WO2014072783A2

WO2014072783A2 - Lighting device for vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2014072783A2
Application number: PCT/IB2013/002425
Authority: WO
Inventors: Toshihiko Kurebayashi; Takahisa Nakamura; Takaaki Nakamura; Yuichi Nakazawa; Mikio Urushibata; Kazuhiko Nakashima
Original assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co Ltd; Toyota Motor Corp
Current assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co Ltd; Toyota Motor Corp
Priority date: 2012-11-07
Filing date: 2013-10-31
Publication date: 2014-05-15
Anticipated expiration: 2015-05-07
Also published as: JP2014094589A; WO2014072783A3; JP5589050B2

Abstract

A lighting device installed on a vehicle (2) including: at least one first light source (54) disposed inside a lamp chamber (52), a control unit (57) disposed at least partially inside the lamp chamber (52) and configured to control on/off operation of the first light source (54), and a storage unit (58). The control unit (57) is configured to store vehicle information acquired from the vehicle (2) on which the lighting device (5) is installed in the storage unit (58), compare vehicle information newly acquired from the vehicle (2) on which the lighting device (5) is installed at a predetermined timing and the vehicle information that has been stored in the storage unit (58), and stop at least part of function of the control unit (57) based on a difference between the newly acquired vehicle information and the vehicle information stored in the storage unit (58).

Description

LIGHTING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1 . Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device installed on a vehicle.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] A lighting device of this type is available which includes a light source disposed inside a lamp chamber defined by a housing and a translucent cover, and also a control unit that controls the operation of the light source (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 4356935). The control unit communicates with an integrated control unit (the so-called ECU) installed on a position different from that of the lighting device in the vehicle, and is configured to execute part of the control processing that has been conventionally performed by the integrated control unit.

[0003] Various antitheft devices have been suggested for protecting vehicle parts including the lighting device from theft. However, there are vicious thieves who steal and disassemble the vehicle itself and sell out the vehicle parts. For example, a lighting device taken off the stolen vehicle may be installed and used on a prepared another vehicle. In such cases, the abovementioned antitheft devices are functionally ineffective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention provides a lighting device for vehicle can deter the use of a stolen lighting device at another vehicle.

[0005] The first aspect of the invention relates to a lighting device installed on a vehicle. The lighting device includes: at least one first light source disposed inside a lamp chamber; a control unit disposed at least partially inside the lamp chamber and configured to control at least on/off operation of the first light source; and a storage unit, wherein the control unit is configured to store vehicle information acquired from the vehicle on which the lighting device is installed in the storage unit, compare vehicle infomiation newly acquired from the vehicle on which the lighting device is installed at a predetermined timing and the vehicle information that has been stored in the storage unit, and stop at least part of function of the control unit based on a difference between the newly acquired vehicle information and the vehicle information stored in the storage unit.

[0006] When there is a predetermined difference between the vehicle information acquired from the vehicle (outside the lighting device) and the vehicle information newly acquired from the vehicle side, it is highly probable that the lighting device has been removed and stolen from the vehicle and installed on another vehicle. With the above-described configuration, the control unit can be stopped functioning in such a case and, for example, the operation of switching on/off the first light source cannot be executed.

[0007] As a result, a stolen lighting device is prevented from being installed and used on another vehicle. Further, where the lighting device according to the invention is properly made well known to have such function, the motivation to steal the lighting device can be lost, and it can be a deterrent against theft.

[00081 The lighting device may further include a housing and a translucent cover, and the lamp chamber may be defined by the housing and the translucent cover. The control unit may be configured to stop the at least part of the function of the control unit when a difference between a value indicated by the newly acquired vehicle infomiation and a value indicated by the vehicle information stored in the storage unit is less than a predetermined value, or when the newly acquired vehicle information does not match the vehicle information stored in the storage unit. The control unit may be configured to stop the at least part of the function of the control unit, based on the difference between the newly acquired vehicle infomiation and the vehicle infomiation stored in the storage unit, so as to stop controlling the on/off operation of the first light source. [0009] The lighting device may further include at least one second light source disposed inside the lamp chamber. In this case, the first light source may be disposed inside the lamp chamber according to a legal obligation, the control unit may be configured to control the second light source; and the control unit may be configured to stop the at least part of the function of the control unit, based on the difference between the newly acquired vehicle information and the vehicle information stored in the storage unit, so as to stop controlling the second light source. Further, the lighting device may further include at least one second light source disposed inside the lamp chamber, and a light distribution control unit configured to control a light distribution state of at least one of the first light source and the second light source. In this case, the first light source may be disposed inside the lamp chamber according to a legal obligation, the control unit may be configured to control the second light source and the light distribution control unit, and the control unit may be configured to stop the at least part of the function of the control unit, based on the difference between the newly acquired vehicle information and the vehicle information stored in the storage unit, so as to stop controlling at least one of the second light source and the light distribution control unit.

[0010] With such a configuration, it is possible to disable the operation of the at least one of the second light source and light distribution control unit that are mainly provided with the objective of increasing the added value, while enabling the operation of the first light source installed according to a legal obligation.

[0011] As a result, the minimum driving safety can be ensured even when the lighting device is used. Further, it is highly probable that the theft is carried out aiming at the function of the lighting device with a high added value. Where it is properly made well known that the stolen lighting device is unable to demonstrate such function, the motivation to steal the lighting device can be lost, and it can be a deterrent against theft.

[0012] The control unit may be configured to output a signal causing at least one of the first light source and a display installed inside the vehicle to flash.

[0013] With such a configuration, the display or the first light source flashes at all times as long as the use of the stolen lighting device is continued, thereby irritating the driver. As a result, the use of the stolen lighting device can be discouraged. Where the lighting device is properly made well known to have such function, the motivation to steal the lighting device can be lost, and it can be a deterrent against theft.

[0014] The vehicle information may be at least one of information indicating a cumulative travel distance of the vehicle, information indicating a cumulative number of times an ignition power supply has been switched on in the vehicle, and information identifying a key of the vehicle. Since those types of information are presently used in vehicles, the abovementioned determination processing can be performed without introducing new features.

[0015] The control unit may be configured to overwrite the vehicle information stored in the storage unit with the newly acquired vehicle information. In particular, when the information indicating the cumulative mileage of the vehicle or the information indicating the cumulative number of times an ignition power supply has been switched on in the vehicle is used as the vehicle information, the vehicle information to be stored in the storage unit is updated for each determination processing. Therefore, whether or not the lighting device has been stolen can be determined more accurately.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows schematically the configuration of the control system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically the configuration of the headlamp of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates specific examples of the first light source, second light source, and light distribution control unit; and FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed by the control unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The invention will be described hereinbelow in detail with reference to the appended drawings. The scale in the drawings used in the explanation below is changed, as appropriate, so that each member could be easily recognized.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows schematically the entire configuration of a vehicle 2 carrying a control system 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. The control system 1 includes an integrated control unit 3, a right headlamp 5R, a left headlamp 5L. a display 6, an odometer 7. an ignition switch 8. and a key recognition device 9.

[0019] The integrated control unit 3 includes a central processing unit (CPU) that executes computational processing of various types, a read only memory (ROM) storing various control programs, and a random access memory (RAM) used as a work area for data storage or program execution. The integrated control unit executes various types of control in the vehicle 2.

[0020] The right headlamp 5R is installed on the front right side of the vehicle 2, and the left headlamp 5L is installed on the front left side of the vehicle 2. In the explanation below, the right headlamp 5R and the left headlamp 5L are collectively referred to, as necessary, as the "headlamp 5".

[0021] The display 6 is disposed on the periphery of the instrument panel of the driver's seat inside the vehicle 2. The display 6 is configured to communicate with the integrated control unit 3. The display 6 is turned on and off in response of a control signal outputted from the integrated control unit 3.

[0022] The odometer 7 calculates the cumulative travel distance of the vehicle 2 on the basis of the output of a rotation sensor (not shown in the figure) that detects the rotation speed of the wheels. The odometer 7 is configured to communicate with the integrated control unit 3 and to transmit information indicating the calculated cumulative travel distance to the integrated control unit 3.

[0023] The ignition switch 8 is disposed inside the vehicle 2 and operated when an engine (not shown in the figure) is started. The ignition switch 8 is configured to communicate with the integrated control unit 3. Where the driver performs a predetemiined operation, the ignition power supply is switched on and the ignition switch 8 outputs a start signal to the integrated control unit 3. The integrated control unit 3 starts the engine in response to the start signal.

[0024| The key recognition device 9 is configured to perform contactless communication with an IC chip incorporated in the key that belongs to the owner of the vehicle 2. The key recognition device 9 is communicatively connected to the integrated control unit 3. The key recognition device 9 acquires identification information stored in the IC chip of the key by contactless communication and transmits the identification information to the integrated control unit 3. The identification information is stored in advance in the memory of the integrated control unit 3. The integrated control unit 3 compares the identification infonnation transmitted from the key recognition device 9 with the identification information stored in the memory. Where the two are determined to match, the integrated control unit 3 executes a predetermined operation, for example, opens the doors.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows schematically the configuration of the headlamp 5 as a lighting device. The headlamp 5 is a lamp for lighting the road ahead of the vehicle 2. The headlamp 5 includes a housing 51 and a translucent cover 53 that is mounted on the housing 51 and defines a lamp chamber 52. The headlamp 5 also includes a first light source 54, a second light source 55, a light distribution control unit 56, a control unit 57, and a storage unit 58.

[0026] The first light source 54 is disposed inside the lamp chamber 52 according to a legal obligation. In a specific example shown in FIG. 3, the first light source 54 includes, for example, a low-beam light source 54a, a high-beam light source 54b, a light source 54c for clearance light, and a light source 54d for direction indication.

[0027] The low-beam light source 54a is a light source for forming a low-beam distribution pattern for lighting a short-range region, ahead of the vehicle 2. The high-beam light source 54b is a light source for forming a high-beam distribution pattern for lighting a long-range region, ahead of the vehicle 2. The light source 54c for clearance light is a light source used as the so-called position lamp for indicating a position at the outermost end of the vehicle 2 when, for example, the vehicle 2 turns. The light source 54d for direction indication is a light source used as a direction indicating lamp that flashes when the pathway of the vehicle 2 changes, for example, when the vehicle turns or changes a lane.

[0028] The second light source 55 is not required by a legal obligation to be installed. The second light source 55 is disposed inside the lamp chamber 52 for increasing the added value of realizing safer and more comfortable operating state. As shown in a specific example in FIG. 3, the second light source 55 includes, for example, a light source 55a for cornering light and a light source 55b for marking light.

[0029] The light source 55a for cornering light is a light source that is temporarily lighted in conjunction with the direction indicating lamp when the vehicle turns. This light source produces cornering light providing illumination in the advance direction of the vehicle 2. The light source 55b for marking light produces marking light for temporary spot illuminating a pedestrian on the road shoulder, detected by an onboard camera.

[0030] The headlamp 5 also includes a light source 54e for daytime running light. The light source 54e for daytime running light is a light source lighted during daytime in order to inform the oncoming vehicle or pedestrian of the presence of the host vehicle. Since the installation of the daytime running light is required by regulations in some areas, the light source 54e for daytime running light belongs in one of the first light source 54 and the second light source 55, depending on the area.

[0031 ] The light distribution control unit 56 is connected to the first light source 54 and the second light source 55, and configured to control the light distribution state of the first light source 54 and the second light source 55. The "connection" as referred to herein means to include both the mechanical connection and the communicable connection. As shown by a specific example in FIG. 3, the light distribution control unit 56 includes a swivel mechanism 56a and a non-lighted region formation unit 56b.

[0032] The swivel mechanism 56a includes, for example, an actuator that changes the direction of at least one optical axis among those of the low-beam light source 54a, high-beam light source 54b, and light source 55b for marking light according to the steering direction of the vehicle 2. By operating the swivel mechanism 56a as appropriate, it is possible to control the position of the light distribution pattern formed by those light sources with respect to the vehicle 2.

[0033] The non-lighted region formation unit 56b includes, for example, an actuator changing the position or posture of a shade disposed in front of the high-beam light source 54b. By operating the actuator as appropriate, it is possible to switch between the low-beam distribution pattern and high-beam distribution pattern, or to form a non-lighted region in the high-beam distribution pattern by blocking part of the light emitted by the high-beam light source 54b.

[0034] In the configuration in which the high-beam light source 54b is formed by arranging a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements in an array pattern, the non-lighted region formation unit 56b employs a circuit that lights on and off the individual semiconductor light-emitting elements. A non-lighted region may be formed in the high-beam distribution pattern by lighting off at least one of the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the integrated control unit 3 is configured to communicate with the control unit 57. The control unit 57 is disposed, at least partially, inside the headlamp 5 and is configured to communicate with the first light source 54, second light source 55, and light distribution control unit 56. The integrated control unit 3 is installed on a position different from that of the headlamp 5 in the vehicle 2.

[0036] The control unit 57 is provided with a CPU that executes computational processing of various types, a ROM storing various control programs, and a RAM used as a work area for data storage or program execution. The control unit 57 executes control of various types relating to the first light source 54, second light source 55, and light distribution control unit 56 on the basis of control signals transmitted from the integrated control unit 3. More specifically, the control unit 57 controls the light on/off operation (switching operation between a light-on state and a light-off state) or light intensity adjustment operation of the first light source 54, light on/off operation or light intensity adjustment operation of the second light source 55, and operation of the light distribution control unit 56.

[0037] The storage unit 58 is communicatively connected to the control unit 57. The storage unit 58 may be configured as part of the RAM in the control unit 57. The control unit 57 is configured to store the vehicle information acquired by the integrated control unit 3 on the vehicle in the storage unit 58.

[0038] The "vehicle information" as referred to herein is identification information on the vehicle 2, such as running history information, more specifically information of at least one type from among information indicating the cumulative travel distance of the vehicle 2, information indicating the cumulative number of times the ignition power supply has been switched on at the vehicle 2, and information identifying the key of the vehicle 2. The information indicating the cumulative travel distance indicates the cumulative travel distance transmitted from the odometer 7 to the integrated control unit 3. The information indicating the cumulative number of times the ignition power supply has been switched on is obtained by counting with the integrated control unit 3 the number of times an engine start signal has been outputted from the ignition switch 8 to the integrated control unit 3. The information identifying the key of the vehicle 2 is the identification information stored in the integrated control unit 3 in order to be used for key recognition with the key recognition device 9.

[0039] The processing performed by the control unit 57 for preventing the theft of the headlamp 5 is explained below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4.

[0040] Where the ignition switch 8 is operated and the ignition power supply is switched on, electric power is supplied to the control unit 57. The control unit 57 executes the antitheft processing shown in FIG. 4 during the initial supply of the electric power.

[0041] The control unit 57 sends an inquiry signal to the integrated control unit 3. The integrated control unit 3 transmits vehicle information to the control unit 57 as a response to the inquiry signal. By receiving the transmitted vehicle information, the control unit 57 acquires vehicle information anew (step S I ).

[0042 J Then, the control unit 57 compares the vehicle information newly acquired form the integrated control unit 3 and vehicle information stored in the storage unit 58 (step S2) and determines whether there is a difference therebetween (step S3).

[0043| Where the cumulative travel distance or the cumulative number of times the ignition power supply has been switched on is used as the vehicle information, the value of the cumulative travel distance or the cumulative number of times the electric power supply has been switched on that has been newly acquired from the integrated control unit 3 is compared with the value of the cumulative travel distance or the cumulative number of times the electric power supply has been switched on that has been stored in the storage unit 58, and it is determined whether the difference therebetween is less than a predetermined value.

[0044J Where key identification information is used as the vehicle information, it is determined whether the identification information that has been newly acquired from the integrated control unit 3 matches the identification information that has been stored in the storage unit 58.

[0045] Where it is determined that the difference is less than the predetermined value, or where the identification information is confirmed to match (Yes in step S3), the control unit 57 determines that no particular problem is associated with the use of the headlamp 5, and executes the predetermined control with respect to the first light source 54, second light source 55. and light distribution control unit 56 (step S4).

[0046] The control unit 57 stores the vehicle information acquired by the integrated control unit 3 for the abovementioned determination processing in the storage unit 58 (step S5). Thus, the vehicle information that has been stored in the storage unit 58 during the execution of the determination processing is overwritten with the vehicle information newly acquired by the integrated control unit 3 for the determination processing. [0047] Where the difference is determined in the determination processing to be equal to or greater than the predetermined value, or where the identification information is confirmed to mismatch (No in step S3), the control unit 57 determines that the headlamp 5 has been stolen and then installed on another vehicle and executes the below-described function stop processing (step S6).

[0048] The vehicle information stored in the storage unit 58 is acquired from the integrated control unit 3 of the vehicle 2 through the preceding vehicle information acquisition processing. When the value of the cumulative travel distance or the cumulative number of times the electric power supply has been switched on, which is indicated by the vehicle information presently acquired by the integrated control unit 3, is extremely greater than the vehicle information stored in the storage unit 58 or less than that of the preceding processing, it is highly probable that the headlamp 5 was stolen from the vehicle and installed on another vehicle within a period of time from the preceding to the present vehicle information acquisition. The same conclusion can be made when the key identification information presently acquired form the integrated control unit 3 does not match the identification information stored in the storage unit 58.

[0049] Based on the determination corresponding to the difference between the vehicle information newly acquired from the integrated control unit 3 and the vehicle information stored in the storage unit 58, the control unit 57 performs the processing of stopping its own function of controlling the first light source 54, second light source 55, and light distribution control unit 56 and stops controlling the first light source 54, second light source 55, and light distribution control unit 56. Thus, the control unit 57 stops performing the on/off switching and light distribution control of the light sources of the headlamp 5 are not performed.

[0050] As a result, the stolen headlamp 5 is prevented from being installed and used on another vehicle. Further, where the headlamp 5 is properly made well known to have such function, the motivation to steal the headlamp 5 can be lost, and it can be a deterrent against theft.

[0051] The difference between the values of the cumulative travel distance or the cumulative numbers of times the electric power supply has been switched on is compared with a predetermined value greater than zero because the headlamp 5 could be temporarily removed from the vehicle 2, for example, for repair. As a result, when the repaired headlamp 5 is reinstalled on the vehicle 2 and the vehicle identification acquisition processing is then performed, the function stop processing can be prevented from being executed on the basis of the difference between the values that has appeared during the repair.

[0052] As another example of the function stop processing, it is also possible to stop part of control function of the control unit 57. More specifically, the function of controlling at least one of the second light source 55 and the light distribution control unit 56 may be stopped. Thus, it is possible to disable at least one of the operation of the second light source 55 and the light distribution control unit 56 that are mainly provided for increasing the added value, while enabling the operation of the first light source 54 installed according to a legal obligation.

[0053] As a result, the minimum driving safety can be ensured even when the headlamp 5 is used. Further, it is highly probable that the theft is carried out aiming at the function with a high added value of the headlamp 5. Where it is properly made well known that the stolen headlamp 5 is unable to demonstrate such function, the motivation to steal the headlamp 5 can be lost, and it can be a deterrent against theft.

[0054| In the configuration in which the part of the control function of the control unit 57 is thus stopped, the control unit 57 may be configured to output a control signal causing at least one of the first light source 54 and the display 6 to flash.

[0055| More specifically, a signal instructing the display 6 to flash is transmitted from the control unit 57 to the integrated control unit 3. Where the integrated control unit 3 receives the signal, the integrated control unit outputs a control signal causing the display 6 to flash to the display 6. In addition to the abovementioned signal, or instead thereof, the control unit 57 can output a signal that causes flashing, for example, to the light source 54c for clearance light or the light source 54e for daytime running light in the first light source 54. [00S6] Therefore, the display 6 or the first light source 54 flashes at all times as long as the use of the stolen headlamp 5 is continued, thereby irritating the driver. As a result, the use of the stolen headlamp 5 can be discouraged. Where the headlamp 5 is properly made well known to have such function, the motivation to steal the headlamp 5 can be lost, and it can be a deterrent against theft.

[0057] The abovementioned embodiments serve to facilitate the understanding of the invention, but the invention is not limited thereto. The invention can be changed or modified without departing from the essence thereof, and it is clear that the equivalents of the invention are included therein.

[0058] The timing at which the control unit 57 acquires the vehicle information from the integrated control unit 3 is not limited to the initial switch-on time of the ignition power supply.

[0059] For example, the control unit 57 may be configured to send periodically an inquiry to the integrated control unit 3 and acquire information while the ignition power is supplied, that is, while the vehicle runs. In this case, the difference between the vehicle information acquired by the integrated control unit 3 and the vehicle information stored by the storage unit 58 can be reduced and, therefore, the fact of theft can be determined more accurately. Further, when the vehicle 2 is an electric automobile or the like, the control unit 57 may be configured to send an inquiry to the integrated control unit 3 and acquire the vehicle information by using electric power supplied during charging.

[0060] The lighting device according to the invention is not limited to the headlamp 5 in which the first light source 54. second light source 55, and light distribution control unit 56 shown in FIG. 3 are all disposed inside the lamp chamber 52. Thus, the invention can be also used with a lighting device having a configuration in which at least one light source belonging to the first light source 54 is disposed inside the lamp chamber 52. and this light source is controlled by the control unit 57.

[0061] The first light source 54 is not necessarily required to be the one disposed inside the lamp chamber 52 according to a legal obligation. The first light source 54 can be also defined as a light source indispensable for ensuring that the device functions as a lighting device (lamp).

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A lighting device installed on a vehicle, comprising:

at least one first light source disposed inside a lamp chamber;

a control unit disposed at least partially inside the lamp chamber and configured to control at least on/off operation of the first light source; and

a storage unit, wherein

the control unit is configured to store vehicle information acquired from the vehicle on which the lighting device is installed in the storage unit, compare vehicle information newly acquired from the vehicle on which the lighting device is installed at a predetermined timing and the vehicle information that has been stored in the storage unit, and stop at least part of function of the control unit based on a difference between the newly acquired vehicle information and the vehicle information stored in the storage unit.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1. further comprising:

a housing; and

a translucent cover, wherein

the lamp chamber is defined by the housing and the translucent cover.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured to stop the at least part of the function of the control unit when a difference between a value indicated by the newly acquired vehicle information and a value indicated by the vehicle information stored in the storage unit is less than a predetermined value, or when the newly acquired vehicle information does not match the vehicle information stored in the storage unit.

4. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit is configured to stop the at least part of the function of the control unit, based on the difference between the newly acquired vehicle information and the vehicle information stored in the storage unit, so as to stop controlling the on/off operation of the first light source.

5. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: at least one second light source disposed inside the lamp chamber, wherein:

the first light source is disposed inside the lamp chamber according to a legal obligation;

the control unit is configured to control the second light source; and

the control unit is configured to stop the at least part of the function of the control unit, based on the difference between the newly acquired vehicle information and the vehicle information stored in the storage unit, so as to stop controlling the second light source.

6. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. further comprising: at least one second light source disposed inside the lamp chamber; and

a light distribution control unit configured to control a light distribution state of at least one of the first light source and the second light source, wherein:

the control unit is configured to control the second light source and the light distribution control unit; and

the control unit is configured to stop the at least part of the function of the control unit, based on the difference between the newly acquired vehicle information and the vehicle information stored in the storage unit, so as to stop controlling at least one of the second light source and the light distribution control unit.

7. The lighting device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the control unit is configured to output a signal causing at least one of the first light source and a display installed inside the vehicle to flash.

8. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the vehicle infonnation is at least one of information indicating an cumulative travel distance of the vehicle, information indicating a cumulative number of times an ignition power supply has been switched on in the vehicle, and infonnation identifying a key of the vehicle.

9. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit is configured to overwrite the vehicle information stored in the storage unit with the newly acquired vehicle information.