Road condition visual confirmation device

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for visually recognizing a road surface condition, which makes a driver grasp the condition of a road surface for traveling, in situations in which reflection of light from the road surface is assumed.SOLUTION: An apparatus 1 for visually recognizing a road surface condition includes an illumination part 10, a lighting control part 20, a detection part 30 and a vehicle speed detection part 40. The illumination part 10, which is provided on the front side of a vehicle and which applies dot-like projection light beams arrayed at predetermined intervals capable of being visually recognized by a driver onto the road surface in a vehicle travel direction, is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a road condition visualizing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, when driving on roads during rain at night or after rain, the light emitted from the headlights of the vehicle itself and the light emitted from the headlights of oncoming vehicles is reflected on the road surface, making it difficult for the driver to grasp the road conditions.

[0003] Meanwhile, there is also known a technology that provides an additional irradiation means for irradiating dotted visible light rays toward positions corresponding to the edges of the vehicle on the road surface that are visible to the driver (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-270380 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 above is intended to make it easier for the driver to recognize the position of the vehicle's widthwise edge by emitting point-like visible light rays toward positions corresponding to the vehicle's edge, and is not intended to grasp the road surface conditions, so there is room for improvement in order to enable the driver to accurately grasp the condition of the road surface on which they are traveling at night.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a road surface condition visualizing device that allows the driver to accurately grasp the condition of the road surface on which they are traveling in situations where light reflections on the road surface are expected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Form 1: One or more embodiments of the present invention include a lighting unit that is provided on the front side of a vehicle and that projects dot-shaped light onto a road surface in the vehicle traveling direction, the dots being arranged at predetermined intervals so as to be visible to the driver; The vehicle is equipped with a lighting control unit that controls the lighting state of the lighting unit, and a detection unit that detects rainfall, snowfall, or puddles or accumulated snow on the road surface, and the lighting control unit turns on the lighting unit when the vehicle is traveling with its headlights turned on and the detection unit detects the rainfall, the snowfall, or puddles or accumulated snow on the road surface. The present invention proposes a road surface condition visual confirmation device characterized by the above.

[0008] Form 2: One or more embodiments of the present invention propose a road surface condition visualization device characterized in that the lighting unit consists of a plurality of LEDs arranged in a straight line, and the arrangement direction of the plurality of LEDs is arranged at both ends of the front of the vehicle so that it is perpendicular to the road surface.

[0009] Mode 3: One or more embodiments of the present invention propose a road surface condition visualizing device characterized in that the LED emits light in red or yellow.

[0010] Form 4: One or more embodiments of the present invention propose a road surface condition visualization device characterized in that the lighting unit can form dot-shaped projection light from a position that allows fine adjustment of the vehicle position, and irradiates dot-shaped projection light arranged at predetermined intervals within a range where the number of dot-shaped projection light does not interfere with driving.

[0013] Mode 7: One or more embodiments of the present invention include a steering angle detection unit that detects the steering angle of a steering wheel. of The present invention proposes a road surface condition visualization device characterized in that the lighting control unit turns off the lighting unit when it determines, based on the detection result of the steering angle detection unit, that the vehicle is traveling on a curve. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide an advantage that, in a situation where light reflection from the road surface is expected, the driver can accurately grasp the condition of the road surface on which the vehicle is traveling. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1]1 is a functional block diagram of a road surface condition visualizing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state of projection onto a road surface from an illumination unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating examples of projection sizes of dot-shaped projection light emitted from an illumination unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3 is a process flow of the road surface condition visualizing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating light reflected from a road surface according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a road surface condition visualizing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a process flow of a road surface condition visualizing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a road surface condition visualizing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a process flow of a road surface condition visualizing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0017] First Embodiment A road surface condition visualizing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.

[0018] <Configuration of the road surface condition visualizing device 1> As shown in FIG. 1, the road surface condition visualizing device 1 according to this embodiment includes an illumination unit 10, a lighting control unit 20, a detection unit 30, and a vehicle speed detection unit .

[0019] The lighting unit 10 is provided on the front side of the vehicle (MC) and, as shown in FIG. 2, projects dot-shaped projection light (DL) arranged at predetermined intervals that are visible to the driver onto the road surface in the direction of travel of the vehicle (MC). Here, for example, as shown in Figure 3, if the size of the dot-shaped projection light (DL) is 50 cm in diameter, the predetermined interval between adjacent dot-shaped projection light (DL) can be exemplified as 0.3 m. The illumination unit 10 is made up of a plurality of LEDs arranged in a straight line, and is disposed on both front end sides of the vehicle (MC) so that the direction of arrangement of the plurality of LEDs is perpendicular to the road surface. As a more specific mounting position of the illumination unit 10, for example, it is preferable to mount it near the front combination lamp, and if the fog lamp is configured as a separate unit, it may be built into the front combination lamp or the fog lamp. The illumination range of the lighting unit 10 is set, taking into consideration the general driving speed, at a position where the position of the vehicle (MC) can be fine-tuned, for example, as shown in Figure 2, so that dot-shaped projected light (DL) can be formed from 10 m in front of the vehicle (MC), and the number of dot-shaped projected light (DL) is not an eyesore to the driver, for example, 10 m in a straight line distance, in other words, a range of 10 to 20 m in front of the vehicle (MC). Furthermore, the color of light emitted by the LEDs that make up the illumination unit 10 is preferably red or yellow. The shape of the road surface reflected light due to the dot-shaped projected light (DL) that is visually recognized by the driver is as shown in FIG. Here, Figure 4(A) shows the shape of the light reflected from the road surface when the road surface is dry, and Figure 4(B) shows the shape of the light reflected from the road surface when the same road surface is wet. As can be seen from these figures, even when the road surface is dry (Figure 4(A)), the shape of the light reflected from the road surface is affected by unevenness and ruts on the road surface, causing it to deform from the shape of the original dot-shaped projected light (DL). However, when the road surface is wet due to rain or snow (Figure 4(B)), in addition to the effects of unevenness and ruts on the road surface, the diffuse reflection of light due to moisture causes the shape of the light reflected from the road surface to change so significantly that it no longer retains the shape of the original dot-shaped projected light (DL).

[0020] The lighting control unit 20 controls the lighting state of the illumination unit 10 . Specifically, the lighting control unit 20 turns on the lighting unit when the vehicle (MC) is traveling with its headlights on and detects rainfall, snowfall, puddles or accumulated snow on the road surface based on received signals from the detection unit 30, vehicle speed detection unit 40, and, for example, the light receiving sensor 100, which will be described later. The lighting control unit 20 may determine the lighting state of the headlamps based on the ON / OFF state of the light switch.

[0021] The detection unit 30 detects rainfall, for example, based on a signal received from a rainfall sensor (not shown). The detection unit 30 also detects snowfall, for example, based on a signal received from a snowfall sensor (not shown). Furthermore, the detection unit 30 detects puddles on the road surface or snow accumulation on the road surface, for example, from an image captured by an imaging device (not shown). The information detected by the detection unit 30 is output to the lighting control unit 20.

[0022] The vehicle speed detection unit 40 is configured by, for example, a vehicle speed sensor, and outputs the obtained information to the lighting control unit 20. The lighting control unit 20 determines, based on information obtained from the vehicle speed detection unit 40, that the vehicle (MC) is in a traveling state when the vehicle speed of the vehicle (MC) is, for example, 10 km / h or higher.

[0023] <Processing of the road surface condition visual confirmation device 1> The processing of the road surface condition visualizing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 5, the lighting control unit 20 determines whether or not the headlamp is in a lighting state, for example, based on a signal received from the light receiving sensor 100 (step S110). If the lighting control unit 20 determines that the headlamps are not in a lighting state ("NO" in step S110), the process returns to the original state and waits.

[0025] On the other hand, if the lighting control unit 20 determines that the headlamps are on ("YES" in step S110), the lighting control unit 20 then determines whether the vehicle (MC) is moving based on the detection information of the vehicle speed detection unit 40 (step S120). If the lighting control unit 20 determines that the vehicle (MC) is not running ("NO" in step S120), the process returns to the original state and waits.

[0026] On the other hand, if the lighting control unit 20 determines that the vehicle (MC) is moving ("YES" in step S120), then the lighting control unit 20 determines whether rainfall, snowfall, puddles on the road surface, or accumulated snow has been detected based on the detection information from the detection unit 30 (step S130). If the lighting control unit 20 determines that rainfall, snowfall, or puddles or accumulated snow on the road surface has not been detected ("NO" in step S130), the process returns to the original state and waits.

[0027] On the other hand, if the lighting control unit 20 determines that it has detected rainfall, snowfall, or a puddle or accumulation of snow on the road surface ("YES" in step S130), it turns on the lighting unit 10 (step S140) and ends the processing.

[0028] <Actions and Effects> The road surface condition visualizing device 1 of this embodiment is provided on the front side of the vehicle (MC) and has an illumination unit 10 that irradiates dot-shaped projection light (DL) arranged at predetermined intervals on the road surface so that it is visible to the driver. In other words, since the lighting unit 10 emits dot-shaped projection light (DL), so-called spot light, it can effectively suppress diffuse reflection caused by unevenness, ruts, and moisture on the road surface compared to when illuminating a wide area, like a headlamp. In particular, when the road surface is wet due to rain or snow, if dot-shaped projection light (DL) arranged at a predetermined interval that is visible to the driver is projected onto the road surface, the shape of the reflected light from the road surface changes so significantly that it no longer retains the original shape of the dot-shaped projection light (DL) due to the influence of unevenness and ruts on the road surface, as well as the diffuse reflection of light caused by moisture, compared to when the road surface is dry. Therefore, by understanding the shape of the light reflected from the road surface, the driver can recognize that there are puddles, snow-covered areas, unevenness or ruts on the road surface that the tires are expected to pass over in the future. In addition, the dot-shaped projected light (DL) is of a suitable size and is arranged at a predetermined interval on the road surface that is visible to the driver. Therefore, by illuminating the dot-shaped projected light (DL), the driver can recognize the presence of puddles, snow-covered areas, unevenness and ruts on the road surface that the tires are expected to pass over in the future, without being an eyesore to the driver. Therefore, even in conditions such as nighttime rain or snow, the driver can operate the vehicle with ease, allowing the driver to drive the vehicle with peace of mind.

[0029] In addition, the lighting unit 10 in the road surface condition visualizing device 1 of this embodiment consists of multiple LEDs arranged in a straight line, and is arranged at both front ends of the vehicle (MC) so that the arrangement direction of the multiple LEDs is perpendicular to the road surface. Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to irradiate the road surface on which the tire is expected to pass with dot-shaped projection light (DL) arranged at predetermined intervals that are visible to the driver. Therefore, even in conditions such as nighttime rain or snow, the driver can operate the vehicle with ease, allowing the driver to drive the vehicle with peace of mind.

[0030] In addition, the lighting unit 10 in the road surface condition visualization device 1 of this embodiment can form dot-shaped projection light from a position that allows fine adjustment of the position of the vehicle (MC), and irradiates dot-shaped projection light arranged at predetermined intervals within a range where the number of dot-shaped projection lights does not interfere with driving. In other words, the irradiation range of the dot-shaped projection light is set in consideration of the general driving speed, so that the dot-shaped projection light (DL) can be formed from a position where the position of the vehicle (MC) can be finely adjusted, and the number of dot-shaped projection light (DL) is within a range that does not cause an eyesore to the driver. Therefore, the driver can recognize the shape of the light reflected from the road surface without it becoming an obstacle to driving, so if the driver recognizes that there are puddles, snow-covered areas, unevenness or ruts in the road ahead, they can take appropriate evasive action.

[0031] The LEDs constituting the illumination unit 10 in the device 1 for visualizing road conditions according to this embodiment emit light in red or yellow. That is, red or yellow light has excellent visibility, especially when illuminating a road surface with puddles or snow at night. Therefore, by setting the light emission color of the LEDs that make up the illumination unit 10 to red or yellow, it is possible to improve visibility in all possible situations. Therefore, even in conditions such as nighttime rain or snow, the driver can operate the vehicle with ease, allowing the driver to drive the vehicle with peace of mind.

[0032] In addition, the lighting control unit 20 in the road surface condition visualizing device 1 according to this embodiment turns on the lighting unit 10 when the vehicle (MC) is traveling with its headlights on and detects rainfall, snowfall, or puddles or accumulated snow on the road surface. In other words, the lighting control unit 20 turns on the lighting unit 10 under the condition that the vehicle (MC) is traveling with its headlights on, or that it detects one of the following events: rainfall, snowfall, or puddles or snow accumulation on the road surface. The lighting unit 10 in the road surface condition visualizing device 1 according to this embodiment is merely an additional lighting means, and therefore is turned on only when the following conditions are met: the vehicle (MC) is traveling with its headlights on, and one of the following events is detected: rainfall, snowfall, or puddles or accumulated snow on the road surface. Therefore, the power consumption of the illumination unit 10 can be reduced as much as possible.

[0033] <Second embodiment> The road surface condition visualizing device 1A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0034] <Configuration of road surface condition visualizing device 1A> As shown in FIG. 6, the road surface condition visualizing device 1A according to this embodiment includes an illumination unit 10, a lighting control unit 20A, a detection unit 30, a vehicle speed detection unit 40, and a gradient detection unit 50. Note that components with the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have the same functions, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0035] When the lighting control unit 20A determines from the detection result of the gradient detection unit 50 that the road on which the vehicle (MC) is traveling has an upward or downward gradient of a predetermined value or more, it turns off the lighting unit 10. Here, the "gradient of a predetermined value or more" can be, for example, a gradient at which it is expected that rain will not accumulate on the road surface, taking into consideration the roughness of the road surface.

[0036] The gradient detection unit 50 detects the gradient of the road on which the vehicle (MC) is traveling. The gradient detection unit 50 is, for example, an inclination sensor, and detects the gradient of the road on which the vehicle (MC) is traveling by detecting the inclination of the vehicle (MC) in the traveling direction.

[0037] <Processing of the road surface condition visual recognition device 1A> The processing of the road surface condition visualizing device 1A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 7, the lighting control unit 20A determines whether or not the headlamp is in a lighting state, for example, based on a signal received from the light receiving sensor 100 (step S110). If the lighting control unit 20A determines that the headlamps are not in a lighting state ("NO" in step S110), the process returns to the original state and goes into standby.

[0039] On the other hand, if the lighting control unit 20A determines that the headlamps are on ("YES" in step S110), it then determines whether the vehicle (MC) is moving based on the detection information of the vehicle speed detection unit 40 (step S120). If the lighting control unit 20A determines that the vehicle (MC) is not running ("NO" in step S120), the process returns to the original state and waits.

[0040] On the other hand, if the lighting control unit 20A determines that the vehicle (MC) is moving ("YES" in step S120), it then determines whether rain or a puddle on the road surface has been detected based on the detection information from the detection unit 30 (step S210). If the lighting control unit 20A determines that rainfall or a puddle on the road surface has not been detected ("NO" in step S210), the process returns to the original state and waits.

[0041] On the other hand, if the lighting control unit 20A determines that it has detected either rainfall or a puddle on the road surface ("YES" in step S210), it turns on the illumination unit 10 (step S140).

[0042] Next, the lighting control unit 20A determines whether or not the gradient of the road on which the vehicle (MC) is traveling is equal to or greater than a predetermined gradient based on the detection result of the gradient detection unit 50 (step S220). If the lighting control unit 20A determines that the gradient of the road on which the vehicle (MC) is traveling is not equal to or greater than a predetermined gradient ("NO" in step S220), the process returns to the original state and waits.

[0043] On the other hand, if the lighting control unit 20A determines that the gradient of the road on which the vehicle (MC) is traveling is equal to or greater than a predetermined gradient ("YES" in step S220), it turns off the lighting unit 10 (step S230) and ends the processing.

[0044] <Actions and Effects> The lighting control unit 20A of the road surface condition visualizing device 1A of this embodiment turns off the lighting unit 10 when it determines, based on the detection result of the gradient detection unit 50, that the road on which the vehicle (MC) is traveling has an uphill or downhill gradient of a predetermined level or more. In other words, if it is determined that the road on which the vehicle (MC) is traveling has an uphill or downhill gradient of a predetermined level or more, even if there is a certain amount of rainfall, depending on the gradient, the rain that falls on the road surface will flow down the gradient, making it extremely unlikely that puddles will form on the road surface that the vehicle (MC) will be traveling on. Also, if the road on which the vehicle (MC) is traveling has an uphill gradient of a predetermined level or more, the rain that falls on the road surface will become a stream and approach the vehicle (MC) almost uniformly, so even if the vehicle (MC) is slightly adjusted in position, it will not be possible to avoid all of the stream. Furthermore, if the road on which the vehicle (MC) is traveling has a downward slope of a certain level or more, the vehicle (MC) will travel in a manner that follows the water flow caused by rain falling on the road surface, making fine adjustments to the position of the vehicle (MC) meaningless. Furthermore, if the road on which the vehicle is traveling has a steep uphill or downhill slope, even if the lighting unit 10 attempts to project dot-shaped projection light (DL) arranged at a predetermined interval that is visible to the driver onto the road surface in the direction the vehicle (MC) is traveling, the size of the dot-shaped projection light (DL) may be distorted or the gaps between the dot-shaped projection light (DL) may become narrower depending on the slope of the road, which may cause annoyance to the driver. Therefore, when the lighting control unit 20 determines based on the detection result of the gradient detection unit 50 that the road on which the vehicle (MC) is traveling has an uphill or downhill gradient of a predetermined level or more, it can reduce the power consumption of the lighting unit 10 by turning off the lighting unit 10.

[0045] <Third embodiment> The road surface condition visualizing device 1B according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0046] <Configuration of road surface condition visualizing device 1B> As shown in FIG. 6, the road surface condition visualizing device 1B according to this embodiment includes an illumination unit 10, a lighting control unit 20B, a detection unit 30, a vehicle speed detection unit 40, and a steering angle detection unit 60. Note that components with the same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments have the same functions, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0047] The steering angle detection unit 60 detects the steering angle of the steering wheel. Information on the steering angle detected by the steering angle detection unit 60 is output to a lighting control unit 20B, which will be described later. Although the steering angle detection unit 60 is exemplified in this embodiment, a sensor that detects acceleration in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle (MC) may also be used.

[0048] When the lighting control unit 20B determines based on the detection result of the steering angle detection unit 60 that the vehicle (MC) is traveling around a curve, it turns off the illumination unit 10. Specifically, for example, if the steering angle information obtained from the steering angle detection unit 60 is a value greater than that during normal driving and similar steering angle information continues for a certain period of time (for example, one second or more), the lighting control unit 20B determines that the vehicle (MC) is driving around a curve and turns off the lighting unit 10.

[0049] <Processing of the road surface condition visual confirmation device 1B> The processing of the road surface condition visualizing device 1B according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 9, the lighting control unit 20B determines whether or not the headlamp is in a lighting state, for example, based on a signal received from the light receiving sensor 100 (step S110). If the lighting control unit 20B determines that the headlamps are not in a lighting state ("NO" in step S110), the process returns to the original state and goes into standby.

[0051] On the other hand, if the lighting control unit 20B determines that the headlamps are on ("YES" in step S110), the lighting control unit 20B then determines whether the vehicle (MC) is moving based on the detection information of the vehicle speed detection unit 40 (step S120). If the lighting control unit 20B determines that the vehicle (MC) is not running ("NO" in step S120), the process returns to the original state and waits.

[0052] On the other hand, if the lighting control unit 20B determines that the vehicle (MC) is moving ("YES" in step S120), the lighting control unit 20B then determines whether rain or a puddle on the road surface has been detected based on the detection information from the detection unit 30 (step S210). If the lighting control unit 20B determines that rainfall or a puddle on the road surface has not been detected ("NO" in step S210), the process returns to the original state and waits.

[0053] On the other hand, if the lighting control unit 20B determines that it has detected either rainfall or a puddle on the road surface ("YES" in step S210), it turns on the illumination unit 10 (step S140).

[0054] Next, the lighting control unit 20B determines whether or not the vehicle (MC) is traveling around a curve based on the detection result of the steering angle detection unit 60 (step S310). When the lighting control unit 20B determines that the vehicle (MC) is not traveling around a curve ("NO" in step S310), the process returns to the original state and waits.

[0055] On the other hand, if the lighting control unit 20A determines that the vehicle (MC) is traveling around a curve ("YES" in step S310), it turns off the illumination unit 10 (step S320) and ends the process.

[0056] <Actions and Effects> The lighting control unit 20B of the road surface condition visualizing device 1B according to this embodiment turns off the lighting unit 10 when it determines, based on the detection result of the steering angle detection unit 60, that the vehicle (MC) is traveling around a curve. That is, when the vehicle (MC) is traveling around a curve, the direction of movement of the tires and the direction of illumination of the lighting unit 10 are different directions. In this case, even if the driver is able to recognize puddles, snow, unevenness in the road surface, or ruts in the road using the dot-shaped projected light, the tires will still be passing through the inside of these areas, so it becomes meaningless to make the driver aware of such situations. Therefore, when the lighting control unit 20B determines that the vehicle (MC) is traveling around a curve based on the detection results of the steering angle detection unit 60, it can reduce the power consumption of the lighting unit 10 by turning off the lighting unit 10.

[0057] <Modification> In the second embodiment, the lighting control unit 20A turns off the lighting unit 10 when it determines, based on the detection result of the gradient detection unit 50, that the road on which the vehicle (MC) is traveling has an uphill or downhill gradient of a predetermined level or more. However, even in such a case, the lighting unit 10 may be turned on within the illumination range within which the size of the dot-shaped projection light (DL) can be maintained and the gaps between the dot-shaped projection light (DL) can be maintained. By doing so, the illumination range of the lighting unit 10 becomes narrower, but at least within the narrowed illumination range, the driver can recognize that there are puddles, snow-covered areas, unevenness in the road surface, and ruts where the tires are likely to pass, and can take appropriate avoidance action.

[0058] In addition, in the second embodiment, the lighting control unit 20A turns off the lighting unit 10 when it determines, based on the detection result of the gradient detection unit 50, that the road on which the vehicle (MC) is traveling has an uphill or downhill gradient of a predetermined level or more. However, even in such a case, it is preferable that the lighting unit 10 be turned on when the detection unit 30 detects snow accumulation on the road surface.

[0059] The road surface condition visualizing devices 1, 1A, 1B of the present invention can be realized by recording the processing of the lighting control units 20, 20A, 20B on a recording medium readable by a computer system, and having the lighting control units 20, 20A, 20B read and execute the program recorded on this recording medium. The computer system here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0060] Furthermore, if a WWW (World Wide Web) system is used, the "computer system" also includes the homepage provision environment (or display environment). The above program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) like the Internet or a communication line (communication line) like a telephone line.

[0061] The program may also be a program for implementing some of the above-mentioned functions, or may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0062] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1. Road condition visual confirmation device 1A: Road condition visual confirmation device 1B: Road condition visual confirmation device 10. Lighting section 20: Lighting control unit 20A; lighting control unit 20B: Lighting control unit 30:Detection unit 40: Vehicle speed detection unit 50: Gradient detection unit 60: Steering angle detector

Claims

1. an illumination unit provided on the front side of the vehicle and configured to project dot-shaped light onto a road surface in the vehicle travel direction, the dots being arranged at predetermined intervals so as to be visible to the driver; a lighting control unit that controls the lighting state of the illumination unit; a detection unit that detects rainfall, snowfall, or puddles or accumulated snow on the road surface; Equipped with The road surface condition visualization device is characterized in that the lighting control unit turns on the lighting unit when the vehicle is traveling with its headlights on and the detection unit detects rainfall, snowfall, or puddles or accumulated snow on the road surface.

2. 2. The road surface condition visualizing device according to claim 1, wherein the illumination unit is composed of a plurality of LEDs arranged in a line, and the LEDs are arranged on both front ends of the vehicle so that the arrangement direction of the LEDs is perpendicular to the road surface.

3. 3. The road surface condition visualizing device according to claim 2, wherein the LED emits light in red or yellow.

4. 2. The road surface condition visualization device according to claim 1, wherein the illumination unit can form the dot-shaped projection light from a position that allows fine adjustment of the vehicle position, and irradiates the dot-shaped projection light arranged at predetermined intervals within a range in which the number of the dot-shaped projection lights does not interfere with driving.

5. a steering angle detection unit that detects a steering angle of a steering wheel; Equipped with The road surface condition visualizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lighting control unit turns off the lighting unit when it determines, based on the detection result of the steering angle detection unit, that the vehicle is traveling on a curve.

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