Vehicle lamp and method for controlling vehicle lamp

Abstract

A vehicle lamp (10) is provided with: an optical unit (20) provided with a spatial light modulator (22) for providing a general light distribution pattern and a road plot; and an actuator (30) that drives the optical unit (20) so that the irradiation direction of the optical unit (20) is switched between a first direction for the general light distribution pattern and a second direction for the road plotting that is oriented downward than the first direction. The spatial light modulator (22) is configured such that the spatial light modulator (22) is configured such that the spatial light modulator (22) is reset during a reset operation of an actuator (30) that drives the optical unit (20) so as to reset the irradiation direction of the optical unit (20) upward from the second direction toward the first direction. At least a part of the light-off region on the spatial light modulator (22) for the general light distribution pattern is lighted together with the light-on region on the spatial light modulator (22) for the general light distribution pattern.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp that can be mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] In the past, a vehicle headlamp equipped with a graphic drawing optical unit in addition to a low beam optical unit is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). The graphic drawing optical unit can draw various patterns such as desired text, graphics, and marks on the road surface to provide various information to the driver or passengers of the vehicle, or pedestrians or other vehicles around the vehicle.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 066599 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] The inventor of the present invention recognized the following technical problem when conducting research on the above-mentioned vehicle lamp. If the low beam optical unit and the pattern drawing optical unit are integrated into a unit structure, the structure of the vehicle lamp can be simplified, which is also beneficial for miniaturization or cost reduction. Generally speaking, road surface drawing and low beam, etc., as the light distribution of the headlamp, are expected to be projected at different distances from the vehicle. For example, in the case of displaying a message welcoming the driver of the vehicle on the ground near the vehicle, road surface drawing is often performed relatively close to the vehicle. On the other hand, in accordance with factors such as improving forward visibility or regulations, the headlamp light distribution may irradiate far away. Therefore, in the integrated optical unit, it is advantageous to be able to adjust the optical axis according to the light distribution pattern to be irradiated, such as using a driving source such as a leveling actuator. That is, by lowering the optical axis compared to the headlamp light distribution when performing road surface drawing, the integrated optical unit can be easily made suitable for both road surface drawing and headlamp use.

[0008] Here, imagine a scene where the vehicle is moving forward while the road is being mapped. In order to ensure visibility ahead, the integrated optical unit should interrupt the road mapping and directly switch to the headlight distribution. At this time, due to the road mapping, the optical axis of the optical unit is lowered. In order to illuminate the specified distant position as a headlight, it is necessary to drive the actuator to return the optical axis to its original position. Although this reset action only takes a few seconds at most, it still takes some time. If the reset action is not completed in time with the vehicle startup, the distant position that should have been illuminated may not be fully illuminated during the period from the vehicle startup to the completion of the reset action.

[0009] Such concerns regarding forward visibility may occur not only when resetting from the road surface map, but may also occur when resetting from other operations such as initialization of the actuator or adjustment or change of the irradiation direction of the optical unit.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and one exemplary object of one aspect thereof is to provide a vehicle lamp and a control method thereof that helps ensure forward visibility during a resetting operation of an irradiation direction of an optical unit.

[0011] Methods used to solve technical problems

[0012] In order to solve the above technical problems, a vehicle lamp according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: an optical unit having a spatial light modulator for providing a general light distribution pattern and a road surface drawing; and an actuator for driving the optical unit in a manner that switches the irradiation direction of the optical unit between a first direction for the general light distribution pattern and a second direction for the road surface drawing that is downward relative to the first direction. The spatial light modulator is configured to illuminate at least a portion of a light-off region on the spatial light modulator for the general light distribution pattern together with a light-on region on the spatial light modulator for the general light distribution pattern during a reset operation of driving the actuator of the optical unit in a manner that resets the irradiation direction of the optical unit from the second direction upward toward the first direction.

[0013] According to this scheme, during the reset operation, not only the light-on area on the spatial light modulator for the general light distribution pattern is lit, but at least a portion of the light-off area on the spatial light modulator for the general light distribution pattern is also lit. Compared with the case where only the light-on area on the spatial light modulator for the general light distribution pattern is lit, the front of the vehicle can be illuminated more widely. As a result, the visibility in front of the vehicle can be improved.

[0014] Alternatively, the area illuminated by at least a portion of the light-off area lit during the reset operation may be located above the area illuminated by the light-on area for the general light distribution pattern. In this way, it is possible to illuminate farther than when only the light-on area on the spatial light modulator for the general light distribution pattern is lit. Thus, visibility in front of the vehicle can be improved.

[0015] Alternatively, the upper edge of the area illuminated by at least a portion of the light-off area lit during the reset operation may at least temporarily form a light-dark cutoff line of the general light distribution pattern during the reset operation. In this way, the light-off area on the spatial light modulator used for the general light distribution pattern may be used to form a light-dark cutoff line of the general light distribution pattern during the reset operation.

[0016] Alternatively, at least a portion of the light-off region lit during the reset operation may be reduced in synchronization with the reset operation so that the cutoff line is maintained during the reset operation. In this manner, the cutoff line of the general light distribution pattern can be maintained at the fixed position during the reset operation.

[0017] Another embodiment of the present invention is a control method for a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes an optical unit having a spatial light modulator, and an actuator capable of adjusting the illumination direction of the optical unit. The method includes: operating the spatial light modulator in a manner of providing a general light distribution pattern when the illumination direction of the optical unit is directed toward a first direction; operating the spatial light modulator in a manner of providing a road surface drawing when the illumination direction of the optical unit is directed toward a second direction that is lower than the first direction; and during a resetting operation of the actuator that resets the illumination direction of the optical unit from the second direction upward toward the first direction, lighting at least a portion of a light-off area on the spatial light modulator for the general light distribution pattern together with a light-on area on the spatial light modulator for the general light distribution pattern.

[0018] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes: an optical unit having a spatial light modulator for providing a general light distribution pattern; and an actuator for driving the optical unit in a manner that switches the irradiation direction of the optical unit between a first direction for the general light distribution pattern and a second direction different from the first direction. The spatial light modulator is configured to illuminate at least a portion of a light-off region on the spatial light modulator for the general light distribution pattern together with a light-on region on the spatial light modulator for the general light distribution pattern during a reset operation of driving the actuator of the optical unit in a manner that resets the irradiation direction of the optical unit from the second direction to the first direction.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp and a control method thereof that contributes to ensuring forward visibility during a resetting operation of an optical unit in terms of the irradiation direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The schematic diagram of exemplary operation of the vehicle lamp shown.

[0023] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of exemplary operation of a spatial light modulator is shown.

[0024] Figure 41 is a schematic diagram showing a reset operation in a vehicle lamp according to a comparative example.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram showing a reset operation in the vehicle lamp according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) is a diagram schematically showing an exemplary structure for providing the reset action of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Below, the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings based on preferred embodiments. The embodiments do not limit the invention but are exemplified, and all the features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments do not necessarily represent the essential content of the invention. The same or equivalent components, parts, and processes shown in the drawings are marked with the same figure marks, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted. In addition, the scales or shapes of the various parts shown in the drawings are conveniently set for easy description, and are not interpreted restrictively unless otherwise mentioned. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. used in this specification or claims do not indicate any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one structure from other structures. In addition, in each of the drawings, a part of unimportant parts is omitted for display when describing the embodiments.

[0028] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. The vehicle lamp 10 is a vehicle headlamp device having a pair of left and right headlamp units arranged in front of the vehicle. The pair of headlamp units have a substantially left-right symmetrical structure and are substantially the same structure. Figure 1 The middle figure shows a headlamp unit.

[0029] The vehicle lamp 10 includes a lamp body 12 having a front opening 13 and a translucent cover 14 mounted on the lamp body 12 to cover the front opening 13. Generally, the lamp body 12 is formed of a suitable material such as a general-purpose resin material, and the translucent cover 14 is formed of a suitable translucent material such as a translucent synthetic resin material or glass.

[0030] The housing of the vehicle lamp 10 is formed by the lamp body 12 and the translucent cover 14. The vehicle lamp 10 includes an optical unit 20 and an actuator 30 in a lamp chamber 16 which is an internal space of the lamp housing. The optical unit 20 includes a spatial light modulator 22 and a projection optical system 24.

[0031] The spatial light modulator 22 includes a plurality of pixels 23 arranged two-dimensionally (see Figure 3), each pixel 23 can be controlled independently. The spatial light modulator 22 can generate various light distribution patterns by controlling these pixels 23 individually (for example, switching them on and off).

[0032] In this embodiment, the spatial light modulator 22 may also be a device in which a plurality of light emitting elements (such as LEDs) are arranged in a matrix. In this case, each light emitting element functions as a pixel 23. Such a high-precision device may also be referred to as a pixel lamp or a matrix LED. Alternatively, a combination of a light source and a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) device such as a micromirror device, or a liquid crystal display or other forms of spatial light modulators may be used instead of the self-luminous spatial light modulator 22.

[0033] The spatial light modulator 22 provides a general light distribution pattern and a road surface drawing. The general light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern for front identification, and may include, for example, a low beam light distribution pattern with a light-dark cutoff line, or a high beam light distribution pattern. In addition, the light distribution pattern used for road surface drawing may include various patterns such as desired text, graphics, and numbers to be drawn on the road surface. Through road surface drawing, for example, a message welcoming the driver of the vehicle can be displayed on the ground near the vehicle, or various information can be prompted, such as to draw attention to the driver of the vehicle or pedestrians around the vehicle, and drivers of other vehicles.

[0034] In addition, the so-called ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) control that dynamically and adaptively controls the high-beam distribution pattern according to the state of the vehicle's surroundings may also be applied to the spatial light modulator 22. As is known, in the ADB control, by detecting a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle in front of the vehicle, a dark area is formed in a portion of the high-beam distribution pattern corresponding to the preceding vehicle, thereby reducing or preventing glare to the preceding vehicle.

[0035] The projection optical system 24 is configured to project the light distribution pattern generated by the spatial light modulator 22 outside the vehicle lamp 10. The projection optical system 24 includes at least one optical component (for example, a lens or a reflector). Typically, as shown in the figure, the projection optical system 24 may also include a projection lens, which receives light from the spatial light modulator 22 and projects it outside the vehicle lamp 10 through the light-transmitting cover 14. In addition, the projection optical system 24 may also be an inverting optical system that inverts and projects the light distribution pattern generated on the spatial light modulator 22.

[0036] Furthermore, the optical unit 20 may further include a support body 26 that supports the spatial light modulator 22, and the support body 26 may also function as a heat dissipation member for dissipating heat generated by the spatial light modulator 22. The projection optical system 24 may also be mounted on the support body 26 by a mounting member (not shown).

[0037] The actuator 30 is a so-called leveling actuator that drives the optical unit 20 so as to change the posture of the optical unit 20 in the vertical direction. The actuator 30 is arranged on the lamp body 12 side (for example, below or behind the optical unit 20) relative to the optical unit 20 in the lamp chamber 16. The drive shaft of the actuator 30 is connected to, for example, the support body 26 of the optical unit 20, so that the actuator 30 can drive the optical unit 20.

[0038] The optical unit 20 (for example, the support body 26) is supported by the lamp body 12 in a manner that it can be tilted relative to the lamp body 12. By operating the actuator 30, the posture (angle) of the optical unit 20 relative to the lamp body 12 is changed, so that the optical axis of the optical unit 20 (projection optical system 24) can be adjusted. As a result, the vehicle lamp 10 can set the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20, that is, the direction of the light irradiated to the outside by the vehicle lamp 10, to a desired direction. The actuator 30 and the support structure of the optical unit 20 can appropriately adopt various well-known structures, so they are not described in detail here.

[0039] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary operation of the vehicle lamp 10 shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the actuator 30 drives the optical unit 20 in such a manner that the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 is set to a desired direction corresponding to the light distribution pattern generated by the spatial light modulator 22. More specifically, the actuator 30 drives the optical unit 20 in such a manner that the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 is switched between a first direction for a general light distribution pattern and a second direction for a road surface drawing.

[0040] In this embodiment, both normal light distribution and road surface mapping can be realized by using a single optical unit 20. Therefore, compared with a typical vehicle lamp in the past that uses separate optical units to perform normal light distribution and road surface mapping, the structure can be simplified, and the vehicle lamp 10 can be miniaturized and reduced in cost.

[0041] exist Figure 2 The upper part of the diagram shows the general light distribution. Thus, the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 is toward the first direction. The cut-off line of the low-beam light distribution is located at the horizontal plane H or its vicinity (for example, slightly below the horizontal plane H), and the low-beam Lo is irradiated to the lower side of the cut-off line, and the high-beam Hi is irradiated to the upper side. When the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 is toward the first direction, as shown in the figure, the light distribution pattern irradiates the first part 32 on the road surface that is relatively far away, that is, separated from the front of the vehicle.

[0042] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary operation of spatial light modulator 22 is shown. Figure 3 , a lighted area 40 and a lighted area 42 on the spatial light modulator 22 in the low-beam light distribution are illustrated. The lighted area 40 is formed by the pixels 23 that are lit on the spatial light modulator 22, and the lighted area 42 is formed by the pixels 23 that are turned off on the spatial light modulator 22. The low-beam light distribution is formed by the lighted area 40, and a boundary 44 between the lighted area 40 and the lighted area 42 forms a light-dark cutoff line. At least a portion of the lighted area 42 (for example, a portion adjacent to the lighted area 40) or the lighted area 42 as a whole is lit, so that the high-beam light distribution can be formed.

[0043] In the example shown, Figure 2 Corresponding to the positional relationship between the low beam Lo and the high beam Hi in the spatial light modulator 22, the lighted area 40 is arranged below the lighted area 42. However, in the case where the projection optical system 24 is an inverted optical system as described above, the lighted area 40 may be arranged above the lighted area 42 on the spatial light modulator 22.

[0044] In addition, in the case of a reflective spatial light modulator 22 such as a micromirror device, "lighting up" the pixel 23 refers to a state in which the light from the light source is reflected in a manner toward the projection optical system 24, and "lighting off" the pixel 23 refers to a state in which the light from the light source is reflected in a manner that deviates from the projection optical system 24.

[0045] Refer again Figure 2 ,exist Figure 2 The lower part of the figure shows the road surface drawing. Thus, the illumination direction of the optical unit 20 is toward the second direction. The second direction is toward a lower direction than the first direction. The downward angle change (arrow 35) of the second direction relative to the first direction can also be determined, for example, in such a way that the upper edge of the high beam Hi in the first direction is aligned with the horizontal plane H or moves near it.

[0046] For easier understanding, the light beam when the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 is directed toward the first direction is also shown by a dotted line. By making the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 lower than the general light distribution direction, the road surface drawing pattern irradiates the second portion 34 on the road surface closer to the vehicle than the first portion 32 .

[0047] When switching from general light distribution to road surface mapping, the actuator 30 drives the optical unit 20 (for convenience, in the embodiment of FIG. 1 ) in such a way that the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 is changed from the first direction downward to the second direction. Figure 2On the other hand, when switching from road surface mapping to general light distribution, the actuator 30 drives the optical unit 20 (indicated by an upward arrow 38) in such a manner that the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 is reset upward from the second direction to the first direction. This is sometimes referred to as a "reset action" below.

[0048] The reset action is performed when the road surface drawing is finished. For example, the reset action is performed when the road surface drawing is completed in preparation for the subsequent implementation of general light distribution. Alternatively, the reset action can also be performed when the road surface drawing is interrupted and switched to general light distribution.

[0049] Road surface drawing may also be interrupted, for example, when the vehicle starts or is about to start during road surface drawing. An event that triggers the interruption of road surface drawing is, for example, the generation of vehicle speed (for example, the vehicle speed increases from zero to a positive value). This can also be said to be a representative example of an event that directly indicates the start of the vehicle. In addition, an event that triggers the interruption of road surface drawing is, for example, a shift operation to the D gear. This can also be said to be a representative example of an event that indicates that the vehicle is about to start.

[0050] The events that trigger the interruption of road mapping may include various examples, such as an event indicating that the driver has boarded the vehicle (for example, detection of a door closing based on the vehicle's door sensor, detection of the driver sitting down based on the seat sensor, etc.), an event indicating an operation by the driver who has boarded the vehicle (release of the parking brake or handbrake, turning on the power switch in an electric vehicle or the engine switch in a gasoline vehicle, turning off the interior lights, turning on the air conditioner, etc.), and a remote control request from an external portable device such as a smartphone or remote control. In the case of an autonomous vehicle, a remote control request from an external device such as a management center is also cited as an example of such an event.

[0051] Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a reset operation in a vehicle lamp of a comparative example. Figure 4 , the upper column shows the light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle from the driver's viewpoint, the middle column shows the light-on area 40 and the light-off area 42 on the spatial light modulator 22, and the lower column schematically shows the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 by arrows.

[0052] First, in Figure 4 The left side shows the start time of the reset action. When the road surface drawing is interrupted, the spatial light modulator 22 is set Figure 3The lighting area 40 and the lighting area 42 shown in the figure generate a low-beam light distribution as a general light distribution pattern. At this moment, the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 is still toward the second direction for road surface mapping. Therefore, the cut-off line 46 projected in front of the vehicle corresponding to the boundary 44 between the lighting area 40 and the lighting area 42 is formed at a position that is offset further downward than the standard position 48 that should be originally located. At this time, the low-beam light distribution is still near the irradiated vehicle and cannot irradiate the specified distant position.

[0053] exist Figure 4 The center of the diagram shows the moment during the resetting operation. The optical unit 20 is driven by the operation of the actuator 30, and its irradiation direction returns to the upper side. During this period, the settings of the light-on area 40 and the light-off area 42 on the spatial light modulator 22 are fixed. As a result, in conjunction with the resetting of the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 (arrow 50), the cut-off line 46 also approaches the standard position 48 (arrow 52).

[0054] Figure 4 The right side of shows the completion time of the reset action. After the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 is finally switched to the first direction through the reset action, the cut-off line 46 returns to the standard position 48, thereby the low beam distribution can illuminate a predetermined distant position.

[0055] In this reset action, the actuator 30 takes at most a few seconds to drive the optical unit 20, but still needs some time. If the completion of the reset action does not catch up with the vehicle start, the remote area that should be irradiated may not be fully irradiated during the period from the vehicle start to the completion of the reset action.

[0056] Therefore, as described below, in the embodiment, in order to improve forward visibility, the settings of the light-on region 40 and the light-off region 42 on the spatial light modulator 22 are adjusted during the reset operation. During the reset operation, the spatial light modulator 22 lights up at least a portion of the light-off region 42 on the spatial light modulator 22 for the general light distribution pattern together with the light-on region 40 on the spatial light modulator 22 for the general light distribution pattern.

[0057] Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram showing a reset operation in a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. Figure 5 In, with Figure 4 Similarly, the upper column shows the light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle from the driver's viewpoint, the middle column shows the light-on area 40 and the light-off area 42 on the spatial light modulator 22, and the lower column shows the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 by arrows.

[0058] exist Figure 5 The left side shows the start time of the reset action. Figure 4Unlike the comparative example, a part of the lighting-off area 42 in the low-beam light distribution of the general light distribution pattern is used as an additional lighting area 54 during the reset operation. At the same time as the road surface drawing is interrupted, the additional lighting area 54 is also lit in addition to the original lighting area 40 on the spatial light modulator 22.

[0059] The additional illuminated area 56 illuminated by the additional illuminated area 54 is located above the illuminated area 58 illuminated by the original illuminated area 40. On the spatial light modulator 22, the original illuminated area 40 and the additional illuminated area 54 are adjacent to each other, so the original illuminated area 58 and the additional illuminated area 56 are also seamlessly connected to form a bright area in front of the vehicle.

[0060] The additional lighting area 54 is set on the spatial light modulator 22 so that the upper edge of the additional illumination area 56 forms the cut-off line 46 at a standard position. That is, during the reset operation, the boundary 60 between the additional lighting area 54 and the rest of the lighting area 42 forms the standard cut-off line 46.

[0061] exist Figure 5 The center of the image shows the moment during the reset action. Through the action of the actuator 30, the optical unit 20 is driven and its irradiation direction returns to the top. During this period, the additional lighted area 54 is reduced in synchronization with the reset action (arrow 53). That is, on the spatial light modulator 22, the boundary 60 moves downward in synchronization with the action of the optical unit 20. The movement of the boundary 60 can be smooth or stepped. In this way, during the reset action, regardless of the change in the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 (arrow 50), the cut-off line 46 is maintained at a standard position.

[0062] exist Figure 5 The right side of shows the end time of the reset operation. Through the reset operation, the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 is finally switched to the first direction. At this time, there is no additional light-on area 54, and the settings of the light-on area 40 and the light-off area 42 on the spatial light modulator 22 are also restored.

[0063] Therefore, according to the embodiment, the cut-off line 46 can be formed at a standard position from the moment the reset operation starts, and the low beam distribution can illuminate a predetermined distant position. Therefore, unlike the comparative example, according to the embodiment, forward visibility can be ensured during the reset operation.

[0064] In addition, in the prior art, in order to deal with the lack of forward visibility that may be caused by the reset action described in the comparative example, a solution is also proposed to limit the duration of one road surface drawing to, for example, a few seconds. By completing the road surface drawing in a very short time, the possibility of the vehicle starting during the road surface drawing process is reduced.

[0065] On the other hand, according to the embodiment, the forward visibility during the return operation can be improved as described above, so the time limit for the road surface drawing can be eliminated, and the road surface drawing can be designed for a longer time.

[0066] Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) is a diagram schematically showing an exemplary structure for providing the reset action of the embodiment. Figure 6 In the figure, the schematic structure of the control system of the vehicle lamp 10 is drawn as functional blocks. These functional blocks are implemented as hardware structures by components or circuits represented by a CPU or memory of a computer, and as software structures by computer programs, etc. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be implemented in various forms by combining hardware and software.

[0067] As a first example, the spatial light modulator 22 and the actuator 30 may also be configured to operate independently during the reset operation. Figure 6 As shown in (a), the spatial light modulator 22 may include a first controller 70 for controlling the spatial light modulator 22 , and the actuator 30 may include a second controller 72 for controlling the actuator 30 .

[0068] The signal S1 indicating the trigger of the interruption of the road surface drawing is supplied from the vehicle-mounted control device 74 (e.g., a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that comprehensively controls the entire vehicle or a part thereof) provided outside the vehicle lamp 10 to the first controller 70 and the second controller 72. The signal S1 may be, for example, a signal indicating the vehicle speed or a shift operation to the D range.

[0069] The first controller 70 receives the signal S1, interrupts the road surface mapping, and controls the setting of the light-on area and the light-off area on the spatial light modulator 22. At the same time, the second controller 72 receives the signal S1, and controls the resetting of the illumination direction of the optical unit 20 based on the actuator 30 from the second direction to the first direction. The control of the spatial light modulator 22 by the first controller 70 and the control of the actuator 30 by the second controller 72 are synchronized in a manner to improve the forward visibility during the resetting operation, preferably, as shown in FIG. Figure 5As described, the first controller 70 and the second controller 72 are pre-programmed in such a way that the cutoff line is maintained at a standard position during the reset action.

[0070] A sensor 76 for detecting the operating state of the actuator 30 may be provided. The sensor 76 may be, for example, an angle sensor (for example, a G sensor) or a distance sensor for measuring the posture of the optical unit 20 based on the driving of the actuator 30. Alternatively, when a camera capable of photographing at least a portion of the optical unit 20 is provided in the vehicle lamp 10 as the sensor 76, the posture of the optical unit 20 may be estimated from an image including the optical unit 20 based on the camera. Alternatively, the first controller 70 receives the output of the sensor 76, detects that the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 is reset to the first direction, and terminates the reset operation of the spatial light modulator 22 and the actuator 30.

[0071] As a modified example, the first controller 70 may detect an event that triggers the interruption of the road surface drawing, generate a signal S1, control the spatial light modulator 22, and provide the signal S1 to the second controller 72. The second controller 72 may also receive the signal S1 and control the actuator 30. Conversely, the second controller 72 may detect an event that triggers the interruption of the road surface drawing, generate a signal S1, control the actuator 30, and provide the signal S1 to the first controller 70. The first controller 70 may also receive the signal S1 and control the spatial light modulator 22. In this way, when the first controller 70 (or the second controller 72) generates the signal S1, the signal S1 from the vehicle-mounted control device 74 is not necessary for performing the reset action.

[0072] Figure 6 The second example is shown in (b) of FIG. In this example, as in the first example, the signal S1 indicating the trigger of the road surface drawing interruption is provided from the vehicle-mounted control device 74 to the first controller 70 and the second controller 72, and the reset action of the spatial light modulator 22 and the actuator 30 is started. In addition, the vehicle-mounted control device 74 may receive the output of the sensor 76, detect that the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 is reset to the first direction, and end the reset action of the spatial light modulator 22 and the actuator 30.

[0073] like Figure 6 As shown in (b), the first controller 70 can also monitor whether the actuator 30 is operating normally while controlling the spatial light modulator 22. During the reset operation, the first controller 70 receives the state signal S2 from the actuator 30. When the state signal S2 indicates that the actuator 30 is operating normally, the control of the spatial light modulator 22 continues. On the other hand, when the state signal S2 indicates that the actuator 30 stops abnormally, the control of the spatial light modulator 22 stops.

[0074] Similarly, the second controller 72 can also monitor whether the spatial light modulator 22 is operating normally while controlling the actuator 30. The second controller 72 can also receive the status signal S3 from the spatial light modulator 22 during the reset operation, and continue to control the actuator 30 when the status signal S3 shows that the second controller 72 is operating normally, and stop controlling the actuator 30 when the status signal S3 shows that the spatial light modulator 22 stops abnormally.

[0075] In this manner, when one of the spatial light modulator 22 and the actuator 30 stops operating during the resetting operation due to some abnormality, the other also stops operating, so that the cutoff line can be maintained at a standard position.

[0076] As a modified example, a control program for resetting the spatial light modulator 22 and the actuator 30 may be stored in the vehicle control device 74. The vehicle control device 74 may detect an event as a trigger for interrupting the road surface mapping and control the resetting of the spatial light modulator 22 and the actuator 30.

[0077] The vehicle-mounted control device 74 may also monitor whether the spatial light modulator 22 and the actuator 30 are operating normally. Alternatively, the vehicle-mounted control device 74 receives the status signal S2 from the spatial light modulator 22 and the status signal S3 from the actuator 30, and continues to perform the reset operation when the spatial light modulator 22 and the actuator 30 are operating normally, and interrupts the reset operation when at least one of the spatial light modulator 22 and the actuator 30 stops abnormally.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and variations, and the embodiments and variations can be combined, and further modified by various design changes according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Such a combination or further modified embodiments or variations are also included in the scope of the present invention. The above-mentioned embodiments or variations, and new embodiments generated by the combination of the above-mentioned embodiments or variations with the following variations have the effects of the combined embodiments, variations, and further variations.

[0079] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the cut-off line 46 is formed during the reset action is described as an example, but this is not essential. In one embodiment, instead of forming the cut-off line 46 during the reset action, the additional lighting area 54 may be set wider. For example, the entire light-off area 42 may be set in the additional lighting area 54. In this way, in an environment where there is no vehicle ahead and high beam is allowed, the visibility ahead can be further improved.

[0080] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the reset from road surface mapping to general light distribution is described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to the reset from other actions accompanied by adjustment and change of the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 to general light distribution. As an example of such other actions, the initialization action of the actuator 30 is cited. For the initialization action, during the period when the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 is moved (that is, when the irradiation direction of the optical unit 20 is directed to a second direction different from the first direction for general light distribution), the vehicle is started or the like is used as a trigger, the initialization action is interrupted, and the reset action of the embodiment is performed.

[0081] The present invention is described using specific words according to the implementation mode, but the implementation mode only shows one aspect of the principle and application of the present invention. For the implementation mode, various modifications or configuration changes are allowed without departing from the scope of the idea of ​​the present invention defined in the claims.

[0082] Industrial Availability

[0083] The present invention can be utilized in a vehicle lamp that can be mounted in a vehicle such as an automobile, and a control method thereof.

[0084] Description of Reference Numerals

[0085] 10 vehicle lamp, 20 optical unit, 22 spatial light modulator, 30 actuator, 40 lighting area, 42 lighting area, 46 cut-off line.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that: include: An optical unit having a spatial light modulator for providing a general light distribution pattern and a road surface drawing, and an actuator that drives the optical unit in such a manner as to switch the irradiation direction of the optical unit between a first direction for the general light distribution pattern and a second direction for the road surface drawing that is directed downwardly compared to the first direction; The spatial light modulator is configured to light up at least a portion of a light-off area on the spatial light modulator used for the general light distribution pattern together with a light-on area on the spatial light modulator used for the general light distribution pattern during a resetting action of driving the actuator of the optical unit in a manner that resets the irradiation direction of the optical unit from the second direction upward toward the first direction.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The area illuminated by the at least a portion of the light-off area lit during the resetting operation is located above the area illuminated by the light-on area.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper edge of the area illuminated by the at least a portion of the light-off area lit during the resetting operation at least temporarily forms a cut-off line of the general light distribution pattern during the resetting operation.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 3, characterized in that: The at least a portion of the light-off region that is lit during the resetting operation is reduced in synchronization with the resetting operation so that the cutoff line is maintained during the resetting operation.

5. A method for controlling a vehicle lamp, wherein the vehicle lamp comprises an optical unit having a spatial light modulator and an actuator capable of adjusting an irradiation direction of the optical unit, wherein the method comprises: In a state where the irradiation direction of the optical unit is directed toward a first direction, the spatial light modulator is operated in a manner to provide a general light distribution pattern; In a state where the illumination direction of the optical unit is directed toward a second direction that is downwardly directed compared to the first direction, the spatial light modulator is operated in a manner to provide a road surface drawing; as well as During a resetting operation of the actuator for resetting the irradiation direction of the optical unit from the second direction upward toward the first direction, at least a portion of a darkened area on the spatial light modulator for the general light distribution pattern is illuminated together with a lit area on the spatial light modulator for the general light distribution pattern.

6. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that: include: An optical unit having a spatial light modulator for providing a general light distribution pattern, and an actuator for driving the optical unit in such a manner that an irradiation direction of the optical unit is switched between a first direction for the general light distribution pattern and a second direction different from the first direction; The spatial light modulator is configured to light up at least a portion of a light-off area on the spatial light modulator used for the general light distribution pattern together with a light-on area on the spatial light modulator used for the general light distribution pattern during a resetting action of driving the actuator of the optical unit in a manner that resets the irradiation direction of the optical unit from the second direction toward the first direction.

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