Lighting control device and lighting control method

Abstract

A lighting control device (10) comprises a lighting control unit (11) that controls the light shined from a lighting device (20) of a vehicle (1), a projection instruction unit (12) that instructs the lighting control unit (11) on an image to be projected onto a road surface using the shined light, and an operating mode switching unit (13) that switches an operating mode to a demonstration mode upon receiving a start instruction for a demonstration of a function of the vehicle (1) from a specific communication terminal (30) while the vehicle (1) is stopped. In the demonstration mode, the projection instruction unit (12) instructs the lighting control unit (11) to project a demonstration image that makes it possible to visually perceive the function to be demonstrated on the road surface.

Description

Light control device and light control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting control device that controls lighting devices of a vehicle.

[0002] There have been proposed technologies that allow a user to visually recognize the functions of a vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technology that projects a pattern onto the road surface that indicates the detection range of a sensor that detects an obstacle and the position of the detected obstacle when the vehicle performs automatic parking.

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 115517

[0004] In recent years, vehicles have become increasingly multifunctional and sophisticated, and allowing users to experience the advanced features of vehicles is considered effective in increasing consumer purchasing power. However, many features, such as those using sensor technology, cannot be experienced under normal conditions. For example, an obstacle detection function does not issue a warning unless there is a risk of the vehicle colliding with an obstacle. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 visually expresses the obstacle detection function, but is practical for alerting surroundings when the vehicle is automatically parking. Therefore, in order for a user to experience the obstacle detection function, the vehicle must actually be automatically parked.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a lighting control device that allows the user to experience the functions of a vehicle while the vehicle is stopped.

[0006] The lighting control device according to the present disclosure includes a lighting control unit that controls the illumination light of the lighting device of the vehicle, a projection instruction unit that instructs the lighting control unit on an image to be projected onto the road surface using the illumination light, and an operation mode switching unit that switches the operation mode to a demonstration mode when an instruction to start a demonstration of a function possessed by the vehicle is received from a specific communication terminal while the vehicle is stopped, and in the demonstration mode, the projection instruction unit instructs the lighting control unit to project onto the road surface a demo image that allows the function to be demonstrated to be visually recognized.

[0007] According to the lighting control device of the present disclosure, it is possible to demonstrate the functions of the vehicle in a visual manner while the vehicle is stopped, thereby allowing the user to experience the functions of the vehicle.

[0008] The objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle light control system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation positions of lighting devices on a vehicle. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of control instructions transmitted from a communication terminal. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an obstacle detection function using millimeter-wave radar. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a demonstration of the obstacle detection function using millimeter-wave radar. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a demonstration of the obstacle detection function using millimeter-wave radar. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a demonstration of the obstacle detection function using a camera. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a demonstration of the ADB function. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a demonstration of the obstacle detection function using sonar. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a demonstration of the obstacle detection function using sonar. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a demonstration of the line-of-sight detection function using a DMS. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a demonstration of the headlamp beam axis control function. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a demonstration of the headlamp beam axis control function. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of a light control device according to a first embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a demonstration of an obstacle detection function using a camera. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a demonstration of an obstacle detection function using a camera. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a demo image representing the position of a sensor in an undetectable state. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a light control device according to a modification of embodiment 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image representing temporary release of the prohibition of demonstration mode. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a light control device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a light control device.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle light control system according to embodiment 1. The vehicle light control system according to embodiment 1 includes a light control device 10, a light device 20, a communication device 21, a vehicle speed sensor 22, a shift lever 23, a millimeter-wave radar 24, a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) 25, a camera 26, a sonar 27, and a DMS (Driver Monitoring System) 28, all of which are mounted on a vehicle 1, and a communication terminal 30 that communicates with the light control device 10.

[0011] The lighting devices 20 project light onto the surroundings of the vehicle 1. The lighting devices 20 are assumed to have the function of projecting an image onto the road surface by controlling the direction of the light axis and the illumination range, such as high-definition headlamps or image projection lamps. A plurality of lighting devices 20 are installed on the vehicle 1, and are installed, for example, in front, behind, and on the sides of the vehicle 1 (below the side mirrors in FIG. 2 ), as shown in FIG. 2 .

[0012] The communication device 21 is a communication interface with a specific communication terminal 30. The communication terminal 30 may be a device dedicated to the vehicle 1, such as a key with a communication function, or may be a general-purpose device, such as a smartphone owned by the user 2. Note that the "user" here refers to a person who wishes to experience the functions of the vehicle 1, and may be not only the owner of the vehicle 1, but also a general consumer, such as a customer before purchasing the vehicle 1.

[0013] The vehicle speed sensor 22 is a sensor that detects the traveling speed of the vehicle 1. The shift lever 23 is a lever that switches the vehicle between forward and reverse and changes the gear ratio. In this embodiment, the vehicle speed sensor 22 and the shift lever 23 are used to determine whether the vehicle 1 is stopped. The state of the parking brake of the vehicle 1 may also be taken into consideration when determining whether the vehicle 1 is stopped.

[0014] The millimeter-wave radar 24 and the LiDAR 25 detect obstacles around the vehicle 1 and detect the position (distance and direction from the vehicle 1) and traveling direction of the detected obstacles. The millimeter-wave radar 24 and the LiDAR 25 are installed in multiple locations, for example, in front, behind, on the sides, and on the rear sides of the vehicle 1. The millimeter-wave radar 24 and the LiDAR 25 have different detection accuracies and detection ranges, but have almost the same functions.

[0015] The camera 26 is an image sensor that captures images of the periphery of the vehicle 1 and analyzes the captured images to detect obstacles. The camera 26 can also detect the type of obstacle (e.g., automobile, pedestrian, bicycle, etc.) from the profile of the obstacle image. In recent years, the camera 26 is sometimes used for an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) function that turns on the headlights so as not to cause glare to preceding vehicles, oncoming vehicles, or pedestrians. The cameras 26 are also installed in multiple locations, such as the front, rear, sides, and rear-sides of the vehicle 1.

[0016] The sonar 27 also detects obstacles around the vehicle 1, but because its detection range (effective detection area) is narrower than that of the millimeter wave radar 24 and the LiDAR 25, it detects obstacles in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the sonar 27 is effective for detecting obstacles when the vehicle is traveling at low speeds, such as when parking. Multiple sonars 27 are also installed around the vehicle 1.

[0017] The DMS 28 is a system that monitors the driver's condition and includes an in-vehicle camera that captures images of the driver. The DMS 28 detects the driver's eye movements and line of sight, has a function for managing the driver's physical condition, and provides driving support and risk management for driving, such as issuing an alarm if the driver misses an obstacle due to looking away.

[0018] The light control device 10 controls the operation of the light device 20. As shown in FIG. 1 , the light control device 10 includes a light control unit 11, a projection instruction unit 12, and an operation mode switching unit 13.

[0019] The light control unit 11 controls the light device 20 to control the optical axis and illumination range of the light emitted by the light device 20 .

[0020] The projection instruction unit 12 instructs the light control unit 11 on an image to be projected onto the road surface using the light emitted by the lighting device 20.

[0021] The operation mode switching unit 13 switches the operation mode of the light control device 10. The operation modes of the light control device 10 include a "normal mode" in which the light device 20 provides normal illumination, and a "demonstration mode" in which the light device 20 is used to demonstrate functions of the vehicle 1. Since the operation of the light control device 10 in the "normal mode" is general lighting control, a description thereof will be omitted, and the following description will mainly focus on the operation of the light control device 10 in the "demonstration mode".

[0022] Switching to the demonstration mode in the light control device 10 and operations during the demonstration are instructed by control instructions transmitted from the communication terminal 30 in response to operations by the user 2. Fig. 3 shows an example of a control instruction transmitted from the communication terminal 30.

[0023] When the operation mode switching unit 13 receives an instruction to start a demonstration of a function of the vehicle 1 from the communication terminal 30 carried by the user 2 while the vehicle 1 is stopped, it switches the operation mode of the light control device 10 to the demonstration mode. Furthermore, when the operation mode switching unit 13 receives an instruction to end the demonstration while in the demonstration mode, it returns the operation mode of the light control device 10 to the normal mode.

[0024] In the demonstration mode, the projection instruction unit 12 instructs the lighting control unit 11 to project a demonstration image (hereinafter abbreviated as "demo image") onto the road surface, which is an image that allows the function being demonstrated to be visually recognized.

[0025] There are multiple functions of the vehicle 1 that the light control device 10 can demonstrate, and the user 2 can select one or more functions to be demonstrated using the communication terminal 30. When multiple functions are selected by the user 2, the demonstrations of the multiple functions may be performed simultaneously or may be performed sequentially at separate times.

[0026] Here, some specific examples of demonstrations of the functionality of vehicle 1 will be given.

[0027] For example, in an obstacle detection function using the millimeter-wave radar 24, as shown in FIG. 4 , a search wave is output from the millimeter-wave radar 24, and the position of an obstacle (user 2 in FIG. 4 ) present within the detection range is detected. Therefore, in a demonstration of the obstacle detection function using the millimeter-wave radar 24, the light control device 10 projects a demo image onto the road surface, as shown in FIG. 5 , including an animated image 101 of the search wave spreading like ripples within the detection range from the installation position of the millimeter-wave radar 24, and an image 102 showing the detected position of the obstacle as a detection result. Information on the installation position and detection range of the millimeter-wave radar 24 is stored in advance in the light control device 10. The projection instruction unit 12 may also cause a speaker (not shown) of the vehicle 1 to output a sound effect reminiscent of the search wave or a sound effect indicating that an obstacle has been detected.

[0028] In the demonstration, the user 2 can experience the obstacle detection function by having the millimeter wave radar 24 detect the user 2 as shown in Fig. 5. This is expected to increase the user 2's desire to purchase the vehicle.

[0029] Furthermore, when it is detected that the detected obstacle is moving, the projection instruction unit 12 may include, in the demo image, an image 103 that represents the trajectory of the position of the object detected by the sensor, as shown in Fig. 6. Furthermore, the projection instruction unit 12 may output a sound effect that evokes movement from the speaker of the vehicle 1.

[0030] FIG. 7 shows an example of a demonstration of the BSW (Blind Spot Warning) function, which is one of the obstacle detection functions using the millimeter-wave radar 24. The BSW is a function that detects vehicles approaching from the rear side, which is often a blind spot, and notifies the driver of the presence of the approaching vehicle by, for example, illuminating an indicator on the door mirror on the side where the approaching vehicle is detected. The BSW demonstration is basically the same as that shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 except that the detection range of the millimeter-wave radar 24 is the rear side of the vehicle 1. In addition, in the demonstration, as shown in FIG. 7, an indicator 29 on the door mirror on the side where an obstacle (user 2) representing an approaching vehicle is detected may be illuminated.

[0031] 5 to 7 are also assumed as examples of demonstrations of the obstacle detection function using the LiDAR 25. The image representing the search waves may be different between the demonstration of the millimeter-wave radar 24 and the demonstration of the LiDAR 25. For example, the image of the search waves from the LiDAR 25 may be a fast-moving animation, and the image of the search waves from the millimeter-wave radar 24 may be a slow-moving animation.

[0032] Fig. 8 is an example of a demonstration of the obstacle detection function using the camera 26. In the example of Fig. 8, the light control device 10 projects onto the road surface a demo image including an image 104 representing the detection range of the camera 26, an image 105 representing the detected position of an obstacle, which is the detection result, and an image 106 representing the type of obstacle, which is also the detection result.

[0033] 9 and 10 show examples of a demonstration of the ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) function. ADB is a function that partially blocks or dims the illumination range of headlamps (high beams) so as not to cause glare to preceding vehicles, oncoming vehicles, or pedestrians. ADB uses a combination of various sensors that detect objects in front of the vehicle 1, such as a camera 26, a millimeter-wave radar 24, and a LiDAR 25. Therefore, an item called "ADB" is provided as a selection item for the function to be demonstrated, separate from the demonstration of each sensor (see FIG. 3).

[0034] The demo image in the ADB demonstration is image 107, which represents the illumination range projected onto the road surface by the headlamp included in the lighting device 20 illuminating the area ahead of the vehicle 1. In the ADB demonstration, user 2 can switch ADB on and off using the communication terminal 30. When ADB is off, the headlamp light is uniformly irradiated onto the headlamp illumination area, as shown in FIG. 9 . When user 2 turns ADB on, the headlamp light is irradiated while partially blocking (or dimming) the position of an object (user 2) detected by the sensor, as shown in FIG. 10 . If the object is detected to be a person, the blocked area may be limited to the person's face. As the detected object (user 2) moves, the blocked area also moves accordingly. User 2 stands in front of the vehicle 1 and switches ADB on and off to experience glare suppression by the ADB function.

[0035] If the function being demonstrated uses multiple sensors, the demo image may include multiple images representing the detection results of each of the multiple sensors. An example of such a demonstration is shown in FIG. 11 . FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a demonstration of an obstacle detection function using sonars 27. A total of 12 sonars 27 are installed on vehicle 1: four in the front, four in the rear, two on the right, and two on the left. The area around vehicle 1 is divided into 12 regions corresponding to the detection ranges of each sonar 27, and each detection range of each sonar 27 is further divided into three sections based on the distance from vehicle 1. In this demonstration, the light control device 10 projects onto the road surface a demo image including an image 108 representing each section and an image 109 representing the detection position (section in which the obstacle is detected) of an obstacle (user 2) as a detection result. In this way, the demo image including an image representing the detection results of each of the multiple sensors deepens user 2's understanding of the operation of each sensor.

[0036] The demo image may include an image representing the location of a sensor used by the demonstrated function. An example of such a demonstration is shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows an example of a demonstration of an obstacle detection function using four sonar sensors 27 installed in front of the vehicle 1. In this demonstration, the light control device 10 projects onto the road surface a demo image including an image 110 representing the location of each sonar sensor 27 and an image 111 representing the detected location of an obstacle (user 2) as a result of the detection (the location of the sonar sensor 27 that detected the obstacle). In this way, the demo image including an image representing the location of the sensor deepens user 2's understanding of the sensor's operation.

[0037] 13 shows an example of a demonstration of the driver's gaze detection function using the DMS 28. The demonstration of the gaze detection function is performed with user 2 sitting in the driver's seat of vehicle 1, as shown in FIG. 13. The light control device 10 projects a demo image onto the road surface, including an arrow image 112 that indicates the gaze direction of the person (user 2) who is the driver, which is the detection result. When user 2 moves his or her gaze, the arrow image 112 moves accordingly. This allows user 2 to experience the gaze detection function.

[0038] The demonstrations shown up to this point are performed with the sensor actually operating, but the demonstrations may also be performed without the sensor operating. Here, an example of a demonstration performed without the sensor operating is shown.

[0039] 14 to 16 show examples of a demonstration of a headlamp beam axis control function. Examples of headlamp beam axis control functions include an auto-leveling function and an AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) function. The auto-leveling function adjusts the beam axis direction of the headlamp vertically in accordance with the longitudinal tilt of the vehicle, while the AFS function adjusts the beam axis direction of the headlamp horizontally in accordance with the steering angle and traveling speed of the vehicle. These functions require sensors (such as a leveling sensor, steering angle sensor, and vehicle speed sensor 22) that detect the traveling state of the vehicle 1, making it difficult to demonstrate the functions while the vehicle 1 is stopped. Therefore, in the demonstration of the headlamp beam axis control function, the user 2 operates the communication terminal 30 to move the beam axis direction of the headlamp.

[0040] The demo images in the demonstration of the auto-leveling function and the AFS function include an image 113 representing the illumination range projected onto the road surface by the headlights illuminating the area ahead of the vehicle 1, and an image 114 of an arrow representing the direction of the headlight's optical axis. It is assumed that the demo image at the start of the demonstration is in the state shown in FIG. 14 . When user 2 moves the headlight's optical axis downward as if using the auto-leveling function, the image 113 of the headlight's illumination range and the image 114 of the optical axis direction become shorter, as shown in FIG. 15 . Furthermore, when user 2 moves the headlight's optical axis to the right as if using the AFS function, the image 113 of the headlight's illumination range and the image 114 of the optical axis direction shift to the right, as shown in FIG. 16 . In this way, user 2 can experience the headlight's optical axis control function by moving the headlight's optical axis.

[0041] If multiple functions are selected by User 2, demonstrations of the multiple functions may be performed simultaneously. In this case, the aspect of the demo image (color, brightness, etc.) may be differentiated for each demonstration depending on the importance of each function (degree of contribution to driving safety).

[0042] In the above demonstration of the obstacle detection function, an example was shown in which user 2 himself was the detected obstacle, but any obstacle may be used. For example, user 2 can recognize the limitations of obstacles that can be detected by the obstacle detection function by conducting a detection test in which various types of obstacles are detected.

[0043] Next, the operation of the light control device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 17. It is assumed that the light control device 10 is in the normal operating mode when it is started up. It is also assumed that the instruction to start a demonstration from the communication terminal 30 includes information on the function to be demonstrated that has been selected by the user.

[0044] When the light control device 10 is started up, the operation mode switching unit 13 waits (step S101) for the communication device 21 to receive an instruction to start a demonstration as a control instruction from the communication terminal 30. If the instruction to start a demonstration is not received (NO in step S101), the normal mode continues.

[0045] When an instruction to start the demonstration is received (YES in step S101), the operation mode switching unit 13 determines whether the vehicle 1 is stopped or not (step S102) based on the traveling speed of the vehicle 1 detected by the vehicle speed sensor 22, the position of the shift lever 23, etc. For example, if the traveling speed of the vehicle 1 is 0 km / h and the position of the shift lever 23 is "P" (parking), the operation mode switching unit 13 may determine that the vehicle 1 is stopped.

[0046] If the vehicle 1 is not stopped (NO in step S102), the operation mode switching unit 13 notifies the communication terminal 30 through the communication device 21 that switching to the demonstration mode is not possible (step S103).

[0047] If the vehicle 1 is stopped (YES in step S102), the operation mode switching unit 13 switches the operation mode of the light control device 10 to the demonstration mode (step S104).

[0048] When switching to the demonstration mode, the projection instruction unit 12 selects the equipment (sensor, etc.) to be used for the function to be demonstrated (step S105), and obtains the information required for the demonstration (sensor detection results, etc.) from the selected equipment (step S106).

[0049] The projection instruction unit 12 determines a demo image to be projected onto the road surface based on the acquired information, and causes the light control unit 11 to project the demo image onto the road surface, thereby carrying out a demonstration of the function selected by the user (step S107).

[0050] The operation mode switching unit 13 checks whether a new control instruction has been received from the communication terminal 30 (step S108). If a new control instruction has not been received (NO in step S108), the operation mode switching unit 13 continues the demonstration mode and returns to step S102.

[0051] If a new control instruction has been received (YES in step S108), the projection instruction unit 12 ends the ongoing demonstration (step S109). At this time, if the new control instruction is an instruction to end the demonstration (YES in step S110), the operation mode switching unit 13 returns the operation mode to the normal mode (step S111) and returns to step S101. On the other hand, if the new control instruction is an instruction to start the next demonstration (NO in step S110), the demonstration mode continues and the process returns to step S102.

[0052] For example, if a user 2 holding a communication terminal 30 moves away from the vehicle 1 and the light control device 10 is no longer able to communicate with the communication terminal 30, the operation mode switching unit 13 may end the demonstration mode and return the operation mode to the normal mode even if an instruction to end the demonstration is not received.

[0053] [Variation 1] For example, in a demonstration of a function that uses a sensor to detect objects around the vehicle 1, such as an obstacle detection function, the projection instruction unit 12 may change the appearance of the demo image depending on the behavior of the object detected by the sensor.

[0054] 18 and 19 show an example of a demonstration of the obstacle detection function using the camera 26. In this demonstration, the light control device 10 projects a predetermined graphic image 115 as a demo image within the detection range of the camera 26. The light control device 10 then detects the position of the user 2 using the camera 26, and upon detecting that the user 2 has stepped on the graphic image 115 (that is, the position of the user 2 as a result of the detection overlaps with the projected position of the image 115), the light control device 10 projects a wavy image 116 as a touch-responsive mark below the image 115 stepped on by the user 2, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 . The timing for projecting the touch-responsive mark image 116 may be when the user 2 steps on the image 115 or when the user 2's foot leaves the image 115.

[0055] In this way, by giving the demonstration a game-like quality, the user 2 can experience the functions of the vehicle 1 while having fun.

[0056] [Modification 2] In a demonstration using a sensor, if the sensor is in an undetectable state, the projection instruction unit 12 may include in the demo image an image indicating that the sensor is in an undetectable state.

[0057] Fig. 20 is an example of an image 117 indicating that the sonar 27 is in a state where detection is impossible in the demonstration of the obstacle detection function shown in Fig. 12. In Fig. 20, one of the four sonars 27 is in a state where detection is impossible, and the image 117 includes an image of the letters "NG" indicating that detection is impossible and an image of an arrow indicating the position of the sonar 27 that is in a state where detection is impossible.

[0058] This allows user 2 to recognize the position of a sensor that is in an undetectable state. User 2 can also intentionally mask the sensor to make it undetectable, for example, to simulate and experience a situation where the sensor has failed.

[0059] <Embodiment 2> In the light control device 10 according to embodiment 2, after a preset condition is satisfied, the operation mode switching unit 13 prohibits switching to the demonstration mode. Hereinafter, this condition will be referred to as a "demonstration prohibition condition." Possible demonstration prohibition conditions include, for example, a condition that the mileage of the vehicle 1 exceeds a certain value, or a condition that the elapsed time since the purchase of the vehicle 1 exceeds a certain value.

[0060] However, after disabling the demonstration mode, the operation mode switching unit 13 disabling the demonstration mode will release the prohibition of the demonstration mode if it receives a predetermined prohibition release key. The prohibition release key can be purchased, for example, by the owner of the vehicle 1. The prohibition release key may be purchased by purchase (permanent license) or subscription (license with a limited expiration date). Furthermore, for example, if the owner of the vehicle 1 changes (i.e., if the vehicle 1 is bought or sold), the manufacturer or dealer of the vehicle 1 or the lighting control device 10 may prepare a prohibition release key for the lighting control device 10 as necessary to release the prohibition of the demonstration mode.

[0061] Because the demonstration mode is not an operating mode required for driving the vehicle 1, prohibiting the demonstration mode does not affect the safety of the vehicle 1. On the other hand, since the demonstration of a function of the vehicle 1 serves as an instruction manual for that function and includes an entertainment element (e.g., Variation 1 of Embodiment 1), it is thought that many owners will want to continue using the demonstration mode. Therefore, it is expected that a new business model will be created in which the demonstration mode is prohibited after the demonstration prohibition condition is met, and manufacturers or dealers of the vehicle 1 or the lighting control device 10 sell keys to cancel the prohibition.

[0062] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the light control device 10 according to embodiment 2. The flowchart in Figure 21 is obtained by adding steps S121 to S124 shown below after step S102 in the flowchart in Figure 17. The other steps are the same as those in Figure 17, and therefore will not be described here.

[0063] Step S121 is executed when the light control device 10 receives an instruction to start a demonstration from the communication terminal 30 and the vehicle 1 is stopped (YES in step S102). In step S121, the operation mode switching unit 13 checks whether the demonstration prohibition condition is met. If the demonstration prohibition condition is not met (NO in step S121), the process proceeds to step S104, where the operation mode is switched to the demonstration mode. The operations from step S104 onwards are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0064] If the demonstration prohibition condition is met (YES in step S121), the operation mode switching unit 13 notifies the communication terminal 30 that the demonstration mode is prohibited (step S122), and further causes the communication terminal 30 to display a screen for purchasing a prohibition release key (step S123). Thereafter, if the prohibition release key purchase procedure is completed on the communication terminal 30 (YES in step S124), the process proceeds to step S104, where the operation mode is switched to the demonstration mode. However, if the prohibition release key has not been purchased (NO in step S124), the prohibition of the demonstration continues, and the process returns to step S101.

[0065] [Modification] Even after the demonstration mode has been prohibited, the operation mode switching unit 13 may temporarily release the prohibition of the demonstration mode when the vehicle 1 enters a specific operating state. Here, it is assumed that the prohibition of the demonstration mode is temporarily released when the vehicle 1 is started, that is, when the ignition of the vehicle 1 is turned on.

[0066] More specifically, when the ignition of the vehicle 1 is turned on, the lighting control device 10 performs the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0067] When the ignition of the vehicle 1 is turned on, the operation mode switching unit 13 checks whether or not a prohibition release key for releasing the prohibition of the demonstration mode has already been purchased (step S201).

[0068] If the prohibition release key has not been purchased (NO in step S201), the operation mode switching unit 13 starts temporarily releasing the prohibition of the demonstration mode (step S202), and the projection instruction unit 12 instructs the lighting control unit 11 to project an image representing the temporary release of the prohibition of the demonstration mode onto the road surface to notify that a demonstration can be performed (step S203).

[0069] The image representing the temporary release of the demonstration mode prohibition may be any image, and may be, for example, an image 118 of the logo mark of the brand of the vehicle 1, as shown in Fig. 23. Displaying the logo mark on the road surface also has the effect of advertising the vehicle 1 to third parties around the vehicle 1.

[0070] In step S203, the projection instruction unit 12 may use the obstacle detection function to check whether or not there is a wall around the vehicle 1, and if there is a wall, project an image representing the temporary release of the demonstration mode prohibition onto the wall. This can also serve as a demonstration of the obstacle detection function, and is expected to have the effect of increasing the owner of the vehicle 1's desire to purchase the prohibition release key.

[0071] 23 , when projecting an image of the logo mark of the brand of vehicle 1 as an image representing the temporary release of the demonstration mode prohibition, the light control device 10 may use the obstacle detection function of vehicle 1 to detect other vehicles, pedestrians, etc. in the vicinity, and if there are a certain number of other vehicles or pedestrians, project the logo mark onto the road surface instead of the wall surface. This is because projecting the logo mark onto the road surface so that it can be seen by third parties has a greater advertising effect than displaying it on a wall facing vehicle 1 so that it can be seen by the driver of vehicle 1.

[0072] Thereafter, the operation mode switching unit 13 waits for a certain period of time to elapse from the start of the temporary release of the demonstration mode prohibition (step S204). When the certain period of time has elapsed (YES in step S204), the operation mode switching unit 13 ends the temporary release of the demonstration mode prohibition (step S205), and the projection instruction unit 12 ends the projection of the image representing the temporary release of the demonstration mode prohibition (step S206).

[0073] The duration of the temporary release of the demonstration mode prohibition is expected to be, for example, about 10 minutes. The length of this temporary release duration can be set to any value by the manufacturer or dealer of the vehicle 1 or the light control device 10.

[0074] If a prohibition release key has been purchased in step S201 (YES in step S201), the prohibition on the demonstration mode is released by the prohibition release key, and there is no need to temporarily release it, so the processing in Figure 22 ends without performing steps S202 to S206.

[0075] <Hardware Configuration Example> Figures 24 and 25 are diagrams showing examples of the hardware configuration of the light control device 10. The functions of the components of the light control device 10 shown in Figure 1 are realized, for example, by a processing circuit 50 shown in Figure 24. That is, the light control device 10 includes a processing circuit 50 for controlling the light device so that, when it receives an instruction to start a demonstration of a function of the vehicle from a specific communication terminal while the vehicle is stopped, the operation mode is switched to a demonstration mode and, in the demonstration mode, a demo image that allows the function to be demonstrated to be visually recognized is projected onto the road surface. The processing circuit 50 may be dedicated hardware, or may be configured using a processor (also called a central processing unit (CPU), processing device, arithmetic device, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor)) that executes a program stored in memory.

[0076] When the processing circuitry 50 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuitry 50 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The functions of the components of the light control device 10 may be realized by individual processing circuits, or these functions may be realized together by a single processing circuit.

[0077] FIG. 25 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the light control device 10 when the processing circuit 50 is configured using a processor 51 that executes a program. In this case, the functions of the components of the light control device 10 are realized by software, etc. (software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware). The software, etc. is written as a program and stored in memory 52. ​​The processor 51 realizes the functions of each part by reading and executing the program stored in memory 52. ​​That is, the light control device 10 includes memory 52 for storing a program that, when executed by the processor 51, results in the following: switching the operating mode to a demonstration mode when an instruction to start a demonstration of a function possessed by the vehicle is received from a specific communication terminal while the vehicle is stopped; and controlling the light device in the demonstration mode to project a demo image on the road surface that visually indicates the function being demonstrated. In other words, this program can be said to cause a computer to execute the procedures and methods of the operation of the components of the light control device 10.

[0078] Here, the memory 52 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and a drive device for such a disk, or any other storage medium that will be used in the future.

[0079] The above describes a configuration in which the functions of the components of the light control device 10 are realized either by hardware or software, etc. However, this is not limited to this, and the light control device 10 may be configured such that some of the components are realized by dedicated hardware and other components are realized by software, etc. For example, the functions of some of the components may be realized by the processing circuit 50 as dedicated hardware, and the functions of other components may be realized by the processing circuit 50 as the processor 51 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 52.

[0080] As described above, the light control device 10 can realize each of the above-described functions by hardware, software, or a combination of these.

[0081] It is possible to freely combine the embodiments, and to modify or omit the embodiments as appropriate.

[0082] The above description is illustrative in all respects, and it is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be envisioned.

[0083] 1 Vehicle, 2 User, 10 Lighting control device, 11 Lighting control unit, 12 Projection instruction unit, 13 Operation mode switching unit, 20 Lighting device, 21 Communication device, 22 Vehicle speed sensor, 23 Shift lever, 24 Millimeter wave radar, 25 LiDAR, 26 Camera, 27 Sonar, 28 DMS, 29 Indicator, 30 Communication terminal, 50 Processing circuit, 51 Processor, 52 Memory, 101 to 118 Demo images.

Claims

1. A lighting control unit that controls the light emitted by the vehicle's lighting system, The lighting control unit is provided with a projection instruction unit that instructs the image to be projected onto the road surface using the irradiated light, When the vehicle is stopped, if it receives an instruction from a specific communication terminal to start a demonstration of the vehicle's functions, the operating mode switching unit switches the operating mode to demonstration mode. Equipped with, In the demonstration mode, the projection instruction unit instructs the lighting control unit to project a demo image onto the road surface that allows the function to be demonstrated to be visually recognized. The aforementioned demo image includes an image representing the detection result of a sensor used for the function being demonstrated, and further includes an image representing the detection range of the sensor, or an image representing the position of the sensor. Lighting control device.

2. If the function being demonstrated uses multiple sensors, the demo image includes multiple images representing the detection results of each of those multiple sensors. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned sensor is a sensor that detects objects present around the vehicle, The aforementioned demo image includes an image representing the position of the object detected by the sensor. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned demo image further includes an image representing the trajectory of the object's position detected by the sensor. The lighting control device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned demo image further includes an image representing the type of object detected by the sensor. The lighting control device according to claim 3.

6. The aforementioned sensor is a sensor that detects objects present around the vehicle, The projection instruction unit changes the appearance of the demo image according to the behavior of the object detected by the sensor. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

7. The function to be demonstrated is a function that partially blocks or dims the illumination range of the headlamp included in the lighting device. The aforementioned sensor is a sensor that detects an object located in front of the vehicle, The aforementioned demo image is projected by the headlamp illuminating the area in front of the vehicle while blocking or dimming the light from the object detected by the sensor. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

8. The function to be demonstrated is the driver's gaze detection function of the aforementioned vehicle. The aforementioned sensor is a sensor that detects the gaze of a person in the driver's seat of the vehicle, The aforementioned demo image includes an image representing the direction of the person's gaze as detected by the sensor. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

9. If the sensor is in a state where it cannot detect anything, the projection instruction unit includes an image in the demo image that indicates the sensor is in a state where it cannot detect anything. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

10. The projection instruction unit further includes in the demo image an image representing the position of a sensor that is in an undetectable state. The lighting control device according to claim 9.

11. The function to be demonstrated is the optical axis control function of the headlamp included in the aforementioned lighting device. The aforementioned demo image shows the headlights illuminating the area in front of the vehicle, projecting onto the road surface. In the demonstration mode, the projection instruction unit controls the optical axis of the headlamp according to instructions from the communication terminal. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

12. The function to be demonstrated is one or more functions selected by the user from among the multiple functions possessed by the vehicle. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

13. The aforementioned operating mode switching unit disables the demonstration mode after a preset condition has been met. The lighting control device according to claim 1.

14. The aforementioned operating mode switching unit, after prohibiting switching to the demonstration mode, releases the prohibition on the demonstration mode upon receiving a predetermined release key. The lighting control device according to claim 13.

15. The aforementioned operating mode switching unit, after prohibiting the demonstration mode, temporarily releases the prohibition on the demonstration mode when the vehicle enters a specific operating state, and projects an image onto the road surface indicating that the demonstration can be performed. The lighting control device according to claim 13.

16. A lighting control method in a lighting control device that controls the lighting device of a vehicle, When the lighting control device receives an instruction from a specific communication terminal to start a demonstration of the vehicle's functions while the vehicle is stopped, it switches its operating mode to demonstration mode. In the demonstration mode, the lighting control device controls the lighting device so as to project a demonstration image onto the road surface that allows the function to be demonstrated to be visually perceived. The aforementioned demo image includes an image representing the detection result of a sensor used for the function being demonstrated, and further includes an image representing the detection range of the sensor, or an image representing the position of the sensor. Lighting control method.