Vehicular lamp and control method for vehicular lamp

Abstract

A vehicular lamp comprises: a first high beam unit (20A) that is capable of forming a first high beam light distribution pattern or a part thereof, and drawing a first animation in space in front of the lamp; and a first actuator (30A) that is configured to switch the emission direction of the first high beam unit (20A). The first high beam unit (20A) is configured to form the first high beam light distribution pattern when oriented in a first emission direction by the first actuator (30A), and to draw the first animation in the space when oriented, by the first actuator (30A), in a second emission direction that is more downward than the first emission direction.

Description

Vehicle lighting fixture and vehicle lighting fixture control device

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp that can be mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, and also to a control device for such a vehicle lamp.

[0002] Conventionally, headlamps equipped with light sources capable of forming various desired light patterns, such as matrix LEDs, liquid crystal devices, and DMD (Digital Mirror Device) devices, have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Using these light sources, headlamps can not only illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle, but also draw images on the road surface.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-131922

[0004] The inventors have studied the above-mentioned headlamps and have come to recognize the following problems: In road markings using headlamps, only static letters or patterns are projected onto the road surface as messages to pedestrians.

[0005] The present invention has been made in light of these circumstances, and one exemplary purpose of one aspect thereof is to provide a vehicle lamp that renders animation in space, thereby creating a visual effect.

[0006] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle lamp that includes a first high beam unit that can form a first high beam distribution pattern and draw a first animation in the space in front of the lamp, and a first actuator that is configured to switch the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit. The first high beam unit is configured to form the first high beam distribution pattern when directed by the first actuator in a first irradiation direction, and to draw the first animation in the space when directed by the first actuator in a second irradiation direction that is downward compared to the first irradiation direction.

[0007] According to this aspect, a high beam unit used for emitting high beams can be used to render animations in space, thereby providing a visual effect for vehicle occupants or other viewers. Because the second illumination direction for rendering the animation is set downward relative to the first illumination direction for the high beams, the animation can be rendered closer to the vehicle and easier for viewers to see than with the high beams, which are irradiated farther away. Furthermore, since a single high beam unit combines the functions of both high beams and rendering animations, there is no need to add a dedicated unit for rendering animations, which is advantageous for reducing the size and cost of vehicle lamps.

[0008] The vehicle lamp may further include a second high beam unit capable of forming a second high beam distribution pattern and rendering a second animation in the space ahead of the lamp, and a second actuator configured to switch the illumination direction of the second high beam unit. The second high beam unit may be configured to form the second high beam distribution pattern when directed in the first illumination direction by the second actuator, and to render the second animation in the space ahead of the lamp by the second actuator. In this way, two high beam units can be used to provide a visual effect in a wider space.

[0009] The vehicle lamp may include a first lamp unit and a second lamp unit disposed at different positions on the vehicle, the first high beam unit and the first actuator being mounted on the first lamp unit, and the second high beam unit and the second actuator being mounted on the second lamp unit.

[0010] The second animation may include an animation in which an effect is applied to at least a portion of the first animation. For example, the second animation may include an animation in which at least a portion of the first animation is reversed. In this way, by creating the second animation based on the first animation and rendering these two animations in space, a greater variety of visual effects can be provided.

[0011] The first high beam unit may be configured to render the first animation in response to vehicle startup, thereby rendering the animation in space when the vehicle is started, providing a visual effect representing startup.

[0012] The first high beam unit may be configured to, when drawing the first animation in the first drawing range, reduce the visibility of an area outside the specific area in the first drawing range compared to the specific area, or to increase the visibility of the specific area compared to the area outside the specific area, thereby focusing the viewer's attention on the specific area.

[0013] The first high beam unit may be configured to form a road surface drawing pattern when directed by the first actuator in a third irradiation direction that is downward relative to the first irradiation direction, thereby providing not only animation drawing in space but also road surface drawing.

[0014] The vehicle lamp may further include a low beam unit that forms a low beam light distribution pattern, and a common support that supports both the first high beam unit and the low beam unit, and the first actuator may be configured to drive the common support to switch the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit.

[0015] The vehicle lamp may further include a low beam unit that forms a low beam light distribution pattern, and a support that supports the low beam unit and a first actuator. The first actuator may be configured to drive the first high beam unit relative to the support and the low beam unit to switch the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is a control device for a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam distribution pattern and drawing a first animation in a space in front of the lamp, and a first actuator configured to switch the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit. The control device is configured to operate the first high beam unit to form the first high beam distribution pattern when the first actuator is pointing the first high beam unit in a first irradiation direction, and to operate the first high beam unit to draw the first animation in a space when the first actuator is pointing the first high beam unit in a second irradiation direction that is downward compared to the first irradiation direction.

[0017] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a control device for a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam distribution pattern and rendering a first animation in the space in front of the lamp, and a second high beam unit capable of forming a second high beam distribution pattern and rendering a second animation in the space in front of the lamp. The control device is configured to operate the first high beam unit to render the first animation in the space, and to operate the second high beam unit to render the second animation in the space. The second animation includes an animation in which an effect is applied to at least a portion of the first animation.

[0018] According to this aspect, by creating a second animation based on a first animation and rendering these two animations in space, a greater variety of visual effects can be provided.

[0019] Any combination of the above components or mutual substitution of the components or expressions of the present invention between methods, devices, systems, computer programs, recording media, etc. are also valid aspects of the present invention.

[0020] According to the present invention, the vehicle lighting fixture can render animation in space, providing a visual effect.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment is attached to a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the first lamp unit of the vehicular lamp shown in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a vertical cross section of the second lamp unit of the vehicular lamp according to an embodiment. FIG. 5( a) and FIG. 5(b) are schematic views showing an exemplary light distribution pattern of a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment. FIG. 6( a) to FIG. 6(e) are schematic views showing an exemplary arrangement of a drawing range of an animation drawn by a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment. FIG. 7(a) to FIG. 7(e) are schematic views showing an example of an animation drawn by a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment. FIG. 8(a) and FIG. 8(b) are schematic views showing road surface drawing by a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment. FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b) are schematic perspective views showing a schematic configuration of a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment. FIG. 10(a) and FIG. 10(b) are schematic views showing an exemplary light distribution pattern of a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment.

[0022] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings based on preferred embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the invention, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention. Identical or equivalent components, parts, and processes shown in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted where appropriate. The scale and shape of each part shown in each drawing are set for convenience to facilitate explanation and should not be interpreted as limiting unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" used in this specification or claims do not indicate any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one configuration from another. Furthermore, some components that are not important for explaining the embodiments are omitted in each drawing.

[0023] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment is attached to a vehicle. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle lamp according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a first lamp unit of the vehicle lamp shown in Fig. 2 taken along line A-A according to the embodiment. Similarly, Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a vertical cross section of a second lamp unit of the vehicle lamp according to the embodiment.

[0024] The vehicle lamp 10 according to the embodiment is a vehicle headlamp device having a pair of lamp units 11A, 11B arranged on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle. The pair of lamp units 11A, 11B have a generally symmetrical structure and are substantially identical in configuration. Therefore, the following description will be given of the configuration of the first lamp unit 11A as a representative, and the second lamp unit 11B has a similar configuration, so its description will be omitted to avoid duplication.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first lamp unit 11A includes a lamp body 12 having a front opening 13 and a translucent cover 14 attached to the lamp body 12 so as to cover the front opening 13. The lamp body 12 and the translucent cover 14 form the housing of the first lamp unit 11A. Typically, the lamp body 12 is made of an appropriate material, such as a general-purpose resin material, and the translucent cover 14 is made of an appropriate translucent material, such as a translucent synthetic resin material or glass. Note that for ease of explanation, Figure 2 shows the translucent cover 14 removed from the lamp body 12 to clearly show the internal components of the first lamp unit 11A.

[0026] The first lamp unit 11A includes a low beam unit 18 and a first high beam unit 20A. The first lamp unit 11A also includes a common support 26 that supports both the low beam unit 18 and the first high beam unit 20A, and a first actuator 30A that is configured to switch the illumination direction of the first high beam unit 20A. These components of the first lamp unit 11A are disposed in a lamp chamber 16, which is the internal space of the lamp housing.

[0027] The low beam unit 18 is configured to form a low beam light distribution pattern (for example, the low beam light distribution pattern Lo shown in FIG. 5( a)). The low beam unit 18 includes a light source such as an LED and an optical system for projecting light from the light source ahead of the vehicle. The low beam unit 18 may employ any known optical configuration for forming a low beam light distribution pattern.

[0028] The first high beam unit 20A is configured to form a first high beam distribution pattern (e.g., the first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b)). The first high beam unit 20A is also configured to render a first animation in the space in front of the lamp, as will be described in detail later. The first high beam unit 20A is configured to form the first high beam distribution pattern when directed in a first irradiation direction by the first actuator 30A, and to render the first animation in the space when directed in a second irradiation direction that is downward relative to the first irradiation direction by the first actuator 30A.

[0029] The first high beam unit 20A includes a pattern generator 22 and a projection optical system 24. The pattern generator 22 and the projection optical system 24 are supported by a support 26 within the lamp chamber 16.

[0030] The pattern generator 22 includes a large number of pixels arranged two-dimensionally, each of which can be controlled independently. The pattern generator 22 can generate various light distribution patterns by individually controlling these pixels (e.g., by switching them on and off). For example, bright areas in the light distribution pattern are formed by on-pixels, and dark areas in the light distribution pattern are formed by off-pixels. To generate light distribution patterns with high resolution, the pattern generator 22 may have at least 1,000 pixels, or at least 10,000 pixels.

[0031] In this embodiment, the pattern generator 22 may be a device in which a large number of light-emitting elements (e.g., LEDs) are arranged in a matrix. In this case, each individual light-emitting element functions as a pixel. Such a high-definition device may also be referred to as a pixel light or a matrix LED. For example, the pattern generator 22 may be a matrix LED light source with 64 rows and 256 columns.

[0032] Alternatively, instead of such a self-luminous pattern generator 22, other types of pattern generators may be used, such as a combination of a light source and a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) device such as a micromirror device, or a liquid crystal display.

[0033] So-called adaptive driving beam (ADB) control, which dynamically and adaptively controls the high beam distribution pattern based on the conditions around the vehicle, may be applied to the pattern generator 22. As is known, ADB control detects preceding vehicles, such as a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, ahead of the vehicle, and forms a dark area in the high beam distribution pattern at a location corresponding to the preceding vehicle, thereby reducing or preventing glare that may be caused to the preceding vehicle.

[0034] The pattern generator 22 not only generates a high beam light distribution pattern but also enables animation drawing in the space in front of the lamp. An example of such an operation will be described later.

[0035] The projection optical system 24 is configured to project the light distribution pattern generated by the pattern generator 22 outside the vehicle lamp 10. The projection optical system 24 includes at least one optical member (for example, a lens or a reflector). Typically, as shown in the figure, the projection optical system 24 may include a projection lens that receives light from the pattern generator 22 and projects the light outside the vehicle lamp 10 through the light-transmitting cover 14. Note that the projection optical system 24 may be an inversion optical system that inverts and projects the light distribution pattern generated on the pattern generator 22.

[0036] The support 26 is supported by the lamp body 12 in the lamp chamber 16 so as to be tiltable relative to the lamp body 12. As an example, the support 26 may be a support member (e.g., a support bracket) having a plate-shaped portion arranged with one surface facing forward (toward the translucent cover 14) and the other surface facing backward (toward the lamp body 12). The support 26 may be formed of an appropriate material, such as a synthetic resin material or a metal material. The support 26 may function as a heat dissipation member for dissipating heat generated by the pattern generator 22, or such a heat dissipation member may be attached to the support 26.

[0037] As described above, the low beam unit 18 and the first high beam unit 20A are supported on the support 26. These may be fixed to the support 26. In this case, the relative positional relationship between the low beam unit 18 and the first high beam unit 20A on the support 26 remains unchanged.

[0038] Alternatively, for example, for initial adjustment work during manufacturing or maintenance, at least one of the low beam unit 18 and the first high beam unit 20A may be attached to the support 26 so that its position can be adjusted relative to the support 26. For example, the low beam unit 18 (or the first high beam unit 20A) may be mounted on the support 26 via an aiming adjustment mechanism such as an aiming screw.

[0039] The first actuator 30A is configured to drive the first high beam unit 20A to change its attitude. For example, the first actuator 30A may be a so-called leveling actuator that drives the first high beam unit 20A to change its attitude in the vertical direction. A drive shaft of the first actuator 30A is connected to the support 26, thereby enabling the first actuator 30A to drive the support 26. The first actuator 30A may be disposed within the lamp chamber 16 on the lamp body 12 side of the first high beam unit 20A (e.g., below or behind the first lamp unit 11A). The support structure for the first actuator 30A and the support 26 to the lamp body 12 can employ various known configurations as appropriate, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0040] The direction of illumination of first high beam unit 20A can be changed by operating first actuator 30A to change the attitude (angle) of first high beam unit 20A relative to lamp body 12. In other words, the direction of light irradiated from vehicle lamp 10 to the outside can be set to a desired direction.

[0041] Because support 26 supports not only first high beam unit 20A but also low beam unit 18, first actuator 30A can drive low beam unit 18 and first high beam unit 20A together (i.e., while maintaining the relative positional relationship between low beam unit 18 and first high beam unit 20A). First actuator 30A can change the irradiation direction of not only first high beam unit 20A but also low beam unit 18.

[0042] For example, the first lamp unit 11A can switch between a first irradiation direction, which is normally used to emit a low-beam light distribution pattern and a first high-beam light distribution pattern, and a second irradiation direction, which is directed downward relative to the first irradiation direction. As schematically shown by arrow 28 in Figure 2, the first actuator 30A can drive the support 26 to switch between the first irradiation direction and the second irradiation direction. The second irradiation direction is used by the first high-beam unit 20A to draw animation in the space ahead of the lamp.

[0043] 3, the first high beam unit 20A includes a light distribution control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 36 that controls the pattern generator 22. The light distribution control ECU 36 may be attached to the bracket 26. The first lamp unit 11A also includes a lamp ECU 38 that controls the first lamp unit 11A. The lamp ECU 38 may be attached to the lamp body 12. The ECU can be implemented as a combination of a processor (hardware) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcomputer, and a software program executed by the processor (hardware).

[0044] The light distribution control ECU 36 includes a processor 36a and a memory 36b. The processor 36a is configured to receive a command signal from the lamp ECU 38, determine a light distribution pattern to be generated based on the command signal, and generate the determined light distribution pattern on the pattern generator 22. The control function of the pattern generator 22 by the processor 36a is implemented in the processor 36a by the processor 36a executing a software program for light distribution control stored in the memory 36b. The memory 36b may include a non-volatile memory and / or a volatile memory. In addition to the software program, the memory 36b stores data required for the operation of the lamp ECU 38 and the execution of the software program, and data generated by the execution of the software program.

[0045] The lamp ECU 38 acquires vehicle information required to control the vehicle lamp 10 from a higher-level controller, and controls the first lamp unit 11A based on this information. This higher-level controller is an ECU that is disposed outside the vehicle lamp 10 and performs overall control of the entire vehicle or a part of it, and may also be referred to as a vehicle ECU 39. The lamp ECU 38 can communicate with the vehicle ECU 39 via an in-vehicle network that complies with a network protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network), or any other appropriate communication network, and can receive vehicle information from the vehicle ECU via such a network.

[0046] For example, the lamp ECU 38 may control the operation (e.g., on / off, light intensity, etc.) of the low beam unit 18 based on the vehicle information. The lamp ECU 38 may control the operation (e.g., on / off, light distribution pattern, etc.) of the first high beam unit 20A based on the vehicle information. The lamp ECU 38 may generate the above-mentioned command signal based on the vehicle information and send it to the light distribution control ECU 36. The lamp ECU 38 may control the operation of the first actuator 30A (e.g., switching from the first irradiation direction to the second irradiation direction or switching from the second irradiation direction to the first irradiation direction) based on the vehicle information.

[0047] Similarly, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the second lamp unit 11B includes a low beam unit 18 and a second high beam unit 20B. The second high beam unit 20B is capable of forming a second high beam light distribution pattern (e.g., the second high beam light distribution pattern Hi2 shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b)) and rendering a second animation in the space in front of the lamp, and includes a pattern generator 22 and a projection optical system 24. The second lamp unit 11B also includes a common support 26 that supports both the low beam unit 18 and the second high beam unit 20B, a second actuator 30B configured to switch the irradiation direction of the second high beam unit 20B, a light distribution control ECU 36, and a lamp ECU 38.

[0048] The second high beam unit 20B is configured to form a second high beam light distribution pattern when directed in the first irradiation direction by the second actuator 30B, and to draw a second animation in space when directed in the second irradiation direction by the second actuator 30B.

[0049] The irradiation direction of second high beam unit 20B is switched in conjunction with the irradiation direction of first high beam unit 20A. That is, when first high beam unit 20A is directed in the first irradiation direction by first actuator 30A, second high beam unit 20B is directed in the first irradiation direction by second actuator 30B. When first high beam unit 20A is directed in the second irradiation direction by first actuator 30A, second high beam unit 20B is directed in the second irradiation direction by second actuator 30B.

[0050] The first high beam unit 20A is configured to draw a first animation when a predetermined event occurs. Similarly, the second high beam unit 20B is configured to draw a second animation when a predetermined event occurs. Information indicating the occurrence of an event may be included in vehicle information provided to the lamp ECU 38 from the vehicle ECU 39. In response to this vehicle information, the lamp ECU 38 controls the first actuator 30A and the second actuator 30B to switch the illumination direction of the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B from the first illumination direction to the second illumination direction. In response to this vehicle information, the lamp ECU 38 also generates a command signal instructing animation rendering and transmits it to the light distribution control ECUs 36 of the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B. The light distribution control ECU 36 receives the command signal from the lamp ECU 38, determines the animation to be rendered based on the command signal, and controls the pattern generator 22 to render the determined animation.

[0051] In this manner, first high beam unit 20A can render a first animation in the space in front of the lamp when directed in the second irradiation direction by first actuator 30A. Similarly, second high beam unit 20B can render a second animation in the space in front of the lamp when directed in the second irradiation direction by second actuator 30B. The combination of the first animation from first high beam unit 20A and the second animation from second high beam unit 20B can provide a visual effect for vehicle occupants or other observers.

[0052] The event for which animation should be drawn may be an event resulting from the start-up of the vehicle, such as the turning on of a vehicle start switch (e.g., an ignition switch). In this way, animation can be drawn in space when the vehicle starts up, providing a visual effect that represents the start-up.

[0053] Also, first high beam unit 20A may be configured to render the first animation when the vehicle is stationary. Thus, first high beam unit 20A may be configured to render the first animation when the vehicle is started and remains stationary. Similarly, second high beam unit 20B may be configured to render the second animation when the vehicle is stationary (e.g., when the vehicle is started and remains stationary).

[0054] 5(a) and 5(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary light distribution patterns of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. Fig. 5(a) illustrates a first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 and a second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 when the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are oriented in a first irradiation direction, and Fig. 5(b) illustrates a first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 and a second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 when the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are oriented in a second irradiation direction. Figs. 5(a) and 5(b) schematically illustrate light distribution patterns projected onto a virtual vertical screen located 5 to 10 m (e.g., approximately 7 m) ahead of the vehicle lamp.

[0055] 5A illustrates a low-beam distribution pattern Lo along with a first high-beam distribution pattern Hi1 and a second high-beam distribution pattern Hi2. As is known, the low-beam distribution pattern Lo is irradiated onto a predetermined area below the horizon H. The cutoff line of the low-beam distribution pattern Lo is located on or near the horizon H. Note that, for the sake of simplicity, the low-beam distribution pattern Lo is not illustrated in FIG. 5B.

[0056] As is known, the first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 and the second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 are light distribution patterns for illuminating a longer distance than the low beam distribution pattern Lo. The first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 and the second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 are irradiated onto a predetermined area above the horizon H when the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are oriented in the first irradiation direction.

[0057] When the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are oriented in the first irradiation direction, the first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 and the second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 are at the same height. That is, the upper edges 34a of the first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 and the second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 are aligned in the vertical direction (the direction of the vertical line V). The lower edges 34b of the first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 and the second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 are aligned in the vertical direction.

[0058] As shown in the figure, the first high-beam distribution pattern Hi1 and the second high-beam distribution pattern Hi2 may partially overlap in the horizontal direction at the center 35. Also, a portion of the high-beam distribution pattern Hi may be projected below the cutoff line of the low-beam distribution pattern Lo and overlap with the low-beam distribution pattern Lo.

[0059] 5B, the first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 and the second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 when the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are oriented in the second irradiation direction are shown by solid lines, and for comparison, the first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 and the second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 when the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are oriented in the first irradiation direction are shown by dashed lines.

[0060] Even when the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are oriented in the second irradiation direction, the first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 and the second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 are at the same height. As described above, the second irradiation direction is set downward relative to the first irradiation direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5B, the high beam distribution patterns Hi1 and Hi2 irradiated in the second irradiation direction are shifted vertically downward relative to the high beam distribution patterns Hi1 and Hi2 irradiated in the first irradiation direction. However, the second irradiation direction is set so that the high beam distribution patterns Hi1 and Hi2 are formed above the road surface 32 at a predetermined distance forward of the vehicle. The predetermined distance may be selected from a range of 5 to 10 meters, for example, and may be approximately 7 meters.

[0061] By controlling pattern generator 22 of first high beam unit 20A, light is emitted from first high beam unit 20A to at least a portion of first high beam distribution pattern Hi1. Thus, when first high beam unit 20A is directed in the second irradiation direction and pattern generator 22 is controlled to generate the first animation, first high beam unit 20A can render the first animation in the space ahead of the vehicle and above road surface 32. If a wall or other object is present ahead of the vehicle, the first animation can be displayed on the surface of that object.

[0062] In other words, by being oriented in the second irradiation direction, first high beam unit 20A forms first drawing range 40A for the first animation in the space ahead of the vehicle above road surface 32. First drawing range 40A corresponds to the range in which first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 is formed when first high beam unit 20A is oriented in the second irradiation direction.

[0063] Furthermore, by controlling pattern generator 22 of second high beam unit 20B, light is emitted from second high beam unit 20B to at least a portion of second high beam distribution pattern Hi2. Thus, when second high beam unit 20B is oriented in the second irradiation direction and pattern generator 22 is controlled to generate the second animation, second high beam unit 20B can render the second animation in the space ahead of the vehicle and above road surface 32. If a wall or other object is present ahead of the vehicle, the second animation can be displayed on the surface of that object.

[0064] In other words, by being oriented in the second irradiation direction, second high beam unit 20B forms second drawing range 40B for the second animation in the space ahead of the vehicle above road surface 32. Second drawing range 40B corresponds to the range in which second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 is formed when second high beam unit 20B is oriented in the second irradiation direction.

[0065] The downward angle of the second illumination direction relative to the first illumination direction may be, for example, at least 2.00 degrees, at least 2.50 degrees, or at least 3.00 degrees. The downward angle of the second illumination direction relative to the first illumination direction may be, for example, at most 4.00 degrees, at most 4.50 degrees, or at most 5.00 degrees. In this way, the animation can be rendered in space at a height that is relatively easy for vehicle occupants, such as the driver, to see.

[0066] The angular position of the horizon H can be set to 0 degrees, and the angular position above (below) the horizon H can be expressed as a positive (negative) value. In this case, the angular position of the upper edge 34a of the first drawing range 40A and the second drawing range 40B relative to the horizon H may be, for example, in the range of 1.50 degrees to 3.50 degrees, and preferably in the range of 3.00 degrees to 3.50 degrees. The angular position of the upper edge 34a may be, for example, approximately 3.40 degrees. Furthermore, the angular position of the lower edge 34b of the first drawing range 40A and the second drawing range 40 relative to the horizon H may be, for example, in the range of -6.00 degrees to -4.00 degrees, and preferably in the range of -4.50 degrees to -4.00 degrees. The angular position of the lower edge 34b may be, for example, -4.10 degrees. In this way, animation can be rendered in space at a height that is relatively easy for vehicle occupants, such as the driver, to see.

[0067] As described below with reference to FIG. 6 , when the first high beam unit 20A renders the first animation in the first rendering area 40A, the first high beam unit 20A may be configured to reduce the visibility of an area outside the specific area of ​​the first rendering area 40A compared to the specific area. This can attract the viewer's attention to the portion of the first animation rendered in the specific area. For example, the first high beam unit 20A may be configured to blur the image in the area outside the specific area of ​​the first rendering area 40A compared to the specific area. Additionally or alternatively, the first high beam unit 20A may be configured to reduce the luminance of the image in the area outside the specific area compared to the specific area. For example, the first high beam unit 20A may be configured to set the luminance to zero in the area outside the specific area (i.e., not form an image in that area).

[0068] Similarly, when rendering the second animation in the second rendering range 40B, the second high beam unit 20B may be configured to reduce the visibility of areas outside the specific region of the second rendering range 40B compared to the specific region. This can attract the viewer's attention to the portion of the second animation rendered in the specific region. For example, the second high beam unit 20B may be configured to blur the image in areas outside the specific region of the second rendering range 40B compared to the specific region. Additionally or alternatively, the second high beam unit 20B may be configured to reduce the luminosity of the image in areas outside the specific region compared to the specific region. For example, the second high beam unit 20B may be configured to set the luminosity to zero in areas outside the specific region (i.e., not form an image in those areas).

[0069] 6 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary arrangement of the drawing ranges of the animation by the vehicle lamp according to the embodiment. As described above, first drawing range 40A and second drawing range 40B correspond to the ranges in which first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 and second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 are formed when first high beam unit 20A and second high beam unit 20B are oriented in the second irradiation direction, respectively.

[0070] The specific region of the first drawing range 40A may be set on the side of the first drawing range 40A that is closer to the second drawing range 40B. The specific region of the second drawing range 40B may be set on the side of the second drawing range 40B that is closer to the first drawing range 40A. In this way, the specific region may be set in a relatively inner area within the viewer's field of view, such as the center 35.

[0071] A region of the first drawn area 40A that is outside the specific region may be set as a first end 42A of the first drawn area 40A that is farther from the second drawn area 40B. The horizontal angle range of the first end 42A may be, for example, within 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 15 degrees from the edge of the first drawn area 40A that is farther from the second drawn area 40B. A region of the second drawn area 40B that is outside the specific region may be set as a second end 42B of the second drawn area 40B that is farther from the first drawn area 40A. The horizontal angle range of the second end 42B may be, for example, within 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 15 degrees from the edge of the second drawn area 40B that is farther from the first drawn area 40A. Note that in FIG. 6 , the first end 42A and the second end 42B are shaded for ease of understanding. In this way, the area outside the specific area may be set at a relatively outer location in the viewer's field of view.

[0072] When drawing the first animation in the first drawing area 40A, the first high beam unit 20A may be configured to blur the image and / or reduce the luminance of the image at the first end 42A compared to the remaining area of ​​the first drawing area 40A. Furthermore, when drawing the second animation in the second drawing area 40B, the second high beam unit 20B may be configured to blur the image and / or reduce the luminance of the image at the second end 42B compared to the remaining area of ​​the second drawing area 40B. This allows the viewer's attention to be focused on the central portion 35 when the first animation and the second animation are drawn.

[0073] Note that when the first high beam unit 20A renders the first animation in the first rendering area 40A, it may be configured to improve the visibility of a specific region of the first rendering area 40A compared to a region outside the specific region. For example, the first high beam unit 20A may be configured to make the image clearer and / or increase the luminosity of the image in the specific region compared to other regions. Similarly, when the second high beam unit 20B renders the second animation in the second rendering area 40B, it may be configured to improve the visibility of a specific region of the second rendering area 40B compared to a region outside the specific region. This configuration also allows the viewer's attention to be drawn to the specific regions of the first animation and the second animation.

[0074] Furthermore, when rendering the first animation in the first rendering area 40A, the first high beam unit 20A may be configured to reduce the visibility of a region 44A in the first rendering area 40A that is above a predetermined height (e.g., the horizon H) compared to a region 44B below the predetermined height. Similarly, when rendering the second animation in the second rendering area 40B, the second high beam unit 20B may be configured to reduce the visibility of a region 44A in the second rendering area 40B that is above a predetermined height (e.g., the horizon H) compared to a region 44B below the predetermined height. This can reduce glare to nearby traffic, such as other vehicles and pedestrians.

[0075] 7A to 7E are schematic diagrams showing examples of animations rendered by a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment, each of which shows a first animation A1 rendered in a first rendering area 40A and a second animation A2 rendered in a second rendering area 40B.

[0076] As an example, the first animation A1 (or the second animation A2) may be designed to represent the flow of light. The first animation A1 (or the second animation A2) may be designed to represent one or more localized light or dark areas moving along one or more lines. The light areas may move within a darker background. The dark areas may move within a lighter background. In Figures 7(a) to 7(e), the movement of such light or dark areas is schematically represented by arrows.

[0077] A bright region (or dark region, hereinafter the same) may move while maintaining its size, shape, brightness, and color, or the bright region may move while changing at least one of its size, shape, brightness, and color. Furthermore, multiple bright regions may move while maintaining or changing their distance from one another. The line followed by the bright region may be, for example, a straight, broken, or curved line. The line followed by the bright region may be stationary, or the line itself may move or change. The line followed by the bright region may branch or merge along the way.

[0078] 7A, the second animation A2 may be the same as the first animation A1. The movement of the bright area in the first animation A1 may be from the first end 42A toward the center 35. In this case, the movement of the bright area in the second animation A2 will be from the center 35 toward the second end 42B.

[0079] The first animation A1 and the second animation A2 may be different. For example, the first animation A1 (or the second animation A2) may be a derived animation generated based on a base animation. The first animation A1 (or the second animation A2) may be a derived animation generated by applying an effect to at least a portion of the base animation.

[0080] The raw animation may be the first animation A1 (or the second animation A2). Therefore, the second animation A2 (or the first animation A1) may be a derived animation generated by applying an effect to at least a part of the first animation A1 (or the second animation A2).

[0081] In this way, a second animation A2 (or the first animation A1) can be created based on the first animation A1 (or the second animation A2), and these two animations can be combined and drawn in space, thereby providing a wider variety of visual effects. Furthermore, by generating one animation from another, memory capacity can be saved compared to when these two animations are prepared separately and stored in advance in a storage device (e.g., memory 36b) of the vehicle lamp 10.

[0082] The generation of derivative animations may be used to customize animations according to user preferences.

[0083] 7(b) to 7(d), an example of the effect is inversion. For example, the second animation A2 may include an animation in which at least a part of the first animation A1 is inverted.

[0084] 7B, the second animation A2 may be a horizontally flipped version of the first animation A1. In this example, the movement of the bright area in the first animation A1 is from the first end 42A toward the center 35. By flipping the left and right, the movement of the bright area in the second animation A2 is from the second end 42B toward the center 35. By combining the first animation A1 and the second animation A2, it is possible to express the flow of light converging from both horizontal ends toward the center 35.

[0085] The direction of the flip is not limited to left and right. As shown in Fig. 7(c), the second animation A2 may be obtained by flipping the first animation A1 up and down. Also, as shown in Fig. 7(d), the second animation A2 may be obtained by flipping the first animation A1 both left and right and up and down.

[0086] Another example of an effect is translation. For example, as shown in Fig. 7(e), the second animation A2 may be obtained by translating the first animation A1 in the up-down direction. Alternatively, the second animation A2 may be obtained by translating the first animation A1 in another direction (for example, the left-right direction).

[0087] Various other effects are also possible, such as rotation, enlargement, reduction, application of shimmer, application of blur, change of brightness, change of color, etc. Effects that impart temporal changes, such as application of delay or change of playback speed, are also possible. Thus, the second animation A2 may include an animation in which at least one effect of inversion, translation, rotation, enlargement, reduction, application of shimmer, application of blur, change of brightness, change of color, or temporal change is applied to at least a portion of the first animation A1.

[0088] As will be described below with reference to Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the vehicle lamp 10 may be configured to provide a road surface drawing pattern. Thus, the first high beam unit 20A may be configured to form a road surface drawing pattern when the first actuator 30A directs the first high beam unit 20A in a third irradiation direction that is downward relative to the first irradiation direction. The second high beam unit 20B may be configured to form a road surface drawing pattern when the second actuator 30B directs the second high beam unit 20B in a third irradiation direction that is downward relative to the first irradiation direction. The third irradiation direction may be the same as the second irradiation direction for drawing the animation. Alternatively, the third irradiation direction may be a different direction from the second irradiation direction (e.g., downward relative to the second irradiation direction).

[0089] In this way, the vehicle lamp 10 can not only draw animation in the space ahead of the lamp, but also draw on the road surface 32 ahead of the lamp. Furthermore, by using the high beam unit, it is possible to realize both animation drawing and road surface drawing in addition to irradiating the high beam. Therefore, compared to a lamp configuration in which these drawing functions are each performed by separate optical units, the structure is simplified, and the vehicle lamp 10 can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0090] 8(a) and 8(b) are schematic diagrams showing road surface drawing by the first and second high beam units of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. As described above, when the first and second high beam units 20A and 20B are oriented in the second irradiation direction, they can form a first drawing area 40A and a second drawing area 40B in the space ahead of the lamp (e.g., a virtual vertical screen 46 positioned 5 to 10 meters ahead) for animation drawing. As described above, these drawing areas include a region 44A above the horizontal plane H and a region 44B below the horizontal plane H.

[0091] 8A, light from first high beam unit 20A and second high beam unit 20B directed toward area 44B below passes over virtual vertical screen 46 and is irradiated onto area 48 on road surface 32. Using this, first high beam unit 20A and second high beam unit 20B can irradiate area 48 on road surface 32 with a road surface drawing pattern.

[0092] First high beam unit 20A and second high beam unit 20B may be oriented by first actuator 30A and second actuator 30B, respectively, in a third irradiation direction that is downward relative to the second irradiation direction. For ease of understanding, in FIG. 8B, the solid lines indicate the light beams when the high beam units are oriented in the third irradiation direction, and the dashed lines indicate the light beams when the high beam units are oriented in the second irradiation direction. First high beam unit 20A and second high beam unit 20B can project a road surface drawing pattern onto area 50 on road surface 32 that is closer to the vehicle than area 48.

[0093] The road surface drawing pattern may include various patterns to be drawn on the road surface, such as desired characters, figures, symbols, etc. Road surface drawing can present various information, such as warning the driver of the vehicle, pedestrians around the vehicle, drivers of other vehicles, etc., or displaying a message welcoming the driver getting into the vehicle on the ground near the vehicle. The road surface drawing pattern may be a still image or a video.

[0094] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, but may be combined with the embodiments and modifications, or may be further modified, such as by various design changes, based on the knowledge of a person skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention also includes embodiments and modifications that are combined or further modified in this way. The above-described embodiments and modifications, and new embodiments that are created by combining the above-described embodiments and modifications with the following modifications, combine the effects of the combined embodiments, modifications, and further modifications.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, in the first lamp unit 11A (or the second lamp unit 11B), the common support 26 supports both the low beam unit 18 and the first high beam unit 20A (or the second high beam unit 20B), and the first actuator 30A (or the second actuator 30B) drives this support 26, thereby switching the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit 20A (or the second high beam unit 20B). However, the support structure for these optical units is not limited to this specific configuration, and other configurations are also possible.

[0096] 9A and 9B are schematic perspective views showing the schematic configuration of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9A, the first actuator 30A may be a dedicated actuator for switching the illumination direction of the first high beam unit 20A. The first lamp unit 11A may be provided with a support 26 that supports the low beam unit 18 and the first actuator 30A, and the first high beam unit 20A may be connected to the support 26 via the first actuator 30A.

[0097] 9A by an arrow 28, the first actuator 30A may be configured to drive the first high beam unit 20A relative to the support 26 and the low beam unit 18 so as to switch the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit 20A. In other words, the first actuator 30A may be configured to drive only the first high beam unit 20A relative to the support 26. The support 26 may be connected to the lamp body 12 via an actuator 31 separate from the first actuator 30A.

[0098] 9(b), the low beam unit 18 and the first high beam unit 20A may be supported by separate supports 26A, 26B. The first high beam unit 20A may be supported by a high beam unit support 26A, which may be connected to the lamp body 12 via a first actuator 30A. The first actuator 30A drives the support 26A relative to the lamp body 12, thereby enabling the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit 20A to be switched independently of the low beam unit 18, as schematically shown by arrow 28 in FIG.

[0099] Alternatively, the low beam unit 18 may be supported by a low beam unit support 26B, and the support 26B may be connected to the lamp body 12 via an actuator 31 separate from the first actuator 30A. The actuator 31 drives the support 26B relative to the lamp body 12, thereby switching the irradiation direction of the low beam unit 18.

[0100] The support structure for the optical unit shown in FIG. 9(a) or FIG. 9(b) may also be applied to the second lamp unit 11B.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the high beam irradiation by the vehicle lamp 10 is performed only by the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B, but the present invention is not limited to this. The high beam irradiation by the vehicle lamp 10 may be performed by combining these two high beam units 20A, 20B with another optical unit (for example, the low beam unit 18).

[0102] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary light distribution pattern of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates the light distribution pattern of a low beam unit 18. The low beam unit 18 may be configured to emit a low beam distribution pattern Lo and an additional high beam distribution pattern Hi3. The low beam unit 18 may include a first light-emitting element array (e.g., an LED array) for forming the low beam distribution pattern Lo and a second light-emitting element array for forming the additional high beam distribution pattern Hi3. Such a low beam unit 18 may also be referred to as a BiLED unit. For ease of understanding, FIG. 10 also illustrates a first high beam distribution pattern Hi1 and a second high beam distribution pattern Hi2 formed by a first high beam unit 20A and a second high beam unit 20B.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B are mounted in the first lamp unit 11A and the second lamp unit 11B, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B may be mounted in a single lamp unit (for example, the first lamp unit 11A or the second lamp unit 11B).

[0104] The present invention has been described using specific terms based on the embodiments, but the embodiments merely illustrate one aspect of the principles and applications of the present invention, and many modifications and changes in arrangement are permitted to the embodiments as long as they do not deviate from the concept of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0105] The embodiments can also be expressed as the following numbered items: 1. A vehicular lamp comprising: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam distribution pattern and drawing a first animation in the space in front of the lamp; and a first actuator configured to switch the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit, wherein the first high beam unit is configured to form the first high beam distribution pattern when directed by the first actuator in a first irradiation direction, and to draw the first animation in the space when directed by the first actuator in a second irradiation direction that is downward compared to the first irradiation direction. 2. A vehicular lamp according to item 1, further comprising: a second high beam unit capable of forming a second high beam distribution pattern and drawing a second animation in the space in front of the lamp; and a second actuator configured to switch the irradiation direction of the second high beam unit, wherein the second high beam unit is configured to form the second high beam distribution pattern when directed by the second actuator in the first irradiation direction, and to draw the second animation in the space when directed by the second actuator in the second irradiation direction. 3. A vehicular lamp according to item 2, comprising a first lamp unit and a second lamp unit arranged at different positions on the vehicle, wherein the first high beam unit and the first actuator are mounted on the first lamp unit, and the second high beam unit and the second actuator are mounted on the second lamp unit. 4. A vehicular lamp according to item 2 or 3, wherein the second animation includes an animation in which an effect is applied to at least a portion of the first animation. 5. A vehicular lamp according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the second animation includes an animation in which at least a portion of the first animation is reversed. 6. A vehicular lamp according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the first high beam unit is configured to draw the first animation in response to startup of the vehicle.7. The vehicular lamp according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that, when drawing the first animation in a first drawing range, the first high beam unit is configured to reduce the visibility of an area outside a specific area in the first drawing range compared to the specific area, or to improve the visibility of the specific area compared to an area outside the specific area. 8. The vehicular lamp according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that the first high beam unit is configured to form a road surface drawing pattern when directed by the first actuator in a third irradiation direction that is downward compared to the first irradiation direction. 9. The vehicular lamp according to any one of items 1 to 8, further comprising: a low beam unit that forms a low beam light distribution pattern; and a common support that supports both the first high beam unit and the low beam unit, wherein the first actuator drives the common support to switch the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit. 10. 9. The vehicular lamp according to any one of items 1 to 8, further comprising: a low beam unit that forms a low beam light distribution pattern; and a support that supports the low beam unit and the first actuator, wherein the first actuator drives the first high beam unit relative to the support and the low beam unit so as to switch the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit.11. A control device for a vehicle lamp, the vehicle lamp comprising: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam distribution pattern and drawing a first animation in the space in front of the lamp; and a first actuator configured to switch the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit, the control device being configured to: operate the first high beam unit to form the first high beam distribution pattern when the first high beam unit is directed in a first irradiation direction by the first actuator; and operate the first high beam unit to draw the first animation in the space when the first high beam unit is directed in a second irradiation direction by the first actuator that is downward compared to the first irradiation direction. 12. A program for controlling a vehicle lamp, the vehicle lamp comprising: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam distribution pattern and drawing a first animation in the space in front of the lamp; and a first actuator configured to switch the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit, the program causing a computer to execute the following steps: when the first high beam unit is directed in a first irradiation direction by the first actuator, operating the first high beam unit to form the first high beam distribution pattern; and when the first high beam unit is directed in a second irradiation direction by the first actuator that is downward compared to the first irradiation direction, operating the first high beam unit to draw the first animation in the space.13. A control device for a vehicle lamp, the vehicle lamp comprising a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam distribution pattern and drawing a first animation in the space in front of the lamp, and a second high beam unit capable of forming a second high beam distribution pattern and drawing a second animation in the space in front of the lamp, the control device being configured to: operate the first high beam unit to draw the first animation in the space, and operate the second high beam unit to draw the second animation in the space, the second animation including an animation in which an effect has been applied to at least a portion of the first animation. A program for controlling a vehicle lamp, the vehicle lamp comprising a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam distribution pattern and drawing a first animation in the space in front of the lamp, and a second high beam unit capable of forming a second high beam distribution pattern and drawing a second animation in the space in front of the lamp, the program causing a computer to execute the steps of: operating the first high beam unit to draw the first animation in the space; and operating the second high beam unit to draw the second animation in the space, the program being characterized in that the second animation includes an animation with an effect applied to at least a portion of the first animation.

[0106] The present invention can be used in a vehicle lamp that can be mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, and also in a control device for such a vehicle lamp.

[0107] 10 Vehicle lamp, 11A First lamp unit, 11B Second lamp unit, 18 Low beam unit, 20A First high beam unit, 20B Second high beam unit, 26 Support, 30A First actuator, 30B Second actuator, 32 Road surface, 40A First drawing range, 40B Second drawing range, A1 First animation, A2 Second animation, Hi1 First high beam light distribution pattern, Hi2 Second high beam light distribution pattern, Lo Low beam light distribution pattern.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp comprising: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam distribution pattern and drawing a first animation in the space in front of the lamp; and a first actuator configured to switch the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit, wherein the first high beam unit is configured to form the first high beam distribution pattern when directed by the first actuator in a first irradiation direction, and to draw the first animation in the space when directed by the first actuator in a second irradiation direction that is downward compared to the first irradiation direction.

2. A vehicle lamp as described in claim 1, further comprising: a second high beam unit that is capable of forming a second high beam distribution pattern and drawing a second animation in the space in front of the lamp; and a second actuator configured to switch the irradiation direction of the second high beam unit, wherein the second high beam unit is configured to form the second high beam distribution pattern when directed in the first irradiation direction by the second actuator, and to draw the second animation in the space when directed in the second irradiation direction by the second actuator.

3. A vehicle lamp as described in claim 2, comprising a first lamp unit and a second lamp unit arranged at different positions on the vehicle, wherein the first high beam unit and the first actuator are mounted on the first lamp unit, and the second high beam unit and the second actuator are mounted on the second lamp unit.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein the second animation includes an animation in which an effect is applied to at least a part of the first animation.

5. The vehicular lamp according to claim 2, wherein the second animation includes an animation in which at least a part of the first animation is reversed.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the first high beam unit is configured to render the first animation in response to the start of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle lamp described in claim 1, characterized in that the first high beam unit is configured to, when drawing the first animation in a first drawing range, reduce the visibility of an area outside a specific area in the first drawing range compared to the specific area, or to improve the visibility of the specific area compared to an area outside the specific area.

8. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the first high beam unit is configured to form a road marking pattern when directed by the first actuator in a third irradiation direction that is downward compared to the first irradiation direction.

9. A vehicle lamp as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a low beam unit that forms a low beam light distribution pattern; and a common support that supports both the first high beam unit and the low beam unit, wherein the first actuator drives the common support so as to switch the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit.

10. A vehicle lamp as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a low beam unit that forms a low beam light distribution pattern; and a support that supports the low beam unit and the first actuator, wherein the first actuator drives the first high beam unit relative to the support and the low beam unit so as to switch the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit.

11. A control device for a vehicle lamp, the vehicle lamp comprising: a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam distribution pattern and drawing a first animation in the space in front of the lamp; and a first actuator configured to switch the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit, wherein the control device is configured to: operate the first high beam unit to form the first high beam distribution pattern when the first high beam unit is directed in a first irradiation direction by the first actuator; and operate the first high beam unit to draw the first animation in the space when the first high beam unit is directed in a second irradiation direction by the first actuator that is downward compared to the first irradiation direction.

12. A program for controlling a vehicle lamp, the vehicle lamp comprising a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam distribution pattern and drawing a first animation in the space in front of the lamp, and a first actuator configured to switch the irradiation direction of the first high beam unit, the program causing a computer to execute the following steps: when the first high beam unit is directed by the first actuator in a first irradiation direction, operating the first high beam unit to form the first high beam distribution pattern; and when the first high beam unit is directed by the first actuator in a second irradiation direction that is downward compared to the first irradiation direction, operating the first high beam unit to draw the first animation in the space.

13. A control device for a vehicle lamp, the vehicle lamp comprising a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam distribution pattern and drawing a first animation in the space in front of the lamp, and a second high beam unit capable of forming a second high beam distribution pattern and drawing a second animation in the space in front of the lamp, the control device being configured to: operate the first high beam unit to draw the first animation in the space, and operate the second high beam unit to draw the second animation in the space, the second animation including an animation with an effect applied to at least a portion of the first animation.

14. A program for controlling a vehicle lamp, the vehicle lamp comprising a first high beam unit capable of forming a first high beam distribution pattern and drawing a first animation in the space in front of the lamp, and a second high beam unit capable of forming a second high beam distribution pattern and drawing a second animation in the space in front of the lamp, the program causing a computer to execute the steps of: operating the first high beam unit to draw the first animation in the space; and operating the second high beam unit to draw the second animation in the space, the program being characterized in that the second animation includes an animation in which an effect has been applied to at least a portion of the first animation.

Images