Control device, control system, and control method

Abstract

To prevent a face of an occupant in a cabin from being easily visible from outside of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A control device 13 for controlling an illumination device 5 arranged in a cabin 1a of a vehicle 1 includes: an acquisition part for acquiring first brightness information indicating first brightness that is brightness outside the vehicle 1, and second bright information indicating second brightness that is brightness of a part P1 including at least a face 3b of an occupant 3 in the cabin 1a; and a control part for executing illumination control for controlling the illumination device 5 so as to adjust the second brightness on the basis of the first brightness information and the second brightness information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a control system, and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle interior, a lighting device is provided to brighten the interior (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, in a situation where the interior of the vehicle becomes dark at night or the like, by lighting the lighting device in the vehicle interior, the interior of the vehicle can be illuminated by light, and the visibility in the vehicle interior can be improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a situation where the lighting device in the vehicle interior is lit and the interior of the vehicle becomes relatively bright with respect to the outside of the vehicle, for example, the face of a passenger in the vehicle interior may be easily visible from the outside of the vehicle, or the face of the passenger may appear to stand out when viewed from the outside of the vehicle at night or the like. Such a situation may risk compromising the privacy of the passenger.

[0005] Therefore, in view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a control device, a control system, and a control method that suppress the visibility of a passenger in the vehicle interior from the outside of the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the control device is a control device for controlling a lighting device located inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires first brightness information indicating a first brightness which is the brightness outside the vehicle, and second brightness information indicating a second brightness which is the brightness of at least the face of a passenger inside the passenger compartment, and a control unit that performs lighting control to control the lighting device so that the second brightness is adjusted based on the first brightness information and the second brightness information. At the same time, the acquisition unit acquires third brightness information indicating the brightness of the area in the vehicle interior other than the area of ​​the occupant, and the control unit controls the lighting device in the lighting control so that the second brightness is adjusted based on the third brightness information in addition to the first brightness information and the second brightness information.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the control system includes an external camera that images the outside of the vehicle, an interior camera that images the inside of the vehicle, and a control device that controls a lighting device located inside the vehicle. The control device includes an acquisition unit that acquires first brightness information, which represents the brightness of the outside of the vehicle, based on image data obtained by the external camera, and second brightness information, which represents the brightness of at least the face of an occupant inside the vehicle, based on image data obtained by the interior camera, and a control unit that performs lighting control to control the lighting device so that the second brightness is adjusted based on the first brightness information and the second brightness information. The acquisition unit acquires third brightness information indicating the brightness of the area in the vehicle interior other than the area of ​​the occupant, and the control unit controls the lighting device in the lighting control so that the second brightness is adjusted based on the third brightness information in addition to the first brightness information and the second brightness information.

[0008] To solve the above problems, the control method is a control method for a lighting device arranged in the interior of a vehicle, and includes the steps of: acquiring first brightness information indicating a first brightness which is the brightness outside the vehicle; and second brightness information indicating a second brightness which is the brightness of at least the face of a part of the occupant inside the vehicle; and performing lighting control to control the lighting device so that the second brightness is adjusted based on the first brightness information and the second brightness information. The acquisition unit acquires third brightness information indicating the brightness of the area in the vehicle interior other than the area of ​​the occupant, and the control unit controls the lighting device in the lighting control so that the second brightness is adjusted based on the third brightness information in addition to the first brightness information and the second brightness information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the visibility of the occupants' faces inside the vehicle from outside the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the processing flow related to the lighting of a lighting device performed by a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows the flow of processing related to the adjustment of the second brightness performed by the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustrations.

[0012] <Vehicle Configuration> The configuration of vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of vehicle 1. Figure 1 shows a driver 2 and a passenger 3 seated inside the passenger compartment 1a of vehicle 1. Driver 2 is seated in the driver's seat. Passenger 3 is seated in the rear seat. Figure 1 also shows passenger 3 looking at an object 4 being held in their hand 3a. The object 4 could be, for example, a book or a map.

[0014] In the passenger compartment 1a of the vehicle 1, a lighting device 5 is arranged. In the example of FIG. 1, as the lighting device 5, four upper lighting devices 5a and one lower lighting device 5b are provided. Each lighting device 5 has a light source and illuminates the interior of the passenger compartment 1a by emitting light from the light source. Each lighting device 5 mainly illuminates the rear seats. However, as will be described later, the irradiation range of the lighting device 5 may be other than the rear seats.

[0015] The upper lighting device 5a is arranged near the ceiling of the vehicle 1 and irradiates light downward. The four upper lighting devices 5a are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The lower lighting device 5b is arranged below the upper lighting device 5a and irradiates light downward. The lower lighting device 5b is arranged, for example, at a position higher than the door of the vehicle 1. The lower lighting device 5b can irradiate light at least toward the hand 3a of the occupant 3.

[0016] Note that the number and arrangement of the lighting devices 5 are not limited to the example of FIG. 1. For example, the number of the upper lighting devices 5a may be other than four, and the number of the lower lighting devices 5b may be plural. Also, for example, the vertical position of each lighting device 5 may be different from the example of FIG. 1, and the lower lighting device 5b may be omitted.

[0017] In the vehicle 1, the lighting device 5 ensures visibility in the passenger compartment 1a. For example, at night or the like, by lighting the lighting device 5, the interior of the passenger compartment 1a is illuminated by light. Thereby, the occupant 3 can visually recognize the visual object 4.

[0018] Here, when the lighting device 5 is lit, the face 3b of the occupant 3 in the passenger compartment 1a may become easily visible from the outside of the vehicle 1. For example, at night or the like, when the lighting device 5 is lit, when viewed from the outside of the vehicle 1, a situation may occur where the face 3b of the occupant 3 in the passenger compartment 1a appears to stand out. Therefore, in order to suppress the face 3b of the occupant 3 in the passenger compartment 1a from becoming easily visible from the outside of the vehicle 1, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a control system 10. The control system 10 is a system for controlling the lighting device 5.

[0019] Incidentally, in the following, an example will be described in which the lighting device 5 mainly illuminates the rear seat, and it is suppressed that the face 3b of the passenger 3 sitting in the rear seat is easily visible from the outside of the vehicle 1. However, the irradiation range of the lighting device 5 may be other than the rear seat. In that case, it is suppressed that the face of the passenger within the irradiation range of the lighting device 5 is easily visible from the outside of the vehicle 1. For example, when the lighting device 5 mainly illuminates the passenger seat, it is suppressed that the face of the passenger sitting in the passenger seat is easily visible from the outside of the vehicle 1. Also, for example, when the lighting device 5 mainly illuminates the driver's seat, it is suppressed that the face of the driver 2 who is a passenger is easily visible from the outside of the vehicle 1.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 10 includes an external camera 11, an in-vehicle camera 12, and a control device 13. The image data obtained by the external camera 11 can be used not only in the processes described later but also in various controls such as adaptive cruise control, for example. Also, the image data obtained by the in-vehicle camera 12 can be used not only in the processes described later but also in monitoring the state of passengers such as the driver 2, for example.

[0021] The external camera 11 images the outside of the vehicle 1. The external camera 11 images a visible light image. Specifically, the external camera 11 has a plurality of image pickup elements that sense visible light. When visible light is sensed by the above-described image pickup elements, a visible light image is imaged.

[0022] The visible light image data obtained by the external camera 11 shows the outside of the vehicle 1 (the scenery outside the vehicle 1). In the example of FIG. 1, the external camera 11 is provided near the upper part of the windshield within the vehicle cabin 1a and images the front of the vehicle 1 through the windshield. However, the position and imaging direction of the external camera 11 are not limited to the example of FIG. 1.

[0023] The in-vehicle camera 12 captures images of the interior of the vehicle interior 1a. The in-vehicle camera 12 is capable of capturing infrared and visible light images. Specifically, the in-vehicle camera 12 has an infrared irradiator that emits infrared light into the vehicle interior 1a and a plurality of image sensors that sense infrared light. Infrared light emitted from the infrared irradiator is reflected within the vehicle interior 1a, and the reflected infrared light is sensed by the image sensors, thereby capturing an infrared image. The in-vehicle camera 12 also has a plurality of image sensors that sense visible light. When visible light is sensed by these image sensors, a visible light image is captured.

[0024] The infrared and visible light image data obtained by the in-cabin camera 12 captures the interior of the vehicle interior 1a. In the example shown in Figure 1, the in-cabin camera 12 is located near the front end of the ceiling of the vehicle 1 within the vehicle interior 1a and captures images of the rear and lower area. However, the position and imaging direction of the in-cabin camera 12 are not limited to the example shown in Figure 1. The imaging range of the in-cabin camera 12 includes at least the occupants 3. However, the imaging range of the in-cabin camera 12 may also include the driver 2.

[0025] The control device 13 controls the lighting device 5. The control device 13 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is an arithmetic processing unit; a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a memory element that stores programs and calculation parameters used by the CPU; and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a memory element that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate during CPU execution.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the control device 13 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 13a and a control unit 13b. The control device 13 also communicates with each device of the vehicle 1.

[0027] The acquisition unit 13a acquires information from each device of the vehicle 1 and outputs it to the control unit 13b. For example, the acquisition unit 13a acquires information from the external camera 11, the interior camera 12, and the lighting switch SW1. The lighting switch SW1 is provided in the vehicle 1 and accepts operation by the driver or other occupants. In this specification, information acquisition may include information extraction or generation.

[0028] The control unit 13b controls the lighting devices 5. For example, the control unit 13b switches between an off state, where the lighting devices 5 are off, and an on state, where the lighting devices 5 are on. The off state means that all lighting devices 5 are off. The on state means that at least one or more lighting devices 5 are on. In addition, for example, the control unit 13b controls the brightness and other conditions of the light sources of the on lighting devices 5.

[0029] <Operation of the control device> The operation of the control device 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0030] In the following example, the lighting device 5 is controlled by appropriately considering the first brightness, second brightness, and third brightness. The first brightness is the brightness of the outside of the vehicle 1 (the scenery outside the vehicle 1). The second brightness is the brightness of part P1 (see Figure 1) of the occupant 3 inside the passenger compartment 1a, including at least the face 3b. Part P1 only needs to include at least the face 3b, and may also include other parts besides the face 3b, such as the neck or shoulders. The third brightness is the brightness of area R1 (see Figure 1) inside the passenger compartment 1a, excluding part P1 of the occupant 3. Area R1 is, for example, the area inside the passenger compartment 1a below the window of the vehicle 1.

[0031] In the control system 10, the control device 13 performs lighting control to appropriately adjust the second brightness. This suppresses the visibility of the occupant's face 3b from outside the vehicle 1. Below, an example of the process related to turning on the lighting device 5 will be explained with reference to Figure 3, and then an example of the process related to adjusting the second brightness will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Note that when the lighting device 5 is off, the control flow in Figure 3 is executed, and when the lighting device 5 is on, the control flow in Figure 4 is executed.

[0032] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow related to the lighting of the lighting device 5 performed by the control device 13. The control flow shown in Figure 3 is executed when the lighting device 5 is in an off state and is executed repeatedly, for example, at predetermined time intervals. Step S101 in Figure 3 corresponds to the start of the control flow shown in Figure 3. Step S109 in Figure 3 corresponds to the end of the control flow shown in Figure 3.

[0033] When the control flow shown in Figure 3 is initiated, in step S102, the control unit 13b determines whether the lighting switch SW1 is ON or OFF. For example, information indicating whether the lighting switch SW1 is ON or OFF is output from the lighting switch SW1 to the control device 13. Based on this information, the control device 13 can determine whether the lighting switch SW1 is ON or OFF.

[0034] If it is determined that the lighting switch SW1 is OFF (step S102 / NO), the control flow shown in Figure 3 ends.

[0035] On the other hand, if it is determined that the lighting switch SW1 is ON (step S102 / YES), the process proceeds to step S103, in which step S103, the acquisition unit 13a acquires the first brightness information. The first brightness information is information indicating the first brightness.

[0036] In step S103, the acquisition unit 13a acquires first brightness information based on image data (specifically, visible light image data) obtained by the external camera 11. For example, the acquisition unit 13a uses the sum or average value of the brightness of each pixel in the visible light image data obtained by the external camera 11 as the first brightness, and acquires first brightness information indicating such a first brightness. Note that the brightness of a pixel means the intensity of the light emitted from the pixel. Thus, the first brightness indicated by the first brightness information is the brightness that a person would perceive when looking at the outside of the vehicle 1 (the scenery outside the vehicle 1).

[0037] Following step S103, in step S104, the acquisition unit 13a acquires third brightness information. The third brightness information is information indicating the third brightness.

[0038] In step S104, the acquisition unit 13a acquires third brightness information based on image data (specifically, infrared image data and visible light image data) obtained by the in-vehicle camera 12. For example, first, the acquisition unit 13a performs image processing on the infrared image data obtained by the in-vehicle camera 12 to extract the area occupied by the part P1 of the occupant 3 and the area occupied by the area R1 other than the part P1 of the occupant 3 within the infrared image data. As such image processing, well-known processing such as pattern matching processing can be appropriately employed. In pattern matching processing, a portion of the image to be processed that has a geometric pattern similar to a template is identified.

[0039] The acquisition unit 13a then determines the third brightness as the sum or average value of the brightness of each pixel in the area R1 excluding the area P1 of the occupant 3 in the infrared image data obtained by the in-cabin camera 12, and acquires third brightness information indicating this third brightness. In this way, the third brightness indicated by the third brightness information is the brightness that a person would perceive when looking at the area R1 excluding the area P1 of the occupant 3 inside the cabin 1a.

[0040] Following step S104, in step S105, the control unit 13b determines whether the first brightness is brighter than the third brightness.

[0041] If it is determined that the first brightness is brighter than the third brightness (step S105 / YES), the process proceeds to step S106, in which the control unit 13b permits the lighting of the lighting device 5. Following step S106, in step S107, the control unit 13b turns on the lighting device 5, and the control flow shown in Figure 3 ends. In step S107, the control unit 13b may turn on all the lighting devices 5, or only some of the lighting devices 5. For example, the crew member 3 may be able to pre-set which lighting devices 5 to turn on when the lighting devices 5 are on.

[0042] On the other hand, if it is determined that the first brightness is dimmer than the third brightness (step S105 / NO), the process proceeds to step S108, in which step S108 the control unit 13b prohibits the lighting of the lighting device 5. In this case, the lighting device 5 is not lit, and the control flow shown in Figure 3 ends. Note that if it is determined in step S105 that the first brightness is equal to the third brightness, the process may proceed to step S106 or to step S108.

[0043] As described above, the control unit 13b permits the lighting device 5 to turn on based on the first brightness information acquired when the lighting device 5 is off, and the third brightness information acquired when the lighting device 5 is off. Specifically, the control unit 13b permits the lighting device 5 to turn on if the first brightness indicated by the first brightness information acquired when the lighting device is off is brighter than the third brightness indicated by the third brightness information acquired when the lighting device is off.

[0044] Here, if the lighting device 5 is turned on when the first brightness is darker than the third brightness in the off state, the face 3b of the occupant 3 will become more visible from outside the vehicle 1. Also, in this case, it is considered that the inside of the passenger compartment 1a is bright enough, and the visibility of the occupant 3 is ensured to some extent even without turning on the lighting device 5. Therefore, by prohibiting the lighting device 5 from being turned on when the first brightness is darker than the third brightness, and allowing the lighting device 5 to be turned on when the first brightness is brighter than the third brightness, it is possible to suppress the visibility of the occupant 3's face 3b from outside the vehicle 1.

[0045] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow related to the adjustment of the second brightness performed by the control device 13. The control flow shown in Figure 4 is executed when the lighting device 5 is lit and is executed repeatedly, for example, at predetermined time intervals. Step S201 in Figure 4 corresponds to the start of the control flow shown in Figure 4. Step S209 in Figure 4 corresponds to the end of the control flow shown in Figure 4.

[0046] As described below, the control device 13 performs lighting control to control the lighting device 5 so that the second brightness is adjusted based on the first brightness information and the second brightness information. The control flow shown in Figure 4 below corresponds to an example of such lighting control.

[0047] When the control flow shown in Figure 4 is initiated, in step S202, the acquisition unit 13a acquires the first brightness information. The process in step S202 is the same as the process in step S103 in Figure 3 described above.

[0048] Following step S202, in step S203, the acquisition unit 13a acquires second brightness information. The second brightness information is information indicating the second brightness.

[0049] In step S203, the acquisition unit 13a acquires second brightness information based on image data obtained by the in-vehicle camera 12 (specifically, infrared image data and visible light image data). For example, first, the acquisition unit 13a applies image processing such as the pattern matching process described above to the infrared image data obtained by the in-vehicle camera 12 to extract the area occupied by the part P1 of the occupant 3 and the area occupied by the area R1 other than the part P1 of the occupant 3 within the infrared image data.

[0050] The acquisition unit 13a then takes the sum or average value of the brightness of each pixel in the area occupied by the part P1 of the occupant 3 in the infrared image data obtained by the in-cabin camera 12 as the second brightness, and acquires second brightness information indicating this second brightness. In this way, the second brightness indicated by the second brightness information is the brightness that a person would perceive when looking at the part P1 of the occupant 3, including at least the face 3b, inside the cabin 1a.

[0051] Following step S203, in step S204, the acquisition unit 13a acquires the third brightness information. The processing in step S204 is the same as the processing in step S104 in Figure 3 described above.

[0052] Following step S204, in step S205, the control unit 13b determines a reference brightness based on the first brightness. As will be described later, in the processing example of Figure 4, the second brightness is adjusted to be dimmer than the reference brightness.

[0053] For example, the control unit 13b determines a brightness brighter than the first brightness as the reference brightness. As such a reference brightness, for example, a brightness that is brighter by a predetermined degree than the first brightness may be adopted. For example, the control unit 13b may determine the brightness obtained by adding a predetermined value to the first brightness as the reference brightness, or it may determine the brightness obtained by multiplying the first brightness by a predetermined ratio as the reference brightness. By using a brightness that is brighter by a predetermined degree than the first brightness as the reference brightness, the second brightness can be made dimmer than the first brightness, or the second brightness can be made brighter than the first brightness but not excessively bright. The control unit 13b may also determine the first brightness itself as the reference brightness. The reference brightness can be set in advance by considering, for example, the structure of the vehicle's interior, the arrangement of the lighting device 5a in the interior, the light transmittance of the vehicle's window glass, etc. Furthermore, the reference brightness may be set as one, or as two or more.

[0054] Following step S205, in step S206, the control unit 13b determines whether the second brightness is brighter than the reference brightness.

[0055] If it is determined that the second brightness is brighter than the reference brightness (step S206 / YES), the process proceeds to step S207. In step S207, the control unit 13b controls the lighting device 5 to reduce the second brightness by a predetermined amount, and the control flow shown in Figure 4 ends.

[0056] Of the lighting devices 5, the lower lighting device 5b is positioned below the upper lighting device 5a and is less likely to affect the second brightness. On the other hand, the upper lighting device 5a is positioned near the ceiling of the vehicle 1 and can directly affect the second brightness. Therefore, in step S207, the control unit 13b reduces the second brightness by, for example, controlling the upper lighting device 5a of the lighting devices 5.

[0057] In step S207, the control unit 13b controls, for example, the brightness of the light source of the lighting device 5, such as the upper lighting device 5a, the position of the light source, and the direction of light irradiation by the light source. The control unit 13b can reduce the brightness of the light source of the lighting device 5 by, for example, adjusting the voltage and current supplied to the light source to decrease, adjusting the frequency of the voltage and current supplied to the light source, etc., or by placing a plate with low light transmittance between the light source and the occupant, etc. The control unit 13b can also reduce the second brightness by, for example, adjusting the position of the light source of the lighting device 5 to change it (for example, moving it away from the face 3b of the occupant 3). Controlling the position of the light source may also include, for example, switching between the lit lighting device 5 among the multiple lighting devices 5. The second brightness can also be reduced by, for example, switching the lit lighting device 5 from the lighting device 5 close to the face 3b of the occupant 3 to the lighting device 5 farther from the face 3b of the occupant 3. Furthermore, the control unit 13b can reduce the second brightness by, for example, adjusting the direction of light irradiation from the light source of the lighting device 5 (for example, by changing it so that the angle it makes with the direction toward the face 3b of the crew member 3 becomes larger).

[0058] On the other hand, if it is determined that the second brightness is dimmer than the reference brightness (step S206 / NO), the process proceeds to step S208, in which the control unit 13b determines whether the second brightness is brighter than the third brightness. If it is determined in step S206 that the second brightness matches the reference brightness, the process may proceed to step S207 or to step S208.

[0059] If it is determined that the second brightness is brighter than the third brightness (step S208 / YES), the process proceeds to step S207. In step S207, the control unit 13b controls the lighting device 5 to reduce the second brightness by a predetermined amount, and the control flow shown in Figure 4 ends.

[0060] On the other hand, if the second brightness is determined to be dimmer than the third brightness (step S208 / NO), the control flow shown in Figure 4 terminates without proceeding to step S207. Note that in step S208, if the second brightness is determined to be equal to the third brightness, the control may proceed to step S207, or it may terminate without proceeding to step S207.

[0061] The above describes the lighting control performed by the control unit 13b with reference to Figure 4. However, in the lighting control, some processes may be deleted, modified, or added to the processes described above.

[0062] For example, in the example of Figure 4, step S208 may be omitted. In that case, if NO is determined in step S206, the control flow shown in Figure 4 ends. Thus, the control unit 13b only needs to control the lighting device 5 so that the second brightness is adjusted based on at least the first brightness information and the second brightness information in lighting control. This makes it possible to make the second brightness dimmer than the first brightness, or to make the second brightness brighter than the first brightness but not excessively bright. Therefore, when viewed from outside the vehicle 1, the situation in which the face 3b of the occupant 3 inside the passenger compartment 1a appears to stand out is suppressed. Thus, according to this embodiment, the visibility of the occupant 3's face 3b from outside the vehicle 1 is suppressed. This suppresses the infringement of privacy.

[0063] However, the visibility of the occupant's face 3b from outside the vehicle 1 also changes depending on the relationship between the second brightness and the third brightness. For example, if the second brightness is brighter than the third brightness, the occupant's face 3b will be more noticeable than other parts of the interior of the interior 1a, such as area R1, when viewed from outside the vehicle 1, compared to when the second brightness is darker than the third brightness. As a result, when viewed from outside the vehicle 1, the occupant's face 3b in the interior 1a will stand out and be more visible. Therefore, from the viewpoint of more effectively suppressing the visibility of the occupant's face 3b from outside the vehicle 1, it is preferable that the control unit 13b controls the lighting device 5 in lighting control such that the second brightness is adjusted based on the third brightness information in addition to the first brightness information and the second brightness information, as shown in the processing example in Figure 4.

[0064] Furthermore, for example, if NO is determined in step S208, the control unit 13b may control the lighting device 5 to increase the second brightness, and then the control flow shown in Figure 4 may end. In this case, the control unit 13b controls the lighting device 5 to increase the second brightness to the extent that it approaches the reference brightness and the third brightness, but is dimmer than the reference brightness and the third brightness. Note that even if step S208 is omitted, if NO is determined in step S206, the control unit 13b may control the lighting device 5 to increase the second brightness, and then the control flow shown in Figure 4 may end.

[0065] Furthermore, for example, in lighting control, the control unit 13b may control the lighting device 5 in order to increase the brightness of the area around the crew member 3's hands, in addition to the processing described above. The control unit 13b can increase the brightness of the area around the crew member 3's hands by, for example, controlling the lower lighting device 5b of the lighting device 5. For example, the control unit 13b can increase the brightness of the area around the crew member 3's hands by controlling at least one of the brightness of the light source of the lower lighting device 5b, the position of the light source, and the direction of light irradiation by the light source. By increasing the brightness of the area around the crew member 3's hands, the crew member 3 will be able to see the object 4 more easily.

[0066] <Effects of the control device> The effects of the control device 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0067] In the control device 13, the control unit 13b performs lighting control to control the lighting device 5 so that the second brightness is adjusted based on the first brightness information and the second brightness information. This makes it possible to make the second brightness dimmer than the first brightness, or to make the second brightness brighter than the first brightness but not excessively bright. Therefore, when viewed from outside the vehicle 1, the situation in which the face 3b of the occupant 3 inside the passenger compartment 1a appears to stand out is suppressed. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the visibility of the occupant 3's face 3b from outside the vehicle 1. This suppresses the infringement of privacy.

[0068] Preferably, in the control device 13, the control unit 13b controls the lighting device 5 in lighting control such that the second brightness is dimmer than the reference brightness determined based on the first brightness. This appropriately achieves either making the second brightness dimmer than the first brightness, or making the second brightness brighter than the first brightness but not excessively bright.

[0069] Preferably, in the control device 13, the reference brightness is brighter than the first brightness. This allows the second brightness to be brighter than the first brightness but not excessively bright, thus achieving both the suppression of the occupant's face 3b being easily visible from outside the vehicle 1 and the improvement of the occupant's visibility.

[0070] Preferably, in the control device 13, the control unit 13b controls the lighting device 5 so that, in lighting control, the second brightness is adjusted based on the third brightness information in addition to the first brightness information and the second brightness information. This allows the second brightness to be adjusted while taking into account the relationship between the second brightness and the third brightness, which affects how easily the face 3b of the occupant 3 is visible from outside the vehicle 1. Therefore, the visibility of the occupant 3's face 3b from outside the vehicle 1 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0071] Preferably, in the control device 13, the control unit 13b controls the lighting device 5 in lighting control such that the second brightness is dimmer than the third brightness. This suppresses the fact that the occupant's face 3b becomes more visible than other parts of the passenger compartment 1a, such as area R1, due to the second brightness being brighter than the third brightness. Thus, it is appropriately achieved to more effectively suppress the visibility of the occupant's face 3b from outside the vehicle 1.

[0072] Preferably, in the control device 13, the control unit 13b permits the illumination device 5 to light up based on first brightness information acquired when the illumination device 5 is off, and third brightness information acquired when the illumination device 5 is off. This allows the illumination device 5 to be permitted to light up while taking into account the relationship between the first brightness and the third brightness, which affects how easily the face 3b of the occupant 3 is visible from outside the vehicle 1. Therefore, the visibility of the occupant 3's face 3b from outside the vehicle 1 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0073] Preferably, in the control device 13, the control unit 13b permits the illumination device 5 to be turned on when the first brightness, indicated by the first brightness information acquired in the off state, is brighter than the third brightness, indicated by the third brightness information acquired in the off state. This suppresses the possibility that the face 3b of the occupant 3 will be more easily visible from outside the vehicle 1 due to the illumination device 5 being turned on when the first brightness is darker than the third brightness. Thus, it is appropriately achieved to more effectively suppress the possibility that the face 3b of the occupant 3 will be more easily visible from outside the vehicle 1.

[0074] Preferably, in the control device 13, the acquisition unit 13a acquires second brightness information based on infrared image data and visible light image data showing the inside of the vehicle compartment 1a. This allows the control device 13 to extract the area occupied by the occupant's body part P1 and the area occupied by the area R1 other than the occupant's body part P1 within the vehicle compartment 1a, and then appropriately acquire second brightness information indicating the second brightness, which is the brightness of the occupant's body part P1.

[0075] Preferably, in the control device 13, the control unit 13b controls at least one of the brightness of the light source of the lighting device 5, the position of the light source, and the direction of light irradiation by the light source. This allows for appropriate adjustment of the second brightness.

[0076] Preferably, in the control device 13, the control unit 13b controls the lighting device 5 in lighting control to increase the brightness of the area around the occupant 3's hands. This makes it easier for the occupant 3 to see the object 4.

[0077] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and that various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0078] For example, the processes described using flowcharts in this specification do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown in the flowcharts. Some processing steps may be executed in parallel. Additional processing steps may be adopted, and some processing steps may be omitted.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, the series of control processes performed by the control device 13 described above may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The program constituting the software is pre-stored in a storage medium provided inside or outside the information processing device, for example.

[0080] Furthermore, for example, the above describes an example in which the first brightness, second brightness, and third brightness are acquired using an external camera 11 and an in-vehicle camera 12. However, the first brightness, second brightness, and third brightness may also be acquired using a sensor capable of directly detecting brightness without using a camera. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 vehicle 1a Cabin 2 drivers 3 crew members 3a hand 3b face 4. Objects to be observed 5. Lighting equipment 5a Upper lighting device 5b Lower lighting device 10 Control Systems 11 External Camera 12. In-car camera 13 Control device 13a Acquisition part 13b Control Unit P1 site R1 area SW1 Light switch

Claims

1. A control device (13) for controlling a lighting device (5) located inside the passenger compartment (1a) of a vehicle (1), An acquisition unit (13a) acquires first brightness information indicating a first brightness which is the brightness outside the vehicle (1), and second brightness information indicating a second brightness which is the brightness of a part (P1) including at least the face (3b) of an occupant (3) inside the passenger compartment (1a), A control unit (13b) that performs lighting control to control the lighting device (5) so that the second brightness is adjusted based on the first brightness information and the second brightness information, In addition to being equipped, The acquisition unit (13a) acquires third brightness information indicating a third brightness, which is the brightness of the area (R1) within the vehicle compartment (1a) other than the area (P1) of the occupant (3). The control unit (13b) controls the lighting device (5) in the lighting control so that the second brightness is adjusted based on the third brightness information in addition to the first brightness information and the second brightness information. Control device.

2. The control unit (13b) controls the lighting device (5) in the lighting control such that the second brightness becomes dimmer than the reference brightness determined based on the first brightness. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned reference brightness is brighter than the first brightness. The control device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit (13b) controls the lighting device (5) in the lighting control such that the second brightness is dimmer than the third brightness. The control device according to claim 1.

5. The acquisition unit (13a) acquires third brightness information indicating a third brightness, which is the brightness of the area (R1) within the vehicle compartment (1a) other than the area (P1) of the occupant (3). The control unit (13b) permits the lighting device (5) to turn on based on the first brightness information acquired when the lighting device (5) is off, and the third brightness information acquired when the lighting device (5) is off. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit (13b) permits the lighting device (5) to turn on if the first brightness, indicated by the first brightness information acquired in the off state, is brighter than the third brightness, indicated by the third brightness information acquired in the off state. The control device according to claim 5.

7. The acquisition unit (13a) acquires the second brightness information based on infrared image data and visible light image data that reflect the inside of the vehicle compartment (1a). The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The control unit (13b) controls, in the lighting control, at least one of the brightness of the light source of the lighting device (5), the position of the light source, and the direction of light irradiation by the light source. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The control unit (13b) controls the lighting device (5) in the lighting control so as to increase the brightness of the area around the occupant (3). The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An external camera (11) that captures images of the outside of the vehicle (1), An in-vehicle camera (12) that takes images of the inside of the vehicle (1)'s passenger compartment (1a), A control device (13) that controls the lighting device (5) located inside the vehicle compartment (1a), Includes, The control device (13) is An acquisition unit (13a) acquires first brightness information, which represents the brightness outside the vehicle (1), based on image data obtained by the external camera (11), and second brightness information, which represents the brightness of at least the face (3b) of a part (P1) of an occupant (3) inside the passenger compartment (1a), based on image data obtained by the passenger compartment camera (12), A control unit (13b) that performs lighting control to control the lighting device (5) so that the second brightness is adjusted based on the first brightness information and the second brightness information, Equipped with, The acquisition unit (13a) acquires third brightness information indicating a third brightness, which is the brightness of the area (R1) within the vehicle compartment (1a) other than the area (P1) of the occupant (3). The control unit (13b) controls the lighting device (5) in the lighting control so that the second brightness is adjusted based on the third brightness information in addition to the first brightness information and the second brightness information. Control system.

11. A method for controlling a lighting device (5) located inside the passenger compartment (1a) of a vehicle (1), The steps include acquiring first brightness information indicating a first brightness which is the brightness outside the vehicle (1), and second brightness information indicating a second brightness which is the brightness of a part (P1) including at least the face (3b) of an occupant (3) inside the passenger compartment (1a), The steps include: performing lighting control to control the lighting device (5) so that the second brightness is adjusted based on the first brightness information and the second brightness information; Includes, The acquisition unit (13a) that acquires the first brightness information and the second brightness information acquires a third brightness information that indicates the brightness of the area (R1) in the vehicle compartment (1a) other than the area (P1) of the occupant (3), The control unit (13b) that performs lighting control to control the lighting device (5) controls the lighting device (5) such that, in the lighting control, the second brightness is adjusted based on the third brightness information in addition to the first brightness information and the second brightness information. Control method.

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