Vehicle headlamp

Abstract

A vehicle headlamp (1) is provided with a lamp unit (10) and a control unit (CO) that, when a plurality of predetermined objects are located in front of a vehicle (100), reduces the amount of light in first regions (91a), (91b), (91c) in an ADB light distribution pattern (P1), said first regions (91a), (91b), (91c) overlapping at least a portion of each of the objects, compared to when the plurality of objects are not located in front of the vehicle (100), and controls the ADB light distribution pattern (P1) to be in a predetermined state. The amount of light in second regions (92a), (92b), (92c) along at least a part of the outer edges of the first regions (91a), (91b), (91c) is increased. In an overlapping region (93) in which at least a part of one second region (92a) of the two second regions (92a, 92c) overlaps the other second region (92c), the light enhancement rate in the overlapping region (93) is lower than the sum of the light enhancement rate in the one second region (92a) and the light enhancement rate in the other second region (92c).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp. Background Art

[0002] As a vehicle headlamp represented by an automobile headlamp, a technology for changing the light distribution pattern of emitted light is known, and such a vehicle headlamp is disclosed in Patent Document 1 listed below.

[0003] The vehicle headlamp described in the following patent document 1 includes a lamp unit and a control unit capable of changing the light distribution pattern of emitted light. The control unit controls the lamp unit based on information from a detection device that detects other vehicles located in front of the vehicle, suppresses the irradiation of light to the other vehicles, and irradiates light around the other vehicles. Therefore, in the following patent document 1, it is possible to suppress the vehicle headlamp from causing glare to the driver of the other vehicle located in front of the vehicle.

[0004] Patent Document 1: (Japanese) Patent Publication No. 2011-031807 Summary of the invention

[0005] A vehicle headlamp according to a first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a lamp unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; and a control unit that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle and controls the lamp unit, wherein when a plurality of the predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle, the control unit reduces the amount of light in a first area in the light distribution pattern that overlaps with at least a portion of each of the predetermined objects, increases the amount of light in a second area along at least a portion of an outer edge of each of the first areas, and makes a light gain rate of the light in an overlapping area where at least a portion of one of the two second areas overlaps with the other second area lower than the sum of the light gain rates of the light in the one second area and the light gain rates of the light in the other second area.

[0006] In the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the second area can prevent the surroundings of each first area where the light amount is reduced from appearing darker than in the case where there is no second area, and the reduction in visual recognition in front of the vehicle can be suppressed. However, when the light amount of each second area increases, the overlapping area becomes brighter according to each second area. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the light increase rate of the overlapping area is lower than the sum of the light increase rate of one second area and the light increase rate of another second area. As a result, the light increase rate of the overlapping area overlapping with each second area is the light increase rate obtained by adding the light increase rate of one second area to the light increase rate of another second area, and the overlapping area can be suppressed from becoming brighter. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the overlapping area from becoming too bright, and it is possible to prevent the driver of the vehicle from feeling uncomfortable.

[0007] In the vehicle headlamp according to the first aspect, the control unit may set the light gain rate of the overlapping region to an average value of a light gain rate of the one second region and a light gain rate of the other second region.

[0008] According to this configuration, in the one second region, the overlapping region, and the other second region, a sudden change in brightness can be suppressed, and the driver of the host vehicle can be suppressed from feeling uncomfortable.

[0009] Alternatively, in the vehicle headlamp according to the first aspect, the control unit may make the light increase rate of the overlapping region the same as the light increase rate of the one second region or the light increase rate of the other second region.

[0010] According to this configuration, the burden on the control unit can be reduced compared to a case where the control unit changes the light gain rate of the overlapping region to a different light gain rate from the light gain rate of one second region and the light gain rate of the other second region.

[0011] In this case, in the vehicle headlamp according to the first aspect, the control unit may make the light increase rate of the overlapping region the same as a higher light increase rate of the one second region and the other second region.

[0012] There is a tendency for adjacent first areas to appear darker. According to this structure, the overlapping area between adjacent first areas becomes brighter, compared with a case where the light gain rate of the overlapping area is the same as the lower light gain rate of one second area and the light gain rate of another second area, and a reduction in visual recognition in front of the vehicle can be suppressed.

[0013] Alternatively, in the vehicle headlamp according to the first aspect, the control unit may make the light increase rate of the overlapping region higher than a lower light increase rate of the one second region and a light increase rate of the other second region.

[0014] According to this configuration, compared with a case where the light gain rate of the overlapping area is less than or equal to the lower light gain rate of one second area or the other second area, the overlapping area becomes brighter, thereby suppressing a reduction in visibility ahead of the vehicle.

[0015] Alternatively, in the vehicle headlamp according to the first aspect, the control unit may make the light increase rate of the overlapping region higher than a higher light increase rate of the one second region and a light increase rate of the other second region.

[0016] According to this configuration, compared with a case where the light gain rate of the overlapping area is less than or equal to the higher light gain rate of one second area or the other second area, the overlapping area becomes brighter, thereby suppressing a reduction in visibility ahead of the vehicle.

[0017] As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlamp capable of suppressing a driver of the host vehicle from feeling uncomfortable.

[0018] A vehicle headlamp according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it includes: a lamp unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; and a control unit that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of a vehicle and controls the lamp unit, wherein in a first state where the predetermined object is located in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the lamp unit so that, compared with a case where the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle, the light amount of a first region in the light distribution pattern that overlaps with at least a portion of the predetermined object is reduced and the light amount of a second region surrounding the first region is increased, and when the first state is changed to a second state where the predetermined object and other predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the lamp unit so that the light amount of other first regions in the light distribution pattern that overlap with at least a portion of the other predetermined objects is reduced and the light amount of a specific region other than the first region, the other first region, and the second region within a frame surrounding at least a portion of an area between the first region and the other first region is increased with the passage of time to reach a predetermined amount.

[0019] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, in the first state where the prescribed object is located in front of the vehicle, there is provided a first area where at least a part of the prescribed object overlaps and the light amount is reduced, and a second area where the first area is surrounded and the light amount is increased. That is, a light distribution pattern of ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) is formed. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the light amount irradiated to the prescribed object can be reduced, and the surrounding of the darkened first area can be suppressed from appearing darker, and the reduction in the visual recognition of the front of the vehicle can be suppressed. In addition, in the case of changing from the first state to the second state where another prescribed object is further located in front of the vehicle, there is provided another first area where at least a part of the other prescribed object overlaps and the light amount is reduced. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the light amount irradiated to the other prescribed object can be reduced. In addition, in the case of changing from the first state to the second state, the light amount of the specific area increases with the passage of time and becomes a prescribed amount. The specific area is the first area, the other first area, and the area other than the second area in the frame surrounding at least a part of the first area, the other first area, and the area between the first area and the other first area. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, it is possible to suppress the first area, which is the darkened area, and the surroundings of the other first areas and the space between the first area and the other first areas from appearing darker, and it is possible to suppress the reduction in the visibility of the front of the vehicle. In addition, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable compared to the case where the light amount in the specific area instantly becomes the prescribed amount. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when the light amount in the area overlapping at least a part of the prescribed object is reduced, it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable and suppress the reduction in the visibility.

[0020] In the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, the control unit may control the lamp unit so that a total amount of light reduced in the first area and the other first area becomes equal to a total amount of light increased in the second area and the specific area.

[0021] With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption compared to a case where the total amount of light increased in the second region and the specific region is larger than the total amount of light decreased in the first region and other first regions.

[0022] In the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, the control unit may control the lamp unit so that the region where the light amount of the specific region increases expands from the second region side toward the other first region side as time passes.

[0023] In this case, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the control unit may control the lamp unit so that during the period when the amount of light in the specific area increases, the light increase rate of the second area based on the case where the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle is the same as the light increase rate of the area where the amount of light in the specific area increases.

[0024] With such a configuration, while the light amount in the specific area is increasing, it is difficult for the driver to visually recognize the boundary between the second area and the area where the light amount in the specific area is increasing.

[0025] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the control unit may control the lamp unit so that the area where the light amount in the specific area increases expands from the other first area side to the second area side as time passes. Alternatively, the control unit may control the lamp unit in such a manner that the light amount in the entire specific area increases as time passes.

[0026] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, it is also possible that, when the amount of light in the specific area becomes the specified amount, the control unit controls the lamp unit so that the light gain rate of the second area based on the situation where the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle is the same as the light gain rate of the specific area.

[0027] With such a configuration, when the light amount in the specific area is at a predetermined amount, it is difficult for the driver to visually recognize the boundary between the second area and the specific area.

[0028] In the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, the control unit may control the lamp unit so that the frame becomes a minimum rectangle.

[0029] By adopting such a configuration, the control load on the control unit can be reduced compared to the case where the frame is circular, for example.

[0030] In this case, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the control unit may control the lamp unit so that, during at least a portion of the period when the amount of light in the specific area increases, the amount of light in the area outside the frame in the second area decreases over time and returns to the amount of light when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle.

[0031] According to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, compared with a case where the light quantity of the area outside the frame in the second area is not returned to the original light quantity, it is possible to increase the light quantity of the specific area while suppressing an increase in energy consumption.

[0032] In the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, the control unit may control the lamp unit so that the larger the area of ​​the specific region is, the longer the period until the amount of light in the specific region reaches the predetermined amount is.

[0033] The larger the area of ​​the region where the light quantity changes, the more likely the driver will feel uncomfortable with the change in light quantity. Therefore, by setting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable with the increase in light quantity in a specific region.

[0034] Alternatively, in the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, the control unit may control the lamp unit so that the longer the distance between the first area and the other first areas, the longer the period until the light amount in the specific area reaches the predetermined amount.

[0035] There is a tendency that the farther the distance between the first area and the other first areas is, the larger the area between the first area in the specific area and the other first areas is. Therefore, by setting such a structure, it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable with the increase in the amount of light in the area between the first area in the specific area and the other first areas.

[0036] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when a ratio of a total area of ​​the first region and the other first regions to an overall area of ​​the light distribution pattern is greater than a predetermined value, the control unit may control the lamp unit so that the frame coincides with an edge of the light distribution pattern.

[0037] By adopting such a configuration, the control load of the control unit can be reduced.

[0038] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, it may be that, in the first state where there are multiple specified objects, the control unit controls the lamp unit so that the light amount of multiple first areas corresponding to each of the specified objects is reduced, and the second area surrounds the multiple first areas and includes at least a part of the area between adjacent first areas. When changing from the first state to the second state, the control unit controls the lamp unit so that the frame surrounds each of the first areas, the other first areas, and at least a part of the area between the multiple first areas and the other first areas adjacent to each other, and the specific area becomes the area outside the each of the first areas, the other first areas, and the second area within the frame.

[0039] In this case, in the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, when the total number of the predetermined object and the other predetermined objects is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the control unit may control the lamp unit so that the frame coincides with an edge of the light distribution pattern.

[0040] By adopting such a configuration, the control load of the control unit can be reduced.

[0041] As described above, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlamp capable of suppressing a driver's feeling of discomfort and a decrease in visibility when reducing the amount of light in a region overlapping at least a portion of a predetermined object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 It is a plan view conceptually showing a vehicle provided with a vehicle headlamp according to a first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 It roughly indicates Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a lamp portion of a vehicle headlamp is shown.

[0044] Figure 3 It roughly indicates Figure 2 The front view of the light source part is shown.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a control flow chart of the control unit in the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of a high beam in the first embodiment.

[0047] Figure 6 is with Figure 5 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of the ADB light distribution pattern in the first embodiment is shown.

[0048] Figure 7 is with Figure 5 Similarly, another example of the ADB light distribution pattern in the first embodiment is shown.

[0049] Figure 8 This is a control flow chart of the control unit in the second embodiment as the second aspect.

[0050] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing an example of a high beam light distribution pattern.

[0051] Fig.10 is with Fig. 9 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in the second embodiment is shown.

[0052] Fig.11 is with Fig.10 Similarly, another example of the ADB light distribution pattern in the second embodiment is shown.

[0053] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining an example of how the ADB light distribution pattern changes in the second embodiment.

[0054] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a situation where the amount of light in a specific area increases.

[0055] Fig.14 This is a diagram for explaining another example of how the ADB light distribution pattern changes in the second embodiment.

[0056] Fig.15 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a specific area and a state where the amount of light in the specific area increases in the third embodiment as the second aspect.

[0057] Fig.16 is with Fig.10 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in the third embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The following, with the attached Figure 1 The following is an example of a vehicle headlamp for implementing the present invention. The following examples are provided for easy understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its main purpose. It should be noted that in the drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each component are sometimes changed for easy understanding.

[0059] (First Embodiment)

[0060] A first embodiment as a first aspect of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlamp according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 100 includes a pair of left and right vehicle headlamps 1, a light switch 110, a detection device 120, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 101. In this specification, "right" refers to the right side in the forward direction of the vehicle 100, "left" refers to the left side in the forward direction, and driver refers to the driver of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 of this embodiment is an automobile.

[0061] Each vehicle headlamp 1 includes a lamp unit 5, a memory ME, a control unit CO, and a power supply circuit 50. Usually, the lamp unit 5 of one vehicle headlamp 1 is arranged on the left side of the front part of the vehicle 100, and the lamp unit 5 of the other vehicle headlamp 1 is arranged on the right side of the front part. The structure of one vehicle headlamp 1 is the same as that of the other vehicle headlamp 1 except that the shape of the lamp unit 5 is approximately bilaterally symmetrical. Therefore, in the following, one vehicle headlamp 1 will be described, and the description of the other vehicle headlamp 1 will be omitted.

[0062] Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the lamp section 5 . The lamp section 5 includes a frame 16 and a lamp unit 10 .

[0063] The frame 16 includes a housing 17 and a front cover 18. The housing 17 is configured in a box shape having an opening at the front, and the front cover 18 is fixed to the housing 17 in a manner to block the opening. In this way, a storage space surrounded by the housing 17 and the front cover 18 is formed in the frame 16, and the lamp unit 10 is arranged in the storage space. The front cover 18 allows light emitted from the lamp unit 10 to pass through. The power supply circuit 50, the control unit CO, and the memory ME are arranged outside the frame 16, but may also be arranged in the storage space of the frame 16.

[0064] The lamp unit 10 can change the light distribution pattern of the emitted light. The light distribution pattern refers to both the shape of an image formed on a virtual vertical screen, for example, 25 meters in front of the vehicle 100, and the intensity distribution of light in the image. The lamp unit 10 includes a light source 12 that emits light forward and a projection lens 15 disposed in front of the light source 12.

[0065] The projection lens 15 adjusts the divergence angle of the light incident from the light source unit 12. The light whose divergence angle is adjusted by the projection lens 15 is irradiated toward the front of the vehicle 100 from the front cover 18.

[0066] Figure 3 It roughly indicates Figure 2 The front view of the light source unit 12 is shown. The light source unit 12 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of light emitting elements 13 as a light emitting unit that emits light toward the front, and a circuit substrate 14 on which the plurality of light emitting elements 13 are mounted. The individual light emitting elements 13 are arranged in a matrix and in the up-down direction and in the left-right direction. These light emitting elements 13 are capable of changing the amount of light emitted. In the present embodiment, these light emitting elements 13 are micro LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and the light source unit 12 is a so-called micro LED array. It should be noted that the number of light emitting elements 13 arranged in the left-right direction and in the up-down direction is not particularly limited.

[0067] In the present embodiment, each light emitting element 13 corresponds to a pixel of an image generated by an image generating unit of the control unit CO described later. The light source unit 12 adjusts the light amount of light emitted from each light emitting element 13 according to the data of the pixel corresponding to the light emitting element 13, thereby emitting light based on the image, and forming a light distribution pattern based on the image by the light. In the present embodiment, the light emitting element 13 and the pixel correspond to each other on a one-to-one basis, but there is no particular limitation.

[0068] Figure 1 The memory ME shown is configured to be able to store information and read out the stored information. The memory ME is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, preferably a semiconductor recording medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), but may also include any form of recording medium such as an optical recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. It should be noted that "non-transitory" recording media include all computer-readable recording media except for transient propagation signals (transitory, propagating signals), and volatile recording media are not excluded. Various programs for controlling the lamp unit 10 or information required for the control are stored in the memory ME, and the control unit CO reads out the programs or information stored in the memory ME. It should be noted that the memory ME may also be arranged inside the control unit CO.

[0069] The control unit CO is composed of, for example, an integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, an IC (Integrated Circuit), an LSI (Large-scale Integrated Circuit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an NC (Numerical Control) device. In addition, the control unit CO may use a machine learner or may not use a machine learner when an NC device is used. The control unit CO is electrically connected to the ECU 101, and in each vehicle headlamp 1, the control units CO are electrically connected to each other via the ECU 101. It should be noted that the control units CO may be directly electrically connected to each other without passing through the ECU 101.

[0070] The control unit CO of the present embodiment includes an image generating unit 20 and a light distribution control unit 40 , and receives input of a signal from the detection device 120 via the ECU 101 while various programs are read out from the memory ME.

[0071] The image generation unit 20 generates an image based on the image stored in the memory ME. In the present embodiment, the image is a grayscale image in which the data of each pixel is a grayscale value, and the larger the grayscale value, the brighter the pixel. However, the data of each pixel is not particularly limited. In addition, the image information can also be read from a memory outside the vehicle via a wireless communication device provided by the vehicle 100.

[0072] The image stored in the memory ME of the present embodiment becomes a low beam image in which the light emitted from the light source unit 12 forms a low beam distribution pattern or a high beam image in which the light distribution pattern of the high beam is formed. The image generation unit 20 of the present embodiment processes the high beam image based on the information indicated by the signal input from the detection device 120 to generate an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) distribution image. The ADB distribution image is an image of the ADB distribution pattern in which a part of the high beam distribution pattern becomes a first area with reduced light quantity and an area along at least a part of the outer edge of the first area becomes a second area with increased light quantity.

[0073] The light distribution control unit 40 of this embodiment controls the lamp unit 10 by controlling the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the low beam image, the information of the high beam image, and any one of the information of the image generated by the image generation unit 20 stored in the memory ME. That is, it can be understood that the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 through the signal from the detection device 120, the image generation unit 20, and the light distribution control unit 40.

[0074] The power supply circuit 50 includes a driver, and when a control signal is input from the control unit CO, the driver adjusts the power supplied to each light emitting element 13 of the light source unit 12 from a power supply not shown in the figure. In this way, the light amount of light emitted from each light emitting element 13 is adjusted, and the light source unit 12 emits light based on a low beam image, a high beam image, or an ADB light distribution image. Moreover, the low beam light, the high beam light, or the light of the ADB light distribution pattern is emitted from the lamp unit 10. In addition, in the present embodiment, the driver of the power supply circuit 50 adjusts the power supplied to each light emitting element 13 through PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, thereby adjusting the light amount of each light emitting element 13. However, the method for adjusting the light amount of light emitted from each light emitting element 13 is not particularly limited.

[0075] The light switch 110 of this embodiment is a switch that selects emission or non-emission of light. In addition, the light switch 110 selects emission of low beam light or high beam light in the emission of light. When the light switch 110 is turned on, it outputs a signal indicating the emission of the selected light to the control unit CO via the ECU 101, and when it is turned off, it does not output a signal.

[0076] The detection device 120 of this embodiment detects a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle 100. Examples of the object include other vehicles such as the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle, retroreflective objects, pedestrians, and obstacles. The retroreflective object of this embodiment is an object that does not emit light by itself but retroreflects the irradiated light at a predetermined spread angle. Examples of such retroreflective objects include road signs and sight guide signs. The detection device 120 of this embodiment includes an image acquisition unit 121 and a detection unit 122.

[0077] The image acquisition unit 121 acquires an image in front of the vehicle 100, and the image includes at least a portion of an area that can be illuminated by the light emitted from the pair of vehicle headlamps 1. Examples of the image acquisition unit 121 include a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) camera, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) camera, a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), a millimeter wave radar, and the like. The image acquisition unit 121 outputs a signal of the acquired image to the detection unit 122.

[0078] The detection unit 122 has, for example, the same configuration as the control unit CO. The detection unit 122 performs predetermined image processing on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 121, and detects the presence of an object, the position of the object in the image, the type of the object, etc., based on the image processed.

[0079] For example, when an image in which a pair of white light spots or a pair of red light spots having a brightness higher than a specified brightness are spaced apart at a specified interval in the left-right direction is input from the image acquisition unit 121, the detection unit 122 detects the presence of another vehicle. For example, when an image in which the above-mentioned pair of white light spots is input from the image acquisition unit 121, the detection unit 122 identifies another vehicle as an oncoming vehicle. In addition, when an image in which the above-mentioned pair of red light spots is input from the image acquisition unit 121, the detection unit 122 identifies another vehicle as a preceding vehicle. For example, the pair of white light spots are the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, and the pair of red light spots are the taillights of a preceding vehicle. It should be noted that the detection method and the identification method of the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle are not particularly limited.

[0080] When the detection unit 122 detects an object from the image, it outputs a signal indicating information of the object to the control unit CO via the ECU 101. Information related to the object includes the existence of the object, the location of the object in the image, the type of the object, etc. In addition, when the detection unit 122 does not detect the object, it outputs a signal indicating that the object does not exist to the control unit CO via the ECU 101, but it is not necessary to output this signal.

[0081] It should be noted that there is no particular limitation on the objects detected by the detection device 120, the number of types of objects, and the structure of the detection device 120. For example, the image acquisition unit 121 may also be a CCD camera and a LiDAR, in which case the detection unit 122 detects the object based on the images acquired by the CCD camera and the LiDAR.

[0082] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the operations of a pair of vehicle headlamps 1 are identical and synchronized. Therefore, the operation of one vehicle headlamp 1 will be described below, and the operation of the other vehicle headlamp 1 will be omitted.

[0083] Figure 4 : is a control flow chart of the control unit CO in this embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, the control process includes steps SP11 to SP17. Figure 4 In the start state shown, it is assumed that the image acquisition unit 121 of the detection device 120 acquires an image in front of the vehicle 100, and a signal is input from the detection unit 122 to the control unit CO.

[0084] (Step SP11)

[0085] In this step, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP12 when no signal is input from the light switch 110, and advances the control flow to step SP13 when the signal is input.

[0086] (Step SP12)

[0087] In this step, the light distribution control unit 40 of the control unit CO controls the power supply circuit 50 so as not to emit light from the lamp unit 10. As a result, the vehicle headlamp 1 does not emit light. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0088] (Step SP13)

[0089] In this step, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP14 when a signal related to emission of low beam light is input from the light switch 110. In addition, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP15 when a signal related to emission of high beam light is input from the light switch 110.

[0090] (Step SP14)

[0091] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that a low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Specifically, the image generation unit 20 reads the low beam image stored in the memory ME, and the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the low beam image to supply power to each light emitting element 13 of the light source unit 12. With the supply of this power, light is emitted from a part of the light emitting elements 13 when emitting a low beam, the light source unit 12 emits light based on the low beam image, and light having a light distribution pattern of a low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this way, a low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. If a low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0092] (Step SP15)

[0093] In this step, when a signal indicating that the object does not exist is input from the detection unit 122, the control unit CO causes the control process to enter step SP16, and when a signal indicating information of the object is input from the detection unit 122, the control process enters step SP17.

[0094] (Step SP16)

[0095] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a high beam. Specifically, the image generation unit 20 reads the high beam image stored in the memory ME, and the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power circuit 50 based on the information of the high beam image to supply power to each light emitting element 13 of the light source unit 12. With the supply of power, the light source unit 12 emits light based on the high beam image, and light having a high beam light distribution pattern is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this way, when there is no object, the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a high beam.

[0096] Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a high beam light distribution pattern in this embodiment. Figure 5In the figure, S represents a horizontal line, V represents a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and a thick line represents a high-beam light distribution pattern PH formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 100. In the present embodiment, when emitting a high beam, light is emitted from all the light-emitting elements 13, and the shape of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is a substantially horizontally long rectangle. In addition, a hot zone, which is an area where the intensity of light in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is the highest, is located at or near the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V. The intensity of light in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH decreases as it moves away from the hot zone to the outside. If the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0097] (Step SP17)

[0098] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes an ADB light distribution pattern according to the object located in front of the vehicle 100 detected by the detection device 120. In this step, a plurality of predetermined objects are detected.

[0099] Figure 6 is with Figure 5 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in the present embodiment is shown. The ADB light distribution pattern P1 is a light distribution pattern in which the first area 91a, 91b, 91c and the second area 92a, 92b, 92c are formed in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. Hereinafter, the first area 91a, 91b, 91c is sometimes collectively referred to as the first area 91, and the second area 92a, 92b, 92c is sometimes collectively referred to as the second area 92. As each object of this step, for example, a retroreflective object 81, a person 82, and another vehicle 83 can be cited. The retroreflective object 81 is a road sign, the person 82 is a pedestrian, and the other vehicle 83 is a preceding vehicle.

[0100] The first area 91a is an area overlapping with the retroreflective object 81, and the light amount of the first area 91a is less than the light amount of the first area 91a in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the amount of reflected light reflected by the retroreflective object 81 toward the vehicle 100 as the host vehicle can be reduced, and the glare to the driver caused by the reflected light can be suppressed. Figure 6 In the example shown, the first region 91a is a rectangle that overlaps the entire retroreflective object 81. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing glare to the driver, as long as the first region 91a overlaps at least a portion of the retroreflective object 81, the shape and size of the first region 91a are not limited.

[0101] The first area 91b is an area overlapping with the person 82, and the light amount of the first area 91b is less than the light amount of the first area 91b in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the amount of light irradiated to the person 82 can be reduced, and the glare to the person can be suppressed. Figure 6 In the example shown, the first area 91b is a rectangle that overlaps with the head of the person 82, and the first area 91b does not overlap with most of the body of the person 82. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing glare to the person 82, the first area 91b only needs to overlap with at least a portion of the head of the person 82, and the first area 91b may also overlap with the entire person 82, and the shape and size of the first area 91b are not limited.

[0102] The first area 91c is an area overlapping with other vehicles 83, and the light quantity of the first area 91c is less than the light quantity of the first area 91c in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the light quantity irradiated to other vehicles 83 can be reduced, and the glare to the drivers of other vehicles 83 can be suppressed. Figure 6 In the example shown, the first area 91c is a rectangle that overlaps the license plate in the other vehicle 83 at the top. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing glare from other vehicles 83 to the driver, the first area 91c only needs to overlap at least a portion of the visual recognition portion used by the driver of the other vehicle 83 to visually recognize the outside of the vehicle. For example, the first area 91c may overlap with the entirety of the other vehicle 83, and the shape and size of the first area 91c are not limited. It should be noted that the visual recognition portion refers to, for example, the front window when the other vehicle 83 is an oncoming vehicle, and, for example, the side mirror, the rear window, a camera for photographing the rear of the vehicle, etc. when the other vehicle 83 is the front vehicle, and these usually tend to be arranged above the license plate.

[0103] In this embodiment, the brightness of each of the first regions 91a, 91b, and 91c is the same, and the amount of light per unit area of ​​the first regions 91a, 91b, and 91c is the same. Figure 6 In the example shown, the area of ​​the first region 91a is larger than that of the first region 91b, and the area of ​​the first region 91c is larger than that of the first region 91a. Furthermore, the light reduction amount of the first region 91a is greater than that of the first region 91b, and the light reduction amount of the first region 91c is greater than that of the first region 91a.

[0104] Such a first area 91 only needs to be an area in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH that overlaps at least a portion of each object and has a reduced light amount compared to a case where the plurality of objects are not located in front of the vehicle 100. That is, the light amount of the first area 91 only needs to be less than the light amount of the area corresponding to the first area 91 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, when the plurality of objects are located in front of the vehicle 100, the control unit CO reduces the light amount of the first area 91 that overlaps at least a portion of each object compared to a case where the plurality of objects are not located in front of the vehicle 100.

[0105] The second region 92a is a region along at least a portion of the outer edge of the first region 91a. In addition, similarly to the second region 92a, the second region 92b is a region along at least a portion of the outer edge of the first region 91b, and the second region 92c is a region along at least a portion of the outer edge of the first region 91c. Figure 6 In the example shown, these second areas 92a, 92b, 92c surround the first areas 91a, 91b, 91c along the entire outer edge of the first areas 91a, 91b, 91c. In this way, the second areas 92 are provided separately from each of the first areas 91. In addition, the second areas 92 are areas where the light quantity is increased compared to the case where a plurality of objects are not located in front of the vehicle 100. That is, the light quantity of each of the second areas 92a, 92b, 92c in the ADB light distribution pattern P1 is greater than the light quantity of the area corresponding to the second areas 92a, 92b, 92c in the high beam light distribution pattern PH when a plurality of objects are not located in front of the vehicle 100. Therefore, when a plurality of objects are located in front of the vehicle 100, the control unit CO increases the light quantity of the second areas 92 along at least a portion of the outer edge of each of the first areas 91 compared to the case where a plurality of objects are not located in front of the vehicle 100. The second region 92 can suppress the appearance of the periphery of each first region 91 where the amount of light is reduced from being darker than in the case where the second region 92 is not provided, and can suppress a reduction in visibility in front of the vehicle 100 .

[0106] In addition, the amount of light added in each second region 92a, 92b, 92c, that is, the amount of light gain, increases as the amount of light loss in the first region along which the second region is located increases. Figure 6 In the example shown, as described above, the amount of light reduction increases in the order of the first area 91b, the first area 91a, and the first area 91c. Therefore, the amount of light increase increases in the order of the second area 92b, the second area 92a, and the second area 92c. In this embodiment, the greater the amount of light reduction along the first area of ​​the second area, the greater the amount of light increase per unit area of ​​the second area. Therefore, in Figure 6In the example shown, the amount of light increase per unit area is large in the order of the second area 92b, the second area 92a, and the second area 92c. In addition, in the present embodiment, the amount of light increase of each second area 92a, 92b, and 92c is the same as the amount of light reduction of the first area along which the second area is located. In addition, the width of each second area 92a, 92b, and 92c in a direction perpendicular to the direction along the outer edge of the first area 91a, 91b, and 91c is approximately constant in the direction along the second area, and the above-mentioned widths of these second areas 92a, 92b, and 92c are the same as each other. It should be noted that the above-mentioned widths of the second areas 92a, 92b, and 92c may be different from each other.

[0107] Figure 7 is with Figure 5 Similarly, another example of the ADB light distribution pattern P1 in this embodiment is shown. Figure 7 In the ADB light distribution pattern P1 shown, at least a portion of one of the two second regions 92 overlaps with the other second region 92. Figure 6 , an example is shown in which a portion of one second region 92 a overlaps a portion of another second region 92 c , and the overlapping region is indicated as an overlapping region 93 .

[0108] In the present embodiment, the light gain rate of the light in the overlapping region 93 is lower than the sum of the light gain rate of the light in the one second region 92a and the light gain rate of the light in the other second region 92c. The higher the light gain rate of each of the overlapping region 93, the one second region 92a, and the other second region 92c, the brighter it is. In the present embodiment, the light gain rate refers to the rate of increase of the amount of light per unit area in each of the overlapping region 93, the one second region 92a, and the other second region 92c when the condition around the vehicle changes from a first condition where no object is located in front of the vehicle 100 and the overlapping region 93 is not formed to a second condition where multiple objects are located in front of the vehicle 100 and the overlapping region 93 is formed. In the overlapping region 93, for example, if the amount of light per unit area in the first condition is 100 and the amount of light per unit area in the overlapping region 93 in the second condition is 120, the light gain rate is 20%. For example, when the light gain rate in one second region 92a is 10% and the light gain rate in another second region 92c is 30%, the light gain rate in the overlapping region 93 is lower than the sum of the light gain rates in the second regions 92a and 92c, that is, 40%. It should be noted that these numerical values ​​are assumed values ​​and do not represent actual values.

[0109] In the present embodiment, in the light gain rate of the overlapping region 93 which is lower than the sum of the light gain rate of one second region 92a and the light gain rate of another second region 92c, the control unit CO makes the light gain rate of the overlapping region 93 the average value of the light gain rate of one second region 92a and the light gain rate of another second region 92c. As described above, when the light gain rates of the second regions 92a and 92c are 10% and 30%, respectively, the light gain rate of the overlapping region 93 is 20%. According to this structure, in the second region 92a, the overlapping region 93 and the other second region 92c, it is possible to suppress a sharp change in brightness, and it is possible to suppress the driver of the vehicle from feeling uncomfortable. It should be noted that the control unit CO may not set the light gain rate of the overlapping region 93 to the average value of the light gain rate of one second region 92a and the light gain rate of another second region 92c.

[0110] In the control of the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P1, in the present embodiment, first, the image generation unit 20 reads the high beam image stored in the memory ME. Next, the image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image based on the information of the object input from the detection device 120, and generates an ADB light distribution image representing the above-mentioned ADB light distribution pattern P1. The processing of the high beam image by the image generation unit 20 is as follows: the areas corresponding to the above-mentioned first areas 91a, 91b, and 91c in the high beam image are respectively darkened, and the areas corresponding to the second areas 92a, 92b, and 92c are respectively brightened, and the light increase rate of the overlap area 93 is adjusted as described above. The image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image in this way to generate an ADB light distribution image in which the brightness of a part of the high beam image is changed. Next, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the generated ADB light distribution image, and emits light based on the ADB light distribution image from the light source unit 12. As a result, the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P1 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0111] It should be noted that, although the illustration is omitted, when the object detected by the detection device 120 is one, the number of first areas is one, and the second area is an area along at least a portion of the outer edge of the first area. In addition, if the plurality of second areas do not overlap with each other, the overlapping area 93 is not formed.

[0112] However, in the case of forming a first area that overlaps with other vehicles and has a reduced light amount, as in the vehicle headlight of the above-mentioned patent document 1, there is a tendency for the driver of the vehicle to see that the second area around the first area looks darker together with the first area, and there is a situation where the visual recognition of the front of the vehicle is reduced. Therefore, the control unit sometimes increases the light amount of the second area. However, in the case where multiple other vehicles are located in front, multiple first areas are formed, and second areas are formed around each first area. In each second area, a part of one second area and a part of another second area sometimes overlap each other. In this case, the area where each second area overlaps becomes too bright, and the driver of the vehicle sometimes feels uncomfortable.

[0113] Therefore, in this embodiment, as described in step SP17, the control unit CO makes the light increase rate in the overlapping region 93 lower than the sum of the light increase rate in one second region 92a and the light increase rate in the other second region 92c.

[0114] Thus, compared with the case where the light gain rate of the overlapping region 93 is the light gain rate obtained by adding the light gain rate of one second region 92a to the light gain rate of another second region 92c, the overlapping region 93 where the second regions 92a and 92c overlap can be suppressed from becoming brighter. Therefore, the overlapping region 93 can be suppressed from becoming too bright, and the driver of the vehicle can be suppressed from feeling uncomfortable.

[0115] It should be noted that the control unit CO may also make the light increase rate of the overlapping area 93 the same as the light increase rate of one second area 92a or the light increase rate of another second area 92c. For example, as described above, when the light increase rates of the second areas 92a and 92c are 10% and 30%, the light increase rate of the overlapping area 93 is 10% or 30%. According to this structure, compared with the case where the control unit CO makes the light increase rate of the overlapping area 93 a light increase rate different from either the light increase rate of one second area 92a or the light increase rate of another second area 92c, the burden of the control unit CO can be reduced. It should be noted that the control unit CO may not make the light increase rate of the overlapping area 93 the same as the light increase rate of one second area 92a or the light increase rate of another second area 92c.

[0116] In addition, the control unit CO may make the light-increasing rate of the overlapping area 93 the same as the higher light-increasing rate of the light-increasing rate of the second area 92a and the light-increasing rate of the other second area 92c. For example, as described above, when the light-increasing rates of the second areas 92a and 92c are 10% and 30%, the light-increasing rate of the overlapping area 93 is 30%. However, there is a tendency for the first areas 91a and 91c to appear darker. According to this structure, compared with the case where the light-increasing rate of the overlapping area 93 is the same as the lower light-increasing rate of the light-increasing rate of the second area 92a and the light-increasing rate of the other second area 92c, the overlapping area 93 between the first areas 91a and 91c becomes brighter, which can suppress the reduction in the visual recognition of the front of the vehicle 100. It should be noted that the control unit CO may not make the light-increasing rate of the overlapping area 93 the same as the higher light-increasing rate of the light-increasing rate of the second area 92a and the light-increasing rate of the other second area 92c. Alternatively, the control unit CO may make the light-increasing rate of the overlapping region 93 the same as the lower light-increasing rate of the one second region 92 a and the other second region 92 c .

[0117] Alternatively, the control unit CO may make the light-increasing rate of the overlapping region 93 higher than the lower light-increasing rate of the light-increasing rate of the second region 92a and the light-increasing rate of the second region 92c. For example, as described above, when the light-increasing rates of the second regions 92a and 92c are 10% and 30%, the light-increasing rate of the overlapping region 93 is greater than 10%. According to this structure, compared with the case where the light-increasing rate of the overlapping region 93 is lower than the lower light-increasing rate of the light-increasing rate of the second region 92a and the light-increasing rate of the second region 92c, the overlapping region 93 becomes brighter, and the reduction in the visual recognition in front of the vehicle 100 can be suppressed. It should be noted that the control unit CO may not make the light-increasing rate of the overlapping region 93 higher than the lower light-increasing rate of the light-increasing rate of the second region 92a and the light-increasing rate of the second region 92c.

[0118] Alternatively, the control unit CO may make the light-increasing rate of the overlapping region 93 higher than the higher light-increasing rate of the one second region 92a and the light-increasing rate of the other second region 92c. For example, as described above, when the light-increasing rates of the second regions 92a and 92c are 10% and 30%, the light-increasing rate of the overlapping region 93 is greater than 30%. According to this configuration, compared with the case where the light-increasing rate of the overlapping region 93 is lower than the higher light-increasing rate of the one second region 92a and the light-increasing rate of the other second region 92c, the overlapping region 93 becomes brighter, and the reduction in the visual recognition of the front of the vehicle 100 can be suppressed. It should be noted that the control unit CO may not make the light-increasing rate of the overlapping region 93 higher than the higher light-increasing rate of the one second region 92a and the light-increasing rate of the other second region 92c. In addition, the control unit CO may set the light-increasing rate of the overlapping region 93 to a light-increasing rate between the light-increasing rate of the one second region 92a and the light-increasing rate of the other second region 92c.

[0119] It should be noted that, from the viewpoint of suppressing the appearance of the periphery of the first regions 91a, 91b, 91c becoming dark, the second regions 92a, 92b, 92c are preferably along more than half of the outer edge of the first regions 91a, 91b, 91c, and more preferably along the entire outer edge of the first regions 91a, 91b, 91c. In addition, when a portion of the outer edge of the first regions 91a, 91b, 91c also serves as a portion of the outer edge of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, the second regions 92a, 92b, 92c are preferably along more than half of the portion of the outer edge of the first regions 91a, 91b, 91c other than the portion serving as the outer edge of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, and more preferably along the entire portion.

[0120] In the above, the first aspect of the present invention has been described by taking the first embodiment as an example, but the first aspect of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0121] The method of adjusting the amount of light in each of the first area and the second area is not particularly limited. For example, as a plurality of specified objects, road signs of the same material and reflectivity can be cited, and two road signs are arranged at the same distance in front of the vehicle 100 with a spacing therebetween. In this case, compared with a case where the road signs are not arranged in front of the vehicle 100, the control unit CO reduces the amount of light in the first area that overlaps with at least a portion of each road sign, and increases the amount of light in the second area along at least a portion of the outer edge of each first area. In addition, in the case where the intervals between the above-mentioned road signs are narrowed to form an overlapping area, the control unit CO can make the light increase rate of the light in the overlapping area 93 lower than the sum of the light increase rate of the light in one second area 92a and the light increase rate of the light in another second area 92c.

[0122] As described above, in the first embodiment, an example of using an increase rate is used for explanation, and the light increase rate is expressed as a percentage. However, the increase rate of the amount of light per unit area in the second condition relative to the first condition in the overlapping area 93, one second area 92a, and another second area 92c may also be used. For example, in the overlapping area 93, if the amount of light per unit area in the overlapping area 93 in the first condition is 100 and the amount of light per unit area in the overlapping area 93 in the second condition is 120, then the increase rate in the overlapping area 93 is 1.2. It should be noted that these numerical values ​​are assumed values ​​and do not represent the actual light amount. In addition, the increase rate in one second area 92a is the increase rate obtained based on the increase rate of the amount of light per unit area in the second condition relative to the first condition in the one second area 92a, and the increase rate in another second area 92c is the increase rate obtained based on the increase rate of the amount of light per unit area in the second condition relative to the first condition in the other second area 92c. When using the increase magnification, the increase magnification in the overlapping area 93 can be lower than the product of the magnification in one second area 92a and the increase magnification in another second area 92c. For example, when the increase magnification in one second area 92a is 1.2 and the increase magnification in another second area 92c is 1.3, the increase magnification in the overlapping area 93 is lower than the product of the increase magnification in one second area 92a and the increase magnification in another second area 92c, that is, 1.56. Thus, compared with the case where the increase magnification in the overlapping area 93 is greater than the product of the increase magnification in one second area 92a and the increase magnification in another second area 92c, the overlapping area 93 can be suppressed from becoming brighter. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the overlapping area 93 from becoming too bright, and it is possible to suppress the driver of the vehicle from feeling uncomfortable. It should be noted that the magnification in one second area 92a and the increase magnification in another second area 92c are preferably within 2 times, for example.

[0123] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, the second regions 92a, 92b, 92c are described using an example where the second regions 92a, 92b, 92c are along the entire outer edge of the first regions 91a, 91b, 91c, but the second regions 92a, 92b, 92c are not particularly limited as long as at least a portion of one second region 92 overlaps with another second region 92 to form an overlapping region 93. For example, in the vertical direction, the second region 92a may be provided along the right edge of the first region 91a, and the second region 92c may be provided along the left edge of the first region 91c. In this case, at least a portion of one second region 92a overlaps with another second region 92c to form an overlapping region 93.

[0124] The overlapping region 93 is described using an example formed by the second region 92a and the second region 92c, but may also be formed by the second region 92b and the second region 92c. In addition, for example, when the person 82 is located on the left side of the retroreflective object 81, the overlapping region 93 may also be formed by the second region 92a and the second region 92b.

[0125] For example, in the first embodiment, an example is described in which the first areas 91a, 91b, 91c, the second areas 92a, 92b, 92c, and the overlapping area 93 are formed in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. However, the light distribution pattern PH forming these areas is not limited, and for example, these areas may be formed on an additional light distribution pattern that is added to the light distribution pattern of the low beam to form the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. In this case, the light of the low beam is emitted from a lamp unit different from the lamp unit 10, and the lamp unit 10 emits the light of the additional light distribution pattern.

[0126] In addition, in the first embodiment, a plurality of first regions 91a, 91b, and 91c having the same brightness are used as an example for explanation. However, there is no limitation on the brightness of the first region. For example, the light amount of the first region may be zero, and the first region may be a light-shielding region that does not irradiate light. In addition, the brightness of at least two of the plurality of first regions may be different from each other. For example, the brightness of the first region may be different depending on the overlapping object. For example, the first region 91c overlapping with other vehicles 83 may be darker than the first region 91a overlapping with the retroreflective object 81. According to such a structure, the glare caused to the driver of the other vehicle 83 can be suppressed, and the reduction in the visual recognition of the retroreflective object 81 can be suppressed. In addition, the first region 91a may also be brighter than the first region 91b overlapping with the person 82. According to such a structure, the glare to the person 82 can be suppressed, and the reduction in the visual recognition of the retroreflective object 81 can be suppressed.

[0127] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the image generation unit 20 that processes the high-beam image read from the memory ME to generate the ADB light distribution image is described as an example. However, the method for generating the ADB light distribution image by the image generation unit 20 is not limited. For example, the image generation unit 20 may also generate an image of an area corresponding to the first area in the high-beam image and an image of an area corresponding to the second area based on information from the detection device 120, and synthesize these generated images on the high-beam image to generate the ADB light distribution image. In addition, a plurality of images of an area corresponding to the first area in the high-beam image, or a plurality of images of an area corresponding to these images and the second area may also be pre-stored in the memory ME. In this case, the image generation unit 20 may also select a specific image from these images based on information from the detection device 120, and synthesize the high-beam image and the selected image to generate the ADB light distribution image. In addition, there is no limitation on the method for synthesizing such images, and for example, it may be a synthesis of images using a layer function.

[0128] In addition, in the first embodiment, the control unit CO having the image generating unit 20 and controlling the lamp unit 10 based on the ADB image generated by the image generating unit 20 is described as an example. However, the control unit CO may not have the image generating unit 20. In this case, for example, information related to the ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the object is pre-stored in the memory ME. As the information, there can be cited information on the amount of light emitted from each light emitting element 13 so that the light emitted from the light source unit 12 becomes light having the ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the object. Then, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 based on the information of the object input from the detection device 120 and the information stored in the memory ME.

[0129] In addition, in the first embodiment, the light source unit 12 having a plurality of light emitting elements 13 capable of changing the light amount of emitted light is described as an example. However, the light source unit 12 is not limited. For example, the light source unit 12 may also have a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) including a plurality of reflective elements arranged in a matrix and a light emitting unit that irradiates light to the DMD. The DMD can adjust the light amount of light emitted from the reflective surface of each reflective element in a specified direction, and can make the light emitted from each reflective element in a specified direction become light based on an image generated by the image generating unit 20. In this case, it can be understood that it corresponds to a light emitting unit that can individually change the light amount of light emitted from the reflective surface of each reflective element.

[0130] In addition, in the first embodiment, the vehicle 100 including a pair of vehicle headlamps 1 having a control unit CO and a memory ME is described as an example. However, at least one of the control unit CO and the memory ME may be shared by the pair of vehicle headlamps 1. In addition, the signal output from the detection device 120 may be input to the control unit CO without passing through the ECU 101. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the vehicle including the vehicle headlamps 1, the number of vehicle headlamps 1 included in the vehicle, and the like.

[0131] (Second Embodiment)

[0132] Next, a second embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent components as those of the first embodiment, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0133] In the present embodiment, the images stored in the memory ME are a low beam image and a high beam image. The low beam image is an image of a low beam light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the light source unit 12, and the high beam image is an image of a high beam light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the light source unit 12. The image generation unit 20 of the present embodiment processes the high beam image based on information indicated by a signal input from the detection device 120, thereby generating an ADB light distribution image representing an ADB light distribution pattern in which the light amount of a part of the high beam light distribution pattern is reduced and the light amount of another part is increased.

[0134] The light distribution control unit 40 of this embodiment controls the power circuit 50 based on the information of the low beam image, the information of the high beam image, and the information of the ADB light distribution image, thereby controlling the lamp unit 10. As described above, the image generation unit 20 generates an image based on the information represented by the signal input from the detection device 120. Therefore, it can be understood that the control unit CO inputs a signal from the detection device 120 and controls the lamp unit 10 through the image generation unit 20 and the light distribution control unit 40.

[0135] It should be noted that the predetermined object detected by the detection device 120, the number of types of the predetermined object, and the structure of the detection device 120 are not particularly limited. For example, the image acquisition unit 121 may also be a CCD camera and a LiDAR. In this case, the detection unit 122 detects the predetermined object based on the image acquired by the CCD camera and the LiDAR. In addition, the detection unit 122 does not limit the detection method of the predetermined object. For example, when the detection unit 122 inputs information of an image of a pair of white light spots with a brightness higher than a predetermined brightness or a pair of red light spots with a predetermined interval in the left and right directions, the detection unit 122 detects the existence and location of other vehicles as the predetermined objects from the light spots. For example, when the detection unit 122 inputs image information of the above-mentioned pair of white light spots from the image acquisition unit 121, the detection unit 122 recognizes the other vehicle as an oncoming vehicle. In addition, when the detection unit 122 inputs information of an image of the above-mentioned pair of red light spots from the image acquisition unit 121, the detection unit 122 recognizes the other vehicle as a preceding vehicle. For example, a pair of white light spots are the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, and a pair of red light spots are the taillights of the vehicle in front.

[0136] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the operations of a pair of vehicle headlamps 1 are identical and synchronized. Therefore, the operation of one vehicle headlamp 1 will be described below, and the operation of the other vehicle headlamp 1 will be omitted.

[0137] Figure 8 : is a control flow chart of the control unit CO in this embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, the control process includes steps SP21 to SP29. Figure 8 In the start state shown, a signal is input from the detection device 120 to the control unit CO. In addition, since steps SP21 to SP25 of this embodiment are the same as steps SP21 to SP25 of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

[0138] (Step SP26)

[0139] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Specifically, the image generation unit 20 reads the high beam image stored in the memory ME, and the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power circuit 50 based on the information of the high beam image to supply power to each light emitting element 13 of the light source unit 12. With the supply of power, the light source unit 12 emits light based on the high beam image, and light having a high beam light distribution pattern is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this way, when another vehicle is not located in front of the vehicle 100, the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0140] Fig. 9 is with Figure 5 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of a high beam light distribution pattern in this embodiment is shown. Fig. 9 The state shown is a state where the vehicle 100 is traveling on the lane on the shoulder side of a single-sided two-lane road. In the present embodiment, when emitting high beam, light is emitted from all the light emitting elements 13, and the shape of the high beam light distribution pattern is a substantially horizontally long rectangle. If the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP21.

[0141] (Step SP27)

[0142] In this step, when the control unit CO inputs a signal indicating the existence of a specified object from the detection device 120, the control process enters step SP28, and when the control unit CO inputs a signal indicating the existence of multiple specified objects from the detection device 120, the control process enters step SP29.

[0143] (Step SP28)

[0144] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to a specified object located in front of the vehicle 100 detected by the detection device 120. The ADB light distribution pattern in this embodiment is a light distribution pattern in which the light amount changes in a first area overlapping at least a part of the specified object and a second area surrounding the first area in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. The change in the light amount in the first area is a change that decreases compared to a case where the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. The change in the light amount in the second area is a change that increases compared to a case where the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. That is, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that, in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam, the light amount in the first area decreases and the light amount in the second area increases, compared to a case where the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle 100.

[0145] Fig.10 is with Fig. 9 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of the ADB light distribution pattern in the present embodiment is a diagram showing the ADB light distribution pattern when another vehicle 200 as a predetermined object is located in front of the vehicle 100. Fig.10In the figure, the other vehicle 200 is a preceding vehicle traveling in the same lane as the lane in which the vehicle 100 is traveling in a single-sided two-lane road. The amount of light in the first area 91a in the ADB light distribution pattern P1 that overlaps at least a portion of the other vehicle 200 is less than the amount of light in the first area 91a in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of light irradiated to the other vehicle 200, thereby suppressing glare to the driver of the other vehicle 200. It should be noted that the first area 91a in this embodiment is a light-shielding area that does not irradiate light, but is not limited to this. In addition, in Fig.10 In the example shown, the first area 91a is a rectangle that overlaps the license plate in the other vehicle 200 at the top. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing glare caused to the driver of the other vehicle 200, the first area 91a only needs to overlap at least a portion of the visual recognition portion used by the driver of the other vehicle 200 to visually recognize the outside of the vehicle. For example, the first area 91a may overlap with the entirety of the other vehicle 200, and the shape and size of the first area 91a are not limited. It should be noted that the visual recognition portion refers to, for example, the front window when the other vehicle 200 is an oncoming vehicle, and, for example, the side mirror, the rear window, a camera for photographing the rear of the vehicle, etc. when the other vehicle 200 is the preceding vehicle, and these generally tend to be arranged above the license plate.

[0146] In addition, the second area 92 is an area surrounding the first area 91a, and the light amount of the second area 92 is greater than the light amount of the second area 92 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the appearance of the surroundings of the darkened first area 91a, and it is possible to suppress the reduction of the visual recognition in front of the vehicle 100. In the present embodiment, the second area 92 surrounds the entire first area 91a along the entire outer edge of the first area 91a, but the second area 92 only needs to surround at least a part of the first area 91a. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing the appearance of the surroundings of the first area 91a, it is preferable to surround more than half of the first area 91a, and more preferably surround the entire first area 91a. In addition, in the present embodiment, the width of the second area 92 is substantially constant, but it may not be constant. In addition, in the present embodiment, the amount of light reduced in the first area 91a is the same as the amount of light increased in the second area 92. It should be noted that the amount of light reduced in the first area 91a and the amount of light increased in the second area 92 may be different from each other. In addition, in the present embodiment, the light enhancement rate is constant in the entire second area 92. The light enhancement rate refers to the ratio (%) of the light enhancement amount based on the light enhancement amount when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. For example, when the light enhancement amount before the light enhancement is 100 and the light enhancement amount after the light enhancement is 120, the light enhancement rate is 20%. It should be noted that the light enhancement rate may not be constant in the entire second area 92. For example, the light enhancement amount per unit area may be constant in the entire second area 92.

[0147] In the control of the light of such an ADB light distribution pattern, in the present embodiment, first, the image generating unit 20 reads the high beam image stored in the memory ME. Next, the image generating unit 20 processes the high beam image based on the information of the predetermined object input from the detection device 120, and generates an ADB light distribution image representing the ADB light distribution pattern P1. The processing of the image generating unit 20 is a processing in which the area corresponding to the first area 91a in the high beam image becomes darker and the area corresponding to the second area 92 becomes brighter. The image generating unit 20 processes the high beam image in this way to generate the ADB light distribution image. Next, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the generated ADB light distribution image, and emits light based on the ADB light distribution image from the light source unit 12. As a result, the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P1 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP21.

[0148] (Step SP29)

[0149] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to a plurality of prescribed objects located in front of the vehicle 100 detected by the detection device 120. In the ADB light distribution pattern in this case, a first area is set for each prescribed object, and a second area is set. The second area surrounds the plurality of first areas and includes at least a part of the area between adjacent first areas. That is, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit so that the light amount of the plurality of first areas corresponding to the respective prescribed objects in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam is reduced, and the light amount of the second area surrounding the plurality of first areas and including at least a part of the area between adjacent first areas is increased.

[0150] Fig.11 is with Fig.10 Similarly, another example of the ADB light distribution pattern in this embodiment is shown in FIG. Fig.10 1 is a diagram of an ADB light distribution pattern when another vehicle 200 and another vehicle 210 as another predetermined object are located in front of the vehicle 100. Fig.11 In FIG. 1 , another vehicle 210 is a preceding vehicle traveling in a lane different from the lane in which the vehicle 100 is traveling on a single-sided two-lane road. Figure 7 The first area 91a of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 shown in FIG. Fig.10 The first area 91 a in the ADB light distribution pattern P1 shown is the same. Fig.11 In the ADB light distribution pattern P2, the light intensity of the other first region 91b overlapping at least a portion of another vehicle 210 is less than that of the first region 91a in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. The first region 91b of this embodiment is a light shielding region like the first region 91a, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0151] In addition, the second area 192 surrounds the first area 91a and the first area 91b, and includes at least a part of the area between the first area 91a and the first area 91b, and the light amount of the second area 192 is greater than the light amount of the second area 192 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the appearance of darkness around each of the darkened first areas 91a and 91b and between the first area 91a and the first area 91b, and it is possible to suppress the reduction in the visibility of the front of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the second area 192 surrounds the entire first area 91a and 91b, but the second area 192 only needs to surround at least a part of each of the first areas 91a and 91b. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing the appearance of darkness around the first areas 91a and 91b, the second area 192 preferably surrounds more than half of the first areas 91a and 91b, and more preferably surrounds the entire first areas 91a and 91b. In addition, in this embodiment, the outer shape of the second region 192 is the minimum distance between the outer edge of the second region 192 and the first region 91b. Fig.10 The second area 92 shown has the same width as the smallest rectangle. Therefore, the second area 192 contains Fig.10 The second region 92 shown, a portion of the outer edge of the second region 192 and Fig.10 The outer edges of the second regions 92 shown are partially aligned. It should be noted that the shape and size of the second regions 192 are not limited.

[0152] In addition, in the present embodiment, the total amount of light reduced in the first regions 91a and 91b is the same as the amount of light increased in the second region 192. It should be noted that the total amount of light reduced in the first regions 91a and 91b and the amount of light increased in the second region 192 may be different from each other. In addition, in the present embodiment, the light increase rate is constant in the entire second region 192, but the light increase rate may not be constant in the entire second region 192. For example, the light increase amount per unit area in the entire second region 192 may be constant.

[0153] In such control of the ADB light distribution pattern, similarly to step SP28, the image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image based on the information of the plurality of predetermined objects input from the detection device 120, and generates an ADB light distribution image representing the ADB light distribution pattern P2. Next, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the generated ADB light distribution image, and emits light based on the ADB light distribution image from the light source unit 12. As a result, the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP21.

[0154] In this way, the ADB light distribution pattern changes according to the relative position of the predetermined object with respect to the vehicle 100 and changes according to the number of the predetermined objects.

[0155] Next, the change of the ADB light distribution pattern is described. First, the change of the ADB light distribution pattern from a state in which a predetermined object is located in front of the vehicle 100, that is, a first state, to a state in which another predetermined object is located in front of the vehicle 100, that is, a second state. Fig.10 The ADB light distribution pattern P1 shown is Fig.11 The case where the ADB light distribution pattern P2 shown is changed will be described as an example.

[0156] Fig.12 is a diagram for explaining an example of how the ADB light distribution pattern changes in the second embodiment. Fig.12 The status shown is Fig.10 In the state shown, another vehicle 210 as another predetermined object is located in front of the vehicle 100. In this case, the control unit CO first controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light amount of the other first area 91b overlapping at least a part of the other vehicle 210 in the ADB light distribution pattern P1 is reduced compared to the light amount of the first area 91a in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. That is, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light amounts of the first areas 91a and 91b in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH are reduced and the light amount of the second area 92 is increased.

[0157] Next, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light amount of a specific area 293 in the ADB light distribution pattern P1 increases with the passage of time and reaches a specified amount. The specific area 293 is an area outside the first area 91a, the first area 91b, and the second area 92 within a frame 95 that surrounds at least a portion of the first area 91a, the first area 91b, and the area between the first area 91a and the first area 91b. That is, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the first area 91a, the first area 91b, and the second area 92 are formed in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, and the light amount of such a specific area 293 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH increases with the passage of time and reaches a specified amount. It should be noted that in Fig.12 In the figure, the frame 95 is indicated by a single dot-dashed line. The light amount of the specific area 293 increases to a predetermined amount, and a continuous area consisting of the second area 92 and the specific area 293 surrounds the first areas 91a and 91b and includes at least a portion of the area between the first area 91a and the first area 91b. Moreover, the area becomes Fig.11In the second area 192 of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 shown, the ADB light distribution pattern P1 is changed into the ADB light distribution pattern P2.

[0158] In this embodiment, the shape of the frame 95 is a minimum rectangle in which the minimum distance between the first regions 91a and 91b surrounded by the frame 95 and the frame 95 is greater than a predetermined distance. Fig.10 The width of the second area 92 in the ADB light distribution pattern P1 shown is the same. Therefore, a portion of the frame 95 coincides with a portion of the outer edge of the second area 92, and the frame 95 surrounds the second area 92. It should be noted that the frame 95 only needs to surround at least a portion of the first area 91a, the first area 91b, and the area between the first area 91a and the first area 91b, and the shape and size are not limited. The shape of the second area 192 changes according to the shape of the frame 95.

[0159] In addition, in this embodiment, if Fig.13 As shown, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the area 293u where the light amount is increased in the specific area 293 expands from the second area 92 side to the first area 91b side as time passes. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the second area 92 as the area where the light is increased can be made to appear to expand toward the first area 91b side. Fig.13 FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a situation where the amount of light in a specific area 293 increases. Fig.13 In the figure, for easy understanding, the region 293u is shaded with oblique lines, and an arrow mark indicating the direction in which the region 293u extends is recorded.

[0160] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that, while the light quantity of the specific area 293 is increasing, the light increase rate of the second area 92 based on the case where the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100 is equal to the light increase rate of the area 293u in the specific area 293 where the light quantity is increasing. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, while the light quantity of the specific area 293 is increasing, it is difficult for the driver to visually recognize the boundary between the second area 92 and the area 293u in the specific area 293 where the light quantity is increasing. In addition, when the light quantity of the specific area 293 is increased to reach the predetermined quantity, the light increase rate of the specific area 293 is equal to the light increase rate of the second area 92. As described above, the total amount of light reduced in the first area 91a and the first area 91b is equal to the total amount of light increased in the second area 92 and the specific area 293. Therefore, the light increase rate of the second area 92 when the light amount in the specific area 293 becomes a specified amount is lower than the light increase rate of the second area 92 when the light amount in the specific area 293 begins to increase. During the period when the light amount in the specific area 293 increases, the light increase rate of the second area 92 decreases with the passage of time.

[0161] It should be noted that the light increase rate of the second area 92 and the light increase rate of the area 293u may be different from each other during the period when the light amount of the specific area 293 increases. In addition, when the light amount of the specific area 293 increases to a predetermined amount, the light increase rate of the second area 92 and the light increase rate of the specific area 293 may be different from each other.

[0162] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the total amount of light reduced in the first area 91a and the first area 91b is equal to the total amount of light increased in the second area 92 and the specific area 293. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, compared with the case where the total amount of light increased in the second area 92 and the specific area 293 is greater than the total amount of light reduced in the first area 91a and the first area 91b, it is possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption. It should be noted that the total amount of light reduced in the first area 91a and the first area 91b and the total amount of light increased in the second area 92 and the specific area 293 may be different from each other.

[0163] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the larger the area of ​​the specific region 293 is, the longer the period until the amount of light in the specific region 293 reaches a predetermined amount.

[0164] In the control of changing the ADB light distribution pattern in this way, in the present embodiment, the image generation unit 20 generates a plurality of ADB light distribution images indicating the middle of the change of the ADB light distribution pattern based on the information of the other vehicle 200 and the other other vehicle 210 input from the detection device 120. Then, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of these ADB light distribution images to emit light from the light source unit 12.

[0165] Next, the change of the ADB light distribution pattern when a plurality of predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle 100 is changed to a state where other predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle 100 in addition to the predetermined objects. Fig.11 A description will be given of a change in the ADB light distribution pattern when a plurality of other predetermined objects are further positioned in front of the vehicle 100 in the state of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 shown.

[0166] Fig.14 2 is a diagram for explaining another example of how the ADB light distribution pattern changes in the second embodiment. Fig.14 The status shown is Fig.11In the state shown, the other prescribed object is located in front of the vehicle 100. In this case, the control unit CO first controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light amount of the other first area 91c overlapping at least a part of the other prescribed object in the ADB light distribution pattern P2 is reduced compared with the light amount of the first area 91c in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. That is, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light amount of the first areas 91a, 91b, 91c in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is reduced and the light amount of the second area 192 is increased.

[0167] Next, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light amount of a specific area 193 in the ADB light distribution pattern P2 increases with the passage of time and reaches a specified amount. The specific area 193 is an area other than the first area 91a, 91b, 91c and the second area 192 within a frame 195 that surrounds at least a portion of the areas between the respective first areas 91a, 91b, 91c and adjacent areas of these first areas 91a, 91b, 91c. That is, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the first areas 91a, 91b, 91c and the second area 192 are formed in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, and the light amount of such a specific area 193 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH increases with the passage of time and reaches a specified amount. It should be noted that in Fig.14 , frame 195 is represented by a single-dot chain line.

[0168] The shape of the frame 195 of this embodiment is the same as that of the frame 95, and is a minimum rectangle in which the minimum distance between the first region 91a, 91b, 91c surrounded by the frame 195 and the frame 195 is greater than a prescribed distance, and the prescribed distance is the same as the prescribed distance in the frame 95. Therefore, a portion of the frame 195 coincides with a portion of the outer edge of the second region 192, and the frame 195 surrounds the second region 192. It should be noted that the shape and size of the frame 195 are not limited.

[0169] By increasing the light amount of the specific area 193 to a predetermined amount, a continuous area formed by the second area 192 and the specific area 193 surrounds the first areas 91a, 91b, 91c and includes at least a portion of the area between adjacent areas in the first areas 91a, 91b, 91c. Furthermore, the area formed by the second area 192 and the specific area 193 becomes a new second area 192. Figure 7 The ADB light distribution pattern P2 shown changes to an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the other vehicle 200 , another other vehicle 210 , and other predetermined objects.

[0170] Although the illustration is omitted, in this embodiment, Fig.13Similarly to the case shown, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the area where the light amount increases in the specific area 293 expands from the second area 192 side to the first area 91c side as time passes. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the second area 192 can appear to expand toward the first area 91c side.

[0171] In addition, in the present embodiment, the lamp unit 10 is controlled so that the light increase rate of the second area 192 is the same as the light increase rate of the area in the specific area 193 where the light amount is increasing while the light amount of the specific area 193 is increasing. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, it is difficult for the driver to visually recognize the boundary between the second area 192 and the area in the specific area 193 where the light amount is increasing while the light amount of the specific area 193 is increasing. In addition, when the light amount of the specific area 193 is increasing to a predetermined amount, the light increase rate of the specific area 193 is the same as the light increase rate of the second area 192. It should be noted that, when the light amount of the specific area 193 is increasing, the light increase rate of the second area 192 and the light increase rate of the area in the specific area 193 where the light amount is increasing may be different from each other. In addition, when the light amount of the specific area 193 is increasing to a predetermined amount, the light increase rate of the second area 192 and the light increase rate of the specific area 193 may be different from each other.

[0172] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the total amount of light reduced in the first area 91a, 91b, 91c is equal to the total amount of light increased in the second area 192 and the specific area 193. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, compared with the case where the total amount of light increased in the second area 192 and the specific area 193 is greater than the total amount of light reduced in the first area 91a, 91b, 91c, it is possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption. It should be noted that the total amount of light reduced in the first area 91a, 91b, 91c and the total amount of light increased in the second area 192 and the specific area 193 may be different from each other.

[0173] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the larger the area of ​​the specific region 193 is, the longer the period until the amount of light in the specific region 193 reaches a predetermined amount.

[0174] As described above, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when the emission of high beam is selected by the light switch 110 , the light distribution pattern of light emitted in response to a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle 100 changes.

[0175] It should be noted that there is no limitation on the change of the ADB light distribution pattern when the number of the first areas is reduced. Figure 7The ADB light distribution pattern P2 shown in the figure Figure 6 When the ADB light distribution pattern P1 shown in FIG. 1 changes, the light amount of the first area 91b is increased and returned to the light amount of the first area 91b in the light distribution pattern PH for high beam. In addition, the light amount of the specific area 293 in the ADB light distribution pattern P2 is reduced as time passes and returned to the light amount of the specific area 293 in the light distribution pattern PH for high beam. That is, the control unit CO can control the lamp unit 10 in this way.

[0176] However, in the case where a region with reduced light quantity is formed as in the vehicle headlamp of the above-mentioned patent document 1, there is a tendency for the driver of the vehicle to see the surroundings of the region as darker together with the region, and there is a situation where the visual recognition in front of the vehicle is reduced. In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the above-mentioned patent document 1, when a plurality of other vehicles are located in front of the vehicle, the light quantity of one region including each region overlapping with these other vehicles is reduced. Therefore, the region between the adjacent other vehicles also becomes darker, and the visual recognition in front of the vehicle is reduced. It is required to suppress the reduction of such visual recognition in front of the vehicle. For this requirement, for example, it is considered to increase the light quantity irradiated to the surroundings of the region with reduced light quantity and the region between the adjacent other vehicles. However, in such light distribution control, if the light quantity of a part of the region is increased, the driver of the vehicle may sometimes feel uncomfortable with the increase.

[0177] Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that, in the first state in which the other vehicle 200 as the prescribed object is located in front of the vehicle 100, the light amount of the first area 91a overlapping at least a part of the other vehicle 200 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is reduced, and the light amount of the second area 92 surrounding the first area 91a is increased, compared with the case in which the other vehicle 200 is not located in front of the vehicle 100. In addition, when the above-mentioned first state is changed to the second state in which the other vehicle 200 and another other vehicle 210 as another prescribed object are located in front of the vehicle 100, the lamp unit 10 is controlled so that the light amount of the other first area 91b overlapping at least a part of the other other vehicle 210 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is reduced, and the light amount of the specific area 293 is increased with the passage of time to reach the prescribed amount. The specific area 293 is an area other than the first area 91a, the other first areas 91b, and the second area 92 within the frame 95 surrounding at least a part of the first area 91a, the other first areas 91b, and the area between the first area 91a and the other first areas 91b. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the first area 91a and the other first areas 91b, which are darkened areas, from being dark around and between the first area 91a and the other first areas 91b, and suppress the reduction in visibility in front of the vehicle 100. In addition, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the driver of the vehicle 100 from feeling uncomfortable compared to a case where the light amount of the specific area 293 becomes a predetermined amount instantaneously. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when the light amount of the area overlapping at least a part of the predetermined object is reduced, it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable and suppress the reduction in visibility.

[0178] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that when the light amount of the specific area 293 becomes a predetermined amount, the light increase rate of the second area 92 based on the case where the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100 becomes the same as the light increase rate of the specific area 293. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when the light amount of the specific area 293 becomes the predetermined amount, it is difficult for the driver to visually recognize the boundary between the second area 92 and the specific area 293.

[0179] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the frame 95 is rectangular. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the control load of the control unit CO can be reduced compared with the case where the frame 95 is circular, for example.

[0180] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the larger the area of ​​the specific region 293, the longer the period until the light amount in the specific region 293 reaches the predetermined amount. The larger the area of ​​the region where the light amount changes, the more the driver tends to feel uncomfortable with the change in the light amount. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable with the increase in the light amount in the specific region 293.

[0181] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, an example in which the first area 91a, 91b overlaps at least a portion of other vehicles 200, 210 as a prescribed object is described. However, for example, in the case where the first area overlaps at least a portion of a retroreflective object as a prescribed object, the amount of light irradiated to the retroreflective object is reduced. Therefore, the amount of reflected light reflected by the retroreflective object and directed toward the vehicle is reduced, and the glare to the driver of the vehicle caused by the reflected light can be suppressed. In addition, in the case where the first area overlaps at least a portion of a person as a prescribed object, the amount of light irradiated to the person can be reduced, and the glare to the person can be suppressed. In this case, it is preferred that the first area overlaps only with the head of the person.

[0182] (Third Embodiment)

[0183] Next, the third embodiment as the second aspect of the present invention will be described in detail. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent components as those of the second embodiment, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0184] In the present embodiment, the specific region 293 in the case where the number of predetermined objects is changed from one to two is different from the specific region 293 in the first embodiment. Fig.15 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a specific area 293 and a situation where the amount of light in the specific area 293 increases in the present embodiment. Fig.15 The status shown is the same as Fig. 9 The illustrated state is the same, that is, another vehicle 200 is located in front of the vehicle 100 , and another other vehicle 210 is located further in front of the vehicle 100 .

[0185] like Fig.15 As shown, the specific area 293 in this embodiment is an area outside the first area 91a, the first area 91b, and the second area 92 within the smallest rectangular frame 95 that surrounds at least a portion of the first area 91a, the first area 91b, and the area between the first area 91a and the first area 91b. Therefore, a portion of the second area 92 is located outside the frame 95.

[0186] The control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, so that the first area 91a, the first area 91b, and the second area 92 are formed in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, and the light amount of the specific area 293 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH increases with the passage of time to reach a specified amount. In addition, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that, during at least a portion of the period during which the light amount of the specific area 293 increases, the light amount of the area 92d located outside the frame 95 in the second area 92 decreases with the passage of time and returns to the light amount when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. That is, the light amount of the area 92d returns to the light amount of the area 92d in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, compared with the case where the light amount of the area 92d located outside the frame 95 in the second area 92 is not returned to the original light amount, it is possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption and increase the light amount of the specific area 293. It should be noted that the light amount of the area 92d may not be changed. In addition, in Fig.11 In the figure, for easy understanding, the region 92d is shaded with a different oblique line from the shaded line of the region 293u.

[0187] In addition, in the present embodiment, the area 293u where the amount of light in the specific area 293 increases expands from the second area 92 side to the first area 91b side as time passes. In addition, while the amount of light in the specific area 293 increases, the light increase rate of the area in the second area 92 located within the frame 95 is the same as the light increase rate of the area 293u where the amount of light in the specific area 293 increases. Therefore, in a state where the amount of light in the specific area 293 increases to a predetermined amount, the light increase rate of the specific area 293 is the same as the light increase rate of the area in the frame 95 in the second area 92. In addition, in a state where the amount of light in the specific area 293 is the predetermined amount, based on the case where the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100, the total amount of light reduced in the first area 91a and the first area 91b is the same as the total amount of light increased in the area in the frame 95 in the second area 92 and in the specific area 293. That is, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 in such a manner.

[0188] In the present embodiment, the light intensity of the specific region 193 reaches a predetermined intensity and the light intensity of the region 92 d is restored, whereby the ADB light distribution pattern P1 changes to an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the other vehicle 200 and the other other vehicle 210 . Fig.16 is with Fig.10Similarly, a diagram showing an example of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 in the present embodiment is shown. The ADB light distribution pattern P2 is provided with first regions 91a and 91b, and a second region 192 is provided. The second region 192 in the present embodiment is composed of the region within the frame 95 in the second region 92 and the specific region 293, surrounds a portion of the first regions 91a and 91b, and includes at least a portion of the region between the first region 91a and the first region 91b. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the first region 91a and the first region 91b from appearing dark around and between the first region 91a and the other first regions 91b, and it is possible to suppress the reduction in the visual recognition in front of the vehicle 100.

[0189] As mentioned above, although the second aspect of the present invention has been described by taking the second and third embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0190] For example, in the second and third embodiments, an example is described in which the first area 91a, 91b and the second area 92, 192 are formed in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. However, the light distribution pattern forming the first area 91a, 91b and the second area 92, 192 is not limited, and for example, these light distribution patterns may be formed on an additional light distribution pattern that forms the light distribution pattern of the high beam by adding to the light distribution pattern of the low beam. In this case, for example, the low beam is emitted from a lamp unit different from the lamp unit 10, and the lamp unit 10 emits light of the additional light distribution pattern.

[0191] In addition, in the second and third embodiments, the light source unit 12 having a plurality of light-emitting elements 13 capable of changing the amount of light emitted is described as an example. However, the light source unit 12 is not limited. For example, the light source unit 12 may also have a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) including a plurality of reflective elements arranged in a matrix and a light-emitting unit that irradiates light to the DMD. The DMD is capable of adjusting the amount of light emitted from the reflective surface of each reflective element in a prescribed direction, and is capable of making the light emitted from each reflective element in a prescribed direction become light based on an image generated by the image generating unit 20. In this case, it can be understood that it corresponds to a light emitting unit capable of changing the amount of light emitted from the reflective surface of each reflective element individually.

[0192] In the second and third embodiments, the control unit CO having the image generating unit 20 and controlling the lamp unit 10 based on the ADB image generated by the image generating unit 20 is described as an example. However, the control unit CO may not have the image generating unit 20. In this case, for example, information on the ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to a predetermined object may be pre-stored in the memory ME, and the control unit CO may control the lamp unit 10 based on the information.

[0193] In the second and third embodiments, the control unit CO controlling the lamp unit 10 is described as an example, so that the area 293u in the specific area 293 where the amount of light increases expands from the second area 92 side to the first area 91b side as time passes, and the area in the specific area 193 where the amount of light increases expands from the second area 192 side to the first area 91c side as time passes. However, as long as the amount of light in the specific areas 293 and 193 increases as time passes and reaches a predetermined amount, there is no limitation on the manner in which the amount of light in the specific areas 293 and 193 increases. For example, although the illustration is omitted, the control unit CO may control the lamp unit 10 so that the area in the specific areas 293 and 193 where the amount of light increases expands from the first area 91b and 91c side to the second area 92 and 192 side as time passes. In addition, the control unit CO may control the lamp unit 10 so that the amount of light increases in the entire specific areas 293 and 193 as time passes. In addition, the control unit CO may control the lamp unit 10 so that the area where the light amount increases in the specific area 293, 193 expands from both sides of the first area 91b, 91c side and the second area 92, 192 side as time passes. In addition, the speed at which the area where the light amount increases in the specific area 293, 193 expands may be constant or variable.

[0194] In addition, in the second and third embodiments, the control unit CO that controls the lamp unit 10 is described as an example so that the larger the area of ​​the specific areas 293 and 193, the longer the period until the amount of light in the specific area 193 becomes the specified amount. However, there is no limitation on the control of the lamp unit 10 by the control unit CO. For example, the control unit CO can control the lamp unit 10 so that the longer the distance L1 between the first area 91a and the other first area 91b, the longer the period until the amount of light in the specific area 293 becomes the specified amount. There is a tendency that the longer the distance L1 between the first area 91a and the first area 91b, the larger the area of ​​the area between the first area 91a and the first area 91b in the specific area 293. Therefore, by setting it as such a structure, it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable with the increase in the amount of light in the area between the first area 91a and the first area 91b in the specific area 293. In addition, the control unit CO may control the lamp unit 10 so that the longer the distance L2 between the first area 91a adjacent to the other first area 91c and the other first area 91c among the first areas 91a and 91b surrounded by the frame 195, the longer the period until the light amount of the specific area 193 reaches the predetermined amount. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable with the increase in the light amount in the area between the first area 91a and the first area 91c in the specific area 193.

[0195] In addition, the shape of the frame 95, 195 in the second and third embodiments is a minimum rectangle in which the minimum distance between the first area surrounded by the frame 95, 195 and the frame 95, 195 is greater than a predetermined distance. However, for example, the greater the ratio of the total area of ​​the first area surrounded by the frame 95, 195 to the entire area of ​​the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, the greater the predetermined distance that defines the shape of the frame 95, 195. In addition, when the ratio is greater than a predetermined value, the frame 95, 195 may coincide with the edge of the high-beam light distribution pattern. That is, the control unit CO may control the lamp unit 10 in this way. By setting such a structure, the control load of the control unit can be reduced. In addition, the greater the number of first areas surrounded by the frame 195, the greater the above-mentioned predetermined distance that defines the shape of the frame 195. In addition, when the number of first areas surrounded by the frame 195 is greater than a predetermined number, the frame 195 may coincide with the edge of the high-beam light distribution pattern. That is, the control unit CO may control the lamp unit 10 in this way. By setting such a structure, the control load of the control unit can be reduced. In addition, when the number of first areas surrounded by the frame 195 is greater than a predetermined number, the frame 195 may coincide with the edge of the high-beam light distribution pattern. That is, the control unit CO may control the lamp unit 10 in this way. By setting such a structure, the control load of the control unit can be reduced.

[0196] In the second and third embodiments, the vehicle 100 including the pair of vehicle headlamps 1 having the control unit CO and the memory ME is described as an example. However, at least one of the control unit CO and the memory ME may be shared by the pair of vehicle headlamps 1. In addition, the signal output from the detection device 120 may be input to the control unit CO without passing through the ECU 101 of the vehicle 100. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the vehicle including the vehicle headlamps 1, the number of vehicle headlamps 1 included in the vehicle, and the like.

[0197] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle headlamp capable of suppressing the discomfort felt by the driver of the vehicle. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle headlamp capable of suppressing the discomfort felt by the driver and suppressing the reduction in visual recognition when reducing the amount of light in an area overlapping with at least a portion of a specified object. The headlamp can be used in the field of vehicle headlamps such as automobiles.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlamp, characterized in that: have: A lamp unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; a control unit that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle and controls the lamp unit, When a plurality of the prescribed objects are located in front of the vehicle, the control unit reduces the amount of light in a first area of ​​the light distribution pattern that overlaps with at least a portion of each of the prescribed objects, increases the amount of light in a second area along at least a portion of an outer edge of each of the first areas, and makes a light gain rate of light in an overlapping area where at least a portion of one of two second areas overlaps with the other second area lower than a sum of the light gain rates of light in the one second area and light gain rates of light in the other second area.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit sets the light increase rate of the overlapping region to an average value of the light increase rate of the one second region and the light increase rate of the other second region.

3. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit makes the light increase rate of the overlapping region the same as the light increase rate of the one second region or the light increase rate of the other second region.

4. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit makes the light increase rate of the overlapping region the same as the higher light increase rate of the one second region and the other second region.

5. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit makes the light increase rate of the overlapping region higher than the lower light increase rate of the one second region and the other second region.

6. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit makes the light increase rate of the overlapping region higher than the higher light increase rate of the one second region and the other second region.

7. A vehicle headlamp, characterized in that: have: A lamp unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; a control unit that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle and controls the lamp unit, In a first state in which the predetermined object is located in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the lamp unit so that the amount of light in a first area of ​​the light distribution pattern that overlaps at least a portion of the predetermined object is reduced, and the amount of light in a second area surrounding the first area is increased, compared to a case in which the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle. When the first state is changed to a second state in which the specified object and other specified objects are located in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the lamp unit so that the light amount of other first areas in the light distribution pattern that overlap with at least a portion of the other specified objects is reduced, and the light amount of a specific area other than the first area, the other first area, and the second area within a frame surrounding at least a portion of the area between the first area and the other first area increases over time and becomes a specified amount.

8. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7, characterized in that: The control unit controls the lamp unit so that the total amount of light reduced in the first area and the other first areas is equal to the total amount of light increased in the second area and the specific area.

9. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The control unit controls the lamp unit so that the region where the light quantity of the specific region increases expands from the second region side to the other first region side as time passes.

10. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 9, characterized in that: The control unit controls the lamp unit so that the light increase rate of the second area based on the case where the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle is the same as the light increase rate of the area where the light amount of the specific area increases while the light amount of the specific area increases.

11. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The control unit controls the lamp unit so that the region where the light quantity of the specific region increases expands from the other first region side to the second region side as time passes.

12. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The control unit controls the lamp unit so that the light amount in the entire specific area increases with the passage of time.

13. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: When the light amount in the specific area reaches the predetermined amount, the control unit controls the lamp unit so that the light increase rate in the second area based on a case where the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle becomes equal to the light increase rate in the specific area.

14. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The control unit controls the lamp unit so that the frame becomes a minimum rectangle.

15. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 13, characterized in that: The control unit controls the lamp unit so that during at least a portion of the period when the light amount in the specific area increases, the light amount in the area of ​​the second area not located within the frame decreases over time and returns to the light amount when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle.

16. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The control unit controls the lamp unit so that the period until the amount of light in the specific region reaches the predetermined amount becomes longer as the area of ​​the specific region becomes larger.

17. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The control unit controls the lamp unit so that the period until the amount of light in the specific area reaches the predetermined amount becomes longer as the distance between the first area and the other first areas increases.

18. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: When a ratio of a total area of ​​the first region and the other first regions to an area of ​​the entire light distribution pattern is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit controls the lamp unit so that the frame coincides with an edge of the light distribution pattern.

19. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: In the first state where there are a plurality of the prescribed objects, the control unit controls the lamp unit so that the light amounts of the plurality of the first areas corresponding to the respective prescribed objects are reduced, and the second area surrounds the plurality of the first areas and includes at least a portion of an area between adjacent first areas. When changing from the first state to the second state, the control unit controls the lamp unit so that the frame surrounds at least a part of the area between each of the first areas, the other first areas, and multiple first areas and areas adjacent to each other among the other first areas, and the specific area becomes an area outside the each of the first areas, the other first areas, and the second area within the frame.

20. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 19, characterized in that: When the total number of the predetermined object and the other predetermined objects is equal to or larger than a predetermined number, the control unit controls the lamp unit so that the frame coincides with an edge of the light distribution pattern.

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