by the attitude control system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, based on preferred embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative and not limiting, and not all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the scale and shape of each part shown in each drawing are set for convenience to facilitate explanation and are not to be interpreted restrictively unless otherwise specified. In addition, when terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used in this specification or claims, unless otherwise specified, these terms do not indicate any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one configuration from another. Furthermore, some components that are not important for explaining the embodiments are omitted from the drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle lighting system 1 according to an embodiment. In Figure 1, at least some of the components of the vehicle lighting system 1 are depicted as functional blocks. These functional blocks are realized in hardware configurations using elements and circuits such as the CPU and memory of a computer, and in software configurations using computer programs, etc. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms through combinations of hardware and software.

[0014] As an example, vehicle lighting system 1 comprises a vehicle light fixture 2, a first bracket 4, an imaging device 6, a second bracket 8, a rider detection device 10, a posture sensor 12, a vehicle speed sensor 14, a posture control device 16, and a light distribution control device 17. These are mounted on a saddle-type vehicle 100 such as a motorcycle. Each mechanism of vehicle lighting system 1 can be placed in any position. For example, the vehicle light fixture 2, the first bracket 4, the imaging device 6, the second bracket 8, the posture sensor 12, the posture control device 16, and the light distribution control device 17 are housed in a lamp chamber. The lamp chamber is divided by a lamp body having an opening on the front side of the vehicle and a light-transmitting cover attached to cover the opening of the lamp body. The rider detection device 10 and the vehicle speed sensor 14 are located on the vehicle body BD of the saddle-type vehicle 100.

[0015] The imaging device 6, the second bracket 8, the attitude sensor 12, the attitude control device 16, and the light distribution control device 17 may be located outside the lamp compartment, for example, on the vehicle body BD. For example, the imaging device 6 may be an on-board camera. In this case, the vehicle body BD may correspond to the second bracket 8. Furthermore, the attitude control device 16 and the light distribution control device 17 may be composed entirely or partially of the vehicle ECU. The attitude sensor 12 may be integrated into the vehicle ECU.

[0016] Vehicle lighting fixture 2 is, for example, a variable-distribution lamp capable of illuminating the front area of ​​a saddle-type vehicle 100 with a visible light beam L1 having a variable intensity distribution. Vehicle lighting fixture 2 can individually change the illuminance of the light illuminating multiple individual areas R arranged in the front area. In other words, vehicle lighting fixture 2 can illuminate the space in front of the vehicle with light of different intensity depending on the location, i.e., the individual areas R. Multiple individual areas R are arranged, for example, in a matrix. Vehicle lighting fixture 2 receives information from the light distribution control device 17 to instruct the light distribution pattern PTN and emits a visible light beam L1 having an intensity distribution corresponding to the light distribution pattern PTN. As a result, the light distribution pattern PTN is formed in front of the vehicle. The light distribution pattern PTN is understood as the two-dimensional illuminance distribution of the illumination pattern 902 that vehicle lighting fixture 2 forms on a virtual vertical screen 900 in front of the vehicle.

[0017] The configuration of the variable-beam lamp used in the vehicle lighting fixture 2 is not particularly limited and includes, for example, a plurality of light sources arranged in a matrix and a lighting circuit that independently drives and illuminates each light source. Preferred examples of light sources include semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes), LDs (laser diodes), and organic or inorganic ELs (electroluminescent). Each individual region R is associated with each light source, and light is individually irradiated from each light source to each individual region R. The resolution of the vehicle lighting fixture 2, in other words, the beam resolution, is, for example, several pixels to about 2 million pixels. The resolution of the vehicle lighting fixture 2 may also be, for example, about 5 pixels to several tens of pixels. The resolution of the vehicle lighting fixture 2 means the number of unit regions in the beam pattern PTN whose illuminance can be independently changed.

[0018] Furthermore, the vehicle light fixture 2 may include a matrix-type pattern forming device such as a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) or a liquid crystal device, or a scanning optical type pattern forming device that scans the area in front of the vehicle with light from a light source, in order to form an illuminance distribution corresponding to the light distribution pattern PTN. In addition, the vehicle light fixture 2 may have a configuration that partially blocks light irradiation to the forward area using a shade plate. Furthermore, the vehicle light fixture 2 may form a known light distribution pattern with a fixed shape.

[0019] The first bracket 4 supports the vehicle light fixture 2 so that its front-to-back tilt angle, or in other words, its pitch angle, can be changed. That is, the first bracket 4 supports the vehicle light fixture 2 so that its illumination direction 2x, or the optical axis of the vehicle light fixture 2, can be swung vertically. The first bracket 4 has a known structure, and as an example, it has a first leveling actuator 4a. By driving the first leveling actuator 4a, the first bracket 4 can be tilted forward and backward, and thus the vehicle light fixture 2 can be tilted forward and backward.

[0020] The imaging device 6 is, for example, a camera that has sensitivity in the visible light region and repeatedly images the front of the host vehicle. The imaging device 6 images the reflected light L2 of the visible light beam L1 by an object in front of the vehicle. Further, the imaging device 6 images the light irradiated by a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle, including the front vehicles, and the light irradiated by a self-luminous body such as a street lamp and an electric signboard. The image IMG generated by the imaging device 6 is sent to the light distribution control device 17.

[0021] The image IMG acquired by the light distribution control device 17 from the imaging device 6 may be RAW image data or image data subjected to predetermined image processing by the imaging device 6. Also, when the light distribution control device 17 receives image data obtained by subjecting the RAW image data generated by the imaging device 6 to image processing by a processing device other than the imaging device 6, it corresponds to the acquisition of the image IMG from the imaging device 6.

[0022] The second bracket 8 supports the imaging device 6 such that the front-rear tilt angle of the imaging device 6 can be changed. That is, the second bracket 8 supports the imaging device 6 such that the imaging direction 6x of the imaging device 6 or the imaging axis of the imaging device 6 can swing in the vertical direction. The second bracket 8 has a known structure and, as an example, has a second leveling actuator 8a. By driving the second leveling actuator 8a, the second bracket 8 can be tilted forward and backward, and thus the imaging device 6 can be tilted forward and backward.

[0023] The first bracket 4 and the second bracket 8 can be displaced independently of each other. Note that the structure and method for changing the irradiation direction 2x and the imaging direction 6x are not limited to those using the first leveling actuator 4a and the second leveling actuator 8a, and other known structures and methods can be adopted. Also, the vehicle lamp 2 and the imaging device 6 may be supported by a common bracket.

[0024] The occupant detection device 10 outputs an occupant signal RID to the attitude control device 16, indicating that a driver has boarded the saddle-type vehicle 100. The occupant signal RID is a signal indicating that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has switched from a state where no driver is boarded to a state where a driver is boarded. As an example, the occupant detection device 10 includes an ignition switch 18, a shift sensor 20, and a stand sensor 22. The ignition switch 18, shift sensor 20, and stand sensor 22 are mounted, for example, on the vehicle body BD.

[0025] The ignition switch 18 can be switched between an on state and an off state, and transmits a signal indicating the state of the ignition switch 18, or a change in its state, to the attitude control device 16. When the ignition switch 18 switches from the off state to the on state, it is highly likely that a driver has boarded the saddle-type vehicle 100. Therefore, the signal indicating that the ignition switch 18 has switched from the off state to the on state can be used as a boarding signal RID. Furthermore, at the timing when this signal is transmitted from the ignition switch 18, it is highly likely that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has not yet started moving. Therefore, this boarding signal RID can indicate that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has not yet started moving.

[0026] The shift sensor 20 detects the shift position and transmits a signal indicating the detection result to the attitude control device 16. For example, when the shift position switches from the neutral range to another range, such as the first gear, it is highly likely that a driver has boarded the saddle-type vehicle 100. Therefore, the signal indicating that the shift position has switched from the neutral range to another range can be used as the boarding signal RID. Furthermore, at the timing when this signal is transmitted from the shift sensor 20, it is highly likely that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has not yet started moving. Therefore, this boarding signal RID can indicate that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has not yet started moving.

[0027] The stand sensor 22 detects whether the stand ST supporting the body BD of the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in the upright position or the retracted position, and transmits a signal indicating the detection result to the attitude control device 16. When the stand ST switches from the upright position to the retracted position, it is highly likely that a driver has boarded the saddle-type vehicle 100. Therefore, the signal indicating that the stand ST has switched from the upright position to the retracted position can be used as the boarding signal RID. Furthermore, at the timing when this signal is transmitted from the stand sensor 22, it is highly likely that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has not yet started moving. Therefore, this boarding signal RID can indicate that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has not yet started moving. Note that the boarding signal RID only needs to include at least one of the signals related to the ignition switch 18, the shift position, and the stand ST.

[0028] The attitude sensor 12 detects the vertical tilt of the saddle-type vehicle 100, that is, the front-to-rear tilt angle of the saddle-type vehicle 100, or detects a change in said tilt, and transmits a signal indicating the detection result to the attitude control device 16. The attitude sensor 12 can be configured with, for example, a known inertial measuring device (IMU). The vehicle speed sensor 14 detects the vehicle speed of the saddle-type vehicle 100 and transmits a signal indicating the detection result to the attitude control device 16.

[0029] When the attitude control device 16 receives the boarding signal RID, it outputs a control signal CTR1 that corrects the longitudinal tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2, thereby controlling the attitude of the vehicle light fixture 2. In other words, before the saddle-type vehicle 100 starts moving, the attitude control device 16 performs auto-leveling control that dynamically and adaptively controls the longitudinal tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2 in response to changes in the longitudinal tilt angle of the saddle-type vehicle 100 caused by the boarding of the saddle-type vehicle 100 or the loading of luggage.

[0030] Furthermore, the attitude control device 16 constitutes, for example, a part of the light distribution control device 17. The light distribution control device 17 controls the formation of the light distribution pattern PTN by the vehicle lamp 2. For example, the light distribution control device 17 detects targets such as vehicles ahead using an image IMG based on the imaging device 6, and controls the vehicle lamp 2 to form a light distribution pattern PTN having a light-shielding portion corresponding to the detected target. In other words, the light distribution control device 17 can perform ADB control, which dynamically and adaptively controls the light distribution of the vehicle lamp 2 according to targets present in the area ahead. The light distribution control device 17 sends information to the vehicle lamp 2 indicating the determined light distribution pattern PTN. Note that correcting the attitude of the vehicle lamp 2 also corresponds to correcting the light distribution of the vehicle lamp 2. For this reason, the output of the control signal CTR1 by the attitude control device 16 can also be interpreted as the implementation of light distribution control of the vehicle lamp 2.

[0031] The attitude control device 16 and the light distribution control device 17 can be configured as digital processors, for example, consisting of a microcontroller including a CPU and a software program. Alternatively, the attitude control device 16 and the light distribution control device 17 may be configured as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application Specified ICs).

[0032] The attitude control device 16 includes a control unit 24, which is composed of a CPU and the like, and a storage medium 26, which is composed of memory and storage. The control unit 24 includes, for example, an attitude determination unit 28 and an actuator control unit 30. The storage medium 26 stores computer programs, etc., that are executed by the attitude control device 16, or more specifically, the control unit 24. Each part included in the control unit 24 operates by having its constituent integrated circuit execute the program held in the storage medium 26.

[0033] The signals transmitted from the passenger detection device 10, the attitude sensor 12, and the vehicle speed sensor 14 to the attitude control device 16 are acquired by the attitude determination unit 28. In addition, the storage medium 26 has pre-stored information regarding the initial longitudinal tilt angle of the saddle-type vehicle 100 when there is no driver on board and no luggage is loaded, and the initial longitudinal tilt angle of the vehicle lighting device 2 corresponding to that initial longitudinal tilt angle.

[0034] When the posture determination unit 28 receives a rider signal RID from the rider detection device 10, it calculates the current longitudinal tilt angle of the saddle-type vehicle 100 based on the signal received from the posture sensor 12. Then, it determines the longitudinal tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2 according to the calculated longitudinal tilt angle. For example, a conversion table is created in advance and stored in the storage medium 26, which associates the longitudinal tilt angle of the saddle-type vehicle 100 with the longitudinal tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2. The posture determination unit 28 uses this conversion table to determine the longitudinal tilt angle that the vehicle light fixture 2 should take. The posture determination unit 28 sends the information of the determined longitudinal tilt angle to the actuator control unit 30.

[0035] The actuator control unit 30 outputs a drive signal CTR1 to the first leveling actuator 4a of the first bracket 4, corresponding to the difference between the initial front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2 and the front-to-rear tilt angle determined by the attitude determination unit 28. This control signal corrects the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2. As a result, the first leveling actuator 4a is driven, causing the first bracket 4 and the vehicle light fixture 2 to tilt forward or backward to cancel out the difference. Consequently, the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2 is adjusted to an angle corresponding to the current front-to-rear tilt angle of the saddle-type vehicle 100. As described above, the occupant signal RID transmitted from the occupant detection device 10 is likely to be output after the driver has been mounted on the saddle-type vehicle 100 and before the saddle-type vehicle 100 starts moving. Therefore, the correction of the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2 can be performed before the saddle-type vehicle 100 starts moving.

[0036] Furthermore, after the attitude control device 16 outputs a control signal CTR1 instructing the correction of the longitudinal tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2, and after the saddle-type vehicle 100 has stopped after traveling at a speed of 1 or higher, the control device 24 determines the longitudinal tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2 corresponding to the longitudinal tilt angle of the saddle-type vehicle 100 after stopping, and outputs the control signal CTR1 again. In other words, after the control unit 24 corrects the longitudinal tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2 before the saddle-type vehicle 100 starts traveling, it does not perform leveling control of the vehicle light fixture 2 until the saddle-type vehicle 100 has stopped again after traveling.

[0037] The first vehicle speed can be set appropriately based on the designer's empirical knowledge or experiments and simulations conducted by the designer, and is preset and stored in the storage medium 26. The first vehicle speed is, for example, 10 km / h. The vehicle speed at which the saddle-type vehicle 100 can be considered to be stationary can also be set appropriately based on the designer's empirical knowledge or experiments and simulations conducted by the designer, and is preset and stored in the storage medium 26. This vehicle speed is, for example, 0 km / h.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the attitude control device 16 controls the attitude of the imaging device 6 by outputting a control signal CTR2 that corrects the longitudinal tilt angle of the imaging device 6 when it receives a passenger signal RID. In other words, before the saddle-type vehicle 100 starts moving, the attitude control device 16 performs auto-leveling control that dynamically and adaptively controls the longitudinal tilt angle of the imaging device 6 in response to changes in the longitudinal tilt angle of the saddle-type vehicle 100 caused by the driver boarding the saddle-type vehicle 100 or the loading of luggage.

[0039] In other words, when the attitude control device 16 receives the riding signal RID, it determines the longitudinal tilt angle of the imaging device 6 according to the current longitudinal tilt angle of the saddle-type vehicle 100. For example, a conversion table is created in advance and stored in the storage medium 26, which associates the longitudinal tilt angle of the saddle-type vehicle 100 with the longitudinal tilt angle of the imaging device 6. The attitude determination unit 28 uses this conversion table to determine the longitudinal tilt angle that the imaging device 6 should take. The attitude determination unit 28 sends the determined longitudinal tilt angle information to the actuator control unit 30.

[0040] The storage medium 26 pre-stores information regarding the initial longitudinal tilt angle of the saddle-type vehicle 100 and the initial longitudinal tilt angle of the imaging device 6 relative to that initial longitudinal tilt angle. The actuator control unit 30 outputs a drive signal CTR2 to the second leveling actuator 8a of the second bracket 8, corresponding to the difference between the initial longitudinal tilt angle of the imaging device 6 and the longitudinal tilt angle determined by the attitude determination unit 28, that is, a control signal CTR2 that corrects the longitudinal tilt angle of the imaging device 6. As a result, the second leveling actuator 8a is driven, causing the second bracket 8 and the imaging device 6 to tilt forward or backward to cancel out the difference. As a result, the longitudinal tilt angle of the imaging device 6 is adjusted to an angle corresponding to the current longitudinal tilt angle of the saddle-type vehicle 100. The attitude control device 16 can perform the correction of the longitudinal tilt angle of the imaging device 6 before the saddle-type vehicle 100 starts moving.

[0041] This embodiment includes a computer program executed by the attitude control device 16. This computer program causes the attitude control device 16 to execute a control signal that corrects the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle's lighting fixture 2 when it receives a ride signal RID indicating that a driver has boarded the saddle-type vehicle 100. This embodiment also includes a storage medium 26 on which the computer program is stored.

[0042] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control performed by the attitude control device 16. This flow is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals, for example, when the attitude control device 16 is activated, and terminates when the ignition is turned off.

[0043] The attitude control device 16 determines whether it has received the passenger signal RID (S101). If the passenger signal RID has not been received (N in S101), the attitude control device 16 repeats the determination in step S101. If the passenger signal RID has been received (Y in S101), the attitude control device 16 determines the longitudinal tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2 according to the current longitudinal tilt angle of the saddle-type vehicle 100 (S102). Then, the attitude control device 16 drives the first leveling actuator 4a by the difference between the initial longitudinal tilt angle and the determined longitudinal tilt angle to correct the longitudinal tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2 (S103).

[0044] Next, the attitude control device 16 determines, based on the signal from the vehicle speed sensor 14, whether the vehicle speed of the saddle-type vehicle 100 has reached or exceeded the first vehicle speed (S104). If the vehicle speed is less than the first vehicle speed (N in S104), the attitude control device 16 repeats the determination in step S104. If the vehicle speed is at or above the first vehicle speed (Y in S104), the attitude control device 16 determines whether the saddle-type vehicle 100 has stopped (S105). If the saddle-type vehicle 100 has not stopped (N in S105), the attitude control device 16 repeats the determination in step S105. If the saddle-type vehicle 100 has stopped (Y in S105), the attitude control device 16 determines the front-rear tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2 (S102) and corrects the front-rear tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2 (S103). From this point onward, the process described in steps S102 to S105 is repeated.

[0045] As described above, the attitude control device 16 according to this embodiment outputs a control signal CTR1 that corrects the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2 when it receives a boarding signal RID indicating that a driver has boarded the saddle-type vehicle 100. As a result, even if the saddle-type vehicle 100 sinks down due to a driver boarding it or loading luggage, the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture 2 can be adjusted to an angle suitable for the front-to-rear tilt angle of the sunken saddle-type vehicle 100 before the saddle-type vehicle 100 starts moving. Therefore, the visibility of the driver of the saddle-type vehicle 100 can be improved. In addition, the risk of traffic participants such as drivers of vehicles ahead experiencing glare from the light emitted from the vehicle light fixture 2 can be reduced. As a result, the safety of vehicle operation can be improved.

[0046] Furthermore, the passenger boarding signal RID includes at least one signal indicating that the ignition switch 18 has switched from the off state to the on state, a signal indicating that the shift position has switched from the neutral range to another range, and a signal indicating that the stand ST has switched from the upright state to the retracted state. This makes it possible to detect the presence of a driver on the passenger boarding vehicle 100 using a mechanism that is generally installed in passenger boarding vehicles 100. Therefore, compared to the case where a new mechanism for detecting passenger boarding is to be installed, the increase in cost due to the implementation of the auto-leveling function of the vehicle lighting 2 can be suppressed.

[0047] Furthermore, the attitude control device 16 outputs the control signal CTR1 again after the saddle-type vehicle 100 has traveled at a speed of 1 or higher and has come to a stop. This limits the auto-leveling of the vehicle lights 2 to when the saddle-type vehicle 100 is stopped. Thus, the accuracy of the correction of the longitudinal tilt angle can be improved. In addition, by restricting further correction until the saddle-type vehicle 100 has traveled at a speed of 1 or higher and has come to a stop, it is possible to suppress excessive correction of the longitudinal tilt angle while the saddle-type vehicle 100 is stopped.

[0048] Furthermore, when the attitude control device 16 receives the riding signal RID, it outputs a control signal (CTR2) that corrects the front-to-rear tilt angle of the imaging device (6), thereby correcting the attitude of the imaging device (6) mounted on the saddle-type vehicle (100). This improves the accuracy of the formation of the light distribution pattern PTN when the light distribution control device 17 performs ADB control using the image IMG of the imaging device 6. Thus, the visibility of the driver of the saddle-type vehicle 100 can be improved.

[0049] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. The embodiments described above are merely examples of how to implement the present invention. The content of the embodiments does not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and many design changes, such as changes, additions, and deletions of components, are possible as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the invention as defined in the claims. New embodiments with design changes will have the effects of both the combined embodiments and the variations. In the embodiments described above, the content in which such design changes are possible is emphasized with notations such as "in this embodiment" or "in this embodiment," but design changes are also permitted even if there are no such notations. Any combination of the above components is also valid as an embodiment of the present invention. The hatching applied to the cross-section in the drawings does not limit the material of the object to which the hatching is applied.

[0050] The invention relating to the above-described embodiment may be specified by the following items. [1st item] An attitude control device (16) for controlling the attitude of a vehicle light (2) mounted on a saddle-type vehicle (100), When a ride signal (RID) indicating that a driver has boarded the saddle-type vehicle (100) is received, a control signal (CTR1) is output to correct the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle's lighting fixture (2). Attitude control device (16). [Second item] The RID (Riding Indicator) includes at least one signal indicating that the ignition switch (18) has switched from the off state to the on state, a signal indicating that the shift position has switched from the neutral range to another range, and a signal indicating that the stand (ST) supporting the body (BD) of the saddle-type vehicle (100) has switched from the upright state to the retracted state. The first item, attitude control device (16). [3rd item] After the control signal (CTR1) is output, the saddle-type vehicle (100) stops after traveling at a speed of 1 or higher, and then the control signal (CTR1) is output again. Attitude control device (16) of item 1 or item 2. [4th item] The attitude control device (16) also controls the attitude of the imaging device (6) mounted on the saddle-type vehicle (100), When a boarding signal (RID) is received, a control signal (CTR2) is output to correct the front-to-back tilt angle of the imaging device (6). A posture control device (16) according to any of the first to third items. [Item 5] Vehicle lighting equipment (2) mounted on a saddle-type vehicle (100), A first bracket (4) that supports the vehicle light fixture (2) allows the front-to-back tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture (2) to be changed, A passenger detection device (10) that outputs a passenger signal (RID) indicating that a driver has boarded a saddle-type vehicle (100), The vehicle includes an attitude control device (16) according to any of the first to fourth items, which, upon receiving a ride-on signal (RID), outputs a control signal (CTR1) to the first bracket (4) to correct the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle's lighting fixture (2). Vehicle lighting system (1). [Item 6] A computer program executed by an attitude control device (16) that controls the attitude of a vehicle light fixture (2) mounted on a saddle-type vehicle (100), When a riding signal (RID) indicating that a driver has boarded the saddle-type vehicle (100) is received, the attitude control device (16) is instructed to execute a function that outputs a control signal (CTR1) to correct the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle's lighting fixture (2). Computer program. [Item 7] An attitude control method for controlling the attitude of a vehicle light fixture (2) mounted on a saddle-type vehicle (100), The system includes outputting a control signal (CTR1) to correct the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle's lighting fixture (2) when a riding signal (RID) indicating that a driver has boarded the saddle-type vehicle (100) is received. Posture control method. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1 Vehicle lighting system, 2 Vehicle lighting fixtures, 4 First bracket, 6 Imaging device, 10 Rider detection device, 16 Attitude control device, 18 Ignition switch, 100 Saddle-type vehicle, BD Vehicle body, CTR1, CTR2 Control signals, RID Rider signal, ST Stand.

Claims

1. An attitude control device for controlling the attitude of vehicle lighting equipment mounted on a saddle-type vehicle, When a boarding signal is received indicating that a driver has boarded the saddle-type vehicle, a control signal is output to correct the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle's lighting fixture. Posture control device.

2. The aforementioned riding signal includes at least one of the following: a signal indicating that the ignition switch has switched from the off state to the on state; a signal indicating that the shift position has switched from the neutral range to another range; and a signal indicating that the stand supporting the body of the saddle-type vehicle has switched from the upright state to the retracted state. The attitude control device according to claim 1.

3. After the output of the aforementioned control signal, the saddle-type vehicle stops after traveling at a speed of 1 or higher, and then the aforementioned control signal is output again. The attitude control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The attitude control device also controls the attitude of the imaging device mounted on the saddle-type vehicle. When the aforementioned boarding signal is received, a control signal is output to correct the front-to-rear tilt angle of the imaging device. The attitude control device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Vehicle lighting equipment installed on saddle-type vehicles, A first bracket that supports the vehicle light fixture so that the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle light fixture can be changed, A passenger detection device that outputs a passenger signal indicating that a driver has boarded the aforementioned saddle-type vehicle, The attitude control device according to claim 1 or 2, which, upon receiving the aforementioned boarding signal, outputs a control signal to the first bracket to correct the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle's lighting fixture, comprises Vehicle lighting system.

6. A computer program executed by an attitude control device that controls the attitude of vehicle lighting equipment mounted on a saddle-type vehicle, When a boarding signal indicating that a driver has boarded the saddle-type vehicle is received, the attitude control device is instructed to execute a function that outputs a control signal to correct the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle's lighting fixture. Computer program.

Images