Light distribution control device, vehicle lighting system, and light distribution control method

Abstract

A light distribution control device (6) controls a light distribution variable lamp (2) based on images (IMG) repeatedly obtained from an imaging device (4), wherein the light distribution variable lamp (2) is capable of irradiating a visible light beam (L1) with a variable intensity distribution to a front area. The light distribution control device (6) controls the light distribution variable lamp (2) to form a light distribution pattern corresponding to a plurality of first light distribution pattern information, wherein the plurality of first light distribution pattern information is based on a plurality of first light distribution pattern information of each image (IMG), and when each image (IMG) contains a predetermined light spot, the light distribution variable lamp has a light shielding portion determined based on the light spot, and when the light spot is not contained, the light shielding portion is not contained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a light distribution control device, a vehicle lamp system and a light distribution control method. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) control has been proposed, which dynamically and adaptively controls the light distribution pattern based on the vehicle's surrounding conditions. ADB control uses a camera to detect the presence of a light-shielding object in front of the vehicle that should be shielded from high-intensity light, and then shields the area corresponding to the light-shielding object (for example, see Patent Document 1). Examples of light-shielding objects include vehicles in front of or oncoming vehicles. By shielding the area corresponding to the vehicle in front, glare for the driver of the vehicle ahead can be avoided and visibility for the driver of the vehicle ahead can be improved.

[0003] [Prior Art Literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-088224 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0007] As a method for detecting a preceding vehicle subject to light blocking, a method based on light points from the preceding vehicle's lamps contained in an image generated by a camera is conceivable. The present inventors conducted extensive research on ADB control incorporating preceding vehicle detection using a camera and discovered that conventional methods reduce the driver's visual recognition.

[0008] Specifically, if the brightness or color of a lamp is near the detection threshold, the brightness or color of the light point will frequently switch between exceeding and falling below the detection threshold in repeatedly acquired images. Alternatively, if the lamp's dimming method is PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and the lamp flashes at high speed, the camera's timing will frequently shift between capturing and not capturing the light point. This repeated switching between the momentary presence and absence of light shielding can cause discomfort to the driver of the vehicle and reduce visual recognition.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one object of the present invention is to provide a technology for suppressing a decrease in the visibility of the driver.

[0010] [Technical solutions for solving technical problems]

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention is a light distribution control device that controls a variable light distribution lamp based on images repeatedly obtained from an imaging device that captures the area ahead of a vehicle. The variable light distribution lamp is capable of illuminating the area ahead with a visible light beam having a variable intensity distribution. The device controls the variable light distribution lamp to form a light distribution pattern corresponding to a plurality of first light distribution pattern information items based on respective images. The plurality of first light distribution pattern information items includes a light shielding portion determined based on a predetermined light spot when each image contains the light spot, and does not include a light shielding portion when the image does not contain the light spot.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle lighting system comprising: a variable light distribution lamp capable of irradiating a visible light beam with a variable intensity distribution toward an area in front of a vehicle; a camera for capturing an image of the area in front; and the light distribution control device of the embodiment described above.

[0013] Another embodiment of the present invention is a light distribution control method for controlling a variable light distribution lamp based on images repeatedly obtained from an imaging device capturing an area in front of a vehicle. The variable light distribution lamp is capable of illuminating a visible light beam with a variable intensity distribution toward the area in front of the vehicle. The method includes controlling the variable light distribution lamp to form a light distribution pattern corresponding to a plurality of first light distribution pattern information items based on respective images. The plurality of first light distribution pattern information items includes a light shielding portion determined based on a predetermined light spot when each image contains the light spot, and no light shielding portion when the image does not contain the light spot.

[0014] Furthermore, arbitrary combinations of the above-described constituting elements and modes in which the present invention is expressed in the form of methods, apparatuses, systems, etc. may also be effective as additional modes of the present invention.

[0015] [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the visibility of the driver. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the vehicle lighting system according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 (A)~ Figure 2 (L) is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of control performed by the light distribution control device.

[0019] Figure 3 (A)~ Figure 3 (L) is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of control performed by the light distribution control device.

[0020] Figure 4 (A)~ Figure 4(P) is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of control performed by the light distribution control device.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an example of light distribution control performed by the light distribution control device.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a vehicle lighting system according to a second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 (A)~ Figure 7 (L) is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of control performed by the light distribution control device.

[0024] Figure 8 (A)~ Figure 8 (L) is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of control performed by the light distribution control device.

[0025] Figure 9 (A)~ Figure 9 (H) is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of control performed by the light distribution control device.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a flowchart showing an example of light distribution control performed by the light distribution control device.

[0027] Figure 11 (A)~ Figure 11 (F) is a schematic diagram illustrating a control flow executed by the light distribution control device in the vehicle lighting system according to the first modification.

[0028] Figure 12 (A)~ Figure 12 (D) is a schematic diagram illustrating a control flow executed by the light distribution control device in the vehicle lighting system according to the second modification.

[0029] Figure 13 (A)~ Figure 13 (L) is a schematic diagram illustrating a control flow executed by the light distribution control device in the vehicle lighting system according to the third modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments do not limit the invention but are merely illustrative, and all the features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily the essential contents of the invention. The same or equivalent constituent elements, components, and processes shown in the drawings are marked with the same figure numerals, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted. In addition, for ease of description, the scales and shapes of the various parts shown in the drawings are conveniently set, and are not to be interpreted restrictively unless otherwise specified. In addition, when terms such as "first" and "second" are used in this specification or claims, unless otherwise specified, the terms do not indicate any order or importance, but are used to distinguish a certain configuration from other configurations. In addition, in the drawings, a part of the components that are not important when describing the embodiments is omitted and displayed.

[0031] (First embodiment)

[0032] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle lighting system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 In the figure, some of the components of the vehicle lighting system 1 are depicted as functional blocks. These functional blocks are implemented as hardware components by components or circuits such as a computer CPU and memory, and as software components by computer programs, etc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these functional blocks can be implemented in various forms through a combination of hardware and software.

[0033] The vehicle lighting system 1 includes a variable light distribution lamp 2, an imaging device 4, and a light distribution control device 6. These may all be housed in the same housing, or some components may be provided outside the housing, in other words, on the vehicle side.

[0034] The variable light distribution lamp 2 is a lamp that can irradiate a visible light beam L1 with a variable intensity distribution to the area in front of the vehicle. The variable light distribution lamp 2 can individually change the illuminance of the light irradiated to multiple individual areas R arranged in the front area. The multiple individual areas R are arranged in a matrix shape, for example. The variable light distribution lamp 2 receives data indicating the light distribution pattern PTN from the light distribution control device 6, and emits a visible light beam L1 with an intensity distribution corresponding to the light distribution pattern PTN. As a result, a light distribution pattern PTN is formed in front of the vehicle. The light distribution pattern PTN is understood to be a two-dimensional illuminance distribution of the illumination pattern 902 formed by the variable light distribution lamp 2 on the virtual vertical screen 900 in front of the vehicle. The time required for the variable light distribution lamp 2 to form one light distribution pattern PTN is, for example, 0.1 to 5 ms.

[0035] The configuration of the variable light distribution lamp 2 is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, a plurality of light sources arranged in a matrix and a lighting circuit that independently drives each light source to illuminate it. Preferred examples of light sources include semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes), LDs (laser diodes), and organic or inorganic ELs (electroluminescence). Each individual region R corresponds to a light source, and light is irradiated from each light source onto each individual region R. Furthermore, to form an illumination distribution corresponding to the light distribution pattern PTN, the variable light distribution lamp 2 may also include a matrix-type pattern forming device such as a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) or a liquid crystal device, or a scanning optical pattern forming device that scans the area in front of the vehicle using light from the light source.

[0036] The camera 4 is sensitive in the visible light region and captures the area in front of the vehicle. The camera 4 captures the reflected light L2 from the visible light beam L1 of objects in front of the vehicle. It is sufficient for the camera 4 to be sensitive at least within the wavelength range of the visible light beam L1. The image IMG generated by the camera 4 is transmitted to the light distribution control device 6. The frame rate of the camera 4 is, for example, 200 to 10,000 fps (each frame is 0.1 to 5 ms).

[0037] The light distribution control device 6 controls the illumination from the variable light distribution lamp 2 based on images IMG repeatedly obtained from the imaging device 4, executing ADB control to dynamically and adaptively control the light distribution pattern PTN. The light distribution control device 6 can be implemented using a digital processor, such as a combination of a microcomputer including a CPU and a software program, or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specified IC), or the like.

[0038] The light distribution control device 6 controls the variable light distribution lamp 2 to form a light distribution pattern PTN corresponding to a plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1. These plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 are based on respective images IMG. When each image IMG includes a predetermined light spot 16, the device includes a light shielding portion 18 determined based on the light spot 16. When the image IMG does not include the light spot 16, the device does not include the light shielding portion 18. As an example, the light distribution control device 6 includes a first information generating unit 8, a storage unit 10, a pattern determining unit 12, and a lamp control unit 14. Each component operates by executing a program stored in memory within its integrated circuit. The first information generating unit 8 repeatedly generates first light distribution pattern information PTN1 based on the image IMG. The storage unit 10 stores the plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1. The pattern determining unit 12 uses the plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 to determine the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed. The lamp control unit 14 controls the variable light distribution lamp 2 to form the determined light distribution pattern PTN. The operation of each unit will be described in detail below.

[0039] Figure 2 (A)~ Figure 2 (L), Figure 3 (A)~ Figure 3 (L) and Figure 4 (A)~ Figure 4 (P) is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of control performed by the light distribution control device 6 . Figure 2 (A) Figure 2 (E), Figure 2 (I), Figure 3 (A) Figure 3 (E), Figure 3 (I), Figure 4 (A) Figure 4 (E), Figure 4 (I) and Figure 4 (M) is the image IMG generated by the imaging device 4 . Figure 2 (B) Figure 2 (F), Figure 2 (J), Figure 3 (B) Figure 3 (F), Figure 3 (J), Figure 4 (B) Figure 4 (F), Figure 4 (J) and Figure 4 (N) is the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 generated by the first information generating unit 8 . Figure 2 (C) Figure 2 (G), Figure 2 (K), Figure 3 (C) Figure 3 (G), Figure 3 (K), Figure 4 (C) Figure 4 (G), Figure 4 (K) and Figure 4 (O) is the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10 . Figure 2 (D) Figure 2 (H), Figure 2 (L), Figure 3 (D) Figure 3 (H), Figure 3 (L), Figure 4 (D) Figure 4 (H), Figure 4 (L) and Figure 4 (P) is the light distribution pattern PTN determined by the lamp control unit 14 .

[0040] The first information generating unit 8 repeatedly acquires images IMG from the imaging device 4 and repeatedly generates first light distribution pattern information PTN1 based on each image IMG. When each image IMG includes a predetermined light spot 16, the first information generating unit 8 generates first light distribution pattern information PTN1 including a light shielding portion 18 determined based on the light spot 16. Furthermore, when each image IMG does not include a light spot 16, the first information generating unit 8 generates first light distribution pattern information PTN1 without the light shielding portion 18.

[0041] In this embodiment, the light spots 16 that form the shielding portion 18 originate from the lamps of the preceding vehicle. These lamps include the taillights of the preceding vehicle and the headlights of oncoming vehicles. Furthermore, taillights include parking lights and taillights. The first information generating unit 8 performs known image processing on the image IMG to extract the light spots 16 from the lamps of the preceding vehicle and determine the shielding portion 18. The shielding portion 18 overlaps with the preceding vehicle when forming the light distribution pattern PTN. This reduces glare for the driver of the preceding vehicle.

[0042] For example, the first information generating unit 8 performs a binarization process on each pixel of the image IMG using a predetermined threshold value related to the brightness value or the color value. In this way, the light spot 16 from the vehicle in front can be extracted from the image IMG. In addition, the first information generating unit 8 performs an expansion process and a contraction process on the image to which the binarization process has been performed using predetermined constituent elements. As a result, the pixel values ​​of the pixels located around the pixel overlapping with the light spot 16 are converted into the pixel values ​​of the pixel overlapping with the light spot 16. The first information generating unit 8 determines the range of pixels having the pixel value, or the range with a predetermined margin added to the range, as the range of the shading portion 18. Thereafter, the first information generating unit 8 performs a brightness inversion process, for example, on the image to which the expansion and contraction process has been performed. The image information thus obtained becomes the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 having the shading portion 18.

[0043] In the first light distribution pattern information PTN1, the illuminance value of the light shielding portion 18 (the brightness value of the pixels overlapping the light shielding portion 18) is lower than the illuminance values ​​of other portions. Furthermore, "light shielding portion" refers not only to situations where the illuminance of the light irradiating the target portion is completely zero, but also to situations where the illuminance of the target portion is reduced to a value exceeding zero. The method for determining the light shielding portion 18 is not limited to the method described above. For example, a height range b may be predetermined relative to the spacing a between the pairs of light spots 16 from the lamps of the preceding vehicle, and the range within the horizontal a x vertical b range may be determined as the light shielding portion 18.

[0044] As an example, Figure 2 As shown in (A) of FIG. 1 , it is assumed that the image IMG contains a pair of light points 16 from the lamp of the vehicle ahead. In this case, as Figure 2 As shown in (B) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 having the light shielding portion 18. The first information generating unit 8 sends the generated first light distribution pattern information PTN1 to the storage unit 10. Figure 2 As shown in (C), the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is stored in the storage unit 10. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in (D), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10 .

[0045] exist Figure 2In the state shown in (C), the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10 is still one. Therefore, the pattern determination unit 12 determines the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 itself as the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed. The pattern determination unit 12 sends information indicating the determined light distribution pattern PTN to the lamp control unit 14. The lamp control unit 14 controls the light distribution variable lamp 2 to irradiate the visible light beam L1 having an intensity distribution corresponding to the determined light distribution pattern PTN. As a result, Figure 2 As shown in (E), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18 overlapping with the preceding vehicle is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the imaging device 4 generates an image IMG showing the situation in front of the vehicle under the formation of the light distribution pattern PTN.

[0046] Figure 2 The image IMG shown in (E) includes a light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 2 As shown in (F) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 having the light shielding portion 18 and sends it to the storage unit 10. Figure 2 As shown in (G), the second first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is stored in the storage unit 10. Then, as shown in (G) Figure 2 As shown in (H), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the two first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10, and sends it to the lamp control unit 14. As a result, Figure 2 As shown in (I), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18 is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4.

[0047] When determining the light distribution pattern PTN based on the plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1, the pattern determination unit 12 combines the plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 through an OR operation and determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the result of the combination. Therefore, if any of the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10 includes a light shielding portion 18, the determined light distribution pattern PTN includes the light shielding portion 18. Furthermore, the light shielding portion 18 included in the determined light distribution pattern PTN has a shape that is a combination of the light shielding portions 18 included in each of the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10.

[0048] Figure 2 The image IMG shown in (I) includes a light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 2 As shown in (J) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 having the light shielding portion 18 and sends it to the storage unit 10. Figure 2 As shown in (K), the third first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is stored in the storage unit 10. Then, as shown in (K) Figure 2As shown in (L), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the three first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10, and sends it to the lamp control unit 14. As a result, Figure 3 As shown in (A) of FIG. 1 , a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18 is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4 .

[0049] Figure 3 The image IMG shown in (A) does not contain the light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 3 As shown in (B) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 without the light shielding portion 18 and transmits it to the storage unit 10. Figure 3 As shown in (C), the fourth first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is stored in the storage unit 10. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in (D), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the four first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10, and sends it to the lamp control unit 14. As a result, Figure 3 As shown in (E), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18 is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4.

[0050] As described above, the pattern determination unit 12 combines the plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 using an OR operation to determine the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed. Therefore, the fourth first light distribution pattern information PTN1 does not include the light shielding portion 18. However, since the three existing first light distribution pattern information PTN1 do include light shielding portions 18, the determined light distribution pattern PTN does include light shielding portions 18.

[0051] Figure 3 The image IMG shown in (E) includes a light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 3 As shown in (F) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 having the light shielding portion 18 and sends it to the storage unit 10. Figure 3 As shown in (G), the fifth first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is stored in the storage unit 10. In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the maximum number of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10 is set to four. Therefore, the fifth first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is replaced by the first first light distribution pattern information PTN1. In actual control, it is assumed that more than 100 first light distribution pattern information PTN1 are stored in the storage unit 10 and used to determine the light distribution pattern PTN.

[0052] Then, if Figure 3As shown in (H), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the four first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10, and sends it to the lamp control unit 14. As a result, Figure 3 As shown in (I), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18 is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4.

[0053] Figure 3 The image IMG shown in (I) includes a light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 3 As shown in (J) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 having the light shielding portion 18 and sends it to the storage unit 10. Figure 3 As shown in (K), the second first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is replaced by the sixth first light distribution pattern information PTN1. Figure 3 As shown in (L), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the four first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10, and sends it to the lamp control unit 14. As a result, Figure 4 As shown in (A) of FIG. 1 , a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18 is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4 .

[0054] Figure 4 The image IMG shown in (A) does not contain the light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 4 As shown in (B) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 without the light shielding portion 18 and transmits it to the storage unit 10. Figure 4 As shown in (C), the third first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is replaced by the seventh first light distribution pattern information PTN1. Figure 4 As shown in (D), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the four first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10, and sends it to the lamp control unit 14. As a result, Figure 4 As shown in (E), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18 is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4.

[0055] Figure 4 The image IMG shown in (E) does not contain the light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 4 As shown in (F) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 without the light shielding portion 18 and sends it to the storage unit 10. Figure 4 As shown in (G), the fourth first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is replaced by the eighth first light distribution pattern information PTN1. Figure 4As shown in (H), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the four first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10, and sends it to the lamp control unit 14. As a result, Figure 4 As shown in (I), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18 is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4.

[0056] Figure 4 The image IMG shown in (I) does not contain the light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 4 As shown in (J) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 without the light shielding portion 18 and transmits it to the storage unit 10. Figure 4 As shown in (K), the fifth first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is replaced by the ninth first light distribution pattern information PTN1. Figure 4 As shown in (L), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the four first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10, and sends it to the lamp control unit 14. As a result, Figure 4 As shown in (M), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18 is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4.

[0057] Figure 4 The image IMG shown in (M) does not contain the light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 4 As shown in (N), the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 without the light shielding portion 18 and sends it to the storage unit 10. Figure 4 As shown in (O), the sixth first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is replaced by the tenth first light distribution pattern information PTN1. Figure 4 As shown in (P), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the four first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10, and transmits it to the lamp control unit 14. The storage unit 10 stores only the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 that does not include the light shielding portion 18. Therefore, the determined light distribution pattern PTN is the light distribution pattern PTN that does not include the light shielding portion 18.

[0058] exist Figure 3 The light spot 16 is not detected in the image IMG shown in (A), but is obtained at the next camera timing. Figure 3 The light spot 16 is detected in the image IMG shown in (E). That is, Figure 3At the timing shown in (A), the light spot 16 becomes non-detectable instantly. On the other hand, the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10. Therefore, as Figure 3 As shown in (E), even if the light spot 16 becomes undetectable for a moment, the light distribution pattern PTN including the light shielding portion 18 continues to be formed.

[0059] In addition, if Figure 4 (A) Figure 4 (E), Figure 4 (I) and Figure 4 As shown in (M), when the state where the light spot 16 is not detected in the image IMG continues for a predetermined time and all the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10 becomes the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 without the light shielding portion 18, as shown in Figure 4 As shown in (P), the light distribution pattern PTN without the light shielding portion 18 is determined.

[0060] If a light distribution pattern PTN without the shading portion 18 is formed in response to the instantaneous non-detection of the light spot 16, the light distribution pattern PTN without the shading portion 18 and the light distribution pattern PTN with the shading portion 18 may switch instantaneously. For example, when the brightness and color of the light spot 16 are near the detection threshold, the detection and non-detection of the light spot 16 will switch frequently. Alternatively, when the lamps of the vehicle ahead flash at high speed due to dimming, etc., the detection and non-detection of the light spot 16 will switch frequently depending on the overlap of the flashing cycle of the lamps and the camera cycle of the camera device 4. If such a situation occurs, the instantaneous switching between the formation and non-formation of the shading portion 18 is repeated, resulting in the flashing of the shading portion 18. This flashing reduces the visual recognition of the driver of this vehicle.

[0061] In contrast, by incorporating past first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10 into the determination of the light distribution pattern PTN, the formation of the light shielding portion 18 can be stabilized. This prevents flickering of the light shielding portion 18, improving driver visibility. Furthermore, by adjusting the number of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 used to determine the light distribution pattern PTN, in other words, the number of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10, the time required for the light shielding portion 18 to disappear can be adjusted.

[0062] Figure 5 1 is a flowchart showing an example of light distribution control executed by the light distribution control device 6. This flow is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing when the ignition is turned on, for example, by issuing an instruction to execute the light distribution control via a light switch (not shown).

[0063] First, the light distribution control device 6 obtains an image IMG (S101). Next, the light distribution control device 6 generates first light distribution pattern information PTN1 based on the image IMG (S102). The generated first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is then stored in the storage unit 10 (S103). Next, the light distribution control device 6 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10 (S104). The light distribution control device 6 then controls the variable light distribution lamp 2 to form the determined light distribution pattern PTN (S105), terminating this routine.

[0064] As described above, the light distribution control device 6 of this embodiment controls the variable light distribution lamp 2 to form a light distribution pattern PTN corresponding to a plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 based on each image IMG. As an example, the light distribution control device 6 includes a first information generating unit 8, a pattern determining unit 12, and a light control unit 14. The first information generating unit 8 repeatedly acquires images IMG from the imaging device 4 and repeatedly generates first light distribution pattern information PTN1. This first light distribution pattern information PTN1 includes a light shielding portion 18 when each image IMG includes a predetermined light spot 16, and does not include a light shielding portion 18 when the light spot 16 is not included. The pattern determining unit 12 uses the plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 to determine the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed. The light control unit 14 controls the variable light distribution lamp 2 to form the determined light distribution pattern PTN.

[0065] By using multiple first light distribution pattern information PTN1 to determine the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed, in other words, by including previously generated first light distribution pattern information PTN1 in the determining factors of the light distribution pattern PTN, it is possible to suppress flickering of the light shield 18. As a result, it is possible to suppress a reduction in visibility for the driver of the vehicle in question. Furthermore, when the light shield 18 flickers, the driver's side of the preceding vehicle sees the light being illuminated and not illuminated rapidly. Therefore, suppressing flickering of the light shield 18 also suppresses a reduction in visibility for the driver of the preceding vehicle.

[0066] The light distribution control device 6 of this embodiment includes a storage unit 10 that stores a plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1. A pattern determination unit 12 determines a light distribution pattern PTN based on the plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10. Furthermore, the pattern determination unit 12 combines the plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 using an OR operation and determines the light distribution pattern PTN based on the result of the combination. This allows flickering of the light shielding unit 18 to be suppressed through simple control.

[0067] Furthermore, while the pattern determination unit 12 of this embodiment determines the light distribution pattern PTN based solely on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the pattern determination unit 12 may determine the light distribution pattern PTN based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 immediately after it is generated by the first information generation unit 8, that is, based on first light distribution pattern information PTN1 not stored in the storage unit 10, and based on first light distribution pattern information PTN1 stored in the storage unit 10.

[0068] (Second embodiment)

[0069] The vehicle lighting system 1 and light distribution control device 6 of the second embodiment have the same configuration as the first embodiment, except for the content of light distribution control. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, and the common configuration will be briefly described or omitted.

[0070] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a vehicle lighting system according to Embodiment 2. Figure 6 In FIG, some components of the vehicle lighting system 1 are depicted as functional blocks. The light distribution control device 6 controls the variable light distribution lamp 2 to form a light distribution pattern PTN corresponding to a plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 based on each image IMG. As an example, the vehicle lighting system 1 of this embodiment includes the variable light distribution lamp 2, an imaging device 4, and the light distribution control device 6. The light distribution control device 6 includes a first information generating unit 8, a storage unit 10, a pattern determining unit 12, a lamp control unit 14, and a second information generating unit 20. The operation of each component is described in detail below.

[0071] Figure 7 (A)~ Figure 7 (L), Figure 8 (A)~ Figure 8 (L) and Figure 9 (A)~ Figure 9 (H) is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of control performed by the light distribution control device 6 . Figure 7 (A) Figure 7 (E), Figure 7 (I), Figure 8 (A) Figure 8 (E), Figure 8 (I), Figure 9 (A) and Figure 9 (I) is an image IMG generated by the imaging device 4. Figure 7 (B) Figure 7 (F), Figure 7 (J), Figure 8 (B) Figure 8 (F), Figure 8(J), Figure 9 (B) and Figure 9 (F) is the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 generated by the first information generating unit 8 . Figure 7 (C) Figure 7 (G), Figure 7 (K), Figure 8 (C) Figure 8 (G), Figure 8 (K), Figure 9 (C) and Figure 9 (G) is the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 stored in the storage unit 10 . Figure 7 (D) Figure 7 (H), Figure 7 (L), Figure 8 (D) Figure 8 (H), Figure 8 (L), Figure 9 (D) and Figure 9 (H) is the light distribution pattern PTN determined by the lamp control unit 14. In the following, for the sake of convenience, a case where the position of the light spot 16 does not change will be described.

[0072] The first information generating unit 8 repeatedly generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 based on each image IMG acquired from the imaging device 4. As an example, Figure 7 As shown in (A) of FIG. 1 , the image IMG includes pairs of light spots 16 from the lamps of the preceding vehicle. In this case, as Figure 7 As shown in (B), the first information generating unit 8 generates first light distribution pattern information PTN1 including the light shielding portion 18. Hereinafter, the illuminance value of the light shielding portion 18 included in the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 will be referred to as the normal illuminance value, and the light shielding portion 18 having the normal illuminance value will be referred to as the light shielding portion 18x. The first information generating unit 8 transmits the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 to the pattern determining unit 12.

[0073] Similar to the pattern determination unit 12 of the first embodiment, the pattern determination unit 12 uses the plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 to determine the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed. However, the first embodiment differs from the present embodiment in the following respects. Specifically, the pattern determination unit 12 of the first embodiment uses the plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 itself, in other words, directly uses the plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 to determine the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed. In contrast, the pattern determination unit 12 of the present embodiment indirectly uses a portion of the plurality of first light distribution pattern information PTN1 to determine the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed.

[0074] Specifically, the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN based on, in addition to the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 itself, second light distribution pattern information PTN2 obtained by applying predetermined image processing to the previously determined light distribution pattern PTN. In other words, when the pattern determination unit 12 redetermines the light distribution pattern PTN at a second timing subsequent to the first timing, it uses the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 generated based on the light distribution pattern PTN determined at the predetermined first timing together with the first light distribution pattern information PTN1. Because the light distribution pattern PTN is determined based on at least the first light distribution pattern information PTN1, the use of the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 based on the light distribution pattern PTN constitutes indirect use of the first light distribution pattern information PTN1. The second light distribution pattern information PTN2 is stored in the storage unit 10 as described below.

[0075] exist Figure 7 In the state shown in (C), the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 is not stored in the storage unit 10. Figure 7 As shown in (D), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 itself as the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed. The pattern determination unit 12 sends information indicating the determined light distribution pattern PTN to the lamp control unit 14. As a result, Figure 7 As shown in (E), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18x with a normal illuminance value is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the imaging device 4 generates an image IMG showing the situation in front of the vehicle under the formation of the light distribution pattern PTN.

[0076] The pattern determination unit 12 also transmits information indicating the determined light distribution pattern PTN to the second information generation unit 20. The second information generation unit 20 generates second light distribution pattern information PTN2 by increasing the illuminance value of the light shielding portion 18 in the light distribution pattern PTN determined by the pattern determination unit 12 (equivalent to the light distribution pattern PTN determined at the first timing) by a predetermined amount. In generating the second light distribution pattern information PTN2, the illuminance value of the light shielding portion 18 may be increased by uniformly increasing the pixel values ​​of all image information corresponding to the light distribution pattern PTN (the overall illuminance value of the light distribution pattern PTN) by a predetermined amount.

[0077] In this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the illumination level of the light shielding portion 18x at the normal illumination level is divided into four levels to the illumination level at which the light shielding portion 18 disappears. Therefore, if the normal illumination level is increased by four levels, the light shielding portion 18 disappears. The second information generating unit 20 sends the generated second light distribution pattern information PTN2 to the storage unit 10. Figure 7 As shown in (G) of FIG. 1 , the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 of the light shielding portion 18 a having an illuminance value one level higher is stored in the storage unit 10 .

[0078] Figure 7 The image IMG shown in (E) does not contain the light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 7 As shown in (F) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 without the light shielding unit 18 and sends it to the pattern determining unit 12. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in (H), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed (equivalent to the light distribution pattern PTN determined at the second timing) based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 received from the first information generation unit 8 and the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 stored in the storage unit 10, and sends it to the lamp control unit 14.

[0079] The pattern determination unit 12 combines the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 and the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 through an OR operation, and determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the result of the combination. Therefore, the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 does not have the light shielding portion 18, but because the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 has the light shielding portion 18a with a higher illuminance value by one level, the determined light distribution pattern PTN has the light shielding portion 18a with a higher illuminance value by one level. Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown in (I), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18a with an illuminance value one level higher is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4.

[0080] In addition, the pattern determination unit 12 sends information indicating the determined light distribution pattern PTN to the second information generation unit 20. The second information generation unit 20 generates second light distribution pattern information PTN2 based on the determined light distribution pattern PTN and sends it to the storage unit 10. Figure 7 As shown in (K), the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 for the light shielding portion 18b having an illuminance value two levels higher is stored in the storage unit 10. In this embodiment, only one second light distribution pattern information PTN2 is stored in the storage unit 10. Therefore, the existing second light distribution pattern information PTN2 is overwritten with the new second light distribution pattern information PTN2.

[0081] Figure 7 The image IMG shown in (I) includes a light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 7 As shown in (J) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 of the light shielding portion 18x having a normal illuminance value and sends it to the pattern determining unit 12. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in (L), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 received from the first information generation unit 8 and the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 stored in the storage unit 10 , and transmits the determined light distribution pattern PTN to the lamp control unit 14 .

[0082] The first light distribution pattern information PTN1 has a light shielding portion 18x with a normal illuminance value, and the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 has a light shielding portion 18b with an illuminance value two levels higher. Therefore, the determined light distribution pattern PTN becomes a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18 with a shape that is a combination of the light shielding portion 18x of the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 and the light shielding portion 18b of the second light distribution pattern information PTN2. In addition, through the OR operation, the illuminance value of the portion where the light shielding portion 18x and the light shielding portion 18b overlap becomes the illuminance value of the light shielding portion 18x (the lower illuminance value). Therefore, as Figure 8 As shown in (A), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18x with a normal illuminance value is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4.

[0083] In addition, the pattern determination unit 12 sends information indicating the determined light distribution pattern PTN to the second information generation unit 20. The second information generation unit 20 generates second light distribution pattern information PTN2 based on the determined light distribution pattern PTN and sends it to the storage unit 10. Figure 8 As shown in (C), the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 of the light shielding portion 18 a having an illuminance value one level higher is stored in the storage unit 10 .

[0084] Figure 8 The image IMG shown in (A) includes a light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 8 As shown in (B) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 of the light shielding portion 18x having a normal illuminance value and sends it to the pattern determining unit 12. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in (D), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 received from the first information generation unit 8 and the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 stored in the storage unit 10, and sends it to the lamp control unit 14. The first light distribution pattern information PTN1 has a light shielding portion 18x with a normal illuminance value, and the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 has a light shielding portion 18a with an illuminance value one level higher. Therefore, Figure 8 As shown in (E), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18x with a normal illuminance value is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4.

[0085] In addition, the pattern determination unit 12 sends information indicating the determined light distribution pattern PTN to the second information generation unit 20. The second information generation unit 20 generates second light distribution pattern information PTN2 based on the determined light distribution pattern PTN and sends it to the storage unit 10. Figure 8 As shown in (G) of FIG. 1 , the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 of the light shielding portion 18 a having an illuminance value one level higher is stored in the storage unit 10 .

[0086] Figure 8 The image IMG shown in (E) does not contain the light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 8 As shown in (F) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 without the light shielding unit 18 and sends it to the pattern determining unit 12. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in (H), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 received from the first information generation unit 8 and the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 stored in the storage unit 10, and sends it to the lamp control unit 14. The first light distribution pattern information PTN1 does not have the light shielding portion 18, and the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 has the light shielding portion 18a with a higher illuminance value by one level. Therefore, as Figure 8 As shown in (I), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18a with an illuminance value one level higher is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4.

[0087] In addition, the pattern determination unit 12 sends information indicating the determined light distribution pattern PTN to the second information generation unit 20. The second information generation unit 20 generates second light distribution pattern information PTN2 based on the determined light distribution pattern PTN and sends it to the storage unit 10. Figure 8 As shown in (K), the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 of the light shielding portion 18 b having an illuminance value two levels higher is stored in the storage unit 10 .

[0088] Figure 8 The image IMG shown in (I) does not contain the light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 8 As shown in (J) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 without the light shielding unit 18 and sends it to the pattern determining unit 12. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in (L), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 received from the first information generation unit 8 and the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 stored in the storage unit 10, and sends it to the lamp control unit 14. The first light distribution pattern information PTN1 does not have the light shielding portion 18, and the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 has the light shielding portion 18b with an illuminance value two levels higher. Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown in (A), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18b with an illuminance value two levels higher is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4.

[0089] In addition, the pattern determination unit 12 sends information indicating the determined light distribution pattern PTN to the second information generation unit 20. The second information generation unit 20 generates second light distribution pattern information PTN2 based on the determined light distribution pattern PTN and sends it to the storage unit 10. Figure 9 As shown in (C), the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 of the light shielding portion 18 c having an illuminance value three levels higher is stored in the storage unit 10 .

[0090] Figure 9 The image IMG shown in (A) does not contain the light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 9 As shown in (B) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 without the light shielding unit 18 and sends it to the pattern determining unit 12. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown in (D), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 received from the first information generation unit 8 and the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 stored in the storage unit 10, and sends it to the lamp control unit 14. The first light distribution pattern information PTN1 does not have the light shielding portion 18, and the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 has the light shielding portion 18c with an illuminance value three levels higher. Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown in (E), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18c with an illuminance value three levels higher is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4.

[0091] In addition, the pattern determination unit 12 sends information indicating the determined light distribution pattern PTN to the second information generation unit 20. The second information generation unit 20 generates second light distribution pattern information PTN2 based on the determined light distribution pattern PTN and sends it to the storage unit 10. Figure 9 As shown in (G), the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 that does not include the light shielding portion 18 is stored in the storage unit 10 .

[0092] Figure 9 The image IMG shown in (E) does not contain the light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 9 As shown in (F) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 without the light shielding unit 18 and sends it to the pattern determining unit 12. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown in (H), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 received from the first information generation unit 8 and the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 stored in the storage unit 10, and transmits it to the lamp control unit 14. Neither the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 nor the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 includes a light shielding portion. Therefore, the determined light distribution pattern PTN is one without the light shielding portion 18.

[0093] exist Figure 7 The light spot 16 is not detected in the image IMG shown in (E), but is obtained at the next camera timing. Figure 7 The light spot 16 is detected in the image IMG shown in (I). That is, Figure 7 At the timing shown in (E), the light spot 16 becomes non-detectable for a moment. On the other hand, the pattern determination unit 12 Figure 7 The light distribution pattern PTN to be formed is determined based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 generated by the image IMG shown in (E) and the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 stored in the storage unit 10. Figure 7 As shown in (I), even if the light spot 16 becomes undetectable for a moment, the light distribution pattern PTN having the light shielding portion 18a of the brightest level 1 is formed.

[0094] In addition, if Figure 8 (E), Figure 8 (I), Figure 9 (A) and Figure 9 As shown in (E), when the state where the light spot 16 is not detected in the image IMG continues for a predetermined time and the light shielding portion 18 disappears from the second light distribution pattern information PTN2, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown in (H), the light distribution pattern PTN without the light shielding portion 18 is determined.

[0095] If a light distribution pattern PTN without the light shielding portion 18 is formed in response to the instantaneous non-detection of the light spot 16, the light distribution pattern PTN without the light shielding portion 18 and the light distribution pattern PTN with the light shielding portion 18 may switch instantaneously. If such a situation occurs, the light shielding portion 18 will flicker, reducing the visual recognition of the driver of the vehicle. In contrast, by incorporating the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 derived from the past light distribution pattern PTN into the determination of the light distribution pattern PTN, the formation state of the light shielding portion 18 can be stabilized. In this way, the flickering of the light shielding portion 18 can be avoided, and the reduction in the driver's visual recognition can be suppressed. In addition, by adjusting the increase in the illuminance value when generating the second light distribution pattern information PTN2, the time required for the light shielding portion 18 to disappear can be adjusted.

[0096] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, multiple first light distribution pattern information PTN1 are stored in the storage unit 10, and an OR operation is performed on all of the first light distribution pattern information PTN1. This increases the storage and computational complexity, and tends to increase the load on the light distribution control device 6. In contrast, in the present embodiment, only one second light distribution pattern information PTN2 is stored in the storage unit 10, and the OR operation is performed only once. This reduces the load on the light distribution control device 6.

[0097] Figure 10 1 is a flowchart showing an example of light distribution control executed by the light distribution control device 6. This flow is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing when the ignition is turned on, for example, by issuing an instruction to execute the light distribution control via a light switch (not shown).

[0098] First, the light distribution control device 6 obtains an image IMG (S201). Next, the light distribution control device 6 generates first light distribution pattern information PTN1 based on the image IMG (S202). The light distribution control device 6 then determines whether second light distribution pattern information PTN2 is stored in the storage unit 10 (S203). If second light distribution pattern information PTN2 is stored (YES in S203), the light distribution control device 6 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be generated based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 and the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 (S204).

[0099] If the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 is not stored (No in S203), the light distribution control device 6 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be generated based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 (S205). The light distribution control device 6 then controls the light distribution variable lamp 2 to generate the determined light distribution pattern PTN (S206). Next, the light distribution control device 6 generates the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 based on the determined light distribution pattern PTN (S207). The generated second light distribution pattern information PTN2 is then stored in the storage unit 10 (S208), and this routine ends.

[0100] The light distribution control device 6 of this embodiment can also suppress flickering of the light shielding portion 18. As a result, it can prevent degradation of visibility for the driver of the vehicle in question. Furthermore, by suppressing flickering of the light shielding portion 18, it can also prevent degradation of visibility for the driver of the preceding vehicle. Furthermore, compared to the first embodiment, the load on the light distribution control device 6 can be reduced.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image information corresponding to the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed can be subjected to a luminance binarization process, and the pixel values ​​corresponding to the light shielding portions 18a to 18c can be converted to pixel values ​​corresponding to the normal illuminance values ​​of the light shielding portions 18x. Thus, when the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed includes the light shielding portions 18a to 18c, the light shielding portions 18a to 18c can be converted to the light shielding portions 18x having the normal illuminance values. As a result, for example, Figure 7 At the timing shown in (I), the light shielding portion 18x can overlap with the vehicle ahead, thereby reducing glare to the driver of the vehicle ahead.

[0102] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. The embodiments described above are merely specific examples of the implementation of the present invention. The contents of the embodiments do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and various design changes such as alteration, addition, and deletion of constituent elements can be made without departing from the scope of the idea of ​​the invention specified in the claims. The new embodiment with the design changes has the respective effects of the combined embodiment and the deformation. In the embodiments described above, the contents that can undergo such design changes are emphasized by expressions such as "in this embodiment" and "in this embodiment", but the contents without such expressions also allow design changes. Any combination of the above constituent elements is also valid as a solution of the present invention. The hatching marked on the cross section of the accompanying drawings does not limit the material of the object marked with the hatching.

[0103] (Variation 1)

[0104] The vehicle lighting system 1 of the second embodiment can include the following variation 1. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the illuminance value of the entire light shielding portion 18 is uniformly increased when generating the second light distribution pattern information PTN2. In contrast, in this variation, the light shielding portion 18 is divided into multiple sections, and the illuminance value of each section is increased by a different amount. This allows the time until the light shielding portion 18 disappears to vary depending on the location. In other respects, the second embodiment and this variation share common features. The description of common components will be omitted as appropriate.

[0105] Figure 11 (A)~ Figure 11 (F) is a schematic diagram illustrating the control flow executed by the light distribution control device 6 in the vehicle lighting system 1 of Modification 1. Figure 11 (A)~ Figure 11 In (F), the case where the illuminance of the light distribution pattern PTN is determined by 8 bits (256 grayscales) is illustrated. For example, based on the image IMG including the light spot 16, the pattern determination unit 12 determines Figure 11 The light distribution pattern PTN shown in (A) is formed in front of the vehicle. This light distribution pattern PTN includes a light shielding portion 18x having a normal illuminance value. Upon receiving the information regarding the light distribution pattern PTN determined by the pattern determination unit 12, the second information generation unit 20 increases the illuminance value of the light shielding portion 18x by a predetermined amount to generate second light distribution pattern information PTN2. In this modification, the second information generation unit 20 divides the light shielding portion 18x into a predetermined first portion 22 and a second portion 24 that is different from the first portion 22.

[0106] As an example, the first portion 22 includes the center portion of the light shielding portion 18 in the vehicle width direction. The second portion 24 includes the end portions of the light shielding portion 18 in the vehicle width direction. The first portion 22 is sandwiched between the two second portions 24 in the vehicle width direction. The second information generating unit 20 previously stores information on the first portion 22 and the second portion 24. The information on the first portion 22 and the second portion 24 includes, for example, the angular range of each portion in the vehicle width direction. This angular range is expressed, for example, as the proportion of each of the first portion 22 and the second portion 24 relative to the entire light shielding portion 18. The positions and ranges of the first portion 22 and the second portion 24 can be appropriately set based on experiments and simulations performed by the designer.

[0107] Then, the second information generating unit 20 increases the illuminance value of the first portion 22 by a smaller amount than the illuminance value of the second portion 24. The amount of increase in the illuminance value in the first portion 22 and the amount of increase in the illuminance value in the second portion 24 can be appropriately set based on the designer's experiments and simulations. In this modified example, as an example, the illuminance value of the first portion 22 is increased by 51 each time, and the illuminance value of the second portion 24 is increased by 64 each time. Thus, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown in (B), the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 including the light shielding portion 18a is obtained. The second information generating unit 20 stores the obtained second light distribution pattern information PTN2 in the storage unit 10. In the light shielding portion 18x, the illuminance values ​​of the first portion 22 and the second portion 24 are 0. In contrast, in the light shielding portion 18a, the illuminance value of the first portion 22 increases to 51, and the illuminance value of the second portion 24 increases to 64.

[0108] Hypothesis is forming Figure 11 After the light distribution pattern PTN shown in (A) is obtained, the state in which the light spot 16 is not included in the image IMG continues. In this case, the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN having the light shielding portion 18a as the light distribution pattern PTN formed in front of the vehicle. When the second information generation unit 20 receives the information of the light distribution pattern PTN determined from the pattern determination unit 12, it increases the illuminance value of the light shielding portion 18a by a predetermined amount and generates the second light distribution pattern information PTN2. Figure 11 As shown in (C), the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 including the light shielding portion 18b is obtained. In the light shielding portion 18b, the illuminance value of the first portion 22 increases to 102, and the illuminance value of the second portion 24 increases to 128.

[0109] Next, the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN having the light shielding portion 18b as the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed in front of the vehicle. Upon receiving the information of the light distribution pattern PTN determined from the pattern determination unit 12, the second information generation unit 20 increases the illuminance value of the light shielding portion 18b by a predetermined amount to generate the second light distribution pattern information PTN2. Figure 11As shown in (D), the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 including the light shielding portion 18c is obtained. In the light shielding portion 18c, the illuminance value of the first portion 22 increases to 153, and the illuminance value of the second portion 24 increases to 192.

[0110] Next, the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN having the light shielding portion 18c as the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed in front of the vehicle. Upon receiving the information of the light distribution pattern PTN determined from the pattern determination unit 12, the second information generation unit 20 increases the illuminance value of the light shielding portion 18c by a predetermined amount to generate the second light distribution pattern information PTN2. Figure 11 As shown in (E), the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 including the light shielding portion 18d is obtained. In the light shielding portion 18d, the illuminance value of the first portion 22 increases to 204, and the illuminance value of the second portion 24 increases to the upper limit of 255. Therefore, the light shielding portion 18d is composed only of the first portion 22.

[0111] Next, the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN having the light shielding portion 18d as the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed in front of the vehicle. Upon receiving the information of the light distribution pattern PTN determined from the pattern determination unit 12, the second information generation unit 20 increases the illuminance value of the light shielding portion 18d by a predetermined amount to generate the second light distribution pattern information PTN2. Figure 11 As shown in (F), the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 without the light shielding portion 18 is obtained.

[0112] According to the control of this variation, the first portion 22 of the shading portion 18 can be retained longer than the second portion 24. For example, there is a high probability that a vehicle ahead is located in the center of the shading portion 18. Therefore, by delaying the disappearance of the first portion 22 located in the center of the shading portion 18, the glare caused to the driver of the vehicle ahead can be further reduced. In addition, the difference between the second embodiment and this variation is only whether the illuminance value of the entire shading portion 18 is uniformly increased or the illuminance value is increased by different amounts by dividing the shading portion 18 into multiple parts. Therefore, this variation can be implemented without significantly changing the load applied to the light distribution control device 6 or the amount of memory used.

[0113] (Variation 2)

[0114] The vehicle lighting system 1 of the first embodiment can be provided with the second variation described below. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is directly stored in the storage unit 10. In contrast, in this variation, the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is stored in the storage unit 10 after being reduced. This reduces memory usage and the required memory capacity of the storage unit 10. In other respects, the first embodiment and this variation share common features. The description of common components will be omitted as appropriate.

[0115] Figure 12 (A)~ Figure 12 (D) is a schematic diagram illustrating the control flow executed by the light distribution control device 6 in the vehicle lighting system 1 of Modification 2. For example, Figure 12 As shown in (A), it is assumed that the image IMG contains a pair of light spots 16. In this case, as Figure 12 As shown in (B), the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 having the light shielding portion 18. As described above, the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is image information obtained by performing image processing such as binarization processing on the image IMG. Therefore, the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is composed of a plurality of pixel groups arranged in the first direction. Each pixel group is a line extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Each pixel group is composed of a plurality of pixels continuous in the second direction. In this modified example, the first direction is the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) and the second direction is the vehicle width direction (lateral direction).

[0116] The first information generating unit 8 overlaps a plurality of pixel groups to generate first reduced information PTN1a obtained by reducing the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 in the first direction. The first information generating unit 8 sends the generated first reduced information PTN1a to the storage unit 10. Figure 12 As shown in (C), the storage unit 10 stores the first reduced information PTN1a. By reducing the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 to a single line and storing it in the storage unit 10, the memory usage of the storage unit 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, the number of pixels in the first direction of each pixel group can be appropriately set based on the designer's experiments and simulations.

[0117] Then, if Figure 12 As shown in (D), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the first reduction information PTN1a stored in the storage unit 10. When determining the light distribution pattern PTN, the pattern determination unit 12 stacks the first reduction information PTN1a stored in the storage unit 10 in the first direction and returns it to the first light distribution pattern information PTN1. Then, based on the obtained first light distribution pattern information PTN1, the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed is determined.

[0118] If the storage unit 10 stores multiple first reduction information PTN1a, each first reduction information PTN1a is returned to the first light distribution pattern information PTN1. Then, the light distribution pattern PTN is determined based on the obtained multiple first light distribution pattern information PTN1. Alternatively, the multiple first reduction information PTN1a are combined to generate a single first reduction information PTN1a, and the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is obtained based on the first reduction information PTN1a. The light distribution pattern PTN is then determined based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1.

[0119] In this modified example, the positional information of the upper and lower ends of the light shielding portion 18 in the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 is stored in the storage unit 10 along with the first reduction information PTN1a. Therefore, when returning from the first reduction information PTN1a to the first light distribution pattern information PTN1, the positions of the upper and lower ends of the light shielding portion 18 can be accurately reproduced. Alternatively, the positional information of the upper and lower ends of the light shielding portion 18 may not be stored in the storage unit 10. In this case, a light distribution pattern PTN having the light shielding portion 18 extending to the upper and lower ends of the light distribution pattern PTN is obtained.

[0120] (Variation 3)

[0121] The vehicle lighting system 1 of the second embodiment can include a third variation, described below. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 is directly stored in the storage unit 10. In contrast, in this variation, the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 is stored in the storage unit 10 after being reduced. This reduces memory usage and the required memory capacity of the storage unit 10. In other respects, the second embodiment and this variation share common features. The description of common components will be omitted as appropriate.

[0122] Figure 13 (A)~ Figure 13 (L) is a schematic diagram illustrating the control flow executed by the light distribution control device 6 in the vehicle lighting system 1 of Modification 3. For example, Figure 13 As shown in (A), it is assumed that the image IMG contains a pair of light spots 16. In this case, as Figure 13 As shown in FIG. 1B , the first information generating unit 8 generates first light distribution pattern information PTN1 for the light shielding portion 18 x having a normal illuminance value. The first information generating unit 8 sends the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 to the pattern determining unit 12 .

[0123] In the state shown in FIG13 (C), the second reduction information PTN2a described later is not stored in the storage unit 10. Figure 13As shown in (D), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 itself as the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed. The pattern determination unit 12 sends information indicating the determined light distribution pattern PTN to the lamp control unit 14. As a result, Figure 13 As shown in (E), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18x with a normal illuminance value is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4.

[0124] The pattern determination unit 12 then transmits information indicating the determined light distribution pattern PTN to the second information generation unit 20. The second information generation unit 20 increases the illuminance value of the light shielding portion 18x included in the determined light distribution pattern PTN by a predetermined amount, thereby generating second light distribution pattern information PTN2 including the light shielding portion 18a. When generating the second light distribution pattern information PTN2, the second information generation unit 20 may uniformly increase the illuminance value of the entire light shielding portion 18x, as in Embodiment 2, or may divide the light shielding portion 18x into multiple sections and increase the illuminance value of each section by a different amount, as in Modification 1.

[0125] The second light distribution pattern information PTN2 is image information obtained based on the image IMG. Therefore, the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 is composed of multiple pixel groups arranged in a first direction. Each pixel group is a line extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Each pixel group is composed of multiple pixels that are continuous in the second direction. In this variation, the first direction is the vertical direction (longitudinal direction), and the second direction is the vehicle width direction (lateral direction).

[0126] The second information generating unit 20 overlaps a plurality of pixel groups to generate second reduced information PTN2a obtained by reducing the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 in the first direction. The second information generating unit 20 sends the generated second reduced information PTN2a to the storage unit 10. Figure 13 As shown in (G), the storage unit 10 stores the second reduced information PTN2a. By reducing the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 to a single line and storing it in the storage unit 10, the memory usage of the storage unit 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, the number of pixels in the first direction of each pixel group can be appropriately set based on the designer's experiments and simulations.

[0127] exist Figure 13 The image IMG shown in (E) does not contain the light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 13 As shown in (F) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 without the light shielding unit 18 and sends it to the pattern determining unit 12. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 As shown in (H), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 and the second reduction information PTN2 a stored in the storage unit 10 .

[0128] The pattern determination unit 12 synthesizes the plurality of pixel groups arranged in the first direction in the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 and the second reduction information PTN2a by OR operation, and determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the synthesis result. Figure 13 As shown in (I), a light distribution pattern PTN having a light shielding portion 18a is formed in front of the vehicle. Then, the image IMG is generated by the imaging device 4.

[0129] In this modified example, the positional information of the upper and lower ends of the light shielding portion 18a in the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 is stored in the storage unit 10 along with the second reduction information PTN2a. Therefore, when the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 and the second reduction information PTN2a are combined, the positions of the upper and lower ends of the light shielding portion 18a can be accurately reproduced. Alternatively, the positional information of the upper and lower ends of the light shielding portion 18a may not be stored in the storage unit 10. In this case, a light distribution pattern PTN having the light shielding portion 18a extending to the upper and lower ends of the light distribution pattern PTN is obtained.

[0130] Furthermore, the pattern determination unit 12 transmits information indicating the determined light distribution pattern PTN to the second information generation unit 20. The second information generation unit 20 generates second light distribution pattern information PTN2 based on the determined light distribution pattern PTN. Thus, the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 having the light shielding portion 18b is obtained. The second information generation unit 20 generates second reduced information PTN2a obtained by reducing the second light distribution pattern information PTN2 in the first direction, and transmits the second reduced information PTN2a to the storage unit 10. Figure 13 As shown in (K), the storage unit 10 stores the second reduction information PTN2a having the light shielding portion 18b.

[0131] exist Figure 13 The image IMG shown in (I) includes a light spot 16. Therefore, Figure 13 As shown in (J) of FIG. 1 , the first information generating unit 8 generates the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 having the light shielding portion 18x and sends it to the pattern determining unit 12. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 As shown in (L), the pattern determination unit 12 determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed based on the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 and the second reduction information PTN2 a stored in the storage unit 10 .

[0132] In addition, Figure 13 In the image IMG shown in (I), there is only one light spot 16. Figure 13As shown in (J), the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 includes a light shielding portion 18x that is narrower in the vehicle width direction than the light shielding portion 18b included in the second reduced light distribution pattern information PTN2a. Therefore, the light distribution pattern PTN obtained by combining the first light distribution pattern information PTN1 and the second reduced light distribution pattern information PTN2a includes the light shielding portion 18b and the light shielding portion 18x aligned in the vehicle width direction.

[0133] The invention of the above-mentioned embodiment can also be specified by the items described below.

[0134] (Item 1)

[0135] A light distribution control method is a light distribution control method for controlling a light distribution variable lamp (2) based on images (IMG) repeatedly obtained from a camera device (4) that captures an area in front of a vehicle. The light distribution variable lamp (2) is capable of irradiating a visible light beam (L1) with a variable intensity distribution to the area in front of the vehicle.

[0136] The invention includes the steps of controlling a light distribution variable lamp to form a light distribution pattern (PTN) corresponding to a plurality of first light distribution pattern information (PTN1), wherein the plurality of first light distribution pattern information (PTN1) is based on a plurality of first light distribution pattern information (PTN1) of each image (IMG), and when each image (IMG) includes a predetermined light spot (16), the light distribution variable lamp has a light shielding portion (18) determined based on the light spot (16), and when the light spot (16) is not included, the light shielding portion (18) is not included.

[0137] (Item 2)

[0138] The light distribution control method described in item 1 comprises the following steps:

[0139] Repeatedly generate the first light distribution pattern information (PTN1),

[0140] Using a plurality of first light distribution pattern information (PTN1), a light distribution pattern (PTN) to be formed is determined, and

[0141] The light distribution variable lamp (2) is controlled to form a determined light distribution pattern (PTN).

[0142] [Industrial Applicability]

[0143] The present invention can be used in a light distribution control device, a vehicle lighting system, and a light distribution control method.

[0144] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0145] 1: vehicle lighting system, 2: variable light distribution lamp, 4: imaging device, 6: light distribution control device, 8: first information generating unit, 10: storage unit, 12: pattern determining unit, 14: lamp control unit, 20: second information generating unit.

Claims

1. A light distribution control device for controlling a variable light distribution lamp based on images repeatedly obtained from a camera device that captures an area in front of a vehicle, wherein the variable light distribution lamp is capable of irradiating a visible light beam having a variable intensity distribution toward the area in front of the vehicle. The variable light distribution lamp is controlled to form a light distribution pattern corresponding to a plurality of first light distribution pattern information, wherein the plurality of first light distribution pattern information is based on a plurality of first light distribution pattern information of each image, and when each image includes a predetermined light spot, the variable light distribution lamp has a light shielding portion determined based on the light spot, and when the image does not include the light spot, the variable light distribution lamp does not have the light shielding portion. The light distribution control device comprises: a first information generating unit that repeatedly generates the first light distribution pattern information; a pattern determination unit that determines a light distribution pattern to be formed using the plurality of first light distribution pattern information; a lamp control unit for controlling the variable light distribution lamp to form the determined light distribution pattern, and a storage unit storing a plurality of pieces of first light distribution pattern information; The pattern determination unit determines the light distribution pattern based on the stored plurality of first light distribution pattern information.

2. The light distribution control device according to claim 1, The pattern determination unit combines the plurality of first light distribution pattern information by OR operation and determines the light distribution pattern based on a combination result.

3. The light distribution control device according to claim 1 or 2, The first light distribution pattern information is composed of a plurality of pixel groups, each of which is a plurality of pixel groups arranged in a first direction and is linearly extended in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; The first information generating unit overlaps the plurality of pixel groups to generate first reduced information obtained by reducing the first light distribution pattern information in the first direction; The storage unit stores the first reduction information.

4. The light distribution control device according to claim 1, The light distribution control device includes a second information generating unit that generates second light distribution pattern information by increasing the illuminance value of the light shielding portion of the light distribution pattern determined by the pattern determining unit at the first timing by a predetermined amount; When determining a light distribution pattern at a second timing subsequent to the first timing, the pattern determination unit determines the light distribution pattern based on the first light distribution pattern information and the second light distribution pattern information.

5. The light distribution control device according to claim 4, The pattern determination unit combines the first light distribution pattern information and the second light distribution pattern information by an OR operation, and determines the light distribution pattern based on a result of the combination.

6. The light distribution control device according to claim 4 or 5, The second information generating unit increases the illuminance value of a predetermined first portion of the light shielding portion to a smaller value than the illuminance value of a second portion different from the first portion.

7. The light distribution control device according to claim 4 or 5, The second light distribution pattern information is composed of a plurality of pixel groups arranged in a first direction, each of which is a line extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; The second information generating unit overlaps the plurality of pixel groups to generate second reduced information obtained by reducing the second light distribution pattern information in the first direction; The light distribution control device includes a storage unit that stores the second reduction information.

8. The light distribution control device according to claim 6, The second light distribution pattern information is composed of a plurality of pixel groups arranged in a first direction, each of which is a line extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; The second information generating unit overlaps the plurality of pixel groups to generate second reduced information obtained by reducing the second light distribution pattern information in the first direction; The light distribution control device includes a storage unit that stores the second reduction information.

9. A vehicle lighting system comprising: A variable light distribution lamp that can illuminate the area in front of the vehicle with a visible light beam with variable intensity distribution. a camera device for photographing the front area, and The light distribution control device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A vehicle lighting system, comprising: A variable light distribution lamp that can illuminate the area in front of the vehicle with a visible light beam with variable intensity distribution. a camera device for photographing the front area, and The light distribution control device according to claim 3.

11. A vehicle lighting system, comprising: A variable light distribution lamp that can illuminate the area in front of the vehicle with a visible light beam with variable intensity distribution. a camera device for photographing the front area, and The light distribution control device according to claim 4 or 5.

12. A vehicle lighting system comprising: A variable light distribution lamp that can illuminate the area in front of the vehicle with a visible light beam with variable intensity distribution. a camera device for photographing the front area, and The light distribution control device according to claim 6.

13. A light distribution control method for controlling a variable light distribution lamp based on images repeatedly obtained from a camera device that captures an area in front of a vehicle, wherein the variable light distribution lamp is capable of irradiating a visible light beam having a variable intensity distribution toward the area in front of the vehicle. The method includes the steps of controlling the variable light distribution lamp to form a light distribution pattern corresponding to a plurality of first light distribution pattern information, wherein the plurality of first light distribution pattern information is based on a plurality of first light distribution pattern information of each image, and when each image includes a predetermined light spot, the variable light distribution lamp has a light shielding portion determined based on the light spot, and when the image does not include the light spot, the variable light distribution lamp does not have the light shielding portion. The light distribution control method further includes: repeatedly generating the first light distribution pattern information, The light distribution pattern to be formed is determined using the plurality of first light distribution pattern information. controlling the variable light distribution lamp to form the determined light distribution pattern, storing the first light distribution pattern information, The light distribution pattern is determined based on the stored plurality of first light distribution pattern information.

Images