Light-emitting device, method for controlling light-emitting device, and program

Abstract

A light-emitting device (10) is provided to a vehicle. The light-emitting device (10) comprises a light-emitting unit (120) and a control unit (130). The light-emitting unit (120) emits light in correspondence with prescribed states of the vehicle. The control unit (130) controls the light-emitting unit. The control unit (130) controls the light-emitting unit (120) such that a boundary light emission pattern is inserted between a first light emission pattern corresponding to a first state among the prescribed states and a second light emission pattern corresponding to a second state among the prescribed states, the boundary light emission pattern being different from the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern.

Description

Light emitting device, method for controlling light emitting device, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a light emitting device, a control method for a light emitting device, and a program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for enabling a passenger to recognize a display unit of an information presentation device that displays information that the passenger should recognize.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a technology relating to a vehicle lighting device that shares a light source and simultaneously provides both a lighting function and an effective illumination effect.

[0004] JP 2014-240228 A JP 2014-189101 A

[0005] As in the above Patent Documents 1 and 2, technologies are disclosed that cause the light-emitting section to emit light in a predetermined light pattern depending on the vehicle's condition, but there is a demand for more effective communication of the vehicle's condition to the occupants.

[0006] One example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to effectively communicate the vehicle status to a passenger.

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is a light-emitting device provided in a vehicle, comprising: a light-emitting unit that emits light in response to a predetermined state of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the light-emitting unit, wherein the control unit controls the light-emitting unit to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern different from the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern between a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state of the predetermined states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state of the predetermined states.

[0008] The invention described in claim 11 is a control method for a light-emitting device provided in a vehicle, wherein the light-emitting device has a light-emitting unit that emits light in response to a predetermined state of the vehicle, and a computer controls the light-emitting unit to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern different from the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern between a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state of the predetermined states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state of the predetermined states.

[0009] The invention described in claim 12 is a program for controlling a light-emitting device provided in a vehicle, wherein the light-emitting device has a light-emitting unit that emits light in response to a predetermined state of the vehicle, and the program causes a computer to control the light-emitting unit to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern different from the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern between a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state of the predetermined states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state of the predetermined states.

[0010] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a light emitting device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a light emitting unit; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a light emitting pattern according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a light emitting pattern according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a boundary light emitting pattern according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a control unit; FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of control of the control unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating control of the light emitting unit according to the operation example of the first embodiment; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating control of the light emitting unit according to the operation example of the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating part of control of the light emitting unit according to the operation example of the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another part of control of the light emitting unit according to the operation example of the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating processing of a light emitting device according to the third embodiment; FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating processing of a light emitting device according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating control of the light emitting unit according to the operation example of the fourth embodiment; FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating example control of the light emitting unit according to the fifth embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and their description will be omitted where appropriate.

[0012] In the following description, each component of each device represents a functional block, not a hardware configuration. Each component of each device is realized by any combination of hardware and software, centered around the CPU of any computer, memory, a program loaded into the memory, a storage medium such as a hard disk that stores the program, and a network connection interface. There are many variations in the realization method and device.

[0013] <First embodiment> (Light-emitting device 10) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a light-emitting device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the light-emitting device 10 is provided in a vehicle. In the first embodiment, the light-emitting device 10 is disposed inside the vehicle and emits light toward a passenger space in which a passenger sits. The light-emitting device 10 includes a light-emitting unit 120 and a control unit 130. The light-emitting unit 120 has a plurality of light-emitting regions 122, as will be described later. The plurality of light-emitting regions 122 are arranged in one direction.

[0014] For example, the light-emitting device 10 is used together with a display 110. The display 110 is, for example, a part of a navigation device, and displays information based on navigation information and the current location. A control unit that controls the display 110 may be the control unit 130 or may be different from the control unit 130. The display 110 may be a portable device that can be carried into a vehicle, such as a display provided in a tablet terminal or a so-called smartphone.

[0015] The control unit 130 may be incorporated in the same housing as the light-emitting unit 120, or may be incorporated in a housing separate from the light-emitting unit 120. For example, the control unit 130 may have a function other than control of the light-emitting unit 120, such as a wireless communication function.

[0016] The light-emitting unit 120 is arranged, for example, along the width direction of the vehicle. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the light-emitting unit 120 is arranged along part of the edge of the display 110. For example, if the display 110 is substantially rectangular, the light-emitting unit 120 is arranged near the upper edge or lower edge of the display 110. If the light-emitting unit 120 is arranged near the upper edge of the display, the passenger can recognize the light-emitting unit 120 without lowering their line of sight. Therefore, if the light-emitting unit 120 is arranged in the driver's field of vision (including peripheral vision), the driver does not need to lower their line of sight to recognize the light-emitting unit 120, which can reduce interference with driving.

[0017] The width of the light-emitting unit 120 is, for example, 50% to 130% of the horizontal width of the display 110, and preferably 80% to 100%. Keeping the width of the light-emitting unit 120 within this range improves the design and makes it easier to coordinate the display content of the display 110 with the light-emitting pattern of the light-emitting unit 120. For example, when a notification icon is displayed in the upper right corner of the display 110, the light-emitting area 122 closest to this icon can be lit up.

[0018] The light-emitting unit 120 may be incorporated into the same housing as the display 110. In this case, the display 110 and the light-emitting unit 120 may be incorporated into the vehicle, or may be a portable device that can be brought into the vehicle, such as a tablet terminal or a so-called smartphone.

[0019] Furthermore, the light emitting unit 120 may be externally attached to a structure facing the passenger space of the vehicle, such as a dashboard, or may be externally attached to a device having the display 110 .

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the light-emitting unit 120. In the first embodiment, the light-emitting unit 120 has a configuration in which multiple light-emitting regions 122 are arranged in a row. The light-emitting unit 120 may also have a configuration in which the light-emitting regions 122 are arranged in multiple columns, for example, n rows and m columns (n≧3 and m≧2). Here, m indicates the number of light-emitting regions 122 in the horizontal direction (vehicle width direction), and n indicates the number of light-emitting regions 122 in the vehicle height direction. The multiple light-emitting regions 122 may be spaced apart from each other, or may be continuously arranged without any spacing between them. When the multiple light-emitting regions 122 are spaced apart from each other, the gap between adjacent light-emitting regions 122 is, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less. Furthermore, the light-emitting regions 122 include light-emitting elements such as LEDs.

[0021] The light-emitting unit 120 emits light in response to a predetermined state of the vehicle. The "predetermined state of the vehicle" refers to a state related to the vehicle and also refers to a predetermined vehicle situation. The "predetermined state of the vehicle" includes, for example, a state in which the vehicle is approaching a right / left turn (or U-turn) point in navigation route guidance, a state in which the vehicle should make a right / left turn (or U-turn), a state in which the vehicle should proceed straight, a state in which another vehicle is rapidly approaching the vehicle, a state in which an object is present near the vehicle, a state in which the vehicle is rapidly decelerating (rapidly accelerating), a state in which the vehicle is parked (stopped), a state in which some kind of abnormality has occurred in the vehicle, and a steady state in which no information to be notified to the vehicle occupants is present. The steady state refers to a state in which the light is constantly emitting light when no information to be notified to the vehicle occupants is present, including a state in which the light is emitting light in conjunction with playback information such as music.

[0022] (Light Emitting Pattern) The light emitting unit 120 emits light in a light emitting pattern corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined vehicle states. The light emitting pattern refers to the type of light emitted by the light emitting unit 120. The light emitting pattern includes light emitting aspects such as the light emitting color, light emitting intensity, and method of selecting the light emitting areas 122 to be illuminated (the length, position, and movement of the light emitting bar 124 described below) of the light emitting unit 120. For example, the control unit 130 controls the length, position, and movement of the light emitting bar 124 described below by selecting the light emitting areas 122 to be illuminated. The control unit 130 controls at least one of the light emitting intensity, light emitting color, and method of selecting the light emitting areas 122 to be illuminated for the plurality of light emitting areas 122.

[0023] In the first embodiment, the light emission patterns include a first light emission pattern and a second light emission pattern. The first light emission pattern is a light emission pattern corresponding to a first state among predetermined states. The first state is a specific vehicle state (turning right or left, approaching quickly, etc.) and is included in the predetermined states. The second light emission pattern is a light emission pattern corresponding to a second state among the predetermined states. The second light emission pattern is a light emission pattern different from the first light emission pattern and is a light emission pattern that follows the first light emission pattern. The second state is a state different from the first state and is a predetermined state that follows the first state.

[0024] (First Example of Light Emitting Pattern) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of a light emitting pattern according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the light emitting pattern has a pattern when the vehicle approaches a point where it should change its direction of travel. The point where the vehicle should change its direction of travel is, for example, an intersection where it should turn right or left, or a point where it should make a U-turn. The example shown in FIG. 3 is a light emitting pattern that suggests that the vehicle is approaching a point where it should turn right.

[0025] 3 , light emitting region 122 includes light emitting region 122a that does not emit light and light emitting region 122b that emits light. Control unit 130 controls the plurality of light emitting regions 122 in accordance with the distance between the vehicle and the point. For example, control unit 130 reduces the number of light emitting regions 122b that emit light (increases the number of light emitting regions 122a that do not emit light) as the distance between the vehicle and the point becomes shorter.

[0026] For example, the control unit 130 controls the plurality of light-emitting areas 122 to cause the light-emitting unit 120 to display a light-emitting bar 124, and shortens the light-emitting bar 124 as the distance between the vehicle and the point becomes shorter. In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 3, if the point is an intersection where a right turn is required or a point where a U-turn is required to the right, the light-emitting bar 124 is shortened from the left side. On the other hand, if the point is an intersection where a left turn is required or a point where a U-turn is required to the left, the light-emitting bar 124 is shortened from the right side. This is the reverse of the pattern shown in Figure 3.

[0027] (Second Example of Light Emitting Pattern) Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of a light emitting pattern according to the first embodiment. The example shown in Fig. 4 shows a light emitting pattern when a vehicle approaches an intersection where it should change direction to the right and turns right.

[0028] For example, the control unit 130 provides a light-emitting bar 124 by illuminating a portion of the plurality of light-emitting regions 122, and controls the plurality of light-emitting regions 122 so that the light-emitting bar 124 moves laterally (in the width direction of the vehicle). In this case, the control unit 130 controls the movement direction of the light-emitting bar 124 based on the direction in which the vehicle is turning. For example, in the case of an intersection where a right turn is required, the control unit 130 moves the light-emitting bar 124 from left to right. In the case of an intersection where a left turn is required, the control unit 130 moves the light-emitting bar 124 from right to left.

[0029] The control unit 130 displays, for example, only one light-emitting bar 124. However, this number is not limited to one and there may be multiple light-emitting bars 124. When there are multiple light-emitting bars 124, the control unit 130 may start displaying the tip of the next light-emitting bar 124 at the other end of the light-emitting unit 120 just before a certain light-emitting bar 124 finishes moving, i.e., while the rear end of the light-emitting bar 124 remains at one end of the light-emitting unit 120.

[0030] The apparent movement speed of the light emitting bar 124 is preferably constant, so that the vehicle occupants can correctly recognize the direction of movement regardless of when they look at the light emitting portion.

[0031] Then, when the light-emitting bar 124 reaches the end of the light-emitting unit 120, the control unit 130 turns off the entire light-emitting unit 120 for a predetermined time (t1 [s]), and then forms the light-emitting bar 124 again and moves the light-emitting bar 124. The control unit 130 repeats this control. The length of this turn-off time t1 [s] is shorter than the length of time t2 [s] that the light-emitting bar 124 is displayed, and is, for example, 0.3 to 0.7 times t2 [s]. Here, it is not necessary to turn off the entire light-emitting unit 120 at once. However, turning off the light in this way makes it easier for the passenger to distinguish the current light-emitting pattern from other light-emitting patterns.

[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the length of the light-emitting bar 124 does not change while the light-emitting bar 124 is moving without overlapping the edge of the light-emitting unit 120. However, the length of the light-emitting bar 124 may change in conjunction with the movement of the light-emitting bar 124. Specifically, when moving the light-emitting bar 124 from left to right, the control unit 130 may gradually increase the number of emitting light-emitting regions 122 so that the light-emitting bar 124 lengthens from the left end of the light-emitting unit 120. After the light-emitting bar 124 reaches the specified length (the first state in FIG. 4 ), the control unit 130 may move the light-emitting bar 124 away from the left end. Then, after the light-emitting bar 124 reaches the right end of the light-emitting unit 120 (the third state in FIG. 4 ), the control unit 130 may gradually reduce the number of emitting light-emitting regions 122, shortening the length toward the right end of the light-emitting unit 120, and finally turn off the entire light-emitting unit 120 (the fourth state in FIG. 4 ). This makes it easier for the passenger to recognize the movement of the light-emitting bar 124. The length of the light-emitting bar 124 (e.g., the number of light-emitting regions 122 that make up the light-emitting bar 124) is, for example, 20% to 70% of the length of the light-emitting section 120 (e.g., the number of 122 that make up the light-emitting section 120), preferably 25% to 35%, but is not limited to these.

[0033] (Boundary light emission pattern) The boundary light emission pattern is a light emission pattern that is different from the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern. The boundary light emission pattern is a light emission pattern that is not related to a predetermined state of the vehicle. The boundary light emission pattern is a light emission pattern that does not correspond to a predetermined state. In the first embodiment, the boundary light emission pattern is used at the boundary between the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern. The boundary light emission pattern serves to clarify the boundary between the light emission patterns. The light emission mode of the boundary light emission pattern can be set in advance by the user.

[0034] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a boundary light emission pattern according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the boundary light emission pattern is a light emission pattern in which all of the plurality of light emission areas 122 are lit. As another example, the boundary light emission pattern may include at least one of all of the plurality of light emission areas 122 being turned off, all of the plurality of light emission areas 122 continuously blinking, and all of the plurality of light emission areas 122 emitting a specific color.

[0035] As yet another example, the boundary light emission pattern may include at least one of at least some of the plurality of light emitting areas 122 being turned off, at least some of the plurality of light emitting areas 122 being turned on, at least some of the plurality of light emitting areas 122 continuously blinking, and at least some of the plurality of light emitting areas 122 emitting a particular color. When the boundary light emission pattern is at least some of the plurality of light emitting areas 122 being turned on, the boundary light emission pattern may include, for example, approximately 80% of the plurality of light emitting areas 122 being turned on.

[0036] The control unit 130 controls the light-emitting unit 120 to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern between the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern. In the first embodiment, the control unit 130 may control the light-emitting unit 120 to insert the boundary light-emitting pattern when the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 120 corresponding to the first light-emitting pattern and the light-emitting color corresponding to the second light-emitting pattern are similar colors.

[0037] The control unit 130 may also determine whether the colors are similar using color information defined based on a color representation method using multiple colors. The color information defined based on a color representation method using multiple colors includes color information represented by RGB (red, green, blue) and color information represented by CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, key plate (black, etc.)). When determining whether the colors are similar using color information represented by RGB (red, green, blue), the control unit 130 may determine that the colors are similar when the RGB values ​​are within a predetermined reference value.

[0038] Furthermore, the light-emitting device 10 can be set to color vision modes corresponding to monochromatic, dichromatic, and trichromatic color vision. Trichromatic color vision is a type of color vision in which a person can distinguish between three primary colors (red, green, and blue). Dichromatic color vision is a type of color vision in which a person can barely distinguish between one of the three primary colors. Monochromatic color vision is what is known as total color blindness, a state in which a person has no sense of color at all, and everything appears gray, as in a monochrome photograph.

[0039] In the first embodiment, the control unit 130 may determine whether the colors are similar for each of the above color vision modes.

[0040] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 130. The control unit 130 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0041] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0042] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0043] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0044] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by removable media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a memory card, or a read-only memory (ROM), and has a recording medium. This recording medium stores program modules that realize each function of the control unit 130. The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module.

[0045] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the control unit 130 to various input / output devices. For example, the control unit 130 communicates with the light-emitting unit 120 via the input / output interface 1050.

[0046] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the control unit 130 to a network. This network is, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). The network interface 1060 may be connected to the network wirelessly or by wire.

[0047] (Operation Example of First Embodiment) Fig. 7 is a flow diagram showing an example of control by the control unit 130 according to the first embodiment. An example of control of the light-emitting unit 120 by the control unit 130 will be described using Fig. 7. In Fig. 7, it is assumed that the driver is traveling straight on a road and then turns right at an intersection.

[0048] In step S100, the control unit 130 acquires a predetermined current state of the vehicle as a first state. In the first embodiment, the driver is traveling straight on a road, and there is no information to be notified to the passenger (driver) (= a steady state). In this case, the control unit 130 acquires the steady state as the first state.

[0049] Next, in step S200, control unit 130 controls light-emitting unit 120 to emit light in a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state (steady state).

[0050] 8 is a diagram illustrating control of the light-emitting unit 120 according to an operation example of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the first light-emitting pattern A corresponding to the first state (steady state) is a light-emitting pattern in which all of the light-emitting areas 122 of the light-emitting unit 120 are lit. The light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 120 corresponding to the steady state can be set in advance by the user.

[0051] Returning to FIG. 7 , in step S300, the control unit 130 determines whether the vehicle's predetermined state has become the second state. The second state is a vehicle state different from the first state and is a predetermined state of the vehicle that follows the first state. If the vehicle does not become the second state and remains in the first state (a steady state in the first embodiment) (NO in step S300), the process of step S300 is repeated. For example, if an intersection where a right turn should be made is approaching and the vehicle's predetermined state has become the second state (a state where the point where a right turn should be made is approaching), the control unit 130 determines that the vehicle's predetermined state has become the second state (YES in step S300) and proceeds to step S400.

[0052] In step S400, the control unit 130 determines whether the light emission color of the light emission pattern corresponding to the steady state (the first light emission pattern corresponding to the first state) and the light emission color of the second light emission pattern corresponding to the second state (a state in which a right turn point is approaching) are similar colors. In the first embodiment, for example, if the RGB values ​​of the light emission color of the first light emission pattern corresponding to the first state (steady state) and the RGB values ​​of the light emission color of the second light emission pattern corresponding to the second state are within a predetermined range, the control unit 130 may determine that the colors are similar. If the light emission color corresponding to the first state and the light emission color corresponding to the second state are similar colors (YES in step S400), the process proceeds to step S500.

[0053] In step S500, the control unit 130 inserts boundary light emission pattern B as shown in FIG. 8 , and then controls the light emitter 120 to emit light in second light emission pattern C. Similar to FIG. 3 , second light emission pattern C is a light emission pattern that indicates that the vehicle is approaching a right turn point. In the first embodiment, boundary light emission pattern B is a light emission pattern in which all of the multiple light-emitting areas 122 are lit, similar to FIG. 5 . Note that in the first embodiment, the light emission color of boundary light emission pattern B is different from the light emission colors of first light emission pattern A and second light emission pattern C. This makes it easier for passengers to distinguish between boundary light emission pattern B and first light emission pattern A and second light emission pattern C.

[0054] As shown in Figure 8, when the vehicle is in a steady state (first state), the light emitting unit 120 emits light in the first light emitting pattern A corresponding to the first state (steady state), and when the light emitting color of the second light emitting pattern C corresponding to the second state is similar to the light emitting color of the first light emitting pattern A, the boundary light emitting pattern B is inserted (for example, for 0.5 [s]), and then the second light emitting pattern C is used.

[0055] 7 , if the light emission color of the second light emission pattern corresponding to the second state is not a similar color (NO in step S400), the process proceeds to step S600. In step S600, the control unit 130 controls the light emission unit 120 to emit light in the second light emission pattern C without inserting the boundary light emission pattern B as in Fig. 8. That is, in step S600, light is emitted continuously in the order of the first light emission pattern A and the second light emission pattern C.

[0056] As described above, the light-emitting device 10 according to the first embodiment includes a light-emitting unit 120 and a control unit 130. The control unit 130 controls the light-emitting unit 120 to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern between a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state among predetermined states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state among predetermined states. By inserting the boundary light-emitting pattern between the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern, the boundary between the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern becomes clear. This makes it easier for passengers (particularly the driver) to recognize that the first light-emitting pattern has been switched to the second light-emitting pattern. This makes it easier for passengers to recognize that the vehicle's state has changed. Therefore, the vehicle's status can be effectively communicated to the passengers.

[0057] Furthermore, the light color of the boundary light emitting pattern may be different from the light colors of the first light emitting pattern and the second light emitting pattern, which makes the boundary between the first light emitting pattern and the second light emitting pattern clearer, making it easier for passengers (particularly the driver) to recognize that the light emitting pattern has switched from the first light emitting pattern to the second light emitting pattern.

[0058] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the occupant can set the light color of the light-emitting unit 120 corresponding to the steady state. Therefore, the occupant can arbitrarily (preferably) set the light color of the light-emitting unit 120 in the steady state. However, when switching from the steady state (first state) to the second state, if the light color of the light-emitting unit 120 in the second light-emitting pattern corresponding to the second state is similar to the light color of the light-emitting unit 120 in the steady state, it is difficult for the occupant to recognize that the steady state has been switched to the second state.

[0059] However, the control unit 130 according to the first embodiment controls the light-emitting unit 120 to include a boundary light-emitting pattern when the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 120 corresponding to the steady state (first state) and the light-emitting color corresponding to the second state are similar colors. This makes the boundary between the first light-emitting pattern (steady state) and the second light-emitting pattern (second state) clear. In this way, even if the occupant can freely set the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 120 corresponding to the steady state, the occupant can easily recognize that the steady state (first state) has been switched to the second state.

[0060] Furthermore, the light emitting device 10 can be set to a color vision mode corresponding to each of monochromatic, dichromatic, and trichromatic color vision, and the control unit 130 may determine whether the colors are similar for each color vision mode.

[0061] For example, a person with deutan-color vision who is deutan-color blind has difficulty distinguishing between red and green, or between yellow-green and yellow (they appear to be similar colors). Therefore, in the dichromat mode, if the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 120 in the first light-emitting pattern is red and the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 120 in the second light-emitting pattern is green, the control unit 130 may determine that the respective light-emitting colors are similar colors (in the normal mode, the control unit 130 does not determine that the colors are similar colors). Furthermore, if the control unit 130 determines that the colors are similar, it may control the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit 120 in the second light-emitting pattern to be changed, for example, from green to yellow, to a color that is easier for a person with deutan-color vision to distinguish. This allows even a passenger with color-blindness to easily recognize the difference in the light-emitting colors of the light-emitting unit 120.

[0062] <Second embodiment> (Operation example of second embodiment) Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the control of the light-emitting unit 120 according to an operation example of the second embodiment. The functional configuration of the light-emitting device 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as that shown in Fig. 1. The operation example of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the flow after step S300. In the second embodiment, a priority order is set in advance for the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a portion of the control of the light-emitting unit 120 according to an exemplary operation of the second embodiment. In the example of FIG. 10 , a case will be described in which a driver is approaching a right-turn point when another vehicle approaches from the rear right side. Similar to the second light-emitting pattern C according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 8 ), the first light-emitting pattern D in FIG. 10 is a light-emitting pattern indicating an approaching right-turn point, but the light-emitting pattern is cut off midway. The second light-emitting pattern E in FIG. 10 is a light-emitting pattern in which multiple light-emitting regions 122 at the right end of the light-emitting unit 120 emit red light, for example, indicating a warning. The second light-emitting pattern E is a light-emitting pattern used when another vehicle is approaching from the rear right side of the vehicle in the traveling direction. In this case, for example, the priority of the second light-emitting pattern E is set higher than the priority of the first light-emitting pattern D.

[0064] Returning to FIG. 9 , in step S401 after step S300, the control unit 130 determines whether the priority of the second light emission pattern E is equal to or lower than the priority of the first light emission pattern D. As described above, if the priority of the second light emission pattern E in the second embodiment is set higher than the priority of the first light emission pattern D (NO in step S401), the process proceeds to step S601. Then, in step S601, the control unit 130 controls the light emission unit 120 so as not to insert a boundary light emission pattern. As shown in FIG. 10 , no boundary light emission pattern is inserted between the first light emission pattern D and the second light emission pattern E. In this way, when a light emission pattern with a higher priority than the first light emission pattern follows the first light emission pattern, the boundary light emission pattern can be omitted to immediately notify the driver of a predetermined condition with a higher priority (urgent).

[0065] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another part of the control of the light-emitting unit 120 according to an operation example of the second embodiment. The operation example of FIG. 11 is the same as the operation example of FIG. 10 , but the parts defining the first and second light-emitting patterns are different. The first light-emitting pattern F of FIG. 11 , like the second light-emitting pattern E of FIG. 10 , is a light-emitting pattern used when another vehicle is approaching from the rear right side of the vehicle's traveling direction. The second light-emitting pattern H of FIG. 11 is a light-emitting pattern indicating that the vehicle is approaching a right-turn point. Note that the second light-emitting pattern H may be a continuation of the first light-emitting pattern D of FIG. 10 . In this case, the priority of the second light-emitting pattern H is set lower than the priority of the first light-emitting pattern F.

[0066] 9 , if it is determined in step S401 whether the first light emission pattern F and the second light emission pattern H shown in Fig. 11 have the same or lower priority, as described above, the priority of the second light emission pattern H in the second embodiment is lower than the priority of the first light emission pattern F, and therefore the process proceeds to step S501. Then, in step S501, the control unit 130 controls the light emission unit 120 to insert a boundary light emission pattern G as shown in Fig. 11. In this way, when a light emission pattern with a lower priority than the first light emission pattern follows the first light emission pattern, inserting the boundary light emission pattern makes it possible to clarify the boundary between the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern while taking into consideration importance (urgency).

[0067] <Third embodiment> (Operation example of third embodiment) Fig. 12 is a flow diagram showing the processing of the light emitting device 10 according to the third embodiment. The functional configuration of the light emitting device 10 according to the third embodiment is the same as that shown in Fig. 1. In the operation example of the third embodiment, the flow after step S300 is also different from that of the first embodiment.

[0068] The control unit 130 according to the third embodiment controls the light-emitting unit 120 to include a boundary light-emitting pattern when the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern have something in common. The phrase "the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern have something in common" refers to cases where the light-emitting aspects of the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern, such as the light-emitting color, light-emitting intensity, and the method of selecting the light-emitting area 122 to be illuminated, are the same, of the same type, or similar. Examples of light-emitting patterns that have something in common (the same type, similar) include a light-emitting pattern in which the light-emitting bar 124 moves toward the right end of the light-emitting unit 120 (turning right) and a light-emitting pattern in which the light-emitting bar 124 moves toward the left end of the light-emitting unit 120 (turning left). Other examples include a light-emitting pattern in which only the right side of the light-emitting unit 120 lights up (a vehicle approaching from the rear on the right) and a light-emitting pattern in which only the left side of the light-emitting unit 120 lights up (a vehicle approaching from the rear on the left).

[0069] In step S402 after step S300, the control unit 130 determines whether the first light emitting pattern and the second light emitting pattern have commonality.

[0070] If the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern have commonality (YES in step S402), the process proceeds to step S502. Then, in step S502, the control unit 130 controls the light-emitting unit 120 to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern between the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern.

[0071] If the first light emitting pattern and the second light emitting pattern do not have any commonality (NO in step S402), the process proceeds to step S602. Then, in step S602, the control unit 130 controls the light emitting unit 120 so that the boundary light emitting pattern is not included.

[0072] As described above, the control unit 130 according to the third embodiment determines whether to insert a boundary light emission pattern depending on whether the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern have something in common. As a result, when switching to a light emission pattern with a similar light emission mode, the boundary light emission pattern is inserted, making it easier for the occupants to recognize that the light emission pattern has been switched, i.e., that the vehicle state has been switched.

[0073] <Fourth embodiment> Fig. 13 is a flow diagram showing the processing of the light emitting device 10 according to the fourth embodiment. The functional configuration of the light emitting device 10 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of Fig. 1. In the operational example of the fourth embodiment, the flow after step S400 also differs from that of the first embodiment. The light emitting unit 120 according to the fourth embodiment emits light in an emission color corresponding to each pattern in a first emission pattern corresponding to a first state among the predetermined states and a second emission pattern corresponding to a second state among the predetermined states. The light emitting unit 120 according to the fourth embodiment does not emit light in a boundary emission pattern like that of the first embodiment.

[0074] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the control of the light-emitting unit 120 according to an operation example of the fourth embodiment. The example of Fig. 14 shows a state in which a vehicle traveling straight on a road is approaching an intersection at which it should turn right. The first light-emitting pattern I in the first state is the light-emitting pattern in a steady state, and the second light-emitting pattern J in the second state is the light-emitting pattern when the vehicle is approaching an intersection at which it should turn right.

[0075] Returning to FIG. 13, in step S400, control unit 130 determines whether the emitted color in the first light emission pattern and the emitted color in the second light emission pattern are similar colors.

[0076] If the emitted color in the first emission pattern and the emitted color in the second emission pattern are similar colors (YES in step S400), the process proceeds to step S503, where control unit 130 controls light-emitting unit 120 to make the emitted color in the first emission pattern different from the emitted color in the second emission pattern. For example, if the emitted color in first emission pattern I shown in Fig. 14 is green and the emitted color in second emission pattern J is also green, control unit 130 may change the emitted color in second emission pattern J to blue and cause light-emitting unit 120 to emit light.

[0077] Note that the control unit 130 may change either the light emitting color corresponding to the first light emitting pattern or the light emitting color corresponding to the second light emitting pattern. For example, a case will be described in which a vehicle is traveling straight along a road, approaches an intersection where it should turn right, and then turns right at the intersection. Since the navigation device can predict that the vehicle will approach an intersection where it should turn right and that it will then turn right at the intersection, if the light emitting color of the first light emitting pattern when the vehicle is approaching the intersection where it should turn right and the second light emitting pattern when the vehicle is turning right at the intersection are similar colors, the light emitting color of the first light emitting pattern when the vehicle is approaching the intersection where it should turn right may be changed in advance.

[0078] Returning to Figure 13, if the light color in the first light emission pattern and the light color in the second light emission pattern are not similar colors (NO in step S400), proceed to step S603, and control unit 130 does not change either the light color in the first light emission pattern or the light color in the second light emission pattern.

[0079] As described above, when the light emission color in the first light emission pattern and the light emission color in the second light emission pattern are similar colors, the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment controls the light emission unit 120 to make the light emission color in the first light emission pattern different from the light emission color in the second light emission pattern. This makes it easier for the passenger to recognize that the light emission pattern has been switched to the second light emission pattern, thereby enabling the passenger to effectively recognize that the vehicle situation has changed.

[0080] Furthermore, at least one of the light color in the first light emission pattern and the light color in the second light emission pattern may be preset. Also, the first state may be a steady state, and the light color in the first light emission pattern corresponding to the steady state may be preset. This allows the color preferred by the passenger to be reflected, improving driving comfort.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may determine whether the colors are similar by using color information (e.g., RGB) defined based on a color representation method that uses multiple colors, as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, when the emitted colors in the first emission pattern and the second emission pattern are similar colors, the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may control the light-emitting unit 120 so that the emitted colors in the first emission pattern and the second emission pattern are different colors within a range of similar colors.

[0082] "Different colors within a similar color range" refers to, for example, colors whose RGB values ​​are within a predetermined range. For example, if the luminous color in the first light-emitting pattern and the luminous color in the second light-emitting pattern are green (i.e., if both are similar colors), the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may change the luminous color in the second light-emitting pattern to a light green whose RGB values ​​are within a predetermined range. This makes it easier to recognize that the occupant has switched from the first light-emitting pattern to the second light-emitting pattern while maintaining the occupant's preferences.

[0083] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, when the light emission color in the first light emission pattern and the light emission color in the second light emission pattern are similar colors, the control unit 130 may control the light emission unit 120 so that the light emission color in the first light emission pattern and the light emission color in the second light emission pattern are different colors outside the range of similar colors.

[0084] "Another color outside the range of similar colors" refers to, for example, a color whose RGB values ​​are outside a predetermined range. For example, if the emitted color in the first emission pattern and the emitted color in the second emission pattern are green (i.e., if both are similar colors), the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may change the emitted color in the second emission pattern to blue, whose RGB values ​​are outside the predetermined range. This makes it easier to recognize that the first emission pattern has been switched to the second emission pattern.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may determine whether the colors are similar for each color vision mode. Furthermore, when the emitted color in the first light-emitting pattern and the emitted color in the second light-emitting pattern are similar, the control unit 130 according to the fourth embodiment may control the light-emitting unit 120 so that the emitted color in the first light-emitting pattern and the emitted color in the second light-emitting pattern are different for each color vision mode. This makes it easier for even a passenger with color-blindness to recognize the difference in the emitted colors of the light-emitting unit 120.

[0086] Fifth Embodiment Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of control of a light-emitting unit 120 according to a fifth embodiment. The functional configuration of the light-emitting device 10 according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of Fig. 1. Priorities are set for the light-emitting patterns according to the fifth embodiment. Then, when predetermined states are realized simultaneously, the control unit 130 according to the fifth embodiment controls the light-emitting unit 120 according to the priorities. In other words, "simultaneously" here refers to the occurrence of another predetermined state within the time range from the start to the end of a light-emitting pattern corresponding to a certain predetermined state.

[0087] 15 shows an example of a lighting pattern when a vehicle is approaching a right turn point at an intersection and another vehicle approaches from the right rear of the vehicle in the traveling direction. Note that the priority of the lighting pattern when approaching a right turn point is lower than the priority of the lighting pattern when another vehicle is approaching from the right rear of the vehicle in the traveling direction.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 15 , when the vehicle is approaching a right turn point at an intersection (predetermined state), the light emitting unit 120 emits light in the first light emitting pattern K. When another vehicle is approaching from the right rear of the vehicle in the traveling direction (predetermined state), the light emitting unit 120 emits light in the second light emitting pattern L. When the above-mentioned predetermined states are realized simultaneously, the control unit 130 controls the light emitting unit 120 in accordance with the priority order. Specifically, for example, while the light emitting unit 120 is emitting light in the first light emitting pattern K, the control unit 130 changes the light emitting pattern by inserting the second light emitting pattern L, which has a higher priority than the priority order of the first light emitting pattern K. This allows the occupants to be immediately notified of a predetermined state of high importance or urgency.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit 130 according to the fifth embodiment may, as in the first embodiment, control the light-emitting unit 120 to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern between a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state among the specified states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state among the specified states.

[0090] Furthermore, as in the second embodiment, the control unit 130 according to the fifth embodiment may control the light-emitting unit 120 so as not to include a boundary light-emitting pattern when the second light-emitting pattern, which has a higher priority than the first light-emitting pattern, is activated while the light-emitting unit 120 is emitting light in the first light-emitting pattern.

[0091] Furthermore, as in the second embodiment, the control unit 130 according to the fifth embodiment may control the light-emitting unit 120 to enter a boundary light-emitting pattern when the light-emitting unit 120 enters a second light-emitting pattern that is lower in priority than the first light-emitting pattern while the light-emitting unit 120 is emitting light in the first light-emitting pattern.

[0092] Furthermore, the control unit 130 according to the fifth embodiment may control the light emitting unit 120 to include a boundary light emitting pattern when the first light emitting pattern and the second light emitting pattern have commonality, as in the third embodiment.

[0093] Furthermore, the light emitting patterns according to the fifth embodiment may be set with a light emitting color for each priority order. In the fifth embodiment, a light emitting color may be determined for each vehicle function (steady state, route guidance, warning, etc.). A priority order may be set for each function. By setting a light emitting color for each priority order, for example, by setting the light emitting color of a light emitting pattern with a high priority order to red, the passenger can easily recognize the importance and urgency of the information.

[0094] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0095] The vehicle may be a car or a two-wheeled vehicle. The light emitting device 10 may be external to the vehicle (mounted on a motorcycle).

[0096] The light-emitting section 120 does not have to have a plurality of light-emitting regions 122. In other words, the light-emitting section 120 may have a configuration including one light-emitting region 122.

[0097] Examples of reference forms are given below. 1. A light-emitting device provided in a vehicle, comprising: a light-emitting unit that emits light in response to a predetermined state of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the light-emitting unit, wherein the control unit controls the light-emitting unit to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern different from the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern between a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state of the predetermined states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state of the predetermined states. 2. The light-emitting device described in 1., wherein the light-emitting unit includes a plurality of light-emitting regions, and the boundary light-emitting pattern includes at least one of at least some of the plurality of light-emitting regions being turned off, at least some of the plurality of light-emitting regions being turned on, at least some of the plurality of light-emitting regions continuously blinking, and at least some of the plurality of light-emitting regions emitting a specific color. 3. 2. 1. The light-emitting device described in , wherein the boundary light-emitting pattern includes at least one of all of the plurality of light-emitting regions being turned off, all of the plurality of light-emitting regions being turned on, all of the plurality of light-emitting regions continuously blinking, and all of the plurality of light-emitting regions emitting a specific color. 4. The light-emitting device described in any one of 1. to 3., wherein the light-emitting color of the boundary light-emitting pattern is different from the light-emitting colors of the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern. 5. The light-emitting device described in any one of 1. to 4., wherein the first state includes a steady state in which there is no information to be notified to the occupants of the vehicle, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit corresponding to the steady state is settable, and the control unit controls the light-emitting unit to include the boundary light-emitting pattern when the light-emitting color of the light-emitting unit corresponding to the steady state and the light-emitting color corresponding to the second state are similar colors. 6. The light-emitting device described in 5., wherein the control unit determines whether the colors are similar colors using color information defined based on a color expression method that expresses colors using multiple colors.7. A light-emitting device as set forth in 5. or 6., wherein the light-emitting device can be set to a color vision mode corresponding to each of monochromatic, dichromatic, and trichromatic color vision, and the control unit determines whether the colors are similar for each of the color vision modes. 8. A light-emitting device as set forth in any one of 1. to 7., wherein a priority order is set in advance for the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern, and the control unit controls the light-emitting unit to include the boundary light-emitting pattern when the priorities are equal or lower. 9. A light-emitting device as set forth in any one of 1. to 8., wherein a priority order is set in advance for the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern, and the control unit controls the light-emitting unit not to include the boundary light-emitting pattern when the priority order of the second light-emitting pattern is higher than the priority order of the first light-emitting pattern. 10. A light-emitting device as set forth in 1. to 9. 11. A light-emitting device according to any one of the above, wherein the control unit controls the light-emitting unit to include the boundary light-emitting pattern when the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern have something in common. 11. A control method for a light-emitting device provided in a vehicle, wherein the light-emitting device includes a light-emitting unit that emits light in accordance with a predetermined state of the vehicle, and a computer controls the light-emitting unit to include a boundary light-emitting pattern different from the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern between a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state of the predetermined states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state of the predetermined states. 12. A program for controlling a light-emitting device provided in a vehicle, wherein the program causes a computer to control the light-emitting unit to include a boundary light-emitting pattern different from the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern between a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state of the predetermined states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state of the predetermined states.

[0098] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Light emitting device 110 Display 120 Light emitting section 122 Light emitting area 124 Light emitting bar 130 Control section

Claims

1. A light-emitting device provided in a vehicle, comprising: a light-emitting unit that emits light in response to a predetermined state of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the light-emitting unit, wherein the control unit controls the light-emitting unit to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern different from the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern between a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state of the predetermined states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state of the predetermined states.

2. A light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting section includes a plurality of light-emitting regions, and the boundary light-emitting pattern includes at least one of at least a portion of the plurality of light-emitting regions being turned off, at least a portion of the plurality of light-emitting regions being turned on, at least a portion of the plurality of light-emitting regions continuously blinking, and at least a portion of the plurality of light-emitting regions emitting a specific color.

3. A light-emitting device according to claim 2, wherein the boundary light-emitting pattern includes at least one of all of the plurality of light-emitting areas being turned off, all of the plurality of light-emitting areas being turned on, all of the plurality of light-emitting areas continuously blinking, and all of the plurality of light-emitting areas emitting a specific color.

4. A light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light emitting color of the boundary light emitting pattern is different from the light emitting colors of the first light emitting pattern and the second light emitting pattern.

5. A light-emitting device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first state includes a steady state in which there is no information to be notified to occupants of the vehicle, the light emission colour of the light-emitting unit corresponding to the steady state is configurable, and the control unit controls the light-emitting unit to include the boundary light emission pattern when the light emission colour of the light-emitting unit corresponding to the steady state and the light emission colour corresponding to the second state are similar colours.

6. A light-emitting device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit judges whether the colors are similar or not by using color information defined based on a color expression method in which a plurality of colors are used.

7. A light-emitting device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the light-emitting device can be set to a colour vision mode corresponding to each of monochromatic, dichromatic and trichromatic colour vision, and the control unit determines whether or not the colours are similar for each of the colour vision modes.

8. A light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a priority order is set in advance for the first light emitting pattern and the second light emitting pattern, and the control unit controls the light emitting unit to include the boundary light emitting pattern when the priority orders are equal or lower.

9. A light-emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a priority order is set in advance for the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern, and the control unit controls the light-emitting unit so as not to include the boundary light-emitting pattern when the priority order of the second light-emitting pattern is higher than the priority order of the first light-emitting pattern.

10. A light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit controls the light emitting unit to include the boundary light emitting pattern when the first light emitting pattern and the second light emitting pattern have commonality.

11. A method for controlling a light-emitting device provided in a vehicle, the light-emitting device having a light-emitting unit that emits light in response to a predetermined state of the vehicle, and a computer controlling the light-emitting unit to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern different from the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern between a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state among the predetermined states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state among the predetermined states.

12. A program for controlling a light-emitting device provided in a vehicle, the light-emitting device having a light-emitting unit that emits light in response to a predetermined state of the vehicle, the program causing a computer to control the light-emitting unit to insert a boundary light-emitting pattern different from the first light-emitting pattern and the second light-emitting pattern between a first light-emitting pattern corresponding to a first state among the predetermined states and a second light-emitting pattern corresponding to a second state among the predetermined states.

Images