Vehicle lamp system, control device, light distribution control method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium

Abstract

The light distribution control method controls the vehicle lamp capable of irradiating the front of the vehicle according to the information of the light distribution pattern (P1) formed by the vehicle lamp. The method controls the driving of the vehicle lamp so as to irradiate a region farther than a region (R1) in which a white line is detected on the basis of image information obtained by capturing an image of the front of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp system, a control device, a light distribution control method and a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Background Art

[0002] White line detection is crucial for predictive control of a vehicle's driving path, such as advanced driver assistance systems, lane keeping assist in automated driving, and cruise control. A common method for detecting white lines on the road is to detect them based on images captured by a camera.

[0003] For example, an obstacle detection device has been proposed, comprising: a photographing unit provided on a vehicle; a white line detection unit that detects white lines on a road based on an image captured by the photographing unit and calculates a first distance from the vehicle to a point where the white lines cannot be detected; an obstacle detection unit that detects the presence of an obstacle based on the image captured by the photographing unit and calculates a second distance from the vehicle to the obstacle; and an obstacle judgment unit that compares the first distance with the second distance and judges the presence of an obstacle based on the comparison result and the obstacle detection result (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Furthermore, visibility of the road ahead is reduced due to various factors in inclement weather, such as rain, snow, or fog. For example, during rainfall, much of the vehicle's illumination light is specularly reflected by the water film on the road surface, resulting in less light being diffusely reflected or retroreflected back to the vehicle. Consequently, the road surface becomes difficult to see. Meanwhile, illumination light from oncoming vehicles is reflected by the water film, and this reflected light can cause glare. Furthermore, various structures surrounding the road surface, such as streetlights and other luminous objects, and reflective objects like signs, reflected in the water film can also affect road visibility.

[0005] Therefore, a vehicle lighting system has been proposed, comprising: a pair of lamp units capable of forming a first light distribution pattern in normal weather and a second light distribution pattern in inclement weather, as a high-beam light distribution pattern for inclement weather; and a control unit that controls the pair of lamp units to form the second light distribution pattern based on weather conditions surrounding the vehicle (see Patent Document 2).

[0006] Furthermore, visibility of the road ahead is reduced due to various factors in inclement weather, such as rain, snow, or fog. For example, during rainfall, much of the illumination light from the vehicle is specularly reflected by the water film on the road surface, resulting in less light being diffusely reflected or retroreflected back onto the vehicle. This makes it difficult to see the entire road surface and discern the lane width.

[0007] To improve lane width recognition, it is effective to visually identify lane markings along the left and right shoulders. Therefore, a vehicle lighting system has been proposed, comprising: a first optical system capable of forming a diffuse light distribution pattern that expands horizontally in front of the vehicle; and a second optical system capable of forming a rainy weather light distribution pattern that illuminates only the lane markings extending along the shoulder of the vehicle's lane and their surrounding areas.

[0008] Furthermore, visibility of the white lines of the road is crucial for the driver to understand the shape of the road ahead of the vehicle during nighttime driving. However, when snow is accumulated, the entire road is covered with snow, making the white lines difficult to discern. Therefore, steering following the ruts created by the preceding vehicle allows for safe driving that follows the road's shape.

[0009] For example, a light control device including a light distribution control unit has been proposed that illuminates a detected wheel rut in the area ahead of the vehicle brighter than the surrounding area when at least snow is detected as a road condition on which the vehicle is traveling (see Patent Document 4).

[0010] Prior art literature

[0011] Patent Literature

[0012] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-220281

[0013] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-34758

[0014] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 6374145

[0015] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-51488 Summary of the Invention

[0016] Technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0017] The aforementioned obstacle detection device calculates the white line detectable distance, at which white lines cannot be detected. At distances greater than this, the reliability of control using the white lines decreases, leaving the judgment of the presence or absence of obstacles unreliable. Therefore, if the white line ahead of the vehicle could be detected with high accuracy at greater distances, the application range of various predictive control systems would be expanded. Especially at night, the white line detectable distance tends to decrease due to the limitations of the headlight's illumination range.

[0018] A first object of the present invention is to provide a new technology for extending the detection distance of white lines.

[0019] Furthermore, the second light distribution pattern formed by the lamp unit of the aforementioned vehicle lamp system in bad weather is mainly formed by shading or reducing the light in the central area of the front of the vehicle, thereby reducing light curtain glare.

[0020] However, while the aforementioned second light distribution pattern can reduce light curtain glare, it also reduces visibility of distant areas, signs, and other objects within the central area of the vehicle's frontal plane due to light being blocked or dimmed. On the other hand, if the first light distribution pattern is used in normal weather to improve overall visibility of the vehicle's frontal plane, light reflected from reflective objects such as signs may cause glare to the driver. In particular, in inclement weather, this may further reduce visibility due to reflections from the road surface.

[0021] A second object of the present invention is to provide a new technology for improving visibility around a vehicle in bad weather.

[0022] Furthermore, while the second optical system of the aforementioned vehicle lighting system improves visibility around the lane markings on the driver's side, it does not significantly change visibility of the shoulder of the oncoming lane for oncoming vehicles. Therefore, there is room for further improvement in lane width recognition. Furthermore, the aforementioned second optical system is located separately from the first lamp that generates the low-beam and high-beam light distribution patterns, within the second lamp that generates the fog light distribution pattern. Consequently, the overall headlamp size increases.

[0023] A third object of the present invention is to provide a new technology for improving visibility around a vehicle in bad weather.

[0024] The above-mentioned light control device can illuminate the ruts brighter than the surrounding area, but there is room for improvement in accurately grasping the shape of the ruts based on the front of the vehicle with only white shading.

[0025] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a new technology for improving the ability to identify ruts in snow.

[0026] Technical means to solve the problem

[0027] A vehicle lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a vehicle lighting fixture capable of illuminating a direction in front of a vehicle; and a control unit configured to control driving of the vehicle lighting fixture based on information regarding a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lighting fixture. The control unit controls driving of the vehicle lighting fixture so that the vehicle lighting fixture illuminates an area farther than an area where a white line is detected based on image information obtained by capturing the direction in front of the vehicle.

[0028] According to this aspect, the detection distance of the white line can be extended by illuminating a distant area where the white line is not detected with the lighting fixture.

[0029] A vehicle lighting system, one embodiment of the present invention, includes a vehicle lighting fixture capable of illuminating light ahead of a vehicle, and a control unit configured to control driving of the vehicle lighting fixture based on information regarding a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lighting fixture. The control unit controls the vehicle lighting fixture to form a light distribution pattern that is brighter in a roadside shoulder region outside a white line detected based on image information obtained by capturing light ahead of the vehicle than in a driving region between the white lines.

[0030] According to this aspect, a three-dimensional object located in the road shoulder region outside the white line can be easily recognized.

[0031] One embodiment of the present invention is a control device. The device controls a vehicle lamp capable of illuminating the area in front of a vehicle, and includes a control unit that controls the vehicle lamp based on information about a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp. The control unit controls the driving of the vehicle lamp so that the vehicle lamp illuminates an area farther than an area where a white line is detected based on image information obtained by capturing the area in front of the vehicle.

[0032] According to this aspect, by controlling the driving of the vehicle lamp to a distant area where the white line is not detected, the detection distance of the white line can be extended.

[0033] One embodiment of the present invention is a light distribution control method. This method controls a vehicle lamp capable of illuminating a portion of a vehicle in front of the vehicle based on information about a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp. The method controls the driving of the vehicle lamp so as to illuminate an area farther than an area where a white line is detected based on image information obtained by capturing the area in front of the vehicle.

[0034] According to this aspect, by controlling the driving of the vehicle lamp to a distant area where the white line is not detected, the detection distance of the white line can be extended.

[0035] One embodiment of the present invention is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program. The non-transitory computer-readable medium stores a program for causing a control unit to execute a program for controlling a vehicle lamp capable of illuminating the front of a vehicle based on information about a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp. Furthermore, the non-transitory computer-readable medium causes the control unit to control the driving of the vehicle lamp so as to illuminate an area farther than an area where a white line is detected based on image information obtained by capturing the front of the vehicle.

[0036] According to this aspect, by controlling the driving of the vehicle lamp to a distant area where the white line is not detected, the detection distance of the white line can be extended.

[0037] A vehicle lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a vehicle lighting system capable of illuminating a portion of a vehicle; and a control unit that controls the vehicle lighting system so that the vehicle lighting system illuminates the portion of the vehicle in front of the vehicle with a light distribution pattern determined based on weather information related to the weather conditions surrounding the vehicle and reflective object information of a reflective object located in front of the vehicle. In normal weather and when there is no reflective object located in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the vehicle lighting system to illuminate a portion of the vehicle in front of the reflective object with a second light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding portion of the first light distribution pattern. In rainy weather and when there is a reflective object located in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the vehicle lighting system to illuminate the portion of the vehicle in front of the reflective object with a third light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding portion of the second light distribution pattern.

[0038] According to this method, when there is a reflective object in front of the vehicle during rainy weather, the vehicle lamp illuminates the portion of the area in front of the vehicle where the reflective object is located with a third light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding portion of the second light distribution pattern, thereby reducing the reflection of the reflective object on the road surface. This improves visibility around the vehicle in inclement weather.

[0039] A vehicle lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a vehicle lighting system capable of illuminating a portion of a vehicle; and a control unit that controls the vehicle lighting system to illuminate the portion of the vehicle in front of the vehicle with a light distribution pattern determined based on reflective object information about a reflective object located in front of the vehicle and whether or not light reflected by the reflective object is reflected on a road surface. When there is no reflective object located in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the vehicle lighting system to illuminate a first light distribution pattern. When there is a reflective object located in front of the vehicle but the reflective object is not reflected on the road surface, the control unit controls the vehicle lighting system to illuminate a portion of the vehicle in front of the reflective object with a second light distribution pattern that is darker than the portion corresponding to the first light distribution pattern. When there is a reflective object located in front of the vehicle and the reflective object is reflected on the road surface, the control unit controls the vehicle lighting system to illuminate the portion of the vehicle in front of the reflective object with a third light distribution pattern that is darker than the portion corresponding to the second light distribution pattern.

[0040] According to this method, when a reflective object is reflected in front of the vehicle, the vehicle lamp illuminates the area in front of the vehicle where the reflective object is located with a third light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding area of the second light distribution pattern, thereby reducing the reflection of the reflective object on the road surface. Furthermore, visibility around the vehicle is improved in inclement weather.

[0041] One embodiment of the present invention is a control device. The device is a control device for controlling a vehicle lamp capable of illuminating the front of a vehicle, and includes a control unit that controls the vehicle lamp to illuminate the front of the vehicle with a light distribution pattern determined based on weather information related to the weather conditions surrounding the vehicle and reflective object information of a reflective object located in front of the vehicle. In normal weather conditions and when there are no reflective objects located in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the vehicle lamp to illuminate a first light distribution pattern. In normal weather conditions and when there are reflective objects located in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the vehicle lamp to illuminate a portion of the vehicle located in the reflective object with a second light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding portion of the first light distribution pattern. In rainy weather conditions and when there are reflective objects located in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the vehicle lamp to illuminate the portion of the vehicle located in the reflective object with a third light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding portion of the second light distribution pattern.

[0042] According to this method, when there is a reflective object in front of the vehicle during rainy weather, the control device controls the vehicle lamps to illuminate the portion of the vehicle in front of the reflective object with a third light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding portion of the second light distribution pattern, thereby reducing the reflection of the reflective object on the road surface. This improves visibility around the vehicle in inclement weather.

[0043] One embodiment of the present invention is a light distribution control method. The method controls a vehicle lamp to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle according to a light distribution pattern determined based on weather information related to the weather conditions surrounding the vehicle and reflective object information of a reflective object located ahead of the vehicle. In normal weather and when there is no reflective object located ahead of the vehicle, the vehicle lamp is controlled to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle according to a first light distribution pattern. In normal weather and when there is a reflective object located ahead of the vehicle, the vehicle lamp is controlled to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle according to a second light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding area ahead of the first light distribution pattern. In rainy weather and when there is a reflective object located ahead of the vehicle, the vehicle lamp is controlled to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle according to a third light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding area ahead of the second light distribution pattern.

[0044] According to this method, when there is a reflective object in front of the vehicle during rainy weather, the vehicle lamps are controlled so that the portion of the area in front of the vehicle where the reflective object is located is illuminated with a third light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding portion of the second light distribution pattern. This reduces the reflection of the reflective object on the road surface. This improves visibility around the vehicle in inclement weather.

[0045] One embodiment of the present invention is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program. The non-transitory computer-readable medium is a non-transitory computer-readable medium for causing a vehicle lamp and a control unit to execute a program. The vehicle lamp is capable of illuminating the front of the vehicle, and the control unit controls the vehicle lamp so that the front of the vehicle is illuminated with a light distribution pattern determined based on weather information related to the weather conditions around the vehicle and reflective object information of a reflective object located in front of the vehicle. In addition, the non-transitory computer-readable medium causes the control unit to execute the following steps: in normal weather and when there is no reflective object in front of the vehicle, controlling the vehicle lamp to illuminate a first light distribution pattern; in normal weather and when there is a reflective object in front of the vehicle, controlling the vehicle lamp to illuminate a partial area where the reflective object is located with a second light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding partial area of the first light distribution pattern; and in rainy weather and when there is a reflective object in front of the vehicle, controlling the vehicle lamp to illuminate the partial area where the reflective object is located with a third light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding partial area of the second light distribution pattern.

[0046] According to this method, when there is a reflective object in front of the vehicle during rainy weather, the control unit controlling the vehicle lamps is instructed to illuminate the portion of the area in front of the vehicle where the reflective object is located with a third light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding portion of the second light distribution pattern, thereby reducing the reflection of the reflective object on the road surface. This improves visibility around the vehicle in inclement weather.

[0047] A vehicle lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a vehicle lighting system having a light source with multiple light-emitting regions arranged in a matrix, capable of illuminating a direction in front of a vehicle with light emitted from the light source; and a control unit that controls the vehicle lighting system to illuminate a light distribution pattern selected by controlling the amount of light emitted from each of the multiple light-emitting regions. During rainy weather, the control unit controls the vehicle lighting system to illuminate a direction in front of the vehicle with a distinguishing light distribution pattern for distinguishing a road shoulder.

[0048] According to this aspect, the vehicle lamp illuminates the area ahead of the vehicle with the light distribution pattern for distinguishing a road shoulder in rainy weather, thereby facilitating the distinguishing of the road shoulder.

[0049] One embodiment of the present invention is a control device. The device controls a vehicle lamp having a light source with multiple light-emitting regions arranged in a matrix, capable of illuminating the area ahead of a vehicle with light emitted from the light source. The control device includes a control unit that controls the vehicle lamp to emit a light distribution pattern selected by controlling the amount of light emitted from each of the multiple light-emitting regions. During rainy weather, the control unit controls the vehicle lamp to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle with a distinguishing light distribution pattern used for distinguishing road shoulders.

[0050] According to this aspect, the vehicle lamp illuminates the area ahead of the vehicle with the light distribution pattern for distinguishing a road shoulder in rainy weather, thereby facilitating the distinguishing of the road shoulder.

[0051] One embodiment of the present invention is a light distribution control method. This method is for controlling a vehicle lamp, comprising a light source having multiple light-emitting regions arranged in a matrix, capable of illuminating a direction in front of a vehicle with light emitted from the light source. The method controls the vehicle lamp to emit a light distribution pattern selected by controlling the amount of light emitted from each of the multiple light-emitting regions. In rainy weather, the method controls the vehicle lamp to illuminate a direction in front of the vehicle with a distinguishing light distribution pattern for distinguishing road shoulders.

[0052] According to this aspect, the vehicle lamp illuminates the area ahead of the vehicle with the light distribution pattern for distinguishing a road shoulder in rainy weather, thereby facilitating the distinguishing of the road shoulder.

[0053] One embodiment of the present invention is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program. The non-transitory computer-readable medium stores a program for causing a control unit to control a vehicle lamp having a light source with multiple light-emitting regions arranged in a matrix, capable of illuminating the area in front of a vehicle with light emitted from the light source. Furthermore, the non-transitory computer-readable medium causes the control unit to execute the following steps: controlling the vehicle lamp to emit a light distribution pattern selected by controlling the amount of light emitted from each of the multiple light-emitting regions; and controlling the vehicle lamp to illuminate the area in front of the vehicle with a distinguishing light distribution pattern for distinguishing road shoulders during rainy weather.

[0054] According to this aspect, the vehicle lamp illuminates the area ahead of the vehicle with the light distribution pattern for distinguishing a road shoulder in rainy weather, thereby facilitating the distinguishing of the road shoulder.

[0055] A vehicle lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a vehicle lighting system capable of illuminating the area ahead of a vehicle, and a control unit configured to control the operation of the vehicle lighting system based on information regarding a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lighting system. The vehicle lighting system includes a first lamp unit configured to form a low-beam light distribution pattern, and a second lamp unit configured to form a road surface-drawing light distribution pattern whose shape changes depending on the presence or absence of ruts on the road surface. Upon detecting snow accumulation ahead of the vehicle, the control unit controls the operation of the vehicle lighting system to form both the low-beam light distribution pattern and the road surface-drawing light distribution pattern.

[0056] According to this aspect, the vehicle lamp forms a road surface depicting light distribution pattern whose shape changes depending on the presence or absence of ruts on the road surface when snow accumulates, thereby making it easier to recognize the ruts.

[0057] A vehicle lighting system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a vehicle lighting fixture capable of illuminating the area ahead of a vehicle, and a control unit configured to control the operation of the vehicle lighting fixture based on information regarding a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lighting fixture. The vehicle lighting fixture includes a lighting unit configured to form a road surface-depicting light distribution pattern on the road surface, the shape of which changes depending on the presence or absence of ruts. Upon detecting snow accumulation ahead of the vehicle, the control unit controls the operation of the vehicle lighting fixture to form the road surface-depicting light distribution pattern, and then illuminates the area containing the ruts with the road surface-depicting light distribution pattern.

[0058] According to this method, when snow accumulates, the vehicle lamp creates a road-depicting light distribution pattern on the road surface whose shape changes according to the presence or absence of ruts, making it easier to identify ruts. Furthermore, by following the area containing the detected ruts with the road-depicting light distribution pattern, the driver can more easily identify the direction the vehicle should travel.

[0059] One embodiment of the present invention is a control device. The device controls a vehicle lamp capable of illuminating the road ahead of a vehicle. The vehicle lamp includes: a first lamp unit that generates a low-beam light distribution pattern; and a second lamp unit that generates a road-surface-depicting light distribution pattern on the road surface, the shape of which changes depending on the presence or absence of ruts. The control device also includes a control unit that controls the vehicle lamp based on information about the light distribution pattern generated by the vehicle lamp. Upon detecting snow accumulation in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the operation of the vehicle lamp to generate both the low-beam light distribution pattern and the road-surface-depicting light distribution pattern.

[0060] According to this aspect, the vehicle lamp forms a road surface depicting light distribution pattern whose shape changes depending on the presence or absence of ruts on the road surface when snow accumulates, thereby making it easier to recognize the ruts.

[0061] One embodiment of the present invention is a light distribution control method. This method controls a vehicle lamp capable of illuminating a vehicle ahead of the vehicle based on information about a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes a first lamp unit that forms a low-beam light distribution pattern and a second lamp unit that forms a road surface-drawing light distribution pattern on the road surface, the shape of which changes according to the presence or absence of rutting. When snow accumulation is detected ahead of the vehicle, the vehicle lamp is controlled to form both the low-beam light distribution pattern and the road surface-drawing light distribution pattern.

[0062] According to this aspect, the vehicle lamp forms a road surface depicting light distribution pattern whose shape changes depending on the presence or absence of ruts on the road surface when snow accumulates, thereby making it easier to recognize the ruts.

[0063] One embodiment of the present invention is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program. The non-transitory computer-readable medium stores a program for causing a control unit to execute a program for controlling a vehicle lamp capable of illuminating the front of a vehicle based on information about a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp comprises: a first lamp unit that forms a low-beam light distribution pattern; and a second lamp unit that forms a road surface-drawing light distribution pattern whose shape changes on the road surface depending on the presence or absence of rutting. Furthermore, the non-transitory computer-readable medium causes the control unit to execute the following steps: upon detecting snow accumulation in front of the vehicle, controlling the vehicle lamp to form both the low-beam light distribution pattern and the road surface-drawing light distribution pattern.

[0064] According to this aspect, the vehicle lamp forms a road surface depicting light distribution pattern whose shape changes depending on the presence or absence of ruts on the road surface when snow accumulates, thereby making it easier to recognize the ruts.

[0065] Any combination of the above constituent elements, or a method obtained by transforming the contents of the present invention between manufacturing methods, control methods, and other methods, lamps, lighting, control devices, and other devices, light-emitting modules, light sources, non-temporary computer-readable media storing programs, computer-readable storage media, and the like, is also valid as a method of the present invention.

[0066] Effects of the Invention

[0067] According to the present invention, the detection distance of the white line can be extended.

[0068] According to the present invention, a new lamp can be realized that improves visibility around a vehicle in bad weather. According to the present invention, visibility around a vehicle in bad weather can be improved. According to the present invention, the ability to identify wheel tracks in snow can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the vehicle lighting system according to the first embodiment.

[0070] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a first light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp system.

[0071] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a captured image of the front of a vehicle traveling at night.

[0072] Figure 4A It is a schematic diagram for explaining the detection of white lines in the irradiation range.

[0073] Figure 4B It is a schematic diagram for explaining the detection of white lines in the irradiation range.

[0074] Figure 4C It is a schematic diagram for explaining the detection of white lines in the irradiation range.

[0075] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the light distribution control method according to the first embodiment.

[0076] Figure 6 It is a top view for explaining the irradiation range of the white line area.

[0077] Figure 7 It is a side view for explaining the irradiation range of the white line area.

[0078] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern in which the white line area is brighter than the surrounding area.

[0079] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing another example of a captured image of the front of a vehicle traveling at night.

[0080] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a light distribution control method according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0081] Figure 11A This is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern in which the brightness at the boundary between each area changes sharply.

[0082] Figure 11B It shows the Figure 11A This is an image of the light distribution pattern after image analysis (edge emphasis and binarization) has been performed.

[0083] Figure 11C This is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern in which the brightness at the boundary between each area changes gently (brightness gradation).

[0084] Figure 11D It shows the Figure 11C This figure shows an example of an image obtained by performing image analysis (edge emphasis and binarization) on the light distribution pattern of .

[0085] Figure 12 This is a block diagram of a vehicle lighting system according to a second embodiment.

[0086] Figure 13 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of a second light distribution pattern formed during normal weather.

[0087] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram for explaining how light irradiating a reflector is reflected on a road surface.

[0088] Figure 15 This is a flowchart for explaining the light distribution control method according to the second embodiment.

[0089] Figure 16 This is a flowchart for explaining a light distribution control method according to a modification.

[0090] Figure 17 This is a block diagram of a vehicle lighting system according to a third embodiment.

[0091] Figure 18 This is a flowchart showing an example of the light distribution control method according to the third embodiment.

[0092] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a shoulder light distribution pattern for improving lane width recognition.

[0093] Figure 20 This is a block diagram of a vehicle lighting system according to a fourth embodiment.

[0094] Figure 21 This is a flowchart showing an example of a light distribution control method according to the fourth embodiment.

[0095] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram for explaining a road surface depiction light distribution pattern for improving the ability to recognize wheel ruts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] The present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings based on preferred embodiments. Identical or equivalent components, parts, and processes shown in the various drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the invention. Not all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention.

[0097] (First embodiment)

[0098] The vehicle lamp of the present invention is a vehicle headlamp disposed in front of a vehicle, and constitutes a vehicle lamp system by appropriately combining it with various control units, sensors, etc. First, the schematic configuration of the vehicle lamp system according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the vehicle lighting system according to the present embodiment.

[0099] The vehicle lighting system 10 includes a camera unit 12, a central ECU 14, and a light switch 20, all compatible with Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). The camera unit 12 includes a front camera 22 that captures images of the vehicle's forward direction, and a camera ECU 24 that detects objects such as signs and vehicles in front of the vehicle based on the image information captured by the front camera 22. While the camera unit 12 and central ECU 14 are located on the vehicle's main body in this embodiment, they may be located anywhere within the vehicle.

[0100] The vehicle lighting system 10 includes a lighting ECU 26, a Lo (low) beam lamp 28 and a Hi (high) beam lamp 30 whose light distribution is controlled by the lighting ECU 26, a controller 32 for high-definition Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), and a high-definition ADB LED unit 34 controlled by the controller 32. In this embodiment, the lighting ECU 26 and the controller 32 are provided in any of the Lo (low) beam lamp 28, the Hi (high) beam lamp 30, and the LED unit 34, which are vehicle lighting devices.

[0101] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a first light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp system. Figure 2 The illustrated first light distribution pattern P1 is a superimposed pattern of a low-beam light distribution pattern PL formed by the Lo-beam lamp 28 , a high-beam light distribution pattern PH formed by the Hi-beam lamp 30 , and an ADB light distribution pattern PHL formed by the LED unit 34 .

[0102] The Lo-beam lamp 28 uses a light source and optical components that are appropriately selected to illuminate the area near the vehicle below the HH line. The Hi-beam lamp 30 uses a light source and optical components that are appropriately selected to illuminate the distant area above the HH line. The Hi-beam lamp 30 has eight LEDs arranged in one direction. By controlling the lighting and extinguishing of each LED, a light distribution pattern is created in which a portion of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is partially blocked or reduced.

[0103] The LED unit 34, with its light source and optical components appropriately selected, is a vehicle lamp capable of illuminating the area centered on the intersection of lines HH and V with light emitted from the LED unit 34. The ADB light distribution pattern PHL, centered on the intersection of lines HH and V, overlaps with both the low-beam light distribution pattern PL and the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Furthermore, by individually controlling the drive current of each LED, reducing the drive current to zero or reducing it for some LEDs, some pixels in the matrix comprising the ADB light distribution pattern PHL can be placed in a light-shielding or light-dimming state. This minimizes the light-shielding area used to prevent glare to vehicles and people within the ADB light distribution pattern PHL, while maintaining visibility in other areas.

[0104] The LED unit 34 comprises a light source comprising 64 LEDs 34a (light-emitting areas) arranged in a matrix configuration, with 256 LEDs 34a arranged horizontally and individually controlled based on instructions from the controller 32. Alternatively, the LED unit 34 may have 20 or more light-emitting elements arranged along the short sides of the rectangle and 100 or more light-emitting elements arranged along the long sides. In addition to LEDs, organic EL elements, liquid crystal shutters, MEMS mirrors, and other materials can also be used as light sources, as long as the matrix-shaped light-emitting areas can be individually illuminated and extinguished.

[0105] The controller 32 is configured to generate multiple light distribution patterns with varying brightness across the multiple light-emitting regions by varying the illumination state of a portion of the multiple light-emitting regions. In other words, the controller 32 controls the vehicle lamp to emit a light distribution pattern selected by controlling the amount of light emitted from each of the multiple light-emitting regions. This allows a single LED unit 34 to generate a variety of light distribution patterns. Furthermore, even when multiple partial regions contain reflective objects, a light distribution pattern can be generated with adjusted brightness across each of the partial regions.

[0106] Next, the visibility of white lines (including orange lines) such as a center line and a dividing line displayed on the road surface in front of the vehicle will be described. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a captured image of the front of a vehicle traveling at night. Figures 4A to 4C It is a schematic diagram for explaining the detection of white lines in the irradiation range. Figure 5 is a flow chart showing the light distribution control method of this embodiment. Figure 3 、 Figures 4A to 4C In FIG, a portion of the first light distribution pattern P1 is shown with the range of the irradiated white line as the center.

[0107] At night, the vehicle uses the various lamps provided by the vehicle lamp system 10 to Figure 2 The vehicle travels while illuminating the front with the first light distribution pattern P1. In the area illuminated by the first light distribution pattern P1, relatively little light reaches distant areas, making it difficult to recognize distant white lines.

[0108] In the light distribution control method of this embodiment, when the process starts at a predetermined timing (for example, when the light switch 20 is turned on), the camera unit 12 captures the image in front of the vehicle and acquires the captured image (S10). Figure 4A As shown, although the white line near the vehicle (lower side in the captured image X1 ) of the area illuminated by the first light distribution pattern P1 is detected ( S12 ), the white line far away (upper side in the captured image X1 ) is not detected due to insufficient light intensity.

[0109] Therefore, if Figure 4BAs shown, the camera unit 12 or the central ECU 14 distinguishes between the white line detection area A1 and the white line non-detection area A2 (S14). The control unit then controls the driving of the vehicle lamps to illuminate the white line non-detection area A2, an area farther than the white line detection area A1. Furthermore, if the white line non-detection area A2 is already illuminated by the first light distribution pattern P1, the illumination intensity is increased by further increasing the driving current of the light sources of the lamps illuminating the white line non-detection area A2 (S16).

[0110] Therefore, if Figure 4C As shown, a portion L' of the white line that was previously present in the white line non-detection area A2 but was not recognized can be detected (S18). Specifically, by illuminating the area beyond the undetected white line L with the lamp, the white line detection distance can be extended. In other words, by increasing the lamp's illumination intensity so that sufficient light reaches the area beyond the undetected white line L, the white line detection distance can be extended. Alternatively, the control unit controls the driving of the vehicle lamp to achieve the light intensity and illumination range required to detect unrecognized white lines located further than the detected white line area.

[0111] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the control unit of this embodiment controls the LED unit 34 to create a light distribution pattern in which the white line region R1 corresponding to the shape of the detected white line L is brighter than the surrounding area of the white line region. The LED unit 34 comprises multiple LEDs 34a arranged in a matrix, and the control unit is configured to create a variety of light distribution patterns by varying the illumination state of a portion of the multiple LEDs 34a. This allows the white line region R1, which corresponds to the shape of the white line L, to be selectively brighter than the surrounding area, thereby improving the accuracy of subsequent white line detection.

[0112] Next, the case of estimating the white line in the white line non-detection area based on the detected white line will be described. Figure 3 As shown, the control unit estimates the estimated white line L" of the white line non-detection area A2 based on the white line L detected in the white line detection area A1. In addition, the control unit controls the LED unit 34 so that the white line area R2 corresponding to the shape of the estimated white line L" forms a light distribution pattern that is brighter than the surrounding area of the white line area. As a result, the detection accuracy of the estimated white line L" is improved.

[0113] Next, a light distribution pattern for illuminating the white line region R2 corresponding to the shape of the estimated white line L" will be described. Figure 6 It is a plan view for explaining the irradiation range of the white line region R2. Figure 7 It is a side view for explaining the irradiation range of the white line region R2. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern in which the white line region R2 is brighter than its surroundings.

[0114] Figure 6 、 Figure 7 The white-lined area R2 shown is approximately 50 to 80 meters in front of the vehicle. Furthermore, the control unit controls the LED unit 34 to form a light distribution pattern that illuminates the illumination area R2' corresponding to the white-lined area R2. This illumination area R2' encompasses an area 0.5° to 0.8° below the HH line on the screen in front of the vehicle and 1.3° to 2.0° on either side of the VV line. This improves the accuracy of white-line detection. Furthermore, the light distribution pattern involved in this embodiment only needs to make the illumination area R2' brighter than the surrounding area; the area surrounding the illumination area R2' does not need to be unilluminated.

[0115] Next, a method of distinguishing the traveling area from the road shoulder area outside the traveling area will be described. Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing another example of a captured image of the front of a vehicle traveling at night. Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a light distribution control method according to a modification of the present embodiment.

[0116] In the light distribution control method of the modified example, when the process starts at a predetermined timing, the camera unit 12 captures the image in front of the vehicle and acquires the captured image (S20). Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , although the white line L is detected ( S22 ) on the vehicle near side (the lower side in the captured image X2 ) of the area illuminated by the first light distribution pattern P1 , the white line on the far side (the upper side in the captured image X2 ) is not detected due to insufficient light. Figure 9 As shown, the control unit estimates the estimated white line L in the white line non-detection area A2 based on the white line L detected in the white line detection area A1” (S24).

[0117] The control unit determines the area between the detected white lines L and the estimated white lines L" as the driving area R3, and determines the outside of the driving area R3 as the shoulder area R4 (S26), and controls the LED unit 34 to form a light distribution pattern that illuminates each area differently. In this way, a light distribution pattern suitable for both the driving area R3 and the shoulder area R4 can be formed. For example, the control unit controls the LED unit 34 to form a light distribution pattern P2 that is brighter in the shoulder area R4 than in the driving area R3. Specifically, the driving current of the LED 34a that illuminates the shoulder area R4 is increased, and the illumination intensity of the corresponding LED 34a is increased (S28). In this way, a shoulder structure (three-dimensional object) located in the shoulder area R4 outside the white line L and the estimated white line L" is determined (S30). Here, the shoulder structure includes artificial objects such as contour markers 36, steps 38, and traffic signs, flowers, plants, trees, etc.

[0118] Next, a description will be given of a problem of image analysis in the case where a camera is used to capture the light distribution pattern P2 in which the road shoulder region R4 is brighter than the travel region R3 . Figure 11A This is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern in which the brightness at the boundary between each area changes sharply. Figure 11B It shows the Figure 11A This is an image of the light distribution pattern after image analysis (edge emphasis and binarization) has been performed. Figure 11C This is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern in which the brightness at the boundary between each area changes gently (brightness gradation). Figure 11D It shows the Figure 11C An example of an image obtained by performing image analysis (edge enhancement and binarization) on a light distribution pattern.

[0119] like Figure 11A As shown in FIG. 1 , when the boundary between the shoulder area R4 and the running area R3 of the light distribution pattern P2 is clear, as shown in FIG. Figure 11B As shown, the boundary B is recognized as a white line by the camera unit 12. There is no problem when the boundary B coincides with the actual white line L. However, when the boundary B deviates from the actual white line L, the white line may be erroneously detected.

[0120] Therefore, in this embodiment, if Figure 11C As shown, the brightness of the boundary B between the shoulder area R4 and the running area R3 in the light distribution pattern P2' changes in multiple levels. This can prevent the boundary B between the shoulder area R4 and the running area R3 in the light distribution pattern P2' from being erroneously detected as a dividing line such as a white line.

[0121] (Second embodiment)

[0122] Next, a vehicle lighting system 110 according to a second embodiment will be described. Figure 12 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle lighting system according to a second embodiment. The vehicle lighting system 110 differs from the vehicle lighting system 10 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes an interior camera 16 and a wiper switch 18 .

[0123] The first light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lighting system 110 during normal weather conditions is, for example, a light distribution pattern formed using the same method as the vehicle lighting system 10 of the first embodiment. For example, the central ECU 14 determines whether normal weather conditions exist based on the wiper switch 18, the status of a rain sensor (not shown), and image information captured by the front camera 22. Specifically, if the wiper switch 18 is turned on (ON), the weather is determined to be inclement (rainy), while if the wiper switch 18 is turned off (OFF), the weather is determined to be normal (sunny). This weather information is used to determine the subsequent light distribution pattern.

[0124] Next, we'll explain the second light distribution pattern for when there are landmarks or reflective objects ahead of the vehicle. Examples of landmarks include pedestrians, vehicles, traffic lights, streetlights, various traffic signs, and outline markers. Among landmarks, reflective objects include objects such as traffic signs and outline markers that enhance visibility by reflecting light from vehicle lighting. Figure 13 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of a second light distribution pattern formed during normal weather.

[0125] Figure 13 The objects shown are a pedestrian 136, a traffic sign 138, and an oncoming vehicle 140. The camera unit 12 detects the location and type of the object based on the image information captured by the front camera 22 and transmits this information to the lighting ECU 26. Under normal weather conditions, the central ECU 14 determines the localized light shielding position and light reduction amount based on the location and type of the object, selecting the desired second light distribution pattern. The lighting ECU 26 and controller 32 control the illumination states of the Lo-beam lamp 28, the Hi-beam lamp 30, and the LED unit 34 to produce the selected second light distribution pattern.

[0126] Figure 13 The low-beam light distribution pattern PL of the second light distribution pattern P2B shown is identical to the first light distribution pattern P1. Furthermore, the high-beam light distribution pattern PH of the second light distribution pattern P2B is in a non-illuminated (shielded) state for the sub-regions R1B to R3B corresponding to the positions of the pedestrian 136 and the oncoming vehicle 140. Furthermore, in the ADB light distribution pattern PHL of the second light distribution pattern P2B, the sub-regions R4B and R5B corresponding to the positions of the pedestrian 136 and the oncoming vehicle are in a non-illuminated (shielded) state, and the sub-region R6B corresponding to the position of the traffic sign 138, which serves as a reflective object, is dimmed. The dimming of the sub-region R6B corresponding to the position of the traffic sign 138 is intended to suppress glare on the driver caused by the high-beam light reflected from the traffic sign 138.

[0127] In the second light distribution pattern, partial region R6 is illuminated with dimmed light. Therefore, in normal weather with a dry road surface, light reflected from traffic sign 138 is rarely reflected on the road surface. However, in inclement weather such as rain, even if partial region R6B is illuminated with dimmed light, light reflected from traffic sign 138 may sometimes be reflected on the wet road surface, reducing visibility for the driver.

[0128] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining the state of light irradiating a reflector being reflected on the road surface. Figure 14 In FIG, only the area of the ADB light distribution pattern PHL is shown. Figure 14In the figure, the light reflected by the traffic signs 142, 144, 146, and 148 is reflected on the wet road surface as elongated reflected images A1B to A4B. Therefore, the driver's attention is drawn to the reflected images A1B to A4B, and visibility around the vehicle may be reduced.

[0129] Therefore, in the vehicle lighting system of this embodiment, when a reflective object is present in front of the vehicle during rainy weather, the vehicle lighting is controlled so that the partial areas R7B to R10B where the reflective object is present are illuminated with a third light distribution pattern P3 that is darker than the corresponding partial areas of the second light distribution pattern. This reduces the reflection of the reflective object on the road surface, thereby improving visibility around the vehicle in inclement weather such as rain.

[0130] Thus, the vehicle lighting system 10 according to this embodiment includes vehicle lighting fixtures (Lo-beam lamp 28, Hi-beam lamp 30, and LED unit 34) capable of illuminating the area in front of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the vehicle lighting fixtures so that the area in front of the vehicle is illuminated with a light distribution pattern determined based on weather information related to the weather conditions surrounding the vehicle and reflective object information of reflective objects located in front of the vehicle. The control unit is comprised of various ECUs (camera ECU 24, center ECU 14, and light ECU 26) and a controller 32. The ECUs and controllers that perform various detection, determination, and control functions are not particularly limited and can be selected as appropriate.

[0131] Based on the output results of the camera, sensor, etc., the control unit controls the vehicle lamp to illuminate the first light distribution pattern P1 (see FIG. Figure 2 ), in normal weather and when there is a reflective object in front of the vehicle, the vehicle lamp is controlled so that the second light distribution pattern P2B (refer to Figure 13 ) illuminates a partial area where a reflective object exists, and in rainy days and when a reflective object exists in front of the vehicle, controls the vehicle lamp so that a third light distribution pattern P3 (refer to Figure 14 ) irradiates the partial areas R7B~R10B where reflective objects exist.

[0132] Furthermore, assuming that the brightness A1 of each light-emitting area of the ADB light distribution pattern PHL in the absence of a reflective object is set to 100, the brightness A2 of the partial area (light-emitting area) of the ADB light distribution pattern PHL in the presence of a reflective object in normal weather conditions can be set to 70, and the brightness A3 of the partial area (light-emitting area) of the ADB light distribution pattern PHL in the presence of a reflective object in rainy weather conditions can be set to 40 (A1>A2>A3>0). Alternatively, the current values driving the LEDs in each light-emitting area (partial area) of the first to third light distribution patterns P1 to P3 can be pre-set to achieve the aforementioned brightness order.

[0133] Figure 15 This is a flowchart for describing a light distribution control method according to the present embodiment. This method controls a vehicle lamp so that the light ahead of the vehicle is illuminated with a light distribution pattern determined based on weather information related to weather conditions around the vehicle and reflective object information of reflective objects located ahead of the vehicle.

[0134] First, the central ECU 14 uses the camera unit 12 to obtain information about reflective objects in front of the vehicle (S30). This reflective object information includes the type of reflective object and its position on a virtual screen 25 meters in front of the vehicle. Next, the central ECU 14 obtains weather information based on information from the wiper switch 18 and the rain sensor. It then determines whether there is a reflective object in front of the vehicle (S34). If there is no reflective object (No in S34), regardless of the weather information, the lighting ECU 26 and the controller 32 control the vehicle lighting to produce the first light distribution pattern P1 (S36). If there is a reflective object (Yes in S34) and the weather is normal (Yes in S38), the lighting ECU 26 and the controller 32 control the vehicle lighting to produce the second light distribution pattern P2B (S40). On the other hand, if the weather is not normal, such as rain (No in S38), the lighting ECU 26 and the controller 32 control the vehicle lighting to produce the third light distribution pattern P3 (S42). Furthermore, a program that causes a control device to execute each step of such a control method is also a part of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] (Variation)

[0136] Next, a modified example of the vehicle lighting system of the second embodiment will be described. Components identical to those of vehicle lighting system 110 will be omitted as appropriate. The vehicle lighting system of this modified example selects between the second and third light distribution patterns based on the presence or absence of reflected light from a reflective object reflected onto the road surface, rather than weather information.

[0137] Figure 16This is a flowchart for explaining a modified example of a light distribution control method. This method controls a vehicle lamp so that a light distribution pattern determined based on reflective object information of a reflective object in front of the vehicle and whether or not the reflected light from the reflective object is reflected on the road surface is illuminated in front of the vehicle. Figure 16 In the description of Figure 15 The same steps as those described in are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0138] exist Figure 16 In the flowchart, after obtaining reflecting object information (S30), reflection information is obtained (S44). The presence or absence of road surface reflection is determined using image information obtained by the camera unit 12, indicating the position and type of the reflecting object. If a reflecting object is present ("Yes" in S34) and there is no road surface reflection ("Yes" in S46), the lighting ECU 26 and the controller 32 control the vehicle lighting fixture to form the second light distribution pattern P2B (S40). On the other hand, if there is road surface reflection ("No" in S46), the lighting ECU 26 and the controller 32 control the vehicle lighting fixture to form the third light distribution pattern P3 (S42). Furthermore, a program that causes a control device to execute each step of this control method is also part of the present invention.

[0139] As a result, when a reflective object is present in front of the vehicle and is reflected, the vehicle lamp illuminates the portion of the area in front of the vehicle where the reflective object is located with a third light distribution pattern P3 that is darker than the corresponding portion of the second light distribution pattern, thereby reducing the reflection of the reflective object on the road surface. This improves visibility around the vehicle in inclement weather. Furthermore, even without weather information from other devices such as the wiper switch 18 or a rain sensor, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle's front is being illuminated with the third light distribution pattern.

[0140] The control unit of the vehicle lighting system of the modified example controls the vehicle lighting system to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle with the third light distribution pattern P3 when detecting an area with a reflection exceeding a predetermined brightness based on image information obtained by the front camera 22. Thus, in the presence of a bright, reflective object with a significant reflection effect, the vehicle lighting system can illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle with the third light distribution pattern. In the presence of a low-brightness, reflective object with a minimal reflection effect, the vehicle lighting system can illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle with the second light distribution pattern, where the portion containing the reflective object is brighter than the third light distribution pattern.

[0141] Alternatively, when a reflection region having a brightness exceeding a predetermined brightness is detected based on image information obtained by the front camera 22 and the reflection region is larger than a predetermined area, the control unit may control the vehicle lamp to illuminate with the third light distribution pattern.

[0142] Alternatively, the control unit may control the vehicle lighting fixtures based on information about the driver's line of sight and facial orientation captured by the interior camera 16, so that the lighting fixtures illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle with the third light distribution pattern when the driver's line of sight is closer to the front than a specified distance (e.g., 10 mm) from the vehicle. The interior camera 16 may also be an infrared camera mounted on the instrument panel. This allows the vehicle lighting fixtures to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle with the third light distribution pattern based on information about the driver's line of sight and facial orientation, even without information from a camera that directly detects the presence of reflections.

[0143] Furthermore, the control unit may vary the dimming rate of a portion of the third light distribution pattern where a reflective object is located, based on the size and brightness of the reflection on the road surface. For example, the control unit may increase the dimming rate (making the light darker) when the reflection is large, and decrease the dimming rate (making the light brighter) when the reflection is small.

[0144] (Third embodiment)

[0145] Next, a vehicle lighting system 210 according to a third embodiment will be described. Figure 17 This is a block diagram of a vehicle lighting system 210 according to a third embodiment. The vehicle lighting system 210 according to the third embodiment differs from the vehicle lighting system 10 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a wiper switch 18. Furthermore, the LED unit 34 is configured such that the light source and optical components are appropriately selected so as to illuminate the area centered at the intersection of the HH line and the V line. The vehicle lighting system is configured so that the light emitted from the LED unit 34 can illuminate the area in front of the vehicle.

[0146] In the vehicle lighting system 210 of the third embodiment, the controller 32 is also configured to generate multiple light distribution patterns with varying brightness across the multiple light-emitting regions by varying the illumination state of a portion of the multiple light-emitting regions. In other words, the controller 32 controls the vehicle lighting to emit a light distribution pattern selected by controlling the amount of light emitted from each of the multiple light-emitting regions. This enables the generation of various light distribution patterns using a single LED unit 34. Furthermore, even when multiple partial regions contain reflective objects, a light distribution pattern with adjusted brightness across each partial region can be generated.

[0147] Next, the visual recognizability of a completely dark night road in the suburbs without streetlights or other lighting will be explained. For vehicles traveling on a pitch-black night road, in the absence of vehicles ahead or oncoming vehicles, the visual recognizability is often improved by illuminating the front with a high-beam light distribution pattern. In this case, not only the center line but also the outer lane lines on both sides of the lane can be visually recognized without any problems. However, if the road surface is wet on rainy days, the light from the headlights is scattered by the water film and does not return to the vehicle side as reflected light. Therefore, even if the front is illuminated with a high-beam light distribution pattern, it may be difficult to know the lane width of the road being traveled. Therefore, the inventors of this application conceived the possibility of distinguishing the road shoulder by utilizing the phenomenon that the reflectivity of the wet road surface is low on rainy days and the reflectivity of three-dimensional objects located on the road shoulder is high (reflected light is easily returned).

[0148] The vehicle lighting system 210 of this embodiment can illuminate a roadside shoulder identification light distribution pattern, which differs from the high-beam light distribution pattern, before, during, and after the high-beam light distribution pattern is generated. Specifically, during rainy conditions, the controller 32 controls the LED unit 34 to illuminate the area in front of the vehicle with the roadside shoulder identification light distribution pattern. The various detection, identification, and control functions are not specifically defined and can be performed by any ECU or controller; appropriate selection is sufficient.

[0149] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a light distribution control method according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, any of the camera ECU 24, central ECU 14, light ECU 26, and controller 32 (hereinafter collectively referred to as the control unit) determines whether a high-beam light distribution pattern is being formed based on the driver's operation of the light switch 20 and information from the camera unit 12.

[0150] When the control unit receives a signal to irradiate the first light distribution pattern P1 as the high beam light distribution pattern, it starts Figure 18 Next, the control unit determines whether it is raining based on the image information (road surface image, etc.) of the camera unit 12 and the operation information of the wiper switch 18 (S50). If the control unit determines that it is not raining ("No" in S50), the process is temporarily terminated. Figure 18 Controls shown.

[0151] If the control unit determines that it is raining (YES in S50 ), the controller 32 generates a distinguishing light distribution pattern for identifying a road shoulder ( S52 ) and controls the LED unit 34 to illuminate the area in front of the vehicle with this distinguishing light distribution pattern. When illuminating the high-beam light distribution pattern, visibility in front of the vehicle is often low. Therefore, illuminating the distinguishing light distribution pattern at the beginning of the high-beam light distribution pattern, triggered by a signal to illuminate the high-beam light distribution pattern, facilitates early road shoulder identification.

[0152] In this embodiment, the controller 32 controls the LED unit 34 so that the light ahead of the vehicle is illuminated with a discrimination light distribution pattern that is brighter than the high-beam light distribution pattern. Specifically, the controller 32 drives each LED 34a of the LED unit 34 with a drive current Ib that is greater than the drive current Ia of each LED 34a of the LED unit 34 when illuminating the ADB light distribution pattern PHL within the first light distribution pattern P1. This enables more accurate road shoulder detection.

[0153] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the road shoulder light distribution pattern for improving lane width recognition capability. The camera unit 12 takes an image at the timing when the light distribution pattern for discrimination formed in step S12 is illuminated in front of the vehicle (S54). Figure 19 In the captured image X1 shown, the control unit determines the road shoulder portion by utilizing the fact that the reflectivity of the wet road surface R1C is low and the reflectivity of the three-dimensional object located on the road shoulder R2C is high ( S56 ).

[0154] Specifically, the control unit identifies an area as a road shoulder R2C, where the intensity of reflected light is greater than a predetermined value or more than the intensity of reflected light from a portion of the road surface corresponding to R1C, as determined by capturing image information obtained in front of the vehicle illuminated by the light distribution pattern for discrimination. This allows identification of the road shoulder even in conditions such as rainy days, where the intensity of reflected light from the road surface is low and lane width identification is difficult.

[0155] Furthermore, the control unit controls the LED unit 34 to illuminate a shoulder light distribution pattern P4 that is brighter than the normal light distribution pattern, illuminating at least a portion of area R3C, identified as a shoulder. Specifically, the controller 32 controls the LED unit 34 to increase the amount of light emitted from a portion of LED 34a, which illuminates area R3C. This facilitates the driver's understanding of lane width. Alternatively, the light gain (brightness) of the portion corresponding to area R3C of the shoulder light distribution pattern may be varied based on the difference in intensity between the reflected light from the portion corresponding to road surface R1C and the reflected light from the portion corresponding to shoulder R2C. For example, the light gain may be increased (brighter) when the intensity difference is large, and decreased (darker) when the intensity difference is small.

[0156] Furthermore, if the intensity of reflected light from the road surface decreases, shoulder enhancement illumination using the shoulder light distribution pattern is no longer necessary. For example, even when driving on rainy days while illuminating the area ahead of the vehicle with the shoulder light distribution pattern, there are cases where the amount of rain decreases and the water film on the road surface gradually disappears, changing the situation to one where the shoulder can be identified. Therefore, the control unit periodically captures the area ahead of the vehicle while illuminating the area ahead with the identification light distribution pattern. Based on the captured image information, if the difference between the intensity of reflected light from the portion determined to be the shoulder and the intensity of reflected light from the portion corresponding to road surface R1C is less than a predetermined value D (including cases where there is no difference), the control unit controls the LED unit 34 to cease illumination of the subsequent shoulder light distribution pattern P4. By suspending illumination of the unnecessary light distribution pattern, the driver's discomfort caused by unnecessary switching of light distribution patterns can be reduced.

[0157] Next, we will describe the case of road shoulder identification based on image information obtained from multiple captured images. At a predetermined timing (e.g., a fixed period) during driving in rainy weather, the control unit illuminates a first discrimination light distribution pattern and a second discrimination light distribution pattern that is darker than the first discrimination light distribution pattern as the discrimination light distribution pattern. The second discrimination light distribution pattern can be the same as or different from the conventional ADB light distribution pattern PHL. The control unit controls the LED unit 34 to illuminate the road shoulder with a light distribution pattern that is brighter than the conventional light distribution pattern, based on image information captured in front of the vehicle illuminated with the first discrimination light distribution pattern and image information captured in front of the vehicle illuminated with the second discrimination light distribution pattern. This allows for more accurate road shoulder identification.

[0158] Furthermore, the first and second determination light distribution patterns may be formed for a short time, so short that they are not noticeable to the human eye during driving. This can reduce the driver's discomfort caused by switching the light distribution patterns.

[0159] (Fourth embodiment)

[0160] Next, a vehicle lighting system 310 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 20 3 is a block diagram of the vehicle lighting system according to the present embodiment. The vehicle lighting system 310 differs from the vehicle lighting system 10 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes an outside air temperature sensor 316 and a car navigation system 318 .

[0161] The light distribution pattern P1 of the fourth embodiment is Figure 2As shown in the example, the low-beam light distribution pattern PL formed by the Lo-beam lamp 28 , the high-beam light distribution pattern PH formed by the Hi-beam lamp 30 , and the ADB light distribution pattern PHL formed by the LED unit 34 are superimposed.

[0162] As in the third embodiment, the LED unit 34 can illuminate a vehicle lamp in front of the vehicle with light emitted from the LED unit 34 by appropriately selecting light sources and optical components so as to illuminate an area centered at the intersection of the HH line and the V line.

[0163] Furthermore, the controller 32 is configured to generate multiple light distribution patterns with varying brightness across the multiple light-emitting regions by varying the illumination state of a portion of the multiple light-emitting regions. In other words, the controller 32 controls the vehicle lamp to emit a light distribution pattern selected by controlling the amount of light emitted from each of the multiple light-emitting regions. This allows a single LED unit 34 to generate a variety of light distribution patterns. Furthermore, even when multiple partial regions contain reflective objects, a light distribution pattern can be generated with adjusted brightness across each of the partial regions.

[0164] Next, we will describe the situation of a vehicle driving on a dark, snowy, suburban road in the absence of streetlights or other lighting. When the road is clear of snow, headlights illuminate the road surface, allowing drivers to identify road markings such as the center line, lane outer lines, and roadside strips, which indicate the road's shape and direction of travel. However, when snow is accumulated, even headlights illuminate the road surface, making it impossible for the driver to see these markings. This can make it difficult for the driver to accurately grasp the road's shape and lane width. Therefore, the inventors of this application focused on the ruts formed by the preceding vehicle.

[0165] The ruts formed when snow accumulates are traces left by the wheels of the preceding vehicle. However, when the entire road surface is covered with snow, the area in front of the vehicle appears solid white, making it difficult to identify the location and shape of the ruts even when the entire road surface is illuminated by headlights.

[0166] Therefore, the vehicle lighting system 310 of the fourth embodiment improves rut recognition by forming a road-depicting light distribution pattern whose shape changes according to the presence or absence of ruts. Specifically, upon detecting snow accumulation ahead of the vehicle, the controller 32 controls the operation of the Lo-beam lamp 28 and the LED unit 34 to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle with a predetermined low-beam light distribution pattern and a road-depicting light distribution pattern. The various detection, identification, and control functions are not particularly limited and can be performed by any ECU or controller; appropriate selection is sufficient.

[0167] Figure 21 This is a flowchart showing an example of the light distribution control method according to the present embodiment. Figure 22This is a schematic diagram illustrating a road-pavement-depicting light distribution pattern designed to enhance rutting detection. A vehicle lighting system 310 according to this embodiment includes a vehicle lighting fixture capable of illuminating the area ahead of the vehicle, and a control unit that controls the operation of the vehicle lighting fixture based on information about the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lighting fixture. In this embodiment, any of the camera ECU 24, central ECU 14, light ECU 26, and controller 32 (hereinafter collectively referred to as the control unit) determines whether snow is present and generates a road-pavement-depicting light distribution pattern of a predetermined shape based on the conditions. The vehicle lighting fixture includes a low-beam light distribution pattern 28, an LED unit 34 whose shape changes depending on the presence or absence of rutting, and a high-beam light distribution pattern 30, which generates a high-beam light distribution pattern.

[0168] When the control unit receives a signal to light up any one of the Lo beam lamp 28, the Hi beam lamp 30, and the LED unit 34 through the lamp switch 20, the control unit starts to operate. Figure 21 Next, the control unit acquires image information (such as road surface images) from the camera unit 12 (S60). Furthermore, as needed, it acquires information based on the temperature outside the vehicle from the external temperature sensor 316 (S62) and acquires the vehicle's position information from the car navigation system 318 (S64).

[0169] The control unit can analyze information based on the captured image in front of the vehicle, and determine whether the road ahead is a snowy road or a dry road based on the brightness information and color information. In this way, the snow condition can be detected with high precision. In addition, the control unit can also consider information based on the temperature outside the vehicle detected by the external temperature sensor 316. For example, if the outside temperature is below freezing, the possibility of snow accumulation increases. In addition, the control unit can also determine that it is a snow condition in the following case: based on the position information of the vehicle obtained from the car navigation system 318, although there should be road markings such as the center line (white line) on the road ahead of the vehicle, only high-brightness areas (reflected light is white) where the road markings cannot be identified can be detected based on the image information. In this way, the snow condition can be detected with higher precision. In the case where the control unit determines that it is not a snow condition ("No" in S66), the process is temporarily ended. Figure 21 Controls shown.

[0170] If the control unit determines that the snow condition exists ("Yes" in S66), the actuator 36 for changing the irradiation direction upward and downward is used to change the light distribution pattern PHL (see Figure 2) The illumination direction of the LED units 34, which illuminate the upper and lower areas across the horizontal line, is changed to the vehicle's immediate front side (downward) (S68). Specifically, when snow accumulation is detected ahead of the vehicle, the control unit controls the operation of the actuator 36 so that the illumination direction of the LED units 34 is directed downward compared to when snow is not present. Thus, during normal driving without snow accumulation, the road surface depicting light distribution pattern PR is formed in the road surface area R1D immediately ahead of the vehicle, primarily using the LED units 34 that illuminate farther than the vehicle's immediate front side with the prescribed ADB light distribution pattern PHL.

[0171] At this point, the vehicle lighting system 310 illuminates the road ahead of the vehicle with the low-beam light distribution pattern PL over a wide area by illuminating the Lo-beam lamp 28 ( S70 ). Furthermore, the vehicle lighting system 310 turns off the Hi-beam lamp 30 ( S72 ), making it easier for the driver to view the road ahead of the vehicle than to view farther ahead.

[0172] Thus, in the vehicle lighting system 310, the LED unit 34 forms a road surface-depicting light distribution pattern PR on the road surface when snow accumulates, whose shape changes depending on the presence or absence of ruts, making it easier to identify ruts. Specifically, upon detecting snow accumulation ahead of the vehicle, the control unit controls the operation of the LED unit 34 to depict the road surface-depicting light distribution pattern PR as the light distribution pattern. Thus, using LED units 34 capable of forming multiple light distribution patterns, it is possible to form a specific road surface-depicting light distribution pattern PR on the road surface, whose shape changes depending on the presence or absence of ruts. It should be noted that ruts 38 in snow accumulation are the tracks left by the preceding vehicle 40. If the driver can identify ruts, it is easier to predict the shape and width of the road being traveled, even when road markings are invisible due to snow accumulation.

[0173] Here, the road surface depicting light distribution pattern PR is preferably a light and dark periodic pattern that crosses the road surface in front of the vehicle. For example, the control unit of this embodiment controls the driving of the LED unit 34 to depict the following on the road surface area R1D: Figure 22 The light distribution pattern PR for depicting a road surface is shown, which is a pattern of multiple long strips PX arranged at intervals toward the front of the vehicle. If a highly symmetrical light distribution pattern PR, such as a periodic light-dark pattern, is formed in the road surface region R1D where the rut 38 is located, the deformation S of a portion of the pattern PX becomes easily noticeable, making it easier for the driver to identify the location of the rut 38. In other words, the control unit detects the presence and position of the deformation S of a portion of the pattern PX based on information from the captured image, and determines the presence and shape of the rut. In addition to the pattern of multiple long strips arranged as described above, other periodic patterns include staggered patterns and grid patterns. In other words, a highly symmetrical pattern with a straight line outline or a regular pattern is preferred.

[0174] As described above, when the control unit of this embodiment detects snow accumulation ahead of the vehicle, it generates a road-surface-depicting light distribution pattern PR, making it easier to identify a portion of a rut 38. Based on the trajectory of the portion of rut 38 identified by the presence of the aforementioned deformation S, the control unit estimates a more distant rut 42 and controls the driving of the vehicle lighting so that the road-surface-depicting light distribution pattern PR follows and illuminates the area containing the rut 42. This allows the driver to more easily identify the direction the vehicle should travel. Furthermore, by calculating the curvature of the rut based on image information, the control unit can determine the degree of curve in the road shape. Therefore, even without using information from the car navigation system 318, the driver can be guided in the direction the vehicle should travel.

[0175] While the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. Appropriate combinations and substitutions of the structures of the embodiments are also encompassed by the present invention. Furthermore, based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, the combinations and processing sequences of the embodiments can be appropriately reorganized, and various design changes can be made to the embodiments. Such modified embodiments can also be encompassed by the claims of the present invention.

[0176] Furthermore, the inventions of the vehicle lighting systems according to the first to fourth embodiments can also be understood as the invention of a single control device having a control unit. Furthermore, the inventions of the vehicle lighting systems according to the first to fourth embodiments can also be understood as the invention of a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program for causing the control unit to execute a program for controlling the vehicle lighting.

[0177] This application appropriately cites the contents disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-006836 filed on January 19, 2023, Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-005346 filed on January 17, 2023, Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-005347 filed on January 17, 2023, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-016402 filed on February 6, 2023.

Claims

1. A vehicle lighting system, characterized in that: have: A vehicle lamp capable of illuminating the front of the vehicle; as well as a control unit that controls driving of the vehicle lamp based on information about a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp, The control unit controls driving of the vehicle lamp so as to illuminate an area farther than an area where a white line is detected based on image information obtained by capturing an image of the area in front of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit controls the vehicle lamp to form a light distribution pattern in which a white line region corresponding to the shape of the detected white line is brighter than surrounding areas of the white line region.

3. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit controls the vehicle lamp to form a light distribution pattern in which a white line region corresponding to a detected white line and a shape of an estimated white line estimated based on the detected white line is brighter than a surrounding area of the white line region.

4. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 2, wherein: The control unit controls the vehicle lamp to form a light distribution pattern that illuminates an area on a screen in front of the vehicle that is 0.5° to 0.8° below the HH line and 1.3° to 2.0° on both sides of the VV line as the white line area.

5. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit controls the vehicle lamp to form a light distribution pattern that illuminates an area between the detected white lines as a traveling area and an area outside the traveling area as a road shoulder area.

6. A vehicle lighting system, characterized in that: have: A vehicle lamp capable of illuminating the front of the vehicle; and a control unit configured to control driving of the vehicle lamp based on information on a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp, The control unit controls the vehicle lamp to form a light distribution pattern in which a road shoulder area outside a white line detected based on image information obtained by capturing a front portion of the vehicle is brighter than a running area between the white lines.

7. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 6, wherein: The brightness of the boundary between the road shoulder area and the traveling area in the light distribution pattern changes in multiple levels.

8. The vehicle lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The vehicle lamp has a light source with multiple light-emitting areas arranged in a matrix. The control unit is configured to form a plurality of light distribution patterns by changing an irradiation state of a portion of the plurality of light emitting areas.

9. A control device, characterized in that: Control of vehicle lamps capable of illuminating the front of the vehicle, wherein: The control device includes a control unit configured to control the vehicle lamp based on information on a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp. The control unit controls driving of the vehicle lamp so as to illuminate an area farther than an area where a white line is detected based on image information obtained by capturing the area in front of the vehicle.

10. A light distribution control method, characterized in that: Based on information about the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp, the vehicle lamp capable of illuminating the front of the vehicle is controlled. The driving of the vehicle lamp is controlled so as to illuminate an area farther than an area where a white line is detected based on image information obtained by capturing the area in front of the vehicle.

11. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, characterized in that A program for causing a control unit to execute, the control unit controlling the vehicle lamp capable of illuminating the front of the vehicle based on information on a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp, The program causes the control unit to execute the step of controlling the driving of the vehicle lamp so as to illuminate an area farther than an area where a white line is detected based on image information obtained by capturing an image of the area in front of the vehicle.

12. A vehicle lighting system, characterized in that: have: A vehicle lamp capable of illuminating the front of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the vehicle lamp so that the vehicle lamp illuminates the front of the vehicle with a light distribution pattern determined based on weather information related to weather conditions around the vehicle and reflective object information of a reflective object existing in front of the vehicle; In normal weather and when there is no reflective object in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the vehicle lamp to emit a first light distribution pattern. In normal weather conditions and when a reflective object is present in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the vehicle lamp so as to illuminate the partial area where the reflective object is present with a second light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding partial area of the first light distribution pattern. When there is a reflective object in front of the vehicle during rainy weather, the control unit controls the vehicle lamp so that the partial area where the reflective object is located is illuminated with a third light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding partial area of the second light distribution pattern.

13. A vehicle lighting system, characterized in that: have: A vehicle lamp capable of illuminating the front of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the vehicle lamp so as to illuminate the area in front of the vehicle with a light distribution pattern determined based on reflective object information of a reflective object present in front of the vehicle and whether or not light reflected by the reflective object is reflected onto a road surface; When there is no reflective object in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the vehicle lamp to illuminate the first light distribution pattern. When the reflective object exists in front of the vehicle and the reflection is absent, the control unit controls the vehicle lamp so as to illuminate the partial area where the reflective object exists with a second light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding partial area of the first light distribution pattern. When the reflector is present in front of the vehicle and the reflection occurs, the control unit controls the vehicle lamp to illuminate the partial area where the reflector is present with a third light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding partial area of the second light distribution pattern.

14. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 13, wherein: The control unit controls the vehicle lamp to illuminate with the third light distribution pattern when a reflection area having a predetermined brightness or higher is detected based on image information obtained by the imaging unit capturing the road surface.

15. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 13, wherein: The control unit controls the vehicle lamp to illuminate with the third light distribution pattern when detecting a reflection region having a predetermined brightness or higher and an area larger than a predetermined area based on image information of a road surface captured by the imaging unit.

16. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 13, wherein: The control unit controls the vehicle lamp based on the sight line information of the driver in the vehicle so as to illuminate the vehicle with the third light distribution pattern when the driver's sight line is directed toward the front side closer than a predetermined distance from the vehicle.

17. The vehicle lighting system according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The vehicle lamp has a light source with multiple light-emitting areas arranged in a matrix. The control unit is configured to change the irradiation state of a portion of the plurality of light-emitting regions, thereby forming a plurality of light distribution patterns having different brightness in the portion of the regions.

18. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 17, wherein: The light source has 20 or more light-emitting elements arranged in the short-side direction of the rectangle and 100 or more light-emitting elements arranged in the long-side direction.

19. A control device, characterized in that: Control of vehicle lamps capable of illuminating the front of the vehicle, wherein: The control device includes a control unit that controls the vehicle lamp so that the front of the vehicle is illuminated with a light distribution pattern determined based on weather information related to weather conditions around the vehicle and reflective object information of a reflective object existing in front of the vehicle. In normal weather and when there is no reflective object in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the vehicle lamp to emit a first light distribution pattern. In normal weather conditions, when a reflective object is present in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the vehicle lamp so as to illuminate a partial area where the reflective object is present with a second light distribution pattern that is darker than a corresponding partial area of the first light distribution pattern. When there is a reflective object in front of the vehicle during rainy weather, the control unit controls the vehicle lamp so that the partial area where the reflective object is located is illuminated with a third light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding partial area of the second light distribution pattern.

20. A light distribution control method, characterized in that: The light distribution control method controls a vehicle lamp so that the front of the vehicle is illuminated with a light distribution pattern determined based on weather information related to weather conditions around the vehicle and reflective object information of a reflective object existing in front of the vehicle. In normal weather and when there is no reflective object in front of the vehicle, the vehicle lamp is controlled to emit a first light distribution pattern. In normal weather conditions and when a reflective object is present in front of the vehicle, the vehicle lamp is controlled so that a partial area where the reflective object is present is illuminated with a second light distribution pattern that is darker than a corresponding partial area of the first light distribution pattern. When there is a reflective object in front of the vehicle during rainy weather, the vehicle lamp is controlled so that the partial area where the reflective object is located is illuminated with a third light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding partial area of the second light distribution pattern.

21. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, characterized in that A program for causing a control unit to execute a program for controlling the vehicle lamp so as to illuminate the front of the vehicle with a light distribution pattern determined based on weather information related to weather conditions around the vehicle and reflective object information of a reflective object existing in front of the vehicle. The program causes the control unit to execute the following steps: In normal weather conditions and when there is no reflective object in front of the vehicle, controlling the vehicle lamp to illuminate a first light distribution pattern; In normal weather conditions and when a reflective object is present in front of the vehicle, controlling the vehicle lamp so as to illuminate a partial area where the reflective object is present with a second light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding partial area of the first light distribution pattern; as well as The step of controlling the vehicle lamp so that, when a reflective object exists in front of the vehicle on rainy days, the partial area where the reflective object exists is illuminated with a third light distribution pattern that is darker than the corresponding partial area of the second light distribution pattern.

22. A vehicle lighting system, characterized in that: have: A vehicle lamp having a light source with a plurality of light-emitting areas arranged in a matrix, capable of illuminating the front of the vehicle with light emitted from the light source; as well as a control unit that controls the vehicle lamp so as to emit a light distribution pattern selected by controlling the amount of light emitted from each of the plurality of light emitting areas; In rainy weather, the control unit controls the vehicle lamp so that the area ahead of the vehicle is illuminated with a light distribution pattern for distinguishing a road shoulder.

23. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 22, wherein: The control unit controls the vehicle lamp to illuminate a road shoulder light distribution pattern in rainy weather, the road shoulder light distribution pattern being a pattern brighter than a normal light distribution pattern in an area determined to be a road shoulder based on image information obtained by capturing a portion in front of the vehicle illuminated with the determination light distribution pattern.

24. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that: The control unit controls the vehicle lamp so as to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle with the light distribution pattern for determination when receiving a signal to cause the vehicle lamp to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle with the light distribution pattern for determination.

25. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 24, wherein: The control unit controls the vehicle lamp so as to illuminate a direction in front of the vehicle with the light distribution pattern for determination which is brighter than the light distribution pattern for high beam.

26. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 22, wherein: The control unit controls the vehicle lamp so that, at a predetermined timing during driving in rainy weather, a first light distribution pattern for determination and a second light distribution pattern for determination that is darker than the first light distribution pattern for determination are emitted as the light distribution pattern for determination. The control unit controls the vehicle lamp to illuminate a road shoulder light distribution pattern, the road shoulder light distribution pattern being a pattern determined to be brighter than a normal light distribution pattern in an area of the road shoulder based on image information obtained by photographing an area in front of the vehicle illuminated with the first discrimination light distribution pattern and image information obtained by photographing an area in front of the vehicle illuminated with the second discrimination light distribution pattern.

27. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 23 or 26, characterized in that: The control unit controls the light source so as to increase the amount of light emitted from a part of the light emitting area of the light source that illuminates the area determined to be the road shoulder.

28. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 23 or 26, characterized in that: The control unit determines that an area having a reflected light intensity greater than a predetermined value or more than an intensity of reflected light of a portion corresponding to a road surface obtained by capturing image information in front of the vehicle illuminated with the determination light distribution pattern is a road shoulder.

29. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 28, wherein: The control unit controls the vehicle lamp to stop irradiation of the shoulder light distribution pattern when it is determined that the difference between the intensity of the reflected light at the shoulder portion and the intensity of the reflected light at the portion corresponding to the road surface is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

30. A control device, characterized in that: Controlling a vehicle lamp having a light source with a plurality of light-emitting areas arranged in a matrix, and illuminating the front of the vehicle with light emitted from the light source, The control device includes a control unit that controls the vehicle lamp so as to emit a light distribution pattern selected by controlling the amount of light emitted from each of the plurality of light emitting areas. The control unit controls the vehicle lamp to illuminate a direction ahead of the vehicle with a light distribution pattern for distinguishing a road shoulder during rainy weather.

31. A light distribution control method, characterized in that: Controlling a vehicle lamp having a light source with a plurality of light-emitting areas arranged in a matrix, and illuminating the front of the vehicle with light emitted from the light source, The vehicle lamp is controlled to emit a light distribution pattern selected by controlling the amount of light emitted from each of the plurality of light emitting areas. On rainy days, the vehicle lamp is controlled to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle with a light distribution pattern for distinguishing a road shoulder.

32. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, characterized in that A program for causing a control unit to execute is stored, wherein the control unit controls a vehicle lamp having a light source with a plurality of light-emitting areas arranged in a matrix and capable of illuminating the front of the vehicle with light emitted from the light source. The program causes the control unit to execute the following steps: controlling the vehicle lamp so as to emit a light distribution pattern selected by controlling the amount of light emitted from each of the plurality of light emitting areas; as well as The step of controlling the vehicle lamp to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle with a light distribution pattern for distinguishing a road shoulder in rainy weather.

33. A vehicle lighting system, characterized in that: have: A vehicle lamp capable of illuminating the front of the vehicle; as well as a control unit that controls driving of the vehicle lamp based on information about a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp, The vehicle lamp comprises: a first lamp unit, wherein the first lamp unit forms a low beam light distribution pattern; as well as a second lamp unit that forms a road surface depicting light distribution pattern whose shape changes according to the presence or absence of ruts on the road surface; When snow accumulation ahead of the vehicle is detected, the control unit controls driving of the vehicle lamp to form the low-beam light distribution pattern and the road surface depicting light distribution pattern.

34. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 33, wherein: The second lamp unit has a light source with multiple light-emitting areas arranged in a matrix. The control unit is configured to form a plurality of light distribution patterns by changing the irradiation state of a portion of the plurality of light emitting areas. When a snow condition ahead of the vehicle is detected, the control unit controls driving of the vehicle lamp so as to draw the road surface drawing light distribution pattern on the road surface as the light distribution pattern.

35. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 34, wherein: The vehicle lamp system further includes an actuator that changes the illumination direction of the second lamp unit up and down. When snow accumulation is detected in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the operation of the actuator so that the illumination direction of the second lamp unit is downward compared to a case where snow accumulation is not detected.

36. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 35, wherein: The vehicle lamp has a third lamp unit that forms a high-beam light distribution pattern. When snow accumulation ahead of the vehicle is detected, the control unit controls driving of the third lamp unit to stop forming a high-beam light distribution pattern.

37. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that: The control unit controls driving of the second lamp unit so as to draw a periodic light-dark pattern on a road surface that crosses a road surface in front of the vehicle as the road surface drawing light distribution pattern.

38. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that: The control unit determines the snow condition based on information based on a captured image of a region in front of the vehicle.

39. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 38, wherein: The control unit determines the snow accumulation condition based on information based on the temperature outside the vehicle.

40. A vehicle lighting system, characterized in that: have: A vehicle lamp capable of illuminating the front of the vehicle; and a control unit configured to control driving of the vehicle lamp based on information on a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp, The vehicle lamp includes a lamp unit that forms a road surface-drawing light distribution pattern whose shape changes according to the presence or absence of ruts on the road surface. When snow accumulation ahead of the vehicle is detected, the control unit controls driving of the vehicle lamp to form the road surface depicting light distribution pattern and to follow and illuminate an area including ruts with the road surface depicting light distribution pattern.

41. A control device, characterized in that: A vehicle lamp capable of illuminating a front portion of a vehicle is controlled, the vehicle lamp comprising: a first lamp unit forming a low-beam light distribution pattern; and a second lamp unit that forms a road surface depicting light distribution pattern whose shape changes according to the presence or absence of rutting on the road surface, wherein The control device includes a control unit configured to control the vehicle lamp based on information on a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp. When snow accumulation ahead of the vehicle is detected, the control unit controls driving of the vehicle lamp to form the low-beam light distribution pattern and the road surface depicting light distribution pattern.

42. A light distribution control method, characterized in that: A vehicle lamp capable of illuminating a front portion of a vehicle is controlled based on information about a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp, the vehicle lamp comprising: a first lamp unit that forms a low-beam light distribution pattern; and a second lamp unit that forms a road surface depicting light distribution pattern whose shape changes according to the presence or absence of rutting on the road surface, When snow accumulation ahead of the vehicle is detected, the driving of the vehicle lamp is controlled to form the low-beam light distribution pattern and the road surface depicting light distribution pattern.

43. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, characterized in that A program for causing a control unit to execute is stored. The control unit controls a vehicle lamp capable of illuminating a front portion of a vehicle based on information about a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes: a first lamp unit that forms a low-beam light distribution pattern; and a second lamp unit that forms a road surface depicting light distribution pattern whose shape changes according to the presence or absence of rutting on the road surface, The program causes the control unit to execute the following steps: When snow accumulation ahead of the vehicle is detected, driving of the vehicle lamp is controlled to form the low-beam light distribution pattern and the road surface depicting light distribution pattern.

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