Vehicle light control device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle dimming control device which can automatically change the light transmittance of a window glass of a vehicle according to the state of an occupant in a cabin.SOLUTION: A vehicle dimming control device 20 acquires a use state of an occupant of at least one of an in-vehicle facility and an electronic apparatus provided in a cabin, and controls the light transmittance of a window glass 12 of a vehicle 10 according to the acquired use state. For example, in a case where it is determined that the occupant is not performing an operation of using at least one of the in-vehicle facility and the electronic apparatus on the basis of the acquired information, the vehicle dimming control device 20 performs controls of lowering the light transmittance of the window glass 12 in comparison to other cases.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle light control device. [Background technology]

[0002] So-called light-controlling glass capable of changing light transmittance is known, and such light-controlling glass is sometimes used as window glass in vehicles (see Patent Documents 1 to 4). For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a device that can set a light-controlling film provided on a vehicle window (window glass) to a light-blocking state based on a user's instruction. In a vehicle equipped with such a device, it is possible to enhance the sense of privacy inside the vehicle cabin based on a user's instruction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-189618 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-130982 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-20671 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-109575 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with such a device, the user must change the state of the light control film themselves depending on the conditions inside the vehicle.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle light control device that can automatically change the light transmittance of a vehicle window glass depending on the status of the occupants in the vehicle compartment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle light control device of the present invention described in claim 1 includes an acquisition unit that acquires usage status of vehicle interior equipment provided in a vehicle cabin by an occupant, and a control unit that controls the light transmittance of a window glass of the vehicle in accordance with the usage status acquired by the acquisition unit, and the control unit controls the light transmittance of a window glass of the vehicle in accordance with the usage status acquired by the acquisition unit, When it is determined that a table serving as the in-vehicle equipment, which can be switched between a stored state and an unfolded state, is in the unfolded state, control is performed to adjust the light transmittance of the window glass so that it is in a semi-light-blocking state. The in-vehicle equipment also includes an operating unit for driving the vehicle, such as a steering wheel. 。

[0007] The above configuration According to the document, an acquisition unit acquires information on the use status of interior equipment installed in a vehicle cabin by an occupant. A control unit controls the light transmittance of the vehicle window glass in accordance with the use status acquired by the acquisition unit. Therefore, the light transmittance of the vehicle window glass can be automatically changed in accordance with the status of the occupant in the vehicle cabin, even if the occupant does not perform any operation to change the light transmittance of the window glass. Furthermore, when the control unit determines that the table is in the unfolded state, it controls the light transmittance of the window glass to be in a semi-light-blocking state. Therefore, when an occupant is using the unfolded table inside the vehicle, it is possible to brighten the interior of the vehicle to a certain extent with external light and to make the outside of the vehicle somewhat visible from inside the vehicle, while preventing the interior of the vehicle from being clearly visible from outside the vehicle.

[0008] The vehicle light control device of the present invention described in claim 2 is configured as described in claim 1, and when the control unit determines, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, that the occupant is not performing any action to use the in-vehicle equipment, the control unit controls the light transmittance of the window glass to be lower than at other times.

[0009] The above configuration According to the technology, when the occupant is not performing any action to use the in-vehicle equipment, the light transmittance of the window glass is lower than at other times. This makes it possible to prevent or make it difficult for the occupant to see from outside the vehicle that they are not performing any action to use the in-vehicle equipment, thereby protecting the occupant's privacy.

[0012] Claim 3 The vehicle light control device of the present invention described in claim 1 or Claim 2 In the configuration described above, when the control unit determines, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, that a table serving as in-vehicle equipment that can be switched between a stored state and an unfolded state has transitioned from the unfolded state to the stored state, and when the control unit determines that an occupant is in contact with luggage placed in a luggage storage section serving as in-vehicle equipment, the control unit determines that the occupant will disembark and controls the window glass to be higher in light transmittance than before the determination was made.

[0013] According to the above configuration, when the control unit determines that the table has transitioned from the deployed state to the stowed state or when the control unit determines that the occupant is touching luggage placed in the luggage storage area as interior equipment, the control unit determines that the occupant will disembark and controls the window glass to have a higher light transmittance than before the determination was made. This makes it possible to brighten the interior of the vehicle before the occupant disembarks, creating an environment that makes it easier for the occupant to prepare to disembark.

[0014] Claim 4 The vehicle light control device of the present invention described in claim 3 In the described configuration, the control unit is configured to: Inside the vehicle When the destination set in the car navigation device as the electronic device is within a predetermined distance, at least one of the two situations is taken into consideration when determining whether or not the occupant will get off the vehicle.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the accuracy of disembarking determination can be improved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, the vehicle light control device of the present invention has the excellent effect of automatically changing the light transmittance of the vehicle window glass depending on the status of the occupants in the vehicle compartment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a vehicle equipped with a vehicle light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the interior of the vehicle of FIG. 1, showing a state in which an occupant is relaxed. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the hardware configuration of the devices mounted on the vehicle of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the vehicle light control device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5]2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of control processing by the vehicle light control device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are schematic perspective views showing a portion of the interior of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1, with the table unfolded. Fig. 6A shows a state in which a passenger is working with a personal computer placed on the table. Fig. 6B shows a state in which a passenger is eating with a lunch box placed on the table. [Figure 7] 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the interior of the vehicle of FIG. 1, showing a state in which an occupant is in contact with luggage placed on a luggage storage section. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] A vehicle light control device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In these figures, the arrow FR indicates the front side of the vehicle, the arrow UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle, and the arrow W indicates the width direction of the vehicle.

[0019] 1 shows a vehicle 10 equipped with a vehicle light control device 20 (hereinafter simply referred to as "control device 20") according to this embodiment. As an example, the vehicle 10 of this embodiment is a vehicle without an automatic driving function. A modified example in which the present invention is applied to a vehicle with an automatic driving function will be described later.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1 , a vehicle 10 has window glass 12, which includes a windshield 12A disposed at the front of the vehicle, side windows 12B and 12C disposed at the sides of the vehicle, and a rear window 12D disposed at the rear of the vehicle. In the following description, when the windshield 12A, the side windows 12B and 12C, and the rear window 12D are collectively described, they will be simply referred to as window glass 12. The window glass 12 is provided in a window portion of the vehicle 10 and is, for example, formed of an organic electroluminescence (EL) panel, and is configured to have variable light transmittance (visible light transmittance). The light transmittance of the window glass 12 is controlled by a control device 20, which will be described in detail later. In addition, the vehicle 10 of this embodiment is equipped with, for example, an exterior camera (not shown) that captures images of the surroundings of the vehicle 10, and images from the exterior camera can be displayed on a display (not shown) inside the vehicle cabin. This allows the driver to check the surroundings of the vehicle 10 even when the light transmittance of the window glass 12 is reduced.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion (the rear portion of the vehicle compartment, as an example) inside the vehicle compartment 14 of the vehicle 10 (see FIG. 1). FIG. 2 shows a state in which an occupant P is relaxing. As shown in FIG. 2, a vehicle seat 22 is provided inside the vehicle compartment 14 for the occupant P to sit on. The vehicle seat 22 includes a seat cushion 22A that supports the buttocks and thighs of the seated occupant P, a seat back 22B that supports the back of the seated occupant P, and an armrest 22C that serves as an armrest for the seated occupant P. The seat width direction of the vehicle seat 22 shown in FIG. 2 is the same as the vehicle width direction.

[0022] A table 24, which serves as in-vehicle equipment, is provided in front of the armrest 22C via a connecting portion 23. The table 24 is configured to be switchable between a stored state 24X in which the table 24 is disposed to the side of the vehicle seat 22 and an unfolded state 24Y (see FIG. 6A) in which the table 24 is disposed substantially horizontally in front of the vehicle seat 22. More specifically, in the stored state 24X, the table 24 is disposed so as to extend rearward and downward from the connecting portion 23, and is rotatable from that state about an axis of the connecting portion 23 in the seat width direction. By such rotation, the table 24 can be placed in a position (not shown) in which the table 24 extends forward and upward from the connecting portion 23, and can be further tilted from that position to a substantially horizontal position to the unfolded state 24Y (see FIG. 6A).

[0023] A luggage storage section 26 as an in-vehicle facility is provided on the side of the vehicle seat 22. The luggage storage section 26 is, for example, configured by a luggage rack 26A, and luggage 100 can be stored inside the luggage rack 26A.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing part of the hardware configuration of the devices mounted on the vehicle 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 20 is connected to the window glasses 12 described above, i.e., the windshield 12A, side windows 12B and 12C, and rear window 12D, as well as a table status sensor 30, an interior power supply 32 and a wireless transceiver 34 as electronic devices, an interior camera 36, ​​a vehicle status sensor 40, a GPS (Global Positioning System) device 42, and a car navigation device (abbreviated as car navigation device in FIG. 3) 44 as electronic devices. The control device 20 shown in FIG. 3 and the components connected thereto can be understood as components of a vehicle light control system. Although not shown, electronic devices such as devices equipped with a LAN port are provided within the vehicle interior 14.

[0025] The table state sensor 30 detects whether the table 24 is in the stored state 24X (see FIG. 2) or the unfolded state 24Y (see FIG. 6(A)). For example, the table state sensor 30 outputs an OFF signal when the table 24 is in the stored state 24X (see FIG. 2), and outputs an ON signal when the table 24 is in the unfolded state 24Y (see FIG. 6(A)). The indoor power supply 32 includes a power socket and is capable of supplying power to an electronic device (e.g., a personal computer 38 (see FIG. 6(A))) via a plug inserted into the power socket. The wireless transceiver 34 transmits and receives wirelessly. For example, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) transceiver is used for the wireless transceiver 34. The indoor camera 36 captures images of the interior of the vehicle cabin 14.

[0026] The vehicle state sensor 40 acquires information indicating the driving state and operation state of the vehicle 10. The vehicle state sensor 40 includes, for example, a steering angle sensor that detects the steering angle of the vehicle 10, and a vehicle speed sensor that detects the driving speed of the vehicle 10. The GPS device 42 acquires the current position of the vehicle 10. The car navigation device 44 performs processing to provide route guidance to the destination.

[0027] The control device 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 20A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 20B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20C, a storage 20D, a communication interface 20E (abbreviated as "communication I / F 20E" in FIG. 3 and the following description), and an input / output interface 20F (abbreviated as "input / output I / F 20F" in FIG. 3 and the following description). The CPU 20A, ROM 20B, RAM 20C, storage 20D, communication I / F 20E, and input / output I / F 20F are connected to each other via a bus 20Z so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0028] The CPU 20A is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each component. That is, the CPU 20A reads programs from the ROM 20B or the storage 20D and executes the programs using the RAM 20C as a work area. The CPU 20A controls the above components and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs recorded in the ROM 20B or the storage 20D.

[0029] The ROM 20B stores various programs and various data. The RAM 20C temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 20D is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs and various data. In this embodiment, the ROM 20B or the storage 20D stores a control program for controlling the light transmittance of the window glass 12. As an example, the ROM 20B or the storage 20D also stores a data table used when controlling the light transmittance of the window glass 12.

[0030] The communication I / F 20E is an interface for the control device 20 to communicate with devices. For this communication, for example, a wired communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or FDDI, or a wireless communication standard such as 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is used.

[0031] The input / output I / F 20F is an interface for communicating with each device mounted on the vehicle 10. As an example, the window glasses 12, i.e., the windshield 12A, the side windows 12B and 12C, and the rear window 12D, are connected to the input / output I / F 20F, and the table status sensor 30, the indoor power supply unit 32, the wireless transceiver 34, the indoor camera 36, ​​the vehicle status sensor 40, the GPS device 42, and the car navigation device 44 are also connected to the input / output I / F 20F.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the control device 20 has, as its functional configuration, an acquisition unit 201 and a control unit 202. Each functional configuration is realized by the CPU 20A reading and executing a program (the above-mentioned control program) stored in the ROM 20B or the storage 20D.

[0033] The acquisition unit 201 acquires the usage status of the occupant P of at least one of the in-vehicle equipment (e.g., a table 24, a steering wheel or other vehicle driving control unit (not shown)) and electronic devices (e.g., an in-vehicle power supply 32, a wireless transceiver 34, a car navigation device 44, etc.) installed in the vehicle cabin 14.

[0034] The control unit 202 controls the light transmittance of the window glass 12 of the vehicle 10 in accordance with the usage status acquired by the acquisition unit 201. When the control unit 202 determines, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 201, that the occupant P is not performing an action to use at least one of the above, the control unit 202 performs control to lower the light transmittance of the window glass 12 compared to other times. Furthermore, when the control unit 202 determines, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 201, that the table 24 is in the unfolded state 24Y, the control unit 202 performs control to adjust the light transmittance of the window glass 12 so that it is in a semi-light-blocking state.

[0035] Furthermore, when the control unit 202 determines, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 201, that the table 24 has transitioned from the unfolded state 24Y to the stored state 24X, or when the control unit 202 determines that the occupant P is in contact with luggage 100 already placed in the luggage storage unit 26, the control unit 202 determines that the occupant P will dismount and performs control to increase the light transmittance of the window glass 12 compared to before the determination was made. Furthermore, when the vehicle 10 is stopped, or when the vehicle 10 has reached within a predetermined distance from the destination set in the car navigation device 44, the control unit 202 takes the situation into consideration when determining whether the occupant P will dismount.

[0036] Next, as an operation of this embodiment, an example of the flow of processing executed by the control device 20 of the vehicle 10 will be described using the flowchart of Fig. 5. Note that, as an example, when the vehicle 10 is in a parked state and this state has continued for a predetermined time (e.g., three minutes), the CPU 20A reads a control program from the ROM 30B or the storage 30D, loads it into the RAM 30C, and executes it, thereby starting the processing shown in Fig. 5. Furthermore, the parked state of the vehicle 10 here refers to a state in which the vehicle 10 is stopped, the gear is in park, and the parking brake is on.

[0037] First, the CPU 20A starts acquiring various pieces of information (step S100). That is, the CPU 20A starts acquiring information from, for example, the table state sensor 30, the indoor power supply 32, the wireless transceiver 34, the indoor camera 36, ​​and the like.

[0038] In step S101, the CPU 20A determines whether the occupant P is in a predetermined relaxed state based on information from the table state sensor 30, the indoor power supply 32, the wireless transceiver 34, the indoor camera 36, ​​etc. In step S101, as an example, if the CPU 20A determines that the occupant P has not performed any action to use at least one of the in-vehicle equipment (e.g., the table 24, etc.) and the electronic device (e.g., the indoor power supply 32, etc.) respectively provided in the vehicle compartment 14, the CPU 20A determines that the occupant P is in the predetermined relaxed state.

[0039] If the occupant P is not in the predetermined relaxed state (step S101: N), the CPU 20A changes the light transmittance of the window glass 12 to be in a semi-light-blocking state in step S102, and proceeds to the processing of step S104 (described later).

[0040] Here, the processing in step S102 will be further explained with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the table 24 is unfolded in the vehicle compartment 14. FIG. 6(A) shows a state in which the occupant P is working with a personal computer 38 placed on the table 24, and FIG. 6(B) shows a state in which the occupant P is eating with a lunch box 39 placed on the table 24. In the states shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), the occupant P is making an action to use the table 24, and the window glass 12 is in a semi-light-blocking state under control of the CPU 20A. Therefore, when the occupant P is unfolding and using the table 24 in the vehicle compartment 14, it is possible to brighten the interior of the vehicle compartment 14 to a certain extent with external light and to allow some visibility of the outside of the vehicle from inside the vehicle compartment 14, while preventing the interior of the vehicle compartment 14 from being clearly visible from outside the vehicle.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example, under control of the CPU 20A, the light transmittance of the window glass 12 is set lower in the state shown in FIG. 6(A) than in the state shown in FIG. 6(B). The CPU 20A determines the difference between the state shown in FIG. 6(A) and the state shown in FIG. 6(B) based on, for example, information from the interior power supply 32 and the interior camera 36. The light transmittance when the state of the occupant P shown in FIG. 6(A) and the light transmittance when the state of the occupant P shown in FIG. 6(B) are determined are registered in advance in a data table (not shown). The light transmittance values ​​in the data table may be set by default or may be set by the user.

[0042] Returning to FIG. 5, if step S101 is judged to be positive, i.e., if the occupant P is in a predetermined relaxed state (step S101: Y), the CPU 20A changes the light transmittance of the window glass 12 to a light-blocking state in step S103, and proceeds to processing in step S104 (described later). Here, the effect of the processing in step S103 will be further explained with reference to FIG. 2. By executing the processing in step S103 in FIG. 5, when the occupant P is in a predetermined relaxed state (for example, taking a nap), as shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to prevent the relaxed state of the occupant P from being seen from outside the vehicle. This makes it possible to protect the privacy of the occupant P.

[0043] 5, in step S104, the CPU 20A determines whether the occupant P has begun preparations to disembark based on information from the table state sensor 30, the indoor power supply 32, the wireless transceiver 34, the indoor camera 36, ​​etc. For example, the CPU 20A determines that the occupant P will disembark when it determines that the table 24 has transitioned from the unfolded state 24Y to the stowed state 24X, or when it determines that the occupant P is in contact with luggage 100 already placed in the luggage storage section 26. The CPU 20A also determines that the occupant P will disembark when it determines that the occupant P has finished using all electronic devices (e.g., the indoor power supply 32, the wireless transceiver 34, etc.).

[0044] If the occupant P is not preparing to disembark (step S104: N), the CPU 20A returns to the processing of step S101. If the occupant P is preparing to disembark (step S104: Y), the CPU 20A increases the light transmittance of the window glass 12 in step S105 to return it to the initial state before executing this flow. This makes the interior of the vehicle compartment 14 brighter before the occupant P disembarks, making it easier for the occupant P to prepare to disembark. After executing step S105, the CPU 20A ends the processing based on this control program.

[0045] As described above, the control device 20 of this embodiment can automatically change the light transmittance of the window glass 12 of the vehicle 10 depending on the situation of the occupant P in the vehicle compartment 14, as shown in Figures 2, 6, and 7. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, when there is a gap in time at the destination of the vehicle 10 and the space inside the parked vehicle compartment 14 is used for various purposes such as work, rest, hobbies, study, and preparation for activities at the destination, it is possible to automatically adjust the light transmittance of the window glass 12 to match the level of privacy desired by the occupant P.

[0046] [Supplementary explanation of the embodiment] In the above embodiment, the case where the control device 20 is applied to a vehicle 10 that does not have an automatic driving function has been described as an example. However, the vehicle light control device of the present invention may also be applied to a vehicle that has an automatic driving function. When the vehicle light control device of the present invention is applied to a vehicle that has an automatic driving function, for example, the process shown in FIG. 5 may also be executed during automatic driving. Furthermore, when the process shown in FIG. 5 is executed during automatic driving, the CPU 20A may take into account at least one of the situations when the vehicle 10 is stopped and when the vehicle 10 has reached within a predetermined distance from the destination set in the car navigation device 44 in the determination at step S104. This can improve the accuracy of the disembarkation determination.

[0047] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the light transmittance of the window glass 12 is adjusted in multiple stages, but as a modification of the above embodiment, the light transmittance of the window glass may be adjusted in a non-stage manner.

[0048] As a modification of the above embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which, depending on the state of the vehicle 10 and the occupant P, a part of the window glass 12 (for example, the windshield 12A) is excluded from the control of light transmittance.

[0049] As a modification of the above embodiment, in step S101 of FIG. 5, the CPU (20A) may determine that the occupant (P) is in a predetermined relaxed state even when it is determined that the occupant (P) is performing an action to change the temperature of the vehicle air conditioner (not shown) but is not performing any other action.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the CPU 20A acquires the usage status of both the in-vehicle equipment (e.g., the table 24, etc.) and the electronic equipment (e.g., the indoor power supply 32, etc.) of the occupant P. However, for example, the CPU 20A may acquire the usage status of the in-vehicle equipment (e.g., the table 24, etc.) provided in the passenger compartment 14. )of In this case, the CPU 20A may determine whether the occupant P is using the above-mentioned method based on the acquired information. On-board facilities When it is determined that no operation for using the window glass (12) is being performed, the light transmittance of the window glass (12) is controlled to be lower than that in other cases.

[0051] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the CPU 20A determines that the occupant P will disembark and controls the window glass 12 to be higher than before the determination was made when it determines, based on the acquired information, that the table 24 has transitioned from the unfolded state 24Y to the stored state 24X and when it determines that the occupant P is in contact with luggage 100 already placed in the luggage storage section 26.However, a configuration is also possible in which the CPU (20A) determines, based on the acquired information, that the table (24) has transitioned from the unfolded state (24Y) to the stored state (24X) and when it determines that the occupant (P) is in contact with luggage 100 already placed in the luggage storage section (26) and determines that the occupant (P) will disembark and controls the window glass (12) to be higher than before the determination was made.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the luggage storage section 26 shown in FIG. 2 is configured by the luggage rack 26A, for example, but the luggage storage section may be configured by a luggage compartment at the rear of the vehicle.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the processes executed by the CPU 20A shown in FIG. 3 after reading software (programs) may be executed by various processors other than a CPU. Examples of such processors include programmable logic devices (PLDs) such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), whose circuit configuration can be changed after fabrication, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), which are dedicated electrical circuits that are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to execute specific processes. Each process may be executed by one of these processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). The hardware structure of these processors is, more specifically, an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor devices.

[0054] The programs described in the above embodiments may be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc. The programs may also be downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0055] The above-described embodiment and the above-described modifications can be implemented in appropriate combinations.

[0056] The above describes one example of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modified forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10 vehicles 12 Window Glass 12A Windshield (window glass) 12B Side glass (window glass) 12C Side glass (window glass) 12D rear glass (window glass) 14 Cabin 20 Vehicle light control device 24 tables (in-car facilities) 24X Storage 24Y deployed state 26 Luggage storage area (in-car facilities) 32 Indoor power supply (electronic equipment) 34 Radio transmitter / receiver (electronic device) 44 Car navigation devices (electronic devices) 100 luggage 201 Acquisition Department 202 Control section P crew

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires a usage status of an in-vehicle facility provided in the vehicle cabin by an occupant; a control unit that controls the light transmittance of a window glass of a vehicle in accordance with the usage status acquired by the acquisition unit; and The control unit controls the light transmittance of the window glass to be in a semi-shading state when it determines, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, that a table as the in-vehicle equipment that can be switched between a stored state and an unfolded state is in the unfolded state.

2. A dimming control device for a vehicle as described in claim 1, wherein when the control unit determines, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, that the occupant is not taking any action to use the in-vehicle equipment, it controls the light transmittance of the window glass to be lower than at other times.

3. 3. The vehicle light control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that an occupant will disembark and controls the window glass to have a higher light transmittance than before the determination was made when, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, it determines that a table serving as the interior equipment, which can be switched between a stored state and an unfolded state, has transitioned from the unfolded state to the stored state, and when it determines that the occupant is in contact with luggage placed in a luggage storage section serving as the interior equipment.

4. The control unit is configured to: when the vehicle is stopped and when the vehicle has reached a destination set in a car navigation device as an electronic device in the vehicle cabin within a predetermined distance; 4. The vehicle light control device according to claim 3, wherein when at least one of the above conditions is met, the state is taken into consideration when determining whether or not the occupant will get off the vehicle.

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