lighting equipment

Abstract

To provide an illumination device that can perform appropriate illumination without making an occupant aware thereof.SOLUTION: An illumination device 1 comprises: an illumination part 2 arranged in correspondence with a plurality of illumination areas in a vehicle 9; a storage part 3 for storing a plurality of predetermined illumination modes that dynamically change the illumination areas; and a control part 5 for performing illumination by selecting an appropriate illumination mode for an occupant, from the plurality of illumination modes stored in the storage part 3, according to a situation of the vehicle 9 by controlling the illumination part 2. The illumination device 1 can perform appropriate illumination without making the occupant aware thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional technique, a vehicle interior lighting device is known that includes a lighting unit that emits light inside the vehicle cabin and is capable of arbitrarily changing the color of the emitted light, a color detection unit that detects the color of an object to be detected in a detection area set inside the vehicle cabin, and a control unit that changes the color of the light emitted by the lighting unit to the color detected by the color detection unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The occupant can place a detection object of a color that suits their mood or preference (for example, clothes or a sample of the occupant's favorite color) in the detection area and have the color detection unit detect the color of the detection object, thereby changing the lighting in the vehicle cabin to the color of the detection object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-69933 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional vehicle interior lighting devices have the problem that the occupant must consciously place the object to be detected in the detection area, which is troublesome.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a lighting device that can provide appropriate lighting without making the occupants aware of it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a lighting device including a lighting unit arranged to correspond to a plurality of lighting areas within a vehicle, a memory unit that stores a plurality of predetermined lighting modes that dynamically change the lighting areas, and a control unit that controls the lighting unit to select a lighting mode appropriate for an occupant from the plurality of lighting modes stored in the memory unit depending on the situation of the vehicle, and illuminates the occupant. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, appropriate lighting can be provided without making the occupants aware of it. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle in which a lighting device according to an embodiment is arranged, FIG. 1(b) is an example of a block diagram of the lighting device, and FIG. 1(c) is an example of a block diagram of a vehicle lighting system including the lighting device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing an example of an illumination area of ​​the illumination device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of the relationship between illumination and the psychological effect on the occupant. [Figure 3] FIG. 3(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of the viewing distance of the lighting device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of the psychological effect of the viewing distance. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of a depression angle of the lighting device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 4(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of a psychological effect of the depression angle. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of the width of light of the lighting device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 5(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of the psychological effect of the width of light. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of a change in the lighting state of the lighting device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 6(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of a psychological effect due to the change in the lighting state. [Figure 7]FIG. 7(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of a change in the design of the lighting device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 7(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of a psychological effect caused by the change in design. [Figure 8] 8(a) to 8(e) are diagrams showing examples of designs projected by the lighting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the lighting device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Summary of the embodiment) The lighting device according to the embodiment is generally configured to include a lighting unit arranged to correspond to a plurality of lighting areas within a vehicle, a memory unit that stores a plurality of predetermined lighting modes that dynamically change the lighting areas, and a control unit that controls the lighting unit to select an appropriate lighting mode for the occupants from the plurality of lighting modes stored in the memory unit depending on the situation of the vehicle, and illuminates the occupants.

[0011] This lighting device provides illumination according to the vehicle situation, and therefore can provide appropriate illumination without making the occupants aware of it, compared to a case in which this configuration is not adopted.

[0012] [Embodiment Mode] (Overview of lighting device 1) FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle in which a lighting device according to an embodiment is installed, FIG. 1(b) is an example of a block diagram of the lighting device, and FIG. 1(c) is an example of a block diagram of a vehicle lighting system including the lighting device. FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing an example of an illumination area of ​​a lighting device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of the relationship between lighting and the psychological effects on occupants. Note that in each diagram according to the embodiments described below, the ratios and shapes between figures may differ from the actual ratios and shapes. Furthermore, in FIG. 2(b), the horizontal axis represents the opposing emotions of "unpleasant" and "pleasant," and the vertical axis represents the opposing emotions of "calm" and "active," in order to map the results of the sensory evaluation. Furthermore, in FIGS. 1(b) and 1(c), arrows indicate the flow of main signals and information.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1(a) to 2(a), the lighting device 1 is generally configured to include lighting units 2 arranged corresponding to multiple lighting areas within a vehicle 9, a memory unit 3 that stores multiple predetermined lighting modes that dynamically change the lighting areas, and a control unit 5 that controls the lighting units 2 to select a lighting mode appropriate for the occupants from the multiple lighting modes stored in the memory unit 3 depending on the situation of the vehicle 9, and illuminates the occupants.

[0014] The lighting units 2 are arranged on at least two of the floor 96 of the vehicle 9, the ceiling 97 of the vehicle 9, the steering wheel 95, the instrument panel 94, and the left and right doors (the left door 92 and the right door 93). As an example, the lighting units 2 of the present embodiment are arranged on the floor 96 of the vehicle 9, the ceiling 97 of the vehicle 9, the steering wheel 95, the instrument panel 94, the door trim 92a of the left door 92, and the door trim 93a of the right door 93, as shown in FIG. 1(a), but are not limited to this.

[0015] As an example, as shown in FIG. 1(c), the lighting device 1 configures a vehicle lighting system 900 together with a vehicle control device 98. The vehicle lighting system 900 is configured to produce a psychological effect on the occupants according to the situation of the vehicle 9. The vehicle information S1 includes information related to the situation of the vehicle 9. The situation of the vehicle 9 includes, for example, unlocking the doors, operating the ignition switch, selecting a driving mode, charging in an electric vehicle, the surrounding situation while driving, the number of occupants, and the state of the occupants. As a modified example, the lighting device 1 may be configured to include a detection unit that detects the situation of the vehicle 9.

[0016] The vehicle control device 98 is a microcomputer that comprehensively controls the vehicle 9, and is configured to control automatic driving and assist the running of the vehicle 9 using various sensors.

[0017] The lighting device 1 is configured to optimize the space of the vehicle 9 in accordance with the situation of the vehicle 9 based on the vehicle information S1, and to provide appropriate lighting to the occupants.

[0018] (Configuration of lighting unit 2) As an example, the illumination unit 2 has a plurality of illumination units, namely, a first illumination unit 21 to a fifth illumination unit 25. Note that the illumination units 2 are not limited to the first illumination unit 21 to the fifth illumination unit 25, and are arranged according to the illumination area.

[0019] 1(a), the first illumination unit 21 and the second illumination unit 22 are arranged to form linear illumination that connects the door trim 92a of the left door 92, the instrument panel 94, and the door trim 93a of the right door 93. The first illumination unit 21 and the second illumination unit 22 are configured to be able to turn on and off and change the width of the line in response to illumination signals S2 and S3 output from the control unit 5. As an example, the first illumination unit 21 and the second illumination unit 22 are configured to have a plurality of white LED (Light-Emitting Diode) elements, but are not limited to this, and may be LED elements of different colors, or may be configured to be able to switch between a plurality of colors.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2(a), the first illumination unit 21 illuminates a linear illumination area 210. As an example, this illumination area 210 is an area that extends over an upper portion 92c of the door trim 92a of the left door 92, an upper portion 94a of the instrument panel 94, and an upper portion 93c of the door trim 93a of the right door 93. The first illumination unit 21 is configured to form the illumination area 210 that is the farthest in the forward direction as seen by the occupant. The first illumination unit 21 is configured so that the line width of the illumination area 210 can be made narrower or wider.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the second illumination unit 22 illuminates a linear illumination area 220. As an example, this illumination area 220 extends over a side surface 92b of the door trim 92a of the left door 92, a front surface 94b of the instrument panel 94, and a side surface 93b of the door trim 93a of the right door 93. The second illumination unit 22 is configured so that the line width of the illumination area 220 can be made narrower or wider. The illumination area 220 is located lower than the illumination area 210 of the first illumination unit 21.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1(a), the third lighting unit 23 is disposed in a lower portion 94c of the instrument panel 94 so as to illuminate the floor 96 of the passenger seat 90 and the driver's seat 91. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 2(a), the third lighting unit 23 has an illumination area 230 that covers the feet of the occupants.

[0023] As will be described later, the third illumination unit 23 is configured to be able to project a plurality of dynamic patterns onto the floor 96. The third illumination unit 23 is configured to project dynamic patterns and switch between patterns in response to an illumination signal S4 output from the control unit 5. As an example, the third illumination unit 23 is configured to have a plurality of white LED elements, but is not limited to this, and may have LED elements of different colors, or may be configured to be able to switch between a plurality of colors in response to the pattern.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1(a), the fourth illumination unit 24 is disposed on the upper portion 95a of the steering wheel 95. The fourth illumination unit 24 illuminates an illumination area 240 corresponding to the shape of the steering wheel 95. The fourth illumination unit 24 is configured to be turned on and off in response to an illumination signal S5 output from the control unit 5. As an example, the fourth illumination unit 24 is configured to have multiple white LED elements, but is not limited to this. LED elements of different colors may be used, or multiple colors may be switchable. The shape of the steering wheel 95 is not limited to a perfect circle, but may be an irregularly shaped steering wheel. The fourth illumination unit 24 may be configured to change the line width.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1(a), the fifth illumination unit 25 is disposed on the ceiling 97. The fifth illumination unit 25 has the ceiling 97 as its illumination area 250. The fifth illumination unit 25 is configured to be able to turn on and off in response to an illumination signal S6 output from the control unit 5. The fourth illumination unit 24 is configured to have a plurality of white LED elements, as an example, but is not limited thereto, and may have LED elements of different colors, or may be configured to be able to switch between a plurality of colors. The fifth illumination unit 25 may be configured to change the area and shape of the illumination area 250.

[0026] (Configuration of storage unit 3) The storage unit 3 is, for example, a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Lighting mode information 30 including information on a plurality of lighting modes is stored in the storage unit 3. The storage unit 3 may be configured as a semiconductor memory integrated with the control unit 5.

[0027] (Configuration of communication unit 4) The communication unit 4 is configured to be able to exchange information and signals with a vehicle control device 98 of the vehicle 9. The communication unit 4 is configured to acquire vehicle information S1 via the vehicle control device 98.

[0028] (Configuration of control unit 5) The control unit 5 is a microcomputer that includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs calculations and processing on acquired data according to stored programs, and semiconductor memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM stores, for example, programs for operating the control unit 5. The RAM is used, for example, as a storage area for temporarily storing calculation results and the like.

[0029] The control unit 5 is configured to control the lighting unit 2 based on a lighting mode that is based on at least one of the viewing distance L to the occupant, the depression angle θ which is the angle of the occupant's line of sight, the width W of the lighting light, the lighting state, and the pattern.

[0030] Figure 2(b) is a diagram showing the results of a sensory evaluation based on five questionnaires about lighting and passenger psychology: "joy / excitement," "concentration / tension," "relaxation / calmness," "comfort," and "preference." The horizontal axis represents the opposing emotions of "uncomfortable" and "pleasant," and the vertical axis represents the opposing emotions of "calm" and "active." In this map, "comfortable" and "active" are in the first quadrant 11, "uncomfortable" and "active" are in the second quadrant 12, "uncomfortable" and "calm" are in the third quadrant 13, and "comfortable" and "calm" are in the fourth quadrant 14.

[0031] Furthermore, as an example, the map divides "calm," "active," "uncomfortable," and "comfortable" into two groups according to their size, and for convenience, divides "calm" into "small calm" and "large calm," "active" into "small activity" and "large activity," "uncomfortable" into "small discomfort" and "large discomfort," and "comfortable" into 16 regions.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the first quadrant 11 is further divided into a first region 11a to a fourth region 11d. The second quadrant 12 is further divided into a first region 12a to a fourth region 12d. The third quadrant 13 is further divided into a first region 13a to a fourth region 13d. The fourth quadrant 14 is further divided into a first region 14a to a fourth region 14d.

[0033] In the following, examples of psychological effects of different arrangements of the lighting units 2 will be described, including cases where the occupant is made excited, relaxed, and concentrated.

[0034] To elevate the passengers Fig. 3(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of the viewing distance of the lighting device according to the embodiment, and Fig. 3(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of the psychological effect of the viewing distance. In Fig. 3(b) and Fig. 4(b) and Fig. 5(b) described below, the horizontal axis indicates "uncomfortable" and "comfortable," and the vertical axis indicates "calm" and "active."

[0035] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), when the occupant 8 is to be excited, the control unit 5 is configured to control the lighting unit 2 based on a lighting mode 300 that makes the viewing distance L to the occupant longer than a predetermined reference distance L1. When the control unit 5 is to calm the occupant 8, the control unit 5 selects a lighting mode 301 that makes the viewing distance L shorter. In Figure 3(a), the symbol of the selected lighting mode is assigned to the viewing distance L of the lighting mode.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the visual distance L is the distance from the occupant 8 seated in the driver's seat 91 to the lighting unit 2. As an example, the reference distance L1 is the distance to the second lighting unit 22 on the front portion 94b of the instrument panel 94 in front of the driver's seat 91. The visual distance L is determined such that the farthest visual distance L2 in front of the driver's seat 91 is the distance to the first lighting unit 21 on the upper portion 94a of the instrument panel 94, and the closest visual distance L3 in front of the driver's seat 91 is the distance to the fourth lighting unit 24 on the steering wheel 95.

[0037] That is, the reference distance L1 is the distance from the occupant 8 to the lighting area 220. The viewing distance L2 is the distance from the occupant 8 to the lighting area 210. The viewing distance L3 is the distance from the occupant 8 to the lighting area 240.

[0038] As shown by the arrow in Figure 3(b), for example, a sensory evaluation showed that the passenger's psychological state tends to approach "joy and excitement" as the viewing distance L increases from close to far, moving from the third quadrant 13 to the first quadrant 11. In other words, the lighting device 1 can improve the passenger's sense of excitement by disposing the lighting unit 2 at a distance.

[0039] Examples of situations of the vehicle 9 that make the occupants "delighted and excited" include unlocking the doors, operating the ignition switch, selecting a driving mode suitable for sporty driving, having many occupants on board, etc. The control unit 5 selects a lighting mode 300 that makes the occupants "delighted and excited" from the lighting mode information 30 based on the vehicle information S1, and performs lighting.

[0040] To relax the passengers FIG. 4(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of a depression angle of the lighting device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 4(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of a psychological effect of the depression angle.

[0041] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), when the occupant 8 is to be relaxed, the control unit 5 is configured to control the lighting unit 2 based on a lighting mode 302 that increases the depression angle θ, which is the angle of the line of sight of the occupant 8 relative to a predetermined reference line of sight 32a. When the control unit 5 is to make the occupant 8 active, the control unit 5 selects a lighting mode 303 that decreases the depression angle θ. In Figure 4(a), the depression angle θ of the selected lighting mode is assigned a symbol for that lighting mode.

[0042] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 4(a), depression angle θ is the angle from reference line of sight 32a of occupant 8 seated in driver's seat 91. This depression angle θ is positive in the upward direction from reference line of sight 32a and negative in the downward direction, but the absolute value is increased when the occupant is to be relaxed.

[0043] The depression angle θ1 is the angle from the reference line of sight 32a to the illumination area 250 of the fifth illumination unit 25 arranged on the ceiling 97. The depression angle θ2 is the angle from the reference line of sight 32a to the illumination area 210 of the first illumination unit 21 arranged on the upper part 94a of the instrument panel 94. The depression angle θ3 is the angle from the reference line of sight 32a to the illumination area 220 of the second illumination unit 22 arranged on the front part 94b of the instrument panel 94 in front of the driver's seat 91 or the illumination area 240 of the fourth illumination unit 24 arranged on the upper part 95a of the steering wheel 95. The depression angle θ4 is the angle from the reference line of sight 32a to the illumination area 230 of the third illumination unit 23 arranged on the lower part 94c of the instrument panel 94 in front of the driver's seat 91.

[0044] As shown by the arrow in Figure 4(b), as an example, a sensory evaluation showed that as the depression angle θ increases from a small angle to a large angle, the passenger's psychological state tends to approach "relaxation and calmness" as it moves from the second quadrant 12 to the fourth quadrant 14. In other words, the lighting device 1 can improve the passenger's sense of calm by arranging the lighting unit 2 so that the absolute value of the depression angle θ increases.

[0045] Examples of situations of the vehicle 9 that make the occupant "relaxed and calm" include charging an electric vehicle, the occupant taking a break, the occupant working, etc. The control unit 5 selects a lighting mode 302 that makes the occupant "relaxed and calm" from the lighting mode information 30 based on the vehicle information S1, and performs lighting.

[0046] When concentrating passengers FIG. 5(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of the width of light of the lighting device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 5(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of the psychological effect of the width of light.

[0047] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), when occupants 8 are to be concentrated, the control unit 5 is configured to control the illumination unit 2 based on illumination mode 304 that makes the width W of the illumination light wider than a predetermined reference width W1. When occupants 8 are to be made active, the control unit 5 selects illumination mode 305 that makes the width W of the light narrower. In Figure 5(a), the light width W of the selected illumination mode is assigned a symbol of the illumination mode.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 5(a), the width W of the light is the width as seen by an occupant 8 seated in the driver's seat 91. The width W of the light is the width of the illuminated area, and a width wider than the reference width W1 is defined as width W2, and a width narrower than the reference width W1 is defined as width W3.

[0049] As an example, a sensory evaluation showed that as the light width W increases from a narrow width to a wide width, as shown by the arrow in Figure 5(b), the occupant's psychological state of "concentration and tension" tends to increase from the first quadrant 11 to the second quadrant 12. In other words, the lighting device 1 can improve the occupant's concentration and tension by widening the light width W of the lighting unit 2.

[0050] Examples of situations in the vehicle 9 that cause the occupants to be "concentrated and tense" include the approach of another vehicle or an obstacle, a warning to the driver, etc. The control unit 5 selects a lighting mode 304 that causes the occupants to be "concentrated and tense" from the lighting mode information 30 based on the vehicle information S1, and performs lighting.

[0051] Next, an example of the psychological effect of different lighting conditions of the lighting unit 2 will be described below.

[0052] When changing the lighting state FIG. 6(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of a change in the lighting state of the lighting device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 6(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of a psychological effect due to the change in the lighting state.

[0053] The control unit 5 is further configured to change the lighting state. For example, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the control unit 5 lights up the central lighting area 210a in the lighting area 210 of the first lighting unit 21, and moves this lighting area 210a to the left door 92 and the right door 93. The control unit 5 controls the lighting mode 306 so that the lighting area 210a repeatedly moves from the center to the left door 92 and the right door 93. In FIG. 6(a), the lighting area 210 of the selected lighting mode is assigned the symbol of the lighting mode.

[0054] As for the psychology of the occupants, when the viewing distance L is long and the light is normally on, i.e., there is no change, as shown in Figure 6(b), for example, the sensory evaluation showed that the first area 13a of the third quadrant 13 was "very uncomfortable" and "very calming."

[0055] In addition, when the lighting state was changed from the center to spreading to the entire area, the passengers' psychology changed from "very uncomfortable" and "very calm" in the first area 13a of the third quadrant 13 to "little uncomfortable" and "very active" in the third area 12c of the second quadrant 12, based on sensory evaluation, as shown in Figure 6(b).

[0056] Furthermore, when the lighting state was changed to light up slowly, the passengers' psychology changed based on sensory evaluation from ``very uncomfortable'' and ``very calm'' in the first area 13a of the third quadrant 13 to ``very comfortable'' and ``little active'' in the second area 11b of the first quadrant 11.

[0057] Furthermore, when the lighting state was changed to light up more slowly, the passengers' psychology changed from ``very uncomfortable'' and ``very calm'' in the first area 13a of the third quadrant 13 to ``very comfortable'' and ``very calm'' in the second area 14b of the fourth quadrant 14 based on sensory evaluation.

[0058] In other words, when the lighting state changes from the center to the whole, or when there is moving or flowing lighting, there is a tendency for the psychological effect of "joy and elation" to be achieved. Also, when the lighting state is slowly lit, there is a tendency for the psychological effect of "comfort" to be achieved. When the lighting state is even more slowly lit, there is a tendency for the psychological effect of "relaxation" to be achieved.

[0059] In the above, the viewing distance L is long, but this is not limited to this, and the lighting device 1 may be configured to have a lighting mode that can achieve a desired psychological effect by combining the viewing distance L, depression angle θ, light width W, and changes in the pattern.

[0060] When changing the design Fig. 7(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of a change in the design of the lighting device according to the embodiment, and Fig. 7(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of a psychological effect due to the change in the design. Figs. 8(a) to 8(e) are diagrams showing examples of designs projected by the lighting device according to the embodiment.

[0061] The control unit 5 is further configured to change the pattern projected onto the illumination area. When the third illumination unit 23 of the illumination device 1 is configured to be able to project a pattern, as an example, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the control unit 5 projects a pattern onto the illumination area 230 on the floor 96 and performs illumination in a dynamic illumination mode 307. The pattern of the illumination area 230 in FIG. 7(a) is pattern 23d shown in FIG. 8(d). In FIG. 7(a), the symbol of the selected illumination mode is assigned to the illumination area 230 of the selected illumination mode.

[0062] As an example, when there was no pattern and no lighting movement, the passengers' psychological state was evaluated as "comfortable" and "calm" in the fourth area 14d of the fourth quadrant 14, as shown in Figure 7(b).

[0063] The passenger's psychology, when the design is the "aurora" design 23a shown in Fig. 8(a) and there is movement, changes from "little comfort" and "little calm" in the fourth area 14d of the fourth quadrant 14 to "little discomfort" and "high activity" in the third area 12c of the second quadrant 12, as shown in Fig. 7(b) by way of sensory evaluation. The "movement" refers to a state in which the "aurora" design 23a, the "starry sky" design 23b, the "water surface" design 23c, and the "sunlight filtering through the trees" design 23d change dynamically.

[0064] When the image is the "starry sky" image 23b shown in Figure 8(b) and there is movement, the passenger's psychology changes, as an example, from "little pleasant" and "little calm" in the fourth area 14d of the fourth quadrant 14 to "little pleasant" and "highly active" in the fourth area 11d of the first quadrant 11, as shown in Figure 7(b).

[0065] The passengers' psychology changed from "little comfortable" and "little calm" in the fourth area 14d of the fourth quadrant 14 to "very comfortable" and "little activity" in the second area 11b of the first quadrant 11, as shown in Figure 7(b), when the image was the "water surface" image 23c shown in Figure 8(c) and there was movement, as an example, based on the sensory evaluation.

[0066] The passenger's psychology changed from "little pleasant" and "little calm" in the fourth region 14d of the fourth quadrant 14 to "most pleasant" and "little calm" in the third region 14c of the fourth quadrant 14, as shown in Figure 7(b), when the image was "sunlight filtering through the trees" image 23d shown in Figure 8(d) and there was movement, as an example, based on the sensory evaluation, as shown in Figure 7(b).

[0067] In other words, when the projected image is the "aurora" image 23a or the "starry sky" image 23b, the passengers tend to experience a psychological effect of "joy and elation." This psychological effect creates an extraordinary space, and is suitable, for example, for a situation where there are many passengers.

[0068] Furthermore, when the projected image was the "water surface" image 23c or the "sunlight filtering through the trees" image 23d, the passengers tended to experience a "comfortable" psychological effect. This psychological effect creates a natural, soothing space, which is suitable, for example, for passengers who want to change their mood. Note that image 23e shown in Figure 8(e) shows, as an example, a "grassland" that creates a natural, soothing space.

[0069] Furthermore, when there are no patterns and no movement, the occupants tend to have a "relaxing" psychological effect. This psychological effect, by creating a space with reduced stimuli, is suitable, for example, for occupants who want to concentrate on work or the like inside the vehicle 9.

[0070] The control unit 5 further classifies the situation of the vehicle 9 based on the trends shown in the maps of Figures 3(b), 4(b), and 4(b), and controls the lighting unit 2 to illuminate by combining the viewing distance L, depression angle θ, light width W, the lighting state of the lighting unit 2, and changes in the projected pattern. The combined lighting mode is stored in the memory unit 3 as lighting mode information 30. The control unit 5 selects an appropriate lighting mode from the lighting mode information 30 based on the vehicle information S1 and controls the lighting unit 2.

[0071] For example, when motivating drivers, the control unit 5 controls the lighting unit 2 according to a lighting mode that provides dynamic lighting at a distant, high position. Furthermore, when calling attention, the control unit 5 controls the lighting unit 2 according to a lighting mode that quickly lights up a nearby position. Furthermore, when soothing the mind and body and changing one's mood, the control unit 5 controls the lighting unit 2 according to a lighting mode that provides gentle motion at the feet. Furthermore, when creating an extraordinary experience for spending time with friends, the control unit 5 controls the lighting unit 2 according to a lighting mode that provides motion at the feet and at the doors, creating an extraordinary space.

[0072] An example of the operation of the lighting device 1 of this embodiment up to the start of lighting will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0073] (operation) When the result of step 1 is "Yes," that is, when the control unit 5 of the lighting device 1 acquires the status of the vehicle 9 based on the vehicle information S1 acquired via the communication unit 4 (Step 1: Yes), the control unit 5 selects a lighting mode according to the status of the vehicle 9 from the lighting mode information 30 stored in the memory unit 3 and performs lighting (Step 2).

[0074] (Effects of the embodiment) The lighting device 1 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate lighting without the occupant being aware of it. Specifically, the lighting device 1 selects a lighting mode depending on the situation of the vehicle 9 based on the vehicle information S1, so compared to a case where this configuration is not adopted, the occupant does not have to go through the hassle of selecting a lighting mode, and optimal lighting is provided without the occupant being aware of it.

[0075] The lighting device 1 provides dynamic lighting by combining the viewing distance L, depression angle θ, light width W, lighting pattern, and changes in the projected pattern, and therefore can provide lighting that is more psychologically appropriate to the occupants than when this configuration is not adopted.

[0076] The lighting device 1 provides dynamic lighting by combining the viewing distance L, depression angle θ, light width W, lighting pattern, and changes in the projected pattern, and therefore can provide more diverse lighting suited to different situations than when this configuration is not adopted.

[0077] The lighting device 1 provides dynamic lighting by combining the viewing distance L, depression angle θ, light width W, lighting pattern, and changes in the projected pattern, and is therefore capable of providing lighting that changes the emotions of the occupants according to the situation of the vehicle 9.

[0078] Although several embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. These novel embodiments and modifications may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments and modifications are necessarily essential to solving the problems of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments and modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1...lighting device, 2...lighting unit, 3...storage unit, 4...communication unit, 5...control unit, 8...occupant, 9...vehicle, 11a-11d...first area to fourth area, 12a-12d...first area to fourth area, 13a-13d...first area to fourth area, 14a-14d...first area to fourth area, 23a-23e...pattern, 21-25...first lighting unit to fifth lighting unit, 30...lighting mode information, 32a...reference line of sight, 90...passenger seat, 91...driver's seat, 92...left door, 92a...door trim, 92b...side portion, 92c...upper portion, 93...right door, 93a...door trim, 93b...side portion, 93c...upper portion, 94...instrument panel, 94a...upper portion, 94b...front portion, 94c...lower portion, 95...steering wheel, 95a...upper portion, 96...floor, 97...ceiling, 98...vehicle control device, 210...lighting area, 210a...illumination area, 220...lighting area, 230...lighting area, 240...lighting area, 250...lighting area, 300-307...lighting mode, 900...vehicle lighting system

Claims

1. lighting units arranged corresponding to a plurality of lighting areas within the vehicle; a storage unit that stores a plurality of predetermined illumination modes that dynamically change the illumination area; a control unit that controls the illumination unit to select an illumination mode appropriate for an occupant from the plurality of illumination modes stored in the storage unit according to the situation of the vehicle, and illuminates the occupant; Equipped with When the occupant is to be lifted up, the control unit controls the illumination unit based on the illumination mode that makes the visual distance to the occupant longer than a predetermined reference distance. Lighting equipment.

2. A lighting unit arranged corresponding to a plurality of lighting areas in a vehicle; a storage unit that stores a plurality of predetermined illumination modes that dynamically change the illumination area; a control unit that controls the illumination unit to select an illumination mode appropriate for an occupant from the plurality of illumination modes stored in the storage unit according to the situation of the vehicle, and illuminates the occupant; Equipped with When the occupant is to be relaxed, the control unit controls the illumination unit based on the illumination mode that increases a depression angle, which is an angle of the line of sight of the occupant with respect to a predetermined reference line of sight. Lighting equipment.

3. Illumination units arranged corresponding to a plurality of illumination areas within a vehicle; a storage unit that stores a plurality of predetermined illumination modes that dynamically change the illumination area; a control unit that controls the illumination unit to select an illumination mode appropriate for an occupant from the plurality of illumination modes stored in the storage unit according to the situation of the vehicle, and illuminates the occupant; Equipped with When the occupants are to be concentrated, the control unit controls the illumination unit based on the illumination mode in which a width of illumination light is made wider than a predetermined reference width. Lighting equipment.

4. The control unit further changes the lighting state. The lighting device according to claim 1 .

5. The control unit further changes the pattern projected onto the illumination area. The lighting device according to claim 1 .

6. The lighting units are arranged on at least two of the floor, ceiling, steering wheel, instrument panel, and left and right doors of the vehicle. The lighting device according to claim 1 .

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