Patent ID: 8097976
Filing Date: 2012-01-17
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
1. A lighting controller for a vehicle lamp, the lighting controller comprising: a switching regulator for supplying a driving current to a first to an N-th semiconductor light source, wherein N is an integer number equal to or greater than one; a first to an N-th current driving means which include a first to an N-th current detection portion respectively connected in series to each of the semiconductor light sources to detect the driving current, a first to an N-th switch portion respectively connected to the positive electrode side of each of the semiconductor light sources, and a first to an N-th comparison portion for comparing a value of the driving current detected by each of the current detection portions with a predetermined threshold value, for sending a comparison output according to an obtained comparison result, and for controlling ON/OFF operation of each of the switch portions according to respective comparison outputs; and control means having two or more abnormality detection portions for detecting an abnormality generated in the current driving means and for sending an abnormality detection result; wherein the control means is arranged to control each of the switch portions so as to turn them OFF after elapse of a predetermined time upon receipt of the abnormality detection result, and wherein the predetermined time varies depending on a type of abnormal state indicated by the abnormality detection result sent by the two or more abnormality detection portions, and wherein the abnormality detection result comprises an indication of at least one of a first abnormal state in which one of the semiconductor light sources is open, a second abnormal state in which one of the semiconductor light sources is shorted, and a third abnormal state in which an anode of one of the semiconductor light sources is grounded.