Vehicle lamp, control device for variable light distribution lamp, and software program

Abstract

The control device (300) controls the variable light distribution lamp (110). A variable light distribution lamp (110) includes a plurality of control pixels (PIX) capable of independently controlling gradation, and is configured so as to be capable of emitting a light beam having an intensity distribution corresponding to the gradation of the plurality of control pixels (PIX). An interface circuit (302) receives, from a vehicle, vehicle ROI information indicating a range of presence of a preceding vehicle. An arithmetic processing unit (304) determines a light distribution pattern (PTN) in which illuminance gradually changes with reference to a reference region (REF), with the reference region (REF) being a rectangle including n presence ranges indicated by a predetermined n (n > = 2) pieces of vehicle ROI information received recently as the reference region (REF). The control device (300) controls the gradation of the plurality of control pixels on the basis of the light distribution pattern (PTN).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicle lighting fixtures. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle lights typically switch between low beam and high beam. Low beam illuminates the area around the vehicle at a specified illuminance, with light distribution regulations to prevent glare to oncoming and following vehicles, primarily used for urban driving. High beam, on the other hand, illuminates distant objects at a higher illuminance, mainly used for high-speed driving on roads with less oncoming and following traffic. Therefore, high beam offers superior visibility to the driver compared to low beam, but it can cause glare to drivers of vehicles ahead and pedestrians.

[0003] In recent years, ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) technology has been proposed, which dynamically and adaptively controls the light distribution pattern of high beams based on the surrounding conditions of the vehicle. ADB technology detects whether there are vehicles in front, oncoming vehicles (collectively referred to as vehicles in front), and pedestrians, and reduces the light in the area corresponding to the vehicle or pedestrian to reduce glare to the vehicle or pedestrian.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. WO2021 / 182151A1

[0007] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. WO2021 / 200701A1 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The resolution of ADB control is advancing by utilizing spatial light modulators such as LED arrays, DMDs, or liquid crystals. In high-resolution ADB control, sensors such as cameras and LiDAR are used to detect vehicles ahead and control the shading range.

[0010] Specifically, based on the sensor output, information representing the area where the vehicle ahead exists is generated (called vehicle ROI (Region of Interest) information). For example, the vehicle ROI information may include angle information representing the left and right ends of the vehicle's body in the horizontal direction, and angle information representing the top and bottom ends of the vehicle's body in the vertical direction. The ADB headlights then form a light distribution including the shading portion based on this vehicle ROI information.

[0011] The inventors have studied a light distribution method in which the illuminance gradually changes along the contour of the light-shielding portion (hereinafter also referred to as blurred light distribution). Blurred light distribution helps reduce discomfort in most driving scenarios.

[0012] On the vehicle side, the detection accuracy of the area where a vehicle is ahead can sometimes decrease. Specifically, there is a phenomenon where the area where a vehicle is ahead, as shown by the vehicle's ROI information, fluctuates slightly. In this case, if the light distribution is formed based on the vehicle's ROI information, the blurred outline of the light-blocking part will vibrate slightly, which can actually cause discomfort.

[0013] This disclosure was made under such circumstances, and one of its exemplary purposes is to provide a vehicle lamp that reduces the discomfort associated with ADB control.

[0014] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0015] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a control device for controlling a variable light distribution lamp. The variable light distribution lamp includes a plurality of control pixels capable of independently controlling grayscale, configured to emit a light beam having an intensity distribution corresponding to the grayscale of the plurality of control pixels. The control device includes: an interface circuit that receives shading information from a vehicle indicating the presence range of a vehicle ahead; and a processing unit that takes a rectangle containing n presence ranges indicated by the most recently received n (n≥2) shading information as a reference region, determines a light distribution pattern in which illuminance gradually changes based on the reference region, and controls the grayscale of the plurality of control pixels based on the light distribution pattern.

[0016] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a vehicle lighting fixture. This vehicle lighting fixture includes: a variable light distribution lamp comprising a plurality of control pixels capable of independently controlling grayscale, configured to emit a light beam having an intensity distribution corresponding to the grayscale of the plurality of control pixels; and a control device that receives shading information from a vehicle indicating the presence range of a vehicle ahead, and controls the variable light distribution lamp based on the shading information. The control device uses a rectangle containing n presence ranges indicated by the most recently received n (n≥2) shading information as a reference region, and controls the grayscale of the plurality of control pixels of the variable light distribution lamp in a manner that gradually changes the illuminance based on the reference region.

[0017] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a control device for controlling a variable light distribution lamp. The variable light distribution lamp includes a plurality of control pixels capable of independently controlling grayscale, configured to emit a light beam having an intensity distribution corresponding to the grayscale of the plurality of control pixels. The control device controls the variable light distribution lamp such that, as the light spot moves horizontally, the lateral width of the light-shielding portion expands horizontally following the light spot, and a light distribution with gradually changing illuminance is formed around the light-shielding portion.

[0018] Furthermore, any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements, as well as the substitution of constituent elements or their manifestations in methods, apparatus, systems, etc., are also valid ways of presenting this invention or disclosure. Moreover, the description of this item (technical means for solving technical problems) does not represent all the essential features of this invention; therefore, sub-combinations of these features described herein can also constitute this invention.

[0019] Invention Effects

[0020] According to one method disclosed herein, discomfort in ADB control can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the implementation method of the lighting system.

[0022] Figure 2 This is an explanation based on Figure 1 The diagram shows the formation of the low beam distribution in the lighting system.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the ROI of a vehicle.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a diagram illustrating the ROI information and baseline area for multiple vehicles.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the relationship between the reference area and the light distribution pattern.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a diagram illustrating the operation of vehicle lights.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a microcontroller.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the generation of control images based on the control device.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a functional block diagram of the control device.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern of variation example 1. Detailed Implementation

[0031] (Summary of the implementation method)

[0032] A summary of several exemplary embodiments of this disclosure is provided. This summary serves as a prelude to the detailed description that follows, and is intended to simplify and explain several concepts of one or more embodiments for the purpose of providing a basic understanding of the embodiments. It is not intended to limit the breadth of the invention or disclosure. Furthermore, this summary is not a general overview of all embodiments considered, nor does it limit the essential components of the embodiments. For convenience, "an embodiment" is sometimes used to refer to one or more embodiments (examples or variations) disclosed in this specification.

[0033] One embodiment of the control device controls a variable light distribution lamp. The variable light distribution lamp includes multiple control pixels capable of independently controlling grayscale, configured to emit a light beam having an intensity distribution corresponding to the grayscale of the multiple control pixels. The control device includes: an interface circuit that receives shading information from a vehicle indicating the presence range of a vehicle ahead; and a processing unit that takes a rectangle containing n presence ranges indicated by the most recently received n (n≥2) shading information as a reference area, determines a light distribution pattern in which the illuminance gradually changes based on the reference area, and controls the grayscale of the multiple control pixels based on the light distribution pattern.

[0034] According to this configuration, when there is a slight vibration in the area where the vehicle in front is present, the outline of the blurred shading part can be prevented from vibrating, thus reducing discomfort.

[0035] In one embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit may also obtain the coordinates x of the leftmost end of the n existing ranges. LEFT The rightmost coordinate x in the range of n elements. RIGHT The coordinates y of the lowest point in the range of n existent elements. BOTTOM The coordinates y of the uppermost of n existing ranges. TOP , generate with (x LEFT y BOTTOM ), (x LEFT y TOP ), (x RIGHT y BOTTOM ), (x RIGHT y TOP () is the reference region for the vertex.

[0036] In one embodiment, the illuminance outside the reference region in the light distribution pattern may be 100%, while the illuminance in the inner bias region offset from the reference region is 0%, with the illuminance gradually changing between the reference region and the inner bias region.

[0037] In one embodiment, the illuminance inside the reference region in the light distribution pattern may be 0%, while the illuminance outside the outer bias region offset from the reference region may be 100%, with the illuminance gradually changing between the reference region and the outer bias region.

[0038] One embodiment of a vehicle lamp includes: a variable light distribution lamp comprising a plurality of control pixels capable of independently controlling grayscale, configured to emit a light beam having an intensity distribution corresponding to the grayscale of the plurality of control pixels; and a control device that receives shading information from a vehicle indicating the presence range of a vehicle ahead, and controls the variable light distribution lamp based on the shading information. The control device uses a rectangle containing n presence ranges indicated by the most recently received n (n≥2) shading information as a reference region, and controls the grayscale of the plurality of control pixels of the variable light distribution lamp in a manner that gradually changes the illuminance based on the reference region.

[0039] One embodiment of the control device controls a variable light distribution lamp. The variable light distribution lamp includes multiple control pixels that can independently control grayscale, and is configured to emit a light beam having an intensity distribution corresponding to the state of the multiple control pixels. The control device controls the variable light distribution lamp such that when the light spot moves in the horizontal direction, the lateral width of the light-shielding part expands in the horizontal direction following the light spot, and a light distribution with gradually changing illuminance is formed around the light-shielding part.

[0040] (Implementation Method)

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or equivalent constituent elements, components, and processes shown in the various drawings are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repetitive descriptions are omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, the embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting, and not all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are essential disclosures.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the lighting system 200 according to the embodiment. The lighting system 200 is mounted on a car and has the function of headlights that illuminate the field of vision ahead of the vehicle. The lighting system 200 has an ADB function that, in high beam mode, blocks the light from oncoming vehicles and vehicles ahead (hereinafter collectively referred to as vehicles ahead) depending on the situation ahead of the vehicle.

[0043] The lighting system 200 includes vehicle lights 100, a vehicle ECU 202, and sensors 204. Sensors 204, such as cameras or LiDAR, sense the situation in front of the vehicle. The vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) detects vehicles ahead based on the output of sensors 204 and generates vehicle ROI information indicating the range of the presence of vehicles ahead, or in other words, the area that should be shaded.

[0044] In one embodiment, sensor 204 is a camera. Vehicle ECU 202 is able to detect light spots corresponding to the headlights or taillights of the vehicle in front from the image of the camera, and detect the range of the presence of the vehicle in front based on the light spots.

[0045] In one embodiment, the vehicle ROI information may also include the position x of the left end of the range of the vehicle in front (the sunshade). LEFT The position x at the right end RIGHT The position of the upper end y TOP and the position y at the bottom BOTTOM Location information is typically represented as angles.

[0046] Alternatively, in one embodiment, the vehicle ROI information may also include the position x of the left end of the range where the preceding vehicle (sunshade) is located. LEFT and the position x on the right end RIGHT One of them, the width of the range Δx, and the position of the upper end y TOP and the position of the lower end y BOTTOM One of them, and the height Δy of the range of existence.

[0047] Vehicle ROI information is transmitted from vehicle ECU 202 to vehicle lighting unit 100 via vehicle buses such as CAN (Controller Area Network) and LIN (Local Interconnect Network). Vehicle lighting unit 100 uses the vehicle ROI information for ADB control when the high beam is on.

[0048] The vehicle lighting fixture 100 includes a variable beam lamp 110 and a fixed beam lamp 150. By combining the two lamps, it is possible to switch between high beam and low beam.

[0049] The variable-distribution lamp 110 and the fixed-distribution lamp 150 illuminate different parts. Figure 1 The image shows a virtual vertical screen 2, on which the low beam distribution 4 is schematically shown. Specifically, the variable beam lamp 110 covers a rectangular area 10 indicated by a single-dotted line. This rectangular area 10 is the area where the high beam distribution should be formed. The first portion 6 of the low beam distribution, including the upper side of the cutoff line CL, is included in this rectangular area 10. The cutoff line CL includes a horizontal cutoff line CLa and a sloping cutoff line CLb, which intersect at the inflection point LB.

[0050] On the other hand, the fixed beam lamp 150 illuminates the second portion 8, including the lower end, of the low beam distribution 4 with the second beam BM2. The second portion 8 is referred to as the diffused low beam distribution. The first portion 6 and the second portion 8 overlap.

[0051] The variable light distribution lamp 110 includes a high-precision lamp unit 120 and a control device 300. The high-precision lamp unit 120 includes a light-emitting element array 122 and an illumination optical system 124. The light-emitting element array 122 includes a plurality of control pixels (PIX) arranged in a matrix, and the grayscale of each control pixel (PIX) can be independently controlled. As the light-emitting element array 122, an LED array can be used, and the grayscale can correspond to the luminous intensity. The light beam emitted by the variable light distribution lamp 110 has an intensity distribution corresponding to the grayscale of the plurality of control pixels (PIX).

[0052] The control device 300 controls the grayscale of multiple control pixels (PIX) of the light-emitting element array 122 in a manner suitable for the driving scenario. The illumination optical system 124 projects the output light of the light-emitting element array 122 onto the front of the vehicle. The illumination optical system 124 can be a lens optical system, a reflective optical system, or a combination thereof.

[0053] Furthermore, the correspondence between the position of a certain control pixel PIX and the illumination area on the virtual vertical screen 2 corresponding to that control pixel is determined by the illumination optical system 124, and there are also cases of mirror relationship (left-right reversal), or up-down reversal, or up-down-left-right reversal.

[0054] In low-light mode, the control device 300 controls the switching on and off of multiple control pixels (PIX) of the light-emitting element array 122 by illuminating the portion 6 below the cutoff line CL in the first portion 6 on the virtual vertical screen 2. Specifically, the control device 300 switches on the control pixels (PIX) below (or above) the line 126, which corresponds to the cutoff line, and switches off the control pixels (PIX) above (or below) the line 126. Switching on a control pixel (PIX) means that its grayscale value is non-zero, and switching off a control pixel (PIX) means that its grayscale value is zero.

[0055] Figure 2 This is an explanation based on Figure 1 The diagram shows the formation of the low beam distribution 4 of the lighting system 200. Rectangles represent the illuminable range 10 of the variable beam lamp 110, which is divided into multiple control regions (also called grids) 12 corresponding to multiple control pixels (PIX). The illuminance of each control region 12 corresponds to the grayscale of the corresponding control pixel (PIX).

[0056] When all control pixels (PIX) of the light-emitting element array 122 are lit, all control areas 12 within the illuminating range 10 are illuminated by the first beam BM1. When a portion of the control pixels (PIX) of the light-emitting element array 122 are off, the illuminance of the control area 12 corresponding to that control pixel (PIX) is substantially zero. Furthermore, the off state of a control pixel (PIX) is not limited to the case of zero brightness, i.e., the illuminance of the corresponding control area 12 is zero; it can also include the case of very low brightness, i.e., the illuminance of the corresponding control area 12 is not zero but is very low.

[0057] The control device 300 disconnects the control pixel PIX corresponding to the control area 12 above the cutoff line CL and connects the control pixel PIX corresponding to the control area 12 below the cutoff line CL, forming the first part 6 of the near beam distribution 4, which includes the cutoff line CL.

[0058] Furthermore, the illuminance of the first part 6, which is lower than the cutoff line CL, is not uniform and may also have a certain distribution.

[0059] return Figure 1 This section explains the light distribution control for high beam mode.

[0060] The control device 300 includes an interface circuit 302 and a processing unit 304. The interface circuit 302 and the processing unit 304 can be installed as different hardware or as the same hardware. The interface circuit 302 receives vehicle ROI information from the vehicle ECU 202. For example, the interface circuit 302 is a CAN interface. The vehicle ROI information is transmitted from the vehicle ECU 202 to the processing unit 304 at a predetermined period. For example, the period is 16.6 ms (i.e., 60 fps).

[0061] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the vehicle's ROI. The driving scenario depicts passing an oncoming vehicle. The vehicle's ECU 202 detects the portion of the vehicle's body containing the oncoming vehicle as the ROI. The vehicle ROI information may include the X-coordinate of the left end of the vehicle in front. LEFT The coordinates X on the right end RIGHT The upper coordinate Y TOP The lower coordinate Y BOTTOM .

[0062] Alternatively, the vehicle ROI information can also include the x-coordinate of the left end of the vehicle in front. LEFT and the coordinates x on the right end RIGHT One of them, the left and right width Δx of the vehicle in front, and the coordinate y of the top of the vehicle in front. TOP and the coordinates of the lower end y BOTTOM One of them is the left and right height Δy of the vehicle in front.

[0063] return Figure 1 The operation processing unit 304 determines the light distribution based not only on the latest one vehicle ROI information but also on the latest prescribed number n (n≥2) of vehicle ROI information. Specifically, the operation processing unit 304 generates a reference region REF which is a rectangle exactly enclosing the n existence ranges indicated by the latest n vehicle ROI information. For example, n can be set to 5 to 25, and more preferably around 10 to 20.

[0064] Then, the operation processing unit 304 determines a light distribution pattern with a gradually changing illuminance based on the reference region REF, in other words, a light distribution pattern with a blurred contour. The brightness of the multiple control pixels PIX of the light distribution variable lamp 110 is controlled by this light distribution pattern.

[0065] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating multiple vehicle ROI information and the reference region. Here, let n = 5, and ROI i represents ROI i as the latest existence range, and ROI i-j represents the existence range j times before (j < n). The reference region REF is a rectangle exactly enclosing the n existence ranges ROI.

[0066] The operation processing unit 304 may also obtain

[0067] ・the leftmost coordinate x among the n existence ranges LEFT_MOST 、

[0068] ・the rightmost coordinate x among the n existence ranges RIGHT_MOST 、

[0069] ・the lowermost coordinate y among the n existence ranges BOTTOM_MOST 、

[0070] ・the uppermost coordinate y among the n existence ranges TOP_MOST 。

[0071] And, it is possible to use a rectangle with four coordinates

[0072] (x LEFT_MOST ,y BOTTOM_MOST )、

[0073] (x LEFT_MOST ,y TOP_MOST )、

[0074] (x RIGHT_MOST ,y BOTTOM_MOST )、

[0075] (x RIGHT_MOST ,y TOP_MOST )

[0076] as vertices as the reference region REF.

[0077] For example, the right direction is taken as the positive direction of the x-coordinate, and the up direction is taken as the positive direction of the y-coordinate. In this case, the arithmetic processing unit 304 can calculate the positions x at the left end of each of the n possible ranges. LEFT Let the minimum value be x. LEFT_MOST Additionally, the rightmost position x of each of the n existing ranges can be considered. RIGHT Let the maximum value be x. RIGHT _MOST Additionally, the upper positions y of the n existing ranges can be considered. TOP The maximum value is set to y. TOP_MOST Additionally, the lower positions y of the n existing ranges can be considered. BOTTOM Let the minimum value be y. BOTTOM _MOST .

[0078] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the relationship between the reference area REF and the light distribution pattern PTN. The shading lines in the graph schematically represent brightness, indicating that the closer to white, the higher the illuminance, and the closer to black, the lower the illuminance.

[0079] In this example, the illuminance outside the reference region REF is 100%. An inner offset region OFS, a smaller rectangle offset inwards from the reference region REF, is defined. The illuminance within this inner offset region OFS is 0%. The illuminance between the reference region REF and the inner offset region OFS gradually changes from 100% to 0%. The range of this gradual change in illuminance between the reference region REF and the inner offset region OFS is called the ambiguity region. The breadth of the ambiguity region can be, for example, converted to angles and taken as approximately 1.0° to 3.0°.

[0080] The above describes the structure of the vehicle lighting fixture 100. Next, the operation of the vehicle lighting fixture 100 will be explained.

[0081] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the operation of the vehicle's lighting fixture 100. Based on sensor outputs, the vehicle-side ECU generates vehicle ROI information representing the presence range 902 of an oncoming vehicle 900. Ideally, on a straight road, when the vehicle is following the oncoming vehicle 900 at the same speed, the presence range 902 shown in the vehicle ROI information should be stationary. However, due to limitations in the detection accuracy of the vehicle-side ECU, the presence range 902, as shown by the arrows in the diagram, sometimes vibrates slightly vertically and horizontally.

[0082] The advantages of the vehicle lamp 100 of the embodiment become clear through comparison with a comparative technique. In the comparative technique, the light-shielding portion is formed based on the presence range 902 shown by the latest vehicle ROI information. Therefore, if the presence range 902 vibrates, the blurred light-shielding portion vibrates accordingly. If the blurred light-shielding portion vibrates, it will cause strong discomfort to the driver.

[0083] In contrast, in the vehicle lamp 100 of this embodiment, a reference region is generated in such a way that it includes the range 902 where vibration exists, and a light-shielding portion 904 is formed based on the reference region. Therefore, the vibration of the light-shielding portion 904 after blurring can be suppressed, and discomfort to the driver can be reduced.

[0084] Vehicle ROI information is generated based on the light spot corresponding to the headlights or taillights of the vehicle ahead. As the light spot in front of the vehicle lamp 100 moves horizontally, the control device 300 controls the variable light distribution lamp 110, causing the lateral width of the light-shielding portion to expand following the light spot, and creating a light distribution with gradually changing illuminance around the light-shielding portion. The faster the light spot moves, the wider the lateral width of the light-shielding portion.

[0085] Furthermore, as the light spot in front of the vehicle lamp 100 moves vertically, the control device 300 controls the variable light distribution lamp 110, causing the height of the light-shielding portion to expand in accordance with the light spot, and forming a light distribution with gradually changing illuminance around the light-shielding portion. The faster the light spot moves, the wider the height of the light-shielding portion.

[0086] In addition, when the light spot in front of the vehicle lamp 100 vibrates in the horizontal direction, the control device 300 controls the variable light distribution lamp 110 so that the width of the light shield expands according to the amplitude of the vibration, and a light distribution with gradually changing illuminance is formed around the light shield.

[0087] In addition, when the light spot in front of the vehicle lamp 100 vibrates in the vertical direction, the control device 300 controls the variable light distribution lamp 110 so that the width of the light shield expands according to the amplitude of the vibration, and a light distribution with gradually changing illuminance is formed around the light shield.

[0088] Next, we will explain the specific configuration of the vehicle lighting fixture 100.

[0089] In one embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit 304 may be implemented by a combination of a software program and a processor executing the software program. The processor may be either a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcontroller.

[0090] Figure 7This is a block diagram of a microcontroller. The microcontroller 800 includes a processor 810, non-volatile memory 820, a memory 830, and interface circuitry 840. The non-volatile memory 820 is flash memory, which stores the software program 850 executed by the processor 810. During startup, the processor 810 loads the software program 850 into the memory 830 and executes the commands of the software program 850. The interface circuitry 840 may include UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver and Transmitter), a three-wire serial interface, an I2C bus / interface, a CAN interface, GPIO, an A / D converter, and a D / A converter. The components of the microcontroller 800 can be integrated into a single IC package, or several IC packages can be mounted on a printed circuit board to form a microcomputer board.

[0091] Software program 850 causes processor 810 to perform the following processes.

[0092] • Processing of storing vehicle ROI information, representing the range of vehicles ahead, in memory.

[0093] • Each time shading information is received, a reference region REF is generated, containing the rectangles of n existence ranges shown by the most recent n (n≥2) shading information.

[0094] • Processing to generate a light distribution pattern PTN with gradually varying illuminance based on the reference region REF.

[0095] • The grayscale processing of multiple control pixels (PIX) of the variable light distribution lamp 110 is controlled in a manner that forms a light distribution pattern (PTN).

[0096] In order to control multiple control pixels (PIX) of the variable light distribution lamp 110, the control device 300 generates a control image (IMG1) that specifies the pixel values ​​of the multiple control pixels (PIX).

[0097] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the generation of the control image IMG1 based on the control device 300. The control device 300 generates the control image IMG1 by multiplying the reference image IMG2 and the scaled image IMG3 by their corresponding pixel values. The pixel value of a certain pixel in the reference image IMG2 is set to a. j Set the pixel value of the corresponding pixel in the scaled image IMG3 to b. j Set the pixel value of the corresponding pixel of control pixel IMG1 to c. j hour,

[0098] Become C j =a j ×b j .

[0099] The reference image IMG2 specifies the illuminance distribution of the basic light distribution when there are no light-blocking elements. In other words, the reference image IMG2 specifies the pixel value 'a' of multiple control pixels PIX when there are no light-blocking elements.

[0100] The scaled image IMG3 contains multiple pixels with pixel values ​​b ranging from 0 to 1. Pixel value 0 corresponds to 0% illumination, and pixel value 1 corresponds to 100% illumination. The pixel values ​​of the scaled image IMG3 are 1 outside the reference range REF, 0 inside the inner offset region OFS, and gradually change between 0 and 1 in the blurred region BLUR.

[0101] Figure 9 This is a functional block diagram of the control device 300. The control device 300 can be implemented by a microcontroller that includes a processor capable of executing software programs. Therefore, Figure 9 The block diagram does not represent the hardware configuration of the control device 300, but rather the functions implemented by the software program. In other words, the processing performed by the processor by the software program and the data recorded within the software program.

[0102] The control device 300 includes a memory 310, a control unit 330, and a multiplier 340.

[0103] The control unit 330 stores the vehicle ROI information received in the most recent n times in the memory 310.

[0104] The control unit 330 generates a reference region REF based on the vehicle ROI information stored in the memory 310, and generates a scaled image IMG3.

[0105] Multiplier 340 generates control image IMG1 by multiplying the corresponding pixel values ​​of reference image IMG2 and scaled image IMG3 together.

[0106] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are merely illustrative, and various modifications may exist in the combination of the constituent elements and processing procedures. Such modifications will be described below.

[0107] (Variation Example 1)

[0108] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern PTN of Modified Example 1. In Modified Example 1, the illuminance inside the reference region REF is 0%. Furthermore, an outer bias region OFS, offset outward from the reference region REF, is defined, and the illuminance outside the outer bias region OFS is 100%. Moreover, a blurred region BLUR is formed between the reference region REF and the outer bias region OFS, and the illuminance in the blurred region BLUR gradually changes from 100% to 0%.

[0109] (Variation Example 2)

[0110] In Variation Example 2, two regions were defined: an outer offset region offset outward from the reference region REF and an inner offset region offset inward from the reference region REF. Furthermore, the illuminance outside the outer offset region was 100%, and the illuminance inside the inner offset region was 0%. The area between the inner and outer offset regions was defined as the fuzzy region BLUR, and the illuminance in the fuzzy region BLUR gradually changed from 100% to 0%.

[0111] (Variation Example 3)

[0112] In this implementation, the reference region REF is set as a rectangle that exactly encompasses the ranges where multiple vehicles are present, but this disclosure is not limited to this. The reference region REF may also be determined in a manner that includes the ranges where multiple vehicles are present with a margin.

[0113] (Variation Example 4)

[0114] In this embodiment, the variable light distribution lamp 110 is described as an LED array, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the variable light distribution lamp 110 may also be a combination of a light source and a spatial light modulator that patterns the emitted light from the light source. For example, a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) or a liquid crystal device may be used as the spatial light modulator.

[0115] (Variation Example 5)

[0116] In the implementation, the control device 300 is described as being implemented by a microcontroller, but it can also be implemented by an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0117] In the embodiments disclosed herein, specific terminology has been used for description. However, this description is merely illustrative to aid understanding and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure or the claims. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims; therefore, embodiments, examples, and modifications not described herein are also included within the scope of the invention.

[0118] Industrial availability

[0119] This disclosure relates to vehicle lighting fixtures.

[0120] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0121] 200 Lighting System

[0122] 202 Vehicle ECU

[0123] 204 Sensors

[0124] 100 Vehicle lights

[0125] 110 Variable light distribution lamp

[0126] 120 high-precision lamp units

[0127] 122 light-emitting element array

[0128] 124 Illumination Optical System

[0129] 150 fixed lights with light distribution

[0130] 300 control device

[0131] 302 Interface Circuit

[0132] 304 Computational Processing Unit

[0133] 900 oncoming vehicles

[0134] 902 Existence Range

[0135] BM1 First Beam

[0136] BM2 Second Beam

[0137] 6 Part 1

[0138] 8 Part 2

[0139] 2 Virtual vertical screen

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a variable light distribution lamp, characterized in that, The variable light distribution lamp includes multiple control pixels that can independently control grayscale, and is configured to emit a light beam having an intensity distribution corresponding to the grayscale of the multiple control pixels; The control device includes: The interface circuit receives shading information from the vehicle, indicating the range of the presence of vehicles ahead, and The processing unit takes a rectangle containing n existing ranges shown by the n most recently received shading information as a reference area, and determines a light distribution pattern in which the illuminance gradually changes based on the reference area, where n≥2; The control device controls the grayscale of the plurality of control pixels based on the light distribution pattern.

2. The control device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The processing unit obtains The coordinate x of the leftmost end of the n existing ranges LEFT , The rightmost coordinate x among the n existing ranges RIGHT , The coordinate y of the lowest point among the n existing ranges BOTTOM , The coordinate y of the uppermost of the n existing ranges TOP , Generate with (x LEFT ,and BOTTOM ( (x LEFT ,and TOP ( (x RIGHT ,and BOTTOM ( (x RIGHT ,and TOP ( The reference region is the vertex.

3. The control device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the light distribution pattern, the illuminance outside the reference area is 100%, and the illuminance in the inner bias area offset inward from the reference area is 0%. The illuminance between the reference area and the inner bias area gradually changes.

4. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that, It includes: a variable light distribution lamp comprising multiple control pixels capable of independently controlling grayscale, configured to emit a light beam having an intensity distribution corresponding to the grayscale of the multiple control pixels; and A control device that receives shading information from the vehicle indicating the range of the presence of vehicles ahead, and controls the variable light distribution lamps based on the shading information; The control device uses a rectangle containing n ranges of existence indicated by the n most recently received shading information as a reference area, and controls the grayscale of the plurality of control pixels of the variable light distribution lamp in a manner in which the illuminance gradually changes with reference to the reference area, where n≥2.

5. A software program for controlling a variable light distribution lamp, characterized in that, The variable light distribution lamp includes multiple control pixels that can independently control grayscale, and is configured to emit a light beam having an intensity distribution corresponding to the grayscale of the multiple control pixels; The software program causes the processor to perform the following steps: The step of storing shading information indicating the range of vehicles ahead in the memory. The step of determining a light distribution pattern with gradually varying illuminance based on this reference region, using a rectangle containing n existence ranges indicated by the n most recently received shading information as a reference region, where n≥2, and The step of controlling the grayscale of the plurality of control pixels based on the light distribution pattern.

6. A control device for controlling a variable light distribution lamp, characterized in that, The variable light distribution lamp includes multiple control pixels that can independently control grayscale, and is configured to emit a light beam having an intensity distribution corresponding to the grayscale of the multiple control pixels; The control device controls the variable light distribution lamp so that when the light spot moves in the horizontal direction, the lateral width of the light-shielding part expands in the horizontal direction following the light spot, and a light distribution with gradually changing illuminance is formed around the light-shielding part.

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