Vehicle headlamp

Abstract

A vehicle headlamp (1) is provided with: an image generation unit (20) that generates a low-beam image (21) by superimposing a low-beam mask image (31) on the upper part of a low-beam base image (34), said low-beam mask image (31) including a light-shielded image (32) having a lower edge (32ed) corresponding to a cutoff line (CL) of a low-beam light distribution pattern (PL) and having a brightness of zero; a low-beam base image (34) that becomes a low-beam image (21) that represents a low-beam light distribution pattern (PL) by superimposing the low-beam mask image (31) on the upper portion of the low-beam base image (34); a light source unit (12) that emits light based on the low-beam image (21); an image generation unit (20) generates a low-beam image (21) by changing a low-beam mask image (31) such that the low-beam mask image (31) is superimposed on the upper part of the low-beam base image (34) and a portion (32EP) corresponding to the inflection point (EP) in the lower edge (32ed) of the light-shielded image (32) is moved in a predetermined direction.

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 an emitted light beam. Such a vehicle headlamp is disclosed in Patent Document 1 listed below.

[0003] The vehicle headlamp described in the following patent document 1 includes a variable light distribution lamp composed of an LED (Light Emitting Diode) array and a light distribution controller for controlling the variable light distribution lamp. The light distribution controller cuts out a portion of a reference image representing a prescribed light distribution pattern after the light distribution pattern of the low beam is expanded in the left-right direction, and controls the variable light distribution lamp based on the cut-out image. The cut-off line of the light distribution pattern of the low beam has an inflection point. Moreover, the light distribution controller changes the light distribution pattern of the low beam in a manner that the inflection point moves by changing the position cut out from the reference image.

[0004] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 251372 Summary of the invention

[0005] According to the driving conditions of the vehicle, such as the curvature of the road, the visibility is improved by moving the characteristic portion of the upper edge of the light distribution pattern such as the inflection point. Here, the light distribution pattern of the low beam has a tendency to decrease in brightness as it moves away from the inflection point, and to become darker near the edges on the left and right sides and near the lower edge. Therefore, in the prescribed light distribution pattern of the vehicle headlamp of the above-mentioned patent document 1, it is also considered to darken the edges on the left and right sides and near the lower edge. In such a case, if the position cut out from the reference image is moved to one side in the left-right direction, there is a concern that the brightness near the edge on one side in the left-right direction in the cut-out image will decrease, and the brightness near the edge on one side in the left-right direction in the light distribution pattern of the emitted low beam will decrease. Therefore, it is hoped that the brightness will not decrease when the light distribution pattern is changed in a manner that moves the characteristic portion of the upper edge such as the inflection point.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlamp capable of suppressing a decrease in brightness when a light distribution pattern is changed so that a characteristic portion of an upper edge moves.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the vehicle headlamp of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: an image generating unit, which generates an image by superimposing a mask image including a light-shielding image on an upper part of a basic image, wherein the light-shielding image has a lower edge corresponding to the upper edge of a prescribed light distribution pattern having a prescribed feature portion at an upper edge and has a brightness of zero, and the basic image becomes an image representing the prescribed light distribution pattern by superimposing the mask image on the upper part; a light source unit, which has a plurality of light emitting units arranged in a matrix shape and capable of independently changing the light amount of emitted light, and emits light based on the image generated by the image generating unit; and the image generating unit generates the image by changing the mask image in such a manner that the mask image is superimposed on the upper part of the basic image and a portion of the lower edge of the light-shielding image corresponding to the prescribed feature portion is moved in a prescribed direction.

[0008] In the vehicle headlamp, the image generating unit changes the mask image in such a manner that the portion corresponding to the prescribed characteristic portion in the lower edge of the light shielding image moves in a prescribed direction. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp, the prescribed light distribution pattern can be changed in such a manner that the prescribed characteristic portion moves in a prescribed direction. In addition, the prescribed light distribution pattern is based on the basic image except for the upper edge, and the basic image does not change even if the mask image changes. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp, even if the prescribed light distribution pattern changes in such a manner that the prescribed characteristic portion moves in a prescribed direction, the brightness reduction near the side edges and the lower edge of the prescribed light distribution pattern in the left-right direction can be suppressed.

[0009] The image generating unit may generate the mask image and superimpose the mask image on the base image.

[0010] According to such a configuration, even without providing a memory for storing a mask image, a predetermined light distribution pattern can be changed.

[0011] The predetermined light distribution pattern may be a low beam light distribution pattern, and the predetermined characteristic portion may be an inflection point.

[0012] According to such a configuration, the light distribution pattern of the low beam can be changed so that the inflection point moves.

[0013] In this case, it may also be that the upper edge is composed of an inclined portion, a first horizontal portion, and a second horizontal portion, the inclined portion extends obliquely upward from the inflection point, the first horizontal portion extends from the inflection point in a horizontal direction, and the second horizontal portion extends from an end of the inclined portion on the opposite side of the inflection point in a horizontal direction, the shading image is composed of a first quadrilateral portion, a second quadrilateral portion, and a third quadrilateral portion, the first portion has a portion of the lower edge of the shading image corresponding to the first horizontal portion as one side, the second portion has a portion of the lower edge of the shading image corresponding to the second horizontal portion as one side, the third portion is connected to the first portion and the second portion and has a portion of the lower edge of the shading image corresponding to the inclined portion as one side, and the image generating unit generates the mask image and superimposes it on the base image.

[0014] According to such a configuration, by forming the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion each in a quadrilateral shape, a light-shielding image of the low-beam mask image can be formed. Therefore, according to such a configuration, a light-shielding image can be easily formed, and the calculation load of the image generating unit can be reduced.

[0015] It may also be that the prescribed light distribution pattern is a high beam light distribution pattern consisting of a lower light distribution pattern and an upper light distribution pattern connected to an upper edge of the lower light distribution pattern and having a width in the left-right direction narrower than that of the lower light distribution pattern, and the prescribed characteristic portion is a convex portion forming an outer edge of the upper light distribution pattern.

[0016] According to such a configuration, the light distribution pattern of the high beam can be changed so that the upper light distribution pattern whose outer edge is a convex portion moves in a predetermined direction.

[0017] The mask image may include a blurred image extending along the lower edge of the light-shielding image, wherein brightness of the blurred image decreases from the side opposite to the light-shielding image toward the light-shielding image side.

[0018] In the vehicle headlamp, a blurred area is formed in a predetermined light distribution pattern, the blurred area extends along the upper edge and the brightness decreases from the side opposite to the upper edge toward the upper edge. Therefore, compared with a case where the blurred area is not formed, the upper edge can be prevented from looking clear, and the driver of the vehicle can be prevented from feeling troubled by the movement of the predetermined characteristic portion.

[0019] In addition, the vehicle headlamp of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a lamp unit that emits light having a prescribed light distribution pattern, wherein the upper edge of the prescribed light distribution pattern has a prescribed characteristic portion; and a control unit that controls the lamp unit; the control unit controls the lamp unit so as to move the prescribed characteristic portion in a prescribed direction without changing the brightness of the left and right edges and the lower edge in the prescribed light distribution pattern.

[0020] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlamp capable of suppressing a decrease in brightness when a light distribution pattern is changed so that a predetermined characteristic portion of an upper edge moves. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a plan view conceptually showing a vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlamp according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a lamp unit.

[0023] Figure 3 It roughly indicates Figure 2 The front view of the light source part is shown.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining the low-beam mask image and the low-beam base image.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a diagram for explaining the mask image for high beam and the base image for high beam.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a control flow chart of the control unit in this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the generation of a low-beam image.

[0028] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of a low beam in the present embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the movement of the low-beam mask image.

[0030] Fig.10 is with Figure 8 Similarly, another example of the light distribution pattern of the low beam is shown.

[0031] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining the generation of a high-beam image.

[0032] Fig.12 is with Figure 8 Similarly, a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of a high beam in the present embodiment is shown.

[0033] Fig.13 is with Fig. 9 Similarly, the diagram shows an example of the movement of the high-beam mask image.

[0034] Fig.14 is with Fig.12 Similarly, another example of the high beam light distribution pattern is shown.

[0035] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing a low-beam mask image in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the vehicle headlamp of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following exemplary embodiments 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 within the scope of the claims without departing from the main purpose thereof. In addition, the present invention may also appropriately combine the constituent elements in the following exemplary embodiments. It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each component are sometimes changed for ease of understanding. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, for ease of observation, for the same constituent elements, sometimes only a portion is marked with a figure mark, and a portion of the figure mark is omitted.

[0037] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a top view conceptually showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp according to an embodiment of the present invention. 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, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit: electronic control unit) 130, a steering sensor 140, and a tilt sensor 150. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, "right" refers to the right side in the advancing direction of the vehicle 100 as the host vehicle, "left" refers to the left side in the advancing direction, and driver refers to the driver of the vehicle 100.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Figure 2 1 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.

[0040] 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 close 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.

[0041] 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 portion for emitting light 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 independently 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. In addition, 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 are not particularly limited. In addition, the type of the light emitting element 13 is also not limited.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 element 13 corresponds to the pixel one-to-one, but there is no particular limitation.

[0044] The projection lens 15 is arranged at a position forward of the light source unit 12, and is used for the light emitted from the light source unit 12 to enter, 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 one of the light emitting elements 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 in which the light distribution pattern of the light emitted by the light source unit 12 is reversed up and down, and the image representing the light distribution pattern is an image in which the image representing ...

[0045] 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 computer-readable recording media except for temporary propagating signals (transitory, propagating signals), and volatile recording media are not excluded. 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.

[0046] 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 an NC device is used, the control unit CO may or may not use a machine learner. 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.

[0047] The control unit CO of the present embodiment includes an image generating unit 20 and a light distribution control unit 40 in a state where various programs are read out from the memory ME.

[0048] 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, the steering sensor 140, and the tilt sensor 150 described later 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 can also be read from a memory outside the vehicle via a wireless communication device provided in the vehicle 100.

[0049] The images stored in the memory ME of this embodiment are a low beam mask image and a high beam mask image as mask images, and a low beam base image and a high beam base image as base images. 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.

[0050] Figure 4 It is a figure used to illustrate the mask image for low beam and the basic image for low beam. The mask image 31 for low beam is an image superimposed on the upper part of the basic image 34 for low beam and covers the upper part. In the present embodiment, the mask image 31 for low beam crosses the upper part of the basic image 34 for low beam, and includes a light-shielding image 32 and a blurred image 33. The brightness of the light-shielding image 32 is zero, and the lower edge 32ed of the light-shielding image 32 has a step portion 32eds. The blurred image 33 extends along the lower edge 32ed of the light-shielding image 32. The width of the blurred image 33 in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the blurred image 33 is constant, but it may not be constant. The brightness of the blurred image 33 decreases from the opposite side to the light-shielding image 32 toward the light-shielding image 32 side.

[0051] The low beam basic image 34 is an image that represents a low beam light distribution pattern as a prescribed light distribution pattern by superimposing the low beam mask image 31 on the upper part. The cut-off line, which is the upper edge of the low beam light distribution pattern, corresponds to the lower edge 32ed of the light shielding image 32. The lower edge 32ed has a step portion 32eds, so the cut-off line also has a step portion corresponding to the step portion 32eds, and an inflection point as a prescribed characteristic portion is formed on the cut-off line. That is, the lower edge 32ed corresponds to the cut-off line of the low beam light distribution pattern having an inflection point. In the present embodiment, the brightness of the low beam basic image 34 is a prescribed brightness except for the edges 34es on the left and right sides and the vicinity of the lower edge 34ed, which is brighter than the brightness of the blurred image 33. In addition, the brightness of the edges 34es on the left and right sides and the vicinity of the lower edge 34ed is darker than the prescribed brightness and becomes lower toward the outside. It should be noted that the entire low beam basic image 34 may also be a prescribed brightness.

[0052] Figure 5 36 is an image for explaining a high-beam mask image and a high-beam base image. The high-beam mask image 36 is an image superimposed on the upper portion of the high-beam base image 39 and covers the upper portion. In the present embodiment, the high-beam mask image 36 crosses the upper portion of the high-beam base image 39 and includes a light-shielding image 37 and a blurred image 38. The brightness of the light-shielding image 37 is zero, and the lower edge 37ed of the light-shielding image 37 has a concave portion 37edd that is recessed upward. The blurred image 38 extends along the lower edge 37ed of the light-shielding image 37. The width of the blurred image 38 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the blurred image 38 is constant, but it may not be constant. The brightness of the blurred image 38 decreases from the opposite side to the light-shielding image 37 toward the light-shielding image 37 side.

[0053] The high beam basic image 39 is an image that represents a high beam light distribution pattern as a prescribed light distribution pattern by superimposing the high beam mask image 36 on the upper part. The upper edge of the high beam light distribution pattern corresponds to the lower edge 37ed of the light shielding image 37. The lower edge 37ed has a concave portion 37edd, so a convex portion as a characteristic portion corresponding to the concave portion 37edd is formed at the upper edge of the high beam light distribution pattern. Therefore, the high beam light distribution pattern is composed of an upper light distribution pattern whose outer edge is a convex portion and a lower light distribution pattern. The upper light distribution pattern is connected to the upper edge of the lower light distribution pattern, and the width of the upper light distribution pattern in the left-right direction is narrower than that of the lower light distribution pattern. That is, the lower edge 37ed corresponds to the upper edge of such a high beam light distribution pattern. In this embodiment, except for the edges 39es on the left and right sides and the vicinity of the lower edge 39ed, the brightness of the high beam basic image 39 is a prescribed brightness, which is brighter than the brightness of the blurred image 38 described above. The brightness near the left and right edges 39es and the lower edge 39ed is darker than the predetermined brightness and decreases toward the outside. It should be noted that the entire high-beam basic image 39 may have a predetermined brightness, and the high-beam basic image 39 and the low-beam basic image 34 may be the same.

[0054] Figure 1 The light distribution control unit 40 shown controls the lamp unit 10 by controlling the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the image generated by the image generating unit 20 .

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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. In addition, the light switch 110 does not output a signal when non-emission of light is selected.

[0057] The steering sensor 140 is a sensor for detecting the steering angle of the vehicle 100. The steering sensor 140 detects the steering angle, for example, based on the rotation angle of the steering wheel of the vehicle 100. The steering sensor 140 recognizes the right steering angle and the left steering angle as different steering angles and detects these steering angles, and outputs a signal indicating the detected steering angle to the control unit CO via the ECU 130. In the present embodiment, the left steering angle is a negative value, and the right steering angle is a positive value.

[0058] The tilt sensor 150 is a sensor for detecting the tilt angle of the vehicle 100 in the pitch direction relative to the road surface. The tilt sensor 150 outputs a signal indicating the detected tilt angle to the control unit CO via the ECU 130. As the structure of the tilt sensor 150, for example, a structure using a vehicle height sensor, a structure using a gyro sensor, etc. can be cited. In the present embodiment, the tilt angle tilted downward is a negative value, and the tilt angle tilted upward is a positive value.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 SP15. Figure 6 In the start state shown, signals are input to the control unit CO from the steering sensor 140 and the tilt sensor 150 .

[0061] (Step SP11)

[0062] 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.

[0063] (Step SP12)

[0064] 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.

[0065] (Step SP13)

[0066] 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.

[0067] (Step SP14)

[0068] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 to emit low beam from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this embodiment, first, the image generation unit 20 generates a low beam image representing a light distribution pattern of low beam based on the low beam mask image 31 and the low beam base image 34 stored in the memory ME.

[0069] Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining the generation of a low beam image. Figure 7 As shown, the image generating unit 20 superimposes the low beam mask image 31 on the upper part of the low beam basic image 34. Next, the image generating unit 20 uses the area in the low beam basic image 34 on which the low beam mask image 31 is superimposed as an image of a portion of the low beam mask image 31 corresponding to the area. Since the brightness of the light shielding image 32 of the low beam mask image 31 is zero, the upper edge of the low beam basic image 34 becomes a shape corresponding to the lower edge 32ed of the light shielding image 32 of the superimposed low beam mask image 31. Therefore, the low beam basic image 34 becomes a low beam image 21 representing a light distribution pattern of a low beam having a cut-off line CL as an upper edge and an inflection point as a prescribed characteristic portion. It should be noted that in Figure 7 In the image 21, a shadow composed of a plurality of dots is given to a portion that becomes the low-beam image 21. In this way, the image generating unit 20 generates the low-beam image 21 that represents the light distribution pattern of the low beam having an inflection point.

[0070] The light distribution control unit 40 controls the power supply circuit 50 based on the information of the low beam image 21, 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 image, and light having a low beam 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 in which the image representing the light distribution pattern of light emitted by the light source unit 12 is flipped upside down and left to right. In this embodiment, Figure 7 The upper right pixel in the low beam image 21 shown is Figure 3 The light emitting element 13 shown in the lower right corresponds to, Figure 7 The lower left pixel in the low beam image 21 is shown with Figure 3 The corresponding relationship is reversed upside down. Therefore, the light distribution pattern of the low beam irradiated to the front of the vehicle 100 becomes the same as Figure 7The light distribution pattern corresponding to the low beam image 21 shown in FIG. Figure 7 The low-beam image 21 shown likewise corresponds to the light element 13 .

[0071] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an example of a low beam light distribution pattern in the present embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example of a low beam light distribution pattern PL formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 100. The upper edge of the low beam light distribution pattern PL in the present embodiment, i.e., the cut-off line CL, corresponds to the lower edge 32ed of the light shielding image 32, and has a step portion corresponding to the step portion 32eds of the lower edge 32ed, and an inflection point EP as a prescribed characteristic portion is formed on the cut-off line CL. In addition, the cut-off line CL is composed of an inclined portion CL3 extending obliquely upward from the inflection point EP, a first horizontal portion CL1 extending horizontally from the inflection point EP, and a second horizontal portion CL2 extending horizontally from one end of the inclined portion CL3 on the opposite side of the inflection point EP.

[0072] As described above, the mask image 31 for low beam includes a blurred image 33 extending along the lower edge 32ed of the light shielding image 32, and the brightness of the blurred image 33 decreases from the opposite side to the light shielding image 32 toward the light shielding image 32 side. Therefore, in the light distribution pattern PL for low beam, a blurred area PLg is formed, which extends along the cut-off line CL and whose brightness decreases from the opposite side to the cut-off line CL side toward the cut-off line CL side. In addition, as described above, the brightness of the basic image 34 for low beam is a prescribed brightness except for the vicinity of the edges 34es on the left and right sides and the lower edge 34ed, and the brightness near the edges 34es on the left and right sides and the lower edge 34ed is darker than the prescribed brightness and decreases toward the outside. Therefore, the intensity of light in the area except for the edges Ples on the left and right sides and the vicinity of the lower edge PLed in the light distribution pattern PL for low beam is a prescribed intensity. In addition, the intensity of light in the area near the edges Ples on the left and right sides and the lower edge PLed is lower than the prescribed intensity and decreases toward the outside. Here, the area near the edge Ples is the edge portion PLas extending along the edge Ples, and the area near the lower edge PLed is the edge portion PLad extending along the lower edge PLed.

[0073] As described above, a signal indicating the steering angle is input from the steering sensor 140 to the image generating unit 20, and a signal indicating the tilt angle is input from the tilt sensor 150 to the image generating unit 20. Based on changes in these signals, the image generating unit 20 changes the low beam mask image 31 so that the portion 32EP corresponding to the inflection point in the lower edge 32ed of the light shielding image 32 moves in a predetermined direction. Specifically, the image generating unit 20 moves the portion 32EP in the predetermined direction by moving the low beam mask image 31 in the predetermined direction.

[0074] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the movement of the low beam mask image 31. Fig. 9 In FIG. 3 , the low beam basic image 34 is indicated by a dashed line, the low beam mask image 31 before the movement is indicated by a dotted line, and the low beam mask image 31 after the movement is indicated by a solid line. As described above, the left steering angle is a negative value, the right steering angle is a positive value, the tilt angle tilted downward is a negative value, and the tilt angle tilted upward is a positive value. The position of the part 32EP in the light shielding image 32 relative to the low beam basic image 34 is preset according to the steering angle and the tilt angle. As described above, the left steering angle is a negative value, the right steering angle is a positive value, the tilt angle tilted downward is a negative value, and the tilt angle tilted upward is a positive value. If the position of the part 32EP when the steering angle is zero and the tilt angle is zero is set as the reference position, the position of the part 32EP is to the right of the reference position when the steering angle is positive, and the greater the steering angle, the farther away from the reference position. In addition, when the steering angle is negative, the position is to the left of the reference position, and the smaller the steering angle, the farther away from the reference position. In addition, when the tilt angle is a positive value, the position is lower than the reference position, and the larger the tilt angle is, the further away from the reference position is. In addition, when the tilt angle is a negative value, the position is higher than the reference position, and the smaller the tilt angle is, the further away from the reference position is. The image generation unit 20 of the present embodiment moves the low beam mask image 31 in a specified direction by a specified distance, so that the part 32EP moves in a specified direction by a specified distance to become a position corresponding to the steering angle and the tilt angle. The specified direction is a direction corresponding to changes in the steering angle and the tilt angle. The specified direction when the steering angle increases is Figure 7 The right direction in the case of a reduced steering angle is Figure 7 In addition, the specified direction when the inclination angle increases is Figure 7 The downward direction in the case of decreasing inclination angle is Figure 7 In addition, the greater the change in the steering angle or the tilt angle, the longer the prescribed distance.

[0075] exist Fig. 9 The position of the low beam mask image 31 before the movement indicated by the dotted line is Figure 7 The position of the low beam mask image 31 shown in FIG. 1 is the same as that of the low beam mask image 31 shown in FIG. 1 , and the portion 32EP of the low beam mask image 31 before the movement is located at the reference position. Fig. 9 As shown, the image generating unit 20 moves the low beam mask image 31 diagonally downward to the right to become the low beam mask image 31 shown by the solid line. In addition, although the description based on the figure is omitted, the image generating unit 20 moves the low beam mask image 31 diagonally upward to the left when the steering angle and the bank angle decrease.

[0076] The image generation unit 20 of the present embodiment generates a plurality of low beam images 21 while moving the low beam mask image 31 in a predetermined direction. These low beam images 21 include a low beam image 21 when the low beam mask image 31 is in motion and a low beam image 21 when the motion is completed and the portion 32EP is arranged at a position corresponding to the steering angle and the tilt angle. It should be noted that the number of low beam images 21 in motion is not limited. The moving period is, for example, 1.0 s, and the time interval for generating a plurality of low beam images 21 is, for example, 0.01 s, but it is not limited thereto. For example, there may be no low beam image 21 in motion.

[0077] The light distribution control unit 40 controls the power circuit 50 based on the information of the plurality of low beam images 21. Therefore, the light emitted from the light source unit 12 changes sequentially. For example, the light distribution pattern of the emitted light changes from Figure 8 The low beam light distribution pattern shown gradually changes to Fig.10 The low beam light distribution pattern shown. Fig.10 is with Figure 8 Similarly, another example of the low beam light distribution pattern is a diagram showing an example of the low beam light distribution pattern when the steering angle and the bank angle increase from zero. Fig.10 In the figure, the low beam light distribution pattern PL before the change is indicated by a dotted line, and the low beam light distribution pattern PL before the change is slightly offset upward, downward, leftward, and rightward. In the present embodiment, the inflection point EP in the low beam light distribution pattern PL gradually moves diagonally downward to the right, thereby Figure 8 The low beam light distribution pattern shown becomes Fig.10 The low beam light distribution pattern shown in the figure. Fig.10 In the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam shown, the brightness of the edges PLas on the left and right sides and the edge PLad on the lower side does not change from before the inflection point EP moves. That is, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the lamp unit 10 so as to move the inflection point EP as a predetermined characteristic portion without changing the brightness of the edges PLas on the left and right sides and the edge PLad on the lower side in the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam. It should be noted that when the steering angle decreases, the inflection point EP gradually moves to the left, and when the tilt angle increases, the inflection point EP gradually moves upward. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when the vehicle 100 travels on a curve, the inflection point EP moves in the direction of the curve, thereby improving the visibility of the curve. In addition, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, even if the vehicle 100 tilts in the pitch direction relative to the road surface, the position of the inflection point EP relative to the road surface can be kept unchanged, and the reduction in visibility can be suppressed. When the low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0078] (Step SP15)

[0079] In this step, the control unit CO controls the lamp unit 10 to emit a high beam from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this embodiment, first, the image generation unit 20 generates a high beam image representing a light distribution pattern of a high beam based on the high beam mask image 36 and the high beam base image 39 stored in the memory ME.

[0080] Fig.11 is a diagram used to illustrate the generation of a high beam image. Fig.11 As shown, the image generating unit 20 superimposes the high beam mask image 36 on the upper part of the high beam basic image 39. Next, the image generating unit 20 uses the area in the high beam basic image 39 on which the high beam mask image 36 is superimposed as an image of a portion in the high beam mask image 36 corresponding to the area. Since the brightness of the shading image 37 of the high beam mask image 36 is zero, the upper edge of the high beam basic image 39 becomes a shape corresponding to the lower edge 37ed of the shading image 37 of the superimposed high beam mask image 36. Therefore, the high beam basic image 39 becomes a high beam image 26 representing a light distribution pattern of a high beam having a convex portion as a prescribed characteristic portion at the upper edge. It should be noted that in Fig.11 In the figure, a shadow composed of a plurality of points is applied to the portion that becomes the high beam image 26. The high beam light distribution pattern represented by the high beam image 26 is composed of a lower light distribution pattern and an upper light distribution pattern whose outer edge is a convex portion and connected to the upper edge of the lower light distribution pattern, and the width of the upper light distribution pattern in the left-right direction is narrower than that of the lower light distribution pattern. The image generation unit 20 generates the high beam image 26 representing the high beam light distribution pattern in this way.

[0081] The light distribution control unit 40 controls the power circuit 50 based on the information of the high-beam image 26 , so that the light source unit 12 emits light based on the image, and light having a high-beam light distribution pattern is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 .

[0082] Fig.12 is with Figure 8 Similarly, a figure showing an example of a high beam light distribution pattern in the present embodiment is shown. The upper edge PHeu of the high beam light distribution pattern PH in the present embodiment has a convex portion PHeuc that corresponds to the concave portion 37edd in the lower edge 37ed of the light shielding image 37 and protrudes upward. Moreover, the high beam light distribution pattern PH is composed of a lower light distribution pattern PHd and an upper light distribution pattern PHu, the outer edge of the upper light distribution pattern PHu is a convex portion PHeuc, which is connected to the upper edge of the lower light distribution pattern PHd and has a narrower width in the left-right direction than the lower light distribution pattern PHd. In addition, in the present embodiment, the portion of the upper edge Pheu that is closer to the left than the convex portion PHeuc is higher than the portion that is closer to the right than the convex portion PHeuc, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0083] As described above, the mask image 36 for high beam includes a blurred image 38 extending along the lower edge 37ed of the light shielding image 37, and the brightness of the blurred image 38 decreases from the opposite side to the light shielding image 37 toward the light shielding image 37 side. Therefore, in the light distribution pattern PH for high beam, a blurred region PHg is formed, which extends along the upper edge PHeu and whose brightness decreases from the opposite side to the upper edge PHeu side toward the upper edge PHeu side. In addition, as described above, except for the edges 39es on the left and right sides and the vicinity of the lower edge 39ed, the brightness of the basic image 39 for high beam is a prescribed brightness, and the brightness of the edges 39es on the left and right sides and the vicinity of the lower edge 39ed is darker than the prescribed brightness and decreases toward the outside. Therefore, the intensity of light in the region other than the edges PHes on the left and right sides and the vicinity of the lower edge PHed in the light distribution pattern PH for high beam is a prescribed intensity. In addition, the intensity of light in the region near the edges PHes on the left and right sides and the lower edge PHed is lower than the prescribed intensity and decreases toward the outside. Here, the area near the edge PHes is the edge portion PHas extending along the edge PHes, and the area near the lower edge PHed is the edge portion PHad extending along the lower edge PHed.

[0084] In addition, the image generating unit 20 changes the high-beam mask image 36 according to the steering angle and the tilt angle, similarly to the case of generating the low-beam image 21. Specifically, the image generating unit 20 changes the high-beam mask image 36 according to the steering angle and the tilt angle so that the concave portion 37edd in the lower edge 37ed of the light shielding image 37 corresponding to the convex portion PHeuc in the upper edge PHeu of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, which is a predetermined characteristic portion, moves in a predetermined direction.

[0085] Fig.13 is with Fig. 9Similarly, a diagram showing an example of the movement of the mask image 36 for high beam is shown. Similar to the position of the portion 32EP relative to the basic image 34 for low beam, the position of the recessed portion 37edd in the light shielding image 37 relative to the basic image 39 for high beam is preset according to the steering angle and the tilt angle. Similar to the position of the portion 32EP, if the position when the steering angle is zero and the tilt angle is zero is taken as the reference position, the position of the recessed portion 37edd is to the right of the reference position when the steering angle is positive, and the position is further away from the reference position as the steering angle is larger. In addition, the position is to the left of the reference position when the steering angle is negative, and the position is further away from the reference position as the steering angle is smaller. In addition, the position is to the lower side of the reference position when the tilt angle is positive, and the position is further away from the reference position as the tilt angle is larger. In addition, the position is to the upper side of the reference position when the tilt angle is negative, and the position is further away from the reference position as the tilt angle is smaller. The image generation unit 20 of this embodiment moves the high beam mask image 36 in a predetermined direction by a predetermined distance so that the recessed portion 37edd moves in a predetermined direction by a predetermined distance to a position corresponding to the steering angle and the tilt angle. The predetermined direction is a direction corresponding to the change in the steering angle and the tilt angle. The predetermined direction when the steering angle increases is Fig.13 The right direction in the case of a reduced steering angle is Fig.13 In addition, the specified direction when the inclination angle increases is Fig.13 The downward direction in the case of decreasing inclination angle is Fig.13 In addition, the greater the change in the steering angle or the tilt angle, the longer the prescribed distance.

[0086] Fig.13 The position of the high beam mask image 36 before the movement shown by the middle dotted line is the same as Fig.11 The concave portion 37edd of the high beam mask image 36 before the movement is located at the reference position. In this state, for example, when the steering angle and the tilt angle increase, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, the image generating unit 20 moves the high beam mask image 36 diagonally downward to the right to become the high beam mask image 36 shown by the solid line. Although the illustration is omitted, the image generating unit 20 moves the high beam mask image 36 diagonally upward to the left when the steering angle and the bank angle decrease.

[0087] The image generation unit 20 of the present embodiment generates a plurality of high beam images 26 while moving the high beam mask image 36 in a predetermined direction. These high beam images 26 include a high beam image 26 when the high beam mask image 36 is in motion and a high beam image 26 when the motion is completed and the recess 37edd is arranged at a position corresponding to the steering angle and the tilt angle. It should be noted that the number of high beam images 26 in motion is not limited. The moving period is, for example, 1.0 s, and the time interval for generating a plurality of low beam images 21 is, for example, 0.01 s, but it is not limited thereto. For example, there may be no high beam image 26 in motion.

[0088] The light distribution control unit 40 controls the power circuit 50 based on the information of the plurality of high beam images 26. Therefore, the light emitted from the light source unit 12 changes sequentially. For example, the light distribution pattern of the emitted light changes from Fig.12 The high beam light distribution pattern shown gradually changes to Fig.14 The high beam light distribution pattern shown. Fig.14 is with Fig.12 Similarly, another example of the high beam light distribution pattern is a diagram showing an example of the high beam light distribution pattern PH when the steering angle increases from zero and the bank angle decreases from zero. Fig.14 In the figure, the high beam light distribution pattern PH before the change is indicated by a dotted line, and the high beam light distribution pattern PH before the change is slightly offset upward, downward, leftward, and rightward. In the present embodiment, the convex portion PHeuc in the high beam light distribution pattern PH gradually moves diagonally downward to the right, thereby Fig.12 The high beam light distribution pattern PH shown becomes Fig.14 The high beam light distribution pattern PH shown. Fig.14 In the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam shown, the brightness of the edge portions PHas on the left and right sides and the edge portion PHad on the lower side does not change from before the convex portion PHeuc moves. That is, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the lamp unit 10 so as to move the convex portion PHeuc as a predetermined characteristic portion without changing the brightness of the edge portions PHas on the left and right sides and the edge portion PHad on the lower side in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. It should be noted that when the steering angle decreases, the upper light distribution pattern PHu gradually moves to the left, and when the tilt angle increases, the upper light distribution pattern PHu gradually moves upward. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when the vehicle 100 travels on a curved road, the upper light distribution pattern PHu moves in the curved direction, thereby improving the visibility of the curved road. In addition, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, even if the vehicle 100 tilts in the pitch direction relative to the road surface, the position of the upper light distribution pattern PHu relative to the road surface can be kept unchanged, and the reduction of visibility can be suppressed. When the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0089] As described above, in the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the present embodiment, the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam and the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam change according to the steering angle and the lean angle of the vehicle 100 .

[0090] As described above, the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment includes the image generation unit 20 and the light source unit 12. The image generation unit 20 superimposes the low beam mask image 31 on the low beam base image 34 to generate the low beam image 21. The low beam mask image 31 includes a light shielding image 32 with zero brightness, and the light shielding image 32 has a lower edge 32ed, and the lower edge 32ed corresponds to the cut-off line CL of the low beam light distribution pattern PL, in which the cut-off line CL as the upper edge has the inflection point EP as a predetermined characteristic portion. The low beam base image 34 becomes the low beam image 21 representing the low beam light distribution pattern PL as a predetermined light distribution pattern by superimposing the low beam mask image 31 on the upper part. The light source unit 12 has a plurality of light emitting elements 13 that can independently change the light amount of emitted light arranged in a matrix, and emits light based on the low beam image 21 generated by the image generation unit 20. In addition, the image generation unit 20 changes the low-beam mask image 31 so that the low-beam mask image 31 is superimposed on the upper part of the low-beam basic image 34 and the portion 32EP corresponding to the inflection point EP in the lower edge 32ed of the light-shielding image 32 moves in a predetermined direction, thereby generating the low-beam image 21. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the low-beam light distribution pattern PL can be changed so that the inflection point EP moves in a predetermined direction. In addition, the low-beam light distribution pattern PL is based on the low-beam basic image 34, and even if the low-beam mask image 31 changes, the low-beam basic image 34 does not change. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, even if the low-beam light distribution pattern PL changes so that the inflection point EP moves in a predetermined direction, it is possible to suppress the brightness reduction near the edges Ples on both sides of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL in the left-right direction and near the lower edge PLed.

[0091] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the mask image 31 for low beam includes a blurred image 33, which extends along the lower edge 32ed of the light shielding image 32 and whose brightness decreases from the side opposite to the light shielding image 32 toward the light shielding image 32 side. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, a blurred area PLg is formed in the light distribution pattern PL of low beam, which extends along the cut-off line CL and whose brightness decreases from the side opposite to the cut-off line CL toward the cut-off line CL side. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, compared with the case where the blurred area PLg is not formed, the cut-off line CL can be suppressed from looking clear, and the driver of the vehicle 100 can be suppressed from feeling troubled by the movement of the inflection point EP. It should be noted that the mask image 31 for low beam may not include the blurred image 33, and may be composed of only the light shielding image 32.

[0092] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the image generation unit 20 generates the high-beam image 26 by superimposing the high-beam mask image 36 on the high-beam base image 39. The high-beam mask image 36 includes a light shielding image 37 with zero brightness. The lower edge 37ed of the light shielding image 37 corresponds to the upper edge Pheu of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, which is composed of the lower light distribution pattern PHd and the upper light distribution pattern PHu connected to the upper edge of the lower light distribution pattern PHd and having a narrower width in the left-right direction than the lower light distribution pattern PHd. The upper edge PHeu has a convex portion PHeuc, which is the outer edge of the upper light distribution pattern PHu, as a predetermined characteristic portion. The high-beam base image 39 becomes the high-beam image 26 representing the high-beam light distribution pattern PH as a predetermined light distribution pattern by superimposing the high-beam mask image 36 on the upper portion. The light source unit 12 emits light based on the high-beam image 26 generated by the image generation unit 20. In addition, the image generation unit 20 changes the high-beam mask image 36 so that the high-beam mask image 36 is superimposed on the upper part of the high-beam basic image 39 and the concave portion 37edd corresponding to the convex portion PHeuc in the lower edge 37ed of the light shielding image 37 moves in a predetermined direction, thereby generating the high-beam image 26. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam can be changed so that the upper light distribution pattern PHu whose outer edge is the convex portion PHeuc moves in a predetermined direction. In addition, the high-beam basic image 39 does not change even if the high-beam mask image 36 changes except for the upper edge PHeu of the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, even if the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam is changed so that the upper light distribution pattern PHu whose outer edge is the convex portion PHeuc moves in a predetermined direction, it is possible to suppress the brightness reduction near the edge PHes on both sides of the light distribution pattern PH in the left-right direction and near the lower edge PHed.

[0093] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the mask image 36 for high beam includes a blurred image 38, which extends along the lower edge 37ed of the light shielding image 37 and whose brightness decreases from the side opposite to the light shielding image 37 toward the light shielding image 37 side. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, a blurred area PHg is formed in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam, which extends along the upper edge PHeu and whose brightness decreases from the side opposite to the upper edge PHeu toward the upper edge PHeu side. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the upper edge Pheu from looking clear, and it is possible to suppress the driver of the vehicle 100 from feeling troubled by the movement of the upper light distribution pattern PHu whose outer edge is the convex portion PHeuc, as compared with the case where the blurred area PHg is not formed. It should be noted that the mask image 36 for high beam may not include the blurred image 38, and may be composed of only the light shielding image 37.

[0094] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present invention, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the lamp unit 10 so as to move the inflection point EP, which is a predetermined characteristic portion, in a predetermined direction without changing the brightness of the left and right edge portions PLas and the lower edge portion PLad in the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam. In addition, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the lamp unit 10 so as to move the convex portion PHeuc, which is a predetermined characteristic portion, in a predetermined direction without changing the brightness of the left and right edge portions PHas and the lower edge portion PHad in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam.

[0095] As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described by taking the above-mentioned embodiment as an example, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0096] For example, in the above embodiment, the image generating unit 20 generating the low beam image 21 representing the low beam light distribution pattern PL with the cut-off line CL having the inflection point EP and the high beam image 26 representing the high beam light distribution pattern PH with the upper edge PHeu having the convex portion PHeuc is described as an example. However, the image generating unit 20 only needs to generate an image of a prescribed light distribution pattern representing the upper edge having a prescribed characteristic portion, and the prescribed light distribution pattern and the prescribed characteristic portion are not limited, and the prescribed characteristic portion only needs to include at least a portion that is not parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0097] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the image generating unit 20 is described as an example in which the image generating unit 20 generates the low beam image 21 by moving the low beam mask image 31 and generates the high beam image 26 by moving the high beam mask image 36. However, the image generating unit 20 may generate the low beam image 21 by changing the low beam mask image 31 so that the portion 32EP in the lower edge 32ed of the light shielding image 32 as the predetermined characteristic portion moves in a predetermined direction, or may generate the low beam image 21 by deforming the low beam mask image 31. In addition, the image generating unit 20 may generate the high beam image 26 by changing the high beam image 36 so that the concave portion 37edd in the lower edge 37ed of the light shielding image 37 as the predetermined characteristic portion moves in a predetermined direction, or may generate the high beam image 26 by deforming the high beam image 36. In addition, the predetermined direction in which the portion 32EP and the concave portion 37edd as the predetermined characteristic portion move is not limited, and may be only the up-down direction or only the left-right direction.

[0098] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the image generation unit 20 that changes the low beam mask image 31 and the high beam mask image 36 as mask images according to the steering angle and the tilt angle is described as an example. However, the information that the image generation unit 20 changes the mask image is not limited. For example, the image generation unit 20 may change the mask image in a manner that a predetermined feature portion moves in the left-right direction according to the flashing state of the left and right turn signals of the vehicle 100. In this case, the light distribution control unit 40 controls the lamp unit 10 according to the flashing state of the turn signal, and does not change the brightness of the left and right edges and the lower edge in the predetermined light distribution pattern, but moves the predetermined feature portion in the left-right direction.

[0099] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the vehicle headlamp 1 is described as an example, which includes a memory ME storing a low-beam mask image 31 and a high-beam mask image 36 as mask images, and a low-beam base image 34 and a high-beam base image 39 as base images. However, the image generation unit 20 may generate these images, and the low-beam image 21 and the high-beam image 26 may be generated based on these images generated by the image generation unit 20. For example, when the image generation unit 20 generates the low-beam mask image 31, the low-beam mask image 31 may be Fig.15 Image shown.

[0100] Fig.15 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a mask image for low beam in a modified example. Fig.15, the low beam basic image 34 is indicated by a dotted line. In this modified example, similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment, the low beam mask image 31 includes a light shielding image 32 and a blurred image 33. The light shielding image 32 is composed of a first portion 321, a second portion 322, and a third portion 323. The first portion 321 is in the shape of a quadrilateral having a portion 32ed1 corresponding to the first horizontal portion CL1 of the cut-off line CL in the lower edge 32ed of the light shielding image 32 as one side. The second portion 322 is in the shape of a quadrilateral having a portion 32ed2 corresponding to the second horizontal portion CL2 of the cut-off line CL in the lower edge 32ed as one side. The third portion 323 is in the shape of a quadrilateral having a portion 32ed3 corresponding to the inclined portion of the cut-off line CL in the lower edge 32ed as one side. The third portion 323 is located between the first portion 321 and the second portion 322, and is connected to the first portion 321 and the second portion 322. The side common to the third part 323 and the first part 321 and the side common to the third part 323 and the second part 322 are perpendicular to the part 32ed3. The blurred image 33 is composed of a first blurred portion 331 along the part 32ed1 as one side of the first part 321, a second blurred portion 332 along the part 32ed2 as one side of the second part 322, and a third blurred portion 333 along the part 32ed3 as one side of the third part 323. In this modification, a pair of opposite sides of the third blurred portion 333 are located on the extension lines of a pair of opposite sides of the third part 323. The image generation unit 20 of this modification generates such a low beam mask image 31, and generates the low beam image 21 by superimposing the low beam mask image 31 on the low beam base image 34. In this modification, the image generation unit 20 can form the light shielding image 32 by forming the first part 321, the second part 322, and the third part 323, which are each quadrilateral. The image generator 20 can form the blurred image 33 by forming the first blurring section 331, the second blurring section 332, and the third blurring section 333 into a quadrilateral shape. Therefore, the light shielding image 32 and the blurred image 33 can be easily formed, and the calculation load of the image generator 20 can be reduced.

[0101] In addition, the basic image may be any image that represents a predetermined light distribution pattern by superimposing a mask image on the top, and the low-beam basic image 34 and the high-beam basic image 39 are not limited. For example, the low-beam basic image 34 may be the high-beam image 26 of the above-mentioned embodiment. In addition, the low-beam image 21 and the high-beam image 26 may be stored in the memory ME. In this case, the image generation unit 20 may generate the low-beam image 21 in which the portion 32EP corresponding to the inflection point EP is moved in the vertical direction by moving the low-beam image 21 in the vertical direction, and generate the low-beam image 21 in which the portion 32EP is moved in the left-right direction based on the low-beam mask image 31 and the low-beam basic image 34. In addition, the image generation unit 20 may generate the high-beam image 26 in which the concave portion 37edd corresponding to the convex portion PHeuc is moved in the vertical direction by moving the high-beam image 26 in the vertical direction, and generate the high-beam image 26 in which the concave portion 37edd is moved in the left-right direction based on the high-beam mask image 36 and the high-beam basic image 39.

[0102] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the light source unit 12 having a plurality of light-emitting elements 13 capable of independently changing the amount of light emitted is described as an example. However, the light source unit 12 has a plurality of light emitting units capable of independently changing the amount of light emitted, and it is sufficient to 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.

[0103] In addition, in the above-mentioned 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, the steering sensor 140, and the tilt sensor 150 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 the vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle, the vehicle headlamp 1 may be one.

[0104] According to the present invention, a vehicle headlamp is provided which can suppress a decrease in brightness when a light distribution pattern is changed so that a predetermined characteristic portion of an upper edge moves, and can be used in the field of vehicle headlamps such as automobiles.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlamp, It is characterized in that have: an image generating unit for generating an image by superimposing a mask image including a light-shielding image having a lower edge corresponding to the upper edge of a prescribed light distribution pattern having a prescribed feature portion at the upper edge and having a brightness of zero on an upper portion of a base image, wherein the base image becomes an image representing the prescribed light distribution pattern by superimposing the mask image on the upper portion; a light source unit having a plurality of light emitting units arranged in a matrix and capable of independently changing the light amount of emitted light, and emitting light based on the image generated by the image generating unit; The image generating unit generates the image by changing the mask image so that the mask image is superimposed on the upper portion of the base image and a portion of the lower edge of the light-shielding image corresponding to the predetermined feature portion is moved in a predetermined direction.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The image generating unit generates the mask image and superimposes the mask image on the base image.

3. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The prescribed light distribution pattern is a low beam light distribution pattern, The predetermined characteristic portion is an inflection point.

4. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The upper edge is composed of an inclined portion, a first horizontal portion, and a second horizontal portion, wherein the inclined portion extends obliquely upward from the inflection point, the first horizontal portion extends from the inflection point in a horizontal direction, and the second horizontal portion extends from an end of the inclined portion on the opposite side of the inflection point in a horizontal direction. The light-shielding image is composed of a first quadrilateral portion, a second quadrilateral portion, and a third quadrilateral portion, the first portion having a portion of the lower edge of the light-shielding image corresponding to the first horizontal portion as one side, the second portion having a portion of the lower edge of the light-shielding image corresponding to the second horizontal portion as one side, and the third portion being connected to the first portion and the second portion and having a portion of the lower edge of the light-shielding image corresponding to the inclined portion as one side, The image generating unit generates the mask image and superimposes the mask image on the base image.

5. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The predetermined light distribution pattern is a high beam light distribution pattern composed of a lower light distribution pattern and an upper light distribution pattern connected to an upper edge of the lower light distribution pattern and having a width in the left-right direction narrower than that of the lower light distribution pattern. The predetermined characteristic portion is a convex portion that serves as an outer edge of the upper light distribution pattern.

6. The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It is characterized in that The mask image includes a blurred image extending along the lower edge of the light-shielding image, and the brightness of the blurred image decreases from the side opposite to the light-shielding image toward the light-shielding image side.

7. A vehicle headlamp, It is characterized in that have: a lamp unit that emits light having a predetermined light distribution pattern, wherein an upper edge of the predetermined light distribution pattern has a predetermined characteristic portion; a control unit, which controls the lamp unit; The control unit controls the lamp unit so as to move the predetermined feature portion in a predetermined direction without changing the brightness of the edge portions on both sides and the lower side in the predetermined light distribution pattern.

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