WO2020059729A1 - Communication lamp device - Google Patents

Communication lamp device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020059729A1
WO2020059729A1 PCT/JP2019/036454 JP2019036454W WO2020059729A1 WO 2020059729 A1 WO2020059729 A1 WO 2020059729A1 JP 2019036454 W JP2019036454 W JP 2019036454W WO 2020059729 A1 WO2020059729 A1 WO 2020059729A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
lamp device
light
communication lamp
communication
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2019/036454
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
直樹 多々良
重之 渡邉
Original Assignee
株式会社小糸製作所
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 株式会社小糸製作所 filed Critical 株式会社小糸製作所
Priority to JP2020548532A priority Critical patent/JPWO2020059729A1/en
Publication of WO2020059729A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020059729A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
    • B60Q1/507—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking specific to autonomous vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
    • B60Q1/543—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking for indicating other states or conditions of the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q5/00—Arrangement or adaptation of acoustic signal devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle.
  • the term “communication lamp device” refers to a lamp device including a light source that emits visible light (communication light) that informs information related to driving assistance of a vehicle.
  • driving assistance refers to a control process that at least partially performs at least one of a driving operation (steering operation, acceleration, deceleration), monitoring of a driving environment, and a backup of the driving operation. .
  • the meaning includes from partial driving support such as a collision damage reduction brake function and a lane keeping assist function to fully automatic driving operation.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses this type of communication lamp device.
  • Information provided by communication light emitted from the light source is mainly used for communication with a pedestrian located outside the vehicle.
  • pedestrians do not always pay attention to communication light.
  • pedestrians may have a visual handicap. In these cases, the information to be notified may not be sufficiently transmitted.
  • the communication lamp device as described above enhances the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle while suppressing a decrease in occupant comfort (second requirement).
  • the communication lamp device as described above enhances the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle and suppresses a decrease in the notification even when the light source malfunctions (fourth requirement). ).
  • At least one mode for responding to the first requirement is a communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle, A light source that emits visible light to notify information related to the driving support of the vehicle, A light-transmitting cover that allows the passage of the visible light, A vibrating body that vibrates the translucent cover in cooperation with the light emitting operation of the light source; It has.
  • a light-transmitting cover which is an essential member for protecting the light source while allowing the communication light to pass therethrough, is used as a part of a sound source that generates such a notification sound. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size and cost of the communication lamp device as compared with a case where an independent speaker unit or the like for generating a notification sound is provided.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
  • the vehicle is configured to be mounted at a central portion in the left-right direction of the vehicle.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows. It is configured to be mounted on either the left or right part of the vehicle.
  • the left side of the vehicle is located on the side where there is a higher possibility that a pedestrian or the like exists.
  • the communication lamp device By arranging the communication lamp device in such an area, it is possible to efficiently notify information to a pedestrian or the like located outside the vehicle while using the minimum required number of communication lamp devices.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows. It is configured to be mounted at each of two positions symmetrical in the left-right direction of the vehicle.
  • the notification sound generated in combination with the communication light can be efficiently notified to a wider area.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows. A lamp unit that emits illumination light outside the vehicle, The translucent cover also allows the illumination light to pass therethrough.
  • the light-transmitting cover that protects the lamp unit while allowing the illumination light emitted from the lamp unit, which is an essential component of the vehicle, to pass through improves the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle. It can be shared as a part of the sound source that generates the notification sound.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
  • a common connector electrically connected to the light source and the vibrator is provided.
  • connection with the control device that controls the cooperation between the light source and the vibrating body can be facilitated.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
  • the processing load on the control device mounted on the vehicle body and communicably connected to the processor can be reduced.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
  • the translucent cover forms a part of an outer surface of the vehicle.
  • the notification sound generated due to the vibration of the vibrating body can be efficiently notified to the outside of the vehicle.
  • At least one mode for responding to the second requirement is a communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle, A light source that emits visible light that notifies information related to the driving assistance operation of the vehicle, A sound source that generates a notification sound in cooperation with the light emitting operation of the light source; A processor that reduces the volume of the notification sound based on the determination that an occupant is in the vehicle, It has.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
  • the processor changes the volume of the notification sound based on the volume of the cabin in which the occupant is riding.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
  • a light-transmitting cover that allows the passage of the visible light,
  • a vibrating body that generates the notification sound by vibrating the translucent cover; It has.
  • the light-transmitting cover which is an essential member for protecting the light source while allowing the communication light to pass therethrough, is used as a part of the sound source that generates the notification sound. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size and cost of the communication lamp device as compared with a case where an independent speaker unit or the like for generating a notification sound is provided.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
  • the translucent cover forms a part of an outer surface of the vehicle.
  • the notification sound generated due to the vibration of the vibrating body can be efficiently notified to the outside of the vehicle.
  • At least one mode for responding to the third requirement is a communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle, A light source that emits visible light that notifies information related to the driving assistance operation of the vehicle, A sound source that generates a notification sound in cooperation with the light emitting operation of the light source; A processor that changes at least one output mode of the visible light and the notification sound based on the determination of the risk related to the vehicle, It has.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows. A sensor for detecting information outside the vehicle, The determination of the risk is performed by the processor based on the information.
  • the processing load of the control device mounted on the main body of the vehicle can be suppressed, and the change control of the notification mode by the communication lamp device for avoiding danger can be performed autonomously and quickly.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
  • a light-transmitting cover that allows the passage of the visible light,
  • a vibrating body that generates the notification sound by vibrating the translucent cover; It has.
  • the light-transmitting cover which is an indispensable member for protecting the light source while allowing the communication light to pass therethrough, is used as a part of the sound source that generates the notification sound. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size and cost of the communication lamp device as compared with a case where an independent speaker unit or the like for generating a notification sound is provided.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
  • the translucent cover forms a part of an outer surface of the vehicle.
  • the notification sound generated due to the vibration of the vibrating body can be efficiently notified to the outside of the vehicle.
  • At least one mode for responding to the fourth requirement is a communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle, A light source that emits visible light that notifies information related to the driving assistance operation of the vehicle, A sound source that generates a notification sound in cooperation with the light emitting operation of the light source; A processor that changes an output mode of the notification sound based on the determination regarding the operation failure of the light source, It has.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows. The determination regarding the malfunction is made by the processor.
  • the communication lamp device autonomously and quickly controls the change of the output mode of the notification sound for suppressing the lowering of the notification of information by making the determination in a place closer to the light source. Can be accomplished. Further, the processing load of the control device mounted on the vehicle body can be suppressed.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
  • a light-transmitting cover that allows the passage of the visible light,
  • a vibrating body that generates the notification sound by vibrating the translucent cover; It has.
  • the light-transmitting cover which is an indispensable member for protecting the light source while allowing the communication light to pass therethrough, is used as a part of the sound source that generates the notification sound. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size and cost of the communication lamp device as compared with a case where an independent speaker unit or the like for generating a notification sound is provided.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
  • the translucent cover forms a part of an outer surface of the vehicle.
  • the notification sound generated due to the vibration of the vibrating body can be efficiently notified to the outside of the vehicle.
  • At least one mode for responding to the fifth requirement is a communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle, A light source that emits visible light that notifies information related to the driving assistance operation of the vehicle, A sensor for detecting information external to the vehicle; A part of the outer surface of the vehicle is formed so as to cover the sensor, and a light-transmitting cover that allows passage of the visible light, A vibrating body that vibrates the translucent cover, based on a determination related to a possibility that the detection capability of the sensor is reduced, It has.
  • the function of detecting information outside the vehicle can be integrated into the communication lamp device.
  • the translucent cover which protects the light source and allows visible light to pass, also serves as protection for the sensor, increasing the cost of parts and assembling work compared to the case where the communication lamp device and the sensor are separately mounted on the vehicle. Can be suppressed.
  • foreign matter adhering to the surface of the light transmitting cover may reduce the information detection ability of the sensor.
  • the vibrator vibrates the light transmitting cover, so that it is possible to remove foreign matter from the light transmitting cover. Therefore, the function of detecting information outside the vehicle can be integrated with the communication lamp device, and a reduction in the function can be suppressed.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows. The determination is made based on information detected by the sensor.
  • the vibrating body can be vibrated based on more reliable information. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently suppress a decrease in the function of detecting information outside the vehicle integrated with the communication lamp device.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
  • the communication lamp device can quickly and autonomously control the vibrating body for suppressing the deterioration of the information detection capability of the sensor. Thereby, the processing load of the control device mounted on the main body of the vehicle can be suppressed.
  • At least one mode for responding to the fifth requirement is a communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle, A light source that emits visible light that notifies information related to the driving assistance operation of the vehicle, A sensor for detecting information external to the vehicle; A part of the outer surface of the vehicle is formed so as to cover the sensor, and a light-transmitting cover that allows passage of the visible light, A nozzle for injecting a liquid onto the translucent cover, A vibrating body that vibrates the translucent cover based on a determination related to the ejection of the liquid, It has.
  • the function of detecting information outside the vehicle can be integrated into the communication lamp device.
  • the translucent cover which protects the light source and allows visible light to pass, also serves as protection for the sensor, increasing the cost of parts and assembling work compared to the case where the communication lamp device and the sensor are separately mounted on the vehicle. Can be suppressed.
  • foreign matter adhering to the surface of the light transmitting cover may reduce the information detection ability of the sensor.
  • the liquid is ejected toward the vibrating light-transmitting cover, foreign matter removal by the liquid can be promoted. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently suppress a decrease in the function of detecting information outside the vehicle integrated with the communication lamp device.
  • the communication lamp device can be configured as follows.
  • the vibrator generates an audible sound by vibrating the translucent cover at least at a first frequency in cooperation with a light emitting operation of the light source.
  • a light-transmitting cover which is an essential member for protecting the light source while allowing the communication light to pass, is used as a part of a sound source that generates such an audible sound. Therefore, as compared with the case where an independent speaker unit or the like for generating an audible sound is provided, it is possible to suppress an increase in size and cost of the communication lamp device.
  • the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
  • the vibrating body vibrates the translucent cover at a second frequency higher than the first frequency based on the determination.
  • the operation for suppressing the information detection function of the sensor does not give any trouble to surrounding pedestrians or occupants of the vehicle. Further, the operation does not prevent information notification to the outside of the vehicle by the notification sound. Further, when foreign matter attached to the light-transmitting cover is removed by the liquid ejected from the nozzle, a cavitation effect is generated by ultrasonic waves, so that the foreign matter removing effect by the liquid can be further improved.
  • 1 illustrates a configuration of a communication lamp device according to an embodiment.
  • 2 illustrates a mounting position of a communication lamp device on a vehicle.
  • 4 shows an example of a connection mode between a communication lamp device and a control device.
  • 9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device.
  • 9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device.
  • 2 illustrates a configuration of a control device.
  • 9 shows another example of the mounting position of the communication lamp device on the vehicle.
  • 9 shows another example of the configuration of the communication lamp device.
  • 9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device.
  • 9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device.
  • 9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device.
  • 9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device.
  • 9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device.
  • 9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device.
  • 9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device.
  • 3 shows an example of a process executed by a processor of the control device.
  • 10 shows another example of the processing executed by the processor of the control device.
  • 10B illustrates a configuration of a communication lamp device for executing the process illustrated in FIG. 10A.
  • 10 shows another example of the processing executed by the processor of the control device.
  • 9 shows another example of the configuration of the communication lamp device.
  • 9 shows another example of the configuration of the communication lamp device.
  • arrow F indicates the forward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Arrow B indicates the backward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Arrow U indicates the upward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Arrow D indicates the downward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Arrow L indicates the left direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Arrow R indicates the right direction of the illustrated structure. “Left” and “right” used in the following description indicate left and right directions as viewed from the driver's seat.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a communication lamp device 1 according to an embodiment.
  • the communication lamp device 1 is mounted on a vehicle 100 illustrated in FIG.
  • Reference numeral 101 in FIG. 1 indicates a part of the main body of the vehicle 100.
  • the communication lamp device 1 includes a housing 11 and a light-transmitting cover 12.
  • the housing 11 defines a housing chamber 13 together with the light-transmitting cover 12.
  • the communication lamp device 1 includes the light source 14.
  • the light source 14 is a semiconductor light emitting element that emits communication light CL that is visible light. Examples of the semiconductor light emitting element include a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode (LD), an electroluminescence (EL) element, and the like.
  • the communication light CL is a light for notifying information related to driving support of the vehicle 100.
  • the communication light CL notifies information to a pedestrian or the like located outside the vehicle 100 through light emission, blinking, discoloration, drawing of characters, symbols, patterns, and the like on the road surface. Examples of the information to be notified include that the driving support operation is being performed, that the vehicle 100 is approaching a pedestrian or an intersection, and the like.
  • the light source 14 is arranged in the accommodation room 13.
  • the translucent cover 12 allows the communication light CL to pass.
  • the communication lamp device 1 includes the vibrator 15.
  • the vibrating body 15 is an element that generates vibration according to input of an electric signal.
  • an electromagnetic vibrator or a piezoelectric vibrator can be exemplified.
  • the vibrating body 15 is arranged at a position where the light transmitting cover 12 can be vibrated.
  • the vibrating body 15 can be arranged so as to be in contact with the translucent cover 12.
  • the vibrating body 15 vibrates the light transmitting cover 12 in cooperation with the light emission of the light source 14.
  • the vibrator 15 intermittently vibrates the light-transmitting cover 12 while the light source 14 emits the communication light CL.
  • a notification sound is generated by this vibration, and attention of a pedestrian or the like located outside the vehicle 100 can be attracted.
  • the notification sound may include a single sound, a melody, a language message, and the like.
  • the cooperation between the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15 can be controlled by a control device 200 mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100 as illustrated in FIG. 3A.
  • the control device 200 an ECU or the like can be exemplified.
  • the control device 200 includes a control interface 201 and a processor 202.
  • the processor 202 inputs a control signal to the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15 via the control interface 201 and the signal line SL.
  • the control interface 201 may appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as a D / A converter.
  • the control device 200 includes a communication interface 203.
  • the processor 202 can communicate with another control device via the communication interface 203.
  • the processor 202 can be a general-purpose microprocessor that operates in cooperation with a general-purpose memory.
  • Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU and an MPU.
  • Examples of the general-purpose memory include a ROM and a RAM.
  • processor 202 may be implemented as part of a dedicated integrated circuit.
  • a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, and the like can be exemplified.
  • the notification sound in cooperation with the communication light CL is generated, so that the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle 100 can be improved.
  • the light-transmitting cover 12 which is an indispensable member for protecting the light source 14 while allowing the communication light CL to pass therethrough, is used as a part of a sound source that generates such a notification sound. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size and cost of the communication lamp device 1 as compared with a case where an independent speaker unit or the like for generating a notification sound is provided.
  • the communication lamp device 1 as described above can be mounted on a central portion CP of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction.
  • the communication lamp device 1 is mounted on a part included in the central portion CP of at least one of the front grill 103, the front bumper 104, the hood hood 105, the windshield 106, the roof 107, the rear glass 108, and the rear bumper 109. Can be configured.
  • the communication lamp device 1 as described above can be mounted on the left part LP of the vehicle 100.
  • the left part LP of the vehicle 100 is an area located on the left side of the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction.
  • the left part LP can also be defined as an area near the road shoulder on the opposite side to the oncoming lane defined by the law of the area where the vehicle 100 runs.
  • the communication lamp device 1 includes a front grill 103, a front bumper 104, a hood hood 105, a windshield 106, a roof 107, a rear glass 108, a rear bumper 109, a front fender 110, a door mirror 111, a rear fender 112, a head lamp module 113, and At least one of the rear lamp modules 114 may be configured to be mounted on a part included in the left part LP.
  • the left part LP of the vehicle 100 is located on the side where the possibility of the presence of a pedestrian or the like is higher.
  • the communication lamp device 1 By arranging the communication lamp device 1 in such an area, it is possible to efficiently notify information to a pedestrian or the like located outside the vehicle 100 while using the minimum number of communication lamp devices 1.
  • the communication lamp device 1 can of course be mounted on the right part RP of the vehicle 100 depending on the area where the vehicle 100 runs.
  • the communication lamp device 1 can be mounted at each of two positions symmetrical in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100.
  • one communication lamp device 1 includes a front grill 103, a front bumper 104, a hood hood 105, a windshield 106, a roof 107, a rear glass 108, a rear bumper 109, a front fender 110, a door mirror 111, a rear fender 112, and a headlamp module 113.
  • at least one of the rear lamp modules 114 may be configured to be mounted on a part included in the left part LP.
  • the other communication lamp device 1 can be configured to be mounted on the right portion RP of the vehicle 100 at a position symmetrical to the one communication lamp device 1 and the left and right direction of the vehicle 100.
  • the notification sound generated in combination with the communication light CL can be efficiently notified to a wider range.
  • the communication lamp device 1 may include a lamp unit 16, as illustrated in FIG.
  • the lamp unit 16 is arranged in the accommodation room 13.
  • the lamp unit 16 is a device that emits visible light to the outside of the vehicle 100. Examples of the lamp unit 16 include a headlight unit, a vehicle width light unit, a direction indicator light unit, and a fog light unit.
  • the term "lamp unit” refers to a component unit of a component that can provide a desired lighting function and can be distributed as a single unit.
  • the translucent cover 12 that protects the lamp unit 16 while allowing the illumination light emitted from the lamp unit 16 which is an essential component of the vehicle 100 to pass through to the outside of the vehicle 100 can be shared as a part of a sound source for generating a notification sound that enhances the notification performance of the device.
  • the communication lamp device 1 can include a common connector 17.
  • Connector 17 is electrically connected to light source 14 and vibrating body 15 via signal line SL.
  • the common connector 17 can also be electrically connected to the lamp unit 16.
  • connection with a control device that controls cooperation between the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15 can be facilitated.
  • connection mode between the communication lamp device 1 and the control device will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C, 7A to 7C, and 8A to 8D.
  • FIG. 3A shows an example in which the control device 200 is mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100.
  • Control device 200 is connected to another control device mounted on main body 101 of vehicle 100 via communication interface 203 and in-vehicle network bus NB.
  • the connector 17 is connected to the control interface 201 of the control device 200.
  • FIG. 3B shows an example in which the communication lamp device 1 includes the control device 18.
  • the control device 18 includes a control interface 181 and a processor 182.
  • the processor 182 inputs a control signal to the light source 14 and the vibrator 15 via the control interface 181 and the signal line SL.
  • the control interface 181 may appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as a D / A converter.
  • the control device 18 includes a communication interface 183.
  • the processor 182 can communicate with another control device via the communication interface 183.
  • the processor 182 can be a general-purpose microprocessor that operates in cooperation with a general-purpose memory.
  • Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU and an MPU.
  • Examples of the general-purpose memory include a ROM and a RAM.
  • processor 182 may be implemented as part of a dedicated integrated circuit.
  • a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, and the like can be exemplified.
  • the connector 17 is connected to the control interface 181 of the control device 18.
  • the control device 18 is connected to the communication interface 203 of the control device 200 via the communication interface 183 and the signal line SL.
  • the communication interface 203 can appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as a D / A converter.
  • the communication interface 183 can appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as an A / D converter.
  • the communication interface 183 of the control device 18 and the communication interface 203 of the control device 200 may be connected via an in-vehicle network bus NB so as to be able to perform data communication, as in the example shown in FIG. 3C.
  • FIG. 7A shows an example in which the communication lamp device 1 illustrated in FIG. 6 is connected to a control device 200 mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100.
  • a common connector 17 electrically connected to the light source 14, the vibrating body 15, and the lamp unit 16 is connected to the control interface 201 of the control device 200.
  • FIG. 7B shows an example in which the communication lamp device 1 illustrated in FIG.
  • the common connector 17 is connected to the control interface 181 of the control device 18.
  • the control device 18 is connected to the communication interface 203 of the control device 200 via the communication interface 183 and the signal line SL.
  • the communication interface 183 of the control device 18 and the communication interface 203 of the control device 200 may be communicably connected via the in-vehicle network bus NB.
  • FIG. 8A shows an example in which a control device 300 for controlling the operation of the lamp unit 16 is mounted on a main body 101 of the vehicle 100 in addition to a control device 200 for controlling the cooperation between the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15. .
  • the control device 300 includes a control interface 301 and a processor 302.
  • the processor 302 inputs a control signal to the lamp unit 16 via the control interface 301 and the signal line SL.
  • the control interface 301 may appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as a D / A converter.
  • the control device 300 includes a communication interface 303.
  • the processor 302 can communicate with another control device via the communication interface 303.
  • the processor 302 may be a general-purpose microprocessor that operates in cooperation with a general-purpose memory. Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU and an MPU. Examples of the general-purpose memory include a ROM and a RAM. Alternatively, processor 302 may be implemented as part of a dedicated integrated circuit. As the dedicated integrated circuit, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, and the like can be exemplified.
  • FIG. 8B shows that a control device 300 for controlling the operation of the lamp unit 16 is mounted on a main body 101 of the vehicle 100 in addition to a control device 200 to which a control device 18 for controlling the cooperation between the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15 is connected. An example is shown.
  • the signal line SL connecting the control device 18 and the control device 200 can be replaced with the on-board network bus NB.
  • FIG. 8C shows an example in which the communication lamp device 1 includes a control device 18 for controlling the operation of the lamp unit 16 in addition to the control device 18 for controlling the cooperation between the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15.
  • the control device 19 includes a control interface 191 and a processor 192.
  • the processor 192 inputs a control signal to the lamp unit 16 via the control interface 191 and the signal line SL.
  • the control interface 191 may appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as a D / A converter.
  • the control device 19 includes a communication interface 193.
  • the processor 192 can communicate with another control device via the communication interface 193.
  • the processor 192 can be a general-purpose microprocessor that operates in cooperation with a general-purpose memory.
  • Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU and an MPU.
  • Examples of the general-purpose memory include a ROM and a RAM.
  • processor 192 may be implemented as part of a dedicated integrated circuit.
  • a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, and the like can be exemplified.
  • control device 18 and the control device 19 are connected to a common control device 200 mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100.
  • the control device 19 is connected to the communication interface 203 of the control device 200 via the communication interface 193 and the signal line SL.
  • the signal line SL connecting the control device 18 and the control device 200 can be replaced with the on-board network bus NB.
  • the signal line SL connecting the control device 19 and the control device 200 can be replaced with the in-vehicle network bus NB.
  • FIG. 8D shows an example in which the control device 19 for controlling the operation of the lamp unit 16 is connected to the control device 300 mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100.
  • the control device 19 is connected to the communication interface 303 of the control device 300 via the communication interface 193 and the signal line SL.
  • the communication interface 303 can appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as a D / A converter.
  • the communication interface 193 can appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as an A / D converter.
  • the signal line SL connecting the control device 18 and the control device 200 can be replaced with the on-board network bus NB.
  • the signal line SL connecting the control device 19 and the control device 300 can be replaced with the in-vehicle network bus NB.
  • the communication lamp device 1 includes a processor 182 that controls the cooperation between the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15.
  • the processing load on the control device mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100 and communicably connected to the processor 182 can be reduced.
  • FIG. 9 shows an example of a process executed by the processor 182 of the control device 18. Note that the processing described below may be executed by the processor 202 of the control device 200.
  • the processor 182 determines whether an occupant of the vehicle 100 is on board (STEP 11). Processor 182 determines whether an occupant is on the basis of a signal or data output from a sensor (not shown) mounted on vehicle 100. Processor 182 may receive a signal or data indicating a determination result made on main body 101 side of vehicle 100. Examples of the sensor include a camera for acquiring an image of a vehicle interior, a pressure-sensitive sensor embedded in a seat, and a temperature sensor for detecting a body temperature of an occupant.
  • the function of generating the notification sound by vibrating body 15 is maintained (STEP 12). That is, the volume of the notification sound does not change. In this situation, it is not necessary to consider the comfort of the occupant, and therefore, priority is given to maintaining the informing ability of the information to the outside of the vehicle 100 by the informing sound generated in cooperation with the communication light CL.
  • the volume of the notification sound generated by vibrating body 15 is reduced (STEP13).
  • the expression “the volume of the notification sound is reduced” as used in the present specification includes a case where the volume becomes zero, that is, a case where the output of the notification sound is stopped.
  • the volume can be reduced by reducing the vibration amplitude of the vibrating body 15.
  • the lowering of the volume can also be achieved by reducing the number of occurrences of the notification sound per unit time.
  • the volume of the notification sound By lowering the volume of the notification sound, a decrease in the comfort of the occupant of the vehicle 100 can be suppressed. On the other hand, even when the volume of the notification sound is lowered, the emission function of the communication light CL is maintained. Therefore, the required minimum information notification by the communication lamp device 1 can be secured.
  • the processor 182 may further determine whether the volume in the vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (STEP 14).
  • Processor 182 determines the volume in the vehicle based on a signal or data output from a sound sensor (not shown) mounted on vehicle 100.
  • the processor 182 may receive a signal or data indicating the result of the sound volume determination made on the main body 101 side of the vehicle 100.
  • processor 182 maintains the function of generating a notification sound by vibrating body 15 (STEP 12). Even if an occupant is in the vehicle 100, if the sound volume in the vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined value due to conversation, music, or the like, the effect of the notification sound on the decrease in occupant comfort is reduced. Therefore, priority is given to maintaining the alertness of information to the outside of the vehicle 100, which is increased by the alert sound.
  • the volume in the vehicle is lower than the predetermined value (N in STEP 14)
  • the volume of the notification sound generated by vibrator 15 is reduced (STEP 13). In other words, priority is given to suppressing a decrease in the comfort of the occupant.
  • the processor 182 may adjust the volume of the notification sound instead of not executing the reduction of the volume of the notification sound (STEP 15). That is, the processor 182 can control the vibrating body 15 so that a notification sound having a volume higher than the volume set in STEP 13 is output.
  • the processor 182 changes the volume of the notification sound based on a binary determination as to whether or not the volume in the vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.
  • the processor 182 may continuously change the volume of the notification sound based on the detected vehicle interior volume.
  • FIG. 10A shows another example of the processing executed by the processor 182 of the control device 18.
  • FIG. 10B illustrates a configuration of the communication lamp device 1 that can execute the process.
  • the communication lamp device 1 includes the sensor unit 20.
  • the term "sensor unit” refers to a component unit of a component that can provide a desired information detection function and can be distributed as a single unit.
  • the sensor unit 20 may be arranged in the accommodation room 13 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6, or may be arranged at an appropriate position outside the accommodation room 13 in the vehicle 100.
  • the sensor unit 20 detects information outside the vehicle 100.
  • the sensor unit 20 outputs a signal or data corresponding to the detected information.
  • Examples of the sensor unit 20 include a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor unit, a camera unit, and a millimeter wave radar unit.
  • the communication lamp device 1 can include a plurality of sensor units 20.
  • the communication lamp device 1 can include a plurality of types of sensor units 20. Since the principle of information detection by these sensor units is well known, a detailed description is omitted.
  • the signal or data output from the sensor unit 20 is input to the communication interface 183 of the control device 18.
  • the processor 182 determines whether there is a danger in a situation where the vehicle 100 is placed based on the signal or the data (STEP 21).
  • the term "danger” refers to the possibility of an accident involving the vehicle 100.
  • the accident include a contact or collision between the vehicle 100 and a pedestrian, a contact or collision between the vehicle 100 and another vehicle, and a contact or collision between the vehicle 100 and a nearby stationary object.
  • the surrounding stationary object include a building, traffic equipment, and a tree. The danger may be determined based on at least one of the presence or absence of a driver, the speed of the vehicle 100, the distance to a contact or collision target, surrounding traffic conditions, time, weather, and the like.
  • Danger can be defined in various ways based on the above judgment.
  • the risk may be defined as two values corresponding to “with risk” and “without risk”, respectively.
  • the determination result of “dangerous” can be further divided into a plurality of levels such as “emergency avoidance”, “warning required”, and “caution required”. Classification into each level may be made based on a combination of the contents of each of a plurality of elements used in the judgment, or based on a comparison between a quantified judgment result and a numerical range assigned to each level. It may be done.
  • the processor 182 controls at least one of the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15 to change at least one of the output modes of the communication light CL and the notification sound (STEP22). ).
  • the change in the output mode of the communication light CL includes at least one of switching between continuous light emission and intermittent light emission, increasing the amount of light, changing the emission color, changing the irradiation direction and irradiation range, displaying a specific symbol and a linguistic message, and the like. One is done.
  • the change of the output mode of the communication light CL is performed so that the notification to the surroundings is higher than the initial setting.
  • the output mode of the notification sound is changed by performing at least one of an increase in volume, an increase in the number of output times of the notification sound per unit time, a change in frequency, and output of a specific melody or a linguistic message.
  • the output mode of the notification sound is changed so that the notification to the surroundings is higher than the initial setting.
  • the notification mode may be different according to each level. Table 1 shows such an example.
  • the processor 182 determines again whether or not there is a danger of the situation where the vehicle 100 is placed after a predetermined time has elapsed (STEP 23). This determination is made in the same manner as in STEP21.
  • the changed notification mode is maintained for at least one of the communication light CL and the notification sound.
  • the processor 182 If it is determined that there is no danger (Y in STEP 23), that is, if it is determined that the danger determined in STEP 21 has been avoided, the processor 182 outputs the notification changed for at least one of the communication light CL and the notification sound.
  • the mode is reset (STEP 24). That is, the notification mode changed for at least one of the communication light CL and the notification sound is returned to the initial setting. Thereafter, the processing returns to STEP 21.
  • At least one of the output modes of the communication light CL and the notification sound can be changed so that the notification to the surroundings is enhanced. Thereby, the person who received the notification can be prompted to take an action to avoid danger.
  • the notification mode can be made temporary until the danger is avoided, it is possible to suppress the possibility that excessive notification may cause discomfort to the driver or pedestrians in the vicinity.
  • the processor 182 included in the communication lamp device 1 determines the danger of the vehicle 100 based on information external to the vehicle 100 detected by the sensor unit 20 included in the communication lamp device 1. I do. According to such a configuration, the processing load of the control device mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100 is suppressed, and the control of changing the notification mode by the communication lamp device 1 for avoiding danger is performed autonomously and quickly. I can do it.
  • the processing described with reference to FIG. 10A is performed by the control device 200 mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100 based on information external to the vehicle 100 detected by the sensor unit mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100. It may be executed by the processor 202. In this case, the sensor unit 20 of the control device 18 of the communication lamp device 1 can be omitted. Alternatively, the processor 202 of the control device 200 may determine the danger, and data indicating the determination result may be transmitted to the control device 18. In this case, the processor 182 of the control device 18 changes the notification mode of at least one of the communication light CL and the notification sound based on the data.
  • FIG. 11 shows another example of the processing executed by the processor 182 of the control device 18.
  • the processor 182 determines whether a malfunction has occurred in the light source 14 (STEP 31).
  • the term "malfunction” is meant to include temporary departure from normal operation and permanent failure (inoperability).
  • the processor 182 outputs a control signal to the light source 14 via the control interface 181 and monitors the behavior of the light source 14 based on the control signal.
  • the behavior of the light source 14 can be grasped, for example, by monitoring the operating voltage of the light emitting element constituting the light source 14. If the operation of the light source 14 associated with the output control signal does not match the operation indicated by the monitored operating voltage, the processor 182 determines that the light source 14 has malfunctioned.
  • the processor 182 controls the vibrating body 15 to change the output mode of the notification sound (STEP32).
  • the output mode of the notification sound is changed by performing at least one of an increase in volume, an increase in the number of output times of the notification sound per unit time, a change in frequency, and output of a specific melody or a linguistic message.
  • the output mode of the notification sound is changed so that the notification to the driver and the surroundings is higher than the initial setting.
  • Outputting the notification sound under the condition that the notification sound is not output in the initial setting is also an example of changing the output mode of the notification sound. For example, if the notification sound is output in the initial state so that the notification sound is not output in a state where the driver is on the vehicle 100, the driver changes the output mode of the notification sound if the notification sound is output in the same state. Notice that.
  • the processor 182 determines again whether or not the light source 14 has malfunctioned after a predetermined time has elapsed (STEP 33). This determination is performed in the same manner as in STEP31.
  • the processor 182 If it is determined that there is no operation failure (Y in STEP33), that is, if it is determined that the operation failure determined in STEP31 has been resolved, the processor 182 resets the output mode changed for the notification sound (STEP34). . That is, the output mode changed for the notification sound is returned to the initial setting. Thereafter, the processing returns to STEP31.
  • the communication lamp device is changed by changing the output mode of the notification sound by the vibrating body 15 so as to enhance the notification to the driver and the surroundings, for example. No. 1 information can be prevented from lowering in notification. Further, the fact that the light source 14 has malfunctioned is notified to the driver, so that the maintenance and inspection of the light source 14 can be prompted. On the other hand, such a change in the output mode can be temporary until the operation failure is eliminated, so that the possibility that excessive notification gives a driver or a pedestrian in the vicinity an unpleasant feeling can be suppressed.
  • the processor 182 provided in the communication lamp device 1 makes a determination regarding the malfunction of the light source 14. By making the determination in a place closer to the light source 14, the communication lamp device 1 can autonomously and promptly perform the change control of the output mode of the notification sound for suppressing the reduction of the notification of information. Further, the processing load of the control device mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100 can be suppressed.
  • the processing described with reference to FIG. 11 may be executed by the processor 202 of the control device 200 mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100.
  • the control device 18 of the communication lamp device 1 can be omitted.
  • the processor 202 of the control device 200 may make a determination relating to the malfunction of the light source 14, and data indicating the determination result may be transmitted to the control device 18.
  • the processor 182 of the control device 18 changes the output mode of the notification sound based on the data.
  • the notification sound is generated by the vibrating body 15 vibrating the translucent cover 12.
  • the configuration of the sound source can be appropriately selected.
  • an independent speaker unit can be used as a sound source.
  • the sensor unit 20 described with reference to FIG. 10B can be arranged in the accommodation room 13 together with the light source 14.
  • the processor 202 of the control device 200 illustrated in FIG. 4 can communicate with the sensor unit 20 via the communication interface 203.
  • a signal or data corresponding to information outside the vehicle 100 output from the sensor unit 20 may be directly input to the control device 200 or may be input to the control device 200 via another control device. Is also good.
  • the processor 202 causes the vibrating body 15 to vibrate the light-transmitting cover 12 based on the determination that the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 may be reduced. Specifically, the possibility that the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 is reduced due to a foreign matter such as raindrops, snowflakes, or mud adhering to the surface 12a of the translucent cover 12 is determined.
  • a signal or data indicating the fact that a wiper (not shown) has been operated in the vehicle 100 may be input to the communication interface 203 via the on-board network bus NB.
  • the wiper is generally operated in bad weather such as rain or snow. Therefore, by receiving the signal or the data, the processor 202 determines that there is a possibility that the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 may be reduced due to a foreign substance that can adhere to the light-transmitting cover 12 in bad weather.
  • a signal or data indicating bad weather may be input to the communication interface 203 through the on-vehicle network bus NB.
  • the processor 202 determines that there is a possibility that the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 may be reduced due to a foreign substance that can adhere to the light-transmitting cover 12 under bad weather.
  • the processor 202 vibrates the vibrating body 15 based on this determination.
  • the vibration of the vibrating body 15 is transmitted to the light transmitting cover 12.
  • the light-transmitting cover 12 that protects the light source 14 and allows the communication light CL to pass also serves to protect the sensor unit 20, so that the communication lamp device 1 and the sensor unit 20 are separately mounted on the vehicle 100 as compared with the case where the communication lamp device 1 and the sensor unit 20 are mounted separately.
  • an increase in component costs and a decrease in assembly workability can be suppressed.
  • foreign matter adhering to the surface 12a of the translucent cover 12 may reduce the information detection ability of the sensor unit 20.
  • the vibrating body 15 vibrates the light transmitting cover 12, so that it is possible to remove foreign matter from the light transmitting cover 12. . Therefore, the function of detecting information external to the vehicle 100 can be integrated with the communication lamp device 1, and a reduction in the function can be suppressed.
  • the presence of a foreign substance attached to the surface 12a of the light transmitting cover 12 can be directly detected by the sensor unit 20 (acquisition of an image of the foreign substance by the camera unit, light transmission by the LiDAR sensor unit). Detection of an object at the position of the cover 12).
  • a signal or data indicating the detection result of the foreign object can be input to the communication interface 203 via the signal line SL or the in-vehicle network bus NB.
  • the processor 202 determines that by receiving the signal or the data, the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 may be reduced due to the foreign matter attached to the light transmitting cover 12.
  • a decrease in the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 can be actually detected.
  • the detection result of information outside the vehicle 100 by the sensor unit 20 may abnormally change. If the temporal change of the signal or data input from the sensor unit 20 is abnormal, the processor 202 determines that the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 may have been reduced due to the foreign matter attached to the light transmitting cover 12. to decide.
  • the processor 202 causes the vibrating body 15 to vibrate.
  • the vibration of the vibrating body 15 is transmitted to the light transmitting cover 12.
  • the determination regarding the possibility that the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 is reduced is made based on the information detected by the sensor unit 20. According to such a configuration, the vibrating body 15 can be vibrated based on more reliable information. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently suppress a decrease in the function of detecting information outside the vehicle 100 integrated with the communication lamp device 1.
  • the communication lamp device 1 can include a nozzle device 21.
  • the nozzle device 21 is configured to be able to eject liquid toward the translucent cover 12. Examples of the liquid include water and a cleaning liquid. The liquid is ejected to remove foreign matter attached to the surface 12a of the light transmitting cover 12.
  • the operation of the nozzle device 21 can be controlled by the control device 200.
  • the processor 202 causes the nozzle device 21 to eject the liquid based on the determination that the predetermined condition is satisfied. Examples of the predetermined condition include input of an instruction by the driver, elapse of a predetermined time since the previous liquid ejection, detection of foreign matter attached to the light transmitting cover 12 by the sensor unit 20, and the like. In that case, the processor 202 inputs a control signal to the nozzle device 21 via the control interface 201 and a signal line (not shown).
  • the processor 202 controls the vibrator 15 to vibrate in cooperation with the ejection of the liquid from the nozzle device 21. That is, the vibrating body 15 vibrates the translucent cover 12 based on the determination regarding the ejection of the liquid from the nozzle device 21.
  • the processor 202 of the control device 200 can vibrate the vibrating body 15 in cooperation with the light emission of the light source 14. That is, the vibrating body 15 can vibrate the light transmitting cover 12 in cooperation with the light emission of the light source 14. For example, while the light source 14 emits the communication light CL, the vibrator 15 can intermittently vibrate the light transmitting cover 12. A notification sound is generated by this vibration, and attention of a pedestrian or the like located outside the vehicle 100 can be attracted.
  • the notification sound may include a single sound, a melody, a language message, and the like.
  • the notification sound in cooperation with the communication light CL is generated, so that the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle 100 can be improved.
  • the light-transmitting cover 12 which is an indispensable member for protecting the light source 14 while allowing the communication light CL to pass therethrough, is used as a part of a sound source that generates such a notification sound. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size and cost of the communication lamp device 1 as compared with a case where an independent speaker unit or the like for generating a notification sound is provided.
  • the above notification sound must be audible for that purpose. That is, the vibrating body 15 vibrates the translucent cover 12 at a first frequency capable of generating an audible sound in cooperation with the light emitting operation of the light source 14.
  • the vibration only needs to include at least the first frequency.
  • the vibrating body 15 that is operated based on the determination regarding the possibility that the information detection function of the sensor unit 20 deteriorates causes the translucent cover 12 to vibrate at the second frequency higher than the first frequency. That is, the vibration at the second frequency can generate an ultrasonic wave.
  • the vibration sound of the translucent cover 12 generated for removing the foreign matter adhered to the surface 12a can be hardly heard by the surrounding pedestrians, the occupants of the vehicle 100, and the like. Therefore, the operation for suppressing the information detecting function of the sensor unit 20 does not bother surrounding pedestrians or occupants of the vehicle 100. Further, the operation does not prevent information notification to the outside of the vehicle 100 by the notification sound. Furthermore, when the foreign matter attached to the light-transmitting cover 12 is removed by the liquid ejected from the nozzle device 21, a cavitation effect is generated by the ultrasonic wave, so that the foreign matter removing effect by the liquid can be further improved.
  • the configuration of the sensor unit 20 and the nozzle device 21 described with reference to FIG. 12 can be applied to the configuration including the lamp unit 16 described with reference to FIG. 6.
  • the translucent cover 12 forms a part of the outer surface of the vehicle 100. According to such a configuration, the notification sound generated due to the vibration of the vibrating body 15 can be efficiently notified to the outside of the vehicle 100.
  • another translucent cover may be arranged outside the translucent cover 12 that the vibrating body 15 vibrates.
  • Patent Application No. 2018-176003 filed on Sep. 20, 2018 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-176004, 2018 filed on Sep. 20, 2018 as part of the present disclosure.
  • Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-176005 filed on September 20, 2018
  • Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-176006 filed on September 20, 2018
  • Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-176006 filed on September 20, 2018.
  • the contents of Patent Application No. 2018-176007 are incorporated by reference.

Abstract

A light source (14) emits communication light (CL) for imparting information pertaining to vehicle drive assist. The communication light (CL) is visible light. A translucent cover (12) allows passage of the communication light (CL) therethrough. A vibrating body (15) in cooperation with a light-emitting operation of the light source (14) causes the translucent cover (12) to vibrate.

Description

コミュニケーションランプ装置Communication lamp device
　本開示は、車両に搭載されるコミュニケーションランプ装置に関連する。本明細書において用いられる「コミュニケーションランプ装置」という語は、車両の運転支援に関連する情報を報知する可視光（コミュニケーション光）を出射する光源を備えているランプ装置を意味する。本明細書において用いられる「運転支援」という語は、運転操作（ハンドル操作、加速、減速）、走行環境の監視、および運転操作のバックアップの少なくとも一つを少なくとも部分的に行なう制御処理を意味する。すなわち、衝突被害軽減ブレーキ機能やレーンキープアシスト機能のような部分的な運転支援から完全自動運転動作までを含む意味である。 The present disclosure relates to a communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle. As used herein, the term "communication lamp device" refers to a lamp device including a light source that emits visible light (communication light) that informs information related to driving assistance of a vehicle. As used herein, the term "driving assistance" refers to a control process that at least partially performs at least one of a driving operation (steering operation, acceleration, deceleration), monitoring of a driving environment, and a backup of the driving operation. . In other words, the meaning includes from partial driving support such as a collision damage reduction brake function and a lane keeping assist function to fully automatic driving operation.
　特許文献１は、この種のコミュニケーションランプ装置を開示している。光源から出射されるコミュニケーション光により提供される情報は、主として車両の外部に位置する歩行者との意思疎通を図るために用いられる。しかしながら、歩行者が常にコミュニケーション光に注意を払っているとは限らない。また、歩行者が視覚的ハンディキャップを有している場合がある。これらの場合においては、報知すべき情報が十分に伝達されない可能性がある。 Patent Document 1 discloses this type of communication lamp device. Information provided by communication light emitted from the light source is mainly used for communication with a pedestrian located outside the vehicle. However, pedestrians do not always pay attention to communication light. Also, pedestrians may have a visual handicap. In these cases, the information to be notified may not be sufficiently transmitted.
日本国特許出願公開２０１５－１７４５４１号公報Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-174541
　上記のようなコミュニケーションランプ装置の大型化やコスト増を抑制しつつ、車両の外部への情報の報知性を高めることが求められている（第一の要求）。 こ と が There is a need to increase the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle while suppressing an increase in the size and cost of the communication lamp device as described above (first requirement).
　上記のようなコミュニケーションランプ装置による車両の外部への情報の報知性を高めつつも、乗員の快適性の低下を抑制することが求められている（第二の要求）。 (4) It is required that the communication lamp device as described above enhances the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle while suppressing a decrease in occupant comfort (second requirement).
　特に危険が察知された場合において、上記のようなコミュニケーションランプ装置による車両の外部への情報の報知性を高めることが求められている（第三の要求）。 Especially, when a danger is detected, it is required to improve the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle by the communication lamp device as described above (third request).
　上記のようなコミュニケーションランプ装置による車両の外部への情報の報知性を高めつつ、光源に動作不良が生じた場合においても、報知性の低下を抑制することが求められている（第四の要求）。 It is required that the communication lamp device as described above enhances the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle and suppresses a decrease in the notification even when the light source malfunctions (fourth requirement). ).
　上記のようなコミュニケーションランプ装置に車両の外部の情報を検出する機能を統合しつつ、当該機能の低下を抑制することが求められている（第五の要求）。 (4) It is required that the function of detecting information external to the vehicle be integrated with the communication lamp device as described above, and that the deterioration of the function be suppressed (fifth requirement).
　少なくとも上記の第一の要求に応えるための一態様は、車両に搭載されるコミュニケーションランプ装置であって、
　前記車両の運転支援に関連する情報を報知する可視光を出射する光源と、
　前記可視光の通過を許容する透光カバーと、
　前記光源の発光動作と協働して前記透光カバーを振動させる振動体と、
を備えている。 At least one mode for responding to the first requirement is a communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle,
A light source that emits visible light to notify information related to the driving support of the vehicle,
A light-transmitting cover that allows the passage of the visible light,
A vibrating body that vibrates the translucent cover in cooperation with the light emitting operation of the light source;
It has.
　このような構成によれば、可視光であるコミュニケーション光と協働する報知音を発生させることによって、車両の外部への情報の報知性を高めることができる。他方、コミュニケーション光の通過を許容しつつ光源を保護するために必須の部材である透光カバーが、そのような報知音を発生させる音源の一部として利用される。したがって、報知音を発生するための独立したスピーカユニットなどを設ける場合と比較して、コミュニケーションランプ装置の大型化やコスト増を抑制できる。 According to such a configuration, it is possible to enhance the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle by generating a notification sound in cooperation with the communication light that is visible light. On the other hand, a light-transmitting cover, which is an essential member for protecting the light source while allowing the communication light to pass therethrough, is used as a part of a sound source that generates such a notification sound. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size and cost of the communication lamp device as compared with a case where an independent speaker unit or the like for generating a notification sound is provided.
　上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記車両の左右方向における中央部に搭載されるように構成されている。 The communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
The vehicle is configured to be mounted at a central portion in the left-right direction of the vehicle.
　このような構成によれば、必要最低限数のコミュニケーションランプ装置を用いて車両の外部への情報の報知性を高めることができる。 According to such a configuration, it is possible to enhance the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle by using the minimum required number of communication lamp devices.
　あるいは、上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記車両の左部と右部のいずれかに搭載されるように構成されている。 Alternatively, the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
It is configured to be mounted on either the left or right part of the vehicle.
　例えば車両の左部は、歩行者などが存在する可能性がより高い側に位置している。このような領域にコミュニケーションランプ装置を配置することにより、必要最低限数のコミュニケーションランプ装置を用いつつも、車両の外部に位置する歩行者などへ情報を効率的に報知できる。 For example, the left side of the vehicle is located on the side where there is a higher possibility that a pedestrian or the like exists. By arranging the communication lamp device in such an area, it is possible to efficiently notify information to a pedestrian or the like located outside the vehicle while using the minimum required number of communication lamp devices.
　あるいは、上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記車両の左右方向について対称な二位置の各々に搭載されるように構成されている。 Alternatively, the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
It is configured to be mounted at each of two positions symmetrical in the left-right direction of the vehicle.
　このような構成によれば、コミュニケーション光と組み合わせて発生される報知音を、より広範囲へ効率的に報知できる。 According to such a configuration, the notification sound generated in combination with the communication light can be efficiently notified to a wider area.
　上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記車両の外部に照明光を出射するランプユニットを備えており、
　前記透光カバーは、前記照明光の通過も許容する。 The communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
A lamp unit that emits illumination light outside the vehicle,
The translucent cover also allows the illumination light to pass therethrough.
　このような構成によれば、車両の必須構成要素であるランプユニットから出射される照明光の通過を許容しつつランプユニットを保護する透光カバーを、車両の外部への情報の報知性を高める報知音を発生する音源の一部として共用できる。 According to such a configuration, the light-transmitting cover that protects the lamp unit while allowing the illumination light emitted from the lamp unit, which is an essential component of the vehicle, to pass through improves the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle. It can be shared as a part of the sound source that generates the notification sound.
　上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記光源および前記振動体と電気的に接続された共通のコネクタを備えている。 The communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
A common connector electrically connected to the light source and the vibrator is provided.
　このような構成によれば、光源および振動体の協働を制御する制御装置との接続を容易化できる。 According to such a configuration, the connection with the control device that controls the cooperation between the light source and the vibrating body can be facilitated.
　上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記光源と前記振動体の協働を制御するプロセッサを備えている。 The communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
A processor for controlling the cooperation between the light source and the vibrating body.
　このような構成によれば、車両の本体に搭載されてプロセッサと通信可能に接続される制御装置の処理負荷を軽減できる。 According to such a configuration, the processing load on the control device mounted on the vehicle body and communicably connected to the processor can be reduced.
　上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記透光カバーは、前記車両の外面の一部を形成している。 The communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
The translucent cover forms a part of an outer surface of the vehicle.
　このような構成によれば、振動体の振動に伴って発生する報知音を、効率よく車両の外部へ報知できる。 According to such a configuration, the notification sound generated due to the vibration of the vibrating body can be efficiently notified to the outside of the vehicle.
　少なくとも上記の第二の要求に応えるための一態様は、車両に搭載されるコミュニケーションランプ装置であって、
　前記車両の運転支援動作に関連する情報を報知する可視光を出射する光源と、
　前記光源の発光動作と協働して報知音を発生する音源と、
　前記車両に乗員が搭乗しているとの判断に基づき、前記報知音の音量を低下させるプロセッサと、
を備えている。 At least one mode for responding to the second requirement is a communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle,
A light source that emits visible light that notifies information related to the driving assistance operation of the vehicle,
A sound source that generates a notification sound in cooperation with the light emitting operation of the light source;
A processor that reduces the volume of the notification sound based on the determination that an occupant is in the vehicle,
It has.
　このような構成によれば、可視光であるコミュニケーション光に報知音を組み合わせることにより車両の外部への情報の報知性を高めることを可能にしつつも、当該報知音による車両の乗員の快適性の低下を抑制できる。 According to such a configuration, it is possible to enhance the alertness of information to the outside of the vehicle by combining the notification light with the communication light that is visible light, while improving the comfort of the occupant of the vehicle by the notification sound. Reduction can be suppressed.
　上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記プロセッサは、前記乗員が搭乗している車室内の音量に基づいて、前記報知音の音量を変更する。 The communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
The processor changes the volume of the notification sound based on the volume of the cabin in which the occupant is riding.
　車両に乗員が搭乗していても、会話や音楽などにより車内の音量が所定値以上であれば、報知音が乗員の快適性低下に及ぼす影響は小さくなる。したがって、車内の音量が所定値以上であると判断されると、例えば報知音の音量の低下が中止もしくは抑制されうる。このような構成によれば、車両の外部への情報の報知性の維持と乗員の快適性低下の抑制とを、より柔軟に両立できる。 て も Even if an occupant is in the vehicle, if the volume in the vehicle is higher than a predetermined value due to conversation or music, the effect of the notification sound on the decrease in occupant comfort is reduced. Therefore, when it is determined that the volume in the vehicle is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, for example, the decrease in the volume of the notification sound can be stopped or suppressed. According to such a configuration, it is possible to more flexibly balance maintenance of the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle and suppression of a decrease in occupant comfort.
　上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記可視光の通過を許容する透光カバーと、
　前記透光カバーを振動させることにより、前記報知音を発生させる振動体と、
を備えている。 The communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
A light-transmitting cover that allows the passage of the visible light,
A vibrating body that generates the notification sound by vibrating the translucent cover;
It has.
　上記のような構成によれば、コミュニケーション光の通過を許容しつつ光源を保護するために必須の部材である透光カバーが、報知音を発生させる音源の一部として利用される。したがって、報知音を発生するための独立したスピーカユニットなどを設ける場合と比較して、コミュニケーションランプ装置の大型化やコスト増を抑制できる。 According to the above configuration, the light-transmitting cover, which is an essential member for protecting the light source while allowing the communication light to pass therethrough, is used as a part of the sound source that generates the notification sound. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size and cost of the communication lamp device as compared with a case where an independent speaker unit or the like for generating a notification sound is provided.
　この場合、上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記透光カバーは、前記車両の外面の一部を形成している。 In this case, the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
The translucent cover forms a part of an outer surface of the vehicle.
　このような構成によれば、振動体の振動に伴って発生する報知音を、効率よく車両の外部へ報知できる。 According to such a configuration, the notification sound generated due to the vibration of the vibrating body can be efficiently notified to the outside of the vehicle.
　少なくとも上記の第三の要求に応えるための一態様は、車両に搭載されるコミュニケーションランプ装置であって、
　前記車両の運転支援動作に関連する情報を報知する可視光を出射する光源と、
　前記光源の発光動作と協働して報知音を発生する音源と、
　前記車両に係る危険性の判断に基づき、前記可視光と前記報知音の少なくとも一方の出力態様を変更するプロセッサと、
を備えている。 At least one mode for responding to the third requirement is a communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle,
A light source that emits visible light that notifies information related to the driving assistance operation of the vehicle,
A sound source that generates a notification sound in cooperation with the light emitting operation of the light source;
A processor that changes at least one output mode of the visible light and the notification sound based on the determination of the risk related to the vehicle,
It has.
　このような構成によれば、可視光であるコミュニケーション光と協働する報知音を発生させることによって、車両の外部への情報の報知性を高めることができる。また、例えば車両に係る危険性が察知された場合において、コミュニケーション光と報知音の少なくとも一方の出力態様を、周辺への報知性が高まるように変更できる。これにより、報知を受けた者に危険性を回避する行動を促すことができる。他方、そのような報知態様の変更を危険性が回避されるまでの一時的なものとできるので、過剰な報知が運転者や周辺の歩行者などに不快感を与える可能性を抑制できる。 According to such a configuration, it is possible to enhance the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle by generating a notification sound in cooperation with the communication light that is visible light. Further, for example, when the danger relating to the vehicle is detected, at least one of the output modes of the communication light and the notification sound can be changed so that the notification to the surroundings is enhanced. Thereby, the person who received the notification can be prompted to take an action to avoid danger. On the other hand, since such a change in the notification mode can be made temporary until the danger is avoided, it is possible to suppress the possibility that excessive notification may cause discomfort to the driver or pedestrians in the vicinity.
　上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記車両の外部の情報を検出するセンサを備えており、
　前記危険性の判断は、前記情報に基づいて前記プロセッサが行なう。 The communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
A sensor for detecting information outside the vehicle,
The determination of the risk is performed by the processor based on the information.
　このような構成によれば、車両の本体に搭載されている制御装置の処理負荷を抑制し、危険性を回避するためのコミュニケーションランプ装置による報知態様の変更制御を自律的かつ迅速に遂行できる。 According to such a configuration, the processing load of the control device mounted on the main body of the vehicle can be suppressed, and the change control of the notification mode by the communication lamp device for avoiding danger can be performed autonomously and quickly.
　上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記可視光の通過を許容する透光カバーと、
　前記透光カバーを振動させることにより、前記報知音を発生させる振動体と、
を備えている。 The communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
A light-transmitting cover that allows the passage of the visible light,
A vibrating body that generates the notification sound by vibrating the translucent cover;
It has.
　このような構成によれば、コミュニケーション光の通過を許容しつつ光源を保護するために必須の部材である透光カバーが、報知音を発生させる音源の一部として利用される。したがって、報知音を発生するための独立したスピーカユニットなどを設ける場合と比較して、コミュニケーションランプ装置の大型化やコスト増を抑制できる。 According to such a configuration, the light-transmitting cover, which is an indispensable member for protecting the light source while allowing the communication light to pass therethrough, is used as a part of the sound source that generates the notification sound. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size and cost of the communication lamp device as compared with a case where an independent speaker unit or the like for generating a notification sound is provided.
　この場合、上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記透光カバーは、前記車両の外面の一部を形成している。 In this case, the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
The translucent cover forms a part of an outer surface of the vehicle.
　このような構成によれば、振動体の振動に伴って発生する報知音を、効率よく車両の外部へ報知できる。 According to such a configuration, the notification sound generated due to the vibration of the vibrating body can be efficiently notified to the outside of the vehicle.
　少なくとも上記の第四の要求に応えるための一態様は、車両に搭載されるコミュニケーションランプ装置であって、
　前記車両の運転支援動作に関連する情報を報知する可視光を出射する光源と、
　前記光源の発光動作と協働して報知音を発生する音源と、
　前記光源の動作不良に係る判断に基づき、前記報知音の出力態様を変更するプロセッサと、
を備えている。 At least one mode for responding to the fourth requirement is a communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle,
A light source that emits visible light that notifies information related to the driving assistance operation of the vehicle,
A sound source that generates a notification sound in cooperation with the light emitting operation of the light source;
A processor that changes an output mode of the notification sound based on the determination regarding the operation failure of the light source,
It has.
　このような構成によれば、可視光であるコミュニケーション光と協働する報知音を発生させることによって、車両の外部への情報の報知性を高めることができる。また、光源に動作不良が生じても、例えば運転者および周辺への報知性を高めるように音源による報知音の出力態様を変更することによって、コミュニケーションランプ装置の情報の報知性の低下を抑制できる。また、光源に動作不良が生じた事実が運転者に報知されることにより、光源の保守点検を促すことができる。他方、そのような出力態様の変更を動作不良が解消されるまでの一時的なものとできるので、過剰な報知が運転者や周辺の歩行者などに不快感を与える可能性を抑制できる。 According to such a configuration, it is possible to enhance the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle by generating a notification sound in cooperation with the communication light that is visible light. In addition, even if a malfunction occurs in the light source, for example, by changing the output mode of the notification sound by the sound source so as to enhance the notification to the driver and the surroundings, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the notification of the information of the communication lamp device. . In addition, the fact that a malfunction has occurred in the light source is notified to the driver, so that maintenance and inspection of the light source can be prompted. On the other hand, such a change in the output mode can be temporary until the operation failure is eliminated, so that the possibility that excessive notification gives a driver or a pedestrian in the vicinity an unpleasant feeling can be suppressed.
　上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記動作不良に係る判断は、前記プロセッサが行なう。 The communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
The determination regarding the malfunction is made by the processor.
　このような構成によれば、光源により近い場所において当該判断がなされることにより、情報の報知性の低下を抑制するための報知音の出力態様の変更制御を、コミュニケーションランプ装置が自律的かつ迅速に遂行できる。また、車両の本体に搭載されている制御装置の処理負荷を抑制できる。 According to such a configuration, the communication lamp device autonomously and quickly controls the change of the output mode of the notification sound for suppressing the lowering of the notification of information by making the determination in a place closer to the light source. Can be accomplished. Further, the processing load of the control device mounted on the vehicle body can be suppressed.
　上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記可視光の通過を許容する透光カバーと、
　前記透光カバーを振動させることにより、前記報知音を発生させる振動体と、
を備えている。 The communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
A light-transmitting cover that allows the passage of the visible light,
A vibrating body that generates the notification sound by vibrating the translucent cover;
It has.
　このような構成によれば、コミュニケーション光の通過を許容しつつ光源を保護するために必須の部材である透光カバーが、報知音を発生させる音源の一部として利用される。したがって、報知音を発生するための独立したスピーカユニットなどを設ける場合と比較して、コミュニケーションランプ装置の大型化やコスト増を抑制できる。 According to such a configuration, the light-transmitting cover, which is an indispensable member for protecting the light source while allowing the communication light to pass therethrough, is used as a part of the sound source that generates the notification sound. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size and cost of the communication lamp device as compared with a case where an independent speaker unit or the like for generating a notification sound is provided.
　この場合、上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記透光カバーは、前記車両の外面の一部を形成している。 In this case, the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
The translucent cover forms a part of an outer surface of the vehicle.
　このような構成によれば、振動体の振動に伴って発生する報知音を、効率よく車両の外部へ報知できる。 According to such a configuration, the notification sound generated due to the vibration of the vibrating body can be efficiently notified to the outside of the vehicle.
　少なくとも上記の第五の要求に応えるための一態様は、車両に搭載されるコミュニケーションランプ装置であって、
　前記車両の運転支援動作に関連する情報を報知する可視光を出射する光源と、
　前記車両の外部の情報を検出するセンサと、
　前記センサを覆うように前記車両の外面の一部を形成するとともに、前記可視光の通過を許容する透光カバーと、
　前記センサの検出能力が低下する可能性に係る判断に基づいて、前記透光カバーを振動させる振動体と、
を備えている。 At least one mode for responding to the fifth requirement is a communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle,
A light source that emits visible light that notifies information related to the driving assistance operation of the vehicle,
A sensor for detecting information external to the vehicle;
A part of the outer surface of the vehicle is formed so as to cover the sensor, and a light-transmitting cover that allows passage of the visible light,
A vibrating body that vibrates the translucent cover, based on a determination related to a possibility that the detection capability of the sensor is reduced,
It has.
　このような構成によれば、コミュニケーションランプ装置に車両の外部の情報を検出する機能を統合できる。光源を保護するとともに可視光の通過を許容する透光カバーが、センサの保護も兼ねるので、コミュニケーションランプ装置とセンサが個別に車両に搭載される場合と比較して、部品コストの増大や組立て作業性の低下が抑制されうる。他方、透光カバーの表面に付着した異物が、センサの情報検出能力を低下させるおそれがある。しかしながら、上記の構成によれば、そのような事態が生じる可能性があると判断されると振動体が透光カバーを振動させるので、透光カバーからの異物の除去を図ることができる。したがって、コミュニケーションランプ装置に車両の外部の情報を検出する機能を統合しつつ、当該機能の低下を抑制できる。 According to such a configuration, the function of detecting information outside the vehicle can be integrated into the communication lamp device. The translucent cover, which protects the light source and allows visible light to pass, also serves as protection for the sensor, increasing the cost of parts and assembling work compared to the case where the communication lamp device and the sensor are separately mounted on the vehicle. Can be suppressed. On the other hand, foreign matter adhering to the surface of the light transmitting cover may reduce the information detection ability of the sensor. However, according to the above configuration, when it is determined that such a situation is likely to occur, the vibrator vibrates the light transmitting cover, so that it is possible to remove foreign matter from the light transmitting cover. Therefore, the function of detecting information outside the vehicle can be integrated with the communication lamp device, and a reduction in the function can be suppressed.
　上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記判断は、前記センサにより検出された情報に基づいてなされる。 The communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
The determination is made based on information detected by the sensor.
　このような構成によれば、より確実性の高い情報に基づいて振動体を振動させることができる。したがって、コミュニケーションランプ装置に統合された車両の外部の情報を検出する機能の低下を、効率的に抑制できる。 According to such a configuration, the vibrating body can be vibrated based on more reliable information. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently suppress a decrease in the function of detecting information outside the vehicle integrated with the communication lamp device.
　この場合、上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記情報に基づいて前記判断を行なうプロセッサを備えている。 In this case, the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
A processor that makes the determination based on the information.
　このような構成によれば、センサの情報検出能力の低下を抑制するための振動体の制御を、コミュニケーションランプ装置が迅速かつ自律的に遂行できる。これにより、車両の本体に搭載されている制御装置の処理負荷を抑制できる。 According to such a configuration, the communication lamp device can quickly and autonomously control the vibrating body for suppressing the deterioration of the information detection capability of the sensor. Thereby, the processing load of the control device mounted on the main body of the vehicle can be suppressed.
　少なくとも上記の第五の要求に応えるための一態様は、車両に搭載されるコミュニケーションランプ装置であって、
　前記車両の運転支援動作に関連する情報を報知する可視光を出射する光源と、
　前記車両の外部の情報を検出するセンサと、
　前記センサを覆うように前記車両の外面の一部を形成するとともに、前記可視光の通過を許容する透光カバーと、
　前記透光カバーに液体を噴射するノズルと、
　前記液体の噴射に係る判断に基づいて、前記透光カバーを振動させる振動体と、
を備えている。 At least one mode for responding to the fifth requirement is a communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle,
A light source that emits visible light that notifies information related to the driving assistance operation of the vehicle,
A sensor for detecting information external to the vehicle;
A part of the outer surface of the vehicle is formed so as to cover the sensor, and a light-transmitting cover that allows passage of the visible light,
A nozzle for injecting a liquid onto the translucent cover,
A vibrating body that vibrates the translucent cover based on a determination related to the ejection of the liquid,
It has.
　このような構成によれば、コミュニケーションランプ装置に車両の外部の情報を検出する機能を統合できる。光源を保護するとともに可視光の通過を許容する透光カバーが、センサの保護も兼ねるので、コミュニケーションランプ装置とセンサが個別に車両に搭載される場合と比較して、部品コストの増大や組立て作業性の低下が抑制されうる。他方、透光カバーの表面に付着した異物が、センサの情報検出能力を低下させるおそれがある。しかしながら、振動する透光カバーに向けて液体が噴射されるので、当該液体による異物除去を促進できる。したがって、コミュニケーションランプ装置に統合された車両の外部の情報を検出する機能の低下を、効率的に抑制できる。 According to such a configuration, the function of detecting information outside the vehicle can be integrated into the communication lamp device. The translucent cover, which protects the light source and allows visible light to pass, also serves as protection for the sensor, increasing the cost of parts and assembling work compared to the case where the communication lamp device and the sensor are separately mounted on the vehicle. Can be suppressed. On the other hand, foreign matter adhering to the surface of the light transmitting cover may reduce the information detection ability of the sensor. However, since the liquid is ejected toward the vibrating light-transmitting cover, foreign matter removal by the liquid can be promoted. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently suppress a decrease in the function of detecting information outside the vehicle integrated with the communication lamp device.
　上記の各態様に係るコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記振動体は、前記光源の発光動作と協働して少なくとも第一周波数で前記透光カバーを振動させることにより可聴音を発生させる。 The communication lamp device according to each of the above aspects can be configured as follows.
The vibrator generates an audible sound by vibrating the translucent cover at least at a first frequency in cooperation with a light emitting operation of the light source.
　このような構成によれば、可視光であるコミュニケーション光と協働する可聴音を発生させることによって、車両の外部への情報の報知性を高めることができる。他方、コミュニケーション光の通過を許容しつつ光源を保護するために必須の部材である透光カバーが、そのような可聴音を発生させる音源の一部として利用される。したがって、可聴音を発生するための独立したスピーカユニットなどを設ける場合と比較して、コミュニケーションランプ装置の大型化やコスト増を抑制できる。 According to such a configuration, by generating an audible sound that cooperates with the communication light that is visible light, it is possible to enhance the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle. On the other hand, a light-transmitting cover, which is an essential member for protecting the light source while allowing the communication light to pass, is used as a part of a sound source that generates such an audible sound. Therefore, as compared with the case where an independent speaker unit or the like for generating an audible sound is provided, it is possible to suppress an increase in size and cost of the communication lamp device.
　この場合、上記のコミュニケーションランプ装置は、以下のように構成されうる。
　前記振動体は、前記判断に基づいて、前記第一周波数よりも高い第二周波数で前記透光カバーを振動させる。 In this case, the communication lamp device described above can be configured as follows.
The vibrating body vibrates the translucent cover at a second frequency higher than the first frequency based on the determination.
　このような構成によれば、表面に付着した異物を除去するために発生される透光カバーの振動音を、周囲の歩行者や車両の乗員などに聴こえ難くできる。したがって、センサの情報検出機能を抑制するための動作が周囲の歩行者や車両の乗員に煩わしさを与えることがない。また、当該動作が、報知音による車両の外部への情報報知を妨げることもない。さらに、ノズルから噴射された液体により透光カバーに付着した異物の除去が行なわれる場合、超音波によるキャビテーション効果が生じるので、液体による異物除去効果をさらに向上できる。 According to such a configuration, it is possible to make it difficult for a surrounding pedestrian, a vehicle occupant, or the like to hear the vibration sound of the light-transmitting cover generated for removing the foreign matter attached to the surface. Therefore, the operation for suppressing the information detection function of the sensor does not give any trouble to surrounding pedestrians or occupants of the vehicle. Further, the operation does not prevent information notification to the outside of the vehicle by the notification sound. Further, when foreign matter attached to the light-transmitting cover is removed by the liquid ejected from the nozzle, a cavitation effect is generated by ultrasonic waves, so that the foreign matter removing effect by the liquid can be further improved.
一実施形態に係るコミュニケーションランプ装置の構成を例示している。1 illustrates a configuration of a communication lamp device according to an embodiment. コミュニケーションランプ装置の車両への搭載位置を例示している。2 illustrates a mounting position of a communication lamp device on a vehicle. コミュニケーションランプ装置と制御装置の接続態様の一例を示している。4 shows an example of a connection mode between a communication lamp device and a control device. コミュニケーションランプ装置と制御装置の接続態様の別例を示している。9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device. コミュニケーションランプ装置と制御装置の接続態様の別例を示している。9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device. 制御装置の構成を例示している。2 illustrates a configuration of a control device. コミュニケーションランプ装置の車両への搭載位置の別例を示している。9 shows another example of the mounting position of the communication lamp device on the vehicle. コミュニケーションランプ装置の構成の別例を示している。9 shows another example of the configuration of the communication lamp device. コミュニケーションランプ装置と制御装置の接続態様の別例を示している。9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device. コミュニケーションランプ装置と制御装置の接続態様の別例を示している。9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device. コミュニケーションランプ装置と制御装置の接続態様の別例を示している。9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device. コミュニケーションランプ装置と制御装置の接続態様の別例を示している。9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device. コミュニケーションランプ装置と制御装置の接続態様の別例を示している。9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device. コミュニケーションランプ装置と制御装置の接続態様の別例を示している。9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device. コミュニケーションランプ装置と制御装置の接続態様の別例を示している。9 shows another example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device and the control device. 制御装置のプロセッサにより実行される処理の一例を示している。3 shows an example of a process executed by a processor of the control device. 制御装置のプロセッサにより実行される処理の別例を示している。10 shows another example of the processing executed by the processor of the control device. 図１０Ａに例示される処理を実行するためのコミュニケーションランプ装置の構成を例示している。10B illustrates a configuration of a communication lamp device for executing the process illustrated in FIG. 10A. 制御装置のプロセッサにより実行される処理の別例を示している。10 shows another example of the processing executed by the processor of the control device. コミュニケーションランプ装置の構成の別例を示している。9 shows another example of the configuration of the communication lamp device. コミュニケーションランプ装置の構成の別例を示している。9 shows another example of the configuration of the communication lamp device.
　添付の図面を参照しつつ、実施形態の例について以下詳細に説明する。以下の説明に用いる各図面では、各部材を認識可能な大きさとするために縮尺を適宜変更している。 (4) An example of the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing used in the following description, the scale is appropriately changed in order to make each member a recognizable size.
　添付の図面において、矢印Ｆは、図示された構造の前方向を示している。矢印Ｂは、図示された構造の後方向を示している。矢印Ｕは、図示された構造の上方向を示している。矢印Ｄは、図示された構造の下方向を示している。矢印Ｌは、図示された構造の左方向を示している。矢印Ｒは、図示された構造の右方向を示している。以降の説明に用いられる「左」および「右」は、運転席から見た左右の方向を示している。 矢 印 In the accompanying drawings, arrow F indicates the forward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow B indicates the backward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow U indicates the upward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow D indicates the downward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow L indicates the left direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow R indicates the right direction of the illustrated structure. “Left” and “right” used in the following description indicate left and right directions as viewed from the driver's seat.
　図１は、一実施形態に係るコミュニケーションランプ装置１の構成を例示している。コミュニケーションランプ装置１は、図２に例示される車両１００に搭載される。図１における符号１０１は、車両１００の本体の一部を示している。 FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a communication lamp device 1 according to an embodiment. The communication lamp device 1 is mounted on a vehicle 100 illustrated in FIG. Reference numeral 101 in FIG. 1 indicates a part of the main body of the vehicle 100.
　コミュニケーションランプ装置１は、ハウジング１１と透光カバー１２を備えている。ハウジング１１は、透光カバー１２とともに収容室１３を区画している。 The communication lamp device 1 includes a housing 11 and a light-transmitting cover 12. The housing 11 defines a housing chamber 13 together with the light-transmitting cover 12.
　コミュニケーションランプ装置１は、光源１４を備えている。光源１４は、可視光であるコミュニケーション光ＣＬを出射する半導体発光素子である。半導体発光素子としては、発光ダイオード（ＬＥＤ）、レーザダイオード（ＬＤ）、エレクトロルミネッセンス（ＥＬ）素子などが例示されうる。 The communication lamp device 1 includes the light source 14. The light source 14 is a semiconductor light emitting element that emits communication light CL that is visible light. Examples of the semiconductor light emitting element include a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode (LD), an electroluminescence (EL) element, and the like.
　コミュニケーション光ＣＬは、車両１００の運転支援に関連する情報を報知する光である。コミュニケーション光ＣＬは、発光、点滅、変色、路面への文字、シンボル、パターンなどの描画を通じて、車両１００の外部に位置する歩行者などに情報を報知する。報知される情報としては、運転支援動作が作動中であること、歩行者や交差点に車両１００が接近中であることなどが例示されうる。 The communication light CL is a light for notifying information related to driving support of the vehicle 100. The communication light CL notifies information to a pedestrian or the like located outside the vehicle 100 through light emission, blinking, discoloration, drawing of characters, symbols, patterns, and the like on the road surface. Examples of the information to be notified include that the driving support operation is being performed, that the vehicle 100 is approaching a pedestrian or an intersection, and the like.
　光源１４は、収容室１３内に配置されている。透光カバー１２は、コミュニケーション光ＣＬの通過を許容している。 The light source 14 is arranged in the accommodation room 13. The translucent cover 12 allows the communication light CL to pass.
　コミュニケーションランプ装置１は、振動体１５を備えている。振動体１５は、電気信号の入力に伴って振動を発生する素子である。振動体１５としては、電磁振動子や圧電振動子が例示されうる。振動体１５は、透光カバー１２を振動させることができる位置に配置される。例えば、振動体１５は、透光カバー１２と接触するように配置されうる。 The communication lamp device 1 includes the vibrator 15. The vibrating body 15 is an element that generates vibration according to input of an electric signal. As the vibrator 15, an electromagnetic vibrator or a piezoelectric vibrator can be exemplified. The vibrating body 15 is arranged at a position where the light transmitting cover 12 can be vibrated. For example, the vibrating body 15 can be arranged so as to be in contact with the translucent cover 12.
　振動体１５は、光源１４の発光と協働して透光カバー１２を振動させる。例えば、光源１４がコミュニケーション光ＣＬを出射している間、振動体１５は断続的に透光カバー１２を振動させる。この振動によって報知音が発生し、車両１００の外部に位置する歩行者などの注意を引き付けることができる。報知音は、単音、メロディ、言語メッセージなどを含みうる。 The vibrating body 15 vibrates the light transmitting cover 12 in cooperation with the light emission of the light source 14. For example, the vibrator 15 intermittently vibrates the light-transmitting cover 12 while the light source 14 emits the communication light CL. A notification sound is generated by this vibration, and attention of a pedestrian or the like located outside the vehicle 100 can be attracted. The notification sound may include a single sound, a melody, a language message, and the like.
　このような光源１４と振動体１５の協働は、図３Ａに例示されるような車両１００の本体１０１に搭載された制御装置２００によって制御されうる。制御装置２００としては、ＥＣＵなどが例示されうる。図４に例示されるように、制御装置２００は、制御インターフェース２０１とプロセッサ２０２を備えている。プロセッサ２０２は、制御インターフェース２０１および信号線ＳＬを介して光源１４と振動体１５に制御信号を入力する。制御信号がアナログ信号である場合、制御インターフェース２０１は、Ｄ／Ａコンバータなどの信号変換回路を適宜に備えうる。制御装置２００は、通信インターフェース２０３を備えている。プロセッサ２０２は、通信インターフェース２０３を介して他の制御装置と通信可能である。 協 The cooperation between the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15 can be controlled by a control device 200 mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100 as illustrated in FIG. 3A. As the control device 200, an ECU or the like can be exemplified. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control device 200 includes a control interface 201 and a processor 202. The processor 202 inputs a control signal to the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15 via the control interface 201 and the signal line SL. When the control signal is an analog signal, the control interface 201 may appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as a D / A converter. The control device 200 includes a communication interface 203. The processor 202 can communicate with another control device via the communication interface 203.
　プロセッサ２０２は、汎用メモリと協働して動作する汎用マイクロプロセッサでありうる。汎用マイクロプロセッサとしては、ＣＰＵやＭＰＵが例示されうる。汎用メモリとしては、ＲＯＭやＲＡＭが例示されうる。あるいは、プロセッサ２０２は、専用集積回路の一部として実現されうる。専用集積回路としては、マイクロコントローラ、ＡＳＩＣ、ＦＰＧＡなどが例示されうる。 The processor 202 can be a general-purpose microprocessor that operates in cooperation with a general-purpose memory. Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU and an MPU. Examples of the general-purpose memory include a ROM and a RAM. Alternatively, processor 202 may be implemented as part of a dedicated integrated circuit. As the dedicated integrated circuit, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, and the like can be exemplified.
　上記のような構成によれば、コミュニケーション光ＣＬと協働する報知音を発生させることによって、車両１００の外部への情報の報知性を高めることができる。他方、コミュニケーション光ＣＬの通過を許容しつつ光源１４を保護するために必須の部材である透光カバー１２が、そのような報知音を発生させる音源の一部として利用される。したがって、報知音を発生するための独立したスピーカユニットなどを設ける場合と比較して、コミュニケーションランプ装置１の大型化やコスト増を抑制できる。 According to the configuration described above, the notification sound in cooperation with the communication light CL is generated, so that the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle 100 can be improved. On the other hand, the light-transmitting cover 12, which is an indispensable member for protecting the light source 14 while allowing the communication light CL to pass therethrough, is used as a part of a sound source that generates such a notification sound. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size and cost of the communication lamp device 1 as compared with a case where an independent speaker unit or the like for generating a notification sound is provided.
　図２に例示されるように、上記のようなコミュニケーションランプ装置１は、車両１００の左右方向における中央部ＣＰに搭載されうる。 As illustrated in FIG. 2, the communication lamp device 1 as described above can be mounted on a central portion CP of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction.
　例えば、コミュニケーションランプ装置１は、フロントグリル１０３、フロントバンパー１０４、ボンネットフード１０５、フロントガラス１０６、ルーフ１０７、リアガラス１０８、リアバンパー１０９の少なくとも一つにおける中央部ＣＰに含まれる一部に搭載されるように構成されうる。 For example, the communication lamp device 1 is mounted on a part included in the central portion CP of at least one of the front grill 103, the front bumper 104, the hood hood 105, the windshield 106, the roof 107, the rear glass 108, and the rear bumper 109. Can be configured.
　このような構成によれば、必要最低限数のコミュニケーションランプ装置１を用いて車両１００の外部への情報の報知性を高めることができる。 According to such a configuration, it is possible to enhance the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle 100 using the minimum required number of communication lamp devices 1.
　あるいは、図５に例示されるように、上記のようなコミュニケーションランプ装置１は、車両１００の左部ＬＰに搭載されうる。車両１００の左部ＬＰは、車両１００の左右方向における中央よりも左側に位置する領域である。左部ＬＰは、車両１００が走行する地域の法律で定められる対向車線とは逆側の路肩に近い領域としても定義されうる。 Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the communication lamp device 1 as described above can be mounted on the left part LP of the vehicle 100. The left part LP of the vehicle 100 is an area located on the left side of the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction. The left part LP can also be defined as an area near the road shoulder on the opposite side to the oncoming lane defined by the law of the area where the vehicle 100 runs.
　例えば、コミュニケーションランプ装置１は、フロントグリル１０３、フロントバンパー１０４、ボンネットフード１０５、フロントガラス１０６、ルーフ１０７、リアガラス１０８、リアバンパー１０９、フロントフェンダー１１０、ドアミラー１１１、リアフェンダー１１２、ヘッドランプモジュール１１３、およびリアランプモジュール１１４の少なくとも一つにおける左部ＬＰに含まれる一部に搭載されるように構成されうる。 For example, the communication lamp device 1 includes a front grill 103, a front bumper 104, a hood hood 105, a windshield 106, a roof 107, a rear glass 108, a rear bumper 109, a front fender 110, a door mirror 111, a rear fender 112, a head lamp module 113, and At least one of the rear lamp modules 114 may be configured to be mounted on a part included in the left part LP.
　車両１００の左部ＬＰは、歩行者などが存在する可能性がより高い側に位置している。このような領域にコミュニケーションランプ装置１を配置することにより、必要最低限数のコミュニケーションランプ装置１を用いつつも、車両１００の外部に位置する歩行者などへ情報を効率的に報知できる。 左 The left part LP of the vehicle 100 is located on the side where the possibility of the presence of a pedestrian or the like is higher. By arranging the communication lamp device 1 in such an area, it is possible to efficiently notify information to a pedestrian or the like located outside the vehicle 100 while using the minimum number of communication lamp devices 1.
　コミュニケーションランプ装置１は、車両１００が走行する地域によっては、車両１００の右部ＲＰに搭載されうることは勿論である。 The communication lamp device 1 can of course be mounted on the right part RP of the vehicle 100 depending on the area where the vehicle 100 runs.
　あるいは、コミュニケーションランプ装置１は、車両１００の左右方向について対称な二位置の各々に搭載されうる。 Alternatively, the communication lamp device 1 can be mounted at each of two positions symmetrical in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100.
　例えば、一方のコミュニケーションランプ装置１は、フロントグリル１０３、フロントバンパー１０４、ボンネットフード１０５、フロントガラス１０６、ルーフ１０７、リアガラス１０８、リアバンパー１０９、フロントフェンダー１１０、ドアミラー１１１、リアフェンダー１１２、ヘッドランプモジュール１１３、およびリアランプモジュール１１４の少なくとも一つにおける左部ＬＰに含まれる一部に搭載されるように構成されうる。その場合、他方のコミュニケーションランプ装置１は、車両１００の右部ＲＰにおける上記一方のコミュニケーションランプ装置１と車両１００の左右方向について対称な位置に搭載されるように構成されうる。 For example, one communication lamp device 1 includes a front grill 103, a front bumper 104, a hood hood 105, a windshield 106, a roof 107, a rear glass 108, a rear bumper 109, a front fender 110, a door mirror 111, a rear fender 112, and a headlamp module 113. , And at least one of the rear lamp modules 114 may be configured to be mounted on a part included in the left part LP. In that case, the other communication lamp device 1 can be configured to be mounted on the right portion RP of the vehicle 100 at a position symmetrical to the one communication lamp device 1 and the left and right direction of the vehicle 100.
　このような構成によれば、コミュニケーション光ＣＬと組み合わせて発生される報知音を、より広範囲へ効率的に報知できる。 According to such a configuration, the notification sound generated in combination with the communication light CL can be efficiently notified to a wider range.
　ヘッドランプモジュール１１３やリアランプモジュール１１４に搭載される場合、図６に例示されるように、コミュニケーションランプ装置１は、ランプユニット１６を備えうる。ランプユニット１６は、収容室１３内に配置される。ランプユニット１６は、車両１００の外方へ可視光を照射する装置である。ランプユニット１６としては、前照灯ユニット、車幅灯ユニット、方向指示灯ユニット、霧灯ユニットなどが例示されうる。本明細書で用いられる「ランプユニット」という語は、所望の照明機能を備えつつ、それ自身が単体で流通可能な部品の構成単位を意味する。　 コ ミ ュ ニ ケ ー シ ョ ン When mounted on the head lamp module 113 or the rear lamp module 114, the communication lamp device 1 may include a lamp unit 16, as illustrated in FIG. The lamp unit 16 is arranged in the accommodation room 13. The lamp unit 16 is a device that emits visible light to the outside of the vehicle 100. Examples of the lamp unit 16 include a headlight unit, a vehicle width light unit, a direction indicator light unit, and a fog light unit. As used herein, the term "lamp unit" refers to a component unit of a component that can provide a desired lighting function and can be distributed as a single unit.
　このような構成によれば、車両１００の必須構成要素であるランプユニット１６から出射される照明光の通過を許容しつつランプユニット１６を保護する透光カバー１２を、車両１００の外部への情報の報知性を高める報知音を発生するための音源の一部として共用できる。 According to such a configuration, the translucent cover 12 that protects the lamp unit 16 while allowing the illumination light emitted from the lamp unit 16 which is an essential component of the vehicle 100 to pass through to the outside of the vehicle 100 Can be shared as a part of a sound source for generating a notification sound that enhances the notification performance of the device.
　図１に例示されるように、コミュニケーションランプ装置１は、共通のコネクタ１７を備えうる。コネクタ１７は、信号線ＳＬを介して光源１４および振動体１５と電気的に接続される。図６に例示される例の場合、共通のコネクタ１７は、ランプユニット１６とも電気的に接続されうる。 コ ミ ュ ニ ケ ー シ ョ ン As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication lamp device 1 can include a common connector 17. Connector 17 is electrically connected to light source 14 and vibrating body 15 via signal line SL. In the case of the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the common connector 17 can also be electrically connected to the lamp unit 16.
　このような構成によれば、光源１４および振動体１５の協働を制御する制御装置との接続を容易化できる。 According to such a configuration, connection with a control device that controls cooperation between the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15 can be facilitated.
　次に、図３Ａから図３Ｃ、図７Ａから図７Ｃ、および図８Ａから図８Ｄを参照しつつ、コミュニケーションランプ装置１と制御装置の接続態様の例について説明する。 Next, an example of a connection mode between the communication lamp device 1 and the control device will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C, 7A to 7C, and 8A to 8D.
　図３Ａは、車両１００の本体１０１に制御装置２００が搭載されている例を示している。制御装置２００は、通信インターフェース２０３および車載ネットワークバスＮＢを介して車両１００の本体１０１に搭載された他の制御装置と接続されている。本例においては、上記のコネクタ１７が制御装置２００の制御インターフェース２０１と接続されている。 FIG. 3A shows an example in which the control device 200 is mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100. Control device 200 is connected to another control device mounted on main body 101 of vehicle 100 via communication interface 203 and in-vehicle network bus NB. In this example, the connector 17 is connected to the control interface 201 of the control device 200.
　図３Ｂは、コミュニケーションランプ装置１が制御装置１８を備えている例を示している。図４に例示されるように、制御装置１８は、制御インターフェース１８１とプロセッサ１８２を備えている。プロセッサ１８２は、制御インターフェース１８１および信号線ＳＬを介して光源１４と振動体１５に制御信号を入力する。制御信号がアナログ信号である場合、制御インターフェース１８１は、Ｄ／Ａコンバータなどの信号変換回路を適宜に備えうる。制御装置１８は、通信インターフェース１８３を備えている。プロセッサ１８２は、通信インターフェース１８３を介して他の制御装置と通信可能である。 FIG. 3B shows an example in which the communication lamp device 1 includes the control device 18. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control device 18 includes a control interface 181 and a processor 182. The processor 182 inputs a control signal to the light source 14 and the vibrator 15 via the control interface 181 and the signal line SL. When the control signal is an analog signal, the control interface 181 may appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as a D / A converter. The control device 18 includes a communication interface 183. The processor 182 can communicate with another control device via the communication interface 183.
　プロセッサ１８２は、汎用メモリと協働して動作する汎用マイクロプロセッサでありうる。汎用マイクロプロセッサとしては、ＣＰＵやＭＰＵが例示されうる。汎用メモリとしては、ＲＯＭやＲＡＭが例示されうる。あるいは、プロセッサ１８２は、専用集積回路の一部として実現されうる。専用集積回路としては、マイクロコントローラ、ＡＳＩＣ、ＦＰＧＡなどが例示されうる。 The processor 182 can be a general-purpose microprocessor that operates in cooperation with a general-purpose memory. Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU and an MPU. Examples of the general-purpose memory include a ROM and a RAM. Alternatively, processor 182 may be implemented as part of a dedicated integrated circuit. As the dedicated integrated circuit, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, and the like can be exemplified.
　本例においては、上記のコネクタ１７が制御装置１８の制御インターフェース１８１と接続されている。制御装置１８は、通信インターフェース１８３および信号線ＳＬを介して制御装置２００の通信インターフェース２０３と接続されている。この場合、通信インターフェース２０３は、Ｄ／Ａコンバータなどの信号変換回路を適宜に備えうる。通信インターフェース１８３は、Ａ／Ｄコンバータなどの信号変換回路を適宜に備えうる。 In this example, the connector 17 is connected to the control interface 181 of the control device 18. The control device 18 is connected to the communication interface 203 of the control device 200 via the communication interface 183 and the signal line SL. In this case, the communication interface 203 can appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as a D / A converter. The communication interface 183 can appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as an A / D converter.
　図３Ｃに示される例のように、制御装置１８の通信インターフェース１８３と制御装置２００の通信インターフェース２０３は、車載ネットワークバスＮＢを介してデータ通信可能に接続されてもよい。 3C, the communication interface 183 of the control device 18 and the communication interface 203 of the control device 200 may be connected via an in-vehicle network bus NB so as to be able to perform data communication, as in the example shown in FIG. 3C.
　図７Ａは、図６に例示されるコミュニケーションランプ装置１が車両１００の本体１０１に搭載された制御装置２００に接続されている例を示している。本例においては、光源１４、振動体１５、およびランプユニット１６と電気的に接続された共通のコネクタ１７が、制御装置２００の制御インターフェース２０１と接続されている。 7A shows an example in which the communication lamp device 1 illustrated in FIG. 6 is connected to a control device 200 mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100. In this example, a common connector 17 electrically connected to the light source 14, the vibrating body 15, and the lamp unit 16 is connected to the control interface 201 of the control device 200.
　図７Ｂは、図６に例示されるコミュニケーションランプ装置１が制御装置１８をさらに備えている例を示している。本例においては、共通のコネクタ１７が制御装置１８の制御インターフェース１８１と接続されている。制御装置１８は、通信インターフェース１８３および信号線ＳＬを介して制御装置２００の通信インターフェース２０３と接続されている。 FIG. 7B shows an example in which the communication lamp device 1 illustrated in FIG. In this example, the common connector 17 is connected to the control interface 181 of the control device 18. The control device 18 is connected to the communication interface 203 of the control device 200 via the communication interface 183 and the signal line SL.
　図７Ｃに示される例のように、制御装置１８の通信インターフェース１８３と制御装置２００の通信インターフェース２０３は、車載ネットワークバスＮＢを介してデータ通信可能に接続されてもよい。 As in the example shown in FIG. 7C, the communication interface 183 of the control device 18 and the communication interface 203 of the control device 200 may be communicably connected via the in-vehicle network bus NB.
　図８Ａは、光源１４と振動体１５の協働を制御する制御装置２００に加え、ランプユニット１６の動作を制御する制御装置３００が、車両１００の本体１０１に搭載されている例を示している。図４に例示されるように、制御装置３００は、制御インターフェース３０１とプロセッサ３０２を備えている。プロセッサ３０２は、制御インターフェース３０１および信号線ＳＬを介してランプユニット１６に制御信号を入力する。制御信号がアナログ信号である場合、制御インターフェース３０１は、Ｄ／Ａコンバータなどの信号変換回路を適宜に備えうる。制御装置３００は、通信インターフェース３０３を備えている。プロセッサ３０２は、通信インターフェース３０３を介して他の制御装置と通信可能である。 FIG. 8A shows an example in which a control device 300 for controlling the operation of the lamp unit 16 is mounted on a main body 101 of the vehicle 100 in addition to a control device 200 for controlling the cooperation between the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15. . As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control device 300 includes a control interface 301 and a processor 302. The processor 302 inputs a control signal to the lamp unit 16 via the control interface 301 and the signal line SL. When the control signal is an analog signal, the control interface 301 may appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as a D / A converter. The control device 300 includes a communication interface 303. The processor 302 can communicate with another control device via the communication interface 303.
　プロセッサ３０２は、汎用メモリと協働して動作する汎用マイクロプロセッサでありうる。汎用マイクロプロセッサとしては、ＣＰＵやＭＰＵが例示されうる。汎用メモリとしては、ＲＯＭやＲＡＭが例示されうる。あるいは、プロセッサ３０２は、専用集積回路の一部として実現されうる。専用集積回路としては、マイクロコントローラ、ＡＳＩＣ、ＦＰＧＡなどが例示されうる。 The processor 302 may be a general-purpose microprocessor that operates in cooperation with a general-purpose memory. Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU and an MPU. Examples of the general-purpose memory include a ROM and a RAM. Alternatively, processor 302 may be implemented as part of a dedicated integrated circuit. As the dedicated integrated circuit, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, and the like can be exemplified.
　図８Ｂは、光源１４と振動体１５の協働を制御する制御装置１８が接続された制御装置２００に加え、ランプユニット１６の動作を制御する制御装置３００が、車両１００の本体１０１に搭載されている例を示している。 FIG. 8B shows that a control device 300 for controlling the operation of the lamp unit 16 is mounted on a main body 101 of the vehicle 100 in addition to a control device 200 to which a control device 18 for controlling the cooperation between the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15 is connected. An example is shown.
　図３Ｃを参照して説明したように、制御装置１８と制御装置２００を接続している信号線ＳＬは、車載ネットワークバスＮＢで置き換えられうる。 As described with reference to FIG. 3C, the signal line SL connecting the control device 18 and the control device 200 can be replaced with the on-board network bus NB.
　図８Ｃは、光源１４と振動体１５の協働を制御する制御装置１８に加えて、ランプユニット１６の動作を制御する制御装置１９をコミュニケーションランプ装置１が備えている例を示している。図４に例示されるように、制御装置１９は、制御インターフェース１９１とプロセッサ１９２を備えている。プロセッサ１９２は、制御インターフェース１９１および信号線ＳＬを介してランプユニット１６に制御信号を入力する。制御信号がアナログ信号である場合、制御インターフェース１９１は、Ｄ／Ａコンバータなどの信号変換回路を適宜に備えうる。制御装置１９は、通信インターフェース１９３を備えている。プロセッサ１９２は、通信インターフェース１９３を介して他の制御装置と通信可能である。 FIG. 8C shows an example in which the communication lamp device 1 includes a control device 18 for controlling the operation of the lamp unit 16 in addition to the control device 18 for controlling the cooperation between the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control device 19 includes a control interface 191 and a processor 192. The processor 192 inputs a control signal to the lamp unit 16 via the control interface 191 and the signal line SL. When the control signal is an analog signal, the control interface 191 may appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as a D / A converter. The control device 19 includes a communication interface 193. The processor 192 can communicate with another control device via the communication interface 193.
　プロセッサ１９２は、汎用メモリと協働して動作する汎用マイクロプロセッサでありうる。汎用マイクロプロセッサとしては、ＣＰＵやＭＰＵが例示されうる。汎用メモリとしては、ＲＯＭやＲＡＭが例示されうる。あるいは、プロセッサ１９２は、専用集積回路の一部として実現されうる。専用集積回路としては、マイクロコントローラ、ＡＳＩＣ、ＦＰＧＡなどが例示されうる。 The processor 192 can be a general-purpose microprocessor that operates in cooperation with a general-purpose memory. Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU and an MPU. Examples of the general-purpose memory include a ROM and a RAM. Alternatively, processor 192 may be implemented as part of a dedicated integrated circuit. As the dedicated integrated circuit, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, and the like can be exemplified.
　本例においては、制御装置１８と制御装置１９が、車両１００の本体１０１に搭載された共通の制御装置２００に接続されている。制御装置１９は、通信インターフェース１９３および信号線ＳＬを介して制御装置２００の通信インターフェース２０３と接続されている。 In this example, the control device 18 and the control device 19 are connected to a common control device 200 mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100. The control device 19 is connected to the communication interface 203 of the control device 200 via the communication interface 193 and the signal line SL.
　図３Ｃを参照して説明したように、制御装置１８と制御装置２００を接続している信号線ＳＬは、車載ネットワークバスＮＢで置き換えられうる。同様に、制御装置１９と制御装置２００を接続している信号線ＳＬは、車載ネットワークバスＮＢで置き換えられうる。 As described with reference to FIG. 3C, the signal line SL connecting the control device 18 and the control device 200 can be replaced with the on-board network bus NB. Similarly, the signal line SL connecting the control device 19 and the control device 200 can be replaced with the in-vehicle network bus NB.
　図８Ｄは、ランプユニット１６の動作を制御する制御装置１９が、車両１００の本体１０１に搭載された制御装置３００に接続されている例を示している。制御装置１９は、通信インターフェース１９３および信号線ＳＬを介して制御装置３００の通信インターフェース３０３と接続されている。この場合、通信インターフェース３０３は、Ｄ／Ａコンバータなどの信号変換回路を適宜に備えうる。通信インターフェース１９３は、Ａ／Ｄコンバータなどの信号変換回路を適宜に備えうる。 Ｄ FIG. 8D shows an example in which the control device 19 for controlling the operation of the lamp unit 16 is connected to the control device 300 mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100. The control device 19 is connected to the communication interface 303 of the control device 300 via the communication interface 193 and the signal line SL. In this case, the communication interface 303 can appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as a D / A converter. The communication interface 193 can appropriately include a signal conversion circuit such as an A / D converter.
　図３Ｃを参照して説明したように、制御装置１８と制御装置２００を接続している信号線ＳＬは、車載ネットワークバスＮＢで置き換えられうる。同様に、制御装置１９と制御装置３００を接続している信号線ＳＬは、車載ネットワークバスＮＢで置き換えられうる。 As described with reference to FIG. 3C, the signal line SL connecting the control device 18 and the control device 200 can be replaced with the on-board network bus NB. Similarly, the signal line SL connecting the control device 19 and the control device 300 can be replaced with the in-vehicle network bus NB.
　図３Ｂ、図３Ｃ、図７Ｂ、図７Ｃ、図８Ｂ、図８Ｃ、および図８Ｄに例示されるように、光源１４と振動体１５の協働を制御するプロセッサ１８２をコミュニケーションランプ装置１が備えている場合、車両１００の本体１０１に搭載されてプロセッサ１８２と通信可能に接続される制御装置の処理負荷を軽減できる。 As illustrated in FIGS. 3B, 3C, 7B, 7C, 8B, 8C, and 8D, the communication lamp device 1 includes a processor 182 that controls the cooperation between the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15. In this case, the processing load on the control device mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100 and communicably connected to the processor 182 can be reduced.
　図９は、制御装置１８のプロセッサ１８２によって実行される処理の一例を示している。なお、以下に説明される処理は、制御装置２００のプロセッサ２０２によって実行されてもよい。 FIG. 9 shows an example of a process executed by the processor 182 of the control device 18. Note that the processing described below may be executed by the processor 202 of the control device 200.
　プロセッサ１８２は、車両１００の乗員が搭乗しているかを判断する（ＳＴＥＰ１１）。プロセッサ１８２は、車両１００に搭載されている不図示のセンサから出力される信号またはデータに基づいて、乗員が搭乗しているかを判断する。プロセッサ１８２は、車両１００の本体１０１側でなされた判断結果を示す信号またはデータを受け付けてもよい。センサとしては、車室内の画像を取得するカメラ、座席に埋設された感圧センサ、乗員の体温を検出する温度センサなどが例示されうる。 (4) The processor 182 determines whether an occupant of the vehicle 100 is on board (STEP 11). Processor 182 determines whether an occupant is on the basis of a signal or data output from a sensor (not shown) mounted on vehicle 100. Processor 182 may receive a signal or data indicating a determination result made on main body 101 side of vehicle 100. Examples of the sensor include a camera for acquiring an image of a vehicle interior, a pressure-sensitive sensor embedded in a seat, and a temperature sensor for detecting a body temperature of an occupant.
　乗員が搭乗していないと判断されると（ＳＴＥＰ１１においてＮ）、振動体１５による報知音の発生機能が維持される（ＳＴＥＰ１２）。すなわち、報知音の音量は変化しない。この状況においては乗員の快適性を考慮する必要がないので、コミュニケーション光ＣＬと協働して発生される報知音による車両１００の外部への情報の報知性維持が優先される。 If it is determined that the occupant is not on board (N in STEP 11), the function of generating the notification sound by vibrating body 15 is maintained (STEP 12). That is, the volume of the notification sound does not change. In this situation, it is not necessary to consider the comfort of the occupant, and therefore, priority is given to maintaining the informing ability of the information to the outside of the vehicle 100 by the informing sound generated in cooperation with the communication light CL.
　乗員が搭乗していると判断されると（ＳＴＥＰ１１においてＹ）、振動体１５により発生する報知音の音量が低下される（ＳＴＥＰ１３）。本明細書で用いられる「報知音の音量が低下される」という表現は、音量がゼロになる場合、すなわち報知音の出力が停止される場合を含む意味である。音量の低下は、振動体１５の振動振幅を低減することによりなされうる。音量の低下は、単位時間あたりの報知音の発生回数を低減することによってもなされうる。 と When it is determined that the occupant is on board (Y in STEP11), the volume of the notification sound generated by vibrating body 15 is reduced (STEP13). The expression “the volume of the notification sound is reduced” as used in the present specification includes a case where the volume becomes zero, that is, a case where the output of the notification sound is stopped. The volume can be reduced by reducing the vibration amplitude of the vibrating body 15. The lowering of the volume can also be achieved by reducing the number of occurrences of the notification sound per unit time.
　報知音の音量が低下されることにより、車両１００の乗員の快適性の低下が抑制されうる。他方、報知音の音量が低下される場合においても、コミュニケーション光ＣＬの出射機能は、維持される。したがって、コミュニケーションランプ装置１による必要最低限の情報報知性は確保されうる。 By lowering the volume of the notification sound, a decrease in the comfort of the occupant of the vehicle 100 can be suppressed. On the other hand, even when the volume of the notification sound is lowered, the emission function of the communication light CL is maintained. Therefore, the required minimum information notification by the communication lamp device 1 can be secured.
　上記のような構成によれば、コミュニケーション光ＣＬに報知音を組み合わせることにより車両１００の外部への情報の報知性を高めることを可能にしつつも、車両１００の乗員の快適性の低下を抑制できる。 According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to enhance the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle 100 by combining the notification light with the communication light CL, while suppressing a decrease in the comfort of the occupant of the vehicle 100. .
　乗員が搭乗していると判断された場合（ＳＴＥＰ１１においてＹ）、プロセッサ１８２は、さらに車内の音量が所定値以上であるかを判断しうる（ＳＴＥＰ１４）。プロセッサ１８２は、車両１００に搭載されている不図示の音センサから出力される信号またはデータに基づいて、車内の音量を判断する。プロセッサ１８２は、車両１００の本体１０１側でなされた音量の判断結果を示す信号またはデータを受け付けてもよい。 If it is determined that the occupant is on board (Y in STEP 11), the processor 182 may further determine whether the volume in the vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (STEP 14). Processor 182 determines the volume in the vehicle based on a signal or data output from a sound sensor (not shown) mounted on vehicle 100. The processor 182 may receive a signal or data indicating the result of the sound volume determination made on the main body 101 side of the vehicle 100.
　車内の音量が所定値以上であると判断されると（ＳＴＥＰ１４においてＹ）、プロセッサ１８２は、振動体１５による報知音の発生機能を維持する（ＳＴＥＰ１２）。車両１００に乗員が搭乗していても、会話や音楽などにより車内の音量が所定値以上であれば、報知音が乗員の快適性低下に及ぼす影響は小さくなる。したがって、報知音により高まる車両１００の外部への情報の報知性の維持が優先される。 と When it is determined that the volume in the vehicle is equal to or higher than the predetermined value (Y in STEP 14), processor 182 maintains the function of generating a notification sound by vibrating body 15 (STEP 12). Even if an occupant is in the vehicle 100, if the sound volume in the vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined value due to conversation, music, or the like, the effect of the notification sound on the decrease in occupant comfort is reduced. Therefore, priority is given to maintaining the alertness of information to the outside of the vehicle 100, which is increased by the alert sound.
　他方、車内の音量が所定値未満であると判断されると（ＳＴＥＰ１４においてＮ）、振動体１５により発生する報知音の音量が低下される（ＳＴＥＰ１３）。すなわち、乗員の快適性低下の抑制が優先される。 On the other hand, if it is determined that the volume in the vehicle is lower than the predetermined value (N in STEP 14), the volume of the notification sound generated by vibrator 15 is reduced (STEP 13). In other words, priority is given to suppressing a decrease in the comfort of the occupant.
　したがって、車両１００の外部への情報の報知性の維持と乗員の快適性低下の抑制とをより柔軟に両立できる。 Therefore, it is possible to more flexibly maintain the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle 100 and suppress the decrease in occupant comfort.
　車内の音量が所定値以上であると判断された場合（ＳＴＥＰ１４においてＹ）、プロセッサ１８２は、報知音の音量の低下を実行しないことに代えて、報知音の音量を調節してもよい（ＳＴＥＰ１５）。すなわち、プロセッサ１８２は、ＳＴＥＰ１３において設定される音量よりも高い音量の報知音が出力されるように振動体１５を制御しうる。 If it is determined that the volume inside the vehicle is equal to or higher than the predetermined value (Y in STEP 14), the processor 182 may adjust the volume of the notification sound instead of not executing the reduction of the volume of the notification sound (STEP 15). ). That is, the processor 182 can control the vibrating body 15 so that a notification sound having a volume higher than the volume set in STEP 13 is output.
　本例においては、プロセッサ１８２は、車内の音量が所定値以上であるか否かの二値的な判断に基づいて報知音の音量を変更している。しかしながら、プロセッサ１８２は、検出される車内の音量に基づいて、報知音の音量を連続的に変更してもよい。 In this example, the processor 182 changes the volume of the notification sound based on a binary determination as to whether or not the volume in the vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. However, the processor 182 may continuously change the volume of the notification sound based on the detected vehicle interior volume.
　図１０Ａは、制御装置１８のプロセッサ１８２によって実行される処理の別例を示している。図１０Ｂは、当該処理を実行しうるコミュニケーションランプ装置１の構成を例示している。 FIG. 10A shows another example of the processing executed by the processor 182 of the control device 18. FIG. 10B illustrates a configuration of the communication lamp device 1 that can execute the process.
　本例に係るコミュニケーションランプ装置１は、センサユニット２０を備えている。本明細書で用いられる「センサユニット」という語は、所望の情報検出機能を備えつつ、それ自身が単体で流通可能な部品の構成単位を意味する。センサユニット２０は、図１および図６に例示される収容室１３内に配置されてもよいし、車両１００における収容室１３外の適宜の位置に配置されてもよい。 コ ミ ュ ニ ケ ー シ ョ ン The communication lamp device 1 according to this example includes the sensor unit 20. As used herein, the term "sensor unit" refers to a component unit of a component that can provide a desired information detection function and can be distributed as a single unit. The sensor unit 20 may be arranged in the accommodation room 13 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6, or may be arranged at an appropriate position outside the accommodation room 13 in the vehicle 100.
　センサユニット２０は、車両１００の外部の情報を検出する。センサユニット２０は、検出された情報に対応する信号またはデータを出力する。センサユニット２０としては、ＬｉＤＡＲ（Light Detection and Ranging）センサユニット、カメラユニット、ミリ波レーダユニットなどが例示されうる。コミュニケーションランプ装置１は、複数のセンサユニット２０を備えうる。コミュニケーションランプ装置１は、複数種のセンサユニット２０を備えうる。これらのセンサユニットによる情報検出原理は周知であるので、詳細な説明は省略する。 The sensor unit 20 detects information outside the vehicle 100. The sensor unit 20 outputs a signal or data corresponding to the detected information. Examples of the sensor unit 20 include a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor unit, a camera unit, and a millimeter wave radar unit. The communication lamp device 1 can include a plurality of sensor units 20. The communication lamp device 1 can include a plurality of types of sensor units 20. Since the principle of information detection by these sensor units is well known, a detailed description is omitted.
　センサユニット２０から出力された信号またはデータは、制御装置１８の通信インターフェース１８３に入力される。プロセッサ１８２は、当該信号またはデータに基づいて、車両１００が置かれている状況の危険性の有無を判断する（ＳＴＥＰ２１）。 The signal or data output from the sensor unit 20 is input to the communication interface 183 of the control device 18. The processor 182 determines whether there is a danger in a situation where the vehicle 100 is placed based on the signal or the data (STEP 21).
　本明細書で用いられる「危険性」という語は、車両１００が関与する事故が生じる可能性を意味している。事故としては、車両１００と歩行者の接触または衝突、車両１００と他車両との接触または衝突、車両１００と周辺静止物体との接触または衝突などが例示されうる。周辺静止物体としては、建築物、交通設備、樹木などが例示されうる。危険性は、運転者の有無、車両１００の速度、接触または衝突の対象までの距離、周囲の交通状況、時刻、天候などの少なくとも一つに基づいて判断されうる。 語 As used herein, the term "danger" refers to the possibility of an accident involving the vehicle 100. Examples of the accident include a contact or collision between the vehicle 100 and a pedestrian, a contact or collision between the vehicle 100 and another vehicle, and a contact or collision between the vehicle 100 and a nearby stationary object. Examples of the surrounding stationary object include a building, traffic equipment, and a tree. The danger may be determined based on at least one of the presence or absence of a driver, the speed of the vehicle 100, the distance to a contact or collision target, surrounding traffic conditions, time, weather, and the like.
　危険性は、上記の判断に基づいて様々な態様で定義されうる。例えば、危険性は、「危険性あり」と「危険性なし」にそれぞれ対応する二つの値として定義されうる。「危険性あり」という判断結果は、例えば「要緊急回避」、「要警告」、「要注意」といった複数のレベルにさらに区分されうる。各レベルへの分類は、判断に用いられた複数の要素の各々の内容の組合せに基づいてなされてもよいし、数値化された判断結果と各レベルに割り当てられた数値範囲との比較に基づいてなされてもよい。 Danger can be defined in various ways based on the above judgment. For example, the risk may be defined as two values corresponding to “with risk” and “without risk”, respectively. The determination result of “dangerous” can be further divided into a plurality of levels such as “emergency avoidance”, “warning required”, and “caution required”. Classification into each level may be made based on a combination of the contents of each of a plurality of elements used in the judgment, or based on a comparison between a quantified judgment result and a numerical range assigned to each level. It may be done.
　危険性なしと判断されると（ＳＴＥＰ２１においてＮ）、光源１４によるコミュニケーション光ＣＬの出力態様と振動体１５による報知音の出力態様は、それぞれ初期設定が維持される。 If it is determined that there is no danger (N in STEP 21), the initial setting of the output mode of the communication light CL by the light source 14 and the output mode of the notification sound by the vibrator 15 are maintained.
　危険性ありと判断されると（ＳＴＥＰ２１においてＹ）、プロセッサ１８２は、コミュニケーション光ＣＬと報知音の少なくとも一方の出力態様を変更するように、光源１４と振動体１５の少なくとも一方を制御する（ＳＴＥＰ２２）。 When it is determined that there is a danger (Y in STEP21), the processor 182 controls at least one of the light source 14 and the vibrating body 15 to change at least one of the output modes of the communication light CL and the notification sound (STEP22). ).
　コミュニケーション光ＣＬの出力態様の変更は、連続的発光と断続的発光の切り替え、光量の増大、発光色の変更、照射方向や照射範囲の変更、特定のシンボルや言語的メッセージの表示などの少なくとも一つが行なわれることによりなされる。コミュニケーション光ＣＬの出力態様の変更は、初期設定よりも周辺への報知性が高まるようになされる。 The change in the output mode of the communication light CL includes at least one of switching between continuous light emission and intermittent light emission, increasing the amount of light, changing the emission color, changing the irradiation direction and irradiation range, displaying a specific symbol and a linguistic message, and the like. One is done. The change of the output mode of the communication light CL is performed so that the notification to the surroundings is higher than the initial setting.
　報知音の出力態様の変更は、音量の増大、単位時間当たりの報知音の出力回数の増大、周波数の変更、特定のメロディや言語的メッセージの出力などの少なくとも一つが行なわれることによりなされる。報知音の出力態様の変更は、初期設定よりも周辺への報知性が高まるようになされる。 変 更 The output mode of the notification sound is changed by performing at least one of an increase in volume, an increase in the number of output times of the notification sound per unit time, a change in frequency, and output of a specific melody or a linguistic message. The output mode of the notification sound is changed so that the notification to the surroundings is higher than the initial setting.
　危険性ありと判断される状態がさらに複数のレベルに区分される場合、報知態様もまた各レベルに応じて異なる態様とされうる。そのような例を表１に示す。 場合 When the state determined to be dangerous is further divided into a plurality of levels, the notification mode may be different according to each level. Table 1 shows such an example.
Figure JPOXMLDOC01-appb-T000001
Figure JPOXMLDOC01-appb-T000001
　報知態様の変更がなされた場合、プロセッサ１８２は、所定時間の経過後に再び車両１００が置かれている状況の危険性の有無を判断する（ＳＴＥＰ２３）。当該判断は、ＳＴＥＰ２１と同様に行なわれる。 When the notification mode is changed, the processor 182 determines again whether or not there is a danger of the situation where the vehicle 100 is placed after a predetermined time has elapsed (STEP 23). This determination is made in the same manner as in STEP21.
　危険性ありと判断されると（ＳＴＥＰ２３においてＮ）、コミュニケーション光ＣＬと報知音の少なくとも一方について変更された報知態様が維持される。 If it is determined that there is a danger (N in STEP 23), the changed notification mode is maintained for at least one of the communication light CL and the notification sound.
　危険性なしと判断されると（ＳＴＥＰ２３においてＹ）、すなわち、ＳＴＥＰ２１において判断された危険性が回避されたと判断されると、プロセッサ１８２は、コミュニケーション光ＣＬと報知音の少なくとも一方について変更された報知態様をリセットする（ＳＴＥＰ２４）。すなわち、コミュニケーション光ＣＬと報知音の少なくとも一方について変更された報知態様が、初期設定に戻される。その後、処理はＳＴＥＰ２１に戻る。 If it is determined that there is no danger (Y in STEP 23), that is, if it is determined that the danger determined in STEP 21 has been avoided, the processor 182 outputs the notification changed for at least one of the communication light CL and the notification sound. The mode is reset (STEP 24). That is, the notification mode changed for at least one of the communication light CL and the notification sound is returned to the initial setting. Thereafter, the processing returns to STEP 21.
　上記のような構成によれば、例えば車両１００に係る危険性が察知された場合において、コミュニケーション光ＣＬと報知音の少なくとも一方の出力態様を、周辺への報知性が高まるように変更できる。これにより、報知を受けた者に危険性を回避する行動を促すことができる。他方、そのような報知態様の変更を危険性が回避されるまでの一時的なものとできるので、過剰な報知が運転者や周辺の歩行者などに不快感を与える可能性を抑制できる。 According to the configuration described above, for example, when a danger relating to the vehicle 100 is detected, at least one of the output modes of the communication light CL and the notification sound can be changed so that the notification to the surroundings is enhanced. Thereby, the person who received the notification can be prompted to take an action to avoid danger. On the other hand, since such a change in the notification mode can be made temporary until the danger is avoided, it is possible to suppress the possibility that excessive notification may cause discomfort to the driver or pedestrians in the vicinity.
　本例においては、コミュニケーションランプ装置１が備えているセンサユニット２０が検出した車両１００の外部の情報に基づいて、コミュニケーションランプ装置１が備えているプロセッサ１８２が、車両１００に係る危険性の判断を行なっている。このような構成によれば、車両１００の本体１０１に搭載されている制御装置の処理負荷を抑制し、危険性を回避するためのコミュニケーションランプ装置１による報知態様の変更制御を自律的かつ迅速に遂行できる。 In this example, the processor 182 included in the communication lamp device 1 determines the danger of the vehicle 100 based on information external to the vehicle 100 detected by the sensor unit 20 included in the communication lamp device 1. I do. According to such a configuration, the processing load of the control device mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100 is suppressed, and the control of changing the notification mode by the communication lamp device 1 for avoiding danger is performed autonomously and quickly. I can do it.
　しかしながら、図１０Ａを参照して説明した処理は、車両１００の本体１０１に搭載されたセンサユニットが検出した車両１００の外部の情報に基づいて、車両１００の本体１０１に搭載された制御装置２００のプロセッサ２０２によって実行されてもよい。この場合、コミュニケーションランプ装置１の制御装置１８のセンサユニット２０は、省略されうる。あるいは、制御装置２００のプロセッサ２０２が危険性の判断を行ない、その判断結果を示すデータが制御装置１８へ送信されてもよい。この場合、制御装置１８のプロセッサ１８２は、当該データに基づいてコミュニケーション光ＣＬと報知音の少なくとも一方の報知態様を変更する。 However, the processing described with reference to FIG. 10A is performed by the control device 200 mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100 based on information external to the vehicle 100 detected by the sensor unit mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100. It may be executed by the processor 202. In this case, the sensor unit 20 of the control device 18 of the communication lamp device 1 can be omitted. Alternatively, the processor 202 of the control device 200 may determine the danger, and data indicating the determination result may be transmitted to the control device 18. In this case, the processor 182 of the control device 18 changes the notification mode of at least one of the communication light CL and the notification sound based on the data.
　図１１は、制御装置１８のプロセッサ１８２によって実行される処理の別例を示している。プロセッサ１８２は、光源１４に動作不良が生じているかを判断する（ＳＴＥＰ３１）。本明細書において用いられる「動作不良」という語は、一時的な正常動作からの逸脱および永続的な故障（動作不能）を含む意味である。 FIG. 11 shows another example of the processing executed by the processor 182 of the control device 18. The processor 182 determines whether a malfunction has occurred in the light source 14 (STEP 31). As used herein, the term "malfunction" is meant to include temporary departure from normal operation and permanent failure (inoperability).
　プロセッサ１８２は、制御インターフェース１８１を介して光源１４へ制御信号を出力するとともに、当該制御信号に基づく光源１４の挙動をモニタしている。光源１４の挙動は、例えば光源１４を構成している発光素子の動作電圧をモニタすることによって把握されうる。プロセッサ１８２は、出力された制御信号に対応付けられた光源１４の動作とモニタされた動作電圧が示す動作が一致していない場合、光源１４に動作不良が生じていると判断する。 The processor 182 outputs a control signal to the light source 14 via the control interface 181 and monitors the behavior of the light source 14 based on the control signal. The behavior of the light source 14 can be grasped, for example, by monitoring the operating voltage of the light emitting element constituting the light source 14. If the operation of the light source 14 associated with the output control signal does not match the operation indicated by the monitored operating voltage, the processor 182 determines that the light source 14 has malfunctioned.
　動作不良なしと判断されると（ＳＴＥＰ３１においてＮ）、振動体１５による報知音の出力態様は、初期設定が維持される。 If it is determined that there is no operation failure (N in STEP 31), the output mode of the notification sound by the vibrating body 15 is maintained at the initial setting.
　動作不良ありと判断されると（ＳＴＥＰ３１においてＹ）、プロセッサ１８２は、報知音の出力態様を変更するように、振動体１５を制御する（ＳＴＥＰ３２）。 If it is determined that there is a malfunction (Y in STEP31), the processor 182 controls the vibrating body 15 to change the output mode of the notification sound (STEP32).
　報知音の出力態様の変更は、音量の増大、単位時間当たりの報知音の出力回数の増大、周波数の変更、特定のメロディや言語的メッセージの出力などの少なくとも一つが行なわれることによりなされる。報知音の出力態様の変更は、初期設定よりも運転者および周辺への報知性が高まるようになされる。初期設定では報知音が出力されないような条件下で報知音を出力させることも、報知音の出力態様の変更の一例である。例えば、車両１００に運転者が搭乗している状態では報知音を出力しないように初期設定されている場合、同状態で報知音が出力されれば、運転者は報知音の出力態様が変化したことに気づく。 変 更 The output mode of the notification sound is changed by performing at least one of an increase in volume, an increase in the number of output times of the notification sound per unit time, a change in frequency, and output of a specific melody or a linguistic message. The output mode of the notification sound is changed so that the notification to the driver and the surroundings is higher than the initial setting. Outputting the notification sound under the condition that the notification sound is not output in the initial setting is also an example of changing the output mode of the notification sound. For example, if the notification sound is output in the initial state so that the notification sound is not output in a state where the driver is on the vehicle 100, the driver changes the output mode of the notification sound if the notification sound is output in the same state. Notice that.
　出力態様の変更がなされた場合、プロセッサ１８２は、所定時間の経過後に再び光源１４に動作不良が生じているかを判断する（ＳＴＥＰ３３）。当該判断は、ＳＴＥＰ３１と同様に行なわれる。 If the output mode is changed, the processor 182 determines again whether or not the light source 14 has malfunctioned after a predetermined time has elapsed (STEP 33). This determination is performed in the same manner as in STEP31.
　動作不良ありと判断されると（ＳＴＥＰ３３においてＮ）、報知音について変更された出力態様が維持される。 If it is determined that there is a malfunction (N in STEP33), the output mode changed for the notification sound is maintained.
　動作不良なしと判断されると（ＳＴＥＰ３３においてＹ）、すなわち、ＳＴＥＰ３１において判断された動作不良が解消されたと判断されると、プロセッサ１８２は、報知音について変更された出力態様をリセットする（ＳＴＥＰ３４）。すなわち、報知音について変更された出力態様が、初期設定に戻される。その後、処理はＳＴＥＰ３１に戻る。 If it is determined that there is no operation failure (Y in STEP33), that is, if it is determined that the operation failure determined in STEP31 has been resolved, the processor 182 resets the output mode changed for the notification sound (STEP34). . That is, the output mode changed for the notification sound is returned to the initial setting. Thereafter, the processing returns to STEP31.
　上記のような構成によれば、光源１４に動作不良が生じても、例えば運転者および周辺への報知性を高めるように振動体１５による報知音の出力態様を変更することによって、コミュニケーションランプ装置１の情報の報知性の低下を抑制できる。また、光源１４に動作不良が生じた事実が運転者に報知されることにより、光源１４の保守点検を促すことができる。他方、そのような出力態様の変更を動作不良が解消されるまでの一時的なものとできるので、過剰な報知が運転者や周辺の歩行者などに不快感を与える可能性を抑制できる。 According to the above configuration, even if the light source 14 malfunctions, the communication lamp device is changed by changing the output mode of the notification sound by the vibrating body 15 so as to enhance the notification to the driver and the surroundings, for example. No. 1 information can be prevented from lowering in notification. Further, the fact that the light source 14 has malfunctioned is notified to the driver, so that the maintenance and inspection of the light source 14 can be prompted. On the other hand, such a change in the output mode can be temporary until the operation failure is eliminated, so that the possibility that excessive notification gives a driver or a pedestrian in the vicinity an unpleasant feeling can be suppressed.
　本例においては、コミュニケーションランプ装置１が備えているプロセッサ１８２が、光源１４の動作不良に係る判断を行なっている。光源１４により近い場所において当該判断がなされることにより、情報の報知性の低下を抑制するための報知音の出力態様の変更制御を、コミュニケーションランプ装置１が自律的かつ迅速に遂行できる。また、車両１００の本体１０１に搭載されている制御装置の処理負荷を抑制できる。 In this example, the processor 182 provided in the communication lamp device 1 makes a determination regarding the malfunction of the light source 14. By making the determination in a place closer to the light source 14, the communication lamp device 1 can autonomously and promptly perform the change control of the output mode of the notification sound for suppressing the reduction of the notification of information. Further, the processing load of the control device mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100 can be suppressed.
　しかしながら、図１１を参照して説明した処理は、車両１００の本体１０１に搭載された制御装置２００のプロセッサ２０２によって実行されてもよい。この場合、コミュニケーションランプ装置１の制御装置１８は、省略されうる。あるいは、制御装置２００のプロセッサ２０２が光源１４の動作不良に係る判断を行ない、その判断結果を示すデータが制御装置１８へ送信されてもよい。この場合、制御装置１８のプロセッサ１８２は、当該データに基づいて報知音の出力態様を変更する。 However, the processing described with reference to FIG. 11 may be executed by the processor 202 of the control device 200 mounted on the main body 101 of the vehicle 100. In this case, the control device 18 of the communication lamp device 1 can be omitted. Alternatively, the processor 202 of the control device 200 may make a determination relating to the malfunction of the light source 14, and data indicating the determination result may be transmitted to the control device 18. In this case, the processor 182 of the control device 18 changes the output mode of the notification sound based on the data.
　図９から図１１を参照して説明した各処理例においては、振動体１５が透光カバー１２を振動させることによって報知音を発生させている。しかしながら、プロセッサ１８２の制御により光源１４の発光と協働して報知音を出力可能であれば、音源の構成は適宜に選択されうる。例えば、独立したスピーカユニットが音源として使用されうる。 処理 In each processing example described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, the notification sound is generated by the vibrating body 15 vibrating the translucent cover 12. However, if the notification sound can be output in cooperation with the light emission of the light source 14 under the control of the processor 182, the configuration of the sound source can be appropriately selected. For example, an independent speaker unit can be used as a sound source.
　図１２に例示されるように、図１０Ｂを参照して説明したセンサユニット２０は、光源１４とともに収容室１３内に配置されうる。 As illustrated in FIG. 12, the sensor unit 20 described with reference to FIG. 10B can be arranged in the accommodation room 13 together with the light source 14.
　図４に例示される制御装置２００のプロセッサ２０２は、通信インターフェース２０３を介して、センサユニット２０と通信可能である。センサユニット２０から出力された車両１００の外部の情報に対応する信号またはデータは、直接的に制御装置２００へ入力されてもよいし、他の制御装置を経由して制御装置２００へ入力されてもよい。 4) The processor 202 of the control device 200 illustrated in FIG. 4 can communicate with the sensor unit 20 via the communication interface 203. A signal or data corresponding to information outside the vehicle 100 output from the sensor unit 20 may be directly input to the control device 200 or may be input to the control device 200 via another control device. Is also good.
　プロセッサ２０２は、センサユニット２０の検出能力が低下する可能性に係る判断に基づいて、振動体１５に透光カバー１２を振動させる。具体的には、透光カバー１２の表面１２ａに付着する雨滴、雪片、泥などの異物に起因してセンサユニット２０の検出能力が低下する可能性が判断に供される。 The processor 202 causes the vibrating body 15 to vibrate the light-transmitting cover 12 based on the determination that the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 may be reduced. Specifically, the possibility that the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 is reduced due to a foreign matter such as raindrops, snowflakes, or mud adhering to the surface 12a of the translucent cover 12 is determined.
　一例として、車両１００において不図示のワイパーが操作された事実を示す信号またはデータが、車載ネットワークバスＮＢを通じて通信インターフェース２０３に入力されうる。ワイパーは、雨や雪などの悪天候時に操作されることが一般的である。したがって、プロセッサ２０２は、当該信号またはデータを受け付けることにより、悪天候下で透光カバー１２に付着しうる異物に起因してセンサユニット２０の検出能力が低下する可能性があると判断する。 As an example, a signal or data indicating the fact that a wiper (not shown) has been operated in the vehicle 100 may be input to the communication interface 203 via the on-board network bus NB. The wiper is generally operated in bad weather such as rain or snow. Therefore, by receiving the signal or the data, the processor 202 determines that there is a possibility that the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 may be reduced due to a foreign substance that can adhere to the light-transmitting cover 12 in bad weather.
　別例として、車両１００が情報ネットワークを介して外部より天候情報を取得可能である場合、悪天候を示す信号またはデータが、車載ネットワークバスＮＢを通じて通信インターフェース２０３に入力されうる。プロセッサ２０２は、当該信号またはデータを受け付けることにより、悪天候下で透光カバー１２に付着しうる異物に起因してセンサユニット２０の検出能力が低下する可能性があると判断する。 As another example, when the vehicle 100 can acquire weather information from the outside via the information network, a signal or data indicating bad weather may be input to the communication interface 203 through the on-vehicle network bus NB. By receiving the signal or data, the processor 202 determines that there is a possibility that the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 may be reduced due to a foreign substance that can adhere to the light-transmitting cover 12 under bad weather.
　プロセッサ２０２は、この判断に基づいて振動体１５を振動させる。振動体１５の振動は、透光カバー１２に伝達される。透光カバー１２が振動することにより、表面１２ａに付着した雨滴、雪片、泥などの異物を落下させることが可能である。 The processor 202 vibrates the vibrating body 15 based on this determination. The vibration of the vibrating body 15 is transmitted to the light transmitting cover 12. By vibrating the translucent cover 12, it is possible to drop foreign substances such as raindrops, snowflakes, and mud attached to the surface 12a.
　センサユニット２０が収容室１３内に配置されることにより、コミュニケーションランプ装置１に車両１００の外部の情報を検出する機能を統合できる。光源１４を保護するとともにコミュニケーション光ＣＬの通過を許容する透光カバー１２が、センサユニット２０の保護も兼ねるので、コミュニケーションランプ装置１とセンサユニット２０が個別に車両１００に搭載される場合と比較して、部品コストの増大や組立て作業性の低下が抑制されうる。他方、透光カバー１２の表面１２ａに付着した異物が、センサユニット２０の情報検出能力を低下させるおそれがある。しかしながら、本実施形態においては、そのような事態が生じる可能性があると判断されると振動体１５が透光カバー１２を振動させるので、透光カバー１２からの異物の除去を図ることができる。したがって、コミュニケーションランプ装置１に車両１００の外部の情報を検出する機能を統合しつつ、当該機能の低下を抑制できる。 By arranging the sensor unit 20 in the accommodation room 13, the function of detecting information outside the vehicle 100 can be integrated into the communication lamp device 1. The light-transmitting cover 12 that protects the light source 14 and allows the communication light CL to pass also serves to protect the sensor unit 20, so that the communication lamp device 1 and the sensor unit 20 are separately mounted on the vehicle 100 as compared with the case where the communication lamp device 1 and the sensor unit 20 are mounted separately. Thus, an increase in component costs and a decrease in assembly workability can be suppressed. On the other hand, foreign matter adhering to the surface 12a of the translucent cover 12 may reduce the information detection ability of the sensor unit 20. However, in the present embodiment, if it is determined that such a situation is likely to occur, the vibrating body 15 vibrates the light transmitting cover 12, so that it is possible to remove foreign matter from the light transmitting cover 12. . Therefore, the function of detecting information external to the vehicle 100 can be integrated with the communication lamp device 1, and a reduction in the function can be suppressed.
　上記の例に加えてあるいは代えて、透光カバー１２の表面１２ａに付着した異物の存在がセンサユニット２０によって直接的に検出されうる（カメラユニットによる異物の画像の取得、ＬｉＤＡＲセンサユニットによる透光カバー１２の位置にある物体の検出など）。この場合、異物の検出結果を示す信号またはデータが、信号線ＳＬまたは車載ネットワークバスＮＢを介して通信インターフェース２０３に入力されうる。プロセッサ２０２は、当該信号またはデータを受け付けることにより、透光カバー１２に付着した異物に起因してセンサユニット２０の検出能力が低下する可能性があると判断する。 In addition to or in place of the above example, the presence of a foreign substance attached to the surface 12a of the light transmitting cover 12 can be directly detected by the sensor unit 20 (acquisition of an image of the foreign substance by the camera unit, light transmission by the LiDAR sensor unit). Detection of an object at the position of the cover 12). In this case, a signal or data indicating the detection result of the foreign object can be input to the communication interface 203 via the signal line SL or the in-vehicle network bus NB. The processor 202 determines that by receiving the signal or the data, the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 may be reduced due to the foreign matter attached to the light transmitting cover 12.
　上記の例に加えてあるいは代えて、センサユニット２０による検出能力の低下が実際に検出されうる。例えば、透光カバー１２の表面１２ａに異物が付着することにより、センサユニット２０による車両１００の外部の情報の検出結果が異常に変化することがありうる。センサユニット２０から入力される信号またはデータの経時的変化が異常である場合、プロセッサ２０２は、透光カバー１２に付着した異物に起因してセンサユニット２０の検出能力が低下した可能性があると判断する。 低下 In addition to or instead of the above example, a decrease in the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 can be actually detected. For example, when a foreign substance adheres to the surface 12a of the translucent cover 12, the detection result of information outside the vehicle 100 by the sensor unit 20 may abnormally change. If the temporal change of the signal or data input from the sensor unit 20 is abnormal, the processor 202 determines that the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 may have been reduced due to the foreign matter attached to the light transmitting cover 12. to decide.
　これらの場合においても、プロセッサ２０２は、振動体１５を振動させる。振動体１５の振動は、透光カバー１２に伝達される。透光カバー１２が振動することにより、表面１２ａに付着した異物を落下させることが可能である。 プ ロ セ ッ サ In these cases, too, the processor 202 causes the vibrating body 15 to vibrate. The vibration of the vibrating body 15 is transmitted to the light transmitting cover 12. By vibrating the light-transmitting cover 12, it is possible to drop foreign substances attached to the surface 12a.
　これらの例においては、センサユニット２０により検出された情報に基づいて、センサユニット２０の検出能力が低下する可能性に係る判断を行なっている。このような構成によれば、より確実性の高い情報に基づいて振動体１５を振動させることができる。したがって、コミュニケーションランプ装置１に統合された車両１００の外部の情報を検出する機能の低下を、効率的に抑制できる。 に お い て In these examples, the determination regarding the possibility that the detection capability of the sensor unit 20 is reduced is made based on the information detected by the sensor unit 20. According to such a configuration, the vibrating body 15 can be vibrated based on more reliable information. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently suppress a decrease in the function of detecting information outside the vehicle 100 integrated with the communication lamp device 1.
　図１２に例示されるように、コミュニケーションランプ装置１は、ノズル装置２１を備えうる。ノズル装置２１は、透光カバー１２に向けて液体を噴射可能に構成されている。液体としては、水や洗浄液などが例示されうる。液体は、透光カバー１２の表面１２ａに付着した異物を除去するために噴射される。 コ ミ ュ ニ ケ ー シ ョ ン As illustrated in FIG. 12, the communication lamp device 1 can include a nozzle device 21. The nozzle device 21 is configured to be able to eject liquid toward the translucent cover 12. Examples of the liquid include water and a cleaning liquid. The liquid is ejected to remove foreign matter attached to the surface 12a of the light transmitting cover 12.
　ノズル装置２１の動作は、制御装置２００によって制御されうる。プロセッサ２０２は、所定の条件が満足されたとの判断に基づいて、ノズル装置２１に液体を噴射させる。所定の条件としては、運転者による指示の入力、前回の液体噴射からの所定時間の経過、センサユニット２０による透光カバー１２に付着した異物の検出などが例示されうる。その場合、プロセッサ２０２は、制御インターフェース２０１および不図示の信号線を介して、ノズル装置２１に制御信号を入力する。 動作 The operation of the nozzle device 21 can be controlled by the control device 200. The processor 202 causes the nozzle device 21 to eject the liquid based on the determination that the predetermined condition is satisfied. Examples of the predetermined condition include input of an instruction by the driver, elapse of a predetermined time since the previous liquid ejection, detection of foreign matter attached to the light transmitting cover 12 by the sensor unit 20, and the like. In that case, the processor 202 inputs a control signal to the nozzle device 21 via the control interface 201 and a signal line (not shown).
　プロセッサ２０２は、ノズル装置２１からの液体の噴射と協働して振動体１５を振動させる制御を行なう。すなわち、振動体１５は、ノズル装置２１からの液体の噴射に係る判断に基づいて、透光カバー１２を振動させる。 The processor 202 controls the vibrator 15 to vibrate in cooperation with the ejection of the liquid from the nozzle device 21. That is, the vibrating body 15 vibrates the translucent cover 12 based on the determination regarding the ejection of the liquid from the nozzle device 21.
　このような構成によれば、振動する透光カバー１２に向けて液体が噴射されるので、当該液体による異物除去を促進できる。したがって、コミュニケーションランプ装置１に統合された車両１００の外部の情報を検出する機能の低下を、効率的に抑制できる。 According to such a configuration, since the liquid is ejected toward the vibrating light-transmitting cover 12, the removal of foreign substances by the liquid can be promoted. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently suppress a decrease in the function of detecting information outside the vehicle 100 integrated with the communication lamp device 1.
　制御装置２００のプロセッサ２０２は、光源１４の発光と協働して振動体１５を振動させうる。すなわち、振動体１５は、光源１４の発光と協働して透光カバー１２を振動させうる。例えば、光源１４がコミュニケーション光ＣＬを出射している間、振動体１５は断続的に透光カバー１２を振動させうる。この振動によって報知音が発生し、車両１００の外部に位置する歩行者などの注意を引き付けることができる。報知音は、単音、メロディ、言語メッセージなどを含みうる。 The processor 202 of the control device 200 can vibrate the vibrating body 15 in cooperation with the light emission of the light source 14. That is, the vibrating body 15 can vibrate the light transmitting cover 12 in cooperation with the light emission of the light source 14. For example, while the light source 14 emits the communication light CL, the vibrator 15 can intermittently vibrate the light transmitting cover 12. A notification sound is generated by this vibration, and attention of a pedestrian or the like located outside the vehicle 100 can be attracted. The notification sound may include a single sound, a melody, a language message, and the like.
　上記のような構成によれば、コミュニケーション光ＣＬと協働する報知音を発生させることによって、車両１００の外部への情報の報知性を高めることができる。他方、コミュニケーション光ＣＬの通過を許容しつつ光源１４を保護するために必須の部材である透光カバー１２が、そのような報知音を発生させる音源の一部として利用される。したがって、報知音を発生するための独立したスピーカユニットなどを設ける場合と比較して、コミュニケーションランプ装置１の大型化やコスト増を抑制できる。 According to the configuration described above, the notification sound in cooperation with the communication light CL is generated, so that the notification of information to the outside of the vehicle 100 can be improved. On the other hand, the light-transmitting cover 12, which is an indispensable member for protecting the light source 14 while allowing the communication light CL to pass therethrough, is used as a part of a sound source that generates such a notification sound. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size and cost of the communication lamp device 1 as compared with a case where an independent speaker unit or the like for generating a notification sound is provided.
　上記の報知音は、その目的ゆえに可聴音であることを要する。すなわち、振動体１５は、光源１４の発光動作と協働して可聴音を発生させることができる第一周波数で透光カバー１２を振動させる。当該振動は、少なくとも第一周波数を含んでいればよい。この場合、センサユニット２０の情報検出機能が低下する可能性に係る判断に基づいて作動される振動体１５は、第一周波数よりも高い第二周波数で透光カバー１２を振動させることが好ましい。すなわち、第二周波数による振動は、超音波を生じうる。 知 The above notification sound must be audible for that purpose. That is, the vibrating body 15 vibrates the translucent cover 12 at a first frequency capable of generating an audible sound in cooperation with the light emitting operation of the light source 14. The vibration only needs to include at least the first frequency. In this case, it is preferable that the vibrating body 15 that is operated based on the determination regarding the possibility that the information detection function of the sensor unit 20 deteriorates causes the translucent cover 12 to vibrate at the second frequency higher than the first frequency. That is, the vibration at the second frequency can generate an ultrasonic wave.
　このような構成によれば、表面１２ａに付着した異物を除去するために発生される透光カバー１２の振動音を、周囲の歩行者や車両１００の乗員などに聴こえ難くできる。したがって、センサユニット２０の情報検出機能を抑制するための動作が周囲の歩行者や車両１００の乗員に煩わしさを与えることがない。また、当該動作が、報知音による車両１００の外部への情報報知を妨げることもない。さらに、ノズル装置２１から噴射された液体により透光カバー１２に付着した異物の除去が行なわれる場合、超音波によるキャビテーション効果が生じるので、液体による異物除去効果をさらに向上できる。 According to such a configuration, the vibration sound of the translucent cover 12 generated for removing the foreign matter adhered to the surface 12a can be hardly heard by the surrounding pedestrians, the occupants of the vehicle 100, and the like. Therefore, the operation for suppressing the information detecting function of the sensor unit 20 does not bother surrounding pedestrians or occupants of the vehicle 100. Further, the operation does not prevent information notification to the outside of the vehicle 100 by the notification sound. Furthermore, when the foreign matter attached to the light-transmitting cover 12 is removed by the liquid ejected from the nozzle device 21, a cavitation effect is generated by the ultrasonic wave, so that the foreign matter removing effect by the liquid can be further improved.
　図１３に例示されるように、図１２を参照して説明したセンサユニット２０およびノズル装置２１に係る構成は、図６を参照して説明したランプユニット１６を備える構成にも適用可能である。 As illustrated in FIG. 13, the configuration of the sensor unit 20 and the nozzle device 21 described with reference to FIG. 12 can be applied to the configuration including the lamp unit 16 described with reference to FIG. 6.
　上記の実施形態は、本開示の理解を容易にするための例示にすぎない。上記の実施形態に係る構成は、本開示の趣旨を逸脱しなければ、適宜に変更・改良されうる。 The above embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present disclosure. The configuration according to the above embodiment can be appropriately changed and improved without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.
　上記の実施形態においては、透光カバー１２は、車両１００の外面の一部を形成している。このような構成によれば、振動体１５の振動に伴って発生する報知音を、効率よく車両１００の外部へ報知できる。しかしながら、振動体１５が振動させる透光カバー１２よりも外方に別の透光カバーが配置されてもよい。 In the above embodiment, the translucent cover 12 forms a part of the outer surface of the vehicle 100. According to such a configuration, the notification sound generated due to the vibration of the vibrating body 15 can be efficiently notified to the outside of the vehicle 100. However, another translucent cover may be arranged outside the translucent cover 12 that the vibrating body 15 vibrates.
　本開示の一部を構成するものとして、２０１８年９月２０日に提出された日本国特許出願２０１８－１７６００３号、２０１８年９月２０日に提出された日本国特許出願２０１８－１７６００４号、２０１８年９月２０日に提出された日本国特許出願２０１８－１７６００５号、２０１８年９月２０日に提出された日本国特許出願２０１８－１７６００６号、および２０１８年９月２０日に提出された日本国特許出願２０１８－１７６００７号の内容が援用される。 Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-176003 filed on Sep. 20, 2018 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-176004, 2018 filed on Sep. 20, 2018 as part of the present disclosure. Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-176005 filed on September 20, 2018, Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-176006 filed on September 20, 2018, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-176006 filed on September 20, 2018. The contents of Patent Application No. 2018-176007 are incorporated by reference.

Claims (26)

  1. 　車両に搭載されるコミュニケーションランプ装置であって、
    　前記車両の運転支援に関連する情報を報知する可視光を出射する光源と、
    　前記可視光の通過を許容する透光カバーと、
    　前記光源の発光動作と協働して前記透光カバーを振動させる振動体と、
    を備えている、
    コミュニケーションランプ装置。     A communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle,
    A light source that emits visible light to notify information related to the driving support of the vehicle,
    A light-transmitting cover that allows the passage of the visible light,
    A vibrating body that vibrates the translucent cover in cooperation with the light emitting operation of the light source;
    Has,
    Communication lamp device.
  2. 　前記車両の左右方向における中央部に搭載されるように構成されている、
    請求項１に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     It is configured to be mounted on a central portion in the left-right direction of the vehicle,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 1.
  3. 　前記車両の左部と右部のいずれかに搭載されるように構成されている、
    請求項１に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     It is configured to be mounted on either the left part or the right part of the vehicle,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 1.
  4. 　前記車両の左右方向について対称な二位置の各々に搭載されるように構成されている、
    請求項１に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     It is configured to be mounted at each of two positions symmetrical in the left-right direction of the vehicle,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 1.
  5. 　前記車両の外部に照明光を出射するランプユニットを備えており、
    　前記透光カバーは、前記照明光の通過も許容する、
    請求項３または４に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     A lamp unit that emits illumination light outside the vehicle,
    The translucent cover also allows the illumination light to pass therethrough,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 3.
  6. 　前記光源および前記振動体と電気的に接続された共通のコネクタを備えている、
    請求項１から５のいずれか一項に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     It has a common connector electrically connected to the light source and the vibrating body,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 1.
  7. 　前記光源と前記振動体の協働を制御するプロセッサを備えている、
    請求項１から６のいずれか一項に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     Comprising a processor that controls the cooperation of the light source and the vibrator,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 1.
  8. 　前記透光カバーは、前記車両の外面の一部を形成している、
    請求項１から７のいずれか一項に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     The translucent cover forms a part of an outer surface of the vehicle,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 1.
  9. 　車両に搭載されるコミュニケーションランプ装置であって、
    　前記車両の運転支援動作に関連する情報を報知する可視光を出射する光源と、
    　前記光源の発光動作と協働して報知音を発生する音源と、
    　前記車両に乗員が搭乗しているとの判断に基づき、前記報知音の音量を低下させるプロセッサと、
    を備えている、
    コミュニケーションランプ装置。     A communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle,
    A light source that emits visible light that notifies information related to the driving assistance operation of the vehicle,
    A sound source that generates a notification sound in cooperation with the light emitting operation of the light source;
    A processor that reduces the volume of the notification sound based on the determination that an occupant is in the vehicle,
    Has,
    Communication lamp device.
  10. 　前記プロセッサは、前記乗員が搭乗している車室内の音量に基づいて、前記報知音の音量を変更する、
    請求項９に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     The processor changes a volume of the notification sound based on a volume in a vehicle cabin where the occupant is riding,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 9.
  11. 　前記可視光の通過を許容する透光カバーと、
    　前記透光カバーを振動させることにより、前記報知音を発生させる振動体と、
    を備えている、
    請求項９または１０に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     A light-transmitting cover that allows the passage of the visible light,
    A vibrating body that generates the notification sound by vibrating the translucent cover;
    Has,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 9.
  12. 　前記透光カバーは、前記車両の外面の一部を形成している、
    請求項１１に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     The translucent cover forms a part of an outer surface of the vehicle,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 11.
  13. 　車両に搭載されるコミュニケーションランプ装置であって、
    　前記車両の運転支援動作に関連する情報を報知する可視光を出射する光源と、
    　前記光源の発光動作と協働して報知音を発生する音源と、
    　前記車両に係る危険性の判断に基づき、前記可視光と前記報知音の少なくとも一方の出力態様を変更するプロセッサと、
    を備えている、
    コミュニケーションランプ装置。     A communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle,
    A light source that emits visible light that notifies information related to the driving assistance operation of the vehicle,
    A sound source that generates a notification sound in cooperation with the light emitting operation of the light source;
    A processor that changes at least one output mode of the visible light and the notification sound based on the determination of the risk related to the vehicle,
    Has,
    Communication lamp device.
  14. 　前記車両の外部の情報を検出するセンサを備えており、
    　前記危険性の判断は、前記情報に基づいて前記プロセッサが行なう、
    請求項１３に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     A sensor for detecting information outside the vehicle,
    The determination of the risk is performed by the processor based on the information,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 13.
  15. 　前記可視光の通過を許容する透光カバーと、
    　前記透光カバーを振動させることにより、前記報知音を発生させる振動体と、
    を備えている、
    請求項１３または１４に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     A light-transmitting cover that allows the passage of the visible light,
    A vibrating body that generates the notification sound by vibrating the translucent cover;
    Has,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 13.
  16. 　前記透光カバーは、前記車両の外面の一部を形成している、
    請求項１５に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     The translucent cover forms a part of an outer surface of the vehicle,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 15.
  17. 　車両に搭載されるコミュニケーションランプ装置であって、
    　前記車両の運転支援動作に関連する情報を報知する可視光を出射する光源と、
    　前記光源の発光動作と協働して報知音を発生する音源と、
    　前記光源の動作不良に係る判断に基づき、前記報知音の出力態様を変更するプロセッサと、
    を備えている、
    コミュニケーションランプ装置。     A communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle,
    A light source that emits visible light that notifies information related to the driving assistance operation of the vehicle,
    A sound source that generates a notification sound in cooperation with the light emitting operation of the light source;
    A processor that changes an output mode of the notification sound based on the determination regarding the operation failure of the light source,
    Has,
    Communication lamp device.
  18. 　前記動作不良に係る判断は、前記プロセッサが行なう、
    請求項１７に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     The determination regarding the operation failure is performed by the processor.
    The communication lamp device according to claim 17.
  19. 　前記可視光の通過を許容する透光カバーと、
    　前記透光カバーを振動させることにより、前記報知音を発生させる振動体と、
    を備えている、
    請求項１７または１８に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     A light-transmitting cover that allows the passage of the visible light,
    A vibrating body that generates the notification sound by vibrating the translucent cover;
    Has,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 17.
  20. 　前記透光カバーは、前記車両の外面の一部を形成している、
    請求項１９に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     The translucent cover forms a part of an outer surface of the vehicle,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 19.
  21. 　車両に搭載されるコミュニケーションランプ装置であって、
    　前記車両の運転支援動作に関連する情報を報知する可視光を出射する光源と、
    　前記車両の外部の情報を検出するセンサと、
    　前記センサを覆うように前記車両の外面の一部を形成するとともに、前記可視光の通過を許容する透光カバーと、
    　前記センサの検出能力が低下する可能性に係る判断に基づいて、前記透光カバーを振動させる振動体と、
    を備えている、
    コミュニケーションランプ装置。     A communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle,
    A light source that emits visible light that notifies information related to the driving assistance operation of the vehicle,
    A sensor for detecting information external to the vehicle;
    A part of the outer surface of the vehicle is formed so as to cover the sensor, and a light-transmitting cover that allows passage of the visible light,
    A vibrating body that vibrates the translucent cover, based on a determination related to a possibility that the detection capability of the sensor is reduced,
    Has,
    Communication lamp device.
  22. 　前記判断は、前記センサにより検出された情報に基づいてなされる、
    請求項２１に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     The determination is made based on information detected by the sensor,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 21.
  23. 　前記情報に基づいて前記判断を行なうプロセッサを備えている、
    請求項２２に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     A processor that makes the determination based on the information,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 22.
  24. 　車両に搭載されるコミュニケーションランプ装置であって、
    　前記車両の運転支援動作に関連する情報を報知する可視光を出射する光源と、
    　前記車両の外部の情報を検出するセンサと、
    　前記センサを覆うように前記車両の外面の一部を形成するとともに、前記可視光の通過を許容する透光カバーと、
    　前記透光カバーに液体を噴射するノズルと、
    　前記液体の噴射に係る判断に基づいて、前記透光カバーを振動させる振動体と、
    を備えている、
    コミュニケーションランプ装置。     A communication lamp device mounted on a vehicle,
    A light source that emits visible light that notifies information related to the driving assistance operation of the vehicle,
    A sensor for detecting information external to the vehicle;
    A part of the outer surface of the vehicle is formed so as to cover the sensor, and a light-transmitting cover that allows passage of the visible light,
    A nozzle for injecting a liquid onto the translucent cover,
    A vibrating body that vibrates the translucent cover based on a determination related to the ejection of the liquid,
    Has,
    Communication lamp device.
  25. 　前記振動体は、前記光源の発光動作と協働して少なくとも第一周波数で前記透光カバーを振動させることにより可聴音を発生させる、
    請求項２１から２４のいずれか一項に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     The vibrator generates an audible sound by vibrating the translucent cover at least at the first frequency in cooperation with the light emitting operation of the light source,
    The communication lamp device according to any one of claims 21 to 24.
  26. 　前記振動体は、前記判断に基づいて、前記第一周波数よりも高い第二周波数で前記透光カバーを振動させる、
    請求項２５に記載のコミュニケーションランプ装置。     The vibrating body vibrates the translucent cover at a second frequency higher than the first frequency based on the determination,
    The communication lamp device according to claim 25.
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