Vehicle headlamp

Abstract

A vehicle headlamp (1) is provided with an image generation unit (20), a light source unit (12), and a memory (ME) that stores an additional light distribution image (36) and a light reduction rate distribution (30), and the light reduction rate distribution (30) is configured from a light reduction unit (31) having a light reduction rate equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and a halation unit (32) that follows at least a part of the edge of the light reduction unit (31). The image generation unit (20) enlarges or reduces at least a part of the light reduction rate distribution (30) while maintaining a state in which the halation unit (32) is along the edge of the light reduction unit (31), and reduces the brightness of a part of the additional light distribution image (36) by superimposing the light reduction rate distribution (30) on the part of the additional light distribution image (36), thereby generating an image in which the light emitted from the light source unit (12) forms an ADB light distribution pattern (PA). The ADB light distribution pattern (PA) is a light distribution pattern in which a light reduction region (91) that overlaps a predetermined object and in which the amount of light decreases and a halation region (92) in which the amount of light decreases along the edge of the light reduction region (91) are formed on the additional light distribution pattern (PAH).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As a vehicle headlamp represented by an automobile headlamp, there is known a vehicle headlamp that changes the light distribution pattern of emitted light. Patent Document 1 listed below discloses such a vehicle headlamp.

[0003] The vehicle headlamp described in the following patent document 1 includes a light distribution pattern forming unit composed of a micro LED (Light Emitting Diode) array and a memory. The light distribution pattern forming unit can form a light distribution pattern corresponding to the light amount of light emitted from each micro LED by adjusting the light amount of light emitted from each micro LED. The memory stores a table that associates information related to the light amount of light emitted from each micro LED with the steering angle of the vehicle. Moreover, in the vehicle headlamp of the following patent document 1, the light distribution pattern forming unit changes the light amount of light emitted from the micro LED based on the information stored in the memory, thereby changing the light distribution pattern of the emitted light to a light distribution pattern corresponding to the steering angle of the vehicle.

[0004] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 182151 Summary of the invention

[0005] A vehicle headlamp according to a first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: an image generating unit which inputs a signal from a detection device which detects a predetermined object located in front of a vehicle, and generates an image representing a light distribution pattern including a reference light distribution pattern, wherein the reference light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern of at least a portion of a low beam or at least a portion of a high beam; a light source unit which has a plurality of light emitting units which are arranged in a matrix and can individually change the light amount of emitted light, and emits light based on the image generated by the image generating unit; and a memory which stores a reference image in which the light emitted from the light source unit forms the reference light distribution pattern, and a distribution of dimming rates which overlap a portion of the reference image and reduce the brightness of the portion, namely, a dimming rate distribution; the dimming rate distribution is composed of a dimming unit and a vignetting unit, and the dimming rate of the dimming unit is a predetermined value or less. The vignetting portion is along at least a portion of an edge of the dimming portion, the dimming rate of the vignetting portion is less than the specified value and decreases from the dimming portion side toward the side opposite to the dimming portion, the image generating portion enlarges or reduces at least a portion of the dimming rate distribution while maintaining the vignetting portion along the edge of the dimming portion, and overlaps the dimming rate distribution on a portion of the reference image to reduce the brightness of a portion of the reference image, thereby generating the image in which light emitted from the light source portion forms a specific light distribution pattern, the specific light distribution pattern being a light distribution pattern in which a dimming area and a vignetting area are formed on the reference light distribution pattern, the dimming area corresponding to the dimming portion and overlapping with the specified object and having a reduced light amount, and the vignetting area corresponding to the vignetting portion and having a reduced light amount along the edge of the dimming area.

[0006] In the vehicle headlamp of the first mode, when a predetermined object is located in front of the vehicle, a dimming area corresponding to the dimming portion of the dimming rate distribution and overlapping with the predetermined object and having a reduced light amount, and a vignetting area corresponding to the vignetting portion of the dimming rate distribution and along the edge of the dimming area are formed on the reference light distribution pattern. Therefore, the light amount of light irradiated to the predetermined object is reduced. In addition, the dimming rate of the vignetting portion corresponding to the vignetting area is less than a predetermined value, and decreases from the dimming portion side toward the side opposite to the dimming portion. Therefore, the vignetting area is brighter than the dimming area, and the brightness of the vignetting area can decrease from the side opposite to the dimming area toward the dimming area. Therefore, compared with a case where a vignetting area is not formed, it is possible to suppress the edge of the dimming area from being clearly seen, and it is possible to suppress the driver of the vehicle from being annoyed by the movement of the dimming area. In addition, in the vehicle headlamp, the image generating unit enlarges or reduces at least a part of the dimming rate distribution while maintaining the state that the vignetting part is along the edge of the dimming part, and overlaps the dimming rate distribution on a part of the reference image to reduce the brightness of a part of the reference image, thereby generating an image representing a specific light distribution pattern. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp, even if the information stored in the memory is the reference image and the dimming rate distribution, the position and size of the dimming area and the vignetting area can be changed. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp, compared with the case where a plurality of images representing a specific light distribution pattern in which the position and size of the dimming area and the vignetting area are changed are stored in the memory, the increase in the amount of information stored in the memory can be suppressed.

[0007] In the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the dimming portion may have a quadrilateral shape, and the vignetting portion may be composed of a pair of side vignetting portions respectively along left and right edges of the dimming portion.

[0008] The predetermined object in the field of vision of the vehicle driver tends to move to the left and right, and the dimming area also tends to move to the left and right. In the vehicle headlamp of the first embodiment, the vignetting area in the specific light distribution pattern is a pair of areas along the left and right edges of the dimming area, respectively, and the left and right edges of the dimming area can be suppressed from being clearly seen. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp, compared with the case where the vignetting area does not include a pair of areas along the left and right edges of the dimming area, respectively, it is possible to suppress the vehicle driver from being annoyed by the movement of the dimming area.

[0009] Alternatively, the dimming portion may be in a quadrilateral shape, and the vignetting portion may include an upper vignetting portion along an upper edge of the dimming portion and a lower vignetting portion along a lower edge of the dimming portion.

[0010] When a vehicle is traveling on an uneven road such as a gravel road, the dimming area also moves in the vertical direction in accordance with the vibration. In the vehicle headlamp of the first embodiment, the vignetting area in the specific light distribution pattern is a pair of areas along the upper and lower edges of the dimming area, respectively, and the upper and lower edges of the dimming area can be suppressed from being clearly seen. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp, compared with a case where the vignetting area does not include a pair of areas along the upper and lower edges of the dimming area, respectively, it is possible to suppress the feeling of annoyance of the movement of the dimming area when the vehicle is traveling on an uneven road.

[0011] Alternatively, the dimming portion may be in a polygonal shape, the vignetting portion may be composed of a plurality of trapezoidal reference vignetting portions having a base along respective sides of the edge of the dimming portion, and mutually adjacent reference vignetting portions may share a side.

[0012] In the vehicle headlamp of the first embodiment, the vignetting area in the specific light distribution pattern surrounds the dimming area along the entire circumference of the edge of the polygonal dimming area. For example, when the vignetting portion is composed of a plurality of rectangular reference vignetting portions whose sides are respectively along the respective sides of the edge of the dimming portion, the vignetting area is not formed near the vertices of the polygonal dimming area. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp, it is possible to suppress the driver of the vehicle from feeling a sense of discomfort compared to such a case.

[0013] In the vehicle headlamp according to the first aspect, the dimming portion may have a trapezoidal shape in which an upper base is longer than a lower base.

[0014] The visual recognition unit used by the driver of the oncoming vehicle to visually recognize the outside of the vehicle is, for example, the front window, and the visual recognition unit used by the driver of the preceding vehicle to visually recognize the outside of the vehicle is, for example, a rearview mirror, a rear window, a camera for photographing the rear of the vehicle, etc. Such a visual recognition unit tends to be located on the upper side of the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle. In addition, if the dimming area in a specific light distribution pattern becomes wider, the visual recognition in the front is reduced. In the first embodiment of the vehicle headlamp, since the shape of the dimming area is a trapezoid with a longer upper base than the lower base, it is easier to overlap the dimming area with the above-mentioned visual recognition unit than in the case where the shape of the dimming area is a trapezoid with a shorter upper base than the lower base. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp, it is easier to suppress the glare caused to the drivers of the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle than in the above-mentioned case.

[0015] Alternatively, the dimming rate distribution may be composed of three or more triangular reference portions sharing a common vertex, the reference portions adjacent to each other share a side extending from the vertex, a portion of the reference portion including the vertex is a portion of the dimming portion, and the other portions of the reference portion are a portion of the vignetting portion.

[0016] Alternatively, the dimming portion may be circular in shape, and the vignetting portion may extend along the entire circumference of an edge of the dimming portion.

[0017] As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlamp that can suppress an increase in the amount of information and suppress the driver's annoyance with movement in a darkened area.

[0018] A vehicle headlamp of a second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a light source unit, wherein the light source unit has a plurality of light emitting units arranged in a matrix, the plurality of light emitting units emitting light by electric power and capable of individually changing the light amount of the emitted light, the light source unit emitting light having a light distribution pattern corresponding to the light amount of the light emitted from the plurality of light emitting units; and a control unit, wherein the control unit inputs a signal from a detection device that detects a specified object located in front of a vehicle and controls the light source unit; the control unit controls the light source unit so that the light amount of a first area in a specified light distribution pattern that overlaps with at least a portion of the specified object is reduced, and the light amount of a second area of ​​the specified light distribution pattern including a hot zone is increased.

[0019] In the vehicle headlamp of the second mode, when a prescribed object is located in front of the vehicle, the light amount of the first area in the prescribed light distribution pattern that overlaps at least a portion of the prescribed object is reduced. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp, the light amount of the light irradiated to the prescribed object is reduced. By reducing the light amount of the first area, the power used is reduced, and surplus power is generated. In the vehicle headlamp, when the surplus power is generated in this way, the light amount of the second area including the hot zone is increased. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp, it is possible to effectively use power to improve the visual recognition of the area including the hot zone without reaching the upper limit of the power used.

[0020] In the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, the control unit may control the light source unit so that the light amount in the second area increases with the passage of time and reaches a predetermined amount.

[0021] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the driver's feeling of discomfort due to the increased brightness of the second area, compared to a case where the light amount of the second area instantly reaches a predetermined amount.

[0022] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the control unit may control the light source unit so that the amount of light increase increases at a position with a larger amount of light in the second region.

[0023] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the driver's feeling of discomfort with the brightening of the second area, compared with a case where the brightening amount at any position in the second area is constant.

[0024] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the control unit may control the light source unit so that a light increase rate increases at a position with a larger amount of light in the second region.

[0025] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the driver's feeling of discomfort with the brightness increase in the second area, compared with a case where the brightness increase rate at any position in the second area is constant.

[0026] In the second embodiment of the vehicle headlamp, the second area may be an area where the light amount is above a threshold value, and the control unit may control the light source unit so that the light increase amount at any position in the second area becomes a value obtained by increasing the light amount obtained by subtracting the threshold value from the light amount at the arbitrary position by a specified multiple.

[0027] In the vehicle headlamp of the second embodiment, the light quantity at the outer edge of the second area reaches the threshold value. Therefore, by adopting such a structure, the light increase at the outer edge of the second area becomes zero, and the boundary of the second area can be made less conspicuous compared with the case where the light quantity at any position is increased by a predetermined magnification.

[0028] In this case, the predetermined magnification may be constant, or the predetermined magnification may be higher as the amount of light obtained by subtracting the threshold from the amount of light at the arbitrary position increases.

[0029] In the former case, the control load of the control unit can be reduced, and in the latter case, the driver's feeling of discomfort due to the brightening of the second area can be suppressed.

[0030] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the control unit may control the light source unit so that the greater the dimming amount of the first region, the greater the brightness gain amount of the second region.

[0031] The more dimming the first area has, the less power is used, and the more light gain the second area has, the brighter the second area is, and there is a tendency for the visual recognition of the second area to be improved. Therefore, according to such a structure, it is possible to suppress the increase in power consumption and further improve the visual recognition of the area including the hot zone.

[0032] In this case, the control unit may control the light source unit so that the larger the light reduction amount in the first area is, the wider the second area is.

[0033] According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the second area from becoming too bright, and it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling a sense of discomfort due to the increased brightness of the second area.

[0034] In the vehicle headlamp of the second embodiment, when the amount of dimming in the first area increases, the amount of light gain in the second area increases. The control unit may control the light source unit so that the amount of dimming in the first area increases, and the amount of light gain per unit area in the second area increases.

[0035] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the second area from becoming too large, and it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling a sense of discomfort due to the increased brightness of the second area.

[0036] In the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, the control unit may control the light source unit so that the light amount at a position where the light amount in the second region is maximum does not exceed a specific value.

[0037] According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the formation of an excessively bright region in the second region.

[0038] In the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, the control unit may control the light source unit so that a dimming amount in the first region and a brightening amount in the second region become equal to each other.

[0039] By adopting such a structure, the visibility of the area including the hot zone can be improved without increasing the power consumption.

[0040] The vehicle headlamp of the second aspect may further include a memory storing a reference image representing the prescribed light distribution pattern, a plurality of dimming images overlapping a portion of the reference image and having at least a portion of an area overlapping the reference image that is different from each other and darker than the reference image in brightness in the area, and a boost image overlapping an area corresponding to the second area in the reference image, wherein the control unit includes an image generation unit and a light distribution control unit, wherein the image generation unit superimposes at least one dimming image from the plurality of dimming images on a portion of the reference image to reduce brightness of an area corresponding to the first area in the reference image, and superimposes the boost image after brightness change on the reference image to increase brightness of an area corresponding to the second area in the reference image, thereby generating an image representing a specific light distribution pattern in which the amount of light in the first area in the prescribed light distribution pattern is reduced and the amount of light in the second area is increased, and the light distribution control unit controls the light source unit based on the image so that light having the specific light distribution pattern is emitted from the light source unit.

[0041] In this case, the brightened image may be an image representing a region corresponding to the second region in the reference image.

[0042] According to such a configuration, the amount of light enhancement can be increased more at positions with more light in the second region.

[0043] The vehicle headlamp of the second aspect may further include a memory storing a reference image representing the prescribed light distribution pattern, a plurality of dimming images overlapping a portion of the reference image and having at least a portion of an area overlapping the reference image different from each other and darker than the brightness of the reference image in the area, and a distribution of light increase rates overlapping an area corresponding to the second area in the reference image and increasing the brightness of the area, that is, a light increase rate distribution, wherein the control unit includes an image generation unit and a light distribution control unit, wherein the image generation unit overlaps at least one dimming image from the plurality of dimming images on a portion of the reference image to reduce the brightness of an area corresponding to the first area in the reference image, and overlaps the light increase rate distribution after changing by a predetermined magnification on a portion of the reference image to increase the brightness of an area corresponding to the second area in the reference image, thereby generating an image representing a specific light distribution pattern in which the light amount of the first area in the prescribed light distribution pattern is reduced and the light amount of the second area is increased, and the light distribution control unit controls the light source unit based on the image so that light having the specific light distribution pattern is emitted from the light source unit.

[0044] In this case, the light increase rate of the light increase rate distribution may be higher at a position with higher brightness in the region corresponding to the second region in the reference image.

[0045] According to such a configuration, the light increase rate can be made higher at a position with more light in the second region.

[0046] As described above, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlamp capable of improving the visibility of a region including a hot zone by effectively utilizing electric power. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 It is a plan view schematically showing a vehicle provided with a vehicle headlamp according to a first embodiment which is a first aspect of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a lamp unit.

[0049] Figure 3 It roughly indicates Figure 2 The front view of the light source part is shown.

[0050] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the dimming rate distribution in the first embodiment as the first aspect.

[0051] Figure 5 It means along Figure 4Graph of the dimming rate distribution of the VV line in .

[0052] Figure 6 This is a control flowchart of the control unit in the first embodiment as the first mode.

[0053] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of a low beam in the first embodiment as the first form.

[0054] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the generation of a high-beam image.

[0055] Fig. 9 is with Figure 7 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of a high beam in a first embodiment as a first aspect is shown.

[0056] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining the generation of an ADB light distribution image.

[0057] Fig.11 : is a figure which shows an example of the dimming rate distribution after deformation.

[0058] Fig.12 is with Figure 7 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in a first embodiment as a first aspect is shown.

[0059] Fig.13 1 is a diagram showing a dimming rate distribution in a first modification example of the first aspect.

[0060] Fig.14 1 is a diagram showing an example of a dimming rate distribution after modification in the first modification example of the first aspect.

[0061] Fig.15 1 is a diagram showing a dimming rate distribution in a second modified example of the first aspect.

[0062] Fig.16 1 is a diagram showing an example of a dimming rate distribution after modification in the second modification example of the first aspect.

[0063] Fig.17 1 is a diagram showing a dimming rate distribution in a third modified example of the first aspect.

[0064] Fig.18 It means along Fig.17 Graph of the dimming rate distribution of the XVIII-XVIII line in FIG.

[0065] Fig.19 This is a diagram showing an example of a dimming rate distribution after modification in the third modification example of the first aspect.

[0066] Fig. 20 : is a figure which shows the dimming rate distribution in the 4th modification which is the 1st aspect.

[0067] Fig.21 is with Figure 7 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of a low beam in a second embodiment as a second form is shown.

[0068] Fig. 22 is with Fig.21 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of a high beam in a second embodiment as a second form is shown.

[0069] Fig.23 It is a diagram for explaining the generation of an ADB light distribution image in the second embodiment as the second mode.

[0070] Fig.24 is with Fig. 22 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in a second embodiment as a second aspect is shown.

[0071] Fig.25 It means along Fig.24 Graph of the light quantity distribution of the ADB light distribution pattern on line XXV-XXV in FIG.

[0072] Fig.26 : is a graph showing an example of a change in the brightness enhancement amount in the second area over time.

[0073] Fig. 27 It is a diagram for explaining the generation of an ADB light distribution image in the third embodiment as the second aspect.

[0074] Fig.28 It is a diagram showing the relationship between the light gain ratio distribution and the brightness distribution of the high beam image.

[0075] Fig.29 It means along Fig. 22 A diagram showing the light quantity distribution of the high beam light distribution pattern on line XXIX-XXIX in FIG.

[0076] Fig.30 is with Fig.24 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in a modified example of the second embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] 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 in the embodiments illustrated below. It should be noted that in the drawings referenced below, the dimensions of each component are sometimes changed for easy understanding. In addition, in the drawings, for easy observation, for the same constituent elements, sometimes only a portion is marked with reference symbols, and a portion of the reference symbols are omitted.

[0078] (First embodiment)

[0079] A first embodiment as a first aspect of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlamp according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 100 is an automobile, and includes 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, unless otherwise specified, "right" refers to the right side in the advancing direction of the vehicle 100, which is the vehicle, "left" refers to the left side in the advancing direction, and a driver refers to the driver of the vehicle 100.

[0080] Each vehicle headlamp 1 includes a lamp unit 5, a control unit CO, a memory ME, and a power supply circuit 50 as main components. Usually, the lamp unit 5 of one vehicle headlamp 1 is arranged on the left side of the front part of the vehicle 100, and the lamp unit 5 of the other vehicle headlamp 1 is arranged on the right side of the front part. The structure of one vehicle headlamp 1 is the same as that of the other vehicle headlamp 1 except that the shape of the lamp unit 5 is approximately bilaterally symmetrical. Therefore, in the following, one vehicle headlamp 1 will be described, and the description of the other vehicle headlamp 1 will be omitted.

[0081] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the lamp section 5. The lamp section 5 includes a lamp unit 10 and a frame 16 as main components.

[0082] The frame 16 includes a housing 17 and a front cover 18 as main structures. The front cover 18 transmits light emitted from the lamp unit 10. The housing 17 is configured in a box shape having an opening at the front, and the front cover 18 is fixed to the housing 17 in a manner to block the opening. In this way, a storage space surrounded by the housing 17 and the front cover 18 is formed in the frame 16, and the lamp unit 10 is arranged in the storage space. The lamp unit 10 includes a light source 12 and a projection lens 15 as main structures. 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.

[0083] Figure 3 It roughly indicates Figure 2 The front view of the light source unit 12 is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the light source unit 12 of the present embodiment has a plurality of light emitting elements 13 as a light emitting unit that emits light through electric power and a circuit substrate 14 on which the plurality of light emitting elements 13 are mounted. The plurality of light emitting elements 13 are arranged in a matrix, forming columns in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, and emitting light toward the front. These light emitting elements 13 are capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted. In the present embodiment, these light emitting elements 13 are micro LEDs, and the light source unit 12 is a so-called micro LED array. It should be noted that there is no limitation on the number of light emitting elements 13 arranged in the left-right direction and the number of light emitting elements 13 arranged in the up-down direction. In addition, there is no limitation on the type of the light emitting element 13.

[0084] Such a light source unit 12 can form a predetermined light distribution pattern by selecting the light emitting element 13 that emits light. In addition, the light source unit 12 can adjust the intensity distribution of light in the predetermined light distribution pattern by adjusting the amount of light emitted from each light emitting element 13. Therefore, the light source unit 12 can emit light having a light distribution pattern corresponding to the amount of light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 13.

[0085] In the present embodiment, each light emitting element 13 corresponds to a pixel of an image generated by an image generating unit 20 described later. The light source unit 12 adjusts the amount of light emitted from each light emitting element 13 according to the data of the pixel corresponding to the light emitting element 13, thereby emitting light based on the image, and using the light to form a light distribution pattern based on the image. In the present embodiment, the light emitting elements 13 correspond to the pixels one by one, but there is no particular limitation.

[0086] The projection lens 15 is arranged in front of the light source unit 12, and the light emitted from the light source unit 12 is incident, and the divergence angle of the light is adjusted by the projection lens 15. Therefore, the light whose divergence angle is adjusted by the projection lens 15 is emitted from the lamp unit 10, and the light is irradiated from the lamp unit 5 to the front of the vehicle 100 via the front cover 18. The projection lens 15 of the present embodiment is a lens whose incident surface and exit surface of the light are formed in a convex shape, and the rear focus of the projection lens 15 is located on or near the exit surface of the light of any light emitting element 13 in the light source unit 12. Therefore, the light distribution pattern of the light irradiated to the front of the vehicle 100 is a light distribution pattern obtained by flipping the light distribution pattern of the light emitted by the light source unit 12 upside down and left and right, and the image representing the light distribution pattern is an image obtained by flipping the image representing the light distribution pattern of the light emitted by the light source unit 12 upside down and left and right.

[0087] Figure 1 The memory ME shown is configured to store information and can read the stored information. The memory ME is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, preferably a semiconductor recording medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), but may include any form of recording medium such as an optical recording medium and a magnetic recording medium. It should be noted that "non-transitory" recording media include all recording media that can be read by a computer except for transitory propagating signals, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Various programs for controlling the lamp unit 10 and information required for the control are stored in the memory ME, and the control unit CO reads the programs and information stored in the memory ME.

[0088] The control unit CO is composed of, for example, a microcontroller, an IC (Integrated Circuit), an LSI (Large-scale Integrated Circuit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or other integrated circuits, or an NC (Numerical Control) device. In addition, when the control unit CO uses an NC device, a machine learning machine may or may not be used. 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 passing through the ECU 130.

[0089] The control unit CO of the present embodiment includes the image generation unit 20 and the light distribution control unit 40 in a state where various programs are read from the memory ME, and receives a signal from the detection device 120 via the ECU 130 .

[0090] The image generation unit 20 generates an image based on the image and the dimming rate distribution stored in the memory ME. In the present embodiment, signals from the light switch 110 and the detection device 120 described later are input to the image generation unit 20, and the image generation unit 20 generates an image based on these signals. It should be noted that the information of the image and the dimming rate distribution stored in the memory ME may also be information read from a memory outside the vehicle via a wireless communication device provided in the vehicle 100.

[0091] The images stored in the memory ME of the present embodiment are a low beam image in which the light emitted from the light source unit 12 forms a low beam distribution pattern, and an additional light distribution image in which the light emitted from the light source unit 12 forms an additional light distribution pattern as a reference light distribution pattern. The additional light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern that forms a high beam distribution pattern by adding to the low beam distribution pattern, and is a light distribution pattern of a part of the high beam. These images are grayscale images in which the data of each pixel in each image is a shading value, and the larger the shading value, the brighter the pixel. However, the data of each pixel is not particularly limited.

[0092] The dimming rate is the ratio of reducing the brightness of the image, and the dimming rate distribution is the distribution of the ratio. The higher the dimming rate, the lower the brightness. When the dimming rate is 100%, the brightness is zero, and when the dimming rate is 0%, the brightness does not change. The information of the dimming rate distribution in this embodiment is the data of the image in which the data of each pixel is the dimming rate, but there is no limitation. The details will be described later. The dimming rate distribution overlaps with a part of the image, and the brightness of the part is reduced based on the dimming rate distribution.

[0093] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the distribution of the dimming rate in this embodiment, Figure 5 It means along Figure 4 The VV line dimming rate distribution diagram in FIG. Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, the dimming rate distribution 30 is composed of a dimming portion 31 whose dimming rate is greater than a specified value and a vignetting portion 32 whose dimming rate is less than a specified value along at least a portion of the edge of the dimming portion 31. In the present embodiment, the shape of the dimming portion 31 is a quadrilateral, specifically a rectangle. The vignetting portion 32 is composed of a pair of side vignetting portions 32s respectively along the left and right edges of the dimming portion 31. In addition, the side vignetting portions 32s are along the entire left and right edges of the dimming portion 31, but it is sufficient to be along at least a portion of the left and right edges of the dimming portion 31. In addition, the above-mentioned specified value is 100%, but it can also be lower than 100%. However, the specified value is preferably greater than 50%. In addition, the gradient of the dimming rate of the side vignetting portion 32s in the direction from the dimming portion 31 side toward the side opposite to the dimming portion 31 is constant, and the dimming rate at the edge of the side vignetting portion 32s on the dimming portion 31 side is 100%, and the dimming rate at the edge of the side vignetting portion 32s on the side opposite to the dimming portion 31 is 0%. However, the dimming rate of the side vignetting portion 32s may be less than a specified value and may decrease from the dimming portion 31 side toward the side opposite to the dimming portion 31. For example, the gradient of the dimming rate may change from the dimming portion 31 side toward the side opposite to the dimming portion 31. In addition, the dimming rate at the edge of the side vignetting portion 32s on the dimming portion 31 side may be less than a specified value, but is preferably a specified value. In addition, the dimming rate at the edge of the side vignetting portion 32s on the side opposite to the dimming portion 31 may be higher than 0%, but is preferably 0%.

[0094] The light distribution control unit 40 of the present embodiment controls the lamp unit 10 by controlling the power supply circuit 50 based on either the information of the low beam image stored in the memory ME or the information of the image generated by the image generating unit 20 .

[0095] The power supply circuit 50 includes a driver, and when a control signal is input from the control unit CO, the driver adjusts the power supplied from the power supply (not shown) to each light emitting element 13 of the light source unit 12. In the present embodiment, the light emitting element 13 corresponding to the pixel with a larger shading value is supplied with more power. In addition, 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.

[0096] The light switch 110 of the present embodiment is a switch for selecting any one of emission of low beam, emission of high beam, and non-emission of light. When emission of low beam or emission of high beam is selected, the light switch 110 outputs a signal indicating the selected state to the control unit CO via the ECU 130 of the vehicle 100. In addition, the light switch 110 does not output a signal when non-emission of light is selected.

[0097] The detection device 120 of this embodiment detects a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle 100. Examples of the predetermined object include retroreflective objects, pedestrians, and other vehicles such as the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle. The retroreflective object of this embodiment is an object that does not emit light itself but retroreflects the irradiated light at a predetermined spread angle, and examples of such retroreflective objects include road signs. The detection device 120 of this embodiment includes an image acquisition unit 121 and a detection unit 122.

[0098] The image acquisition unit 121 acquires an image in front of the vehicle 100, and the image includes at least a portion of an area that can be illuminated by the light emitted from the pair of vehicle headlamps 1. Examples of the image acquisition unit 121 include a CCD (Charged coupled device) camera, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) camera, a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), a millimeter wave radar, etc. The image acquisition unit 121 outputs a signal related to the acquired image to the detection unit 122.

[0099] 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 a predetermined object, the position of the object in the image, the type of the object, etc. from the image subjected to the image processing.

[0100] When the detection unit 122 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 122 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.

[0101] It should be noted that the predetermined object detected by the detection device 120, the number of types of the object, and the structure of the detection device 120 are not particularly limited. For example, the image acquisition unit 121 may also be a CCD camera and a LiDAR. In this case, the detection unit 122 detects the predetermined object based on the image acquired by the CCD camera and the LiDAR. In addition, the detection unit 122 does not limit the detection method of the predetermined object. For example, when the detection unit 122 inputs information of an image of a pair of white light spots or a pair of red light spots with a brightness higher than a predetermined brightness and existing at a predetermined interval in the left and right directions, the detection unit 122 detects the existence and location of other vehicles as the predetermined objects from the light spots. For example, when the detection unit 122 inputs information of an image of the pair of white light spots from the image acquisition unit 121, the detection unit 122 recognizes the other vehicle as an oncoming vehicle. In addition, when the detection unit 122 inputs information of an image of the pair of red light spots from the image acquisition unit 121, the detection unit 122 recognizes the other vehicle as a preceding vehicle. For example, a pair of white light spots are the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, and a pair of red light spots are the taillights of the vehicle in front.

[0102] 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.

[0103] Figure 6 : is a control flow chart of the control unit CO in this embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, the control process includes steps SP11 to SP17. Figure 6 In the starting state shown, a signal is input from the detection device 120 to the control unit CO.

[0104] (Step SP11)

[0105] 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.

[0106] (Step SP12)

[0107] In this step, the light distribution control unit 40 in the control unit CO controls the power supply circuit 50 so that the light from the lamp unit 10 is not emitted. As a result, the vehicle headlamp 1 does not emit light. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0108] (Step SP13)

[0109] In this step, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP14 when a signal related to emission of low beam is input from the light switch 110. In addition, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP15 when a signal related to emission of high beam is input from the light switch 110.

[0110] (Step SP14)

[0111] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Specifically, the image generation unit 20 reads the low beam image stored in the memory ME, and the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the low beam image to supply power to each light emitting element 13 of the light source unit 12. With the supply of power, the light source unit 12 emits light based on the low beam image, and light having a low beam light distribution pattern is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this way, the low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0112] Figure 7 : is a diagram showing an example of a low beam light distribution pattern in this embodiment. Figure 7 In the figure, S represents a horizontal line, V represents a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and the low beam light distribution pattern PL formed on an imaginary vertical screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 100 is represented by a bold line. The cut-off line CL in the low beam light distribution pattern PL of the present embodiment has an inflection point EP located below the horizontal line S and on or near the vertical line V, forming a step. That is, the low beam image is an image representing such a low beam light distribution pattern PL. When the low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0113] (Step SP15)

[0114] In this step, when a signal indicating that the specified object does not exist is input from the detection device 120, the control unit CO causes the control process to enter step SP16, and when a signal indicating information related to the specified object is input from the detection device 120, the control process enters step SP17.

[0115] (Step SP16)

[0116] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Specifically, first, the image generating unit 20 generates a high beam image representing a light distribution pattern of the high beam. Figure 8 is a diagram used to illustrate the generation of a high beam image. Figure 8As shown, the image generation unit 20 reads the low beam image 35 stored in the memory ME and the additional light distribution image 36 as the reference image, and generates a high beam image 37 in which the low beam image 35 is superimposed on a part of the additional light distribution image 36. In the present embodiment, the low beam image 35 takes precedence over the additional light distribution image 36, and the image of the portion where the low beam image 35 and the additional light distribution image 36 overlap is the image of the portion in the low beam image 35. It should be noted that there is no limitation on the synthesis of images, and for example, the additional light distribution image 36 may take precedence over the low beam image 35.

[0117] The light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the high-beam image 37, and supplies power to each light-emitting element 13 of the light source unit 12. With the supply of power, the light source unit 12 emits light based on the high-beam image, and light having a high-beam light distribution pattern is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this way, when a predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100, the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. In addition, as described above, the image representing the light distribution pattern of the light irradiated in front of the vehicle 100 is an image obtained by flipping the image representing the light distribution pattern of the light emitted by the light source unit 12 upside down and left to right. In the present embodiment, Figure 8 The upper right pixel in the high beam image 37 shown is Figure 3 The light emitting element 13 shown in the lower right corresponds to, Figure 8 The lower left pixel in the high beam image 37 shown is Figure 3 The corresponding relationship is reversed upside down. Therefore, the light distribution pattern of the high beam irradiated to the front of the vehicle 100 becomes the same as Figure 8 It should be noted that the pixels of the images in the following figures are Figure 8 The image shown likewise corresponds to the light emitting element 13 .

[0118] Fig. 9 is with Figure 7 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of a high beam in the present embodiment is shown. Fig. 9 As described above, the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown is formed by light based on the high beam image 37 in which the low beam image 35 is superimposed on a portion of the additional light distribution image 36. Therefore, it can be understood that the high beam light distribution pattern PH is formed by superimposing the low beam light distribution pattern PL and the additional light distribution pattern PAH. Fig. 9In the figure, the low beam light distribution pattern PL is indicated by a single-dotted line, and the additional light distribution pattern PAH is indicated by a double-dotted line. In addition, the additional light distribution pattern PAH and the low beam light distribution pattern PL are slightly offset in the upper, lower, left, and right directions. It should be noted that the light distribution pattern of the area LAPA where the low beam light distribution pattern PL and the additional light distribution pattern PAH overlap in the high beam light distribution pattern PH is the light distribution pattern of the area LAPA in the low beam light distribution pattern PL. When the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0119] (Step SP17)

[0120] 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 which is a specific light distribution pattern corresponding to a predetermined object. The ADB light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern in which a dimming area in which the light quantity is reduced and overlaps with the predetermined object and a vignetting area in which the light quantity is reduced along the edge of the dimming area is formed on the additional light distribution pattern PAH of the high beam light distribution pattern PH.

[0121] First, the image generating unit 20 generates an ADB light distribution image representing an ADB light distribution pattern. Fig.10 3 is a diagram for explaining the generation of the ADB light distribution image. The image generation unit 20 reads the low beam image 35, the additional light distribution image 36, and the dimming rate distribution 30 stored in the memory ME. Fig.10 As shown, the image generation unit 20 superimposes the dimming rate distribution 30 on a part of the additional light distribution image 36 based on the information of the predetermined object input from the detection device 120, or, while maintaining the state where the vignetting portion 32 is along the edge of the dimming portion 31, enlarges or reduces at least a part of the dimming rate distribution 30, and superimposes the dimming rate distribution 30 on a part of the additional light distribution image 36, thereby reducing the brightness of a part of the additional light distribution image 36. Specifically, the brightness shown by the pixel of the portion of the additional light distribution image 36 that overlaps with the dimming rate distribution 30 is reduced according to the dimming rate of the dimming rate distribution 30 that overlaps with the pixel. The additional light distribution image 36 whose brightness is partially reduced in this way is an image showing an additional light distribution pattern in which a dimming area corresponding to the dimming portion 31 and whose light amount is reduced, and a vignetting area corresponding to the vignetting portion 32 and whose brightness is reduced along the edge of the dimming area are formed.

[0122] Fig.11 is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of the dimming rate after deformation. Fig.11 In the figure, the dimming rate distribution 30 before deformation is represented by a solid line, an example of the dimming rate distribution 30 after enlargement is represented by a dotted line, and an example of the dimming rate distribution 30 after reduction is represented by a single-point dashed line. Fig.11As shown, in the present embodiment, when the dimming rate distribution 30 is enlarged, the dimming portion 31 is enlarged in at least one of the left and right directions and the up and down directions. In addition, the side vignetting portion 32s is along the entire left and right edges of the enlarged dimming portion 31, and the width of the side vignetting portion 32s in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the side vignetting portion 32s along the dimming portion 31 does not change. It should be noted that, hereinafter, the width of the vignetting portion 32 in the above direction is simply referred to as the width of the vignetting portion 32. In addition, when the dimming rate distribution 30 is reduced, the dimming portion 31 is reduced in at least one of the left and right directions and the up and down directions. In addition, the side vignetting portion 32s is along the entire left and right edges of the reduced dimming portion 31, and the width of the side vignetting portion 32s does not change. In such a deformation of the dimming rate distribution 30, the state of the vignetting portion 32 along the edge of the dimming portion 31 is maintained. It should be noted that the deformation of the dimming rate distribution 30 only needs to be a deformation that enlarges or reduces at least a part of the dimming rate distribution 30 while maintaining the state of the vignetting portion 32 along the edge of the dimming portion 31. For example, the dimming portion 31 may be enlarged or reduced, and the width of the side vignetting portion 32s may be enlarged or reduced. In addition, the entire dimming rate distribution 30 may be enlarged or reduced in at least one of the left-right direction and the up-down direction.

[0123] As a method of deforming the dimming rate distribution 30, for example, affine transformation can be cited, but there is no limitation on the method of deforming the dimming rate distribution 30. For example, when the image generation unit 20 enlarges at least a part of the dimming rate distribution 30 using affine transformation, it can also perform correction processing to smooth the change of the dimming rate in the enlarged dimming rate distribution 30.

[0124] Next, the image generation unit 20 generates an ADB light distribution image 38 in which the low beam image 35 is superimposed on a portion of the additional light distribution image 36 whose brightness is partially reduced. The ADB light distribution image 38 is Figure 8 The image of a portion of the additional light distribution image 36 in the high beam image 37 shown is reduced in brightness. As in the case of generating the high beam image 37, the low beam image 35 is given priority over the additional light distribution image 36, and the image of the portion where the low beam image 35 and the additional light distribution image 36 overlap is the image of the portion in the low beam image 35. It should be noted that there is no limitation on the synthesis of images, and for example, the additional light distribution image 36 may be given priority over the low beam image 35. The light distribution pattern represented by the generated ADB light distribution image 38 is an ADB light distribution pattern in which a dimming area corresponding to the dimming portion and having a reduced light amount and a vignetting area corresponding to the vignetting portion and having a reduced light amount along the edge of the dimming area are formed in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam.

[0125] The light distribution control unit 40 controls the power circuit 50 based on the information of the ADB light distribution image 38 to supply power to each light emitting element 13 of the light source unit 12. With the supply of power, the light source unit 12 emits light based on the ADB light distribution image 38, and light having an ABD light distribution pattern is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0126] Fig.12 is with Figure 7 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of the ADB light distribution pattern in the present embodiment is a diagram showing the ADB light distribution pattern when another vehicle 200 as a predetermined object is located in front of the vehicle 100. Fig.12 In FIG. 1 , the other vehicle 200 is an oncoming vehicle, the low beam light distribution pattern PL is indicated by a single-dot chain line, and the additional light distribution pattern PAH is indicated by a double-dot chain line. The additional light distribution pattern PAH in the ADB light distribution pattern PA is a light distribution pattern represented by an image in which the brightness of a part of the additional light distribution image 36 is reduced, based on the dimming rate distribution 30 or the dimming rate distribution 30 at least partially enlarged or reduced while maintaining the state of the vignetting portion 32 along the edge of the dimming portion 31. Therefore, the additional light distribution pattern PAH is provided with a dimming area 91 corresponding to the dimming portion 31 of the dimming rate distribution 30 and a vignetting area 92 corresponding to the vignetting portion 32. Therefore, the positions of the dimming area 91 and the vignetting area 92 in the additional light distribution pattern PAH correspond to the positions of the dimming portion 31 and the vignetting portion 32 in the dimming rate distribution 30 superimposed on the additional light distribution image 36 in the additional light distribution image 36.

[0127] The amount of light in the dimming area 91 is less than the amount of light in the dimming area 91 in the additional light distribution pattern PAH of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. In the present embodiment, since the dimming rate of the dimming portion 31 is 100% of the prescribed value, the dimming area 91 is a light-shielding area that does not irradiate light. In addition, the shape of the dimming area 91 is a quadrilateral, specifically, a rectangle. In addition, the dimming area 91 overlaps with other vehicles 200, and at least a portion of the dimming area 91 does not overlap with the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. That is, the image generating unit 20 adjusts the position where the dimming portion 31 of the dimming rate distribution 30 overlaps with the additional light distribution image 36, and the shape of the dimming portion 31, so that the dimming area 91 becomes the area described above. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the amount of light irradiated to other vehicles 200 is reduced, and glare to drivers of other vehicles 200 can be suppressed. Fig.12In the example shown, the dimming area 91 overlaps with a portion of the other vehicle 200 that is above the license plate. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing glare to the driver of the other vehicle 200, the dimming area 91 only needs to overlap with at least a portion of the visual recognition portion used by the driver of the other vehicle 200 to visually recognize the outside of the vehicle. It should be noted that the visual recognition portion of the preceding vehicle is, for example, a rearview mirror, a rear window, a camera that photographs the rear of the vehicle, etc., and the visual recognition portion of the oncoming vehicle is, for example, a front window. These are usually disposed above the license plate.

[0128] The vignetting area 92 is along the edge of the dimming area 91, and the amount of light in the vignetting area 92 is less than the amount of light in the vignetting area 92 in the additional light distribution pattern PAH of the high beam light distribution pattern PH. In addition, the dimming rate of the vignetting portion 32 corresponding to the vignetting area 92 is less than 100% of the prescribed value, and decreases from the dimming portion 31 side toward the side opposite to the dimming portion 31. Therefore, the vignetting area 92 is brighter than the dimming area 91, and the brightness of the vignetting area 92 can decrease from the side opposite to the dimming area 91 toward the dimming area 91. Fig.12 In the example shown, the brightness of the vignetted area 92 is as follows.

[0129] In the present embodiment, the vignetting portion 32 is composed of a pair of side vignetting portions 32s respectively along the left and right edges of the dimming portion 31. In addition, the image generating unit 20 enlarges or reduces at least a portion of the dimming rate distribution 30 while maintaining the state of the vignetting portion 32 along the edge of the dimming portion 31, and superimposes the dimming rate distribution 30 on a portion of the additional light distribution image 36, thereby reducing the brightness of a portion of the additional light distribution image 36. Therefore, the vignetting area 92 is composed of a pair of side vignetting areas 92s respectively along the left and right edges of the dimming area 91. In addition, since the side vignetting portions 32s are along the entire left and right edges of the dimming portion 31, the side vignetting areas 92s are along the entire left and right edges of the dimming area 91. In addition, in the present embodiment, the width of the side vignetting area 92s in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the side vignetting areas 92s are along the dimming area 91 is a predetermined width. That is, the image generation unit 20 adjusts the shape of the side vignetting portion 32s of the dimming rate distribution 30 so that the side vignetting region 92s becomes the above-mentioned region. It should be noted that, hereinafter, the width of the vignetting region in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the vignetting region along the dimming region is sometimes referred to as the width of the vignetting region. When the light of the ADB light distribution pattern PA is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0130] As described above, 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 in accordance with a predetermined object.

[0131] However, in the vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1, as described above, the light distribution pattern forming unit adjusts the light amount of light emitted from each micro-LED to form a light distribution pattern. Therefore, the light distribution pattern formed by the light distribution pattern forming unit can be expressed as an image based on the light amount of light emitted from each micro-LED, and it can be considered that the light distribution pattern forming unit emits light based on the image. In the vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1, a case of forming an ADB light distribution pattern having a dimming area that overlaps with other vehicles and has a reduced light amount, and a halation area along the edge of the dimming area from the side opposite to the dimming area toward the dimming area where the light amount is reduced is studied. In this case, it is necessary to store information related to the light amount of light emitted from each micro-LED in a memory, and each micro-LED corresponds to each of a plurality of ADB light distribution patterns corresponding to the positions of other vehicles relative to the vehicle, and the amount of information stored in the memory increases.

[0132] Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment includes an image generating unit 20 that receives a signal from a detection device 120 and generates an image, a light source unit 12 that emits light based on the image generated by the image generating unit 20, and a memory ME. The memory ME stores an additional light distribution image 36 in which the light emitted from the light source unit 12 forms an additional light distribution pattern PAH, and a dimming rate distribution 30 that is a distribution of dimming rates that overlaps a portion of the additional light distribution image 36 and reduces the brightness of the portion. The dimming rate distribution 30 includes a dimming portion 31 having a dimming rate greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and a vignetting portion 32 that is along at least a portion of an edge of the dimming portion 31. The dimming rate of the vignetting portion 32 is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and decreases from the dimming portion 31 side toward the side opposite to the dimming portion 31. The image generation unit 20 enlarges or reduces at least a portion of the dimming rate distribution 30 while maintaining the state of the vignetting portion 32 along the edge of the dimming portion 31, and overlaps the dimming rate distribution 30 on a portion of the additional light distribution image 36 to reduce the brightness of a portion of the additional light distribution image 36, thereby generating an ADB light distribution image 38. The ADB light distribution image 38 is an image in which the light emitted from the light source unit 12 forms an ADB light distribution pattern PA as a specific light distribution pattern. The ADB light distribution pattern PA is a light distribution pattern in which a dimming area 91 corresponding to the dimming portion 31, overlapping with other vehicles 200 and having a reduced light amount, and a vignetting area 92 corresponding to the vignetting portion 32 and having a reduced light amount along the edge of the dimming area 91 are formed on the additional light distribution pattern PAH.

[0133] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when another vehicle 200 is located in front of the vehicle 100, a dimming area 91 corresponding to the dimming portion 31 of the dimming rate distribution 30 and overlapping with the other vehicle 200 and having a reduced light amount and a vignetting area 92 corresponding to the vignetting portion 32 of the dimming rate distribution 30 and along the edge of the dimming area 91 are formed on the additional light distribution pattern PAH. Therefore, as described above, the amount of light irradiated to the other vehicle 200 is reduced, and glare to the driver of the other vehicle 200 can be suppressed. In addition, the dimming rate of the vignetting portion 32 corresponding to the vignetting area 92 is less than a predetermined value, and decreases from the dimming portion 31 side toward the side opposite to the dimming portion 31. Therefore, the vignetting area 92 is brighter than the dimming area 91, and the brightness of the vignetting area 92 can decrease from the side opposite to the dimming area 91 toward the dimming area 91. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the edge of the dimming region 91 from being clearly visible, compared to the case where the vignetting region 92 is not formed, and it is possible to suppress the driver of the vehicle 100 from being annoyed by the movement of the dimming region. In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the image generation unit 20 enlarges or reduces at least a part of the dimming rate distribution 30 while maintaining the state of the vignetting portion 32 along the edge of the dimming portion 31, and superimposes the dimming rate distribution 30 on a part of the additional light distribution image 36, thereby reducing the brightness of a part of the additional light distribution image 36, thereby generating the ADB light distribution image 38 representing the ADB light distribution pattern PA. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, even if the information stored in the memory ME is the additional light distribution image 36 and the dimming rate distribution 30, the position and size of the dimming region 91 and the vignetting region 92 can be changed. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, compared with a case where a plurality of ADB light distribution images 38 representing the ADB light distribution pattern PA in which the positions and sizes of the dimming area 91 and the vignetting area 92 are changed are stored in the memory ME, an increase in the amount of information stored in the memory ME can be suppressed.

[0134] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the dimming portion 31 is in a quadrilateral shape, and the vignetting portion 32 is composed of a pair of side vignetting portions 32s respectively along the left and right edges of the dimming portion 31. The other vehicles 200 in the field of vision of the driver of the vehicle 100 tend to move to the left and right directions, and the dimming area 91 also tends to move to the left and right directions. In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the vignetting area 92 in the ADB light distribution pattern PA is a pair of areas respectively along the left and right edges of the dimming area 91, and it is possible to suppress the left and right edges of the dimming area 91 from being clearly visible. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, compared with a case where the vignetting area 92 does not include a pair of areas respectively along the left and right edges of the dimming area 91, it is possible to suppress the driver of the vehicle 100 from being annoyed by the movement of the dimming area 91.

[0135] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the case where the dimming area 91 overlaps with another vehicle 200 as a prescribed object is described as an example. However, for example, when the dimming area 91 overlaps with 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, it is preferred that the dimming area 91 overlaps only with the head of the person. In addition, as with other vehicles 200, it is possible to suppress the driver of the vehicle 100 from being annoyed by the movement of the dimming area 91. In addition, when the dimming area 91 overlaps with 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 toward the vehicle 100 is reduced, and the glare caused by the reflected light to the driver of the vehicle 100 can be suppressed. In addition, as with other vehicles 200, it is possible to suppress the driver of the vehicle 100 from being annoyed by the movement of the dimming area 91.

[0136] It should be noted that, although the first aspect of the present invention has been described by taking the first embodiment as an example, the first aspect of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0137] For example, in the dimming rate distribution 30 of the first embodiment, the dimming portion 31 is in the shape of a quadrilateral, and the vignetting portion 32 is composed of a pair of side vignetting portions 32s respectively along the left and right edges of the dimming portion 31. However, the dimming rate distribution 30 only needs to be composed of a dimming rate of a dimming rate greater than a specified value and a vignetting portion 32 whose dimming rate is less than the specified value along at least a portion of the edge of the dimming portion 31 and decreases from the dimming rate side toward the side opposite to the dimming portion 31. For example, the shape of the dimming portion 31 is not limited. In addition, the dimming rate distribution 30 may also be the dimming rate distribution of the first to fourth modified examples described below. It should be noted that in the description of the first to fourth modified examples, for the components that are the same or equivalent to those in the above-mentioned embodiment, except for special instructions, the same reference symbols are marked and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0138] First, a first modification example of the first embodiment will be described. Fig.13 is a diagram showing the distribution of the dimming rate in the first variant. Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the dimming rate distribution 30 of the first modified example is different from the dimming rate distribution 30 of the above-mentioned embodiment in that the vignetting portion 32 is composed of an upper vignetting portion 32u along the upper edge of the dimming portion 31 and a lower vignetting portion 32d along the lower edge of the dimming portion 31. The upper vignetting portion 32u is along the entire upper edge of the dimming portion 31, but it only needs to be along at least a portion of the upper edge of the dimming portion 31. In addition, the lower vignetting portion 32d is along the entire lower edge of the dimming portion 31, but it only needs to be along at least a portion of the lower edge of the dimming portion 31. In addition, although the illustration is omitted, the gradient of the dimming rate of the upper vignetting portion 32u and the lower vignetting portion 32d in the direction from the dimming portion 31 side toward the side opposite to the dimming portion 31 is constant. The dimming rates at the edges of the upper vignetting portion 32u and the lower vignetting portion 32d on the dimming portion 31 side are 100% of the prescribed value, and the dimming rates at the edges of the upper vignetting portion 32u and the lower vignetting portion 32d on the side opposite to the dimming portion 31 are 0%. However, the dimming rates of the upper vignetting portion 32u and the lower vignetting portion 32d only need to be equal to or less than the prescribed value and decrease from the dimming portion 31 side toward the side opposite to the dimming portion 31.

[0139] Fig.14 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution of dimming ratios after deformation in the first deformation example. Fig.14 In the figure, the dimming rate distribution 30 before deformation is represented by a solid line, an example of the dimming rate distribution 30 after enlargement is represented by a dotted line, and an example of the dimming rate distribution 30 after reduction is represented by a single-point dashed line. Fig.14As shown, in the first modified example, the entire dimming rate distribution 30 is enlarged or reduced in at least one of the left-right direction and the up-down direction. It should be noted that there is no limitation on the deformation method of the dimming rate distribution 30. For example, the enlargement rate and reduction rate of the dimming portion 31 may be different from the enlargement rate and reduction rate of the upper halo portion 32u and the lower halo portion 32d. In addition, the enlargement rate and reduction rate of the upper halo portion 32u may be different from the enlargement rate and reduction rate of the lower halo portion 32d. In addition, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, the dimming portion 31 may be enlarged or reduced, and the width of the upper halo portion 32u and the lower halo portion 32d may not be changed.

[0140] The dimming area 91 in the ADB light distribution pattern PA corresponds to the dimming portion 31 of the dimming rate distribution 30, and the vignetting area 92 in the ADB light distribution pattern PA corresponds to the vignetting portion 32 of the dimming rate distribution 30. Therefore, although the illustration is omitted, in the first modification, the vignetting area 92 is composed of an upper vignetting area along the upper edge of the dimming area 91 and a lower vignetting area along the lower edge of the dimming area 91. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the first modification, it is possible to suppress the upper and lower edges of the dimming area 91 from being clearly visible. When the vehicle 100 travels on an uneven road such as a gravel road, the dimming area 91 also moves in the upper and lower directions according to the vibration. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the first modification, compared with the case where the vignetting area 92 does not include a pair of areas along the upper and lower edges of the dimming area 91, it is possible to suppress the movement of the dimming area when the vehicle 100 travels on an uneven road.

[0141] Next, a second modification example of the first embodiment will be described. Fig.15 is a diagram showing the dimming rate distribution in the second variant. Fig.15As shown, the dimming rate distribution 30 of the second modified example is different from the dimming rate distribution 30 of the above-mentioned embodiment in that the dimming portion 31 is shaped like a trapezoid whose upper base is longer than the lower base, and the vignetting portion 32 is composed of a pair of side vignetting portions 32s respectively along the left and right edges of the dimming portion 31, an upper vignetting portion 32u along the upper edge of the dimming portion 31, and a lower vignetting portion 32d along the lower edge of the dimming portion 31. The side vignetting portions 32s, the upper vignetting portion 32u, and the lower vignetting portion 32d are shaped like a trapezoid whose base is along the edge of the dimming portion 31. In addition, the upper vignetting portion 32u and the side vignetting portion 32s adjacent to each other share a side edge, and the lower vignetting portion 32d and the side vignetting portion 32s adjacent to each other share a side edge. Therefore, the vignetting portion 32 surrounds the dimming portion 31 along the entire circumference of the edge of the trapezoidal dimming portion 31. In addition, the four vignetting portions 32s, 32u, and 32d are trapezoidal. Therefore, if these vignetting portions 32s, 32u, and 32d are taken as reference vignetting portions, it can be understood that the vignetting portion 32 is composed of four trapezoidal reference vignetting portions whose bottom edges are respectively along the upper, lower, left, and right edges of the dimming portion 31, and the mutually adjacent reference vignetting portions share a side edge. In addition, in the second variant, the width of the upper vignetting portion 32u is the same as the width of the lower vignetting portion 32d, the width of a pair of side vignetting portions 32s is the same, and the width of the upper vignetting portion 32u and the lower vignetting portion 32d is narrower than the width of the side vignetting portion 32s. It should be noted that the relationship between the widths of these vignetting portions 32s, 32u, and 32d is not limited.

[0142] Fig.16 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution of dimming ratios after deformation in the second deformation example. Fig.16 In the figure, the dimming rate distribution 30 before deformation is represented by a solid line, an example of the dimming rate distribution 30 after enlargement is represented by a dotted line, and an example of the dimming rate distribution 30 after reduction is represented by a single-point dashed line. Fig.16 As shown, in the second modified example, similarly to the first modified example, the entire dimming rate distribution 30 is enlarged or reduced in at least one of the left-right direction and the up-down direction. It should be noted that there is no limitation on the deformation method of the dimming rate distribution 30. For example, the enlargement rate and reduction rate of the dimming portion 31 may be different from the enlargement rate and reduction rate of the four vignetting portions 32s, 32u, and 32d. In addition, the enlargement rate and reduction rate of the upper vignetting portion 32u and the lower vignetting portion 32d may be different from the enlargement rate and reduction rate of the side vignetting portion 32s. In addition, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, the dimming portion 31 may be enlarged or reduced, and the widths of the four vignetting portions 32s, 32u, and 32d may not be changed.

[0143] Although the illustration is omitted, in the ADB light distribution pattern PA in the second variant, the dimming area 91 is shaped like a trapezoid whose upper base is longer than the lower base. In addition, the vignetting area 92 is composed of a pair of side vignetting areas along the left and right edges of the dimming area 91, an upper vignetting area along the upper edge of the dimming area 91, and a lower vignetting area along the lower edge of the dimming area 91. The side vignetting area, the upper vignetting area, and the lower vignetting area are shaped like a trapezoid whose base is along the edge of the dimming area. In addition, the upper vignetting area and the side vignetting area adjacent to each other share a side, and the lower vignetting area and the side vignetting area adjacent to each other share a side. Therefore, the vignetting area 92 surrounds the dimming area 91 along the entire circumference of the edge of the trapezoidal dimming area 91. For example, in the case where the vignetting portion 32 is composed of four rectangular reference vignetting portions whose sides are respectively along the upper, lower, left, and right edges of the dimming portion 31, the vignetting area is not formed near the vertex of the trapezoidal dimming area 91. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the second modified example, it is possible to suppress the driver of the vehicle 100 from feeling a sense of discomfort compared to such a case. It should be noted that, from this point of view, the shape of the dimming area 91 may be a quadrilateral other than a trapezoid. In addition, the shape of the dimming area 91 may be a polygon other than a quadrilateral. In this case, the vignetting portion 32 of the dimming rate distribution 30 is composed of a plurality of trapezoidal reference vignetting portions whose bases are respectively along the respective sides of the edge of the dimming portion 31, and the adjacent reference vignetting portions may share a side.

[0144] As described above, there is a tendency that the visual recognition portion used by the drivers of the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle, which are other vehicles, to visually recognize the outside of the vehicle is located on the upper side of the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle. In addition, if the dimming area 91 in the ADB light distribution pattern PA becomes wider, the visual recognition in the front is reduced. In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the second modified example, since the shape of the dimming area 91 is a trapezoid with a longer upper base than the lower base, it is easier to overlap the dimming area 91 with the above-mentioned visual recognition portion than in the case where the shape of the dimming area 91 is a trapezoid with a shorter upper base than the lower base. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the second modified example, it is easier to suppress the glare caused to the drivers of the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle than in the above-mentioned case. It should be noted that, from this point of view, the shape of the dimming area 91 can be a trapezoid with a longer upper base than the lower base, and the structure of the vignetting area 92 is not limited. For example, the vignetting portion 32 in the dimming rate distribution 30 may be composed of a pair of side vignetting portions 32 s respectively along the left and right edges of the dimming portion 31 , similarly to the above-described embodiment.

[0145] Next, a third modified example of the first embodiment will be described. Fig.17 is a diagram showing the distribution of the dimming rate in the third variant. Fig.17As shown, in the third modified example, the dimming rate distribution 30 is composed of four triangular reference portions 51 having a common vertex 51a. In addition, the adjacent reference portions 51 share a side 51s1 extending from the vertex 51a. In addition, the sides 51s2 of two reference portions 51 facing the vertex 51a extend in the vertical direction, and the sides 51s2 of the other two reference portions 51 facing the vertex 51a extend in the left-right direction. Moreover, the outer shape of the dimming rate distribution 30 is a quadrilateral.

[0146] Fig.18 It means along Fig.17 The XVIII-XVIII line in the diagram shows the distribution of the dimming rate. Fig.18 As shown, the dimming rate of the front end portion 52, a part of the reference portion 51 including the vertex 51a, is greater than a specified value. The dimming rate of the other part of the reference portion 51, namely the terminal portion 53, is less than a specified value, and decreases from the vertex 51a side toward the side 51s2 facing the vertex 51a. The edges on the terminal portion 53 side of the front end portions 52 in the adjacent reference portions 51 are connected. Moreover, the front end portions 52 in the four reference portions 51 form a quadrilateral dimming portion 31, and the terminal portions 53 in the four reference portions 51 form a halo portion 32 that surrounds the dimming portion 31 along the entire circumference of the edge of the dimming portion 31. Therefore, the front end portion 52 is a part of the dimming portion 31, and the terminal portion 53 is a part of the halo portion 32.

[0147] In the third modified example, when deforming the dimming rate distribution 30, the image generating unit 20 enlarges or reduces the image in at least one of the direction along the perpendicular line passing through the vertex 51a and perpendicularly intersecting the side 51s2 facing the vertex 51a and the direction perpendicular to the perpendicular line for each reference portion 51. At this time, the edges of the front end portions 52 of the adjacent reference portions 51 are connected to the ends 53 of the reference portions 51. For example, by changing the enlargement rate or reduction rate in the direction perpendicular to the perpendicular line on one side and the other side based on the perpendicular line, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 As shown, the width of the vignetting portion 32 can be changed vertically and horizontally. Fig.19 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution of dimming ratios after deformation in the third modification example. Fig.19 In the figure, the vertical line is represented by a dotted line.

[0148] Although not illustrated, in the ADB light distribution pattern PA in the third modification, the dimming area 91 in the second modification is a quadrilateral, and the vignetting area 92 surrounds the dimming area 91 along the entire circumference of the edge of the quadrilateral dimming area 91 .

[0149] It should be noted that the number of reference portions 51 constituting the dimming rate distribution 30 only needs to be three or more. For example, when the number of reference portions 51 is three, the dimming portion 31 is triangular in shape, and the dimming region 91 in the ADB light distribution pattern PA is triangular in shape.

[0150] Next, a fourth modification example of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing the dimming rate distribution in the fourth variant. Fig. 20 In FIG. 3 , an example of the dimming rate distribution 30 after enlargement is indicated by a dotted line, and an example of the dimming rate distribution 30 after reduction is indicated by a single-point dashed line. Fig. 20 As shown, in the fourth modification, the dimming portion 31 is circular in shape, and the vignetting portion 32 surrounds the dimming portion 31 along the entire circumference of the edge of the dimming portion 31 .

[0151] In the fourth modified example, when the image generation unit 20 deforms the dimming rate distribution 30, the entire dimming rate distribution 30 is enlarged or reduced in at least one direction in the radial direction of the dimming portion 31. Therefore, the shape of the dimming portion 31 can be made elliptical, and the width of the portions on both sides of the major axis direction of the ellipse and the width of the portions on both sides of the minor axis direction of the ellipse in the vignetting portion 32 can be changed. Therefore, although the illustration is omitted, the shape of the dimming area 91 of the ADB light distribution pattern PA can be made circular or elliptical. In addition, the vignetting area 92 surrounds the dimming portion 31 along the entire circumference of the edge of such a dimming area 91. It should be noted that when the shape of the dimming area 91 is an enlarged ellipse, the width of the portions on both sides of the major axis direction of the ellipse in the vignetting area 92 is wider than when the shape of the dimming area 91 is circular.

[0152] It should be noted that, although the illustration is omitted, the dimming rate distribution 30 in the fourth modification example may also be divided into a plurality of sector-shaped reference portions that share a vertex located at the center of the dimming portion 31. That is, the dimming rate distribution 30 may also be a structure in which the triangular reference portion 51 in the third modification example is sector-shaped. In this case, when the image generation unit 20 deforms the dimming rate distribution 30, for example, for each reference portion 51, it is enlarged or reduced in at least one of a direction from the vertex toward an arc facing the vertex and a direction along the arc.

[0153] In the first embodiment, the memory ME storing one dimming rate distribution 30 is described as an example. However, the memory ME may store a plurality of dimming rate distributions 30 that are different from each other according to the types of predetermined objects. In this case, the dimming rate distribution 30 superimposed on the additional light distribution image 36 as the reference image is changed according to the predetermined object to be detected.

[0154] In addition, in the first embodiment, the reference light distribution pattern is the additional light distribution pattern PAH, and the reference image is the additional light distribution image 36. However, the reference light distribution pattern only needs to be a light distribution pattern of at least a portion of the low beam or at least a portion of the high beam. For example, the reference light distribution pattern may be a light distribution pattern PH of the high beam, and the reference image may be a high beam image representing the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. In addition, the reference light distribution pattern may be a light distribution pattern PL of the low beam, and the reference image may be a low beam image 35.

[0155] In addition, in the first embodiment, the light source unit 12 having a plurality of light emitting elements 13 capable of changing the amount of light emitted individually is described as an example. However, the light source unit 12 only needs to have a plurality of light emitting units capable of changing the amount of light emitted individually, and emit light based on the image generated by the image generating unit 20. 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 irradiation 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 prescribed direction, and can make the light emitted from each reflective element in a prescribed direction become light based on the image generated by the image generating unit 20. Therefore, it can be understood that the reflective surface of each reflective element corresponds to the above-mentioned light emitting unit.

[0156] In addition, in the first embodiment, the vehicle 100 including a pair of vehicle headlamps 1 having a control unit CO and a memory ME is described as an example. However, at least one of the control unit CO and the memory ME may be shared by the pair of vehicle headlamps 1. In addition, the signals output from the light switch 110 and the detection device 120 of the vehicle 100 may be input to the control unit CO without passing through the ECU 130 of the vehicle 100. In addition, there are no particular restrictions on the vehicle having the vehicle headlamps 1, the number of vehicle headlamps 1 of the vehicle, etc. For example, in the case where a train as a vehicle is equipped with a vehicle headlamp 1, the vehicle headlamp 1 may be one.

[0157] (Second embodiment)

[0158] Next, a second embodiment as a second mode of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent components as those of the first embodiment, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0159] The image generation unit 20 of this embodiment generates an image based on a plurality of images stored in the memory ME. In this embodiment, signals from the light switch 110 and the detection device 120 are input to the image generation unit 20, and the image generation unit 20 synthesizes the plurality of images stored in the memory ME based on these signals to generate an image. It should be noted that the information of the image stored in the memory ME may also be information read from a memory outside the vehicle via a wireless communication device provided in the vehicle 100.

[0160] The images stored in the memory ME of this embodiment are a low beam image, a high beam image as a reference image, a plurality of dimming images, and a brightening image. These images are grayscale images in which the data of each pixel in each image is a shading value, and the larger the shading value, the brighter the pixel. However, the data of each pixel is not particularly limited.

[0161] The low beam image is an image of a low beam distribution pattern formed from light emitted from the light source unit 12. The high beam image is an image of a high beam distribution pattern formed as a prescribed light distribution pattern from light emitted from the light source unit 12. The plurality of dimming images are images overlapping with a portion of the high beam image as a reference image, and are darker than the brightness of the region in the high beam image where the dimming images overlap. In addition, at least a portion of the region overlapping with the high beam image in each of the plurality of dimming images is different from each other. The brightening image is an image overlapping with a region corresponding to a region including a hot zone of the high beam.

[0162] The light distribution control unit 40 of the present embodiment controls the lamp unit 10 by controlling the power supply circuit 50 based on either the information of the low beam image stored in the memory ME or the information of the image generated by the image generating unit 20 .

[0163] 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.

[0164] The control flow chart of the control unit CO in this embodiment is as follows Figure 6 The control flow chart of the control unit CO in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 6 In addition, steps SP11 to SP15 of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, the description of steps SP11 to SP15 is omitted. It should be noted that the light distribution pattern of the low beam emitted in step SP14 is the same as that of the low beam emitted in step SP14. Figure 7 The light distribution pattern of the low beam in the first embodiment shown is different. Therefore, first, the light distribution pattern of the low beam in this embodiment will be described.

[0165] Fig.21 is with Figure 7 A diagram showing an example of a low beam light distribution pattern in the present embodiment is also shown. The cut-off line CL in the low beam light distribution pattern PL of the present embodiment has an inflection point EP located below the horizontal line S and on or near the plumb line V, similar to the cut-off line CL in the first embodiment, forming a step. In addition, the hot zone HZL, which is the area with the highest light intensity and the largest amount of light in the low beam light distribution pattern PL, is located near the inflection point EP. Moreover, the light intensity of the low beam light distribution pattern PL decreases as it moves away from the hot zone HZL. That is, the low beam image is an image representing such a low beam light distribution pattern PL.

[0166] Next, steps SP16 and SP17 in this embodiment will be described.

[0167] (Step SP16)

[0168] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Specifically, the image generation unit 20 reads the high beam image stored in the memory ME, and the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power circuit 50 based on the information of the high beam image to supply power to each light emitting element 13 of the light source unit 12. With the supply of power, the light source unit 12 emits light based on the high beam image, and light having a high beam light distribution pattern is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this way, when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100, the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0169] Fig. 22 is with Fig.21 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of a high beam light distribution pattern in this embodiment is shown. Fig. 22 As shown, the hot zone HZL, which is the area with the highest light intensity and the largest amount of light in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, is located approximately in the center of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, and the intersection of the plumb line V and the horizontal line S is located in the hot zone HZL. Moreover, the intensity of light in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH decreases as it moves away from the hot zone HZH. That is, the high-beam image is an image representing such a high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, in the high-beam image, the area corresponding to the hot zone HZH is the brightest, and becomes darker as it moves away from the area. When the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0170] (Step SP17)

[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 an ADB light distribution pattern which is a specific light distribution pattern corresponding to a predetermined object. The ADB light distribution pattern of this embodiment is a light distribution pattern in which the light amount of a first area overlapping with a predetermined object is reduced in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH and the light amount of a second area including the hot zone HZH of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is increased.

[0172] First, the image generating unit 20 generates an ADB light distribution image representing an ADB light distribution pattern. Fig.23 2 is a diagram for explaining the generation of the ADB light distribution image in this embodiment. Fig.23 As shown, the image generation unit 20 selects at least one dimmed image 135 from the plurality of dimmed images 135 based on the information of the specified object input from the detection device 120, and overlaps the selected dimmed image 135 on a part of the high-beam image 131 as the reference image, thereby reducing the brightness of the part of the high-beam image 131. Fig.23 , an example of selecting a dimming image 135 is shown. In the present embodiment, the region 131a of the high-beam image 131 in which the dimming image 135 overlaps becomes the dimming image 135, and the brightness of the region 131a becomes lower. In addition, the brightness within the plurality of dimming images 135 is constant, and the brightness is a prescribed value that is the same as one another. In the present embodiment, the prescribed value is zero, but there is no limitation as long as it is lower than the brightness of the region 131a in the high-beam image 131. In addition, the plurality of dimming images 135 are in the shape of a quadrilateral, but at least one of the area and the aspect ratio is different from each other. However, the brightness within the dimming image 135 may not be constant, and there is no limitation on the shape of the dimming image 135.

[0173] In addition, based on the information of the above-mentioned specified object, the image generation unit 20 overlaps the brightness-enhanced image 136 with a change in brightness on a part of the high-beam image 131, thereby increasing the brightness of a part of the high-beam image 131. The area 131b in the high-beam image 131 where the overlapped brightness-enhanced image 136 is an area including an area corresponding to the hot zone HZH of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. In the present embodiment, the area 131b is an area whose brightness is greater than a specified value, and the brightness of the edge of the area 131b is the specified value. However, there is no limitation as long as the area 131b includes the area corresponding to the hot zone HZH. In addition, the brightness-enhanced image 136 is an image representing the area 131b in the high-beam image 131, and the brightness-enhanced image 136 whose overall brightness is increased by a specified magnification overlaps with the area 131b, and the area 131b becomes a brightened brightness-enhanced image 136, and the brightness of the area 131b becomes higher.

[0174] The image generation unit 20 generates an ADB light distribution image 137 by reducing the brightness of the area 131a in the high beam image 131 and increasing the brightness of the area 131b. The light distribution pattern represented by the ADB light distribution image 137 is an ADB light distribution pattern in which the light amount of the first area corresponding to the area 131a is reduced and the light amount of the second area corresponding to the area 131b is increased. It should be noted that there is no limitation on the method for generating the ADB light distribution image 137.

[0175] The light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the ADB light distribution image 137, and supplies power to each light emitting element 13 of the light source unit 12. With the supply of power, the light source unit 12 emits light based on the ADB light distribution image 137, and light having an ABD light distribution pattern is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. It should be noted that, as described above, the image representing the light distribution pattern of light irradiated to the front of the vehicle 100 is an image obtained by flipping the image representing the light distribution pattern of light emitted by the light source unit 12 upside down and left to right. In this embodiment, Fig.23 The upper right pixel in the ADB light distribution image 137 shown is Figure 3 The light emitting element 13 shown in the lower right corresponds to, Fig.23 The lower left pixel in the ADB light distribution image 137 is Figure 3 The corresponding relationship of the light emitting element 13 on the upper left is reversed upside down. Therefore, the ABD light distribution pattern irradiated toward the front of the vehicle 100 becomes the same as Fig.23 The light distribution pattern corresponding to the ADB light distribution image 137 shown in FIG. Fig.23 The ADB light distribution image 137 shown similarly corresponds to the light emitting element 13 .

[0176] Fig.24 is with Fig. 22 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in the present embodiment is a diagram showing an ADB light distribution pattern when a person 70 as a predetermined object is located in front of the vehicle 100. The ADB light distribution pattern PA of the present embodiment is a light distribution pattern represented by an ADB light distribution image 137. Therefore, the light amount of the first area 61 corresponding to the area 131a where the dimming image 135 is superimposed on the high-beam image 131 in the ADB light distribution pattern PA is less than the light amount of the first area 61 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. It should be noted that in Fig.24, the first area 61 is indicated by a dotted line. As described above, the dimming image 135 is in the shape of a quadrilateral, and the brightness of the dimming image 135 is zero. Therefore, the first area 61 is a quadrilateral light-shielding area that is not irradiated with light. In addition, the first area 61 overlaps with at least a portion of the person 70. That is, the image generation unit 20 of the control unit CO adjusts the selected dimming image 135 and the position where the selected dimming image 135 overlaps so that the first area 61 becomes the area described above. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the amount of light irradiated to the person 70 is reduced, and glare to the person 70 can be suppressed. Fig.24 In the example shown, the first area 61 overlaps with the head and part of the upper body of the person 70. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing glare caused to the person 70, the first area 61 only needs to overlap with the part including the head of the person 70. For example, the first area 61 may overlap only with the head of the person 70, thereby suppressing difficulty in recognizing the person 70.

[0177] In addition, the light amount of the second area 62 corresponding to the area 131b where the light enhancement image 136 is superimposed on the high-beam image 131 in the ADB light distribution pattern PA is greater than the light amount of the second area 62 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Fig. 22 , the second region 62 is indicated by a dotted line. As described above, the region 131b is a region including a region corresponding to the hot zone HZH of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, the second region 62 is a region including the hot zone HZH of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH.

[0178] In this embodiment, the second area 62 is an area where the light intensity is greater than the threshold value, that is, the area 131b where the enhanced light image 136 is superimposed on the high beam image 131 is set. It should be noted that the second area 62 is not limited as long as it includes the hot zone HZH of the high beam light distribution pattern PH.

[0179] Fig.25 It means along Fig.24 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the light quantity distribution of the ADB light distribution pattern PA along the XXV-XXV line in FIG. Fig.24 In FIG. 1 , the light quantity distribution of the high beam light distribution pattern PH before the light quantity of the second area 62 is increased is indicated by a single dot-dash line. As described above, the enhanced light image 136 is an image representing the area 131b in the high beam image 131, and the enhanced light image 136 with the overall brightness increased by a predetermined magnification overlaps the area 131b. Fig.25 As shown, the position with more light in the second area 62 of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH has a greater light increase amount. That is, the control unit CO controls the light source unit 12 in this manner.

[0180] In addition, in the present embodiment, the greater the light reduction amount of the first area 61, the greater the light increase amount of the second area 62. Specifically, the light reduction amount of the first area 61 is the same as the light increase amount of the second area 62. That is, the image generation unit 20 of the control unit CO adjusts the above-mentioned predetermined magnification so that the light reduction amount of the first area 61 is the same as the light increase amount of the second area 62.

[0181] It should be noted that, although the illustration is omitted, in this embodiment, when there are multiple predetermined objects detected by the detection device 120, a first area 61 is provided for each predetermined object. In addition, the total amount of light reduction of each first area 61 is the same as the amount of light increase of the second area 62.

[0182] As described above, when the light having the ADB light distribution pattern PA is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0183] Next, the change of the light distribution pattern when the high beam is selected by the light switch 110 will be described. First, the change of the light distribution pattern when the state where the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100 changes to the state where the predetermined object is located in front of the vehicle 100, that is, the change from the high beam light distribution pattern PH to the ADB light distribution pattern PA will be described. Fig. 22 The high beam light distribution pattern shown in PH direction Fig.24 The case where the ADB light distribution pattern PA shown is changed will be described as an example.

[0184] In this case, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light amount of the first area 61 overlapping at least a part of the person 70 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is reduced, and the light amount of the second area 62 including the hot zone HZH is increased over time and becomes a predetermined amount. Specifically, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 to change the power supplied to each light emitting element 13 of the light source unit 12 so as to achieve the above situation. The predetermined amount is the light amount of the second area 62 in the ADB light distribution pattern PA. By making the light amount of the second area 62 become the predetermined amount, the high-beam light distribution pattern PH changes to the ADB light distribution pattern PA.

[0185] In the present embodiment, the amount of light increases with the passage of time in the entire second region 62. Therefore, the entire second region 62 gradually becomes brighter with the passage of time.

[0186] Fig.26 is a graph showing an example of how the amount of light increase in the second region 62 changes over time, and is a graph showing an example of how the amount of light increase in the second region 62 changes over time based on the time when the amount of light starts to increase. Fig.26 The solid line shows the change in Fig.24 The amount of light enhancement in the second area 62 shown changes with time. The amount of light in the second area 62 increases with time. At time a, the amount of light in the second area 62 reaches a predetermined amount, and the light enhancement in the second area 62 stops. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, compared with a case where the amount of light in the second area 62 instantly reaches a predetermined amount, the driver can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable with the light enhancement in the second area 62.

[0187] In this embodiment, if Fig.26 As shown in FIG. 1 , the amount of light added per unit time in the second region 62 is constant regardless of the passage of time. In addition, the period T until the amount of light in the second region 62 reaches the predetermined amount is constant regardless of the amount of light added in the second region 62. Therefore, for example, when the amount of light in the second region 62 is increased to another predetermined amount greater than the predetermined amount, the amount of light added in the second region 62 changes with time as shown in FIG. Fig.26 As shown by the dashed line in , the amount of light added per unit time increases. However, the period T until the amount of light in the second region 62 reaches a predetermined amount may also be changed according to the amount of light added in the second region 62.

[0188] It should be noted that, although the illustration is omitted, in the present embodiment, when the state in which the person 70 as the prescribed object is located in front of the vehicle 100 changes to the state in which other prescribed objects other than the person 70 are located in front of the vehicle 100, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 as follows. The control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that, in the ADB light distribution pattern PA in which the first area 61 and the second area 62 are provided with respect to the person 70, the light amount of the other first area 61 that overlaps at least a part of the other prescribed object decreases, and the light amount of the second area 62 increases with the passage of time and reaches other prescribed amounts.

[0189] Next, a description will be given of a change in the light distribution pattern when a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle 100 is no longer located in front of the vehicle 100. Fig.24 The person 70 is no longer in front of the vehicle 100, and the light distribution pattern changes from Fig.24 The ADB light distribution pattern shown in the PA direction Fig. 22 The following description will take the case where the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam shown in FIG. 1 changes as an example.

[0190] In this case, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light amount of the first area 61 increases with the passage of time and returns to the light amount of the first area 61 in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam, and the light amount of the second area 62 decreases with the passage of time and returns to the light amount of the second area 62 in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling a sense of discomfort with the changes in the light amounts of the first area 61 and the second area 62, compared with a case where the light amounts of the first area 61 and the second area 62 each instantaneously return to the light amounts in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam.

[0191] It should be noted that the light quantities of the first area 61 and the second area 62 may return to the light quantities in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. For example, the light quantities of the first area 61 and the second area 62 may return to the light quantities in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH instantly.

[0192] In addition, in the present embodiment, the timing at which the light quantity of the first area 61 returns to the light quantity of the first area 61 in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam is the same as the timing at which the light quantity of the second area 62 returns to the light quantity of the second area 62 in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. That is, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 in this manner. However, these timings may be different from each other.

[0193] The period until the light amounts of the first and second regions 61 and 62 return to the light amounts in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is not limited and may be constant or longer as the light gain amount of the second region 62 increases.

[0194] As described above, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when high-beam emission is selected by the light switch 110 , the light distribution pattern of the emitted light changes according to a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle 100 .

[0195] However, in vehicle headlamps, it is desired to further increase the brightness of the hot zone. However, if the brightness of the hot zone is increased, the upper limit of the power usage may be reached.

[0196] Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment includes a light source unit 12 and a control unit CO that receives a signal from a detection device 120 and controls the light source unit 12. The light source unit 12 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 13 as a light emitting unit, which emits light by electric power and can individually change the light amount of the emitted light, and the plurality of light emitting elements 13 are arranged in a matrix. The light source unit 12 emits light having a light distribution pattern corresponding to the light amount of the light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 13. The control unit CO controls the light source unit 12 so that the light amount of a first area 61 overlapping with at least a part of a person 70 in the light distribution pattern PH of a high beam as a prescribed light distribution pattern is reduced, and the light amount of a second area 62 including a hot zone HZH of the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam is increased.

[0197] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when a person 70 is located in front of the vehicle 100, the light amount of the first area 61 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH, which overlaps with at least a part of the person 70, is reduced. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the amount of light irradiated to the person 70 is reduced, and glare to the person 70 can be suppressed. As described above, by reducing the light amount of the first area 61, less power is used, and surplus power is generated. In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when surplus power is generated in this way, the light amount of the second area 62 including the hot zone HZH is increased. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively use power to improve the visual recognition of the area including the hot zone HZH without reaching the upper limit of the power used.

[0198] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit CO controls the light source unit 12 so that the dimming amount of the first area 61 is equal to the light gain amount of the second area 62. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the visual recognition of the area including the hot zone can be improved without increasing the power consumption.

[0199] It should be noted that the dimming amount of the first area 61 and the light gain amount of the second area 62 may also be different. However, it is preferred that the control unit CO controls the light source unit 12 so that the greater the dimming amount of the first area 61, the greater the light gain amount of the second area 62. The greater the dimming amount of the first area 61, the less power is used, and the greater the light gain amount of the second area 62, the brighter the second area 62, and there is a tendency for the visual recognition of the second area to be improved. Therefore, according to such a structure, the increase in power consumption can be suppressed, and the visual recognition of the area including the hot zone HZH can be further improved.

[0200] In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the first area 61 overlaps with at least a part of the person 70 as the prescribed object is described as an example. However, for example, when the first area overlaps with at least a part of the other vehicle as the prescribed object, the amount of light irradiated to the other vehicle can be reduced, and the glare to the driver of the other vehicle can be suppressed. In this case, the first area only needs to overlap with at least a part of the visual recognition unit used by the driver of the other vehicle to visually recognize the outside of the vehicle. For example, the first area can also overlap with the entirety of the other vehicle. It should be noted that the visual recognition unit is, for example, the front window when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, and is, for example, a rearview mirror, a rear window, a camera device for photographing the rear of the vehicle when the other vehicle is the front vehicle, and these are usually tended to be arranged at a position higher than the license plate. In addition, when the first area overlaps with at least a part of the retroreflective object as the prescribed object, the amount of light irradiated to the retroreflective object is reduced. Therefore, the amount of reflected light reflected by the retroreflective object toward the vehicle 100 is reduced, and the glare caused by the reflected light to the driver of the vehicle 100 can be suppressed.

[0201] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit CO controls the light source unit 12 so that the position with more light in the second area 62 of the high beam light distribution pattern PH has a larger light increase amount. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, compared with a case where the light increase amount at any position in the second area 62 is constant, the driver can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable with the light increase in the second area 62.

[0202] In addition, the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment further includes a memory ME. The memory ME stores a high-beam image 131 as a reference image, a plurality of dimming images 135, and a brightness enhancement image 136. The high-beam image 131 is an image representing a high-beam light distribution pattern PH as a predetermined light distribution pattern. The plurality of dimming images are images that overlap a portion of the high-beam image 131, and at least a portion of the region overlapped with the high-beam image 131 is different from each other and has a brightness darker than that of the high-beam image 131 in the region. The brightness enhancement image 136 is an image that overlaps a region 131b corresponding to the second region 62 in the high-beam image 131. The control unit CO includes an image generation unit 20 and a light distribution control unit 40. The image generation unit 20 overlaps at least one dimming image 135 from the plurality of dimming images 135 on a portion of the high-beam image 131, and reduces the brightness of a region 131a corresponding to the first region 61 in the high-beam image 131. In addition, the image generation unit 20 superimposes the brightness-enhanced image 136 after the brightness change on the high-beam image 131, and increases the brightness of the area 131b corresponding to the second area 62 in the high-beam image 131. In this way, the image generation unit 20 generates an ADB light distribution image 137 representing the ADB light distribution pattern PA, which is a specific light distribution pattern in which the light amount of the first area 61 is reduced and the light amount of the second area 62 is increased in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. The light distribution control unit 40 controls the light source unit 12 based on the ADB light distribution image 137, so that the light having the ADB light distribution pattern PA is emitted from the light source unit 12. Moreover, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the brightness-enhanced image 136 is an image representing the area 131b corresponding to the second area 62 in the high-beam image 131. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the brightness-enhanced amount can be increased at a position with a larger light amount in the second area 62.

[0203] It should be noted that the brightening image 136 is not limited as long as the image generating unit 20 can increase the brightness of the region 131b corresponding to the second region 62 in the high-beam image 131. For example, the brightness in the brightening image 136 may be constant. That is, the brightness of all pixels constituting the brightening image 136 may be constant. In this case, the image generating unit 20 adds the brightness of the brightening image 136 at any position in the region 131b to the brightness of the brightening image 136 at that position. In this way, the brightening amount at any position in the second region 62 can be made constant.

[0204] (Third Embodiment)

[0205] Next, a third embodiment as a second aspect of the present invention will be described in detail. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent components as those of the second embodiment, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0206] In this embodiment, the light enhancement method in the second area 62 is different from that in the second embodiment. In addition, the ADB light distribution pattern PA in this embodiment is the same as the ADB light distribution pattern PA in the second embodiment except for the light quantity distribution in the second area 62. Fig.24 The case of the ADB light distribution pattern PA shown will be described as an example.

[0207] In this embodiment, the memory ME stores a light-increase rate distribution instead of the light-increase image 136. The light-increase rate in the light-increase rate distribution is a ratio of increasing the brightness of an image. The higher the light-increase rate, the higher the brightness. When the light-increase rate is 0%, the brightness does not change. The information of the light-increase rate distribution in this embodiment is data of an image in which the data of each pixel is the light-increase rate, but there is no limitation.

[0208] Fig. 27 1 is a diagram for explaining the generation of the ADB light distribution image 137 in this embodiment. The image generation unit 20 of this embodiment generates the ADB light distribution image 137 based on the high beam image 131, the plurality of dimming images 135, and the light increase rate distribution 139. Specifically, Fig. 27 As shown, the image generation unit 20, similarly to the second embodiment, superimposes at least one dimming image 135 selected based on the information of the predetermined object input from the detection device 120 on a part of the high beam image 131, thereby reducing the brightness of the area 131a corresponding to the first area 61 in the high beam image 131. In addition, the image generation unit 20 changes the entire light increase rate distribution 139 by a predetermined magnification based on the information of the predetermined object instead of the light increase image 136, superimposes the light increase rate distribution 139 changed by the predetermined magnification on a part of the high beam image 131, thereby increasing the brightness of the area 131b corresponding to the second area 62 in the high beam image 131. The image generation unit 20 generates the ADB light distribution image 137 in this way. The ADB light distribution image 137 generated in this way is the same as the ADB light distribution image 137 of the second embodiment, except for the area 131b corresponding to the second area 62.

[0209] The light distribution control unit 40 controls the light source unit 12 based on the generated ADB light distribution image 137 similarly to the second embodiment, so that light having the ADB light distribution pattern PA with the light quantity of the first area 61 of the high beam light distribution pattern PH is reduced and the light quantity of the second area 62 is increased is emitted from the light source unit 12. Therefore, light having the ADB light distribution pattern PA is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0210] Fig.28 is a diagram showing the relationship between the light enhancement rate distribution of the present embodiment and the brightness distribution of the high beam image 131, and is a diagram showing the relationship between the light enhancement rate distribution of the present embodiment and the brightness distribution of the high beam image 131. Fig. 27The diagram shows the brightness distribution of the XXVIII-XXVIII line 139 and the brightness distribution of the high-beam image 131. Fig.28 In FIG. 1 , the light gain rate distribution is represented by a solid line, and the brightness distribution of the high beam image 131 is represented by a single-point dashed line. Fig.28 In FIG. 1 , the brightness distribution of the high beam image 131 when it is brightened by the light enhancement rate distribution 139 is indicated by a double-dashed line. Fig.28 As shown, in this embodiment, the higher the brightness of the position in the area corresponding to the second area 62 of the high-beam image 131, the higher the brightness of the brightness increase rate distribution 139 at that position, and the brightness distribution of the high-beam image 131 represented by a single-dotted line becomes the brightness distribution represented by a double-dotted line. Therefore, the position with more light in the second area 62 has a higher brightness increase rate. That is, the control unit CO controls the light source unit 12 so that the position with more light in the second area 62 has a higher brightness increase rate, and the light distribution of the second area 62 becomes the same as Fig.28 Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the driver can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable with the brightness increase in the second region 62, compared with a case where the brightness increase rate at any position in the second region 62 is constant.

[0211] In this embodiment, the light gain ratio at the outer edge of the light gain ratio distribution 139 is 0%. Therefore, the outer edge of the second area 62 in the ADB light distribution pattern PA can be prevented from being conspicuous. It should be noted that the light gain ratio at the outer edge of the light gain ratio distribution 139 may exceed 0%.

[0212] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0213] Next, a fourth embodiment as a second aspect of the present invention will be described in detail. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent components as those of the second embodiment, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0214] In this embodiment, the light enhancement method in the second area 62 is different from that in the second embodiment. In addition, the ADB light distribution pattern PA in this embodiment is the same as the ADB light distribution pattern PA in the first embodiment except for the light quantity distribution in the second area 62. Fig.24 The case of the ADB light distribution pattern PA shown will be described as an example.

[0215] Fig.29 It means along Fig. 22 The light quantity distribution diagram of the high beam light distribution pattern PH of the XXIX-XXIX line in FIG. Fig.29As shown, the second region 62 of the present embodiment is a region where the light quantity is greater than the threshold value ta, similarly to the second embodiment. Furthermore, the control unit CO controls the light source unit 12 so that the light quantity at any position p in the second region 62 becomes a value obtained by increasing the light quantity q2 obtained by subtracting the threshold value ta from the light quantity q1 at the arbitrary position p by a predetermined magnification. In the present embodiment, the light quantity at the outer edge of the second region 62 is the threshold value ta. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the light quantity at the outer edge of the second region 62 becomes zero, and the boundary of the second region 62 can be made less conspicuous compared to the case where the light quantity at the arbitrary position p is increased by a predetermined magnification.

[0216] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the image generating unit 20 makes the increase in brightness at any position in the region 131b of the high beam image 131 a value obtained by increasing the brightness obtained by subtracting the brightness corresponding to the threshold value ta from the brightness at the arbitrary position by a predetermined factor.

[0217] In addition, in the present embodiment, the above-mentioned predetermined magnification is constant regardless of the position. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the control load of the control unit CO can be reduced. It should be noted that the greater the amount of light obtained by subtracting the threshold value ta from the amount of light at any position p, the higher the predetermined magnification. By adopting such a structure, it is possible to suppress the driver's feeling of discomfort with the increased light in the second area 62.

[0218] It should be noted that, although the second aspect of the present invention has been described by taking the second to fourth embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0219] For example, in the second to fourth embodiments, the prescribed light distribution pattern is the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, and the reference image is the high-beam image 131. However, the prescribed light distribution pattern is not limited, and for example, it may be the low-beam light distribution pattern PL, and the reference image may be the low-beam image. In addition, the prescribed light distribution pattern may be an additional light distribution pattern that becomes the high-beam light distribution pattern by being added to the low-beam light distribution pattern PL, and the reference image may be an image representing the additional light distribution pattern.

[0220] In addition, the memory ME may store a plurality of reference images each representing a plurality of different predetermined light distribution patterns. For example, the plurality of predetermined light distribution patterns may be Fig. 22The light distribution pattern PH of the high beam shown in the figure shows a light distribution pattern in which the position of the hot zone HZH in the high beam moves in at least one of the up-down direction and the left-right direction. Moreover, the control unit CO may also select a reference image from a plurality of reference images based on information input from a sensor (not shown) for detecting the steering angle of the vehicle 100 and a sensor (not shown) for detecting the tilt in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100. In this case, information on the position corresponding to the hot zone HZH in each reference image may also be pre-stored in the memory ME, and the control unit CO may overlap the light enhancement image 136 and the light enhancement rate distribution 139 on the reference image based on the information. In addition, the control unit CO may also search for the position corresponding to the hot zone HZH in the reference image, and overlap the light enhancement image 136 and the light enhancement rate distribution 139 on the reference image based on the searched position. It should be noted that there is no limitation on the search method, for example, the center of gravity in an area brighter than the reference value may also be used as the position corresponding to the hot zone HZH.

[0221] In the second to fourth 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 output from the light switch 110 and the detection device 120 of the vehicle 100 may be input to the control unit CO without passing through the ECU 130 of the vehicle 100. In addition, there are no particular restrictions on the vehicle including the vehicle headlamps 1, the number of vehicle headlamps 1 included in the vehicle, etc. For example, in the case where the vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle, there may be only one vehicle headlamp 1.

[0222] In the second to fourth embodiments, the control unit CO including the image generation unit 20 that generates the ADB light distribution image is described as an example. However, the control unit CO may not include the image generation unit 20. In this case, for example, a plurality of ADB light distribution images that respectively represent a plurality of different ADB light distribution patterns corresponding to a predetermined object are pre-stored in the memory ME. Furthermore, the control unit CO may select an ADB light distribution image from the plurality of ADB light distribution images based on the information of the predetermined object input from the detection device 120, and control the power supply circuit 50 based on the selected ADB light distribution image.

[0223] In addition, in the second to fourth embodiments, the size of the second area 62 is constant regardless of the amount of dimming of the first area 61. However, the control unit CO may also control the light source unit 12 so that the greater the amount of dimming of the first area 61, the wider the second area 62. According to such a structure, it is possible to prevent the second area 62 from becoming too bright, and to prevent the driver from feeling a sense of discomfort with the increased brightness of the second area 62. In addition, the control unit CO may also control the light source unit 12 so that the greater the amount of dimming of the first area 61, the greater the amount of increased brightness per unit area of ​​the second area 62. By adopting such a structure, it is possible to prevent the second area 62 from becoming too large, and to prevent the driver from feeling a sense of discomfort with the increased brightness of the second area 62. In addition, the control unit CO may also control the light source unit 12 so that the amount of light at the position where the amount of light in the second area 62 is the largest does not exceed a specific value. According to such a structure, it is possible to prevent the formation of an overly bright area in the second area 62. In this case, for example, as Fig.30 As shown, the second area 62 may also be composed of a specific area 62a including the hot zone HZH and having a specific light quantity at any position and a surrounding area 62b surrounding the specific area 62a and having a light quantity decreasing as it moves away from the specific area 62a. In this case, the specific area 62a becomes a hot zone.

[0224] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle headlamp is provided, which can suppress the increase in the amount of information and can suppress the driver's annoyance of moving in a darkened area. According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle headlamp is provided, which can effectively use electric power to improve the visual recognition of an area including a hot zone and can be used in the fields of automobiles.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlamp, characterized in that: The vehicle headlamp comprises: an image generating unit that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle and generates an image representing a light distribution pattern including a reference light distribution pattern, the reference light distribution pattern being a light distribution pattern of at least a portion of a low beam or at least a portion of a high beam; a light source unit that has a plurality of light emitting units that are arranged in a matrix and that can individually change the amount of light emitted, and that emits light based on the image generated by the image generating unit; a memory storing a reference image in which light emitted from the light source unit forms the reference light distribution pattern, and a dimming rate distribution that overlaps a portion of the reference image and reduces brightness of the portion; The dimming rate distribution is composed of a dimming portion and a vignetting portion, the dimming rate of the dimming portion is greater than a predetermined value, the vignetting portion is along at least a portion of an edge of the dimming portion, the dimming rate of the vignetting portion is less than the predetermined value and decreases from the dimming portion side toward a side opposite to the dimming portion, The image generating unit enlarges or reduces at least a portion of the dimming rate distribution while maintaining a state in which the vignetting portion is along an edge of the dimming portion, and overlaps the dimming rate distribution on a portion of the reference image to reduce the brightness of a portion of the reference image, thereby generating the image in which the light emitted from the light source unit forms a specific light distribution pattern, wherein the specific light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern in which a dimming area and a vignetting area are formed on the reference light distribution pattern, the dimming area corresponds to the dimming portion and overlaps with the specified object and has a reduced light amount, and the vignetting area corresponds to the vignetting portion and has a reduced light amount along an edge of the dimming area.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein: The light reduction portion is in the shape of a quadrilateral, The vignetting portion is composed of a pair of side vignetting portions respectively along left and right edges of the dimming portion.

3. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein: The light reduction portion is in the shape of a quadrilateral, The vignetting portion includes an upper vignetting portion along an upper edge of the light reduction portion and a lower vignetting portion along a lower edge of the light reduction portion.

4. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein: The light reduction portion is in the shape of a polygon. The vignetting portion is composed of a plurality of trapezoidal reference vignetting portions, each of which has a base along each side of the edge of the dimming portion. The mutually adjacent reference vignetting portions share a side edge.

5. The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The light reduction portion is in the shape of a trapezoid with an upper base longer than a lower base.

6. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein: The dimming rate distribution is composed of three or more triangular reference parts that share a vertex. The mutually adjacent reference portions share a side extending from the vertex, A portion of the reference portion including the apex is a portion of the dimming portion, and the other portion of the reference portion is a portion of the vignetting portion.

7. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein: The light reduction portion is circular in shape, The vignetting portion extends along the entire circumference of the edge of the light reduction portion.

8. A vehicle headlamp, characterized in that: The vehicle headlamp comprises: a light source unit having a plurality of light emitting units arranged in a matrix, the plurality of light emitting units emitting light by electric power and capable of individually changing the light amount of the emitted light, the light source unit emitting light having a light distribution pattern corresponding to the light amount of the light emitted from the plurality of light emitting units; a control unit that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle and controls the light source unit; The control unit controls the light source unit so that the light amount of a first region overlapping at least a portion of the predetermined object in a predetermined light distribution pattern is reduced and the light amount of a second region including a hot zone in the predetermined light distribution pattern is increased.

9. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 8, wherein: The control unit controls the light source unit so that the light intensity of the second area increases with the passage of time and reaches a predetermined intensity.

10. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 8, wherein: The control unit controls the light source unit so that the position with more light in the second area has a larger light increase amount.

11. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 8, wherein: The control unit controls the light source unit so that a position with a larger amount of light in the second region has a higher light increase rate.

12. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 8, wherein: The second region is a region where the light intensity is greater than a threshold value, The control unit controls the light source unit so that the light increase amount at an arbitrary position in the second area becomes a value obtained by increasing a light amount obtained by subtracting the threshold from a light amount at the arbitrary position by a predetermined magnification.

13. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 12, wherein: The predetermined magnification is constant.

14. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 12, wherein: The predetermined magnification increases as the amount of light obtained by subtracting the threshold from the amount of light at the arbitrary position increases.

15. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 8, wherein: The control unit controls the light source unit so that the greater the light reduction amount of the first area, the greater the light increase amount of the second area.

16. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 15, wherein: The control unit controls the light source unit so that the greater the light reduction amount of the first area, the wider the second area.

17. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 15, wherein: The control unit controls the light source unit so that the greater the light reduction amount of the first region is, the greater the light increase amount per unit area of ​​the second region is.

18. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 15, wherein: The control unit controls the light source unit so that the light amount at a position where the light amount in the second region is maximum does not exceed a specific value.

19. The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 8 to 18, characterized in that: The control unit controls the light source unit so that the light reduction amount of the first area is equal to the light increase amount of the second area.

20. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 8, wherein: The vehicle headlamp further includes a memory storing a reference image representing the predetermined light distribution pattern, a plurality of dimming images overlapping a portion of the reference image and having at least a portion of an area overlapping the reference image that is different from each other and darker than the reference image in the area, and a brightening image overlapping an area of ​​the reference image corresponding to the second area. The control unit includes an image generating unit and a light distribution control unit. The image generating unit superimposes at least one dimmed light image from the plurality of dimmed light images on a portion of the reference image to reduce the brightness of a region in the reference image corresponding to the first region, and superimposes the brightened light image after the brightness change on the reference image to increase the brightness of a region in the reference image corresponding to the second region, thereby generating an image representing a specific light distribution pattern in which the amount of light in the first region is reduced and the amount of light in the second region is increased in the prescribed light distribution pattern. The light distribution control unit controls the light source unit based on the image so that light having the specific light distribution pattern is emitted from the light source unit.

21. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 20, wherein: The bright-enhanced image is an image representing a region corresponding to the second region in the reference image.

22. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 8, wherein: The vehicle headlamp further includes a memory storing a reference image representing the predetermined light distribution pattern, a plurality of dimming images overlapping a portion of the reference image and having at least a portion of an area overlapping the reference image that is different from each other and darker than the reference image in the area, and a distribution of light increase rates that overlaps an area corresponding to the second area in the reference image and increases the brightness of the area, i.e., a light increase rate distribution. The control unit includes an image generating unit and a light distribution control unit. The image generating unit superimposes at least one dimmed light image from the plurality of dimmed light images on a portion of the reference image, thereby reducing the brightness of a region in the reference image corresponding to the first region, and superimposes the light increase rate distribution in which the light increase rate is changed by a predetermined magnification on a portion of the reference image, thereby increasing the brightness of a region in the reference image corresponding to the second region, thereby generating an image representing a specific light distribution pattern in which the amount of light in the first region is reduced and the amount of light in the second region is increased in the predetermined light distribution pattern. The light distribution control unit controls the light source unit based on the image so that light having the specific light distribution pattern is emitted from the light source unit.

23. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 22, wherein: The higher the brightness of a position in the region corresponding to the second region in the reference image, the higher the brightness of the position in the brightness increase rate distribution.

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