Vehicle headlamp

Abstract

A vehicle headlamp (1) is provided with a lamp unit (10) and a control unit (CO), and when another vehicle (200) moves relative to a host vehicle (100), the degree of blur in a blur region (53) is stronger than when the other vehicle (200) does not move relative to the host vehicle (100).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] There is known a vehicle headlamp that emits light of a light distribution pattern that sets an area overlapping with other vehicles located in front of the vehicle as a light shielding area where no light is irradiated. Such a vehicle headlamp is disclosed in the following patent document 1. The light distribution pattern in the vehicle headlamp includes a boundary area where the brightness changes stepwise from the light shielding area to the irradiation area between the light shielding area and the irradiation area of ​​the irradiation light.

[0003] Patent Document 1: (Japanese) Patent Publication No. 2016-34785 Summary of the invention

[0004] A first aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp, characterized in that it comprises: a lamp unit, which is capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; and a control unit, which inputs a signal from a detection device that detects other vehicles located in front of the vehicle and controls the lamp unit, wherein when the other vehicle is located in front of the vehicle, the control unit forms a first area in the light distribution pattern, the first area overlaps with at least a portion of the other vehicle and is darker than when the other vehicle is not located in front of the vehicle, and when the other vehicle moves relative to the vehicle, the control unit forms a blurred area, the blurred area is adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the first area, and blurs, and the degree of blur in the blurred area when the other vehicle moves relative to the vehicle is stronger than when the other vehicle does not move relative to the vehicle.

[0005] In the vehicle headlamp of the first mode, when other vehicles are located in front of the vehicle, a first area overlapping at least a part of other vehicles is formed in a light distribution pattern such as a high beam light distribution pattern. The first area is a dark area compared to the case where other vehicles are not located in front of the vehicle. Through the first area, when other vehicles are located in front of the vehicle, the amount of light irradiated from the vehicle to other vehicles is reduced, and glare to the drivers of other vehicles is suppressed. However, the stronger the degree of blur in the blurred area, the less obvious the edge of the first area adjacent to the blurred area is, and it is difficult to be recognized by the driver of the vehicle. When other vehicles move relative to the vehicle, the blurred area moves together with the first area, but in the vehicle headlamp, the degree of blur in the blurred area is stronger than when other vehicles do not move relative to the vehicle. Therefore, in this structure, compared with the case where other vehicles move relative to the vehicle in a state where the degree of blur in the blurred area is the same as the degree of blur in the blurred area when other vehicles do not move relative to the vehicle, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the movement of the edge of the first area adjacent to the blurred area. Therefore, according to this configuration, when another vehicle moves relative to the host vehicle, it is possible to suppress the driver from being annoyed by the movement of the first area adjacent to the blurred area.

[0006] In the vehicle headlamp of the first embodiment, it may be that the control unit forms a first blur area and a second blur area in the blur area when the other vehicle moves relative to the own vehicle, the first blur area being located on the moving direction side of the other vehicle relative to the first area in the direction of movement of the other vehicle with respect to the own vehicle, and the second blur area being located on the opposite side of the first blur area relative to the first area, and the blur degrees are different in the first blur area and the second blur area.

[0007] In this case, the blur degree of the first blur region may be greater than that of the second blur region.

[0008] According to this structure, compared with the case where the degree of blur in the first blurred area is not stronger than that in the second blurred area, the driver's discomfort with the change in brightness in the first blurred area and the area surrounding the first blurred area can be suppressed, and the portion along the blurred area in the edge of the first area appears unclear.

[0009] In the vehicle headlamp according to the first aspect, the control unit may not form the blurred area when the other vehicle is not moving relative to the host vehicle.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp, characterized in that it comprises: a lamp unit, which is capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; and a control unit, which inputs a signal from a detection device that detects other vehicles located in front of the host vehicle and the driving conditions of the host vehicle and the other vehicles, and controls the lamp unit, wherein when the other vehicle is located in front of the host vehicle, the control unit forms a first area in the light distribution pattern, the first area overlaps with at least a portion of the other vehicle and is darker than a case where the other vehicle is not located in front of the host vehicle, and when at least one of the host vehicle and the other vehicle is traveling on a curve, the control unit forms a blurred area, the blurred area is adjacent to at least a portion of the left and right edges of the first area, and blurs, and the degree of blur in the blurred area when at least one of the host vehicle and the other vehicle is traveling on the curve is stronger than when the host vehicle and the other vehicle are traveling on a straight road.

[0011] In the vehicle headlamp of the second mode, when other vehicles are located in front of the vehicle, a first area overlapping at least a portion of the other vehicles is formed in a light distribution pattern such as a high beam light distribution pattern. The first area is a dark area compared to a case where other vehicles are not located in front of the vehicle. Through the first area, when other vehicles are located in front of the vehicle, the amount of light irradiated from the vehicle to the other vehicles is reduced, thereby suppressing glare to the drivers of the other vehicles. However, the stronger the degree of blur in the blurred area, the less obvious the edge of the first area adjacent to the blurred area is, and it is difficult to be recognized by the driver of the vehicle. When at least one of the vehicle and the other vehicle is traveling on a curve, the blurred area tends to move roughly in the left-right direction together with the first area. In this case, in the vehicle headlamp, the degree of blur in the blurred area adjacent to at least a portion of the left and right edges of the first area is stronger than when the vehicle and the other vehicle are traveling on a straight road. Therefore, in this structure, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the movement of the edge of the first area adjacent to the blurred area, compared with the case where at least one of the own vehicle and the other vehicle is traveling on a curve with the same degree of blur in the blurred area as that in the case where the own vehicle and the other vehicle are traveling on a straight road. Therefore, according to this structure, it is possible to suppress the driver from being annoyed by the movement of the first area adjacent to the blurred area when the own vehicle is traveling on a curve.

[0012] In the vehicle headlamp of the second embodiment, it may be that the control unit forms a first blur area and a second blur area in the blur area when the vehicle is traveling on the curve, the first blur area being located on the side where the vehicle turns relative to the first area in the left-right direction of the vehicle traveling on the curve, and the second blur area being located on the side opposite to the first blur area relative to the first area, and the degree of blurring is different in the first blur area and the second blur area.

[0013] In this structure, in the area with a strong blur degree in the first blur area and the second blur area, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the movement of the edge of the first area adjacent to the area with a strong blur degree in the first blur area and the second blur area, compared with the case where the blur degrees in the first blur area and the second blur area are weak and the blur degrees are the same. Therefore, according to this structure, when the vehicle is traveling on a curve, the driver of the vehicle can be prevented from being annoyed by the movement of the edge of the first area adjacent to the area with a strong blur degree in the first blur area and the second blur area.

[0014] In this case, the blur degree in the first blur region may be greater than that in the second blur region.

[0015] When the vehicle is traveling on a curve, the driver's line of sight is directed toward the side where the vehicle is turning, and the driver tends to pay attention to the turning side. According to this structure, compared with a case where the blur degree of the first blur area is weaker than that of the second blur area, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the movement of the edge of the first area adjacent to the first blur area located on the side where the vehicle is turning, i.e., the side that the driver is paying attention to. Therefore, according to this structure, when the vehicle is traveling on a curve, it is possible to suppress the driver from being annoyed by the movement of the edge of the first area adjacent to the first blur area located on the side where the vehicle is turning.

[0016] In the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, the control unit may be configured not to form the blurred area when the host vehicle and the other vehicle are traveling on a straight road.

[0017] A third aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp, characterized in that it comprises: a lamp unit, which is capable of changing the light distribution pattern of emitted light; and a control unit, which inputs a signal from a detection device that detects other vehicles located in front of the vehicle and the driving state of the vehicle, and controls the lamp unit. When the other vehicle is located in front of the vehicle and the vehicle is traveling on a curve, the control unit forms a first area in the light distribution pattern, the first area overlaps with at least a portion of the other vehicle and is darker than a case where the other vehicle is not located in front of the vehicle, and the control unit forms a first blurred area and a second blurred area, the first blurred area is located on the side of the vehicle turning relative to the first area and is adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the first area, and the second blurred area is located on the side opposite to the first blurred area relative to the first area and is adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the first area, and the blurring degrees are different in the first blurred area and the second blurred area.

[0018] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp, characterized in that it comprises: a lamp unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; a control unit, which inputs a signal from a detection device that detects other vehicles located in front of the vehicle and the driving status of the other vehicles, and controls the lamp unit, wherein when the other vehicle is located in front of the vehicle and the other vehicle is driving on a curve, the control unit forms a first area in the light distribution pattern, the first area overlaps with at least a portion of the other vehicle and is darker than a case where the other vehicle is not located in front of the vehicle, and the control unit forms a first blurred area and a second blurred area, the first blurred area is located on a side of the first area where the other vehicle turns and is adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the first area, and the second blurred area is located on an opposite side of the first blurred area and is adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the first area with respect to the first area, and the blurring degrees are different in the first blurred area and the second blurred area.

[0019] In the vehicle headlamp of the third mode and the fourth mode, when other vehicles are located in front of the vehicle and the vehicle or other vehicles are traveling on a curve, a first area overlapping at least a part of other vehicles is formed in a light distribution pattern such as a high beam light distribution pattern. The first area is a dark area compared to the case where other vehicles are not located in front of the vehicle. Through the first area, when other vehicles are located in front of the vehicle, the amount of light irradiated from the vehicle to the other vehicles is reduced, and glare to the drivers of other vehicles is suppressed. However, the stronger the degree of blur in the first blur area and the second blur area, the less obvious the edge of the first area adjacent to the first blur area and the second blur area is, and it is not easy to be recognized by the driver of the vehicle. When the vehicle or other vehicles are traveling on a curve, the first blur area and the second blur area have a tendency to move roughly in the left and right direction with the first area. In this structure, in the area with a strong degree of blur in the first blur area and the second blur area, compared with the case where the degree of blur in the first blur area and the second blur area is weak and the degree of blur is the same, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the movement of the edge of the first area adjacent to the area with a strong degree of blur in the first blur area and the second blur area. Therefore, according to this structure, when the own vehicle or other vehicles are traveling on a curve, the driver of the own vehicle can be prevented from being annoyed by the movement of the first area adjacent to the area with a high degree of blur between the first blur area and the second blur area.

[0020] In this case, the blur degree in the first blur region may be greater than that in the second blur region.

[0021] For example, when the vehicle is traveling on a curve, the driver's line of sight is directed toward the side where the vehicle is turning, and the driver tends to pay attention to the turning side. According to this structure, compared with a case where the blur degree of the first blur area is weaker than that of the second blur area, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the movement of the edge of the first area adjacent to the first blur area located on the side where the vehicle is turning and the driver is paying attention to. Therefore, according to this structure, when the vehicle is traveling on a curve, it is possible to suppress the driver from being annoyed by the movement of the edge of the first area adjacent to the first blur area located on the side where the vehicle is turning.

[0022] In the vehicle headlamp of the third aspect and the fourth aspect, the control unit may not form the first blur area and the second blur area when the host vehicle and the other vehicle are traveling on a straight road.

[0023] A fifth embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp, characterized in that it comprises: a lamp unit, which is capable of changing the light distribution pattern of emitted light; and a control unit, which inputs signals respectively from an object detection device that detects a specified object located in front of the vehicle and a brightness detection device that detects the brightness of the surrounding environment of the vehicle, and controls the lamp unit. When the specified object is located in front of the vehicle, the control unit forms a first area and a blurred area in the light distribution pattern, the first area overlaps with at least a portion of the specified object and is darker than when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle, and the blurred area is along at least a portion of an edge of the first area, and the degree of blur in the blurred area varies according to the brightness of the surrounding environment.

[0024] In the vehicle headlamp of the fifth embodiment, the degree of blur in the blur area varies according to the brightness of the surrounding environment of the vehicle. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp, the visual expression of the edge of the darkened area, that is, the first area, can be set to a desired visual expression corresponding to the brightness of the surrounding environment of the vehicle. It should be noted that the degree of blur in the blur area refers to the blur state of brightness, which is the degree to which it is difficult to recognize the contrast of brightness from the first area across the blur area to the area around the first area. Moreover, the stronger the degree of blur, the more difficult it is to recognize the contrast, and the portion of the edge of the first area along the blur area looks unclear.

[0025] In the fifth embodiment of the vehicle headlamp, the width of the blurred area in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the blurred area along the edge of the first area may vary according to the brightness of the surrounding environment. In addition, the brightness of the blurred area may vary according to the brightness of the surrounding environment.

[0026] By changing the width or brightness of the blurred area as described above, the degree of blur in the blurred area changes.

[0027] In the vehicle headlamp of the fifth aspect, the degree of blurring in the blurring area may be greater when the brightness of the surrounding environment is darker than a predetermined brightness than when the brightness of the surrounding environment is the same as or brighter than the predetermined brightness.

[0028] When the surrounding environment of the vehicle is dark, such as in a mountainous area, the edge of the first area tends to appear clearer than when the surrounding environment of the vehicle is bright, such as in an urban area. According to the vehicle headlamp of the fifth embodiment, the visual appearance of the edge of the first area can be suppressed from changing between the dark and bright surrounding environments, and the driver can be suppressed from feeling uncomfortable.

[0029] In the vehicle headlamp of the fifth embodiment, the blurred area may include a pair of side blurred areas along the left and right edges of the first area, respectively, and when the brightness of the surrounding environment is different on the left and right, the degree of blur in the side blurred area located on the side with darker brightness of the surrounding environment is stronger than the degree of blur in the side blurred area located on the side with brighter brightness of the surrounding environment.

[0030] When the brightness of the surrounding environment is different on the left and right sides, there is a tendency that the edge on the dark side of the left and right edges of the first area appears clearer than the edge on the bright side. According to the vehicle headlamp of the fifth embodiment, in such a case, the difference in the visual expression of the left and right edges of the first area can be suppressed, and the driver can be suppressed from feeling uncomfortable. It should be noted that as a case where the brightness of the surrounding environment is different on the left and right sides, for example, a case where the side where the street lamp is located is brighter than the side opposite to the street lamp due to a street lamp can be cited.

[0031] A sixth embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp, characterized in that it comprises: a lamp unit capable of changing the light distribution pattern of emitted light; a control unit, which inputs signals respectively from an object detection device for detecting a specified object located in front of the vehicle and a vibration sensor for detecting the amplitude of vibration of the vehicle, and controls the lamp unit, wherein the control unit forms a first area and a blurred area in the light distribution pattern when the specified object is located in front of the vehicle, the first area overlaps with at least a portion of the specified object and is darker than when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle, and the blurred area is along at least a portion of an edge of the first area, and the greater the amplitude of the vibration of the vehicle, the greater the degree of blurring in the blurred area.

[0032] When the first area is a darkened area and the first area vibrates, there is a tendency that the larger the amplitude of the vibration, the more easily the driver is annoyed by the vibration of the first area. In the sixth embodiment of the vehicle headlamp, the larger the amplitude of the vibration of the vehicle, the stronger the degree of blur in the blurred area. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp, compared with the case where the degree of blur in the blurred area does not change, the edge of the first area can be made to look unclear and the edge can be made less obvious, which can suppress the driver from being annoyed by the vibration of the first area. It should be noted that the degree of blur in the blurred area refers to the blurred state of brightness, which is the degree to which it is difficult to identify the contrast of brightness from the first area across the blurred area to the area around the first area. Moreover, the stronger the degree of blur, the more difficult it is to identify the contrast, and the portion of the edge of the first area along the blurred area looks unclear.

[0033] In the vehicle headlamp of the sixth aspect, the blur region may include at least one of an upper blur region along an upper edge of the first region and a lower blur region along a lower edge of the first region.

[0034] When the vehicle is traveling on an uneven road such as a gravel road, the amplitude of the vibration in the up-down direction of the vehicle tends to be larger than the amplitude of the vibration in the left-right direction. Therefore, according to this structure, compared with a case where the fuzzy area does not include the upper fuzzy area and the lower fuzzy area, it is possible to suppress the driver from being annoyed by the vibration in the first area.

[0035] In this case, the blur region may include at least the lower blur region.

[0036] The upper edge of the first area tends to be located in midair compared to the lower edge of the first area, and the lower edge of the first area tends to overlap with objects such as roads or buildings compared to the upper edge of the first area. Therefore, the lower edge of the first area tends to be easier for the driver to recognize than the upper edge of the first area. Therefore, according to this structure, compared with the case where the blur area does not include the lower blur area, the driver can be suppressed from being annoyed by the vibration of the first area.

[0037] In the vehicle headlamp of the sixth aspect, when the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle is less than a specified value, the blur degree in the blur area does not become strong. At this time, when the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle is less than the specified value, the blur degree in the blur area is zero. According to such a structure, when the host vehicle is traveling on an uneven road such as an unpaved dirt road, a blur area can be formed, and when the host vehicle is traveling on a paved road, a blur area may not be formed.

[0038] In the vehicle headlamp of the sixth embodiment, the degree of blur in the blur region may not be strong when the duration of the vibration of the host vehicle with an amplitude greater than a prescribed value is less than the prescribed duration, or the number of times the vibration of the host vehicle with an amplitude greater than the prescribed value is repeated continuously is less than the prescribed number of times. At this time, the degree of blur in the blur region may be zero when the duration of the vibration of the host vehicle with an amplitude greater than the prescribed value is less than the prescribed duration, or the number of times the vibration of the host vehicle with an amplitude greater than the prescribed value is repeated continuously is less than the prescribed number of times. According to such a structure, a blur region may be formed when the host vehicle is traveling on a bumpy road, and a blur region may not be formed when the host vehicle vibrates with an amplitude greater than the prescribed value only for a moment when the host vehicle passes over a convex portion of the road, etc.

[0039] In the vehicle headlamp according to the sixth aspect, the width of the first region in the up-down direction may be increased as the amplitude of vibration of the host vehicle is increased.

[0040] There is a tendency that the larger the amplitude of the vibration of the first region is, the more likely the region in the first region that overlaps with the prescribed object becomes narrower. According to this structure, compared with a case where the width ratio of the first region in the up-down direction changes, the region in the first region that overlaps with the prescribed object can be suppressed from becoming narrower. Therefore, for example, when the prescribed object is another vehicle, compared with a case where the width of the first region in the up-down direction does not change, the glare to the driver of the other vehicle can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle provided with a vehicle headlamp according to a first embodiment as a first mode.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a lamp unit.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing the light source unit shown in FIG. 2 .

[0044] FIG. 4 is a control flowchart of the control unit according to the first embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of a high beam.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern similar to FIG. 5 .

[0047] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the ADB light distribution pattern similar to FIG. 5 .

[0048] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern according to a modification of the first embodiment, similarly to FIG. 5 .

[0049] FIG. 9 is a part of a control flowchart of the control unit in the second embodiment as the second mode.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern according to a modification of the second embodiment, similarly to FIG. 5 .

[0051] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle provided with the vehicle headlamp according to the third embodiment as a third form.

[0052] FIG. 12 is a control flowchart of the control unit according to the third embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle provided with a vehicle headlamp according to a fifth embodiment as a fifth mode.

[0054] FIG. 14 is a control flowchart of a control unit according to the fifth embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern according to the fifth embodiment, similarly to FIG. 5 .

[0056] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of the ADB light distribution pattern according to the fifth embodiment, similarly to FIG. 15 .

[0057] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern according to a sixth embodiment as the fifth form, similarly to FIG. 15 .

[0058] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle provided with a vehicle headlamp according to a seventh embodiment as the sixth form.

[0059] FIG. 19 is a control flowchart of a control unit according to the seventh embodiment.

[0060] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern according to the seventh embodiment, similarly to FIG. 15 .

[0061] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another example of the ADB light distribution pattern according to the seventh embodiment, similar to FIG. 20 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the vehicle headlamp of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments illustrated below are intended to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its main purpose. In addition, the present invention can also appropriately combine the constituent elements of the embodiments illustrated below. It should be noted that in the drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each component are sometimes changed for easy understanding. In addition, in the drawings, for easy observation, only a portion of the same constituent elements are marked with reference to the accompanying drawings, and a portion of the reference to the accompanying drawings is sometimes omitted.

[0063] (First embodiment)

[0064] A first embodiment as the first mode of the present invention is described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle having a vehicle headlamp according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle 100 has a pair of left and right vehicle headlamps 1, a light switch 110, a detection device 120, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 130. In this specification, "right" refers to the right side in the forward direction of the vehicle 100, "left" refers to the left side in the forward direction, and driver refers to the driver of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 of this embodiment is an automobile.

[0065] Each vehicle headlamp 1 includes a lamp unit 5, a memory ME, a control unit CO, and a power supply circuit 50. Usually, the lamp unit 5 of one vehicle headlamp 1 is arranged on the left side of the front part of the vehicle 100, and the lamp unit 5 of the other vehicle headlamp 1 is arranged on the right side of the front part. The structure of one vehicle headlamp 1 is assumed to be the same as that of the other vehicle headlamp 1 except that the shape of the lamp unit 5 is approximately bilaterally symmetrical. Therefore, in the following, the one vehicle headlamp 1 is described, and the description of the other vehicle headlamp 1 is omitted.

[0066] 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the lamp section 5. The lamp section 5 includes a frame 16 and a lamp unit 10. As shown in FIG.

[0067] The frame 16 includes a housing 17 and a cover 18. The housing 17 is configured in a box shape having an opening at the front, and the cover 18 is fixed to the housing 17 in a manner to close the opening. In this way, a storage space surrounded by the housing 17 and the cover 18 is formed in the frame 16, and the lamp unit 10 is stored in the storage space. The cover 18 transmits light emitted from the lamp unit 10. The power supply circuit 50, the control unit CO, and the memory ME are arranged outside the frame 16, but may also be arranged in the storage space of the frame 16.

[0068] The lamp unit 10 can change the light distribution pattern of the emitted light. The light distribution pattern refers to both the shape of the light image formed on a virtual vertical screen, for example, 25 meters in front of the vehicle 100, and the intensity distribution of the light in the image. The lamp unit 10 includes a light source 12 that emits light toward the front and a projection lens 15 arranged in front of the light source 12.

[0069] The projection lens 15 adjusts the divergence angle of the light incident on the projection lens 15 from the light source unit 12. The light whose divergence angle is adjusted by the projection lens 15 is irradiated toward the front of the host vehicle 100 from the outer cover 18.

[0070] FIG3 is a front view schematically showing the light source unit 12 shown in FIG2 . The light source unit 12 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of light emitting elements 13 as a light emitting unit that emits light toward the front and a circuit substrate 14 on which the plurality of light emitting elements 13 are mounted. The light emitting elements 13 are configured in a matrix and are arranged in the up-down direction and the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, these light emitting elements 13 are micro LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and the light source unit 12 is a so-called micro LED array. It should be noted that there is no particular limitation on the number of light emitting elements 13 arranged in the left-right direction and the up-down direction. The amount of light emitted by each light emitting element 13 can be individually changed by the control unit CO.

[0071] In the present embodiment, each light emitting element 13 corresponds to a pixel of an image generated by an image generating unit of a control unit CO described later. The light source unit 12 emits light based on the image by adjusting the light amount of light emitted from each light emitting element 13 according to the data of the pixel corresponding to the light emitting element 13, and forms a light distribution pattern based on the image by the light. In the present embodiment, the light emitting element 13 corresponds to the pixel one-to-one, but there is no particular limitation.

[0072] The memory ME shown in FIG1 is configured to record information and read the recorded information. The memory ME is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, preferably a semiconductor recording medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), but may include any form of recording medium such as an optical recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. It should be noted that the "non-transitory" recording medium includes recording media that can be read by all computers except for temporary propagating signals (transitory, propagating signals), and volatile recording media are not excluded. Various programs for controlling the lamp unit 10 or information required for the control are stored in the memory ME, and the control unit CO reads the programs or information stored in the memory ME. It should be noted that the memory ME may also be arranged inside the control unit CO.

[0073] The control unit CO is composed of, for example, an integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, an IC (Integrated Circuit), an LSI (Large-scale Integrated Circuit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an NC (Numerical Control) device. In addition, when the control unit CO uses an NC device, a machine learning machine may be used or not. The control unit CO is electrically connected to the ECU 130, and in each vehicle headlamp 1, the control units CO are electrically connected to each other via the ECU 130. It should be noted that the control units CO may also be directly electrically connected to each other without going through the ECU 130.

[0074] The control unit CO of the present embodiment includes an image generation unit 20 and a light distribution control unit 40 in a state where various programs are read out from the memory ME, and receives a signal from the detection device 120 via the ECU 130 .

[0075] The image generation unit 20 generates an image based on the image stored in the memory ME. In the present embodiment, the image is a grayscale image in which the data of each pixel is a grayscale value, and the larger the grayscale value, the brighter the pixel. However, the data of each pixel is not particularly limited. In addition, the image information may also be information read from a memory outside the vehicle via a wireless communication device provided by the vehicle 100.

[0076] The image stored in the memory ME of the present embodiment is a low beam image in which the light emitted from the light source unit 12 forms a low beam distribution pattern or a high beam image in which the high beam distribution pattern is formed. The image generation unit 20 of the present embodiment processes the high beam image based on the information represented by the signal input from the detection device 120 to generate an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) distribution image. The ADB distribution image is an image representing an ADB distribution pattern in which a part of the high beam distribution pattern becomes a first area with reduced light quantity, and an area adjacent to at least a part of the edge of the first area becomes a halo area with reduced light quantity and brighter than the first area.

[0077] The light distribution control unit 40 of this embodiment controls the power supply circuit 50 based on any one of the information of the low beam image, the information of the high beam image, and the information of the ADB light distribution image generated by the image generation unit 20 stored in the memory ME, thereby controlling the lamp unit 10. That is, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 through the signal from the detection device 120, the image generation unit 20, and the light distribution control unit 40.

[0078] The power supply circuit 50 includes a driver. If a control signal is input from the control unit CO, the driver adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 13 of the light source unit 12 from a power supply not shown in the figure. In this way, the light amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 13 is adjusted, and the light source unit 12 emits light based on a low beam image, a high beam image, or an ADB light distribution image. Moreover, low beam light, high beam light, or light of an ADB light distribution pattern is emitted from the lamp unit 10. In addition, in the present embodiment, the driver of the power supply circuit 50 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 13 through PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, thereby adjusting the light amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 13. However, there is no particular limitation on the method for adjusting the light amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 13.

[0079] The light switch 110 of the present embodiment is a switch for selecting emission or non-emission of light. In addition, the light switch 110 selects emission of low beam light or high beam light in the emission of light. When the light switch 110 is turned on, it outputs a signal indicating the emission of the selected light to the control unit CO via the ECU 130 of the vehicle 100, and when it is turned off, it does not output a signal.

[0080] The detection device 120 of the present embodiment detects another vehicle located in front of the host vehicle 100. Examples of the other vehicle include a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle. The detection device 120 of the present embodiment includes an image acquisition unit 121 and a detection unit 122.

[0081] The image acquisition unit 121 acquires an image in front of the vehicle 100, and the image includes at least a portion of the area that can be illuminated by the light emitted from the pair of vehicle headlights 1. Examples of the image acquisition unit 121 include a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) camera, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) camera, a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), a millimeter wave radar, and the like. The image acquisition unit 121 outputs a signal related to the acquired image to the detection unit 122.

[0082] The detection unit 122 has, for example, the same configuration as the control unit CO. The detection unit 122 performs predetermined image processing on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 121, and detects the presence of other vehicles, the presence positions of other vehicles in the image, the types of other vehicles, the relative relationship between the host vehicle 100 and other vehicles, etc. based on the image to which the image processing has been performed.

[0083] For example, when an image in which a pair of white light spots with a brightness higher than a specified brightness or a pair of red light spots are spaced apart in the left-right direction at a specified interval is input from the image acquisition unit 121, the detection unit 122 detects the presence of another vehicle. For example, when an image in which the above-mentioned pair of white light spots is input from the image acquisition unit 121, the detection unit 122 identifies another vehicle as an oncoming vehicle. In addition, when an image in which the above-mentioned pair of red light spots is input from the image acquisition unit 121, the detection unit 122 identifies another vehicle as a preceding vehicle. For example, the pair of white light spots are the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, and the pair of red light spots are the taillights of a preceding vehicle. It should be noted that there are no particular limitations on the detection method or identification method of the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle.

[0084] The relative relationship between the host vehicle 100 and other vehicles indicates whether the other vehicles are moving relative to the host vehicle 100. Examples of relative movement include a situation where one of the host vehicle 100 and the preceding vehicle is traveling on a straight road and the other is traveling on a curve, a situation where the host vehicle 100 and the preceding vehicle are traveling on a straight road or a curve but the host vehicle 100 is approaching or moving away from the other vehicle, a situation where the host vehicle 100 is approaching an oncoming vehicle, a situation where one of the host vehicle 100 and the other vehicle is stopped and the other is traveling, etc. The detection unit 122 detects that the other vehicles are not moving relative to the host vehicle 100, for example, when the amount of change in the distance to the host vehicle 100 and the other vehicles obtained by LiDAR is less than a threshold value within a certain period of time. In addition, the detection unit 122 detects that the other vehicles are moving relative to the host vehicle 100, when the amount of change in the distance is greater than a threshold value within a certain period of time. Alternatively, for example, the detection unit 122 may detect that the other vehicle has moved relative to the vehicle 100 when a pair of light spots of white or red in the image input from the image acquisition unit 121 has moved relative to the vehicle 100. In addition, in this case, the detection unit 122 may detect that the other vehicle has not moved relative to the vehicle 100 when the light spots of the other vehicle have not moved relative to the vehicle 100. Therefore, it can be understood that the detection unit 122 detects whether the self-luminous object has moved relative to the vehicle 100 based on whether the light spots of the self-luminous object have moved relative to the vehicle 100. As such a self-luminous object, in addition to the light spots of the other vehicle, a flashlight that emits light toward the vehicle 100 can also be cited. By using a flashlight, an experiment for detecting the relative relationship between the vehicle 100 and the other vehicle can be realized. Alternatively, for example, if the speed difference between the vehicle 100 and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value, the control unit CO may detect that the other vehicle has not moved relative to the vehicle 100. In this case, for example, the information on the speeds of the host vehicle 100 and other vehicles may be input to the control unit CO from the ECU 130, and the control unit CO may use the information. The method of detecting whether other vehicles are moving relative to the host vehicle 100 is not limited to this.

[0085] When the detection unit 122 detects another vehicle based on the image, it outputs a signal indicating information related to the other vehicle to the control unit CO via the ECU 130. The information related to the other vehicle includes the existence of the other vehicle, the location of the other vehicle in the image, the type of the other vehicle, the relative relationship between the host vehicle 100 and the other vehicle, etc. In addition, when the detection unit 122 does not detect another vehicle, it outputs a signal indicating that there is no other vehicle to the control unit CO via the ECU 130, but it is not necessary to output the signal.

[0086] It should be noted that there is no particular limitation on the objects detected by the detection device 120, the number of types of objects, and the structure of the detection device 120. For example, the image acquisition unit 121 may also be a CCD camera or LiDAR, in which case the detection unit 122 detects other vehicles based on the images acquired by the CCD camera or LiDAR.

[0087] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the operations of a pair of vehicle headlamps 1 are identical and synchronized. Therefore, the operation of one vehicle headlamp 1 will be described below, and the operation of the other vehicle headlamp 1 will be omitted.

[0088] FIG4 is a control flow chart of the control unit CO of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG4 , the control flow includes steps SP11 to SP19. In the start state shown in FIG4 , the image acquisition unit 121 of the detection device 120 acquires an image in front of the vehicle 100, and a signal is input from the detection unit 122 to the control unit CO. In addition, the other vehicle is set as the preceding vehicle for description.

[0089] (Step SP11)

[0090] In this step, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP12 when no signal is input from the light switch 110, and advances the control flow to step SP13 when the signal is input.

[0091] (Step SP12)

[0092] In this step, the light distribution control unit 40 in the control unit CO controls the power supply circuit 50 to prevent the light from the lamp unit 10 from being emitted. As a result, the vehicle headlamp 1 does not emit light. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0093] (Step SP13)

[0094] In this step, the control unit CO enters the control flow into step SP14 when a signal related to the emission of low beam light is input from the light switch 110. In addition, the control unit CO enters the control flow into step SP15 when a signal related to the emission of high beam light is input from the light switch 110.

[0095] (Step SP14)

[0096] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 in such a manner that a low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Specifically, the image generation unit 20 reads the low beam image stored in the memory ME, and the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the low beam image, and supplies power to each light emitting element 13 of the light source unit 12. With the supply of this power, light is emitted from a part of the light emitting elements 13 when emitting a low beam, the light source unit 12 emits light based on the low beam image, and light having a light distribution pattern of a low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this way, a low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. If a low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0097] (Step SP15)

[0098] In this step, the control unit CO enters the control process into step SP16 when a signal indicating that there are no other vehicles is input from the detection unit 122, and enters the control process into step SP17 when a signal indicating information related to other vehicles is input from the detection unit 122.

[0099] (Step SP16)

[0100] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a high beam. Specifically, the image generation unit 20 reads the high beam image stored in the memory ME, and the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the high beam image to supply power to the light emitting elements 13 of the light source unit 12. With the supply of power, the light source unit 12 emits light based on the high beam image, and the vehicle headlamp 1 emits light having a high beam light distribution pattern. In this way, when another vehicle is not located in front of the vehicle 100, the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a high beam.

[0101] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a high beam light distribution pattern of the present embodiment. In FIG. 5 , S represents a horizontal line, V represents a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and a high beam light distribution pattern PH formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 100 is represented by a bold line. In the present embodiment, when emitting high beams, light is emitted from all light emitting elements 13, and the shape of the high beam light distribution pattern PH is a substantially horizontally long rectangular shape. If the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0102] (Step SP17)

[0103] In this step, the control unit CO causes the control flow to enter step SP18 when the other vehicle does not move relative to the host vehicle 100 based on the signal indicating information related to the other vehicle from the detection unit 122. In addition, the control unit CO causes the control flow to enter step SP19 when the other vehicle moves relative to the host vehicle 100 based on the signal.

[0104] (Step SP18)

[0105] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the case where the other vehicles do not move relative to the host vehicle 100. When the host vehicle 100 and other vehicles are traveling on a straight road, the other vehicles do not move relative to the host vehicle 100 more often than when they are traveling on a curved road. Therefore, in this step, the case where the host vehicle 100 and other vehicles are traveling on a straight road is described as an example.

[0106] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in this step in the same manner as FIG. 5 . The ADB light distribution pattern P1 in this step is a light distribution pattern in which a first area 51 and a blurred area 53 are formed on the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. That is, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the first area 51 and the blurred area 53 are formed on the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. The first area 51 is an area marked with a hatching line with oblique lines, and the blurred area 53 is an area marked with a hatching line with multiple points. For easy observation, the edges of each area are indicated by a dotted line.

[0107] The first area 51 is an area in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH that overlaps at least a portion of the other vehicle 200 and is darker than when the other vehicle 200 is not located in front of the host vehicle 100. That is, the light amount of the first area 51 is less than the light amount of the area corresponding to the first area 51 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the amount of light irradiated from the host vehicle 100 to the other vehicle 200 is reduced, and the glare to the driver of the other vehicle 200 can be suppressed. It should be noted that the first area 51 of this embodiment is a light-shielding area that does not irradiate light, but there is no limitation. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first area 51 is a rectangular shape that overlaps the upper part of the license plate of the other vehicle 200. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing the glare to the driver of the other vehicle 200, the first area 51 only needs to overlap at least a portion of the identification portion for the driver of the other vehicle 200 to identify the outside of the vehicle. For example, the first area 51 may also overlap the entire other vehicle 200, and the shape or size of the first area 51 is not limited. It should be noted that the recognition unit refers to, for example, a rearview mirror, a rear window, a camera for photographing the rear of the vehicle, etc. when the other vehicle 200 is the front vehicle, and refers to, for example, a front window when the other vehicle 200 is the oncoming vehicle. Generally, they tend to be arranged above the license plate.

[0108] The blurred area 53 is an area in the high beam light distribution pattern PH that is adjacent to at least a portion of the edge of the first area 51 and is darker than the case where the other vehicle 200 is not located in front of the vehicle 100 and brighter than the first area 51. In addition, the blurred area 53 is along the edge of the first area 51. Because the blurred area 53 is along the edge of the first area 51, it is more difficult for the driver to recognize the contrast of the brightness from the first area 51 to the area around the first area 51, that is, the second area 55, compared with the case where there is no blurred area 53, and the edge of the first area 51 does not look clear. Therefore, the edge is not obvious and difficult to be recognized by the driver. Therefore, the driver is suppressed from feeling uncomfortable with the change in brightness in the first area 51 and the second area 55 around the first area 51. In FIG. 6, an example is shown in which the blurred area 53 extends over the entire circumference of the edge of the first area 51 and is adjacent to the edge. In addition, the blurred area 53 may also be along at least a portion of the edge of the first area 51. Therefore, the blurred area 53 is formed in at least a portion of the boundary area between the first area 51 and the second area 55. In addition, in the present embodiment, the width of the blurred area 53 in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the blurred area 53 along the edge of the first area 51 is substantially constant in the direction along the edge of the first area 51, but the width may not be constant in the direction along the edge of the first area 51. In addition, in the present embodiment, the brightness of the blurred area 53 becomes darker as it approaches the first area 51 side, and gradually becomes brighter from the first area 51 side toward the side opposite to the first area 51, and such brightness changes are substantially the same in the direction along the edge of the first area 51, but there is no limitation. It should be noted that in this step, the blurred area 53 may not be formed.

[0109] The light intensity of the second area 55 does not change from the light intensity of the area corresponding to the second area 55 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Thus, even if another vehicle 200 is located in front of the host vehicle 100, the visibility of the second area 55 by the driver of the host vehicle 100 can be suppressed from decreasing.

[0110] In the control of the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P1, in the present embodiment, first, the image generation unit 20 reads the high beam image stored in the memory ME. Next, the image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image based on the information related to the other vehicle 200 input from the detection device 120, and generates an ADB light distribution image representing the above-mentioned ADB light distribution pattern P1. The image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image as follows: the area corresponding to the above-mentioned first area 51 and the area corresponding to the blurred area 53 in the high beam image are respectively darkened, and the brightness of the area corresponding to the blurred area 53 is brighter than the brightness of the area corresponding to the first area 51. The image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image in this way, and generates an ADB light distribution image in which the brightness of a part of the high beam image changes. Next, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the generated ADB light distribution image, and emits light based on the ADB light distribution image from the light source unit 12. As a result, the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P1 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0111] (Step SP19)

[0112] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the situation where the other vehicle 200 moves relative to the vehicle 100. It should be noted that when the vehicle 100 and other vehicles 200 are traveling on a curve, the other vehicles 200 move relative to the vehicle 100 more often than when they are traveling on a straight road. Therefore, in this step, the situation where the vehicle 100 and other vehicles 200 are traveling on a curve is described as an example. In this case, it is assumed that the other vehicle 200 moves relative to the vehicle 100 to the right.

[0113] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 in this step, similarly to Fig. 5. In the ADB light distribution pattern P2 in this step, the first region 51 and the blurred region 53 are also formed.

[0114] The position, light amount, shape, and size of the first area 51 are the same as each item described in step SP18.

[0115] The blurred area 53 of this step is different from the blurred area 53 in step SP18. Specifically, the blurred area 53 has a stronger degree of blur than the blurred area 53 in step SP18. The blur degree of the blurred area 53 refers to the blurred state of brightness, which is the degree to which it is difficult to recognize the contrast of brightness from the first area 51 across the blurred area 53 to the area around the first area 51, that is, the second area 55. Moreover, the stronger the degree of blur, the more difficult it is to recognize the contrast, and the portion along the blurred area 53 in the edge of the first area 51 looks unclear. As a method of changing the degree of blur, for example, changing the brightness of the blurred area 53 or changing the width of the blurred area 53 can be cited. In addition, in a case where the brightness of the blurred area 53 gradually becomes brighter from the first area 51 side toward the side opposite to the first area 51, the blur degree of the blurred area 53 can also be changed by changing the order of the change in brightness.

[0116] Since the degree of blur changes, the visual expression of the portion along which the blur region 53 is located in the edge of the first region 51 in step SP18 is different from the visual expression of the portion along which the blur region 53 is located in the edge of the first region 51 in this step. In this embodiment, the control unit CO forms a first blur region 53a and a second blur region 53b in the blur region 53. The first blur region 53a is a region located on the moving direction side of the other vehicle 200 relative to the first region 51 in the moving direction of the other vehicle 200 with the host vehicle 100 as a reference. On the other hand, the second blur region 53b is a region located on the opposite side of the first blur region 53a side relative to the first region 51, that is, on the opposite side of the moving direction side of the other vehicle 200. The first blur region 53a is wider in the horizontal direction than the region corresponding to the first blur region 53a in the blur region 53 of step SP18. Therefore, the blur region 53 has a stronger blur degree than the blur region 53 of step SP18. The second blur region 53b has the same width in the horizontal direction as the region corresponding to the second blur region 53b in the blur region 53 in step SP18, but the width may be wider.

[0117] In addition, in this embodiment, the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b have different widths in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the blurring degrees in the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b are different. It should be noted that the blurring degrees in the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b may also be the same.

[0118] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first blur region 53a is wider in the horizontal direction than the second blur region 53b. Thus, the blurring degree of the first blur region 53a becomes stronger than that of the second blur region 53b. According to this structure, compared with the case where the blurring degree of the first blur region 53a is not stronger than that of the second blur region 53b, the driver can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable with the change in brightness in the first region 51 and the second region 55 around the first region 51 in the first blur region 53a, and the portion along the blur region in the edge of the first region 51 looks unclear.

[0119] It should be noted that the blur degree of the first blur region 53a may be weaker than that of the second blur region 53b. In this case, for example, the first blur region 53a only needs to be narrower in the horizontal direction than the second blur region 53b.

[0120] In the control of the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P2, similarly to the control of the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P1 in step SP18, the image generation unit 20 reads the high beam image stored in the memory ME. Next, the image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image based on the information related to the other vehicle 200 input from the detection device 120, and generates an ADB light distribution image representing the above-mentioned ADB light distribution pattern P2. Next, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the generated ADB light distribution image, and emits light based on the ADB light distribution image from the light source unit 12. Therefore, the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0121] When the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0122] As described above, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when emission of high beam light is selected by the light switch 110 , the light distribution pattern of the emitted light changes depending on whether another vehicle is moving relative to the host vehicle 100 .

[0123] However, in the above-mentioned patent document 1, the driving state of the vehicle and other vehicles is not examined. When other vehicles do not move relative to the vehicle, the shading area does not move as observed by the driver of the vehicle. As such a driving state, for example, the vehicle is traveling on a straight road, that is, a straight lane, and the other vehicle is a leading vehicle moving in front of the vehicle. However, for example, when at least one of the vehicle and the other vehicle is traveling on a curve and the other vehicle is moving relative to the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle observes that the darkened area such as the shading area moves. In addition, when the vehicle is traveling on a curve, the darkened area tends to move roughly. If the darkened area moves, the darkened area is easier to be identified by the driver than when the darkened area does not move, and the driver sometimes feels annoyed by the movement of the darkened area.

[0124] Therefore, in the present embodiment as the first mode, as described in steps SP15, SP17, and SP19, when the other vehicle 200 moves relative to the present vehicle 100, the degree of blur in the blur area 53 is stronger than when one of the present vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 200 does not move relative to the other.

[0125] The greater the degree of blur in the blur region 53, the less obvious the edge of the first region 51 adjacent to the blur region 53 is, and the more difficult it is for the driver of the host vehicle 100 to recognize it. When the other vehicle 200 moves relative to the host vehicle 100, the blur region 53 moves together with the first region 51, but in the vehicle headlamp 1, the degree of blur in the blur region 53 is greater than when the other vehicle 200 does not move relative to the host vehicle 100. Therefore, in this structure, the driver cannot recognize the movement of the edge of the first region 51 adjacent to the blur region 53, compared with the case where the other vehicle 200 moves relative to the host vehicle 100 in a state where the blur in the blur region 53 is the same as the blur in the blur region 53 when the other vehicle 200 does not move relative to the host vehicle 100. Therefore, according to this structure, it is possible to suppress the driver from being annoyed by the movement of the first region 51 adjacent to the blur region 53 when the other vehicle 200 moves relative to the host vehicle 100.

[0126] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment as the first mode, in order to change the degree of blur in the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b, the width is changed in the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b, but it is not limited to this. For example, the width of the first blur region 53a may be the same as that of the second blur region 53b. In this case, the amount of light in each of the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b increases as it moves away from the edge of the first region 51, but as long as the amount of light in one of the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b increases slightly than the other. Thus, the degree of blur changes in the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b. For example, if the amount of light in the first blur region 53a increases slightly than that in the second blur region 53b, the degree of blur in the first blur region 53a becomes stronger than that in the second blur region 53b. In addition, when the other vehicle 200 is the front vehicle, the area other than the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b in the blur region 53 may not be formed.

[0127] Next, a modification of the present embodiment as the first mode is described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 in step SP19 of the present modification similarly to FIG. 5 . In the present modification, the degree of blur in the blur region 53 is also stronger than the degree of blur in the blur region 53 of step SP18. In the present modification, the width of the blur region 53 in the left-right direction is different from that in the embodiment. In the present modification, the control unit CO expands the width of the blur region 53 in the left-right direction of the present vehicle 100 when another vehicle 200 moves relative to the present vehicle 100.

[0128] According to this configuration, the driver can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable if the blur region 53 becomes brighter rapidly from the first region 51 toward the outside of the first region 51 in the left-right direction, compared with a case where the blur region 53 is not widened. It should be noted that the configuration of this modification is not essential.

[0129] (Second embodiment)

[0130] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the same or equivalent components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0131] The detection unit 122 of the present embodiment further detects the driving state of the other vehicle 200. The driving state of the other vehicle 200 indicates whether the other vehicle 200 is driving on a straight road or on a curved road. In the driving state of the other vehicle 200, for example, the detection unit 122 detects the driving state of the other vehicle 200 in the curved state of the lane boundary line or the center line captured by the camera. Or, for example, the detection unit 122 detects that the other vehicle 200 is driving on a straight road when the change amount of the left-right offset of the existence position of the other vehicle 200 in the image is less than a threshold value within a certain period of time. In addition, in this case, the detection unit 122 detects that the other vehicle 200 is driving on a curved road when the change amount of the offset is greater than the threshold value within a certain period of time. Or, as another detection method, first, the detection unit 122 inputs images from the image acquisition unit 121 at regular intervals and overlaps the images at each elapsed time. Moreover, the detection unit 122 detects that the other vehicle 200 is traveling on the curve when the trajectory of the light point of the other vehicle 200, such as a pair of light points of white or red in the overlapping images, depicts a curve. In addition, in this case, the detection unit 122 detects that the other vehicle 200 is not traveling on the curve when the trajectory does not depict a curve. Therefore, it can be understood that the detection unit 122 detects whether the self-luminous object is traveling on the curve based on whether the trajectory of the light point of the self-luminous object depicts a curve. As such a self-luminous object, in addition to the light point of the other vehicle 200, a flashlight that emits light toward the vehicle 100 can also be cited. By using a flashlight, an experiment of detecting the driving state of the other vehicle 200 can be realized. Alternatively, if the position of the other vehicle 200 in the image from the image acquisition unit 121 is offset to the left or right from the front of the vehicle 100, the detection unit 122 detects that the other vehicle 200 is in a state of traveling on the curve. It should be noted that the detection method of the driving state of the other vehicle 200 based on the detection unit 122 is not limited to this.

[0132] The detection device 120 of the present embodiment also has a steering sensor. The steering sensor detects the steering angle of the vehicle 100, for example, based on the rotation angle of the steering wheel of the vehicle 100. The steering sensor recognizes the right steering angle and the left steering angle as different steering angles, and detects these steering angles at the same time. When the steering angle is above 0° and below the reference steering angle, the vehicle 100 is in a state of traveling on a straight road. The steering angle of the steering of the vehicle 100 when traveling straight is set to 0°, and the reference steering angle is, for example, 3°. In addition, when the steering angle is greater than the reference steering angle, the vehicle 100 is in a state of traveling on a curve. The steering sensor outputs a signal indicating the detected steering angle to the control unit CO via the ECU 130. The control unit CO detects the driving state of the vehicle 100 through the signal from the steering sensor. The driving state of the present embodiment indicates whether the vehicle 100 is in a state of traveling on a straight road or in a state of traveling on a curve. In this way, the detection device 120 further detects the driving state of the vehicle 100.

[0133] It should be noted that the detection of the driving state of the vehicle 100 is not limited to the signal from the steering sensor. For example, the control unit CO can also detect the driving state of the vehicle 100 based on the current position information of the vehicle 100 detected based on the GPS signal transmitted from the GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite and the map information recorded in the memory ME. The control unit CO determines whether the current position coordinates of the vehicle 100 are located in the straight road or the curve in the map information, and detects the driving state of the vehicle 100. Alternatively, the control unit CO can also detect the driving state of the vehicle 100 in the turning state of the lane boundary line or the center line captured by the camera.

[0134] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a part of the control flow chart of the control unit CO is different from that of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a part of the control flow chart of the control unit CO of the present embodiment, which is changed from step SP17 of the first embodiment to step SP21. It should be noted that in the starting state of the present embodiment, a signal is also input from the steering sensor to the control unit CO.

[0135] (Step SP21)

[0136] In this step, the control unit CO, based on the signal from the steering sensor and the detection device 120, causes the control flow to enter step SP18 when the vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 200 are traveling on a straight road. The ADB light distribution pattern described in step SP18 and FIG. 6 becomes a light distribution pattern corresponding to the case where the vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 200 are traveling on a straight road. In addition, the control unit CO, based on these signals, causes the control flow to enter step SP19 when at least one of the vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 200 is traveling on a curve. The ADB light distribution pattern described in step SP19 and FIG. 7 becomes a light distribution pattern corresponding to the case where the vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 200 are traveling on a curve. It should be noted that the ADB light distribution pattern described in step SP19 and FIG. 7 is also a light distribution pattern corresponding to the case where the vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 200 are traveling on a curve. Therefore, the light distribution pattern corresponding to the case where at least one of the vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 200 is traveling on a curve becomes the ADB light distribution pattern described in step SP19 and FIG. 7.

[0137] Thus, in this embodiment, as described in steps SP15, SP21, and SP19, when the host vehicle 100 and other vehicles 200 are traveling on a curve, the degree of blur in the blur region 53 is greater than when the host vehicle 100 and other vehicles 200 are traveling on a straight road.

[0138] When the host vehicle 100 or another vehicle 200 is traveling on a curve, the first area 51 and the blur area 53 tend to move roughly. In this case, in the vehicle headlamp 1, the blurring degree in the blur area 53 is stronger than when the host vehicle 100 or another vehicle 200 is traveling on a straight road. Therefore, in this configuration, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the movement of the edge of the first area 51 adjacent to the blur area 53, compared with the case where the host vehicle 100 or another vehicle 200 is traveling on a curve with the blurring degree in the blur area 53 being the same as the blurring degree in the blur area 53 when the host vehicle 100 or another vehicle 200 is traveling on a straight road. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the driver from being annoyed by the movement of the first area 51 adjacent to the blur area 53 when the host vehicle 100 is traveling on a curve.

[0139] In addition, in step SP19 of the present embodiment, the control unit CO forms a first blur region 53a and a second blur region 53b in the blur region 53. The first blur region 53a of the present embodiment is a region located on the side where the host vehicle 100 turns relative to the first region 51 in the left-right direction of the host vehicle 100 traveling on the curve. On the other hand, the second blur region 53b is a region located on the side opposite to the first blur region 53a, that is, the side opposite to the turning side of the host vehicle 100, relative to the first region 51.

[0140] In the present embodiment, the blurring degrees are also different between the first blurring area 53a and the second blurring area 53b.

[0141] In this structure, in the area with a strong blur degree in the first blur area 53a and the second blur area 53b, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the movement of the edge of the first area 51 adjacent to the area with a strong blur degree in the first blur area 53a and the second blur area 53b, compared with the case where the blur degrees in the blur areas 53a and 53b are weak and the blur degrees are the same. Therefore, according to this structure, when the vehicle 100 is traveling on a curve, the driver of the vehicle 100 can be prevented from being annoyed by the movement of the first area 51 adjacent to the area with a strong blur degree in the first blur area 53a and the second blur area 53b. It should be noted that the blur degrees in the first blur area 53a and the second blur area 53b may be the same.

[0142] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first blur region 53a has a higher degree of blur than the second blur region 53b.

[0143] When the vehicle 100 is traveling on a curve, the driver's line of sight is directed toward the side where the vehicle 100 is turning, and the driver tends to pay attention to the turning side. According to this structure, compared with the case where the blur degree of the first blur region 53a is weaker than the second blur region 53b, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the movement of the edge of the first area 51 adjacent to the first blur region 53a located on the side where the vehicle 100 is turning, that is, the side that the driver pays attention to. Therefore, according to this structure, when the vehicle 100 is traveling on a curve, the driver can be prevented from being annoyed by the movement of the first area 51 adjacent to the first blur region 53a located on the side where the vehicle 100 is turning. It should be noted that the blur degree of the first blur region 53a can also be weaker than that of the second blur region 53b. In this case, for example, it is sufficient as long as the width of the first blur region 53a is narrower than that of the second blur region 53b.

[0144] In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7 , an example in which the host vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 200 are traveling on a curve is used for explanation, but the host vehicle 100 may be traveling on a curve while the other vehicle 200 is traveling on a straight road, or the host vehicle 100 may be traveling on a straight road while the other vehicle 200 is traveling on a curve. Therefore, it is sufficient that at least one of the host vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 200 is traveling on a curve.

[0145] Next, a modification of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 in step SP19 of the present modification, similarly to FIG. 5 . In step SP19, an example in which the vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 200 are traveling on a curve is used for description, but in the present modification, the difference is that the vehicle 100 is traveling on a straight road and the other vehicle 200 is traveling on a curve. In the present modification, the control unit CO also forms blur regions 53a and 53b in the blur region 53. The blur regions 53a and 53b of the embodiment are located on the side where the vehicle 100 traveling on the curve turns and on the side opposite to the turning side. However, the blur regions 53a and 53b of the present modification are located on the side where the other vehicle 200 traveling on the curve turns and on the side opposite to the blur region 53a. That is, the first blur region 53a is a region located on the side where the other vehicle 200 is turning relative to the first region 51 in the left-right direction of the other vehicle 200 traveling on the curve. In addition, the second blur region 53b is a region located on the side opposite to the side where the other vehicle 200 turns relative to the first region 51 in the left-right direction. In this modification, when the host vehicle 100 is traveling on a straight road and the other vehicle 200 is traveling on a curve, the degree of blurring is greater in the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b than in the case where the host vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 200 are traveling on a straight road.

[0146] According to this structure, compared with the case where the present vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 200 are traveling on a straight road, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the movement of the edge of the first area 51 adjacent to the first blur area 53a moving in the same direction as the other vehicle 200 and the edge of the first area 51 adjacent to the second blur area 53b. Therefore, according to this structure, the driver can be prevented from being annoyed by the movement of these edges. It should be noted that the degree of blurring of one of the first blur area 53a and the second blur area 53b may be stronger than that of the other. In addition, in this variant, it is also possible that the present vehicle 100 is traveling on a curve and the other vehicle 200 is traveling on a straight road. In addition, in this variant, it is also possible that the present vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 200 are traveling on a curve on one side and the other side is traveling on a curve steeper than the curve on which one side is traveling. The structure of this variant is not a necessary structure.

[0147] It should be noted that, although the first and second aspects of the present invention have been described by taking the first and second embodiments as examples, the first and second aspects of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0148] Alternatively, when the light spot of another vehicle 200 or a self-luminous object such as a flashlight detected by the detection device 120 is located in front of the host vehicle 100, the control unit CO forms a first area 51 in the ADB light distribution pattern P1, the first area 51 overlaps with the self-luminous object at least in part and is darker than when the light spot is not detected, and forms a blurred area 53 when the light spot moves relative to the host vehicle 100, the blurred area 53 is adjacent to at least a part of the edge of the first area 51, and blurs. In addition, when the light spot moves relative to the host vehicle 100, the degree of blur in the blurred area 53 may be stronger than when the light spot does not move relative to the host vehicle 100.

[0149] For example, in step SP18, the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b may be formed. In this case, for example, the first blur region 53a is, for example, a region located on the right side of the first region 51, and the second blur region 53b is, for example, a region located on the left side of the first region 51. The width of the first blur region 53a is different from that of the second blur region 53b, and the blurring degrees of the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b are different. Alternatively, the width of one of the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b is wider than the other, and the blurring degree of one of the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b is stronger than the other. Alternatively, in step SP18, the blurring degrees of the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b may be the same. Alternatively, in step SP18, the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b may not be formed.

[0150] For example, in the first and second embodiments, an example in which the first area 51 and the blurred area 53 are formed on the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam is described. However, the light distribution pattern forming these areas is not limited, and for example, these areas may be formed on an additional light distribution pattern that is added to the light distribution pattern of the low beam to form the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. In this case, the light of the low beam is emitted from a lamp unit different from the lamp unit 10, and the lamp unit 10 emits the light of the additional light distribution pattern.

[0151] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the control unit CO having the image generating unit 20 and controlling the lamp unit 10 based on the ADB image generated by the image generating unit 20 is described as an example. However, the control unit CO may not have the image generating unit 20. In this case, for example, information related to the ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to a predetermined object may be pre-stored in the memory ME, and the control unit CO may control the lamp unit 10 based on the information.

[0152] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the light source unit 12 having a plurality of light-emitting elements 13 capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted is described as an example. However, the light source unit 12 is not limited. For example, the light source unit 12 may also have a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) including a plurality of reflective elements arranged in a matrix and a light-emitting unit that irradiates light to the DMD. The DMD is capable of adjusting the amount of light emitted from the reflective surface of each reflective element in a prescribed direction, and can make the light emitted from each reflective element in a prescribed direction become light based on an image generated by the image generating unit 20. In this case, it can be understood that it corresponds to a light emitting unit capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted from the reflective surface of each reflective element.

[0153] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the example in which the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle is described. However, even if the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, the control unit CO performs the same control. At least one of the control unit CO and the memory ME may be shared by a pair of vehicle headlamps 1. In addition, the signal output from the detection device 120 may be input to the control unit CO without passing through the ECU 130. In addition, there are no particular restrictions on the vehicle having the vehicle headlamps 1, the number of vehicle headlamps 1 that the vehicle has, and the like.

[0154] (Third Embodiment)

[0155] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the same or equivalent components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0156] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the vehicle provided with the vehicle headlamp according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11 , the detection device 120 according to the present embodiment is different from the detection device 120 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a steering sensor 123 .

[0157] The steering sensor 123 detects the steering angle of the vehicle 100, for example, based on the rotation angle of the steering wheel of the vehicle 100. The steering sensor 123 recognizes the right steering angle and the left steering angle as different steering angles, and detects these steering angles at the same time. When the steering angle is greater than 0° and less than the reference steering angle, the vehicle 100 is in a state of traveling on a straight road, that is, a straight road. The steering angle of the steering when the vehicle 100 is traveling straight is set to 0°, and the reference steering angle is, for example, 3°. In addition, when the steering angle is greater than the reference steering angle, the vehicle 100 is in a state of traveling on a curve. The steering sensor 123 outputs a signal indicating the detected steering angle to the control unit CO via the ECU 130. The control unit CO detects the driving state of the vehicle 100 through the signal from the steering sensor 123. The driving state of this embodiment indicates whether the vehicle 100 is traveling on a straight road or on a curve. In this way, the detection device 120 further detects the driving state of the vehicle 100.

[0158] It should be noted that the detection of the driving state of the vehicle 100 is not limited to the signal from the steering sensor 123. For example, the control unit CO may detect the driving state of the vehicle 100 based on the current position information of the vehicle 100 detected based on the GPS signal transmitted from the GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite and the map information recorded in the memory ME. The control unit CO determines whether the current position coordinates of the vehicle 100 are located in the straight road or the curve in the map information, and detects the driving state of the vehicle 100. Alternatively, the control unit CO may detect the driving state of the vehicle 100 in the turning state of the lane boundary line or the center line captured by the camera.

[0159] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the operations of a pair of vehicle headlamps 1 are identical and synchronized. Therefore, the operation of one vehicle headlamp 1 will be described below, and the operation of the other vehicle headlamp 1 will be omitted.

[0160] FIG12 is a control flow chart of the control unit CO of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG12 , the control flow includes steps SP31 to SP39. In the starting state shown in FIG12 , the image acquisition unit 121 of the detection device 120 acquires an image in front of the vehicle 100, and inputs a signal from the detection unit 122 to the control unit CO. In addition, in the starting state, a signal is also input from the steering sensor 123 to the control unit CO. In addition, the other vehicle is set as the front vehicle for description. In addition, steps SP31 to SP36 are the same as steps SP11 to SP16 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of steps SP31 to SP36 is omitted.

[0161] (Step SP37)

[0162] In this step, the control unit CO causes the control flow to enter step SP38 when the vehicle 100 is traveling on a straight road based on the signal from the steering sensor 123. In addition, the control unit CO causes the control flow to enter step SP39 when the vehicle 100 is traveling on a curve based on the signal.

[0163] (Step SP38)

[0164] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes the ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the case where the host vehicle 100 is traveling on a straight road. In this step, the case where other vehicles are also traveling on a straight road is described as an example.

[0165] An example of the ADB light distribution pattern in this step is a light distribution pattern that is the same as the ADB light distribution pattern P1 shown in FIG6 . Therefore, the description is made with reference to FIG6 . The ADB light distribution pattern P1 in this step is a light distribution pattern that forms a first area 51 and a blurred area 53 on the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. That is, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the first area 51 and the blurred area 53 are formed on the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. The first area 51 is an area marked with a hatching line with oblique lines, and the blurred area 53 is an area marked with a hatching line with multiple points. For easy observation, the edges of each area are indicated by dotted lines.

[0166] The first area 51 is an area in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH that overlaps at least a portion of the other vehicle 200 and is darker than when the other vehicle 200 is not located in front of the host vehicle 100. That is, the light amount of the first area 51 is less than the light amount of the area corresponding to the first area 51 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the amount of light irradiated from the host vehicle 100 to the other vehicle 200 is reduced, and the glare to the driver of the other vehicle 200 can be suppressed. It should be noted that the first area 51 of this embodiment is a light-shielding area that does not irradiate light, but there is no limitation. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first area 51 is a rectangular shape that overlaps with the upper part of the license plate of the other vehicle 200. However, from the perspective of suppressing the glare to the driver of the other vehicle 200, the first area 51 only needs to overlap with at least a portion of the identification portion for the driver of the other vehicle 200 to identify the outside of the vehicle. For example, the first area 51 may also overlap the entirety of the other vehicle 200, and the shape or size of the first area 51 is not limited.

[0167] The blurred area 53 is an area in the high beam light distribution pattern PH that is adjacent to at least a portion of the edge of the first area 51 and is darker than the case where the other vehicle 200 is not located in front of the vehicle 100 and brighter than the first area 51. In addition, the blurred area 53 is along the edge of the first area 51. Because the blurred area 53 is along the edge of the first area 51, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the contrast of the brightness from the first area 51 to the area around the first area 51, that is, the second area 55, compared with the case where there is no blurred area 53, and the edge of the first area 51 does not look clear. Therefore, the edge is not obvious and difficult to be recognized by the driver. Therefore, the driver is prevented from feeling uncomfortable with the change in brightness in the first area 51 and the second area 55 around the first area 51. In FIG. 6, an example is shown in which the blurred area 53 extends over the entire circumference of the edge of the first area 51 and is adjacent to the edge. In addition, the blurred area 53 may also be along at least a portion of the edge of the first area 51. Therefore, the blurred area 53 is formed in at least a portion of the boundary area between the first area 51 and the second area 55. In addition, in the present embodiment, the width of the blurred area 53 in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the blurred area 53 along the edge of the first area 51 is substantially constant in the direction along the edge of the first area 51, but the width may not be constant in the direction along the edge of the first area 51. In addition, in the present embodiment, the brightness of the blurred area 53 becomes darker as it approaches the first area 51 side, and gradually becomes brighter from the first area 51 side toward the side opposite to the first area 51, and such brightness changes are substantially the same in the direction along the edge of the first area 51, but there is no limitation. It should be noted that in this step, the blurred area 53 may not be formed.

[0168] The light intensity of the second area 55 does not change from the light intensity of the area corresponding to the second area 55 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Thus, even if another vehicle 200 is located in front of the host vehicle 100, the visibility of the second area 55 by the driver of the host vehicle 100 is suppressed from decreasing.

[0169] In the control of the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P1, in the present embodiment, first, the image generation unit 20 reads the high beam image stored in the memory ME. Next, the image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image based on the information related to the other vehicle 200 input from the detection device 120, and forms an ADB light distribution image representing the above-mentioned ADB light distribution pattern P1. The image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image as follows: the area corresponding to the above-mentioned first area 51 and the area corresponding to the blurred area 53 in the high beam image are respectively darkened, and the brightness of the area corresponding to the blurred area 53 is brighter than the brightness of the area corresponding to the first area 51. The image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image in this way, and generates an ADB light distribution image in which the brightness of a part of the high beam image changes. Next, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the generated ADB light distribution image, and emits light based on the ADB light distribution image from the light source unit 12. As a result, the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P1 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. And the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP31.

[0170] (Step SP39)

[0171] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes the ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the case where the host vehicle 100 is traveling on a curve. In this step, the case where the other vehicle 200 is also traveling on a curve and the host vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 200 are turning right is described as an example.

[0172] An example of the ADB light distribution pattern in this step is the same as the ADB light distribution pattern P2 shown in Fig. 7. Therefore, the description will be made with reference to Fig. 7. In the ADB light distribution pattern P2 in this step, the first region 51 and the blurred region 53 are also formed.

[0173] The position, light amount, shape, and size of the first area 51 are the same as each item described in step SP38.

[0174] The blur region 53 in this step is different from the blur region 53 in step SP38. Specifically, the blur region 53 has a stronger blur degree than the blur region 53 in step SP38.

[0175] Since the degree of blur changes, the visual expression of the portion along which the blur region 53 is located in the edge of the first region 51 in step SP38 is different from the visual expression of the portion along which the blur region 53 is located in the edge of the first region 51 in this step. In this embodiment, the control unit CO forms a first blur region 53a and a second blur region 53b in the blur region 53. The first blur region 53a is a region located on the side where the vehicle 100 turns relative to the first region 51. In contrast, the second blur region 53b is a region located on the side opposite to the first blur region 53a side relative to the first region 51, that is, on the side opposite to the side where the vehicle 100 turns. The first blur region 53a has a wider width in the horizontal direction than the region corresponding to the first blur region 53a in the blur region 53 of step SP38. As a result, the blur region 53 has a stronger degree of blur than the blur region 53 in step SP38. The second blur region 53b has the same width in the horizontal direction as the region corresponding to the second blur region 53b in the blur region 53 of step SP38, but the width may also be wider.

[0176] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b have different widths in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the blurring degrees are different between the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b.

[0177] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first blur region 53a is wider in the horizontal direction than the second blur region 53b. Thus, the blurring degree of the first blur region 53a is stronger than that of the second blur region 53b. According to this structure, compared with the case where the blurring degree of the first blur region 53a is not stronger than that of the second blur region 53b, the driver can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable with the change in brightness in the first region 51 and the second region 55 around the first region 51 in the first blur region 53a, and the portion along the blur region in the edge of the first region 51 looks unclear.

[0178] It should be noted that the blur degree of the first blur region 53a may be weaker than that of the second blur region 53b. In this case, for example, the first blur region 53a only needs to be narrower in the horizontal direction than the second blur region 53b.

[0179] When the vehicle 100 is traveling on a curve, the driver's line of sight is directed toward the side where the vehicle 100 is turning, and the driver tends to pay attention to the turning side. According to this structure, compared with the case where the blur degree of the first blur region 53a is weaker than the second blur region 53b, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the movement of the edge of the first area 51 adjacent to the first blur region 53a located on the side where the vehicle 100 is turning, that is, the side that the driver pays attention to. Therefore, according to this structure, when the vehicle 100 is traveling on a curve, the driver can be prevented from being annoyed by the movement of the first area 51 adjacent to the first blur region 53a located on the side where the vehicle 100 is turning. It should be noted that the blur degree of the first blur region 53a can also be weaker than that of the second blur region 53b. In this case, for example, it is sufficient as long as the width of the first blur region 53a is narrower than that of the second blur region 53b.

[0180] In the control of the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P2, similarly to the control of the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P1 in step SP38, the image generation unit 20 reads the high beam image stored in the memory ME. Next, the image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image based on the driving state of the host vehicle 100 input from the detection device 120, and generates an ADB light distribution image representing the above-mentioned ADB light distribution pattern P2. Next, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the generated ADB light distribution image, and emits light based on the ADB light distribution image from the light source unit 12. Therefore, the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0181] When the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP31.

[0182] Thus, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when emission of high-beam light is selected by the light switch 110 , the light distribution pattern of the emitted light changes according to the running state of the host vehicle 100 .

[0183] However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the driving state of the vehicle or other vehicles is not considered. For example, when the vehicle or other vehicles are driving on a curve, there is a tendency for the darkened area such as the light-shielding area to move roughly. If the darkened area moves, the darkened area is easier to be recognized by the driver than when the darkened area does not move, and the driver may feel annoyed by the movement of the darkened area.

[0184] Therefore, in the present embodiment as the third mode, as described in step SP39, when other vehicles are located in front of the vehicle 100 and the vehicle 100 is traveling on a curve, the control unit CO forms a first area 51, a first blurred area 53a and a second blurred area 53b, and the degree of blur is different in the first blurred area 53a and the second blurred area 53b.

[0185] The stronger the blurring degree in the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b, the less obvious the edge of the first region 51 adjacent to the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b, respectively, and the more difficult it is for the driver of the host vehicle 100 to recognize it. When the host vehicle 100 is traveling on a curve, the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b tend to move approximately in the left-right direction together with the first region 51. In this structure, in the region with a strong blurring degree in the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the movement of the edge of the first region 51 adjacent to the region with a strong blurring degree in the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b, compared with the case where the blurring degree in the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b is weak and the blurring degree is the same. Therefore, according to this structure, when the host vehicle 100 is traveling on a curve, it is possible to suppress the driver of the host vehicle 100 from being annoyed by the movement of the first region 51 adjacent to the region with a strong blurring degree in the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b.

[0186] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, in order to change the degree of blur in the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b, the width is changed in the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b, but it is not limited to this. For example, the width of the first blur region 53a may also be the same as that of the second blur region 53b. In this case, the amount of light in each of the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b increases as it moves away from the edge of the first region 51, but as long as the amount of light in one of the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b increases slightly than the other. Thus, the degree of blur in the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b changes. For example, if the amount of light in the first blur region 53a increases slightly than that in the second blur region 53b, the degree of blur in the first blur region 53a is stronger than that in the second blur region 53b. In addition, when the other vehicle 200 is the front vehicle, the area other than the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b in the blur region 53 may not be formed.

[0187] Next, a modified example of the present embodiment is described. An example of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 in step SP39 of the present modified example becomes the same light distribution pattern as the ADB light distribution pattern P2 shown in FIG8 . Therefore, the description is made with reference to FIG8 . In the present modified example, the degree of blur in the blur region 53 is stronger than the degree of blur in the blur region 53 of step SP38. In the present modified example, the width of the blur region 53 in the left-right direction is different from that in the embodiment. In the present modified example, the control unit CO expands the width of the blur region 53 in the left-right direction of the present vehicle 100 when the present vehicle 100 is traveling on a curve.

[0188] According to this configuration, the driver can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable if the blur region 53 becomes brighter in the left-right direction from the first region 51 toward the outside of the first region 51, compared with a case where the width of the blur region 53 is not expanded. It should be noted that the configuration of this modification is not an essential configuration.

[0189] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0190] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, components identical or equivalent to those of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0191] The detection unit 122 of the present embodiment further detects the driving state of the other vehicle 200. The driving state of the other vehicle 200 indicates whether the other vehicle 200 is driving on a straight road or on a curved road. In the driving state of the other vehicle 200, for example, the detection unit 122 detects the driving state of the other vehicle 200 in the curved state of the lane boundary line or the center line captured by the camera. Or, for example, the detection unit 122 detects that the other vehicle 200 is driving on a straight road when the change amount of the left-right offset of the existence position of the other vehicle 200 in the image is less than a threshold value within a certain period of time. In addition, in this case, the detection unit 122 detects that the other vehicle 200 is driving on a curved road when the change amount of the offset is greater than the threshold value within a certain period of time. Or, as another detection method, first, the detection unit 122 inputs images from the image acquisition unit 121 at regular intervals and overlaps the images at each elapsed time. Moreover, the detection unit 122 detects that the other vehicle 200 is traveling on the curve when the trajectory of the light point of the other vehicle 200, such as a pair of light points of the white or red series in each overlapping image, depicts a curve. In addition, in this case, the detection unit 122 detects that the other vehicle 200 is not traveling on the curve when the trajectory does not depict a curve. Therefore, it can be understood that the detection unit 122 detects whether the self-luminous object is traveling on the curve based on whether the trajectory of the light point of the self-luminous object depicts a curve. As such a self-luminous object, in addition to the light points of the other vehicle 200, a flashlight that emits light toward the vehicle 100 can also be cited. By using a flashlight, an experiment of detecting the driving state of the other vehicle 200 can be realized. Alternatively, if the position of the other vehicle 200 in the image from the image acquisition unit 121 is offset to the left or right from the front of the vehicle 100, the detection unit 122 detects that the other vehicle 200 is in a state of traveling on the curve. It should be noted that the method of detecting the running state of the other vehicle 200 by the detection unit 122 is not limited to this.

[0192] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, step SP37 of the control flow chart of the control unit CO is different from that of the third embodiment. In step SP37 of the third embodiment, the control unit CO divides the control flow according to the driving state of the vehicle 100 based on the signal from the steering sensor 123. However, in step SP37 of the present embodiment, the control unit CO divides the control flow according to the driving state of the other vehicle 200 based on the signal from the detection device 120.

[0193] (Step SP37)

[0194] In this step, the control unit CO causes the control flow to enter step SP38 when the other vehicle 200 is traveling on a straight road based on the signal from the detection device 120. The ADB light distribution pattern described in step SP38 and FIG. 6 becomes a light distribution pattern corresponding to the case where the other vehicle 200 is traveling on a straight road. In addition, the control unit CO causes the control flow to enter step SP39 when the other vehicle 200 is traveling on a curve based on the signal from the detection device 120. The ADB light distribution pattern described in step SP39 and FIG. 7 becomes a light distribution pattern corresponding to the case where the other vehicle 200 is traveling on a curve.

[0195] In step SP39 of the present embodiment, the first blur region 53a is a region located on the left and right sides of the other vehicle 200 traveling on the curve, relative to the first region 51, on the side where the other vehicle 200 turns. In contrast, the second blur region 53b is a region located on the side opposite to the first region 51, i.e., on the side where the other vehicle 200 turns, relative to the first region 51.

[0196] Thus, in this embodiment, as described in steps SP37 and SP39, when the other vehicle 200 is located in front of the vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 200 is traveling on a curve, the control unit CO forms a first area 51, a first blurred area 53a and a second blurred area 53b, and the degree of blur is different in the first blurred area 53a and the second blurred area 53b.

[0197] In this structure, even in the area with a high degree of blurring in the first blurring area 53a and the second blurring area 53b, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the movement of the edge of the first area 51 adjacent to the area with a high degree of blurring in the first blurring area 53a and the second blurring area 53b, compared with the case where the blurring degrees in the blurring areas 53a and 53b are both weak and the blurring degrees are the same. Therefore, according to this structure, it is possible to suppress the driver of the host vehicle 100 from being annoyed by the movement of the first area 51 adjacent to the area with a high degree of blurring in the first blurring area 53a and the second blurring area 53b when another vehicle 200 is traveling on a curve.

[0198] As mentioned above, the third and fourth aspects of the present invention have been described by taking the third and fourth embodiments as examples, but the third and fourth aspects of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0199] Alternatively, when the light spot of another vehicle 200 or a self-luminous object such as a flashlight detected by the detection device 120 is located in front of the vehicle 100 and the vehicle 100 or the self-luminous object is traveling on a curve, the control unit CO forms a first area 51 in the ADB light distribution pattern P1, and the first area 51 overlaps with the self-luminous object in at least a portion and is darker than when the light spot is not detected, and the control unit CO forms a first blurred area 53a and a second blurred area 53b.

[0200] For example, in step SP38, the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b may be formed. In this case, for example, the first blur region 53a is, for example, a region located on the right side of the first region 51, and the second blur region 53b is, for example, a region located on the left side of the first region 51. The width of the first blur region 53a is different from that of the second blur region 53b, and the blurring degree of the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b is different. Alternatively, the width of one of the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b is wider than the other, and the blurring degree of one of the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b is stronger than the other. Alternatively, in step SP38, the blurring degree of the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b may be the same. Alternatively, in step SP38, the first blur region 53a and the second blur region 53b may not be formed.

[0201] For example, in the third and fourth embodiments, an example in which the first area 51 and the blurred area 53 are formed on the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam is described. However, the light distribution pattern forming these areas is not limited, and for example, these areas may be formed on an additional light distribution pattern that is added to the light distribution pattern of the low beam to form the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. In this case, the light of the low beam is emitted from a lamp unit different from the lamp unit 10, and the lamp unit 10 emits the light of the additional light distribution pattern.

[0202] In the third and fourth embodiments, the control unit CO having the image generating unit 20 and controlling the lamp unit 10 based on the ADB image generated by the image generating unit 20 is described as an example. However, the control unit CO may not have the image generating unit 20. In this case, for example, information related to the ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to a predetermined object may be pre-stored in the memory ME, and the control unit CO may control the lamp unit 10 based on the information.

[0203] In addition, in the third and fourth embodiments, the light source unit 12 having a plurality of light emitting elements 13 capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted is described as an example. However, the light source unit 12 is not limited. For example, the light source unit 12 may also have a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) including a plurality of reflective elements arranged in a matrix and a light emitting unit that irradiates light to the DMD. The DMD is capable of adjusting the amount of light emitted from the reflective surface of each reflective element in a prescribed direction, and can make the light emitted from each reflective element in a prescribed direction become light based on an image generated by the image generating unit 20. In this case, it can be understood that it corresponds to a light emitting unit capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted from the reflective surface of each reflective element.

[0204] In addition, in the third and fourth embodiments, an example in which the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle is described. However, even if the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, the control unit CO performs control in the same manner. At least one of the control unit CO and the memory ME is shared by a pair of vehicle headlamps 1. In addition, the signal output from the detection device 120 may be input to the control unit CO without passing through the ECU 130. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the vehicle having the vehicle headlamps 1, the number of vehicle headlamps 1 that the vehicle has, and the like.

[0205] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0206] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the same or equivalent components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0207] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the vehicle having the vehicle headlamp of the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13, the vehicle 100 of the present embodiment mainly differs from the vehicle 100 of the first embodiment in that it has an object detection device 140 instead of the detection device 120 and also has a brightness detection device 150.

[0208] In addition, the image generation unit 20 of the present embodiment processes the high beam image based on information represented by signals respectively input from the object detection device 140 and the brightness detection device 150, and generates an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) light distribution image. The ADB light distribution image is an image representing an ADB light distribution pattern in which a part of the light distribution pattern of the high beam becomes a first area with reduced light quantity, and at least a part of the area along the edge of the first area becomes a halo area with reduced light quantity and brighter than the first area.

[0209] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the image generation unit 20 generates an image based on information represented by signals respectively input from the object detection device 140 and the brightness detection device 150. Therefore, the control unit CO inputs signals respectively from the object detection device 140 and the brightness detection device 150, and controls the lamp unit 10 through the image generation unit 20 and the light distribution control unit 40.

[0210] The object detection device 140 of this embodiment detects a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle 100. Examples of the predetermined object include other vehicles such as the vehicle in front or the oncoming vehicle, retroreflective objects, pedestrians, etc. The retroreflective object of this embodiment is an object that does not emit light itself and retroreflects the irradiated light at a predetermined spread angle. Examples of such retroreflective objects include road signs and delineators. The object detection device 140 of this embodiment includes an image acquisition unit 141 and a detection unit 142.

[0211] The image acquisition unit 141 acquires an image in front of the vehicle 100, and the image includes at least a portion of the area that can be illuminated by the light emitted from the pair of vehicle headlights 1. Examples of the image acquisition unit 141 include a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) camera, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) camera, a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), a millimeter wave radar, and the like. The image acquisition unit 141 outputs a signal related to the acquired image to the detection unit 142.

[0212] The detection unit 142 has, for example, the same configuration as the control unit CO. The detection unit 142 performs predetermined image processing on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 141, and detects the presence of a predetermined object, the position of the object in the image, the type of the object, etc., based on the image subjected to the image processing.

[0213] When the detection unit 142 detects a predetermined object from the image, it outputs a signal indicating information related to the object to the control unit CO via the ECU 130. The information related to the predetermined object includes the existence of the object, the location of the object in the image, the type of the object, etc. In addition, when the detection unit 142 does not detect the predetermined object, it outputs a signal indicating that the predetermined object does not exist to the control unit CO via the ECU 130, but it is not necessary to output the signal.

[0214] It should be noted that the predetermined object detected by the object detection device 140, the number of types of the object, and the structure of the object detection device 140 are not particularly limited. For example, the image acquisition unit 141 may also be a CCD camera and a LiDAR. In this case, the detection unit 142 detects the predetermined object based on the image acquired by the CCD camera and the LiDAR. In addition, the detection method of the predetermined object by the detection unit 142 is not limited. For example, when the detection unit 142 inputs information of an image of a pair of white light spots with a brightness higher than a predetermined brightness or a pair of red light spots with a predetermined interval in the left-right direction, the detection unit 142 detects the existence and location of another vehicle as the predetermined object based on the light spots. For example, when the detection unit 142 inputs information of an image of the pair of white light spots from the image acquisition unit 141, the detection unit 142 recognizes the other vehicle as an oncoming vehicle. In addition, when the detection unit 142 inputs information of an image of the pair of red light spots from the image acquisition unit 141, the detection unit 142 recognizes the other vehicle as a preceding vehicle. For example, a pair of white light spots are the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, and a pair of red light spots are the taillights of the vehicle in front.

[0215] The brightness detection device 150 of the present embodiment detects the brightness of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle 100, and outputs a signal indicating the detected brightness to the control unit CO via the ECU 130. As the brightness detection device 150, for example, an illumination sensor exposed to the outside of the host vehicle 100, or a device including a camera for acquiring an image around the host vehicle 100 and a brightness detection unit, etc. can be cited. The brightness detection unit, for example, has the same structure as the control unit CO, performs a predetermined image processing on the image acquired by the camera, and detects the brightness of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle 100 based on the image to which the image processing is applied. In addition, the camera may also be a camera as the image acquisition unit 141 of the object detection device 140.

[0216] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the operations of a pair of vehicle headlamps 1 are identical and synchronized. Therefore, the operation of one vehicle headlamp 1 will be described below, and the operation of the other vehicle headlamp 1 will be omitted.

[0217] FIG. 14 is a control flow chart of the control unit CO of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14 , the control flow includes steps SP41 to SP49. In the start state shown in FIG. 14 , signals are input from the object detection device 140 and the brightness detection device 150 to the control unit CO. In addition, steps SP41 to SP44 are the same as steps SP11 to SP14 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of steps SP41 to SP44 is omitted.

[0218] (Step SP45)

[0219] In this step, the control unit CO enters the control process into step SP46 when a signal indicating that the specified object does not exist is input from the object detection device 140, and enters the control process into step SP47 when a signal indicating information related to the specified object is input from the object detection device 140.

[0220] (Step SP46)

[0221] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a high beam. Specifically, the image generation unit 20 reads the high beam image stored in the memory ME, and the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the high beam image to supply power to the light emitting elements 13 of the light source unit 12. With the supply of power, the light source unit 12 emits light based on the high beam image, and the vehicle headlamp 1 emits light having a high beam light distribution pattern. In this way, when another vehicle is not located in front of the vehicle 100, the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a high beam.

[0222] An example of the high beam light distribution pattern of the present embodiment is the same as the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG5 . In the present embodiment, when the high beam is emitted, light is emitted from all the light emitting elements 13 , and the shape of the high beam light distribution pattern PH is a substantially horizontally long rectangular shape. If the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 , the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP41.

[0223] (Step SP47)

[0224] In this step, the control unit CO enters the control flow into step SP49 when a signal indicating a brightness darker than the prescribed brightness is input from the brightness detection device 150. In addition, the control unit CO enters the control flow into step SP48 when a signal indicating a brightness equal to or brighter than the prescribed brightness is input from the brightness detection device 150. In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned prescribed brightness is set to the following brightness: when the surrounding environment of the vehicle 100 is dark, such as in a mountainous area, the control flow enters step SP48, and when the surrounding environment of the vehicle 100 is bright, such as in an urban area, the control flow enters step SP49.

[0225] (Step SP48)

[0226] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the case where the surrounding environment of the vehicle 100 is the same as or brighter than the predetermined brightness. The following description takes the case where the predetermined object is another vehicle as an example.

[0227] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in this step in the same manner as FIG. 5 . The ADB light distribution pattern P1 in this step is a light distribution pattern in which a first region 51 and a blurred region 53 are formed on the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. That is, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the first region 51 and the blurred region 53 are formed on the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. In FIG. 15 , for easy viewing, the first region 51 is marked with a hatching line with oblique lines, the blurred region 53 is marked with a hatching line with multiple points, and the edges of each region are indicated by a dotted line.

[0228] The first area 51 is an area in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH that overlaps at least a portion of the other vehicle 200 and is darker than when the other vehicle 200 is not located in front of the host vehicle 100. That is, the light amount of the first area 51 is less than the light amount of the area corresponding to the first area 51 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the amount of light irradiated from the host vehicle 100 to the other vehicle 200 is reduced, and the glare to the driver of the other vehicle 200 can be suppressed. It should be noted that the first area 51 of the present embodiment is a light-shielding area that does not irradiate light, but there is no limitation. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the first area 51 is a rectangular shape that overlaps with the upper part of the license plate of the other vehicle 200. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing the glare to the driver of the other vehicle 200, the first area 51 only needs to overlap with at least a portion of the identification portion for the driver of the other vehicle 200 to identify the outside of the vehicle. For example, the first area 51 may also overlap with the entirety of the other vehicle 200, and the shape or size of the first area 51 is not limited.

[0229] The blurred area 53 is an area along at least a portion of the edge of the first area 51 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH, which is darker than the first area 51 when the other vehicle 200 is not located in front of the host vehicle 100. Because the blurred area 53 is along the edge of the first area 51, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the contrast of the brightness from the first area 51 to the area around the first area 51, that is, the second area 55, compared with the case where there is no blurred area 53, and the edge of the first area 51 does not look clear. Therefore, the edge is not obvious and difficult to be recognized by the driver. Therefore, the driver is prevented from feeling uncomfortable with the change in brightness in the first area 51 and the second area 55 around the first area 51. In FIG. 15, an example is shown in which the blurred area 53 is along the entire circumference of the edge of the first area 51, but the blurred area 53 only needs to be along at least a portion of the edge of the first area 51. Therefore, the blurred area 53 is formed in at least a portion of the boundary area between the first area 51 and the second area 55. In addition, in the present embodiment, the width 53W of the blurred area 53 in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the blurred area 53 along the edge of the first area 51 is substantially constant in the direction along the edge of the first area 51, but the width 53W may not be constant in the direction along the edge of the first area 51. In addition, in the present embodiment, the brightness of the blurred area 53 becomes darker as it approaches the first area 51 side, and gradually becomes brighter from the first area 51 side toward the side opposite to the first area 51, and such brightness change is substantially the same in the direction along the edge of the first area 51, but there is no limitation.

[0230] The light intensity of the second area 55 does not change from the light intensity of the area corresponding to the second area 55 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Thus, even if another vehicle 200 is located in front of the host vehicle 100, the visibility of the second area 55 by the driver of the host vehicle 100 is suppressed from decreasing.

[0231] In the control of the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P1, in the present embodiment, first, the image generation unit 20 reads the high beam image stored in the memory ME. Next, the image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image based on the information related to the other vehicles 200 input from the object detection device 140 and the information related to the brightness of the surrounding environment from the brightness detection device 150, and generates an ADB light distribution image representing the above-mentioned ADB light distribution pattern P1. The image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image as follows: the area corresponding to the above-mentioned first area 51 and the area corresponding to the blurred area 53 in the high beam image are respectively darkened, and the brightness of the area corresponding to the blurred area 53 is brighter than the brightness of the area corresponding to the first area 51. The image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image in this way to generate the ADB light distribution image. Next, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the generated ADB light distribution image, and emits the light based on the ADB light distribution image from the light source unit 12. As a result, the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P1 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP41.

[0232] (Step SP49)

[0233] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes the ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the case where the surrounding environment of the host vehicle 100 is darker than a predetermined brightness.

[0234] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the ADB light distribution pattern in this step, similarly to Fig. 15. In the situation shown in Fig. 16, the position of the other vehicle 200 relative to the host vehicle 100 is the same as that in the situation shown in Fig. 15. However, the brightness of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle 100 is darker than the predetermined brightness, which is different from the brightness in the situation shown in Fig. 15.

[0235] The position, light amount, shape, and size of the first area 51 are the same as each item described in step SP48.

[0236] The blur region 53 of this step is different from the blur region 53 of step SP48. Specifically, the blur degree of the blur region 53 is different from the blur degree of the blur region 53 in step SP48. That is, the blur degree in the blur region 53 changes according to the brightness of the surrounding environment.

[0237] Since the blur degree varies, the visual expression of the portion along which the blurred area 53 is located in the edge of the first area 51 in step SP48 and the visual expression of the portion along which the blurred area 53 is located in the edge of the first area 51 in this step are different from each other. In this embodiment, the control unit CO makes the width 53W of the blurred area 53 in this step wider than the width 53W of the blurred area 53 in step SP48. Thus, the blur degree of the blurred area 53 is stronger than the blur degree of the blurred area 53 in step SP48.

[0238] In the control of the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P2, the image generation unit 20 reads the high beam image stored in the memory ME, similarly to the control of the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P1 in step SP48. Next, the image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image based on the information related to the other vehicles 200 from the object detection device 140 and the information related to the brightness of the surrounding environment from the brightness detection device 150, and generates an ADB light distribution image representing the above-mentioned ADB light distribution pattern P2. Next, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the generated ADB light distribution image, and emits light based on the ADB light distribution image from the light source unit 12. Therefore, the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0239] When the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP41.

[0240] Thus, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when the high beam emission is selected by the light switch 110 , the light distribution pattern of the emitted light changes according to the brightness of the other vehicle 200 as the target object and the surrounding environment of the host vehicle 100 .

[0241] However, in the above-mentioned patent document 1, the brightness of the surrounding environment of the vehicle is not discussed. As in the light shielding area of ​​patent document 1, there is a demand to set the visual representation of the edge of the darkened area to the desired visual representation corresponding to the brightness of the surrounding environment of the vehicle. For example, when the surrounding environment of the vehicle is dark, there is a tendency for the edge of the darkened area to look clear, and there is a demand to suppress the edge of the darkened area from looking clear in this case.

[0242] Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the fifth mode, as described in steps SP45, SP47, SP48, and SP49, when the other vehicle 200 as the target object is located in front of the host vehicle 100, the control unit CO forms the first area 51 and the blurred area 53 on the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. The first area 51 is an area in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH that overlaps with at least a part of the other vehicle 200 and is darker than when the other vehicle 200 is not located in front of the host vehicle 100, and the blurred area 53 is an area along at least a part of the edge of the first area 51. In addition, the degree of blurring in the blurred area 53 changes according to the brightness of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle 100. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the visual expression of the edge of the first area 51, which is the darkened area, can be set to a desired visual expression corresponding to the brightness of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle 100.

[0243] In addition, in the present embodiment, the degree of blurring in the blurring area 53 when the brightness of the surrounding environment is darker than the predetermined brightness is greater than when the brightness of the surrounding environment is the same as or brighter than the predetermined brightness. When the surrounding environment is dark, such as in a mountainous area, the edge of the first area 51 tends to appear clearer than when the surrounding environment is bright, such as in an urban area. According to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the visual appearance of the edge of the first area 51 can be suppressed from changing between the dark and bright surrounding environments, and the driver can be suppressed from feeling uncomfortable.

[0244] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, an example in which the first area 51 overlaps at least a portion of another vehicle 200 as a prescribed object is described. However, for example, in the case where the first area 51 overlaps at least a portion of a retroreflective object as a prescribed object, the amount of light irradiated to the retroreflective object is reduced. Therefore, the amount of reflected light reflected by the retroreflective object and directed toward the vehicle is reduced, and glare to the driver of the vehicle caused by the reflected light can be suppressed. In addition, in the case where the first area 51 overlaps at least a portion of a person as a prescribed object, the amount of light irradiated to the person can be reduced, and glare to the person can be suppressed. In this case, the first area 51 preferably overlaps only with the head of the person.

[0245] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0246] Next, a sixth embodiment as a fifth aspect of the present invention will be described in detail. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, components identical or equivalent to those of the fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0247] The brightness detection device 150 of this embodiment can detect the brightness of the surrounding environment on the right side and the brightness of the surrounding environment on the left side of the host vehicle 100 separately. As such a brightness detection device 150, for example, a device including the above-mentioned camera for acquiring an image around the host vehicle 100 and a brightness detection unit can be cited.

[0248] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the control flow chart of the control unit CO is different from that of the fifth embodiment in that steps SP47 and SP49 are not included. In addition, steps SP45 and SP48 of the present embodiment are different from those of the fifth embodiment. Therefore, steps SP45 and SP48 will be described below, and descriptions of other steps will be omitted.

[0249] (Step SP45)

[0250] In step SP45 of the present embodiment, the control unit CO causes the control process to enter step SP46 when a signal indicating that the specified object does not exist is input from the object detection device 140, and causes the control process to enter step SP48 when a signal indicating information related to the specified object is input from the object detection device 140.

[0251] (Step SP48)

[0252] In step SP48 of the present embodiment, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes the ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the brightness of the surrounding environment of the host vehicle 100 .

[0253] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in this step, similarly to FIG. 15 . The ADB light distribution pattern P3 in this step is similar to the ADB light distribution patterns P1 and P2 shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 , and is a light distribution pattern that forms a first area 51 and a blurred area 53 on the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. That is, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the first area 51 and the blurred area 53 are formed on the high-beam light distribution pattern PH.

[0254] The blur region 53 of this embodiment includes a pair of side blur regions 53s, 53s respectively along the left and right edges of the first region 51. In FIG17, an example is shown in which the side blur regions 53s, 53s respectively follow the entire left and right edges of the first region 51, but it is sufficient that the side blur regions 53s, 53s respectively follow at least a portion of the left and right edges of the first region 51.

[0255] In addition, in the present embodiment, the darker the surrounding environment, the stronger the blurring degree of the pair of side blur regions 53s, 53s, and when the difference between the brightness of the surrounding environment on the left and the brightness of the surrounding environment on the right is less than a prescribed difference, they are set to be the same. In addition, when the difference is greater than a prescribed difference, the blurring degree in the side blur region 53s located on the side with the dark brightness of the surrounding environment is stronger than the blurring degree in the side blur region 53s located on the side with the bright brightness of the surrounding environment. FIG. 17 shows a situation where the brightness of the surrounding environment on the right is darker than the brightness of the surrounding environment on the left. In the present embodiment, by making the width 53sW of the side blur region 53s located on the side with the dark brightness of the surrounding environment wider than the width 53sW of the side blur region 53s located on the side with the bright brightness of the surrounding environment, the blurring degree in the side blur region 53s located on the dark side is stronger than the blurring degree in the side blur region 53s located on the bright side. In addition, the greater the difference between the brightness of the surrounding environment on the left side and the brightness of the surrounding environment on the right side, the greater the difference between the blur degree in the side blur area 53s located on the dark side and the blur degree in the side blur area 53s located on the bright side.

[0256] In the control of the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P3, the image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image based on the information related to the other vehicles 200 from the object detection device 140 and the information related to the brightness of the surrounding environment on both sides from the brightness detection device 150, and generates an ADB light distribution image representing the above-mentioned ADB light distribution pattern P3. In the image generation unit 20, the light distribution control unit 40 then controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the generated ADB light distribution image, and emits light based on the ADB light distribution image from the light source unit 12. Therefore, the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0257] When the brightness of the surrounding environment is different on the left and right sides, there is a tendency that the edge on the dark side of the left and right edges of the first area 51 is clearer than the edge on the bright side. According to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, in such a case, the difference in the visual expression of the left and right edges of the first area 51 can be suppressed, and the driver can be suppressed from feeling uncomfortable. It should be noted that as a case where the brightness of the surrounding environment is different, for example, a case where the side where the street lamp is located is brighter than the side opposite to the street lamp due to a street lamp can be cited.

[0258] It should be noted that the blur degree of a pair of side blur areas 53s, 53s can be set constant regardless of the brightness of the left and right surrounding environments when the difference in brightness between the left and right surrounding environments is less than a specified difference.

[0259] As mentioned above, although the fifth aspect of the present invention has been described by taking the fifth and sixth embodiments as examples, the fifth aspect of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0260] For example, in the fifth and sixth embodiments, an example in which the first area 51 and the blurred area 53 are formed on the light distribution pattern of the high beam is described. However, the light distribution pattern forming the first area 51 and the blurred area 53 is not limited, and for example, these may be formed on an additional light distribution pattern that is added to the light distribution pattern of the low beam to form the light distribution pattern of the high beam. In this case, for example, the low beam is emitted from a lamp unit different from the lamp unit 10, and the lamp unit 10 emits light with the additional light distribution pattern.

[0261] In addition, in the fifth and sixth embodiments, the light source unit 12 having a plurality of light-emitting elements 13 capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted is described as an example. However, the light source unit 12 is not limited. For example, the light source unit 12 may also have a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) including a plurality of reflective elements arranged in a matrix and a light-emitting unit that irradiates light to the DMD. The DMD is capable of adjusting the amount of light emitted from the reflective surface of each reflective element in a prescribed direction, and can make the light emitted from each reflective element in a prescribed direction become light based on an image generated by the image generating unit 20. In this case, it can be understood that it corresponds to a light emitting unit capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted from the reflective surface of each reflective element.

[0262] In addition, in the fifth and sixth embodiments, the control unit CO having the image generating unit 20 and controlling the lamp unit 10 based on the ADB image generated by the image generating unit 20 is described as an example. However, the control unit CO may not have the image generating unit 20. In this case, for example, information related to the ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to a predetermined object may be pre-stored in the memory ME, and the control unit CO may control the lamp unit 10 based on the information.

[0263] In addition, in the fifth embodiment, an example is described in which the blur degree in the blur region 53 is stronger when the brightness of the surrounding environment is darker than the prescribed brightness than when the brightness of the surrounding environment is the same as the prescribed brightness or brighter than the prescribed brightness. However, the blur degree in the blur region 53 may be changed according to the brightness of the surrounding environment. For example, in the first embodiment, the blur degree in the blur region 53 may be changed in multiple stages according to the brightness of the surrounding environment, and may be stronger as the brightness of the surrounding environment is darker, or may be weaker as the brightness of the surrounding environment is darker. In addition, when the brightness of the surrounding environment is the same as the prescribed brightness or brighter than the prescribed brightness, the blur degree in the blur region 53 may be zero. That is, when the brightness of the surrounding environment is the same as the prescribed brightness or brighter than the prescribed brightness, the blur region 53 may not be formed, and when the brightness of the surrounding environment is darker than the prescribed brightness, the blur region 53 may be formed. In addition, similarly, in the sixth embodiment, when the brightness of the surrounding environment is the same as the prescribed brightness or brighter than the prescribed brightness, the blur region 53 may not be formed, and when the brightness of the surrounding environment is darker than the prescribed brightness, the blur region 53 may be formed.

[0264] In the fifth and sixth embodiments, the vehicle 100 including a pair of vehicle headlamps 1 having a control unit CO and a memory ME is described as an example. However, at least one of the control unit CO and the memory ME may be shared by the pair of vehicle headlamps 1. In addition, the signals outputted from the object detection device 140 and the brightness detection device 150 may be inputted to the control unit CO without passing through the ECU 130. In addition, there are no particular restrictions on the vehicle including the vehicle headlamps 1 and the number of vehicle headlamps 1 included in the vehicle.

[0265] (Seventh Embodiment)

[0266] Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described as a sixth aspect. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, components identical or equivalent to those of the fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0267] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlamp of the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 18 , the vehicle 100 of the present embodiment mainly differs from the vehicle 100 of the fifth embodiment in that a vibration sensor 160 is provided instead of the brightness detection device 150 .

[0268] In addition, the image generation unit 20 of the present embodiment processes the high beam image based on information represented by signals respectively input from the object detection device 140 and the vibration sensor 160, and generates an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) light distribution image. The ADB light distribution image is an image representing an ADB light distribution pattern in which a part of the light distribution pattern of the high beam becomes a first area with reduced light quantity, and at least a part of the area along the edge of the first area becomes a halo area with reduced light quantity and brighter than the first area.

[0269] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the image generation unit 20 generates an image based on information represented by signals respectively input from the object detection device 140 and the vibration sensor 160. Therefore, the control unit CO inputs signals respectively from the object detection device 140 and the vibration sensor 160, and controls the lamp unit 10 through the image generation unit 20 and the light distribution control unit 40.

[0270] The vibration sensor 160 of the present embodiment detects the vibration of the vehicle 100, and outputs a signal indicating information related to the detected vibration to the control unit CO via the ECU 130. As the vibration sensor 160, for example, a gyro sensor or the like can be cited. The vibration sensor 160 of the present embodiment can detect the vibration direction and amplitude of the vehicle 100.

[0271] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the operations of a pair of vehicle headlamps 1 are identical and synchronized. Therefore, the operation of one vehicle headlamp 1 will be described below, and the operation of the other vehicle headlamp 1 will be omitted.

[0272] FIG19 is a control flow chart of the control unit CO of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG19 , the control flow includes steps SP51 to SP59. In the start state shown in FIG19 , signals are input from the object detection device 140 and the vibration sensor 160 to the control unit CO. In addition, steps SP51 to SP56 are the same as steps SP41 to SP46 of the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the description of steps SP51 to SP56 is omitted.

[0273] (Step SP57)

[0274] In this step, the control unit CO inputs a signal indicating an amplitude of vibration greater than a prescribed value from the vibration sensor 160, and when the vibration with an amplitude greater than the prescribed value continues for a prescribed period or longer, the control flow enters step SP59. In addition, the control unit CO enters step SP58 when a signal indicating an amplitude of vibration less than a prescribed value is input from the vibration sensor 160, or when the vibration with an amplitude greater than the prescribed value continues for a period less than a prescribed period. In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned prescribed value is set to the following value: when the vehicle 100 is traveling on a paved road, the control flow enters step SP58, and when the vehicle 100 is traveling on an uneven road such as an unpaved gravel road, the control flow enters step SP59. In addition, in the present embodiment, the above-mentioned prescribed period is set to a period such as when the vehicle 100 vibrates up and down with an amplitude greater than the prescribed value for only a moment when the vehicle 100 passes over a convex portion on the road, the control flow enters step SP58, but this period is not limited.

[0275] (Step SP58)

[0276] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light distribution pattern emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes the ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the case where the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle 100 is smaller than a predetermined value. The following description takes the case where the predetermined object is another vehicle as an example.

[0277] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the ADB light distribution pattern in this step, similarly to Fig. 15. The ADB light distribution pattern P1 in this step is a light distribution pattern that forms the first area 51 and the blurred area 53 on the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. That is, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so as to form the first area 51 and the blurred area 53 on the high-beam light distribution pattern PH.

[0278] The first area 51 is an area in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH that overlaps at least a portion of the other vehicle 200 and is darker than when the other vehicle 200 is not located in front of the host vehicle 100. That is, the light amount of the first area 51 is less than the light amount of the area corresponding to the first area 51 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the amount of light irradiated from the host vehicle 100 to the other vehicle 200 is reduced, and the glare to the driver of the other vehicle 200 can be suppressed. It should be noted that the first area 51 of the present embodiment is a light-shielding area that does not irradiate light, but there is no limitation. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the first area 51 is a rectangular shape that overlaps with the upper part of the license plate of the other vehicle 200. However, from the perspective of suppressing the glare to the driver of the other vehicle 200, the first area 51 only needs to overlap with at least a portion of the identification portion for the driver of the other vehicle 200 to identify the outside of the vehicle. For example, the first area 51 may also overlap with the entirety of the other vehicle 200, and the shape or size of the first area 51 is not limited.

[0279] The blurred area 53 is an area along at least a portion of the edge of the first area 51 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH, which is darker than the case where the other vehicle 200 is not located in front of the host vehicle 100 and brighter than the first area 51. Since the blurred area 53 is along the edge of the first area 51, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the contrast of the brightness from the first area 51 to the second area 55, which is the area around the first area 51, compared with the case where there is no blurred area 53, and the edge of the first area 51 does not look clear. Therefore, the edge is not obvious and difficult for the driver to recognize. Therefore, the driver is prevented from feeling uncomfortable with the change in brightness in the first area 51 and the second area 55 around the first area 51.

[0280] In the present embodiment, the blur region 53 includes a pair of side blur regions 53s, 53s respectively along the left and right edges of the first region 51, an upper blur region 53u along the upper edge of the first region 51, and a lower blur region 53d along the lower edge of the first region 51. FIG. 20 shows an example in which the side blur regions 53s, 53s respectively follow the entire left and right edges of the first region 51, the upper blur region 53u follows the entire upper edge of the first region 51, and the lower blur region 53d follows the entire lower edge of the first region 51. That is, the blur region 53 follows the entire circumference of the edge of the first region 51. However, the blur region 53 only needs to follow at least a portion of the edge of the first region 51. Therefore, the blur region 53 is formed in at least a portion of the boundary region between the first region 51 and the second region 55. In addition, in the present embodiment, the width 53W of the blur region 53 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the blur region 53 along the edge of the first region 51 is substantially constant in the direction along the edge of the first region 51. That is, the widths of a pair of side blurred regions 53s, 53s, the upper blurred region 53u, and the lower blurred region 53d in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the respective regions along the edge of the first region 51 are the same width 53W. However, the width of the blurred region 53 may not be constant in the direction along the edge of the first region 51. In addition, in the present embodiment, the brightness of the blurred region 53 becomes darker as it approaches the first region 51, and gradually becomes brighter from the first region 51 side toward the side opposite to the first region 51. Such brightness changes are roughly the same in the direction along the edge of the first region 51, but there is no limitation. For example, the brightness of the side blurred regions 53s, 53s, the upper blurred region 53u, and the lower blurred region 53d may be different from each other.

[0281] The light intensity of the second area 55 does not change from the light intensity of the area corresponding to the second area 55 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Thus, even if another vehicle 200 is located in front of the host vehicle 100, the visibility of the second area 55 by the driver of the host vehicle 100 is suppressed from decreasing.

[0282] In the control of the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P1, in the present embodiment, first, the image generation unit 20 reads the high beam image stored in the memory ME. Next, the image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image based on the information related to the other vehicle 200 input from the object detection device 140 and the information related to the vibration of the own vehicle 100 from the vibration sensor 160, and generates the ADB light distribution image representing the above-mentioned ADB light distribution pattern P1. The image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image as follows: the area corresponding to the above-mentioned first area 51 and the area corresponding to the blurred area 53 in the high beam image are respectively darkened, and the brightness of the area corresponding to the blurred area 53 is brighter than the brightness of the area corresponding to the first area 51. The image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image in this way to generate the ADB light distribution image. Next, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the generated ADB light distribution image, and emits the light based on the ADB light distribution image from the light source unit 12. As a result, the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P1 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP51.

[0283] (Step SP59)

[0284] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light distribution pattern emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the situation where the amplitude of the vibration of the vehicle 100 is greater than a specified value and the vibration with an amplitude greater than the specified value continues for more than a specified period.

[0285] FIG21 is a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in this step similarly to FIG20. In the situation shown in FIG21, the position of the other vehicle 200 relative to the host vehicle 100 is the same as the position in the situation shown in FIG20. However, the situation shown in FIG21 is a situation in which the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle 100 is greater than a prescribed value and the vibration with an amplitude greater than the prescribed value continues for a prescribed period or longer, and the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle 100 is different from the amplitude in the situation shown in FIG20.

[0286] The first area 51 of this step is different from the first area 51 of step SP58. Specifically, the relative position of the center of the first area 51 and the other vehicle 200, and the width of the first area 51 in the left-right direction are the same as those in step SP58, but the width 51W of the first area 51 in the up-down direction is wider than the width 51W of the first area 51 in the up-down direction of step SP58. Therefore, the first area 51 is expanded to both sides of the upper side and the lower side compared with the first area 51 in step SP58. However, as long as the width 51W of the first area 51 in the up-down direction is wider than the width in step SP58, for example, the first area 51 may be expanded to one of the upper side and the lower side.

[0287] The blur region 53 of this step is different from the blur region 53 of step SP58. Specifically, the blur degree of the blur region 53 is stronger than the blur degree of the blur region 53 in step SP58.

[0288] Since the degree of blur changes, the visual expression of the portion along which the blurred region 53 is located in the edge of the first region 51 in step SP58 and the visual expression of the portion along which the blurred region 53 is located in the edge of the first region 51 in this step are different from each other. In the present embodiment, the control unit CO makes the width 53W of the blurred region 53 in this step wider than the width 53W of the blurred region 53 in step SP58. Thus, the degree of blurring of the blurred region 53 is stronger than the degree of blurring of the blurred region 53 in step SP58. In the present embodiment, the width 53W of the blurred region 53 is substantially constant in the direction along the edge of the first region 51, but the width 53W may not be constant in this direction.

[0289] In the control of the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P2, the image generation unit 20 reads the high beam image stored in the memory ME, similarly to the control of the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P1 in step SP58. Next, the image generation unit 20 processes the high beam image based on the information related to the other vehicle 200 from the object detection device 140 and the information related to the vibration of the own vehicle 100 from the vibration sensor 160, and generates an ADB light distribution image representing the above-mentioned ADB light distribution pattern P2. Next, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the generated ADB light distribution image, and emits light based on the ADB light distribution image from the light source unit 12. Therefore, the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0290] When the light of the ADB light distribution pattern P2 is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP51.

[0291] Thus, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when the high beam emission is selected by the light switch 110 , the light distribution pattern of the emitted light changes according to the amplitude of the vibration of the other vehicle 200 and the host vehicle 100 as predetermined objects.

[0292] However, when the vehicle is traveling on an uneven road such as a dirt road, the vehicle vibrates, but in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, control when the vehicle vibrates is not discussed. When the vehicle vibrates, the darkened area such as the light shielding area in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 tends to vibrate due to the vibration of the vehicle, and if the amplitude of the vibration of the vehicle increases, the amplitude of the vibration of the darkened area tends to increase. If the amplitude of the vibration of the darkened area increases, the driver may feel annoyed by the vibration of the darkened area.

[0293] Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the sixth mode, as described in steps SP57, SP58, and SP59, when the other vehicle 200 as the predetermined object is located in front of the host vehicle 100, the control unit CO forms the first area 51 and the obscured area 53 on the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. The first area 51 is an area in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH that overlaps at least a part of the other vehicle 200 and is darker than when the other vehicle 200 is not located in front of the host vehicle 100, and the obscured area 53 is an area along at least a part of the edge of the first area 51. When the host vehicle 100 vibrates, the first area 51 tends to vibrate due to the vibration of the host vehicle 100, and when the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle 100 increases, the amplitude of the vibration of the first area 51 tends to increase. Moreover, when the amplitude of the vibration of the first area 51 increases, the driver of the host vehicle 100 may feel annoyed by the vibration of the first area 51. However, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the degree of blurring in the blurring area 53 when the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle 100 is greater than the prescribed value and the vibration with the amplitude greater than the prescribed value continues for a prescribed period or longer is greater than the degree of blurring in the blurring area 53 when the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle 100 is less than the prescribed value or the vibration with the amplitude greater than the prescribed value continues for a period less than the prescribed period. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, compared with the case where the degree of blurring in the blurring area 53 does not change, the edge of the first area 51 can be made unclear and inconspicuous, and the driver can be prevented from being annoyed by the vibration of the first area 51.

[0294] When the vehicle 100 is traveling on an uneven road such as a gravel road, the amplitude of the vibration of the vehicle 100 in the vertical direction tends to be larger than the amplitude of the vibration in the horizontal direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the blur region 53 includes both an upper blur region 53u along the upper edge of the first region 51 and a lower blur region 53d along the lower edge of the first region 51. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the driver can be restrained from being annoyed by the vibration of the first region 51, compared with a case where the blur region 53 does not include the upper blur region 53u and the lower blur region 53d. It should be noted that, in this viewpoint, the blur region 53 only needs to include at least one of the upper blur region 53u and the lower blur region 53d.

[0295] The upper edge of the first area 51 tends to be located in midair compared to the lower edge of the first area 51, and the lower edge of the first area 51 tends to overlap with objects such as roads or buildings compared to the upper edge of the first area 51. Therefore, the lower edge of the first area 51 tends to be easier for the driver to identify than the upper edge of the first area 51. In the present embodiment, as described above, the blur region 53 includes the lower blur region 53d. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the driver can be suppressed from being annoyed by the vibration of the first area 51 compared to the case where the blur region 53 does not include the lower blur region 53d. It should be noted that in this viewpoint, the blur region 53 only needs to include at least the lower blur region 53d.

[0296] In addition, there is a tendency that the area in the first area 51 that overlaps with the other vehicle 200 becomes narrower as the amplitude of the vibration of the first area 51 increases. In the present embodiment, when the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle 100 is a predetermined value or more and the vibration of the amplitude of the predetermined value or more continues for a predetermined period or more, the width 51W in the vertical direction of the first area 51 is wider than the width 51W in the case where the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle 100 is less than the predetermined value or the vibration of the amplitude of the predetermined value or more continues for a period of less than the predetermined period. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the area in the first area 51 that overlaps with the other vehicle 200 can be suppressed from becoming narrower than when the width 51W in the vertical direction of the first area 51 does not change. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the occurrence of glare to the driver of the other vehicle 200 can be suppressed compared to this case. It should be noted that in this viewpoint, the width 51W in the vertical direction of the first area 51 is wider as the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle 100 increases. For example, regardless of whether the vibration with an amplitude greater than a specified value lasts for a specified period or longer, the width 51W may be wider when the amplitude of the vibration of the vehicle 100 is greater than the specified value than when the amplitude of the vibration of the vehicle 100 is less than the specified value, or the width 51W may become wider in more stages as the amplitude increases. It should be noted that the width 51W may not change according to the amplitude.

[0297] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, an example in which the first area 51 overlaps at least a portion of another vehicle 200 as a prescribed object is described. However, for example, when the first area 51 overlaps at least a portion of a retroreflective object as a prescribed object, the amount of light irradiated to the retroreflective object is reduced. Therefore, the amount of reflected light reflected by the retroreflective object and directed toward the vehicle is reduced, and glare to the driver of the vehicle caused by the reflected light can be suppressed. In addition, when the first area 51 overlaps at least a portion of a person as a prescribed object, the amount of light irradiated to the person is reduced, and glare to the person can be suppressed. In this case, the first area 51 preferably overlaps only with the head of the person.

[0298] As mentioned above, although the sixth aspect of the present invention has been described by taking the seventh embodiment as an example, the sixth aspect of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0299] For example, in the seventh embodiment, an example is described in which the first area 51 and the blurred area 53 are formed on the light distribution pattern of the high beam. However, the light distribution pattern forming the first area 51 and the blurred area 53 is not limited, and for example, these may be formed on an additional light distribution pattern that is added to the light distribution pattern of the low beam to form the light distribution pattern of the high beam. In this case, for example, the low beam is emitted from a lamp unit different from the lamp unit 10, and the lamp unit 10 emits light with the additional light distribution pattern.

[0300] In addition, in the seventh embodiment, the light source unit 12 having a plurality of light-emitting elements 13 capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted is described as an example. However, the light source unit 12 is not limited. For example, the light source unit 12 may also have a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) including a plurality of reflective elements arranged in a matrix and a light-emitting unit that irradiates light to the DMD. The DMD can adjust the amount of light emitted from the reflective surface of each reflective element in a specified direction, and can make the light emitted from each reflective element in a specified direction become light based on an image generated by the image generating unit 20. In this case, it can be understood that it corresponds to a light emitting unit capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted from the reflective surface of each reflective element.

[0301] In addition, in the seventh embodiment, the image generating unit 20 is provided, and the control unit CO that controls the lamp unit 10 based on the ADB image generated by the image generating unit 20 is described as an example. However, the control unit CO may not have the image generating unit 20. In this case, for example, information related to the ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to a predetermined object may be pre-stored in the memory ME, and the control unit CO may control the lamp unit 10 based on the information.

[0302] In addition, in the seventh embodiment, an example is described in which the degree of blurring in the blurring area 53 is stronger when the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle 100 is greater than the prescribed value and the vibration of the amplitude greater than the prescribed value continues for a prescribed period than when the amplitude is less than the prescribed value or the vibration of the amplitude greater than the prescribed value continues for a period less than the prescribed period. However, it is sufficient that the greater the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle 100, the stronger the degree of blurring in the blurring area 53. According to such a structure, compared with the case where the degree of blurring in the blurring area 53 does not change, the edge of the first area 51 can be made unclear and the edge can be made less obvious, and the driver can be prevented from being annoyed by the vibration of the first area 51.

[0303] It should be noted that, for example, it is also possible that, regardless of whether the vibration with an amplitude greater than a predetermined value lasts for a predetermined period or longer, the degree of blur in the blur region 53 when the amplitude is greater than the predetermined value is stronger than when the amplitude is less than the predetermined value. Alternatively, the greater the amplitude, the stronger the blur in multiple stages.

[0304] In addition, when the amplitude of the vibration of the vehicle 100 is less than a specified value, the degree of blur in the blur region 53 may not become stronger according to the amplitude. In addition, when the amplitude of the vibration of the vehicle 100 is less than a specified value, the degree of blur in the blur region 53 may be zero. That is, the control unit CO may control the lamp unit 10 in this way. According to such a structure, it can be set that when the vehicle 100 is traveling on an uneven road such as an unpaved dirt road, the blur region 53 is formed, and when the vehicle is traveling on a paved road, the blur region 53 is not formed. It should be noted that when the amplitude of the vibration of the vehicle 100 is greater than a specified value, the degree of blur in the blur region 53 may be constant. Accordingly, the degree of blur in the blur region 53 becomes stronger in one stage according to the amplitude.

[0305] In addition, in the case where the duration of the vibration of the vehicle 100 with an amplitude greater than a prescribed value is less than the prescribed duration, or the number of times the vibration of the vehicle 100 with an amplitude greater than a prescribed value is repeated continuously is less than the prescribed number of times, the degree of blur in the blur area may not be strong. In addition, in the case where the duration of the vibration of the vehicle 100 with an amplitude greater than a prescribed value is less than the prescribed duration, or the number of times the vibration of the vehicle with an amplitude greater than a prescribed value is repeated continuously is less than the prescribed number of times, the degree of blur in the blur area may be zero. That is, the control unit CO may control the lamp unit 10 in this way. It should be noted that the above-mentioned prescribed number of times is, for example, less than the number of times the vibration of the amplitude greater than the prescribed value is repeated continuously when the vehicle 100 is traveling on a bumpy road, and is greater than the number of times the vibration of the amplitude greater than the prescribed value is repeated continuously when the vehicle 100 passes over a convex portion on the road and the vehicle vibrates only for a moment. As such a prescribed number of times, for example, three times can be cited, but there is no limitation. According to such a configuration, when the vehicle 100 is traveling on a bumpy road, a blur region is formed, and when the vehicle 100 is passing over a bump on the road and the vehicle 100 is vibrating with an amplitude greater than the above-mentioned predetermined value for only a moment, the blur region 53 is not formed. It should be noted that when the above-mentioned period is greater than the predetermined period, or when the above-mentioned number of times is greater than the predetermined number of times, the blur degree in the blur region 53 may be constant. Accordingly, the blur degree in the blur region 53 becomes stronger in one stage according to the amplitude.

[0306] In addition, in the seventh embodiment, the vehicle 100 including a pair of vehicle headlamps 1 having a control unit CO and a memory ME is described as an example. However, at least one of the control unit CO and the memory ME may be shared by the pair of vehicle headlamps 1. In addition, the signals outputted from the object detection device 140 and the brightness detection device 150 may be inputted to the control unit CO without passing through the ECU 130. In addition, there are no particular restrictions on the vehicle including the vehicle headlamps 1 and the number of vehicle headlamps 1 included in the vehicle.

[0307] According to the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, a vehicle headlamp is provided, which can suppress the driver's annoyance to the movement of the darkened area, and can be used in the fields of automobiles, etc. In addition, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a vehicle headlamp is provided, which can set the visual expression of the edge of the darkened area to a desired visual expression corresponding to the brightness of the surrounding environment of the vehicle, and can be used in the fields of automobiles, etc. In addition, according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a vehicle headlamp is provided, which can suppress the driver's annoyance to the vibration of the darkened area, and can be used in the fields of automobiles, etc.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlamp, characterized in that: have: A lamp unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; a control unit that receives a signal from a detection device to control the lamp unit, wherein the detection device detects another vehicle located in front of the vehicle, When the other vehicle is located in front of the host vehicle, the control unit forms a first area in the light distribution pattern, the first area overlaps with at least a portion of the other vehicle and is darker than when the other vehicle is not located in front of the host vehicle, and when the other vehicle moves relative to the host vehicle, the control unit forms a blurred area, the blurred area is adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the first area, and blurs the light. When the other vehicle is moving relative to the host vehicle, the degree of blur in the blur region is greater than when the other vehicle is not moving relative to the host vehicle.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit forms a first blur region and a second blur region in the blur region when the other vehicle moves relative to the host vehicle, the first blur region being located on the moving direction side of the other vehicle relative to the first region in the moving direction of the other vehicle with respect to the host vehicle as a reference, and the second blur region being located on the opposite side of the first blur region relative to the first region, The blurring degrees are different in the first blur region and the second blur region.

3. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 2, characterized in that: The blur degree of the first blur area is greater than that of the second blur area.

4. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit does not form the blur area when the other vehicle does not move relative to the host vehicle.

5. A vehicle headlamp, characterized in that: have: A lamp unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; a control unit that receives a signal from a detection device to control the lamp unit, wherein the detection device detects another vehicle located in front of the host vehicle and the driving state of the host vehicle and the other vehicle, When the other vehicle is located in front of the host vehicle, the control unit forms a first area in the light distribution pattern, the first area overlaps with at least a portion of the other vehicle and is darker than when the other vehicle is not located in front of the host vehicle, and when at least one of the host vehicle and the other vehicle is traveling on a curve, the control unit forms a blurred area, the blurred area is adjacent to at least a portion of left and right edges of the first area, and blurs the light. When at least one of the host vehicle and the other vehicle is traveling on the curve, the degree of blur in the blur region is greater than when the host vehicle and the other vehicle are traveling on a straight road.

6. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control unit forms a first blur area and a second blur area in the blur area when the host vehicle is traveling on the curve, wherein the first blur area is located on a side where the host vehicle turns relative to the first area in the left-right direction of the host vehicle traveling on the curve, and the second blur area is located on a side opposite to the first blur area relative to the first area. The blurring degrees are different in the first blur region and the second blur region.

7. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 6, characterized in that: The blur degree of the first blur area is greater than that of the second blur area.

8. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control unit does not form the blur area when the host vehicle and the other vehicles are traveling on a straight road.

9. A vehicle headlamp, characterized in that: have: A lamp unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; a control unit that receives a signal from a detection device to control the lamp unit, wherein the detection device detects another vehicle located in front of the vehicle and the driving state of the vehicle, When the other vehicle is located in front of the host vehicle and the host vehicle is traveling on a curve, the control unit forms a first area in the light distribution pattern, the first area overlaps with at least a portion of the other vehicle and is darker than when the other vehicle is not located in front of the host vehicle, and the control unit forms a first blurred area and a second blurred area, the first blurred area is located on a side of the host vehicle turning relative to the first area and is adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the first area, and the second blurred area is located on a side opposite to the first blurred area relative to the first area and is adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the first area. The blurring degrees are different in the first blur region and the second blur region.

10. A vehicle headlamp, characterized in that: have: A lamp unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; a control unit that receives a signal from a detection device to control the lamp unit, wherein the detection device detects another vehicle located in front of the vehicle and the driving state of the other vehicle, When the other vehicle is located in front of the host vehicle and the other vehicle is traveling on a curve, the control unit forms a first area in the light distribution pattern, the first area overlaps with at least a portion of the other vehicle and is darker than when the other vehicle is not located in front of the host vehicle, and the control unit forms a first blurred area and a second blurred area, the first blurred area being located on a side of the other vehicle turning relative to the first area and adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the first area, and the second blurred area being located on a side opposite to the first blurred area relative to the first area and adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the first area. The blurring degrees are different in the first blur region and the second blur region.

11. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The blur degree of the first blur area is greater than that of the second blur area.

12. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The control unit does not form the first blur area and the second blur area when the host vehicle and the other vehicle are traveling on a straight road.

13. A vehicle headlamp, characterized in that: have: A lamp unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; a control unit that receives signals from an object detection device and a brightness detection device to control the lamp unit, wherein the object detection device detects a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle and the brightness detection device detects the brightness of the surrounding environment of the vehicle. When the predetermined object is located in front of the host vehicle, the control unit forms a first area and a blurred area in the light distribution pattern, the first area overlapping at least a portion of the predetermined object and being darker than when the predetermined object is not located in front of the host vehicle, and the blurred area along at least a portion of an edge of the first area. The degree of blur in the blur region varies according to the brightness of the surrounding environment.

14. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 13, characterized in that: A width of the blur region in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the blur region along an edge of the first region varies according to brightness of the surrounding environment.

15. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: The brightness of the blurred area varies according to the brightness of the surrounding environment.

16. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: The degree of blur in the blur region when the brightness of the surrounding environment is darker than a predetermined brightness is greater than when the brightness of the surrounding environment is the same as or brighter than the predetermined brightness.

17. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: The blur region includes a pair of side blur regions respectively along the left and right edges of the first region. When the brightness of the surrounding environment is different on the left and right, the degree of blurring in the side blurred area located on the side with dark brightness of the surrounding environment is stronger than the degree of blurring in the side blurred area located on the side with bright brightness of the surrounding environment.

18. A vehicle headlamp, characterized in that: have: A lamp unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; a control unit that controls the lamp unit by inputting signals from an object detection device and a vibration sensor, the object detection device detecting a predetermined object located in front of the host vehicle, and the vibration sensor detecting an amplitude of vibration of the host vehicle, The control unit forms a first area and a blurred area in the light distribution pattern when the predetermined object is located in front of the host vehicle, the first area overlapping at least a portion of the predetermined object and being darker than when the predetermined object is not located in front of the host vehicle, and the blurred area along at least a portion of an edge of the first area. The greater the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle, the greater the degree of blurring in the blurring area.

19. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 18, characterized in that: The blur region includes at least one of an upper blur region along an upper edge of the first region and a lower blur region along a lower edge of the first region.

20. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 19, characterized in that: The blur region includes at least the lower blur region.

21. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 18, characterized in that: When the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle is smaller than a predetermined value, the degree of blurring in the blurring area does not become stronger.

22. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 21, characterized in that: When the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle is smaller than the predetermined value, the degree of blurring in the blurring area is zero.

23. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 18, characterized in that: When the duration of the vibration of the vehicle with an amplitude greater than a specified value is shorter than a specified period, or when the number of consecutive repetitions of the vibration of the vehicle with an amplitude greater than the specified value is less than a specified number of times, the degree of blur in the blur area does not become stronger.

24. The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 18 to 23, characterized in that: The greater the amplitude of the vibration of the host vehicle, the greater the width of the first region in the up-down direction.

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