Vehicle indicator light control device, control method and program

Abstract

To solve the problem that a horn signal among various signals generated in a vehicle is not utilized for lighting control of a vehicular indicating lamp.SOLUTION: A control part 91 controls lighting of light-emitting parts 5, 6, 7 and 8 of vehicular indicating lamps 4 and 9, and achieves at least one lighting indication, and lights the light-emitting parts 5, 6, 7 and 8 in a predetermined lighting mode according to a horn signal transmitted from a vehicle 1 side mounted with the vehicular indicating lamps 4 and 9.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for a vehicle indicator light, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for informing drivers of surrounding vehicles of a slowdown in the vehicle's speed. As shown in Figures 1 to 3 of the document, the grouped lighting elements can be lit in a converging or diverging manner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2020-526455 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present inventors have newly discovered that, among various signals generated in a vehicle, a horn signal is not being utilized for controlling the illumination of vehicle lamps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control device that controls the lighting of a light-emitting section of a vehicle lamp to realize at least one lighting display, and is configured to light the light-emitting section in a predetermined lighting mode in response to a warning signal transmitted from a vehicle in which the vehicle lamp is mounted.

[0006] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to switch the predetermined lighting mode to another lighting mode depending on the duration of the horn signal.

[0007] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to switch the predetermined lighting mode to another lighting mode in response to a switch signal indicating that the duration of the horn signal exceeds a threshold.

[0008] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to illuminate the light emitting portion in the predetermined illumination mode when the horn signal is received while a stop signal indicating that the vehicle is stopped is being received.

[0009] In some embodiments, the control device is configured, upon receiving the horn signal, to switch from controlling the lighting of the light-emitting unit in a precedence lighting mode based on a precedence signal to controlling the lighting of the light-emitting unit in the predetermined lighting mode.

[0010] In some embodiments, the preceding signal is at least one of a turn signal, an autonomous driving signal, or a human or surrounding object detection signal.

[0011] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to switch the predetermined lighting mode to another lighting mode in response to a number of the horn signals. The number of the horn signals may be determined at a determination timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the input of a first horn signal.

[0012] In some embodiments, the horn signal is generated by a driver of the vehicle pressing a horn switch to sound the horn, hi some embodiments, the horn signal is generated (e.g., by a vehicle system) in response to an impact detection signal.

[0013] In some embodiments, in the predetermined lighting mode, the light emitting unit lights up in a predetermined color, or the light emitting unit blinks, or multiple light emitting regions in the light emitting unit light up in a predetermined sequence, or a matrix of light emitting elements in the light emitting unit lights up for an animation display. The light emitting unit may include multiple light emitting regions that can light up in a single or different colors.

[0014] A control method for a vehicle indicator lamp according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for controlling lighting of a light-emitting part of a vehicle lamp to realize at least one lighting display, and lighting the light-emitting part in a predetermined lighting mode in synchronization with generation of a warning signal in a vehicle equipped with the vehicle lamp. A computer program for causing a computer to execute the above-mentioned control method is also disclosed. The computer program may be stored in a non-transitory recording medium (such as a semiconductor memory, an optical disk, or a magnetic tape). Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to realize lighting control of a vehicle lamp in response to a horn signal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view showing a front portion of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic rear view showing a rear portion of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a light emitting portion is provided as a matrix of light emitting elements. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic system diagram of an indicator light according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 2 is a schematic system diagram of a lighting control unit. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a schematic time chart showing lighting control of the light-emitting unit by the control unit. [Figure 7] 5 is a schematic time chart showing lighting control in which the control unit controls the color of the light-emitting unit. [Figure 8] 5 is a schematic flowchart showing lighting control of the light-emitting unit by the control unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a schematic system diagram of a lighting control unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] 5 is a schematic time chart showing the lighting control of the light-emitting unit by the control unit when a turn signal and a horn signal are received in succession. [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic time chart showing the lighting control of the light-emitting unit by the control unit when an automatic driving signal and a warning signal are received consecutively. [Figure 12] 5 is a schematic time chart showing the lighting control of the light-emitting unit by the control unit when a human or surrounding object detection signal and a horn signal are received in succession. [Figure 13] 5 is a schematic flowchart showing lighting control of the light-emitting unit by the control unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic system diagram of a lighting control unit according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 15] 6 is a schematic time chart showing that the lighting mode is switched depending on the number of times of the horn signal. [Figure 16] 5 is a schematic flowchart showing lighting control of the light-emitting unit by the control unit. [Figure 17] 6 is a schematic time chart showing how a warning signal is generated in response to an impact detection signal and how a control unit controls the lighting of a light-emitting unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, non-limiting embodiments and features of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art can combine each embodiment and / or each feature without the need for excessive explanation, and can also understand the synergistic effect of this combination. In principle, overlapping explanations between embodiments will be omitted. The reference drawings are primarily intended to describe the invention, and are simplified for the convenience of drawing. Each feature is not only effective for the control device disclosed in this specification, but is understood as a universal feature that is also applicable to various other control devices not disclosed in this specification.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a vehicle 1 is provided with left and right headlights 2 at the front and left and right lamps 3 at the rear as vehicle lighting fixtures. Furthermore, a pair of indicator lights 4 are provided in addition to the headlights 2. Similarly, a pair of indicator lights 9 are provided in addition to the left and right lamps 3. The headlights 2 are capable of projecting low beams and high beams, and also include turn lamps that flash in response to turn signals (and may also include other types of lamps). The configuration of the headlights 2 is known in the art, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0019] The indicator lamp 4 is provided in the grille of the vehicle 1, and therefore may also be called a grill light. The vehicle 1 is not limited to a gasoline vehicle, and may be an electric vehicle, and therefore the grille does not need to have ventilation. The position and range of the grille and the grill light are not limited to those shown in FIG.

[0020] The lamps 3 may include turn lamps that flash in synchronization with the turn signals of the vehicle 1, brake lamps that flash in synchronization with the braking device of the vehicle 1, and other types of lamps. The indicator lamps 9 may include movable lamps, some of which are provided on a rear door (e.g., a hatchback door) of the vehicle 1, and fixed lamps, the remainder of which are provided on the body adjacent to the door of the vehicle 1. The positions and ranges of the indicator lamps 4, 9 are not limited to those shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0021] The indicator light 4 at the front of the vehicle 1 has one or more light-emitting units 5, 6 each including a plurality of light-emitting regions. The light-emitting regions 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d of the light-emitting unit 5 and the light-emitting regions 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d of the light-emitting unit 6 are provided along the vehicle width direction. Similarly, the indicator light 9 at the rear of the vehicle 1 has one or more light-emitting units 7, 8 each including one or more light-emitting regions. The light-emitting regions 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d of the light-emitting unit 7 and the light-emitting regions 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d of the light-emitting unit 8 are provided along the vehicle width direction.

[0022] In each of the light-emitting regions 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d, a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged along the vertical direction. In each of the light-emitting regions 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d, a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged along the vehicle width direction. The light-emitting elements provided in the light-emitting regions are, for example, semiconductor light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) or LDs (Laser Diodes) or other types of light-emitting elements. Each of the light-emitting regions or light-emitting sections may include optical elements such as lenses, transparent windows, reflectors, etc. in addition to the light-emitting elements. The light emitted from the light-emitting elements is emitted outside the vehicle through the optical elements.

[0023] The light-emitting units 5, 6, 7, and 8 are not limited to a linear arrangement of light-emitting regions or light-emitting elements, but may include a matrix of light-emitting elements as can be seen from FIG. 3. Increasing the number of light-emitting elements allows for more complex or advanced lighting displays. For example, animation displays (in a simple example, a predetermined lighting pattern (e.g., an arrow lighting pattern) moves from the center of the vehicle width to the outside in the vehicle width direction) are also possible. The directionality of the animation can be changed as appropriate.

[0024] In this embodiment, as will be understood from the description below, the light emitting units 5, 6, 7, and 8 are controlled to be turned on in a predetermined lighting mode in response to a horn signal transmitted from a vehicle side (for example, a vehicle system) on which the vehicle lamp is mounted. The horn signal generated in the vehicle can be utilized for controlling the vehicle lamp. The lamp to be controlled can be provided at any position such as the front, rear, or side of the vehicle 1, and should not be limited to the position and range shown in the figure. The vehicle system, its subsystem, or transmission path can be utilized for transmitting the horn signal from the vehicle side to the vehicle lamp. The vehicle system and its subsystem transmit the horn signal generated by the horn switch to the control unit of the vehicle lamp. The transmission path transmits the horn signal generated by the horn switch to the control unit of the vehicle lamp. The transmission path is either a wired or wireless transmission path, or a combination of these. The vehicle system includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that is responsible for various controls in the vehicle 1. The vehicle system and its subsystem include one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units).

[0025] The indicator light 9 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4, but the indicator light 4 can be configured in the same manner. As shown in FIG. 4, a pair of indicator lights 9 are provided on the left and right. Each indicator light 9 has a light-emitting unit 7 (or 8), a control unit 91, and an optional filter switching unit 94. The light-emitting elements 7e, 7f, 7g, and 7h of the light-emitting unit 7 are connected in parallel between a power supply potential and a ground potential. When the switch SW is on, a current flows through each light-emitting element, and the light emitting element emits a luminous flux. The light emitted from the light-emitting element propagates rearward from the vehicle 1 with or without passing through other optical elements (e.g., reflectors), and can reach the eyes of a driver of a vehicle following the vehicle 1. The same applies to the light-emitting elements 8e, 8f, 8g, and 8h of the light-emitting unit 8.

[0026] The control unit 91 controls the lighting of the light-emitting unit 7 (or 8) to realize at least one lighting display, and is specifically configured to light the light-emitting unit 7 (or 8) in a predetermined lighting mode in response to the above-mentioned horn signal. This makes it possible to present a lighting display that is visible to drivers of other vehicles or pedestrians around the vehicle in addition to the horn sound, thereby encouraging attention and communication. Note that the control unit 91 does not need to be built into the indicator light, and can be provided as a control device independent of the indicator light.

[0027] The horn signal is an output signal of a horn button provided in the vehicle 1 or a signal generated based thereon, and instructs the activation of an alarm (which may also be called a horn device). For example, when the driver presses the horn button, an H-level alarm signal is transmitted to the alarm directly or via other elements (e.g., ECU, CPU, etc.), which activates the alarm and sounds the alarm. When the driver releases the horn button, the alarm signal becomes L-level and the alarm stops operating. In some cases, the control unit 91 receives the alarm signal from a vehicle system. The alarm signal is transmitted via a communication bus that communicatively connects the vehicle system and the indicator light control unit 91.

[0028] As an option, the control unit 91 receives a speed signal, a turn signal, an automatic driving signal, a human or surrounding object detection signal, and an impact detection signal. The speed signal is a signal indicating the speed of the vehicle 1, and is transmitted, for example, from a speed sensor or a speed calculation unit provided on the vehicle 1 or the indicator light 9. The speed calculation unit calculates and outputs the traveling speed of the host vehicle based on the rotation speed of the front wheels or rear wheels of the vehicle 1. The turn signal is transmitted from the direction indicator of the vehicle 1. The automatic driving signal is transmitted, for example, from an automatic driving switch or an ECU of the vehicle 1, and indicates that the vehicle 1 is operating in an automatic driving mode. The human or surrounding object detection signal is transmitted, for example, from a human or surrounding object detection device, and indicates that there is a human or object around the host vehicle. A human recognition camera can be used as the surrounding object detection device. When a human is captured in the image acquired by the camera, the human is recognized and a detection signal is output. The impact detection signal is transmitted, for example, from an impact detection device of the vehicle 1, and indicates that an impact has been applied to the vehicle 1. The human or surrounding object detection signal and / or the impact detection signal may be transmitted to the control unit 91 via or without the vehicle's ECU.

[0029] The horn is sounded for various purposes under various circumstances. For example, the horn is sounded to alert the driver of another vehicle to avoid a collision or contact with the other vehicle. The horn is sounded according to road signs on mountain roads with poor visibility. Regardless of whether it is restricted by law or not, the horn may also be sounded to communicate with the driver of another vehicle (to show greetings or gratitude). Therefore, the horn is sounded regardless of whether the vehicle 1 is moving or stopped. Furthermore, the number and length of the horn may vary, and it may be sounded only once, multiple times in succession, shortly, or longly. It is preferable to configure the control unit 91 based on such characteristics of the horn, and this point will be described more specifically from the following description.

[0030] The control unit 91 may include a lighting control unit 92 and a driving unit 93. The lighting control unit 92 may include a CPU and a memory. A program stored in the memory is executed by the CPU to realize desired control. In other words, the lighting control unit 92 is a functional unit that is realized by the program being executed by the CPU. The driving unit 93 is configured by a digital circuit, an analog circuit, or a combination of these, and supplies a driving signal (e.g., a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal) to the switch SW to light the light-emitting element.

[0031] Based on a command input from the lighting control unit 92, the driving unit 93 can turn on the switch SW so that the light-emitting elements designated by the command are turned on, or can turn on the switch SW so that the light-emitting elements are turned on in the order designated by the command. The driving unit 93 supplies a driving signal to the switch SW to turn it on, and the light-emitting element associated with the switch SW is turned on. Depending on the circuit configuration, it is also possible to turn on the LED in synchronization with the switch SW being turned off. When the switch SW is on, a luminous flux is emitted from the LED and the light-emitting area is turned on. The driving unit 93 can supply a PWM signal to the switch SW, which can also adjust the brightness of the light-emitting area.

[0032] In order to change the color of the light-emitting portion, a filter switching unit 94 can be provided to switch the color filter through which the light emitted from the light-emitting element passes. The filter switching unit 94 has, for example, a filter plate provided with a blue color filter and a red color filter, and the filter plate is slid and moved in response to a command from the control unit 91. This allows selective projection of red light or blue light. In addition to this method, light-emitting elements of different colors can be provided in each light-emitting region and selectively driven. For example, each light-emitting portion or light-emitting region includes a white LED and a specific color LED (for example, a red LED and a blue LED) connected in parallel to each other, and the lighting state of the LEDs can be controlled by turning on and off a switch SW. For example, when the light-emitting region is to be lit in red, the control unit 91 selectively drives the red LED. When the light-emitting region is to be lit in blue, the control unit 91 selectively drives the blue LED.

[0033] When changing the lighting pattern in the light-emitting unit (light-emitting area or lighting order of light-emitting elements), setting information previously stored in a table in memory can be utilized. For example, the lighting control unit 92 (e.g., its CPU) accesses the setting information in the table in memory and provides a command based thereon to the driving unit 93. The setting information includes information specifying the lighting order of the light-emitting elements. Thus, the driving unit 93 can light the light-emitting elements so as to obtain a predetermined lighting pattern based on the setting information. For this purpose, the driving unit 93 can include a buffer memory that temporarily holds the identification numbers of the light-emitting elements arranged in lighting order.

[0034] In the case shown in FIG. 5, the lighting control unit 92 includes a mode control unit 51, a timer unit 52, and a comparison unit 53. The mode control unit 51 generates a mode signal (first mode signal) in response to the alarm signal, and switches the mode signal to another mode signal (second mode signal) in response to the duration of the alarm signal. The timer unit 52 measures the elapsed time from the rising edge of the alarm signal to determine the duration of the alarm signal. The comparison unit 53 compares the output value (indicating the measured time) of the timer unit with a threshold value. A long duration of the alarm signal means that there is a high possibility that the alarm is sounded for purposes other than communication such as greetings or thanks. Therefore, in such a case, by switching the first mode signal to the second mode signal, it becomes possible to light up the light-emitting unit in a manner more suitable for the situation in which the alarm is sounded. The mode control unit and the timer unit may be functional units embodied by executing a program by a CPU.

[0035] 6, at time t1, mode control unit 51 outputs a first mode signal in response to the rising edge of the horn signal. At the same time, mode control unit 51 instructs timer unit 52 to start measuring. At time t2, comparison unit 53 outputs a switching signal indicating that the output value (indicating the measured time) of the timer unit has exceeded a threshold (i.e., indicating that the duration of the horn signal has exceeded the threshold). Mode control unit 51 switches from the first mode signal to the second mode signal in response to this switching signal. At time t3, mode control unit 51 stops outputting the mode signal in response to the falling edge of the horn signal.

[0036] The light-emitting units 7 and 8 are lit in the first and second lighting modes in response to the first and second mode signals. The first and second lighting modes have a visible difference in one or more of lighting color, lighting pattern, blinking speed, and lighting direction, and by switching from the first lighting mode to the second lighting mode, it is possible to light the light-emitting units in a manner more suitable for a situation in which the horn is sounding for a long time. For reference, in FIG. 7, the lighting color of the light-emitting units 7 and 8 changes from blue to red at time t2. It is also possible to change the color from yellow to red or from green to red. It is also possible to display different animations in the first and second lighting modes using a matrix of light-emitting elements.

[0037] In Fig. 6, the light-emitting units 7 and 8 are turned off when no horn signal is input, but this is not necessarily the case. Also, in Fig. 6, when a horn signal is received while a stop signal (the above-mentioned speed signal indicating zero speed) indicating that the vehicle is stopped is being received, the light-emitting units are turned on in a predetermined lighting mode in response to the horn signal, but reception of a stop signal does not have to be a prerequisite, and similar lighting control can be performed while the vehicle is traveling. Different lighting control can also be performed according to the traveling speed of the vehicle.

[0038] Regarding the change in color of the light-emitting units, when a first mode signal is input from mode control unit 51, filter switching unit 94 sets a blue filter to a predetermined position so that the light emitted from the light-emitting unit is emitted outside the vehicle through the blue filter. When a second mode signal is input from mode control unit 51, filter switching unit 94 sets a red filter to a predetermined position so that the light emitted from the light-emitting unit is emitted outside the vehicle through the red filter. If the blue filter and the red filter are provided on the same filter plate, the light emission color of light-emitting units 7, 8 can be switched by sliding this filter plate.

[0039] When a filter is not used, the driver 93 can selectively drive different light-emitting elements in response to the first and second mode signals from the mode controller 51. For example, the driver 93 selectively drives a blue LED (e.g., a combination of a white LED and a blue filter) when the first mode signal is input. The driver 93 selectively drives a red LED (e.g., a combination of a white LED and a red filter) when the second mode signal is input.

[0040] Regarding the lighting pattern of the light-emitting unit, for example, a first lighting pattern according to the first mode signal is constant lighting (continuous lighting), and a second lighting pattern according to the second mode signal is flashing. A form in which the flashing speed of the light-emitting unit increases as the horn gets longer is also assumed. A form in which the direction of sequential lighting changes as the horn gets longer is also assumed. Different animations can also be displayed in a matrix of light-emitting elements according to the first and second mode signals. Different animations include different rendering speeds of the same pattern.

[0041] 8 is a flow chart relating to the above-mentioned control. First, when the control unit 91 receives a horn signal (S1), it outputs a first mode signal, causing the light-emitting units 7 and 8 to light up in the first lighting mode (S2). When the duration of the horn signal becomes longer than a threshold value (S3), the control unit 91 outputs a second mode signal, causing the light-emitting units 7 and 8 to light up in the second lighting mode (S4). During the period when the duration of the horn signal is less than the threshold value, the control unit 91 outputs the first mode signal, causing the light-emitting units 7 and 8 to continue to light up in the first lighting mode (S6).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that a precedence signal is input to the lighting control unit 92 (simply, the mode control unit 51) in addition to the horn signal. When the precedence signal and the horn signal are input in this order, the lighting control unit 92 switches the lighting control of the light-emitting unit from a precedence lighting mode based on the precedence signal (hereinafter referred to as the precedence lighting mode) to a lighting mode according to the horn signal (hereinafter referred to as the horn lighting mode). The horn lighting mode takes precedence over the precedence lighting mode, and it becomes possible to light the light-emitting unit in synchronization with the horn. The precedence signal is at least one of a turn signal, an automatic driving signal, and a human or surrounding object detection signal, and each signal will be described separately below. Of course, similar switching control is possible when two or more precedence signals are input.

[0043] FIG. 10 shows a time chart when the preceding signal is a turn signal. At time t1, the control unit 91 sequentially starts lighting the light emitting unit 7 (and / or the light emitting unit 8) in response to the input of the turn signal from the vehicle system. Specifically, the mode control unit 51 outputs a turn lighting mode signal in response to the turn signal. The turn lighting mode signal is, for example, a sequential lighting mode signal, and the drive unit 93 starts lighting the light emitting areas 7a to 7d (light emitting elements 7e to 7h) in sequence. At time t5, the control unit 91 lights the light emitting unit 7 (and / or the light emitting unit 8) in a different lighting mode in response to the rising edge of the horn signal. Specifically, the mode control unit 51 switches from the turn lighting mode signal to the horn lighting mode signal in response to the rising edge of the horn signal. In response to this horn lighting mode signal, the drive unit 93 blinks the light emitting areas 7a to 7d (light emitting elements 7e to 7h). Note that the switching from sequential lighting to blinking is merely a non-limiting example. A matrix of light emitting elements (eg, an LED matrix) may be used to switch from a first animation display to a second animation display.

[0044] FIG. 11 shows a time chart in the case where the preceding signal is an automatic driving signal. At time t1, the control unit 91 starts dim lighting of the light emitting unit 7 (and / or the light emitting unit 8) in response to an input of an automatic driving signal from the vehicle system. Specifically, the mode control unit 51 outputs an automatic driving lighting mode signal in response to the automatic driving lighting mode signal. In response to this automatic driving lighting mode signal, the drive unit 93 outputs a driving signal with a low duty ratio, and in response to this, the light emitting areas 7a to 7d (light emitting elements 7e to 7h) are dimly lit. At time t2, the control unit 91 lights up the light emitting unit 7 (and / or the light emitting unit 8) in a different lighting mode in response to the rising edge of the horn signal. Specifically, the mode control unit 51 switches from the automatic driving lighting mode signal to the horn lighting mode signal in response to the rising edge of the horn signal. In response to this horn lighting mode signal, the drive unit 93 blinks the light emitting areas 7a to 7d (light emitting elements 7e to 7h). Note that in the horn lighting mode, a driving signal with a higher duty ratio is output from the drive unit 93.

[0045] FIG. 12 shows a time chart in the case where the preceding signal is a human or surrounding object detection signal. It is assumed here that the light-emitting unit 7 is the target of lighting control and has an LED matrix. At time t1, the control unit 91 lights up the light-emitting unit 7 in an animation mode in response to an input of a human or surrounding object detection signal from the surrounding object detection device. Specifically, the mode control unit 51 outputs an animation mode signal in response to the human or surrounding object detection signal. In response to this animation mode signal, the drive unit 93 drives the LED matrix to display the animation. At time t2, the control unit 91 lights up the light-emitting unit 7 in a different lighting mode in response to the rising edge of the horn signal. Specifically, the mode control unit 51 switches from the animation mode signal to the horn lighting mode signal in response to the rising edge of the horn signal. In response to this horn lighting mode signal, the drive unit 93 blinks the LED matrix. Of course, it is also possible to display different animations in response to the horn lighting mode signal.

[0046] Fig. 13 is a flowchart relating to the above-mentioned control. The difference from Fig. 8 is that the precedence signal is received before the horn signal is received (S1), the light-emitting unit is turned on in the precedence lighting mode (S2), and in response to the reception of the horn signal (S3), the precedence lighting mode is switched to the first lighting mode (S4).

[0047] Further another embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 16. In this embodiment, the control unit 91 is configured to switch a predetermined lighting mode to another lighting mode according to the number of horn signals (for example, a signal related to or indicating the number of horn signals). This allows the light-emitting unit to be lit in different lighting modes according to the number of horn signals. For example, when the horn is sounded once shortly, the light-emitting unit is lit in a light horn mode having a positive meaning such as a greeting or gratitude, and when the horn is sounded three or more short times, the light-emitting unit is lit in a heavy horn mode having a warning meaning. The number of horn signals can be determined at a determination timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the input of the first horn signal, but is not limited to this, and the lighting mode can also be changed according to an increase in the number of horn signals.

[0048] 14, the illumination control unit 92 has a count unit 54 that determines the number of times a warning signal is generated. The mode control unit 51 outputs a mode signal according to the count value of the count unit 54 at a determination timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the input of the first warning signal. The determination timing can be determined by the mode control unit 51 or the count unit 54 by referring to a timer or counting a reference clock.

[0049] In the case shown in FIG. 15(a), a horn signal is generated three times in a predetermined period between time t1 and time t2. The mode control unit 51 outputs a start mode signal in response to the input of the first horn signal at time t1, and outputs a heavy horn mode signal in response to the count value of the count unit 54 at time t2. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the mode control unit stops outputting the heavy horn mode signal. In the case shown in FIG. 15(b), a horn signal is generated once in a predetermined period between time t1 and time t2 (for example, the same as the time period between time t1 and time t2 in FIG. 15(a)). The mode control unit 51 outputs a start mode signal in response to the input of the first horn signal at time t1, and outputs a light horn mode signal in response to the count value of the count unit 54 at time t2. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the mode control unit stops outputting the light horn mode signal.

[0050] Fig. 16 is a flow chart relating to the above-mentioned control. First, when the control unit 91 receives a warning signal (S1), it outputs a start mode signal and the light-emitting unit lights up in the start mode (S2). When the number of warning signals in a predetermined period of time is equal to or exceeds a threshold value (S3), the control unit 91 outputs a heavy warning mode signal and the light-emitting unit lights up in the heavy warning mode (S4). If the number of warning signals in a predetermined period of time is less than the threshold value, the control unit 91 outputs a light warning mode signal and the light-emitting unit lights up in the light warning mode (S6). The lighting in the light warning mode may be the same as the lighting in the start mode.

[0051] In the start mode, the light-emitting unit is lit in a divergent sequential manner from the center of the vehicle toward the outside of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. In the heavy warning mode, the light-emitting unit is lit in a flashing manner. In the light warning mode, the light-emitting unit is lit in a convergent sequential manner from the outside of the vehicle toward the center of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction.

[0052] In the above description, it is assumed that the horn signal is generated by the driver of the vehicle 1 pressing the horn switch to sound the horn with a horn, but this is not necessarily the case. In the case shown in Fig. 17, a system of the vehicle 1 (e.g., a CPU or ECU) generates a horn signal in synchronization with an impact detection signal to sound the horn. In other words, the horn signal is not generated by the driver of the vehicle 1 pressing the horn switch to sound the horn, but is generated by the system of the vehicle 1 in response to the impact detection signal. Even in such a case, the control unit 91 can generate a visual warning by turning on the light-emitting unit in a predetermined mode in response to the horn signal.

[0053] In light of the above disclosure, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to each embodiment and each feature. The control unit 91 can also be configured with a logic circuit that blinks any or all of the light-emitting units 5, 6, 7, and 8 in response to a horn signal. The number of light-emitting units controlled to be turned on by the control unit 91 is not limited to one. The control unit 91 can also control the lighting of different light-emitting units provided at different positions on the vehicle (for example, in the same or different or consecutive manners). [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1: Vehicle 3:Lighting equipment 4: Indicator light 5: Light emitting part 6: Light emitting part 7: Light emitting part 8: Light emitting part 9: Indicator light

Claims

1. A control device that controls lighting of a light-emitting unit of a vehicle lamp to realize at least one lighting display, the control device being configured to light the light-emitting unit in a predetermined lighting mode in response to a warning signal transmitted from a vehicle on which the vehicle lamp is mounted, A control device for a vehicle indicator light configured to switch the predetermined lighting mode to another lighting mode depending on the number of times the horn signal is received.

2. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the number of times the warning horn signal is received is determined at a determination timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the input of a first warning horn signal.

3. 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to light up the light-emitting unit in the predetermined lighting mode when the horn signal is received while the vehicle is receiving a stop signal indicating that the vehicle is stopped.

4. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the warning signal is received, the control device is configured to switch from lighting control of the light-emitting unit in a precedence lighting mode based on a precedence signal to lighting control of the light-emitting unit in the specified lighting mode.

5. The control device according to claim 4 , wherein the preceding signal is at least one of a turn signal, an automatic driving signal, and a human or surrounding object detection signal.

6. 6. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the horn signal is generated when a driver of the vehicle presses a horn switch to sound the horn.

7. 6. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the warning signal is generated in response to an impact detection signal.

8. A control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the specified lighting mode, the light-emitting unit lights up in a specified color, or the light-emitting unit flashes, or multiple light-emitting areas in the light-emitting unit light up in a specified sequence, or a matrix of light-emitting elements in the light-emitting unit lights up for animation display.

9. 9. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting portion includes a plurality of light emitting areas that can be illuminated in a single color or in different colors.

10. A control method for controlling lighting of a light-emitting unit of a vehicle lamp to realize at least one lighting display, the method comprising: lighting the light-emitting unit in a predetermined lighting mode in synchronization with generation of a warning signal in a vehicle equipped with the vehicle lamp; The method for controlling a vehicle indicator light includes switching the predetermined lighting mode to another lighting mode depending on the number of times the horn signal is received.

11. A computer program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 10.

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