Vehicle headlamp control device and vehicle headlamp system

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to more appropriately set a dimming range corresponding to the situation of a preceding vehicle. A control device for a vehicle headlight, which controls the headlight when the difference between a first position indicating the position of a first light-emitting portion of a preceding vehicle and the right end position of the preceding vehicle is equal to or less than a first reference value, or when the difference between the first position and the left end position of the preceding vehicle is equal to or less than a second reference value. On the basis of the first position, the right-end position, the left-end position, and the relative distance between the preceding vehicle and the host vehicle, a second position indicating the position of a second light-emitting portion that is not detected in the preceding vehicle is obtained, and a light distribution pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the preceding vehicle is set using the first position and the second position. The controller generates a control signal corresponding to the light distribution pattern and supplies the control signal to the vehicle headlamp.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a control device for vehicle headlights and a vehicle headlight system. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional techniques for controlling the light distribution of vehicle headlights include those that reduce the light intensity of other vehicles (such as oncoming vehicles or other vehicles) within the high beam's illumination range, corresponding to their positions (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-026248). Typically, the positions of other vehicles' headlights and taillights are detected using image processing or similar methods, and the light reduction range is set based on these positions. In this case, if a pair of light sources is detected, it can be determined that the other vehicle is a four-wheeled vehicle; if a single, unpaired light source is detected, it can be determined that the other vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle. Therefore, the width of the light reduction range is set accordingly. This reduces glare to other vehicles.

[0003] However, in cases where one of the headlights or taillights of a four-wheeled vehicle malfunctions or is obstructed for some reason, it may be detected as a single light source instead of a paired light source. As a result, a dimming range corresponding to that of a two-wheeled vehicle may be set, which may lead to situations where the dimming range is not suitable for a four-wheeled vehicle.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-026248 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a light distribution control technique that can more appropriately set the light reduction range.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] [1] One aspect of the control device disclosed herein is a control device for a vehicle headlight with a variable light distribution pattern, comprising: (a) a first sensor that detects at least a first position indicating the position of a first luminous portion of a vehicle ahead; (b) a second sensor that detects a right-end position and a left-end position of the vehicle ahead as viewed from the vehicle itself, a first distance indicating the relative distance between the right-end position and the vehicle itself, and a second distance indicating the relative distance between the left-end position and the vehicle itself; and (c) a controller connected to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the vehicle headlight, respectively, for controlling the operation of the vehicle headlight. (d) When the difference between the first position and the right end position is less than a first reference value or the difference between the first position and the left end position is less than a second reference value, the controller calculates a second position representing the position of the second luminous part of the vehicle ahead that was not detected by the first sensor based on the first position, the right end position, the left end position, the first distance, and the second distance. It then sets a light distribution pattern with a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead using the first position and the second position, generates a control signal corresponding to the light distribution pattern, and supplies the control signal to the headlight of the vehicle.

[0011] [2] One aspect of the control method of this disclosure is a control method performed by a controller connected to a vehicle headlight with a variable beam pattern, wherein (a) the controller is connected to a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor detecting a first position indicating the position of a first luminous part of a vehicle ahead, the second sensor detecting a right-end position and a left-end position of the vehicle ahead as viewed from the vehicle itself, a first distance indicating the relative distance between the right-end position and the vehicle itself, and a second distance indicating the relative distance between the left-end position and the vehicle itself; (b) the controller performs the following control: (b1) if the difference between the first position and the right-end position is less than a first reference value or the difference between the first position and the left-end position is less than a second reference value, a second position indicating the position of a second luminous part of the vehicle ahead not detected by the first sensor is calculated based on the first position, the right-end position, the left-end position, the first distance, and the second distance; (b2) using the first position and the second position to set a beam pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead; and (b3) generating a control signal corresponding to the beam pattern and supplying the control signal to the vehicle headlight.

[0012] [3] One aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle headlight system including the control device described in [1] and a vehicle headlight controlled by the control device.

[0013] Based on the aforementioned structure, a light distribution control technique is provided that can more appropriately set the light reduction range. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 (A) is a diagram showing the structure of a vehicle lighting system according to one embodiment. Figure 1 (B) is a diagram representing an example of the structure of a computer system.

[0015] Figure 2 (A) is a diagram used to illustrate the light source information of the vehicle ahead detected by the camera. Figure 2 (B) is a diagram used to illustrate object information of a vehicle ahead detected by a camera.

[0016] Figure 3 (A) is a diagram used to specifically illustrate the information about the light source. Figure 3 (B) is a diagram used to specifically illustrate information about the object. Figure 3 (C) is a diagram used to illustrate the data structure for light source information and object information.

[0017] Figure 4 (A) is a diagram used to illustrate an example of transmitted data for light source information. Figure 4 (B) is a diagram used to illustrate an example of sending data for object information.

[0018] Figure 5 (A) ~ Figure 5 (D) is a diagram used to illustrate the envisioned situation when "one lamp" is detected as light source information.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the sequence of actions of a vehicle's headlight system.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the light distribution control performed in step S14.

[0021] Figure 8 (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of a light distribution pattern implemented through this embodiment. Figure 8 (B) is a diagram used to illustrate the light distribution pattern of the comparative example. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Figure 1 (A) is a diagram showing the structure of a vehicle lighting system according to one embodiment. The illustrated vehicle lighting system is configured to include a controller 10, a camera 11, and a pair of headlight units 12L and 12R. This vehicle lighting system is used to illuminate the front of a vehicle. Furthermore, in this specification, the controller 10 and the camera 11 constitute a control device for the vehicle lighting system.

[0023] The controller 10 controls the light illumination operation of each headlight unit 12L, 12R. This controller 10 can, for example, use... Figure 1 The computer system shown in (B) is configured as such, that is, a computer system equipped with a processor (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 201, ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, flash memory and other storage devices 204, input / output interface 205, etc. In this embodiment, the controller 10 is able to perform the functions described later by reading and executing the program 206 pre-stored in the storage device 204 by the processor.

[0024] The camera 11 detects the positions of vehicles (driving vehicles and oncoming vehicles) and pedestrians by performing prescribed image recognition processing based on image data obtained from capturing the space in front of the vehicle.

[0025] Furthermore, some or all of the image recognition processing functions can be located on the controller 10 side. In this case, image data is supplied from the camera 11 to the controller 10, and image recognition processing is performed by executing a predetermined program in the controller 10.

[0026] The controller 10 includes a vehicle detection unit 20, a light distribution pattern setting unit 21, and a control signal generation unit 22, which are functional blocks implemented by program execution.

[0027] The vehicle detection unit 20 detects information indicating the actual position of vehicles such as those in front based on the detection results of the camera 11 on vehicles in front.

[0028] The light distribution pattern setting unit 21 sets the light distribution pattern of the illumination light of each headlight unit 12L and 12R based on the detection results of the vehicle detection unit 20 on the vehicle in front.

[0029] The control signal generation unit 22 generates a control signal and supplies the control signal to each headlight unit 12L, 12R. The control signal is used to make each headlight unit 12L, 12R form illumination light corresponding to the light distribution pattern set by the light distribution pattern setting unit 21.

[0030] A pair of headlight units 12L and 12R are mounted at predetermined left and right positions on the front of the vehicle, and operate according to control signals provided by the controller 10 to generate light illuminating the front of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the headlight units 12L and 12R can be variably set to a light distribution mode, generating low beam (meeting lights) and high beam (driving lights), and as described later... Figure 8As shown in (A), an illumination beam 150, namely an adaptive driving beam (ADB), is formed by setting a light reduction range 151 corresponding to the position of the vehicle in front within the illumination range of the high beam.

[0031] Various known structures can be adopted for each headlight unit 12L and 12R. For example, a lamp unit composed of a light bulb, a reflector, and a shield can form high beam, low beam, and additional beams. Furthermore, by arranging light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) in one or two directions, an adaptive driving beam can be formed using a lamp unit that can individually control the illumination state of each light-emitting element. Alternatively, an adaptive driving beam can be formed using a lamp unit that includes a light source and a liquid crystal element, and can individually control the light transmission state of each pixel of the liquid crystal element. Additionally, an adaptive driving beam can be formed using a lamp unit that includes a light-emitting element such as a laser diode and a scanning element such as a mirror device that scans the light emitted from the light-emitting element, and can control the timing of the light-emitting element's on / off state and the scanning timing of the scanning element. Moreover, in these lamp units, in addition to the adaptive driving beam, high beam and low beam can also be formed.

[0032] Figure 2 (A) is a diagram illustrating the light source information of a vehicle ahead detected by a camera. Here, as an example of a vehicle ahead, a schematic top view shows the rear of the vehicle ahead as seen from this vehicle. The vehicle ahead 100 has a pair of taillights 101L and 101R arranged on the left and right sides of its rear. The camera 11 performs image processing on an image obtained by capturing the space in front of this vehicle, and extracts a group of pixels with a brightness of a predetermined value or higher as light sources (light-emitting parts). The positions of the pair of taillights 101L and 101R are then detected. Furthermore, based on the parallax of the extracted pixel groups in the stereo image, the relative distance from this vehicle to the vehicle ahead 100 is detected using the known principle of triangulation. Additionally, although illustrations and detailed explanations are omitted, the positions of the pair of headlights of an oncoming vehicle are also detected in the case of an oncoming vehicle, and the relative distance between the oncoming vehicle and this vehicle is also detected.

[0033] Figure 2(B) is a diagram illustrating object information of a vehicle ahead detected by the camera. Here, as an example of a vehicle ahead, a schematic top view shows the rear of the vehicle ahead as seen from this vehicle, but the same applies to oncoming vehicles. The camera 11 extracts the outer edge portion (contour portion) of the vehicle ahead 100 by performing image processing on an image of the space in front of the vehicle. For example, by pre-extracting features from information such as horizontal line features, vertical line features, brightness, color, and contrast, and performing machine learning, the shape of the vehicle can be detected. Based on the extracted outer edge portion, for example, the left end 102L and right end 102R of the vehicle ahead 100 are detected as the left and right positions of the vehicle ahead 100.

[0034] Figure 3 (A) is a diagram used to specifically illustrate the light source information. Here, a schematic top view shows the forward-moving vehicle 100. As shown, the left angle θ is detected as light source information. L1 Right angle θ R1 Left longitudinal distance D L1 Right longitudinal distance D R1 Left angle θ L1 This refers to the angle representing the relative position of the taillight 101L with respect to the position P of the camera 11. Specifically, it represents the angle representing the approximate center position of the taillight 101L in the left-right direction. Right angle θ R1 This refers to the angle representing the relative position of the taillight 101R with the position P of the camera 11 as a reference. Specifically, it represents the angle representing the approximate center position of the taillight 101R in the left-right direction. Left longitudinal distance D L1 This is the relative distance between the camera 11 (position P) and the taillight 101L. Right longitudinal distance D R1 The relative distance between the camera 11 at position P and the taillight 101R is taken as the reference. In addition, although the illustration and detailed explanation are omitted, the same applies in the case of oncoming vehicles. The left and right angles corresponding to the positions of the pair of headlights of the oncoming vehicle are detected, and the relative distance between the oncoming vehicle and the vehicle, namely the left longitudinal distance and the right longitudinal distance, are detected.

[0035] Figure 3 (B) is a diagram used to specifically illustrate object information. Here, a schematic top view shows the forward-moving vehicle 100. As shown, the left angle θ is detected as object information. L2 Right angle θ R2 Left longitudinal distance D L2 Right longitudinal distance D R2 Left angle θ L2This refers to the angle of the taillight 101L relative to the position P of the camera 11, specifically the angle of the left end 102L of the preceding vehicle 100 (refer to...). Figure 2 The angle of position (B). Right angle θ R2 This refers to the angle of the taillight 101R relative to the position P of the camera 11, specifically the angle of the right end 102R of the preceding vehicle 100 (refer to...). Figure 2 The angle of the position of (B)). Left longitudinal distance D L2 This is the relative distance between the camera 11 (position P) and the taillight 100L. Right longitudinal distance D R2 The relative distance between the camera 11 at position P and the taillight 100L is taken as the reference. In addition, although the illustration and detailed explanation are omitted, the same applies in the case of oncoming vehicles. The left and right angles corresponding to the positions of the pair of headlights of the oncoming vehicle are detected, and the relative distance between the oncoming vehicle and the vehicle, namely the left longitudinal distance and the right longitudinal distance, are detected.

[0036] Figure 3 (C) is a diagram illustrating the data structure for light source information and object information. Light source information includes the right longitudinal distance, left longitudinal distance, right angle, left angle, and light source category. The light source category indicates the type of detected light source, such as one light or two lights. Typically, one light corresponds to a two-wheeled vehicle, and two lights correspond to a four-wheeled vehicle. This data is detected as a set of light source information corresponding to one vehicle. Additionally, object information includes the right longitudinal distance, left longitudinal distance, right angle, left angle, and object type. The object category indicates the type of detected object, such as four-wheeled vehicle, two-wheeled vehicle, or pedestrian. This data is detected as a set of object information corresponding to one vehicle.

[0037] Figure 4 (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of data transmission for light source information. Light source information is packaged into a single message and sent from camera 11 to controller 10 for each detected object. For example, message 1 corresponding to the first object (object 1) is sent, followed by message 2 corresponding to the second object (object 2). In the illustrated example, message 1 contains data such as right longitudinal distance "20m", left longitudinal distance "20m", right angle "2.0°", left angle "-2.0°", and light source type "two lights". Message 2 contains data such as right longitudinal distance "25m", left longitudinal distance "25m", right angle "3.0°", left angle "3.0°", and light source type "one light".

[0038] Figure 4(B) is a diagram illustrating an example of data transmission for object information. Object information is packaged into a single message and sent from camera 11 to controller 10 for each detected object. For example, message 1 corresponding to the first object (object 1) is sent, followed by message 2 corresponding to the second object (object 2). In the illustrated example, message 1 contains data such as right longitudinal distance "20.1m", left longitudinal distance "20.1m", right angle "2.2°", left angle "-2.2°", and object type "four wheels", while message 2 contains data such as right longitudinal distance "25.2m", left longitudinal distance "25.2m", right angle "3.2°", left angle "3.2°", and light source type "two wheels".

[0039] In this embodiment, the light source information and the object information are not related to each other. That is, for example, "object 1" in the light source information and "object body 1" in the object information may not necessarily refer to the same object, and may sometimes refer to different objects. Therefore, as will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the identity between the light source information and the object information is determined on the controller 10 side.

[0040] Figure 5 (A) ~ Figure 5 (D) is a diagram used to illustrate the envisioned situation when "one lamp" is detected as light source information. Figure 5 (A) illustrates the following situation: the actual object is a four-wheeled vehicle, and is detected as "four-wheeled" as the object category. However, the taillight 101R is not detected as a light source due to malfunction, obstruction, etc., and is detected as "one light" as the light source category. Similarly, Figure 5 (B) illustrates the following situation: the actual object is a four-wheeled vehicle, and it is detected as "four-wheeled" as the object category. However, the taillight 101L is not detected as a light source due to malfunction, obstruction, or other reasons, and is detected as "one light" as the light source category. In these situations, if the dimming range corresponding to "one light" is set, glare may occur, so correction is required.

[0041] On the other hand, such as Figure 5 As shown in (C), when the actual object is a two-wheeled vehicle and the light source type is "single light" due to detecting its taillight 111, and the object type is "two-wheeled," it is sufficient to set the dimming range corresponding to "single light," therefore no calibration is required. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown in (D), for example, if the light source category is "one light" and the object category is "none" due to the detection of roadside lighting, there is no need to set the dimming range.

[0042] Figure 6This is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of actions of a vehicle's headlight system. Furthermore, the order of the processes shown here can be rearranged as long as they do not cause contradictions or mismatches in the information processing results. Additionally, other processes not explicitly shown here can be added. Here, we primarily explain the sequence of actions when the object category is "four wheels" but the light source category is "one lamp".

[0043] The vehicle detection unit 20 of the controller 10 continuously receives light source information and object information sent from the camera 11. When the object category included in the object information of object 1 received from the camera 11 is "four-wheeled" (step S11; yes), the vehicle detection unit 20 calculates the difference between the right angle included in the object information of object 1 and the right angle included in the light source information of all objects (e.g., objects 1 and 2).

[0044] In the case where there is light source information whose right angle difference is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value (first reference value) (step S12; Yes), the vehicle detection unit 20 calculates the difference between the right longitudinal distance of the light source information and the right longitudinal distance contained in the object information of the object 1. The reference value is appropriately set based on the results of experiments, simulations, etc. (the same applies to the reference values ​​shown below).

[0045] Furthermore, in the case where there are multiple light source information sources whose right angles differ from each other by less than a reference value, the light source information source with the smallest right angle difference is determined as the light source information corresponding to the same object, and then the determined light source information is used as the light source information corresponding to object 1.

[0046] If the difference between the right longitudinal distances is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value (third reference value) (step S13; Yes), the vehicle detection unit 20 performs the predetermined calculations described later to determine the left and right light source positions of the vehicle ahead, and outputs data related to these light source positions to the light distribution pattern setting unit 21. The light distribution pattern setting unit 21 sets a light distribution pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the input position of the vehicle ahead, and outputs it to the control signal generation unit 22. This achieves light distribution control with a light reduction range corresponding to the vehicle ahead having two light sources (step S14). Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0047] On the other hand, if the difference between the right angles is not below the reference value (step S12; no), the vehicle detection unit 20 calculates the difference between the left angle contained in the object information of object 1 and the left angle contained in the light source information of all objects (e.g., objects 1, 2).

[0048] In the case where there is light source information whose left angle difference is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value (second reference value) (step S15; Yes), the vehicle detection unit 20 calculates the difference between the left longitudinal distance of the light source information and the left longitudinal distance contained in the object information of the object 1.

[0049] Furthermore, in the case where there are multiple light source information sources whose left angles differ from each other by less than a reference value, the light source information source with the smallest difference in left angles is determined as the light source information corresponding to the same object, and then the determined light source information is used as the light source information corresponding to object 1.

[0050] If the difference between the left and right longitudinal distances is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value (fourth reference value) (step S16; Yes), the vehicle detection unit 20 performs the predetermined calculations described later to determine the left and right light source positions of the vehicle ahead, and outputs data related to these light source positions to the light distribution pattern setting unit 21. The light distribution pattern setting unit 21 sets a light distribution pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the input position of the vehicle ahead, and outputs it to the control signal generation unit 22. This achieves light distribution control with a light reduction range corresponding to the vehicle ahead having two light sources (step S14). Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0051] On the other hand, if the object category is "two-wheeled" instead of "four-wheeled" (step S11; no), if the difference between the right longitudinal distances is not below the reference value (step S13; no), if the difference between the left angles is not below the reference value (step S15; no), and if the difference between the left longitudinal distances is not below the reference value (step S16; no), the vehicle detection unit 20 outputs data related to the left and right light source positions of the vehicle in front to the light distribution pattern setting unit 21. The light distribution pattern setting unit 21 sets a light distribution pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the input position of the vehicle in front and outputs it to the control signal generation unit 22. Thus, light distribution control with a light reduction range corresponding to the vehicle in front having one light source is realized (step S17). Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0052] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a specific example of the light distribution control performed in step S14. Here, it is assumed that the left angle θ of the taillight 101L in the light source information is not detected. L1 and left longitudinal distance D L1 The situation. Specifically, since the light source type is "one lamp," the left angle θ... L1 Detected as relative to the right angle θ R1 The same value, but based on the fact that the difference between this value and the left angle in the object information is not below the baseline value, it is assumed that the left angle θ is the correct value. L1The situation is incorrect and cannot be used. Additionally, consider judging the left longitudinal distance D based on the same reasoning. L1 It is also unusable in this situation. Furthermore, as a premise, let's assume it's D. R1 =D R2 D L1 =D L2 Since it can be confirmed that the difference between the two is below the baseline value, they are set to the same value to simplify the calculation.

[0053] Additionally, here, taillight 101R corresponds to the "first light-emitting part," with a right angle θ. R1 Corresponding to the "first position", the taillight 101L corresponds to the "second light-emitting part", and the left angle θ is calculated through the following process. L1 Corresponding to the "second position", the right angle θ R2 Corresponding to the "right end position", the left angle θ L2 Corresponding to the "left end position", the right vertical distance D R1 Corresponding to the "third distance", the right vertical distance D R2 Corresponding to the "first distance", the left vertical distance D L2 This corresponds to the "second distance".

[0054] As shown in the figure, taking the vehicle's direction of travel at position P of camera 11 as a reference, if the distance from this reference to the center of taillight 101R is set as A1, the distance from this reference to the right end of the vehicle 100 in front is set as A2, the distance from this reference to the center of taillight 101L is set as B1, the distance from this reference to the left end of the vehicle 100 in front is set as B2, the difference between A1 and A2 is set as A3, and the difference between B1 and B2 is set as B3, then they are represented as follows.

[0055] A1=tanθ R1 ×D R1

[0056] =tanθ R1 ×D R2

[0057] A2=tanθ R2 ×D R2

[0058] A3 = A2 - A1

[0059] B2=tanθ L2 ×D L2

[0060] B3≒A3

[0061] B1 = B2 - B3

[0062] =B2-A3

[0063] Therefore, θ is obtained as follows. L1 .

[0064] θ L1 =tan -1 (B1 / D) L1 )

[0065] =tan -1 (B1 / D) L2 )

[0066] Additionally, regarding the right angle θ of the taillight 101R in the light source information... R1 And the right longitudinal distance D R1 Undetected situations can be calculated in the same way because the geometric configuration in the calculation is simply reversed from left to right. The same applies to situations where the light source information corresponds to the headlights of the vehicle ahead.

[0067] Based on this calculation, the angle θ representing the center position of taillights 101L and 101R can be obtained. L1 and θ R1 Therefore, by using them, a more appropriate dimming range can be set. The angle θ, representing the center position of the taillights 101L and 101R, is used. L1 and θ R1 In setting the light distribution pattern, known methods can be appropriately used (for example, the method described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-167566), so detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0068] Furthermore, when the object category is "four-wheeled" and the light source category is "two-lamp," a known method (for example, the method described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-167566) is appropriately used to perform light distribution control with a light distribution pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle in front. Similarly, when the object category is "two-wheeled" and the light source category is "one-lamp," a known method is also appropriately used to perform light distribution control with a light distribution pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle in front.

[0069] Figure 8 (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of a light distribution pattern implemented through this embodiment. Figure 8As illustrated in (A), in the vehicle headlight system of this embodiment, even if one of the light sources of the vehicle ahead (taillight in the illustrated example, but could also be a headlight) is extinguished due to a malfunction or other reasons, or is not detected as a paired light source due to obstruction, an illumination light 150 with an appropriate light reduction range 151 corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead is formed by determining the object category together. This prevents or reduces glare to the vehicle ahead. Furthermore, "light reduction" also includes extinguishing the light.

[0070] Figure 8 (B) is a diagram used to illustrate the light distribution pattern of the comparative example. Figure 8 In the comparative example shown in (B), by detecting only one of a pair of light sources from the vehicle in front, an illumination light 150a is formed having a relatively narrow light reduction range 151a corresponding to the position of that light source. Therefore, it is possible to cause glare to the vehicle in front.

[0071] According to the above-described embodiment, a beam distribution control technology is obtained that can more appropriately set the light reduction range corresponding to the condition of the vehicle ahead.

[0072] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the spirit of this disclosure. For example, in the embodiments described herein, a camera 11 is cited as an example of a sensor that integrates a first sensor and a second sensor for detecting the position of a vehicle ahead, but the structure of the sensor is not limited thereto. For example, a sensor based on optical sensing technology such as LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) can be used, or a sensor such as millimeter-wave radar can be used. In addition, these sensors can be used together, with different sensors detecting light source information and object information.

[0073] This disclosure has the following features.

[0074] (Note 1)

[0075] A control device for a vehicle headlight, comprising a control device for a vehicle headlight with a variable light distribution pattern, comprising:

[0076] The first sensor detects at least a first position indicating the position of the first luminous part of the vehicle ahead;

[0077] The second sensor detects the right and left positions of the vehicle ahead as observed from this vehicle, a first distance representing the relative distance between the right position and this vehicle, and a second distance representing the relative distance between the left position and this vehicle; and

[0078] The controller is connected to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the vehicle headlights, respectively, and controls the operation of the vehicle headlights.

[0079] When the difference between the first position and the right end position is less than a first reference value, or when the difference between the first position and the left end position is less than a second reference value, the controller calculates a second position representing the position of the second luminous part of the vehicle ahead that was not detected by the first sensor, based on the first position, the right end position, the left end position, the first distance, and the second distance. It then uses the first position and the second position to set a light distribution pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead, generates a control signal corresponding to the light distribution pattern, and supplies the control signal to the headlights of the vehicle.

[0080] (Note 2)

[0081] According to the control device for vehicle headlights described in Appendix 1, wherein...

[0082] The first sensor also detects a third distance representing the relative distance between the first luminous part and the vehicle.

[0083] When the difference between the third distance and the first distance is less than a third reference value, or when the difference between the third distance and the second distance is less than a fourth reference value, the controller uses the first position and the second position to set a light distribution pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle in front, generates a control signal corresponding to the light distribution pattern, and supplies the control signal to the headlights of the vehicle.

[0084] (Note 3)

[0085] According to the control device for vehicle headlights described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein...

[0086] When the difference between the first position and the right end position is not below a first reference value, or when the difference between the first position and the left end position is not below a second reference value, the controller uses the first position to set a light distribution pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle in front, generates a control signal corresponding to the light distribution pattern, and supplies the control signal to the headlights of the vehicle.

[0087] (Note 4)

[0088] According to the control device for vehicle headlights described in Appendix 2, wherein...

[0089] When the difference between the third distance and the first distance is not below a third reference value, or when the difference between the third distance and the second distance is not below a fourth reference value, the controller uses the first position to set a light distribution pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle in front, generates a control signal corresponding to the light distribution pattern, and supplies the control signal to the headlights of the vehicle.

[0090] (Note 5)

[0091] The control device for vehicle headlights according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein...

[0092] The first position represents the position roughly corresponding to the center of the first light-emitting part in the left-right direction, and the second position represents the position roughly corresponding to the center of the second light-emitting part in the left-right direction.

[0093] (Note 6)

[0094] The control device for vehicle headlights according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein...

[0095] The right and left positions are detected based on the outer edge portion of the vehicle in front as viewed from the vehicle itself.

[0096] (Note 7)

[0097] The control device for vehicle headlights according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, wherein...

[0098] The first sensor and / or the second sensor is a camera with image processing capabilities.

[0099] (Note 8)

[0100] According to the control device for vehicle headlights described in Appendix 7, wherein...

[0101] The first sensor and the second sensor are integrated into one unit.

[0102] (Note 9)

[0103] A method for controlling a vehicle headlight, which is executed by a controller connected to a vehicle headlight with a variable beam pattern, wherein...

[0104] The controller is connected to a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor detects a first position indicating the position of a first luminous part of a vehicle ahead. The second sensor detects the right and left positions of the vehicle ahead as viewed from this vehicle, a first distance indicating the relative distance between the right position and this vehicle, and a second distance indicating the relative distance between the left position and this vehicle.

[0105] The controller performs the following control:

[0106] If the difference between the first position and the right end position is less than a first reference value, or if the difference between the first position and the left end position is less than a second reference value, a second position representing the position of the second luminous part of the vehicle ahead that was not detected by the first sensor is determined based on the first position, the right end position, the left end position, the first distance, and the second distance.

[0107] A light distribution pattern with a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle in front is set using the first position and the second position; and

[0108] A control signal corresponding to the light distribution pattern is generated and supplied to the vehicle headlights.

[0109] (Note 10) A vehicle headlight system comprising:

[0110] The control device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 8; and

[0111] Vehicle headlights controlled by the aforementioned control device.

[0112] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0113] 10: Controller; 11: Camera; 12L, 12R: Headlight Unit; 20: Vehicle Detection Unit; 21: Light Distribution Pattern Setting Unit; 22: Control Signal Generation Unit.

Claims

1. A control device for a vehicle headlight, comprising a control device for a vehicle headlight with a variable beam pattern, comprising: The first sensor detects at least a first position indicating the position of the first luminous part of the vehicle ahead; The second sensor detects the right and left positions of the vehicle ahead as observed from this vehicle, a first distance representing the relative distance between the right position and this vehicle, and a second distance representing the relative distance between the left position and this vehicle; and The controller is connected to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the vehicle headlights, respectively, and controls the operation of the vehicle headlights. When the difference between the first position and the right end position is less than a first reference value, or when the difference between the first position and the left end position is less than a second reference value, the controller calculates a second position representing the position of the second luminous part of the vehicle ahead that was not detected by the first sensor, based on the first position, the right end position, the left end position, the first distance, and the second distance. It then uses the first position and the second position to set a light distribution pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead, generates a control signal corresponding to the light distribution pattern, and supplies the control signal to the headlights of the vehicle.

2. The control device for vehicle headlights according to claim 1, wherein, The first sensor also detects a third distance representing the relative distance between the first luminous part and the vehicle. When the difference between the third distance and the first distance is less than a third reference value, or when the difference between the third distance and the second distance is less than a fourth reference value, the controller uses the first position and the second position to set a light distribution pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle in front, generates a control signal corresponding to the light distribution pattern, and supplies the control signal to the headlights of the vehicle.

3. The control device for vehicle headlights according to claim 1, wherein, When the difference between the first position and the right end position is not below a first reference value, or when the difference between the first position and the left end position is not below a second reference value, the controller uses the first position to set a light distribution pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle in front, generates a control signal corresponding to the light distribution pattern, and supplies the control signal to the headlights of the vehicle.

4. The control device for vehicle headlights according to claim 2, wherein, When the difference between the third distance and the first distance is not below a third reference value, or when the difference between the third distance and the second distance is not below a fourth reference value, the controller uses the first position to set a light distribution pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle in front, generates a control signal corresponding to the light distribution pattern, and supplies the control signal to the headlights of the vehicle.

5. The control device for vehicle headlights according to claim 1, wherein, The first position represents the position roughly corresponding to the center of the first light-emitting part in the left-right direction, and the second position represents the position roughly corresponding to the center of the second light-emitting part in the left-right direction.

6. The control device for vehicle headlights according to claim 1, wherein, The right and left positions are detected based on the outer edge portion of the vehicle in front as viewed from the vehicle itself.

7. The control device for vehicle headlights according to claim 1, wherein, The first sensor and / or the second sensor is a camera with image processing capabilities.

8. The control device for vehicle headlights according to claim 7, wherein, The first sensor and the second sensor are integrated into one unit.

9. A method for controlling a vehicle headlight, wherein the method is executed by a controller connected to a vehicle headlight with a variable beam pattern, wherein, The controller is connected to a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor detects a first position indicating the position of a first luminous part of a vehicle ahead. The second sensor detects the right and left positions of the vehicle ahead as viewed from this vehicle, a first distance indicating the relative distance between the right position and this vehicle, and a second distance indicating the relative distance between the left position and this vehicle. The controller performs the following control: If the difference between the first position and the right end position is less than a first reference value, or if the difference between the first position and the left end position is less than a second reference value, a second position representing the position of the second luminous part of the vehicle ahead that was not detected by the first sensor is determined based on the first position, the right end position, the left end position, the first distance, and the second distance. Use the first position and the second position to set a light distribution pattern with a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle in front; as well as A control signal corresponding to the light distribution pattern is generated and supplied to the vehicle headlights.

10. A headlight system for a vehicle, comprising: The control device according to claim 1; as well as Vehicle headlights controlled by the aforementioned control device.

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