Vehicular lamp and control device and control method for vehicular lamp

Abstract

This vehicular lamp (100) comprises: a plurality of lamps (120a-120d) which respectively provide lamp functions different from each other; and a lamp electronic control unit (ECU) (200) which detects whether the plurality of lamps (120a-120d) operate correctly, selects a substitute lamp from among the correctly operating lamps when an incorrectly operating lamp has been detected, and controls the substitute lamp so that the substitute lamp is lighted in a substitute lighting mode that simulates the incorrectly operating lamp.

Description

Vehicle lighting fixture, vehicle lighting fixture control device and control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp, a control device and a control method for a vehicle lamp.

[0002] Conventionally, in a vehicle lighting fixture that combines a display and a marker light, when a malfunction of the marker light is detected, it is known that at least a part of the display is switched to the marker light, and the function of the marker light is continued by the display (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Furthermore, in order to provide a visual effect using vehicle lamps, the vehicle lamps may be made to perform characteristic lighting that is not performed while the vehicle is moving. One example of such characteristic lighting is the so-called "hospitality lighting," which, when welcoming a driver to a parked vehicle, links various vehicle lamps such as headlights and various marker lights to perform a unique lighting that is different from the intended use of these lamps (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0004] JP 2019-34640 A JP 2019-202588 A

[0005] For example, vehicle lighting fixtures may stop functioning properly due to performance degradation over time from years of use or accidental breakdowns. Replacing marker lights with displays as described above is useful for addressing such situations and improving the reliability of vehicle lighting fixtures. However, vehicle lighting fixtures incorporating displays tend to be more expensive than those without, and may be difficult to adopt in situations where cost reduction is more desirable. Obviously, the above measures cannot be applied to vehicle lighting fixtures that are not designed with displays.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one exemplary purpose of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a fail-safe function to a vehicle lamp.

[0007] Vehicle lighting fixtures typically have a pair of lamps with the same function, which are installed in different locations on the vehicle, for example, on the left and right sides of the vehicle, and both lamps are illuminated in the same manner in many situations. Substituting a marker light with a display as described above is useful from a fail-safe perspective. However, if the display substitutes for a marker light in one of the pair of lamps while the corresponding marker light with the same function in the other lamp remains illuminated normally, the two lamps, which should be illuminated in the same manner, will be illuminated in different states, resulting in an imbalance. This inconsistency in illumination may confuse or confuse viewers.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one exemplary purpose of an embodiment of the present invention is to achieve both a fail-safe function and a reduction in discomfort felt by the patient.

[0009] The inventors have studied the above-mentioned vehicle lighting fixtures and have come to recognize the following problem. Dramatic lighting using vehicle lighting fixtures should be usable not only in situations where the driver is outside the vehicle, as described above, but also in situations where the driver is inside the vehicle. Dramatic lighting can also be used by the driver to greet or make a visual impression on people outside the vehicle, such as those about to get into the vehicle or those who have just exited the vehicle. Because vehicle lighting fixtures must fulfill their legally mandated functions while the vehicle is in motion, dramatic lighting is permitted only when the vehicle is stopped. Therefore, if the driver inside the vehicle starts driving away while dramatic lighting is on, the vehicle lighting fixture should immediately stop dramatic lighting and return to its original lighting state. However, if dramatic lighting suddenly ends midway through, it does not look very good from the outside of the vehicle.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and one exemplary purpose of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lighting fixture that is less likely to give an unnatural impression to viewers when the lighting effect is ended.

[0011] A vehicle lamp according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of lamps each providing different lamp functions, and a control device that detects whether each of the plurality of lamps is operating normally, and if a lamp that is not operating normally is detected, selects a substitute lamp from the lamps that are operating normally and controls the substitute lamp to light in a substitute lighting mode that simulates the lamp that is not operating normally.

[0012] According to this aspect, when a lamp does not operate normally, another lamp that originally provides a different lamp function can be used as a substitute for the malfunctioning lamp. In this way, redundancy is provided between different types of lamps, and a fail-safe function can be provided for the vehicle lamp.

[0013] The substitute lighting mode may be determined so as to light the substitute lighting fixture at a brightness different from the normal lighting mode determined for the substitute lighting fixture's original lighting function.

[0014] In this way, two types of lamps with different brightness levels can be used as substitutes for each other in normal use. In other words, when one lamp malfunctions, the other lamp can be dimmed to simulate the malfunction. For example, in the case of stop lamps and tail lamps, the tail lamp can be brightened as a substitute for the stop lamp, and the stop lamp can be dimmed as a substitute for the tail lamp.

[0015] The control device may control the substitute lamp to light in a normal lighting mode determined for the substitute lamp's original lighting function and to flash in a substitute lighting mode, or to flash in the normal lighting mode and light in a substitute lighting mode.

[0016] In this way, it is possible to substitute between a lamp that flashes under normal use and a lamp that simply lights up instead. In other words, when one lamp malfunctions, the other lamp that is functioning normally can be switched from on to flashing (or from flashing to on) to simulate the malfunctioning lamp. For example, a lamp with other functions, such as a stop lamp or tail lamp, can be used as a substitute for a turn signal lamp. Also, a lamp with other functions can be used as a substitute for a turn signal lamp.

[0017] The substitute lighting mode may be determined so that the substitute lighting fixture is lit in a color different from the normal lighting mode determined for the substitute lighting fixture's original lighting function.

[0018] In this way, two types of lamps that light up in different colors during normal use can be substituted for each other. When one lamp malfunctions, the other lamp can be changed in color to simulate the malfunctioning lamp. For example, lamps with other functions, such as stop lamps or tail lamps, can be used in place of backup lamps. Also, lamps with other functions can be used in place of backup lamps.

[0019] The control device may be configured to control the plurality of lamps to light each lamp in its normal lighting mode based on vehicle information received from the vehicle. The control device may control the substitute lamp to switch from the substitute lighting mode to the normal lighting mode when the substitute lamp should be lighted in the normal lighting mode based on the vehicle information while controlling the substitute lamp in the substitute lighting mode.

[0020] In this way, in response to a lighting instruction based on the driver's driving operation contained in the vehicle information, or a lighting instruction from an automatic driving or driving assistance system, the substitute lamp can be returned to normal lighting, allowing the lamp to be used for its intended purpose.

[0021] Each of the plurality of lamps may have a pair of a first lamp and a second lamp. The control device may detect whether each first lamp is operating normally, and when a first lamp that is not operating normally is detected, may select a substitute lamp from the first lamps that are operating normally and control the substitute lamp to light in a substitute lighting mode that simulates the first lamp that is not operating normally, and may also control the second lamp that is paired with the substitute lamp to be turned off regardless of whether the second lamp is operating normally, and to light in the substitute lighting mode.

[0022] In this way, when one of a pair of lamps (for example, a pair of left and right lamps with the same function) is used for substitute lighting, the other lamp of the pair also switches to substitute lighting in tandem, allowing the lighting states of the pair of lamps to be matched, eliminating or mitigating any discomfort caused by a mismatch between the two.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention is a control device for a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes a plurality of lamps that provide different lamp functions. The control device detects whether each of the plurality of lamps is operating normally, and if an abnormal lamp is detected, the control device selects a substitute lamp from the normally operating lamps and controls the substitute lamp to light in a substitute lighting mode that simulates the abnormal lamp.

[0024] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes a plurality of lamps each providing different lamp functions. The method includes the steps of: detecting whether each of the plurality of lamps is operating normally; if a lamp that is not operating normally is detected, selecting a substitute lamp from among the normally operating lamps; and controlling the substitute lamp to light in a substitute lighting mode that simulates the malfunctioning lamp.

[0025] A second aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle lamp including a first lamp unit providing a plurality of different lamp functions, a second lamp unit paired with the first lamp unit and providing the plurality of lamp functions, and a control device that detects whether each lamp function of the first lamp unit is operating normally and, if an abnormal lamp function is detected, controls a normally operating portion of the first lamp unit to simulate the abnormal lamp function. The control device controls the second lamp unit to simulate the first lamp unit, regardless of whether the lamp function of the second lamp unit paired with the abnormal lamp function of the first lamp unit is operating normally.

[0026] According to this aspect, a malfunctioning lamp function in the first lamp unit is replaced by a normally operating portion. This provides a fail-safe function to the vehicle lamp. When the first lamp unit switches to a substitute lighting state, the second lamp unit paired with the first lamp unit also switches to a lighting state that imitates the first lamp unit in tandem. This allows the lighting states of the paired lamp units to be matched, eliminating or mitigating any sense of incongruity caused by a mismatch between the two.

[0027] The first lamp unit may include a plurality of first lamps, each providing a corresponding one of the plurality of lamp functions. The second lamp unit may include a plurality of second lamps, each providing a corresponding one of the plurality of lamp functions and paired with the plurality of first lamps. The control device may detect whether each first lamp is operating normally, and if a first lamp that is not operating normally is detected, may select a substitute lamp from the first lamps that are operating normally and control the substitute lamp to light in a substitute lighting mode that simulates the first lamp that is not operating normally. In addition, the control device may turn off a second lamp that is paired with the first lamp that is not operating normally, regardless of whether the second lamp is operating normally, and control the second lamp that is paired with the substitute lamp to light in the substitute lighting mode.

[0028] The first lighting unit may include a first display that provides multiple lighting functions. The second lighting unit may include a second display that provides multiple lighting functions. The control device may detect whether the first display is operating normally, and if an abnormality in an area on the first display is detected, control other normally operating areas on the first display to provide the multiple lighting functions. At the same time, the control device may turn off an area on the second display that is paired with the abnormality in the area on the first display regardless of whether the area is operating normally, and control other normally operating areas on the second display that are paired with the other normally operating areas on the first display to provide the multiple lighting functions.

[0029] Another aspect of the present invention is a control device for a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes a first lamp unit that provides a plurality of different lamp functions and a second lamp unit that is paired with the first lamp unit and provides the plurality of lamp functions. The control device detects whether each lamp function of the first lamp unit is operating normally, and if an abnormal lamp function is detected, controls a normally operating portion of the first lamp unit to simulate the abnormal lamp function. At the same time, the control device controls the second lamp unit to imitate the first lamp unit, regardless of whether the lamp function of the second lamp unit that is paired with the abnormal lamp function of the first lamp unit is operating normally.

[0030] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes a first lamp unit that provides a plurality of different lamp functions and a second lamp unit that is paired with the first lamp unit and provides the plurality of lamp functions. The method includes the steps of: detecting whether each lamp function of the first lamp unit is operating normally; if an improperly operating lamp function is detected, controlling a normally operating portion of the first lamp unit to simulate the improperly operating lamp function; and controlling the second lamp unit to imitate the first lamp unit, regardless of whether a lamp function of the second lamp unit that is paired with the improperly operating lamp function of the first lamp unit is operating normally.

[0031] A third aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle lamp comprising a lighting unit and a control device configured to transition from the first effect mode to a second effect mode upon a predetermined operation of the vehicle while the first effect mode is being executed. The first effect mode is preset to illuminate the lighting unit in a manner different from the normal illumination of the lighting unit used while the vehicle is running. The second effect mode is preset to illuminate the lighting unit in a manner different from the normal illumination of the lighting unit used while the vehicle is running and from the first effect mode, and to have a shorter duration than the first effect mode.

[0032] According to this aspect, the first effect mode can provide a full-scale, normal lighting effect, while the second effect mode provides a simplified lighting effect that is shorter than the first effect mode. If the first effect mode were simply stopped at the same time as the vehicle began to move, it would appear to have been cut off midway, different from the expected ending, and the viewer would find it hard to shake the unnatural impression. In contrast, if the first effect mode is switched to the simplified second effect mode in response to a predetermined operation on the vehicle by the driver, for example, an operation performed by the driver while in the vehicle (such an operation may lead to the vehicle starting to move), the lighting effect is more likely to be completed before the vehicle begins to move. Therefore, it is expected that the transition from the first effect mode to the second effect mode will be less likely to cause discomfort to the viewer than if the first effect mode were simply interrupted.

[0033] The predetermined operation may be a foot brake operation. Generally, a driver presses the foot brake once while the vehicle is stopped before starting to move, so the operation of the foot brake indicates the likelihood that the driver will start moving the vehicle. The operation of the foot brake can be said to be a typical example of an operation based on the driver's intention to start moving. Therefore, by transitioning from the first effect mode to the second effect mode in response to the foot brake operation, the likelihood that the effect lighting will be completed before the vehicle starts moving is increased compared to if the first effect mode were to remain unchanged.

[0034] The control device may execute the first effect mode in response to an effect instruction when the shift position is in the parking range. When the shift position is in the parking range, it is assumed that there is a higher possibility that the vehicle will remain parked than when the shift position is in other ranges. Therefore, by starting the effect lighting in the first effect mode on the condition that the shift position is in the parking range, it is expected that the possibility of the vehicle starting to move while the first effect mode is being executed will be reduced.

[0035] The lighting unit may be configured to provide a plurality of different lighting functions. The control device may detect whether each lighting function of the lighting unit is operating normally prior to or during the first performance mode, and if an abnormal lighting function is detected, may execute a third performance mode instead of the first performance mode. The third performance mode may be preset to light the lighting unit in a manner different from the normal lighting of the lighting unit used while the vehicle is running, and to disable the abnormal lighting function. In this way, if an abnormal lighting function is detected, the third performance mode, which does not use the abnormal lighting function, can be used. A fail-safe function can be provided to the vehicle lighting device.

[0036] Another aspect of the present invention is a control device for a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes a lamp unit. The control device is configured to transition from the first effect mode to a second effect mode when a predetermined operation on the vehicle is performed while the first effect mode is being executed. The first effect mode is preset to light the lamp unit in a manner different from the normal lighting of the lamp unit used while the vehicle is moving. The second effect mode is preset to light the lamp unit in a manner different from the normal lighting of the lamp unit used while the vehicle is moving and from the first effect mode, and to end for a shorter duration than the first effect mode.

[0037] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes a lamp unit. This method includes transitioning from the first effect mode to a second effect mode when a predetermined operation on the vehicle is performed while the first effect mode is being executed. The first effect mode is preset to light the lamp unit in a manner different from normal lighting of the lamp unit used while the vehicle is moving. The second effect mode is preset to light the lamp unit in a manner different from normal lighting of the lamp unit used while the vehicle is moving and from the first effect mode, and is set to end for a shorter duration than the first effect mode.

[0038] Any combination of the above components, or conversion of the present disclosure into a method, device, system, computer program, or the like, is also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

[0039] According to the present invention, a fail-safe function can be provided to a vehicle lamp. According to the present invention, both a fail-safe function and a reduction in the sense of discomfort felt by the viewer can be achieved. According to the present invention, a vehicle lamp can be provided that makes it less likely that the viewer will feel unnatural when the lighting effect is ended.

[0040] 1 is a block diagram of a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment; FIG. 3( a ) is a diagram showing an example of a substitute lamp table according to an embodiment; FIG. 3( a ) shows normal lighting of a lamp for comparison, FIG. 3( b ) shows substitute lighting of a tail lamp using a stop lamp, and FIG. 3( c ) is a diagram showing substitute lighting of a tail lamp using a turn signal lamp; FIG. 5( a ) shows substitute lighting of a turn signal lamp using a tail lamp, and FIG. 5( b ) is a diagram showing substitute lighting of a turn signal lamp using a stop lamp; FIG. 7( a ) and FIG. 7( b ) are diagrams showing an example of substitute lighting of a pair of lamps; FIG. 7( a ) and FIG. 7( b ) are diagrams showing another example of a substitute lamp table according to an embodiment; FIG. 12( a ) and FIG. 12( b ) are diagrams showing an example of lamp area settings for a normal lighting mode and a substitute lighting mode according to the second embodiment; 10 is a diagram showing an example of substitute lighting in each display of a pair of lamp units according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a vehicle lamp according to a third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a vehicle lamp according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a vehicle lamp according to the third embodiment.

[0041] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings based on preferred embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the invention, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention. Identical or equivalent components, parts, and processes shown in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted where appropriate. The scale and shape of each part shown in each drawing are set for convenience to facilitate explanation and should not be interpreted as limiting unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" used in this specification or claims do not indicate any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one configuration from another. Furthermore, some components that are not important for explaining the embodiments are omitted in each drawing.

[0042] 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle lamp 100 according to an embodiment. The vehicle lamp 100 is suitable as a marker lamp for a vehicle such as an automobile. In this embodiment, the vehicle lamp 100 is described as a rear combination lamp installed at the rear of a vehicle.

[0043] The vehicle lamp 100 includes a pair of a first lamp unit 110R and a second lamp unit 110L, and a lamp ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 200 that controls these lamp units 110. The vehicle also includes a vehicle ECU 300 as a controller that comprehensively controls the entire vehicle or a portion of the vehicle. The vehicle ECU 300 may be a controller also referred to as a BCM (Body Control Module). The ECU can be implemented as a combination of a processor (hardware) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcomputer, and a software program executed by the processor (hardware).

[0044] For convenience, communication lines connecting functional blocks are indicated in FIG. 1 by dashed arrows. The lamp ECU 200 can communicate with the vehicle ECU 300 via an in-vehicle network conforming to a network protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network), or via any other appropriate communication network. The lamp ECU 200 can communicate with the lamp unit 110 via an appropriate communication network. The communication between the lamp ECU 200 and the vehicle ECU 300 and the communication between the lamp ECU 200 and the lamp unit 110 may conform to different protocols or may conform to the same protocol.

[0045] 1, for convenience, power supply lines connecting functional blocks are shown as solid lines. The lamp ECU 200 and the vehicle ECU 300 receive power from a power source 310 such as an on-board battery. The lamp ECU 200 supplies power to the lamp unit 110. The lamp ECU 200 can also be considered as a power source for the lamp unit 110.

[0046] The first lamp unit 110R includes a plurality of first lamps that provide different lamp functions, such as a tail lamp 120a, a stop lamp 120b, a turn signal lamp 120c, and a backup lamp 120d. Similarly, the second lamp unit 110L includes a plurality of second lamps 120a-120d that provide different lamp functions. The vehicular lamp 100 includes a pair of first lamps and a pair of second lamps that provide the same lamp function, with the first lamps arranged in a group and the second lamps arranged in a group corresponding to the first lamps. The first lamp unit 110R may be a right-side rear combination lamp, and the second lamp unit 110L may be a left-side rear combination lamp.

[0047] Each of the first lamp unit 110R and the second lamp unit 110L includes a lighting circuit 130 that individually lights up the lamps 120a to 120d belonging to the first lamp unit 110R under the control of the lamp ECU 200. The lighting circuit 130 includes a lighting control IC (Integrated Circuit) (LED driver) that can individually control the brightness and on / off of the light-emitting elements (e.g., LEDs) of each of the lamps 120a to 120d.

[0048] In this embodiment, the lighting circuit 130 is a lighting circuit common to the multiple types of lighting fixtures 120a to 120d that belong to the lighting fixture unit 110. This has the advantage that the communication lines and power supply lines for the multiple types of lighting fixtures can be consolidated and the number of wirings can be reduced by using a common communication line and power supply line that connects the lighting circuit 130 to the lighting fixture ECU 200. Another advantage is that it becomes easy to light multiple types of lighting fixtures in coordination with each other, making it easy to realize various lighting modes, such as a variety of lighting effects.

[0049] It is not essential that the lighting circuit 130 is a common lighting circuit. In one embodiment, the lamp unit 110 may have a typical configuration in which each lamp has an individual lighting circuit, and each lighting circuit is connected to the lamp ECU 200 by an individual communication line and power supply line, and the corresponding lamp is operated individually under the control of the lamp ECU 200.

[0050] The lamp ECU 200 includes a processor 210 and a memory 220. The processor 210 includes a detection section 212 that detects abnormalities in the lamp unit 110, and a control section 214 that controls the lamp unit 110. The detection section 212 and the control section 214 are implemented in the processor 210 by the processor 210 executing software programs stored in the memory 220. The memory 220 may include a non-volatile memory and / or a volatile memory. In addition to the software programs, the memory 220 stores data necessary for the operation of the lamp ECU 200 and the execution of the software programs (e.g., a substitute lamp table 230, described below), and data generated by the execution of the software programs.

[0051] The lamp ECU 200 may be configured to be able to update the software program and / or data required for its execution, for example, by OTA (Over The Air) or wired communication.

[0052] The detection unit 212 is configured to detect whether or not each of the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d of each lighting unit 110 is operating normally. The detection unit 212 may be configured to execute an existing abnormality detection method.

[0053] For example, the lighting unit 110 itself may have an abnormality detection function. The lighting control IC of the lighting circuit 130 may be equipped with various abnormality detection functions, such as a function to detect open circuit failures or short circuits in the light-emitting elements of each of the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d, and a function to detect abnormalities in various circuit elements within the lighting circuit 130. The lighting fixture ECU 200 may be configured to receive an abnormality detection signal from the abnormality detection function implemented in the lighting control IC of the lighting circuit 130. The detection unit 212 may detect whether each of the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d of each lighting unit 110 is operating normally based on the abnormality detection signal. For example, the detection unit 212 may detect that each of the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d is operating normally when it does not receive an abnormality detection signal, and may detect that a specific lighting fixture is not operating normally when it receives an abnormality detection signal indicating an abnormality in that specific lighting fixture.

[0054] Alternatively, the lighting fixture ECU 200 may directly detect abnormalities in the lighting fixtures. For example, the lighting fixture ECU 200 may be configured to receive output signals from optical sensors that detect light from each of the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d. The optical sensors are provided in the lighting fixture unit 110 corresponding to each of the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d, and are positioned inside or near the corresponding lighting fixture so as to receive light from the corresponding lighting fixture. The detection unit 212 may detect whether each of the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d in each lighting fixture unit 110 is operating normally based on the output signals from the optical sensors. As another example, the detection unit 212 may be configured to monitor the communication status of a communication line between the lighting fixture unit 110 and the lighting fixture ECU 200, and detect a communication interruption in the communication line as an abnormality in the lighting fixture.

[0055] The lamp ECU 200 is configured to receive vehicle information from the vehicle ECU 300 and control the lamps 120a-120d of the lamp unit 110 so that each lamp is turned on in its normal lighting mode based on the received vehicle information. More specifically, the control unit 214 controls the lamp unit 110 in accordance with the lighting instructions included in the received vehicle information. The control unit 214 performs functions such as determining whether or not to turn on the lamps 120a-120d of the lamp unit 110, selecting the lamps to be turned on, controlling the dimming of the lamps to be turned on (e.g., calculating the duty ratio of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimming or the magnitude of the current value supplied to the light-emitting element), and transmitting a command value for executing the dimming control (e.g., a command value for the duty ratio or current value) to the lighting circuit 130.

[0056] The vehicle information includes, for example, an instruction to turn on the tail lamp 120a generated in response to the driver's operation of the light switch, an instruction to turn on the stop lamp 120b generated in response to the driver's operation of the brake, an instruction to turn on the turn signal lamp 120c generated in response to the driver's operation of the turn signal switch, and shift information indicating the shift position (for example, whether the shift position is reverse (R) or not).

[0057] The normal lighting mode of a lamp is the lighting manner determined for the lamp's original function. For example, the normal lighting mode of the tail lamp 120a is when it lights up at a predetermined brightness when the light switch is on. The normal lighting mode of the stop lamp 120b is when it lights up brighter than the tail lamp 120a when the brake is applied. The normal lighting mode of the turn signal lamp 120c is when it flashes when the direction indicator switch is on. The normal lighting mode of the backup lamp 120d is when it lights up when the shift position is in reverse.

[0058] In this embodiment, details will be described later, when the detection unit 212 detects a lamp that is not operating normally, the control unit 214 selects a substitute lamp from the lamps that are operating normally and controls the substitute lamp to light up in a substitute lighting mode.

[0059] A substitute lighting mode is a lighting method that simulates a malfunctioning lamp. For example, the substitute lighting mode is determined to light the substitute lamp at a brightness different from that of the normal lighting mode. For a lamp that lights in the normal lighting mode, the substitute lighting mode may be flashing. For a lamp that flashes in the normal lighting mode, the substitute lighting mode may be solid.

[0060] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a substitute luminaire table 230 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 2, options for luminaires that can be used as substitutes for each of the luminaires 120a to 120d when the luminaires are not operating normally are shown in a matrix format. The luminaires that are not operating are listed in the rows of the matrix, and the substitute luminaires are listed in the columns of the matrix. The light color of each luminaire is also listed in parentheses.

[0061] The first row of the illustrated substitute lamp table 230 indicates that when the tail lamp 120a does not operate normally, the stop lamp 120b or the turn signal lamp 120c is a candidate for the substitute lamp.

[0062] For comparison, Figure 3(a) shows normal lighting of lamps 120a to 120d, Figure 3(b) shows substitute lighting of tail lamp 120a using stop lamp 120b, and Figure 3(c) shows substitute lighting of tail lamp 120a using turn signal lamp 120c.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3A, when each of the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d operates normally, each lighting fixture naturally operates to perform its own lighting function.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 3B , when the tail lamp 120a does not operate normally, the tail lamp 120a is turned off and not used. The stop lamp 120b is used in place of the tail lamp 120a. In other words, the stop lamp 120b also serves as the tail lamp 120a. Because the stop lamp 120b is normally illuminated brighter than the tail lamp 120a, when the stop lamp 120b is used in place of the tail lamp 120a, the stop lamp 120b is dimmed. When the brightness of the stop lamp 120b is controlled by PWM dimming, the duty ratio of the stop lamp 120b is reduced in the substitute illumination mode compared to the normal illumination mode. When the brightness of the stop lamp 120b is controlled by the magnitude of the supplied current, the current value is reduced in the substitute illumination mode compared to the normal illumination mode.

[0065] 3C, turn signal lamps 120c may be used instead of stop lamps 120b as a substitute for tail lamps 120a. Since the flashing of turn signal lamps 120c in normal use is brighter than that of tail lamps 120a, when tail lamps 120a are substituted with turn signal lamps 120c, the turn signal lamps 120c are dimmed more than normal and are turned on (rather than flashing).

[0066] The second row of the substitute lamp table 230 in FIG. 2 indicates that the tail lamp 120a is used as a substitute lamp when the stop lamp 120b is not operating normally. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating substitute lighting of the stop lamp 120b. As shown in the figure, when the stop lamp 120b is not operating normally, the stop lamp 120b is turned off and not used. In this case, contrary to FIG. 3(b), the tail lamp 120a is increased in brightness to substitute for the stop lamp 120b. When the brightness of the stop lamp 120b is controlled by PWM dimming, the duty ratio of the stop lamp 120b is increased in the substitute lighting mode compared to the normal lighting mode. When the brightness of the stop lamp 120b is controlled by the magnitude of the supplied current, the current value is increased in the substitute lighting mode compared to the normal lighting mode.

[0067] 2 indicates that the tail lamp 120a or the stop lamp 120b is a candidate for a substitute lamp when the turn signal lamp 120c is not operating normally. However, if the tail lamp 120a or the stop lamp 120b is already lit normally, it may be possible to avoid using it as a substitute lamp for the turn signal lamp 120c.

[0068] FIG. 5(a) is a diagram showing the use of tail lamps 120a to substitute for turn signal lamps 120c. If the turn signal lamps 120c do not operate normally, the turn signal lamps 120c are turned off and not used. The tail lamps 120a are flashed to simulate the turn signal lamps 120c. The tail lamps 120a may be brightened and flashed. FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing the use of stop lamps 120b to substitute for turn signal lamps 120c. The stop lamps 120b are flashed to simulate the turn signal lamps 120c.

[0069] 2 indicates that the tail lamp 120a or the stop lamp 120b is a candidate for a substitute lamp when the backup lamp 120d is not operating normally. When the backup lamp 120d is not operating normally, the backup lamp 120d is turned off, and the tail lamp 120a or the stop lamp 120b is turned on instead. As with the substitution of the turn signal lamp 120c in the third row, if the tail lamp 120a or the stop lamp 120b is already turned on normally, it may be possible to avoid using the tail lamp 120a or the stop lamp 120b as a substitute lamp for the backup lamp 120d.

[0070] 2, backup lamp 120d is not used as a substitute for other lamps because the white illumination of backup lamp 120d may mislead other vehicles in the vicinity into thinking that the vehicle is reversing or that an oncoming vehicle is approaching.

[0071] 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for the vehicle lamp 100 according to this embodiment. This method is repeatedly executed by the lamp ECU 200 at predetermined intervals (for example, at intervals of several milliseconds to several tens of milliseconds).

[0072] First, the detection unit 212 detects whether each of the plurality of lamps 120a-120d is operating normally (S10). If all of the lamps 120a-120d are operating normally (N in S10), the lamp ECU 200 operates in the normal lighting mode (S12). That is, the control unit 214 controls each of the lamps 120a-120d of the lamp unit 110 to light up in its normal lighting mode based on the vehicle information received from the vehicle ECU 300.

[0073] On the other hand, if a malfunctioning lamp is detected (Y in S10), the lamp ECU 200 operates in the substitute lighting mode. If the lamp that received the lighting instruction is a lamp that operates normally, the control unit 214 simply turns on the lamp in the normal lighting mode in the substitute lighting mode, just as in the normal lighting mode.

[0074] However, when a lighting instruction is received for a detected malfunctioning luminaire, the control unit 214 selects a substitute luminaire from among the malfunctioning luminaires (S14). The control unit 214 selects the substitute luminaire in accordance with a substitute luminaire table 230, for example, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0075] In this selection, the control unit 214 may determine whether a candidate luminaire for use as a substitute luminaire is currently in normal lighting mode, and may select this candidate luminaire as a substitute luminaire if it is not in normal lighting mode (i.e., it is turned off). If the candidate luminaire is in normal lighting mode, the control unit 214 may not select it as a substitute luminaire. If there are other candidate luminaires, the control unit 214 may similarly determine whether these candidate luminaires are currently in normal lighting mode and decide whether or not to use them as substitute luminaires. If there are no selectable substitute luminaires, the control unit 214 will not substitute lighting for the detected malfunctioning luminaire.

[0076] Next, the control unit 214 controls the selected substitute lamp so that it lights up in a substitute lighting mode (S16). Various examples of the substitute lighting mode are as described above.

[0077] In this way, if a lamp does not function properly, another lamp that originally provides a different lamp function can be used as a substitute for the malfunctioning lamp. In this way, redundancy is provided between different types of lamps, and a fail-safe function can be provided for the vehicular lamp 100.

[0078] In this embodiment, when a lighting instruction based on vehicle information is received for the substitute lamp while the substitute lamp is lit in a substitute lighting mode, the control unit 214 may control the substitute lamp to switch from the substitute lighting mode to a normal lighting mode. In this way, in response to the lighting instruction, the substitute lamp can be restored to normal lighting, allowing the lamp to be used for its intended purpose. For example, assuming that a brake operation is performed while the stop lamp 120b is being used as a substitute for the tail lamp 120a, in response to the brake operation, the substitution of the stop lamp 120b for the tail lamp 120a (i.e., dimming of the stop lamp 120b that simulates the tail lamp 120a) by the stop lamp 120b can be terminated, and the stop lamp 120b can be lit at its original brightness.

[0079] Generally, when a pair of lamps (for example, a pair of left and right lamps with the same function) are lit in the same way in many situations, if one of the pair of lamps is lit as a substitute lamp while the other lamp continues to be lit normally, the two lamps will be in different lighting states, resulting in an imbalance.

[0080] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing examples of substitute lighting in a pair of lamps, each of which schematically shows the tail lamp 120a and the stop lamp 120b of the first lamp unit 110R and the second lamp unit 110L.

[0081] In response to a command to turn on the tail lamp 120a, both tail lamps 120a should be turned on. However, in FIG. 7(a), the tail lamp 120a of the first lamp unit 110R is not operating properly and is turned off, with the stop lamp 120b being turned on instead. The tail lamp 120a of the second lamp unit 110L is operating normally and is turned on, while the stop lamp 120b is turned off. This mismatch in the lighting of a pair of lamps may confuse or confuse the viewer. It is desirable to avoid such a situation.

[0082] Therefore, in this embodiment, the lamp ECU 200 detects whether each first lamp of the first lamp unit 110R is operating normally, and if a first lamp that is not operating normally is detected, selects a substitute lamp from the first lamps that are operating normally and controls the substitute lamp to light in a substitute lighting mode that simulates the first lamp that is not operating normally. At the same time, the lamp ECU 200 turns off the second lamp of the second lamp unit 110L that is paired with the first lamp that is not operating normally, regardless of whether the second lamp is operating normally, and controls the second lamp that is paired with the substitute lamp to light in the substitute lighting mode.

[0083] Similarly, the lamp ECU 200 detects whether each second lamp of the second lamp unit 110L is operating normally, and if a second lamp that is not operating normally is detected, it selects a substitute lamp from the second lamps that are operating normally and controls the substitute lamp to light in a substitute lighting mode that simulates the second lamp that is not operating normally. At the same time, the lamp ECU 200 turns off the first lamp of the first lamp unit 110R that is paired with the second lamp that is not operating normally, regardless of whether the first lamp is operating normally, and controls the first lamp that is paired with the substitute lamp to light in the substitute lighting mode.

[0084] 7(b) shows an application of this to the example shown in FIG. 7(a). As shown, the tail lamp 120a of the first lamp unit 110R is not operating normally and is turned off, with the stop lamp 120b turned on instead. The tail lamp 120a of the second lamp unit 110L is operating normally but is turned off, with the stop lamp 120b of the second lamp unit 110L turned on instead of the tail lamp 120a.

[0085] In this way, when one of the paired lamps is used for substitute lighting, the other lamp in the pair also switches to substitute lighting in tandem, allowing the lighting states of the paired lamps to be matched, eliminating or mitigating any discomfort caused by a mismatch between the two.

[0086] 8 is a diagram showing another example of the substitute lamp table 230 according to the embodiment. The first lamp unit 110R and the second lamp unit 110L may each be equipped with a rear fog lamp 120e, and the substitute lamp table 230 shown in the figure has been expanded to include the rear fog lamp 120e. The light color of the rear fog lamp 120e is red, the same color as the tail lamp 120a and the stop lamp 120b, so the rear fog lamp 120e is suitable for substituting for these lamps.

[0087] Looking at the rightmost column of the substitute lamp table 230, the rear fog lamp 120e can be used as a substitute lamp for the tail lamp 120a, stop lamp 120b, turn signal lamp 120c, and backup lamp 120d. If the tail lamp 120a does not operate normally, the rear fog lamp 120e is turned on at a dimmed level as a substitute for the tail lamp 120a. If the stop lamp 120b does not operate normally, the rear fog lamp 120e is turned on at a dimmed level as a substitute for the stop lamp 120b. If the turn signal lamp 120c does not operate normally, the rear fog lamp 120e is flashed as a substitute for the turn signal lamp 120c. If the backup lamp 120d does not operate normally, the rear fog lamp 120e is turned on as a substitute for the backup lamp 120d. If the rear fog lamp 120e is already turned on normally, it may be avoided to use it as a substitute lamp for the turn signal lamp 120c and the backup lamp 120d.

[0088] The bottom line of the substitute lamp table 230 indicates that the tail lamp 120a is used as a substitute lamp when the rear fog lamp 120e is not operating normally. If the tail lamp 120a is already lit normally, it may be avoided to use it as a substitute lamp for the rear fog lamp 120e.

[0089] 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of a substitute lamp table 230 according to an embodiment. The substitute lamp table 230 may be adapted based on the requirements of national or regional regulations. For example, in some regions (e.g., North America) red turn signal lamps 120c are permitted, and the substitute lamp table 230 shown in the figure uses red turn signal lamps 120c. In this case, the turn signal lamps 120c are the same color as the tail lamps 120a and stop lamps 120b, which is advantageous in that it is easier to substitute these lamps with the turn signal lamps 120c.

[0090] Looking at the column for turn signal lamp 120c in substitute lamp table 230, turn signal lamp 120c can be used as a substitute lamp for tail lamp 120a, stop lamp 120b, and backup lamp 120d. If tail lamp 120a does not operate normally, turn signal lamp 120c is turned on at a dimmed level as a substitute for tail lamp 120a. If stop lamp 120b does not operate normally, turn signal lamp 120c is turned on as a substitute for stop lamp 120b. If backup lamp 120d does not operate normally, turn signal lamp 120c is turned on as a substitute for backup lamp 120d. If turn signal lamp 120c is already turned on normally (i.e., flashing), it may be avoided to use it as a substitute lamp for backup lamp 120d.

[0091] The substitute lamp table 230 shown in FIG. 9 may be expanded to include the rear fog lamp 120e, similar to the substitute lamp table 230 of FIG. 8, and the rear fog lamp 120e may be used as a substitute lamp for the turn signal lamp 120c.

[0092] In one embodiment, the substitute lamp table 230 may be expanded to include a high-mounted stop lamp. Because the high-mounted stop lamp also lights up in the same red color as the tail lamp 120a and the stop lamp 120b, it is easy to use it as a substitute for these lamps. For example, if the end of the high-mounted stop lamp is located close to the lamp unit 110, the end of the high-mounted stop lamp may be used to substitute for another lamp, instead of the stop lamp 120b.

[0093] 10 is a block diagram of a vehicle lamp 100 according to a modified example. The first lamp unit 110R and the second lamp unit 110L may each have a composite configuration including a display 140 in addition to the lamps 120a to 120d. The display 140 can display various images such as text and figures under the control of the lamp ECU 200 or the vehicle ECU 300. Therefore, the display 140 may be used as a substitute lamp when a malfunction occurs in any of the lamps 120a to 120d of each lamp unit 110.

[0094] Therefore, when the detection unit 212 detects that one of the lamps in one of the lamp units 110 is not operating normally, the control unit 214 may control the display 140 of that lamp unit 110 as a substitute lamp. When the control unit 214 receives an instruction to turn on the detected malfunctioning lamp, the control unit 214 may control the display 140 so that the display 140 provides the lamp function by displaying an image representing the malfunctioning lamp function. In this way, the display 140 can be used to provide a fail-safe function for the vehicle lamp 100.

[0095] In this case, as described above with reference to Figures 7(a) and 7(b), when one lamp unit 110 switches to the substitute lighting mode, the lamp ECU 200 may also switch the other lamp unit 110 to the substitute lighting mode in conjunction with the first lamp unit 110. That is, the lamp ECU 200 may detect whether each of the first lamps 120a to 120d of the first lamp unit 110R is operating normally, and if a first lamp that is not operating normally is detected, the lamp ECU 200 may control the display 140 of the first lamp unit 110R to simulate the lighting function of the first lamp. At the same time, the lamp ECU 200 may turn off the second lamp of the second lamp unit 110L that is paired with the malfunctioning lamp of the first lamp unit 110R, regardless of whether the second lamp is operating normally, and control the display 140 of the second lamp unit 110L to simulate the lighting function of the second lamp. In this way, the lighting states of the paired lamp units 110R, 110L can be matched, and the sense of incongruity caused by the mismatch between the two can be eliminated or alleviated.

[0096] The display 140 may not only be used as a substitute lamp when a malfunction occurs in any of the lamps 120a to 120d of each lamp unit 110, but may also provide at least one lamp function for normal use.

[0097] The display 140 of the first lamp unit 110R and the display 140 of the second lamp unit 110L may each be an individual display. Alternatively, the display 140 of each lamp unit 110 may be a part of a single common large display, for example, a part of the common display that is adjacent to each lamp unit 110. Similarly, the first display 140R and the second display 140L, which will be described later, may each be an individual display, or may be a part of a single common large display.

[0098] 11 is a block diagram of a vehicle lamp 100 according to a second embodiment. The vehicle lamp 100 includes a first display 140R as a first lamp unit 110R and a second display 140L as a second lamp unit 110L.

[0099] Each display 140 includes a display driver circuit (display driver IC) 142 and a display panel 144, and is configured to provide a plurality of lamp functions, in this example, corresponding to tail lamps 120a, stop lamps 120b, turn signal lamps 120c, and backup lamps 120d. A plurality of mutually separated regions are defined on the display panel 144, and each lamp function is assigned to a corresponding region (hereinafter also referred to as a lamp region). Such lamp region settings are pre-stored in the memory 220 of the lamp ECU 200, or can be changed as needed. Under the control of the lamp ECU 200, the display driver circuit 142 controls the display 140 so that an image representing each lamp function is displayed on the display panel 144 in accordance with the lamp region settings.

[0100] As in the first embodiment, the lamp ECU 200 includes a processor 210 and a memory 220. The processor 210 includes a detection unit 212 that detects an abnormality in the display 140, and a control unit 214 that controls the display 140.

[0101] The detection unit 212 is configured to detect whether each lighting area on the display 140 is operating normally. The detection unit 212 may be configured to execute an existing abnormality detection method. For example, the display drive circuit 142 may have an abnormality detection function, or may be equipped with a function for detecting abnormalities, such as malfunctions of each pixel on the display panel 144. The lighting fixture ECU 200 may be configured to receive an abnormality detection signal from the abnormality detection function implemented in the display drive circuit 142. The abnormality detection signal may include information indicating the location of the malfunctioning pixel. The detection unit 212 may detect whether each lighting area on the display panel 144 is operating normally based on the above-mentioned lighting fixture area setting and the abnormality detection signal. The detection unit 212 may detect that a lighting fixture area is not operating normally if the lighting fixture area includes a malfunctioning pixel.

[0102] As in the first embodiment, when it is detected that all lamp areas on the display 140 are operating normally, the lamp ECU 200 operates in the normal lighting mode. That is, the control unit 214 controls the display 140 so that images representing the lamp functions are displayed on the display panel 144 in accordance with the lamp area settings for the normal lighting mode, based on the vehicle information received from the vehicle ECU 300.

[0103] When a malfunctioning lamp region is detected on display 140, control unit 214 operates in the substitute lighting mode. In this case, control unit 214 controls other malfunctioning lamp regions on display 140 so that all lamp functions are provided, including the lamp function assigned to the detected malfunctioning lamp region. To this end, lamp ECU 200 has not only a lamp region setting for the normal lighting mode but also a lamp region setting for the substitute lighting mode. Based on the vehicle information received from vehicle ECU 300, control unit 214 controls display 140 so that images representing each lamp function are displayed on display panel 144 according to the lamp region setting for the substitute lighting mode.

[0104] 12(a) and 12(b) are diagrams showing examples of lamp area settings for the normal lighting mode and the substitute lighting mode according to the second embodiment, where Fig. 12(a) illustrates an example of lamp area settings for the normal lighting mode, and Fig. 12(b) illustrates an example of lamp area settings for the substitute lighting mode.

[0105] In the lamp area setting for the normal lighting mode, a plurality of lamp functions, in this example, the tail lamp 120a, the stop lamp 120b, the turn signal lamp 120c, and the backup lamp 120d, are set separately on the display panel 144.

[0106] As an example of lamp area setting for the substitute lighting mode, a case where the lamp area for tail lamp 120a does not operate normally is shown here. The lamp area used as tail lamp 120a in the lamp area setting for the normal lighting mode is set as unused in the lamp area setting for the substitute lighting mode. Then, multiple lamp functions, namely, tail lamp 120a, stop lamp 120b, turn signal lamp 120c, and backup lamp 120d, are reset to the remaining areas on display panel 144 that operate normally.

[0107] Similarly, lamp area settings for a substitute lighting mode to be used when the lamp areas of the stop lamp 120b, the turn signal lamp 120c, and the backup lamp 120d do not operate normally can be set in advance.

[0108] In this way, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the lamp ECU 200 detects whether each lamp function of the lamp unit 110 is operating normally, and if an abnormal lamp function is detected, it controls the normally operating parts of the lamp unit 110 to simulate the abnormal lamp function. Therefore, the malfunctioning lamp function in the lamp unit 110 is replaced by the remaining normally operating parts. A fail-safe function can be provided to the vehicular lamp 100.

[0109] 7(a) and 7(b), in the second embodiment, when one lamp unit 110 switches to the substitute lighting mode, the lamp ECU 200 may also switch the other lamp unit 110 to the substitute lighting mode in conjunction with the first lamp unit 110R (or the second lamp unit 110L). That is, the lamp ECU 200 may control the second lamp unit 110L (or the first lamp unit 110R) to imitate the first lamp unit 110R (or the second lamp unit 110L), regardless of whether the lamp function of the second lamp unit 110L (or the first lamp unit 110R) that is paired with the malfunctioning lamp function of the first lamp unit 110R (or the second lamp unit 110L) operates normally.

[0110] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of substitute lighting on each display 140 of a pair of lamp units 110 according to the second embodiment. As shown in the example of FIG. 12 , the first display 140R is switched to a lamp area setting for the substitute lighting mode because the lamp area for the tail lamp 120a is not operating normally. In this case, the lamp ECU 200 also switches the second display 140L to a lamp area setting for the substitute lighting mode in conjunction with the first display 140R. The lamp area for the tail lamp 120a on the second display 140L is turned off regardless of whether the lamp area operates normally, and the lamp functions are reset to the remaining areas of the second display 140L according to the lamp area setting for the substitute lighting mode.

[0111] In this way, the lighting states of the displays 140R, 140L of the paired lighting units 110R, 110L can be matched, and the sense of incongruity caused by the mismatch between the two can be eliminated or alleviated.

[0112] 14 is a block diagram of a vehicle lamp 100 according to a third embodiment. The vehicle lamp 100 is suitable for use as a marker lamp for a vehicle such as an automobile. In this embodiment, the vehicle lamp 100 is described as a rear combination lamp installed at the rear of a vehicle.

[0113] The vehicle lamp 100 includes a pair of a first lamp unit 110R and a second lamp unit 110L, and a lamp ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 200 that controls these lamp units 110. The vehicle also includes a vehicle ECU 300 as a controller that comprehensively controls the entire vehicle or a portion of the vehicle. The vehicle ECU 300 may be a controller also referred to as a BCM (Body Control Module). The ECU can be implemented as a combination of a processor (hardware) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcomputer, and a software program executed by the processor (hardware).

[0114] For convenience, communication lines connecting functional blocks are indicated in Figure 14 by dashed arrows. The lamp ECU 200 can communicate with the vehicle ECU 300 via an in-vehicle network conforming to a network protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network), or via other appropriate communication networks. The lamp ECU 200 can communicate with the lamp unit 110 via an appropriate communication network. The communication between the lamp ECU 200 and the vehicle ECU 300 and the communication between the lamp ECU 200 and the lamp unit 110 may conform to different protocols or may conform to the same protocol.

[0115] 14, for convenience, power supply lines connecting functional blocks are indicated by solid lines. The lamp ECU 200 and the vehicle ECU 300 receive power from a power source 310 such as an on-board battery. The lamp ECU 200 supplies power to the lamp unit 110. The lamp ECU 200 can also be considered as a power source for the lamp unit 110.

[0116] The first lamp unit 110R includes a plurality of first lamps that provide different lamp functions, such as a tail lamp 120a, a stop lamp 120b, a turn signal lamp 120c, and a backup lamp 120d. Similarly, the second lamp unit 110L includes a plurality of second lamps 120a-120d that provide different lamp functions. The vehicular lamp 100 includes a pair of first lamps and a pair of second lamps that provide the same lamp function, with the first lamps arranged in a group and the second lamps arranged in a group corresponding to the first lamps. The first lamp unit 110R may be a right-side rear combination lamp, and the second lamp unit 110L may be a left-side rear combination lamp.

[0117] Each of the first lamp unit 110R and the second lamp unit 110L includes a lighting circuit 130 that individually lights up the lamps 120a to 120d belonging to the first lamp unit 110R under the control of the lamp ECU 200. The lighting circuit 130 includes a lighting control IC (Integrated Circuit) (LED driver) that can individually control the brightness and on / off of the light-emitting elements (e.g., LEDs) of each of the lamps 120a to 120d.

[0118] In this embodiment, the lighting circuit 130 is a lighting circuit common to the multiple types of lighting fixtures 120a to 120d that belong to the lighting fixture unit 110. This has the advantage that the communication lines and power supply lines for the multiple types of lighting fixtures can be consolidated and the number of wirings can be reduced by using a common communication line and power supply line that connects the lighting circuit 130 to the lighting fixture ECU 200. Another advantage is that it becomes easy to light multiple types of lighting fixtures in coordination with each other, making it easy to realize various lighting modes, such as a variety of lighting effects.

[0119] It is not essential that the lighting circuit 130 is a common lighting circuit. In one embodiment, the lamp unit 110 may have a typical configuration in which each lamp has an individual lighting circuit, and each lighting circuit is connected to the lamp ECU 200 by an individual communication line and power supply line, and the corresponding lamp is operated individually under the control of the lamp ECU 200.

[0120] The lamp ECU 200 includes a processor 210 and a memory 220. The processor 210 includes a detection unit 212 that detects abnormalities in the lamp unit 110, and a control unit 214 that controls the lamp unit 110. The detection unit 212 and the control unit 214 are implemented in the processor 210 by the processor 210 executing a software program stored in the memory 220. The memory 220 may include a non-volatile memory and / or a volatile memory. In addition to the software program, the memory 220 stores data necessary for the operation of the lamp ECU 200 and the execution of the software program (e.g., first to third performance modes described below), and data generated by the execution of the software program.

[0121] The lighting fixture ECU 200 may be configured to be able to update the software program and / or data required for its execution via, for example, over-the-air (OTA) or wired communication, thereby updating the lighting state of the lighting unit 110 in each of the first to third rendering modes.

[0122] The detection unit 212 is configured to detect whether or not each of the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d of each lighting unit 110 is operating normally. The detection unit 212 may be configured to execute an existing abnormality detection method.

[0123] For example, the lighting unit 110 itself may have an abnormality detection function. The lighting control IC of the lighting circuit 130 may be equipped with various abnormality detection functions, such as a function to detect open circuit failures or short circuits in the light-emitting elements of each of the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d, and a function to detect abnormalities in various circuit elements within the lighting circuit 130. The lighting fixture ECU 200 may be configured to receive an abnormality detection signal from the abnormality detection function implemented in the lighting control IC of the lighting circuit 130. The detection unit 212 may detect whether each of the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d of each lighting unit 110 is operating normally based on the abnormality detection signal. For example, the detection unit 212 may detect that each of the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d is operating normally when it does not receive an abnormality detection signal, and may detect that a specific lighting fixture is not operating normally when it receives an abnormality detection signal indicating an abnormality in that specific lighting fixture.

[0124] Alternatively, the lighting fixture ECU 200 may directly detect abnormalities in the lighting fixtures. For example, the lighting fixture ECU 200 may be configured to receive output signals from optical sensors that detect light from each of the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d. The optical sensors are provided in the lighting fixture unit 110 corresponding to each of the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d, and are positioned inside or near the corresponding lighting fixture so as to receive light from the corresponding lighting fixture. The detection unit 212 may detect whether each of the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d in each lighting fixture unit 110 is operating normally based on the output signals from the optical sensors. As another example, the detection unit 212 may be configured to monitor the communication status of a communication line between the lighting fixture unit 110 and the lighting fixture ECU 200, and detect a communication interruption in the communication line as an abnormality in the lighting fixture.

[0125] The lamp ECU 200 is configured to receive vehicle information from the vehicle ECU 300 and, based on the received vehicle information, control each of the lamps 120a to 120d of the lamp unit 110. More specifically, the control unit 214 selects one of the lamps 120a to 120d in accordance with a lighting instruction included in the received vehicle information, generates a control signal for controlling the selected lamp, and provides the control signal to the lighting circuit 130 of the lamp unit 110.

[0126] The vehicle information includes, for example, an instruction to turn on the tail lamps 120a generated in response to the driver's operation of the light switch, an instruction to turn on the stop lamps 120b generated in response to the driver's operation of the foot brake, an instruction to turn on the turn signal lamps 120c generated in response to the driver's operation of the turn signal switch, shift information indicating the shift position (for example, whether the shift position is reverse (R)), etc. The vehicle information may also include information necessary for lighting effects in the vehicle lamp 100, such as an instruction to turn on the vehicle lamp 100, the vehicle speed, a brake operation signal indicating the operation of the foot brake (the above-mentioned instruction to turn on the stop lamps may be considered as a brake operation signal), etc.

[0127] The control unit 214 performs functions such as determining whether the lighting fixtures 120a to 120d of the lighting unit 110 can be turned on or off, selecting the lighting fixtures to be turned on, dimming control of the lighting fixtures to be turned on (for example, calculating the duty ratio of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimming or calculating the magnitude of the current value to be supplied to the light-emitting element), and sending command values ​​to the lighting circuit 130 for executing dimming control (for example, command values ​​for the duty ratio or current value).

[0128] Therefore, when the vehicle information includes an instruction to turn on the tail lamps 120a, the control unit 214 turns on the tail lamps 120a at a predetermined brightness. When the vehicle information includes an instruction to turn on the stop lamps 120b, the control unit 214 turns on the stop lamps 120b brighter than the tail lamps 120a. When the vehicle information includes an instruction to turn on the turn signal lamps 120c, the control unit 214 blinks the turn signal lamps 120c. When the vehicle information includes shift information indicating that the shift position is reverse (R), the control unit 214 turns on the backup lamps 120d.

[0129] Furthermore, the vehicular lamp 100 is configured to be capable of performing special lighting effects, different from the normal lighting described above, while the vehicle is stopped. Special lighting effects refer to lighting one or more of the various lamps mounted on the vehicle, such as headlights and various marker lights, in a distinctive lighting pattern (hereinafter also referred to as a special lighting mode) to provide a visual effect. Typically, multiple types of lamps providing different functions are lit while the vehicle is stopped (preferably parked) in a special lighting mode that is not performed while the vehicle is moving. For example, multiple types of lamps may be lit in a coordinated, regular manner, such as by lighting or flashing some or all of the lamps simultaneously, or by lighting or flashing in sequence. Multiple types of lamps may also be used to perform animation-like effects, such as sequential lighting across multiple types of lamps. In this embodiment, special lighting effects using rear combination lamps will be described as an example.

[0130] The lamp ECU 200 is configured to receive vehicle information from the vehicle ECU 300 and, based on the received vehicle information, to perform lighting effects on the lamp unit 110. More specifically, the control unit 214 generates control signals for controlling the lamps 120a to 120d of the lamp unit 110 in accordance with the effect instructions included in the received vehicle information, and provides the control signals to the lighting circuit 130 of the lamp unit 110.

[0131] The effect instruction may be generated by vehicle ECU 300 in response to the driver (or another occupant) unlocking or locking the vehicle doors. Such an effect instruction may be generated in a scene where the driver is outside the vehicle and about to get in or has just exited the vehicle. Alternatively, an effect start switch may be installed inside the vehicle so that the driver can operate it from inside the vehicle, and the effect instruction may be generated by vehicle ECU 300 in response to the driver's operation of the effect start switch. An example of a scene is where the driver uses effect lighting to greet people outside the vehicle or to make a visual impression. The effect start switch may be a physical operating tool such as an operating button, or a virtual operating button set on an operating panel such as a touch panel display. Alternatively, the driver may operate a mobile device carried by the driver to generate the effect instruction, and vehicle ECU 300 may receive the effect instruction from the mobile device.

[0132] Note that multiple effect modes may be set in advance to provide different lighting effects according to different scenes. The lamp ECU 200 may select one effect mode from the multiple effect modes based on vehicle information received from the vehicle ECU 300, and control the lamp unit 110 to execute the selected effect mode. The vehicle information may include information for selecting an effect mode according to the scene (for example, information indicating what operation by the driver the effect instruction was generated in response to).

[0133] Although details will be described later, the lamp ECU 200 is configured to transition from the first effect mode to the second effect mode when a predetermined operation on the vehicle is performed while the first effect mode is being executed. The first effect mode is preset to light the lamp unit 110 in a manner different from the normal lighting of the lamp unit 110 used while the vehicle is running. The second effect mode is preset to light the lamp unit 110 in a manner different from the normal lighting of the lamp unit 110 used while the vehicle is running and the first effect mode, and to end in a shorter time than the first effect mode. The first effect mode can provide a full-fledged normal effect lighting, so to speak, while the second effect mode provides a simplified effect lighting that ends in a shorter time than the first effect mode.

[0134] 15 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for the vehicle lamp 100 according to the third embodiment. This method is executed by the lamp ECU 200 when the lamp ECU 200 receives a performance instruction from the vehicle ECU 300.

[0135] First, the control unit 214 determines whether the start conditions for lighting the effect are satisfied (S20). The control unit 214 determines whether the start conditions are satisfied based on the vehicle information received from the vehicle ECU 300. The start conditions may include, in addition to receiving an effect instruction, that the shift position is in the parking range. If the shift position is in the parking range, it is assumed that the vehicle is more likely to remain stopped than if it is in any other range. Therefore, by starting the effect lighting in the first effect mode on the condition that the vehicle is in the parking range, it is expected that the possibility of the vehicle starting to move while the first effect mode is being executed is reduced. Furthermore, the start conditions may include that the vehicle is stopped (i.e., the vehicle speed is zero). This ensures that the effect lighting is performed only while the vehicle is stopped.

[0136] If the conditions for starting the lighting effect are not met (No in S20), the control unit 214 ends this process without lighting the lighting effect. In this case, since the vehicle is moving or there is a high probability that the vehicle will soon start moving, the lighting effect instruction is ignored and the lighting effect is not performed.

[0137] If the conditions for starting the lighting effect are met (Yes in S20), the control unit 214 controls the lamp unit 110 to execute the first lighting effect mode (S22). In this case, the lamp unit 110 is lit according to the preset first lighting effect mode, such as sequentially lighting the tail lamp 120a and the turn signal lamp 120c in order.

[0138] During execution of the first presentation mode, the control unit 214 determines whether a transition condition for the presentation mode is satisfied based on the vehicle information (S24). The transition condition includes a predetermined operation being performed on the vehicle. In this embodiment, the predetermined operation is the operation of the foot brake. The transition condition may also include the shift position remaining in the parking range.

[0139] If the transition condition is not satisfied (No in S24), i.e., the foot brake is not operated, the control unit 214 continues the first presentation mode. In this case, the control unit 214 repeatedly re-evaluates the transition condition at a predetermined interval (for example, a period of several milliseconds to several tens of milliseconds) (S24). On the other hand, if the transition condition is satisfied (Yes in S24), i.e., if the foot brake is operated, the control unit 214 controls the lighting unit 110 to transition from the first presentation mode to the second presentation mode (S26). The second presentation mode is executed, and this process ends.

[0140] The vehicle lamp 100 returns to normal illumination after the second effect mode ends. Therefore, when the foot brake is operated, the effect illumination is not immediately interrupted and the stop lamp 120b is not illuminated. If the foot brake is still being operated when the second effect mode ends, the stop lamp 120b will be illuminated at this point.

[0141] The second presentation mode may employ various lighting patterns as long as the lighting is shorter than that of the first presentation mode. For example, the second presentation mode may have a unique lighting pattern different from that of the first presentation mode, and may be set so as to be evaluated as being less likely to appear unnatural to viewers.

[0142] Alternatively, the second presentation mode may be set based on the first presentation mode in a manner different from that of the first presentation mode. For example, the second presentation mode may end in a shorter time than the first presentation mode by fading out the remaining portion of the first presentation mode after the transition from the first presentation mode to the second presentation mode, i.e., by gradually dimming the brightness and turning off the lights. Alternatively, the second presentation mode may end in a shorter time than the first presentation mode by executing the remaining portion of the first presentation mode after the mode transition at a higher speed than when executed as the first presentation mode.

[0143] As yet another example, the first presentation mode may be preset with one or more interruption points that are evaluated as unlikely to look unnatural to the viewer even if the first presentation mode is interrupted, and the second presentation mode may be shorter than the first presentation mode by interrupting the first presentation mode at an interruption point that arrives immediately after the mode transition point. For example, if the lighting unit 110 has a large number of light-emitting elements lined up on the left and right sides, and in the first presentation mode these light-emitting elements are first illuminated sequentially from the left end to the right end and then illuminated sequentially in the reverse direction from the right end to the left end, an interruption point may be set between the initial sequential illumination from the left end to the right end and the next sequential illumination from the right end to the left end.

[0144] According to this embodiment, as described above, while the first presentation mode is being executed, the first presentation mode transitions to the second presentation mode upon a predetermined operation on the vehicle, such as operating the foot brake. The transition from the first presentation mode to the simplified second presentation mode in response to an operation that may lead to the vehicle starting to move, such as operating the foot brake, increases the likelihood that the presentation lighting will be completed before the vehicle starts moving. This is expected to be less likely to cause discomfort to viewers than if the first presentation mode were immediately interrupted.

[0145] The predetermined operation that is a condition for transitioning to the effect mode may be the release of the parking brake. Similar to the operation of the foot brake, the release of the parking brake is an operation based on the driver's intention to start driving, and can be said to indicate the probability that the driver will start driving the vehicle. Therefore, by transitioning from the first effect mode to the second effect mode in response to the release of the parking brake, the likelihood of completing the lighting of the effect before the vehicle starts driving increases compared to if the first effect mode were to remain unchanged.

[0146] 15, the start conditions for lighting the effect may include the foot brake not being operated (i.e., the brake operation signal not being received). If the start conditions are met, that is, if the effect instruction is received, the shift position is in the parking range, and the foot brake is not being operated, the control unit 214 executes the first effect mode. If the start conditions are not met because the foot brake is being operated, the control unit 214 may execute the second effect mode instead of the first effect mode.

[0147] 15 , the control unit 214 may repeatedly determine whether an interruption condition for immediately interrupting the illumination of the effect is satisfied. The interruption condition may include, for example, the shift position being switched from the parking range to the drive range (or the reverse range). The interruption condition may include the occurrence of a vehicle speed change (i.e., the vehicle speed becoming non-zero). If the interruption condition is not satisfied, the control unit 214 may continue the currently executed effect mode (e.g., the first effect mode or the second effect mode). If the interruption condition is satisfied, the control unit 214 may interrupt the currently executed effect mode. In this way, it is possible to avoid the legal prohibition of continuing the effect while the vehicle is moving.

[0148] However, if any of the lamps involved in the lighting effects does not operate normally, the lamp will not light, preventing the lighting effects from being performed as planned, resulting in an unsightly appearance. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lamp ECU 200 may detect whether each lamp function of the lamp unit 110 is operating normally prior to or during the first lighting mode. If an abnormally operating lamp function is detected, the third lighting mode may be executed instead of the first lighting mode. The third lighting mode may be preset to light the lamp unit 110 in a manner different from the normal lighting of the lamp unit 110 used while the vehicle is running, and to disable the abnormally operating lamp function. In this way, if an abnormally operating lamp function is detected, the third lighting mode, which does not use the abnormally operating lamp function, can be used. This provides a fail-safe function to the vehicle lamp 100.

[0149] 16 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for the vehicle lamp 100 according to the third embodiment. This method is repeatedly executed by the lamp ECU 200 at predetermined intervals (for example, at intervals of several milliseconds to several tens of milliseconds).

[0150] 16, first, the detection unit 212 detects whether each of the plurality of lamps 120a-120d is operating normally (S30). If all of the lamps 120a-120d are operating normally (No in S30), the lamp ECU 200 selects the first rendering mode (S32). In this case, when the lamp ECU 200 subsequently receives a rendering instruction, the selected first rendering mode is executed according to the method shown in FIG.

[0151] On the other hand, if a malfunctioning lamp is detected (Yes in S30), the lamp ECU 200 selects the third effect mode (S34). In this case, when the lamp ECU 200 subsequently receives an effect instruction and executes the method shown in FIG. 15 , the lamp ECU 200 executes the selected third effect mode instead of the first effect mode. Alternatively, if the first effect mode is being executed, the lamp ECU 200 may switch from the first effect mode to the third effect mode. While the third effect mode is being executed, the lamp ECU 200 may transition from the third effect mode to the second effect mode upon a predetermined operation of the vehicle, for example, operation of the foot brake.

[0152] Since multiple types of lamps are used in the first performance mode, a third performance mode in which the lamp is not used is set in advance for each lamp that is used. In other words, multiple third performance modes are prepared. As an example, if the tail lamp 120a and the turn signal lamp 120c are used in the first performance mode, two types of third performance modes may be prepared: a third performance mode in which the tail lamp 120a is not used and another lamp (e.g., the backup lamp 120d) is substituted in case of a failure of the tail lamp 120a, and another third performance mode in which the turn signal lamp 120c is not used and another lamp (e.g., the backup lamp 120d) is substituted in case of a failure of the turn signal lamp 120c.

[0153] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, but may be combined with the embodiments and modifications, or may be further modified, such as by various design changes, based on the knowledge of a person skilled in the art. Such combined or further modified embodiments and modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention. The above-described embodiments and modifications, as well as new embodiments resulting from the combination of the above-described embodiments and modifications with the following modifications, combine the effects of the combined embodiments, modifications, and further modifications.

[0154] The substitute lighting mode may be set to illuminate the substitute lamp in a color different from the normal lighting mode set for the substitute lamp's original function. To achieve this, the lamp may be configured to emit light in multiple colors, for example, by including multiple light-emitting elements that emit light in different colors (e.g., three light-emitting elements that emit light in each of the three primary colors, red, green, and blue). In this way, two types of lamps that emit different colors in normal use can be used interchangeably as substitute lamps. For example, the backup lamp 120d may be configured to normally illuminate in white and illuminate in red as a substitute lamp, and the tail lamp 120a may be configured to normally illuminate in red and illuminate in white as a substitute lamp.

[0155] In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle lamp 100 is described as a rear lamp, but the location where the vehicle lamp 100 equipped with the fail-safe function according to the present invention is installed is not important. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 100 may be installed in the front of the vehicle or in other locations. The vehicle lamp 100 is not limited to the lamps 120a to 120e exemplified in the above-described embodiment, but may be various types of vehicle marker lamps or other vehicle lamps, such as clearance lamps, daytime running lamps, cornering lamps, and front fog lamps.

[0156] Regarding the third embodiment, for example, the lighting unit 110 may be equipped with not only the above-mentioned tail lamp 120a, stop lamp 120b, turn signal lamp 120c, and backup lamp 120d, but also other marker lamps such as rear fog lamps, and lighting effects may be produced using these lighting fixtures.

[0157] The vehicle lamp 100 may include a third lamp unit different from the first lamp unit 110R and the second lamp unit 110L, and may control this lamp unit for lighting effects. The third lamp unit may be, for example, a high-mounted stop lamp or another lamp unit provided at the rear of the vehicle.

[0158] In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle lamp 100 is described as a rear lamp, but the vehicle lamp according to the embodiment may be installed anywhere. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 100 may be installed in the front of the vehicle or in other locations. The vehicle lamp 100 is not limited to the lamps 120a to 120d illustrated in the above-described embodiment, but may be any of various vehicle marker lamps or other vehicle lamps, such as a clearance lamp, daytime running lamp, cornering lamp, or front fog lamp.

[0159] In the above-described embodiment, the lighting unit 110 is configured to include multiple individual lighting fixtures (e.g., multiple marker lights) each providing a different lighting function, but this is not limited to this. For example, the lighting unit 110 may include a display that provides multiple different lighting functions, or multiple separate regions may be defined on the display, with each lighting function assigned to a corresponding region. For example, four regions may be defined on the display, with a tail lamp 120a, a stop lamp 120b, a turn signal lamp 120c, and a backup lamp 120d assigned to each of these regions. Alternatively, the lighting unit 110 may be a composite type that combines at least one individual lighting fixture with a display assigned at least one lighting function.

[0160] In the above embodiment, the control device controlling the vehicle lamp 100 is the lamp ECU 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control device may be configured to control not only the lamps 120a to 120e but also other electrical equipment installed in the vehicle. The control device may be a control device also called a zone ECU, which controls all or part of various electrical equipment arranged in a specific zone when the vehicle is divided into multiple zones. In addition to the lamps, the electrical equipment may include wipers, a tailgate opener, a seat heater, a glass hatch, a rear window defogger, a backup camera, a sensor cleaner for the backup camera, a snow melting heater, a fuel lid motor, a rear door lock motor, power windows, millimeter-wave radar, and other sensors.

[0161] The present invention has been described using specific terms based on the embodiments, but the embodiments merely illustrate one aspect of the principles and applications of the present invention, and many modifications and changes in arrangement are permitted to the embodiments as long as they do not deviate from the concept of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0162] The present invention can be used in the fields of vehicle lighting fixtures, and vehicle lighting fixture control devices and control methods.

[0163] 100 Vehicle lamp, 110R First lamp unit, 110L Second lamp unit, 120a Tail lamp, 120b Stop lamp, 120c Turn signal lamp, 120d Backup lamp, 120e Rear fog lamp, 200 Lamp ECU, 300 Vehicle ECU.

Claims

1. A plurality of lighting fixtures that provide different lighting functions from each other, a control device that detects whether each of the plurality of lighting fixtures operates normally, and when a lighting fixture that does not operate normally is detected, selects a substitute lighting fixture from the lighting fixtures that operate normally and controls the substitute lighting fixture to be lit in a substitute lighting mode that simulates the lighting fixture that does not operate normally. A vehicle lighting fixture characterized by comprising:

2. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1, wherein the substitute lighting mode is defined such that the substitute lighting fixture is lit with a brightness different from a normal lighting mode defined for the original lighting function of the substitute lighting fixture.

3. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device controls the substitute lighting fixture so as to light it in a normal lighting mode defined for the original lighting function of the substitute lighting fixture and blink it in the substitute lighting mode, or blink it in the normal lighting mode and light it in the substitute lighting mode.

4. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the substitute lighting mode is defined such that the substitute lighting fixture is lit with a color different from a normal lighting mode defined for the original lighting function of the substitute lighting fixture.

5. The control device is configured to control the plurality of lighting fixtures so that each lighting fixture is lit in its normal lighting mode based on vehicle information received from the vehicle, The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device controls the substitute lighting fixture to switch from the substitute lighting mode to the normal lighting mode when the substitute lighting fixture should be lit in the normal lighting mode based on the vehicle information during the control of the substitute lighting fixture in the substitute lighting mode.

6. Each of the plurality of lighting fixtures has a pair of a first lighting fixture and a second lighting fixture, The control device, detects whether each first lighting fixture operates normally, and when a first lighting fixture that does not operate normally is detected, selects a substitute lighting fixture from the first lighting fixtures that operate normally and controls the substitute lighting fixture to be lit in a substitute lighting mode that simulates the first lighting fixture that does not operate normally, and turns off the second lighting fixture paired with the first lighting fixture that does not operate normally regardless of whether the second lighting fixture operates normally, and controls the second lighting fixture paired with the substitute lighting fixture to be lit in the substitute lighting mode. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by:

7. A control device for vehicle lamps, wherein the vehicle lamps include a plurality of lamps that provide different lamp functions, and the control device detects whether each of the plurality of lamps operates normally, and when a lamp that does not operate normally is detected, selects a substitute lamp from the lamps that operate normally and controls the substitute lamp to be lit in a substitute lighting mode that simulates the lamp that does not operate normally. A control device for vehicle lamps, characterized in that

8. A control method for vehicle lamps, wherein the vehicle lamps include a plurality of lamps that provide different lamp functions, and the method includes a step of detecting whether each of the plurality of lamps operates normally, a step of selecting a substitute lamp from the lamps that operate normally when a lamp that does not operate normally is detected, and a step of controlling the substitute lamp to be lit in a substitute lighting mode that simulates the lamp that does not operate normally. A control method for vehicle lamps, characterized by comprising

9. A first lamp unit that provides a plurality of different lamp functions, a second lamp unit that pairs with the first lamp unit and provides the plurality of lamp functions, and a control device that detects whether each lamp function of the first lamp unit operates normally, and when a lamp function that does not operate normally is detected, controls a normally operating part of the first lamp unit to simulate the lamp function that does not operate normally, wherein the control device controls the second lamp unit to imitate the first lamp unit regardless of whether the lamp function of the second lamp unit that pairs with the lamp function of the first lamp unit that does not operate normally operates normally. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that

10. The first lamp unit includes a plurality of first lamps, each of which provides a corresponding lamp function among the plurality of lamp functions, the second lamp unit includes a plurality of second lamps, each of which provides a corresponding lamp function among the plurality of lamp functions and pairs with the plurality of first lamps, and the control device detects whether each first lamp operates normally, and when a first lamp that does not operate normally is detected, selects a substitute lamp from the first lamps that operate normally and controls the substitute lamp to be lit in a substitute lighting mode that simulates the first lamp that does not operate normally, and A vehicle lighting device according to claim 9, characterized in that a second lighting device paired with the first lighting device that does not operate normally is turned off regardless of whether the second lighting device operates normally, and the second lighting device paired with the substitute lighting device is controlled to be lit in the substitute lighting mode.

11. The first lighting device unit includes a first display that provides the plurality of lighting device functions. The second lighting device unit includes a second display that provides the plurality of lighting device functions. The control device detects whether the first display operates normally, and when a non-operating area is detected on the first display, controls other operating areas on the first display to provide the plurality of lighting device functions, and regardless of whether the area on the second display paired with the non-operating area on the first display operates normally, turns off the area on the second display, and controls the area on the second display paired with the other operating areas on the first display to provide the plurality of lighting device functions. A vehicle lighting device according to claim 9.

12. A control device for a vehicle lighting device, the vehicle lighting device comprising a first lighting device unit that provides a plurality of different lighting device functions, and a second lighting device unit that pairs with the first lighting device unit and provides the plurality of lighting device functions, the control device detects whether each lighting device function of the first lighting device unit operates normally, and when a non-operating lighting device function is detected, controls the operating part of the first lighting device unit to simulate the non-operating lighting device function, and controls the second lighting device unit to imitate the first lighting device unit regardless of whether the lighting device function of the second lighting device unit paired with the non-operating lighting device function of the first lighting device unit operates normally. A control device for a vehicle lighting device.

13. A control method for a vehicle lighting device, the vehicle lighting device comprising a first lighting device unit that provides a plurality of different lighting device functions, and a second lighting device unit that pairs with the first lighting device unit and provides the plurality of lighting device functions, the method includes a step of detecting whether each lighting device function of the first lighting device unit operates normally. When a lighting fixture function that does not operate normally is detected, controlling a normally operating part of the first lighting fixture unit so as to simulate the lighting fixture function that does not operate normally; Controlling the second lighting fixture unit so as to imitate the first lighting fixture unit, regardless of whether the lighting fixture function of the second lighting fixture unit that pairs with the lighting fixture function that does not operate normally of the first lighting fixture unit operates normally, wherein the control method of a vehicle lighting fixture is characterized by comprising:

14. A lighting fixture unit; A control device configured to shift from the first lighting effect mode to the second lighting effect mode on condition of a predetermined operation on the vehicle during execution of the first lighting effect mode; The first lighting effect mode is preset to light the lighting fixture unit in a manner different from normal lighting of the lighting fixture unit used during vehicle travel; The second lighting effect mode is preset to light the lighting fixture unit in a manner different from normal lighting of the lighting fixture unit used during vehicle travel and in a manner different from the first lighting effect mode, and to end shorter than the first lighting effect mode, wherein the vehicle lighting fixture is characterized by this.

15. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation of a foot brake.

16. The control device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein when the shift position is in the parking range, the first lighting effect mode is executed in response to a lighting effect instruction.

17. The lighting fixture unit is configured to provide a plurality of different lighting fixture functions; The control device detects whether each lighting fixture function of the lighting fixture unit operates normally prior to the first lighting effect mode or during execution of the first lighting effect mode, and when a lighting fixture function that does not operate normally is detected, executes a third lighting effect mode instead of the first lighting effect mode; The third lighting effect mode is preset to light the lighting fixture unit in a manner different from normal lighting of the lighting fixture unit used during vehicle travel, and to not use the lighting fixture function that does not operate normally, wherein the vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 14 or 15 is characterized by this.

18. A control device for a vehicle lighting fixture, wherein the vehicle lighting fixture includes a lighting fixture unit; The control device is configured to shift from the first lighting effect mode to the second lighting effect mode on condition of a predetermined operation on the vehicle during execution of the first lighting effect mode; The first effect mode is preset to light the lamp unit in a manner different from the normal lighting of the lamp unit used during vehicle travel. The second effect mode is characterized in that it is preset to light the lamp unit in a manner different from the normal lighting of the lamp unit used during vehicle travel and the first effect mode, and to end shorter than the first effect mode. A control device for vehicle lamps. **Claim 19** A control method for vehicle lamps, wherein the vehicle lamps include a lamp unit. The method includes shifting from the first effect mode to the second effect mode on condition of a predetermined operation on the vehicle during execution of the first effect mode. The first effect mode is preset to light the lamp unit in a manner different from the normal lighting of the lamp unit used during vehicle travel. The second effect mode is characterized in that it is preset to light the lamp unit in a manner different from the normal lighting of the lamp unit used during vehicle travel and the first effect mode, and to end shorter than the first effect mode. A control method for vehicle lamps.