Vehicle headlamp device

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of vehicle headlamp device, which can reduce the fatigue of driver when driving at night;The present application has left light unit (2L), right light unit (2R) and control device (3) to the front of vehicle and irradiate high beam light distribution pattern (HP);Control device (3) controls left light unit (2L), right light unit (2R) based on the data of shading range (A1) obtained in vehicle camera device (4), forms shading range (A1) in high beam light distribution pattern (HP), and forms bright-dark transition range (A2) in the 4 edges of the whole periphery of shading range (A1);Therefore, according to the present application, when driving at night, the fatigue of driver can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle headlight device with variable light distribution. Background Technology

[0002] As a vehicle headlight device with variable light distribution, there are, for example, the devices shown in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. Hereinafter, the vehicle headlight of Patent Document 1 and the headlight control device of Patent Document 2 will be described.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle headlight that illuminates a high beam pattern in front of the vehicle. When an onboard camera detects an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle ahead, a light-blocking area is formed in the high beam pattern to block the light from the object. Therefore, the vehicle headlight of Patent Document 1 does not cause glare to the driver or other occupants of the object.

[0004] Furthermore, in the headlight control device of Patent Document 2, when the driver's state determination device determines that the driver is in a distracted driving state, if the forward vehicle determination device determines that a vehicle is present ahead, the headlights will be dimmed in the illumination area corresponding to the vehicle ahead. Moreover, when the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the high beam area above the periphery of the illumination area corresponding to the vehicle ahead will be brightened. Therefore, the headlight control device of Patent Document 2 can encourage the driver to drive with an appropriate level of concentration. Additionally, in the headlight control device of Patent Document 2, when the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the illumination area corresponding to the vehicle ahead (refer to Patent Document 2) will be dimmed. Figure 4 The high beam area above the surrounding area of ​​symbols R3 (RA) and R4 (RA) (similarly, refer to symbols R1, R2, R5, and R6) (similarly, refer to symbols U1 (RB), U2 (RB), U5 (RB), and U6 (RB)) is brightened, but the area above the illumination area corresponding to the vehicle in front is a non-illuminated area that is not illuminated (similarly, refer to the area with the vehicle in front).

[0005] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0006] [Patent Documents]

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-89386

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-171161 Summary of the Invention

[0009] (The problem that the invention aims to solve)

[0010] However, the headlight for vehicles in Patent Document 1 forms a light-blocking range within the high beam light distribution pattern. Therefore, at the boundary between the light-blocking range and the unblocked range within the high beam light distribution pattern, there is a significant difference in brightness. Furthermore, in the headlight for vehicles in Patent Document 1, the light-blocking range changes within the high beam light distribution pattern as the object moves; additionally, if there are multiple objects, there are multiple light-blocking ranges. Therefore, the headlight for vehicles according to Patent Document 1 is designed to cause driver fatigue during nighttime driving.

[0011] Furthermore, in the headlight control device of Patent Document 2, when the vehicle distance to the vehicle in front is greater than a predetermined value, the high beam area above the periphery of the illumination area corresponding to the vehicle in front is brightened. Therefore, at the boundary between the brightened high beam area and the unilluminated area, the difference in brightness is large. Thus, according to the headlight control device of Patent Document 2, similar to the vehicle headlight of Patent Document 1, it is in a state that causes driver fatigue when driving at night.

[0012] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlight device that can reduce driver fatigue during nighttime driving.

[0013] (A solution to the problem)

[0014] To address the aforementioned issues, the first aspect of this invention provides a vehicle headlight device with variable light distribution, which has the following features.

[0015] It includes: a lamp unit that illuminates a high beam light distribution pattern toward the front of the vehicle; and a control device that, based on information obtained from a detection device mounted on the vehicle, controls the lamp unit to form a shading area in the high beam light distribution pattern and to form a range of light and dark gradients over at least a portion of the illumination area adjacent to the shading area.

[0016] In the vehicle headlight device of the present invention, it is preferable that when information related to driver fatigue is input from the information unit mounted on the vehicle, and it is determined that the information related to driver fatigue is above a threshold, the control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to increase the width of the brightness gradient range.

[0017] In the vehicle headlight device of the present invention, preferably, the information related to driver fatigue is at least one of driving time or driving distance in the vehicle information obtained by the information unit, and when a value of at least one of the driving time or driving distance above the threshold is input from the information unit, the control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to increase the width of the brightness gradient range.

[0018] In the vehicle headlight device of the present invention, it is preferable that the control device obtains environmental information of the vehicle from the information unit, and when the obtained environmental information is related to severe weather, the threshold is lowered.

[0019] In the vehicle headlight device of the present invention, preferably, the information related to driver fatigue is at least one of driving time or driving distance in the vehicle information obtained by the information unit, the control device obtains the environmental information of the vehicle from the information unit, and when the obtained environmental information is related to severe weather, the threshold is lowered.

[0020] In the vehicle headlight device of the present invention, it is preferable that the control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to increase the width of the opposite side of the brightness gradient range compared to the width of the other side of the brightness gradient range.

[0021] In the vehicle headlight device of the present invention, preferably, the control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit for making the brightness gradient of the brightness gradient range into at least one of a linear shape, a curved shape, or a stepped shape.

[0022] In the vehicle headlight device of the present invention, it is preferable that the control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to increase or decrease the width of the brightness gradient range as the width of the light-shielding range narrows or increases.

[0023] In the vehicle headlight device of the present invention, preferably:

[0024] The control device includes: a setting unit that sets the shading range and the brightness gradient range based on the information input from the detection device; and a light intensity adjustment unit that adjusts the light intensity of the lamp unit based on the shading range and the brightness gradient range set in the setting unit.

[0025] (Invention effect)

[0026] The vehicle headlight device according to the present invention can reduce driver fatigue during nighttime driving. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the constituent components of an embodiment of the vehicle headlight device of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing the high beam beam pattern when ADB is not used and the brightness (luminance) in the high beam beam pattern.

[0029] Figure 3 It is an explanatory diagram showing the high beam beam pattern and the brightness (luminance) in the high beam beam pattern when using ADB.

[0030] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing the high beam beam pattern and the brightness (luminance) within the high beam beam pattern when using ADB and increasing the width of the brightness gradient range.

[0031] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram showing the control flow of the control device.

[0032] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the gradual change in brightness between the shaded area and the illuminated area within the range of light and dark gradation. Among them, (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the shape of the lower sine curve, (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the shape of the upper sine curve, and (C) is an explanatory diagram showing the shape of the step.

[0033] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the width of the light-dark gradient range accompanying the light-blocking area for oncoming vehicles. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the width of the light-dark gradient range when the oncoming vehicle is at a distance. (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the width of the light-dark gradient range when the oncoming vehicle is close. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments (exemplary examples) and modifications of the vehicle headlight device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, the constituent elements of the following embodiments and modifications include elements that can be substituted and readily conceived by those skilled in the art, or elements that are substantially the same.

[0035] In this specification, "front," "rear," "up," "down," "left," and "right" refer to the vehicle headlight device of the present invention in its vehicle-mounted state. Furthermore, "front-rear," "up-down," and "left-right" directions refer to the directions in the vehicle-mounted state when the vehicle headlight device is mounted on the vehicle, and are the directions observed from the driver's seat when viewing the vehicle's direction of travel. The front-rear direction refers to the vehicle's direction of travel (forward and reverse), the up-down direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the left-right direction refers to the horizontal direction. Regarding the front and rear directions, the direction from which the light from the vehicle headlight device is irradiated is considered the front direction, and the direction opposite to the front direction is considered the rear direction.

[0036] Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7(A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams showing the light distribution pattern projected from the vehicle headlight device of the present invention onto a projection screen located 10m or 25m in front in the forward direction. Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 In (A) and (B), the symbols "VU-VD" represent the vertical lines of the projection screen, and the symbols "HL-HR" represent the horizontal lines of the projection screen. Here, a grid is formed on the projection screen at 1° (1 degree) intervals. The "angle" described in this specification is represented on the projection screen as the width in the left-right direction and the width in the up-down direction.

[0037] (Explanation of the structure of the implementation method)

[0038] The structure of the vehicle headlight device of this embodiment will be described below.

[0039] (Instructions for vehicle headlight device 1)

[0040] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the components of the vehicle headlight device 1 according to this embodiment. The vehicle headlight device 1 is an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) type device, that is, a vehicle headlight device with variable beam distribution. The vehicle headlight device 1 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown). The vehicle headlight device 1 includes a left lamp unit 2L, a right lamp unit 2R, and a control device 3.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlight device 1 is equipped with an on-board camera device 4, a vehicle information unit 5 as an information unit, and an environmental information unit 6.

[0042] (Explanation of left lamp unit 2L and right lamp unit 2R)

[0043] The left-side light unit 2L is mounted on the left side of the front of the vehicle. The right-side light unit 2R is mounted on the right side of the front of the vehicle. Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 As shown in (A) and (B), the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R illuminate the high beam pattern HP in front of the vehicle. Figure 1 As shown, the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R have tiny light-emitting elements 21L and 21R and optical components 22L and 22R.

[0044] The micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R are each composed of tens of thousands of LEDs (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as LEDs). The LEDs are arranged in a matrix. It should be noted that the number of micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R is not particularly limited.

[0045] An LED emits light individually, and its brightness varies depending on the current supplied. That is, the amount of light emitted from the LED, i.e., its brightness, is adjusted by changing the current supplied to the LED individually or by modulating the pulse width of the power pulse supplied to the LED individually.

[0046] In this example, the optical components 22L and 22R are lenses. The lenses direct the light from the tiny light-emitting elements 21L and 21R as the high beam pattern HP directly towards the front of the vehicle.

[0047] It should be noted that the optical components 22L and 22R are not limited to the lens in this example. The optical components 22L and 22R can be reflective surfaces such as reflectors that reflect light from the tiny light-emitting elements 21L and 21R and illuminate the high beam pattern HP in front of the vehicle, or they can be a combination of a lens and a reflector, or they can be a combination with other optical components.

[0048] (Explanation of control device 3)

[0049] Based on the shading range data obtained from the vehicle-mounted camera device 4, the control device 3 controls the left-side lamp unit 2L and the right-side lamp unit 2R, such as... Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 As shown in (A) and (B), a light-shielding area A1 is formed in the high beam beam pattern HP, and a light-dark gradient area A2 is formed around the entire periphery of the light-shielding area A1. The control device 3 will be described later. Figure 5 The control is illustrated in the flowchart.

[0050] The control device 3 is composed of a computer. The control device 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory (RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and storage devices, etc.), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which are not shown. The storage devices include various non-volatile memory types such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and are configured to be removable from the computer. The control device 3 includes: an input unit (not shown) for inputting data (information) from external devices such as the vehicle camera device 4, vehicle information unit 5, and environmental information unit 6; and an output unit (not shown) for outputting data (control signals) from the control device 3 to external devices such as the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R. The input and output units perform input and output to external devices via wired or wireless means.

[0051] Control device 3, by enabling the software stored in the aforementioned memory to cooperate with the various hardware components constituting the aforementioned computer, has the following functions: Figure 1 The setting unit 31, light adjustment unit 32, and judgment unit 33 are shown. The setting unit 31 sets the light shading range A1 and the brightness gradient range A2 based on the light shading range data obtained from the vehicle camera device 4, the vehicle information obtained from the vehicle information unit 5, and the vehicle's environmental information obtained from the environmental information unit 6.

[0052] The light intensity adjustment unit 32 adjusts the light emission of the micro-light-emitting element 21L of the left lamp unit 2L and the micro-light-emitting element 21R of the right lamp unit 2R based on the light-shielding range A1 and the brightness gradient range A2 set in the setting unit 31. When current is supplied to the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R, which are composed of LEDs, the light intensity adjustment unit 32 adjusts the supplied current value or modulates the pulse width of the supplied power, thereby adjusting the light intensity (brightness) emitted from the LEDs.

[0053] The judgment unit 33 includes a driving state judgment unit 331 (hereinafter referred to as driving judgment unit 331), a night driving judgment unit 332 (hereinafter referred to as night judgment unit 332), an ADB usage judgment unit 333 (hereinafter referred to as ADB judgment unit 333), a driving time specified value judgment unit 334 (hereinafter referred to as time judgment unit 334) or a driving distance specified value judgment unit 335 (hereinafter referred to as distance judgment unit 335), an environment judgment unit 336, and a light-blocking object judgment unit 337 (hereinafter referred to as light-blocking judgment unit 337).

[0054] The driving determination unit 331 determines whether the vehicle, i.e., the vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, is in motion. In this example, the determination of whether the vehicle is in motion is based on whether the engine is in operation.

[0055] The night-time determination unit 332 determines whether the vehicle is being driven at night. In this example, the determination of whether the vehicle is being driven at night is based on whether the lighting switch is turned on.

[0056] The ADB determination unit 333 determines whether to use ADB. In this example, the determination of whether to use ADB is based on whether the vehicle is traveling at a speed of 30 km / h or higher after performing operations related to the use of the vehicle's ADB function.

[0057] The time determination unit 334 determines whether the travel time has reached a predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as the predetermined value) that serves as a threshold. In this example, the determination of the predetermined value of the travel time is based on whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the engine was started (e.g., whether 1 hour or 2 hours have elapsed, etc.). Here, the travel time refers to the time elapsed since the engine was started.

[0058] The distance determination unit 335 determines whether the travel distance has reached a predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as the predetermined value), which serves as a threshold. In this example, the determination of the predetermined value of the travel distance is based on whether the distance since the engine started has exceeded a predetermined distance (for example, whether it has exceeded 50km or 100km). Here, the travel distance refers to the distance since the engine started.

[0059] The environment judgment unit 336 determines whether the environment is a harsh environment such as rain or snow. In this example, the determination of whether the environment is harsh is based on image processing data from the vehicle-mounted camera device 4.

[0060] The shading determination unit 337 determines whether the object being shaded is an oncoming vehicle 71. In this example, the determination of whether it is an oncoming vehicle 71 is based on image processing data from the vehicle-mounted camera device 4.

[0061] (Description of vehicle-mounted camera device 4)

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle-mounted camera device 4 includes a camera unit 41, an image processing unit 42, an object detection unit 43, and a light-blocking range calculation unit 44.

[0063] The vehicle-mounted camera device 4 includes a computer. The computer in the vehicle-mounted camera device 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory (RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and storage devices, etc.), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The storage devices include various non-volatile memory types such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and are configured to be removable from the computer. The vehicle-mounted camera device 4 also includes a data output unit (not shown) for sending or receiving data from an external device, or for outputting data from the vehicle-mounted camera device 4. The data output unit can be a connection unit connected to a removable memory, or a communication unit that communicates via wired or wireless means. Furthermore, the external device can be a removable memory, and can be configured to read data stored in such memory into the vehicle-mounted camera device 4.

[0064] The camera unit 41 captures information about the front of the vehicle and outputs the captured information as camera information data to the image processing unit 42.

[0065] The image processing unit 42 processes the information in front of the vehicle into image data based on the camera information data output from the camera unit 41, and outputs it to the object detection unit 43.

[0066] The object detection unit 43 detects objects that are obstructed by light based on the image data output from the image processing unit 42, i.e., in this example, it detects objects that are obstructed by light. Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 The system detects the oncoming vehicle 71 and the vehicle in front 72 shown in (A) and (B), and outputs the detected object data to the shading range calculation unit 44.

[0067] The object detection unit 43 can identify the type of vehicle, such as a car, light vehicle, or truck, among the detected oncoming vehicle 71 and vehicle 72 ahead. It should be noted that the objects blocking the light can include not only the oncoming vehicle 71 and vehicle 72 ahead in this example, but also pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles, billboards, etc.

[0068] The shading range calculation unit 44 calculates the shading range A1 based on the object data output from the object detection unit 43. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 The range of cross-grid shadow lines applied in (A) and (B) is used to calculate the light-shielding range data, which is then output to the setting unit 31 of the control device 3. The light-shielding range data (light-shielding range A1) is represented by rectangular coordinates of the X and Y axes. In this way, the light-shielding range A1 can be accurately formed in the high beam beam pattern HP illuminated by the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R installed on the left and right sides respectively.

[0069] (Explanation of Vehicle Information Department 5 and Environmental Information Department 6)

[0070] The vehicle information unit 5 obtains either the travel time or the travel distance as vehicle information, and outputs the vehicle information of travel time or travel distance to the setting unit 31 of the control device 3. The environmental information unit 6 obtains information related to severe weather such as rain and snow as vehicle environmental information, and outputs the information related to severe weather such as rain and snow as severe environmental information to the setting unit 31 of the control device 3.

[0071] (Explanation of the shading range A1, the light-dark gradient range A2, and the illumination range A3)

[0072] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 As shown in (A) and (B) where the cross-grid shading lines are applied, the shading range (shading area) A1 in the high beam light distribution pattern HP is formed within a quadrilateral area (region) covering the oncoming vehicle 71 and the vehicle 72 in front, which are the objects to be shaded. Regarding the shading range A1, in this example, the current supplied to the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the shading range A1 is 0%, and the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the shading range A1 are in a non-lit state, and no light is irradiated from the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the shading range A1. Therefore, the brightness (luminance) of the shading range A1 is at a low level (0 level, 0%. Hereinafter referred to as 0%).

[0073] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7As shown in (A) and (B), the dotted portions indicate that the light-dark gradient range (light-dark gradient area) A2 is formed within a square-shaped area (region) surrounding the entire light-shielding range A1 in the high beam light distribution pattern HP. Regarding the light-dark gradient range A2, in this example, the pulse width of the current or power supplied to the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the light-dark gradient range A2 is 0% to 100% (hereinafter referred to as 0% to 100%), and the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the light-dark gradient range A2 are in a half-lit state, with light illuminating 0% to 100% of the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the light-dark gradient range A2. Therefore, the brightness (luminance) of the light-dark gradient range A2 is between a low level (0 level, 0%) and a high level (100%) (hereinafter referred to as 0% to 100%). In addition, the light-dark gradient range A2 in this example is formed in the illumination range A3 adjacent to the light-blocking range A1 and is the entire surrounding area of ​​the light-blocking range A1.

[0074] Here, in Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 In (A) and (B), the widths of the left and right portions of the light-dark gradient range A2 on the side of the vehicle 72 are set to W2 and W20, respectively. The widths of the left portion of the light-dark gradient range A2 on the side of the oncoming vehicle 71 are set to W2L, W20L, and W21L, respectively. The widths of the right portion of the light-dark gradient range A2 on the side of the oncoming vehicle 71 are set to W2R, W20R, and W21R, respectively. Furthermore, in this example, the right side of the light-dark gradient range A2 on the side of the oncoming vehicle 71 is the direction in which the oncoming vehicle 71 is traveling.

[0075] The widths of the upper and lower portions of the light-dark gradient range A2 on the side of the vehicle in front 72 are equal to the widths W2, W20 of the left and right portions of the light-dark gradient range A2 on the side of the vehicle in front 72. Alternatively, the widths of the upper and lower portions of the light-dark gradient range A2 on the side of the vehicle in front 72 may not be equal to the widths W2, W20 of the left and right portions.

[0076] The widths of the upper and lower portions of the light-dark gradient range A2 on the side of the oncoming vehicle 71 are equal to the widths W2L, W20L, and W21L of the left portion of the light-dark gradient range A2 on the side of the oncoming vehicle 71. Alternatively, the widths of the upper and lower portions of the light-dark gradient range A2 on the side of the oncoming vehicle 71 may not be equal to the widths W2L, W20L, and W21L of the left portion.

[0077] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7As shown in (A) and (B), the illumination range (illumination area) A3 is formed in the high beam light distribution pattern HP, outside the shaded area A1 and the brightness gradient area A2. Regarding the illumination range A3, in this example, the current supplied to the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the illumination range A3 is 100%, and the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the illumination range A3 are in a lit state, with light illuminating 100% from the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the illumination range A3. Therefore, the brightness (luminance) of the illumination range A3 is at a high level (100%. Hereinafter referred to as 100%).

[0078] (Explanation of the function of the implementation method)

[0079] The vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment has the structure described above. Hereinafter, based on... Figure 5 The flowchart explains its function.

[0080] In step S1, the driving determination unit 331 determines whether the vehicle is in motion. When the driving determination unit 331 determines that the vehicle is not in motion (no), the process ends. Figure 5 The process shown in the flowchart is as follows: when it is determined that the vehicle is in motion (yes), then proceed to step S2.

[0081] In step S2, the nighttime determination unit 332 determines whether the vehicle is being driven at night. When the nighttime determination unit 332 determines that it is not being driven at night (no), the process ends. Figure 5 The flowchart shown illustrates the process. When it is determined that the vehicle is driving at night (yes), step S3 is initiated. Upon entering step S3, the control device 3 uses the light adjustment unit 32 to illuminate the tiny light-emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R. Thus, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R illuminate the high beam pattern HP in front of the vehicle.

[0082] In step S3, the ADB determination unit 333 determines whether the ADB is being used. The process ends when the ADB determination unit 333 determines that the ADB is not being used (No). Figure 5 The process shown in the flowchart proceeds to step S4 when it is determined that ADB is being used (yes).

[0083] In step S4, the time determination unit 334 determines whether the travel time has reached the predetermined value of 1 hour. When the time determination unit 334 determines that 1 hour has not been reached (No), it proceeds to step S5, and when it determines that 1 hour has been reached (Yes), it proceeds to step S8.

[0084] Alternatively, in step S4, the distance determination unit 335 determines whether the travel distance has reached the specified value of 50km. When the distance determination unit 335 determines that the travel distance has not reached 50km (No), it proceeds to step S5, and when it determines that the travel distance has reached 50km (Yes), it proceeds to step S8.

[0085] Furthermore, if the condition is "yes" in step S4, and the environment is determined to be a severe environment such as rain or snow in step S9 (yes), the time determination unit 334 determines whether the travel time has reached the predetermined value of 0.8 hours (48 minutes) via step S10 (yes). If the time determination unit 334 determines that 0.8 hours (48 minutes) has not been reached (no), it proceeds to step S5; and if it determines that 0.8 hours (48 minutes) has been reached (yes), it proceeds to step S8.

[0086] Alternatively, if the condition in step S4 is "yes", and in step S9 (described later) it is determined that the environment is a severe environment such as rain or snow (yes), the distance determination unit 335 determines, via step S10 (described later), whether the travel distance has reached the predetermined value of 40km. If the distance determination unit 335 determines that 40km has not been reached (no), it proceeds to step S5; and if it determines that 40km has been reached (yes), it proceeds to step S8.

[0087] In step S5, the setting unit 31 sets the shading range A1 and the brightness gradient range A2 based on the shading range data input from the vehicle-mounted camera device 4. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the shading range A1 is a quadrilateral range that covers the objects to be shaded, specifically the oncoming vehicle 71 and the vehicle in front 72 in this example. Figure 3 As shown, the light-dark gradient range A2 is the entire surrounding area of ​​the light-blocking range A1, that is, the range of its four sides. In this example, the widths W2 and W2L of the light-dark gradient range A2 are 0.5° (0.5deg).

[0088] Furthermore, the light intensity adjustment unit 32 adjusts the light intensity of the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R based on the light-shielding range A1 and the brightness gradient range A2 set in the setting unit 31. In this example, the light intensity of the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the light-shielding range A1 is set to 0%, the light intensity of the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the illumination range A3 is set to 100%, and the light intensity of the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the brightness gradient range A2 is set from the light-shielding range A1 side to the illumination range A3 side to a value between 0% and 100%.

[0089] Therefore, as Figure 3As shown, in the high beam beam pattern HP, a light-shielding area A1 is formed that covers the oncoming vehicle 71 and the vehicle in front 72 respectively, and a light-dark gradient area A2 is formed on all four sides around the entire light-shielding area A1. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, in the high beam light distribution pattern HP, the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the shading range A1 is low level, the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the illumination range A3 is high level, and the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the light-dark gradient range A2 gradually changes from low level to high level in a straight line from the shading range A1 side to the illumination range A3 side.

[0090] After step S5 is completed, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the shading determination unit 337 determines whether the object to be shaded is an oncoming vehicle 71. When the shading determination unit 337 determines that it is not an oncoming vehicle 71 (No), the process ends. Figure 5 The process shown in the flowchart proceeds to step S7 when it is determined that the vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 71 (yes).

[0091] In step S7, the setting unit 31 sets a brightness gradient range A2 that is obtained by adding 1° (1 degree) to the width of the brightness gradient range A2 attached to the brightness gradient range A2 of the light-shielding range A1 covering the oncoming vehicle 71 on the driving side of the oncoming vehicle 71, i.e., the right side in this example. In addition, the light amount adjustment unit 32 adjusts the light emission of the tiny light-emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R based on the brightness gradient range A2 set in the setting unit 31, i.e., the brightness gradient range A2 formed by adding 1° (1 degree) to the width of the right side width W2R compared with the width of the other side width W2L.

[0092] Therefore, as Figure 3 As shown, the width W2R on the right side of the light-dark gradient range A2 attached to the light-blocking range A1 covering the oncoming vehicle 71 is increased by 1° (1deg) compared to the width W2L (0.5° (0.5deg)) on the other side, becoming 1.5° (1.5deg). At this point, step S7 ends.

[0093] In step S8, the time determination unit 334 determines whether the travel time has reached the specified value of 2 hours. When the time determination unit 334 determines that the travel time has not reached 2 hours (No), it proceeds to step S9, and when it determines that the travel time has reached 2 hours (Yes), it proceeds to step S14.

[0094] Alternatively, in step S8, the distance determination unit 335 determines whether the travel distance has reached the specified value of 100km. When the distance determination unit 335 determines that the travel distance has not reached 100km (No), it proceeds to step S9, and when it determines that the travel distance has reached 100km (Yes), it proceeds to step S14.

[0095] Furthermore, if the condition in step S8 is "yes", and in step S14 (described later) it is determined that the environment is a severe environment such as rain or snow (yes), the time determination unit 334 determines, via step S15 (described later), whether the travel time has reached the predetermined value of 1.6 hours (96 minutes, 1 hour 36 minutes). If the time determination unit 334 determines that 1.6 hours (96 minutes, 1 hour 36 minutes) has not been reached (no), it proceeds to step S9; and if it determines that 1.6 hours (96 minutes, 1 hour 36 minutes) has been reached (yes), it proceeds to step S14.

[0096] Alternatively, in step S8, if the environment is determined to be a severe environment such as rain or snow in step S14 (Yes), the distance determination unit 335 determines whether the travel distance has reached the predetermined value of 80km via step S15 (Yes). If the distance determination unit 335 determines that 80km has not been reached (No), it proceeds to step S9; if it determines that 80km has been reached (Yes), it proceeds to step S14.

[0097] In step S9, the environment determination unit 336 determines whether the environment is a harsh environment such as rain or snow. When the environment determination unit 336 determines that it is a harsh environment (yes), it proceeds to step S10, and when it determines that it is not a harsh environment (no), it proceeds to step S11.

[0098] In step S10, the control device 3 multiplies the specified travel time (1 hour) or travel distance (50 km) in step S4 by 0.8, thereby reducing the specified travel time in step S4 from 1 hour to 0.8 hours (48 minutes) or reducing the specified travel distance from 50 km to 40 km. After step S10 is completed, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0099] In step S11, the setting unit 31 sets the shading range A1 and the brightness gradient range A2 based on the shading range data input from the vehicle-mounted camera device 4. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the shading range A1 is a quadrilateral area that covers the objects to be shaded, specifically the oncoming vehicle 71 and the vehicle in front 72 in this example. Figure 4 As shown, the light-dark gradient range A2 is the entire surrounding area of ​​the light-blocking range A1, that is, the range surrounding all four sides. In this example, the widths W20 and W20L of the light-dark gradient range A2 are 1° (1deg).

[0100] Furthermore, the light intensity adjustment unit 32 adjusts the light intensity of the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R based on the light-shielding range A1 and the brightness gradient range A2 set in the setting unit 31. In this example, the light intensity of the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the light-shielding range A1 is set to 0%, the light intensity of the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the illumination range A3 is set to 100%, and the light intensity of the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the brightness gradient range A2 is set from the light-shielding range A1 side to the illumination range A3 side to a value between 0% and 100%.

[0101] Therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, in the high beam beam pattern HP, a light-shielding area A1 is formed that covers the oncoming vehicle 71 and the vehicle in front 72 respectively, and a light-dark gradient area A2 is formed on all four sides around the entire light-shielding area A1. Additionally, as... Figure 4 As shown, in the high beam light distribution pattern HP, the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the shading range A1 is at a low level, the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the illumination range A3 is at a high level, and the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the light-dark gradient range A2 gradually changes from a low level to a high level in a straight line from the shading range A1 side to the illumination range A3 side.

[0102] After step S11 is completed, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the shading determination unit 337 determines whether the object to be shaded is an oncoming vehicle 71. When the shading determination unit 337 determines that it is not an oncoming vehicle 71 (No), the process ends. Figure 5 The process shown in the flowchart proceeds, and when it is determined that the vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 71 (yes), then step S13 is entered.

[0103] In step S13, the setting unit 31 sets a brightness gradient range A2 that is obtained by adding 1° (1 degree) to the width of the brightness gradient range A2 attached to the brightness gradient range A2 of the light-shielding range A1 covering the oncoming vehicle 71 on the driving side of the oncoming vehicle 71, i.e., the right side in this example. In addition, the light amount adjustment unit 32 adjusts the light emission of the tiny light-emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R based on the brightness gradient range A2 set in the setting unit 31, i.e., the brightness gradient range A2 formed by adding 1° (1 degree) to the width of the right side width W2R compared with the width of the other side width W2L.

[0104] Therefore, as Figure 4As shown, the right-side width W2R of the light-dark gradient range A2 attached to the light-blocking range A1 covering the oncoming vehicle 71 is increased by 1° (1deg) compared to the other-side width W2L (1° (1deg)), becoming 2° (2deg). At this point, step S13 ends.

[0105] In step S14, the environment determination unit 336 determines whether the environment is a harsh environment such as rain or snow. When the environment determination unit 336 determines that it is a harsh environment (yes), it proceeds to step S15, and when it determines that it is not a harsh environment (no), it proceeds to step S16.

[0106] In step S15, the control device 3 multiplies the specified travel time (2 hours) or travel distance (100km) from step S8 by 0.8, thereby reducing the specified travel time from 2 hours to 1.6 hours (96 minutes, 1 hour 36 minutes) or the specified travel distance from 100km to 80km. After step S15 is completed, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0107] In step S16, the setting unit 31 sets the shading range A1 and the brightness gradient range A2 based on the shading range data input from the vehicle-mounted camera device 4. The shading range A1 is a quadrilateral range that covers the object to be shaded, that is, in this example, covers the oncoming vehicle 71 and the vehicle in front 72 respectively (see reference). Figure 4 The light-dark gradient range A2 is the entire area surrounding the light-blocking range A1, that is, the range surrounding all four sides (see reference). Figure 4 In this example, the width of the light-dark gradient range A2 is 1.5° (1.5deg).

[0108] Furthermore, the light intensity adjustment unit 32 adjusts the light intensity of the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R based on the light-shielding range A1 and the brightness gradient range A2 set in the setting unit 31. In this example, the light intensity of the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the light-shielding range A1 is set to 0%, the light intensity of the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the illumination range A3 is set to 100%, and the light intensity of the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the brightness gradient range A2 is set from the light-shielding range A1 side to the illumination range A3 side to a value between 0% and 100%.

[0109] Therefore, in the high beam light distribution pattern HP, a light-shielding range A1 is formed that covers the oncoming vehicle 71 and the vehicle in front 72 respectively, and a light-dark gradient range A2 is formed on the four sides around the entire light-shielding range A1 (see reference). Figure 4Additionally, in the high beam beam pattern HP, the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the shading range A1 is at a low level, the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the illumination range A3 is at a high level, and the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the light-dark transition range A2 gradually changes from a low level to a high level in a linear fashion from the shading range A1 side towards the illumination range A3 side (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0110] After step S16 is completed, the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the shading determination unit 337 determines whether the object to be shaded is an oncoming vehicle 71. When the shading determination unit 337 determines that it is not an oncoming vehicle 71 (No), the process ends. Figure 5 The process shown in the flowchart proceeds to step S18 when it is determined that the vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 71 (yes).

[0111] In step S18, the setting unit 31 sets a brightness gradient range A2 that is obtained by adding 1° (1 degree) to the width of the brightness gradient range A2 attached to the brightness gradient range A2 of the light-shielding range A1 covering the oncoming vehicle 71 on the driving side of the oncoming vehicle 71, i.e., the right side in this example. In addition, the light amount adjustment unit 32 adjusts the light emission of the tiny light-emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R based on the brightness gradient range A2 set in the setting unit 31, i.e., the brightness gradient range A2 formed by adding 1° (1 degree) to the width of the right side width W2R compared with the width of the other side width W2L.

[0112] Therefore, the right-side width W2R of the light-dark gradient range A2 associated with the shading range A1 covering the oncoming vehicle 71 is increased by 1° (1deg) compared to the other-side width W2L (1.5° (1.5deg)), becoming 2.5° (2.5deg). Step S18 ends here (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0113] That concludes the function of the vehicle headlight device 1 in this embodiment.

[0114] (Explanation of the effects of the implementation method)

[0115] The vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment has the structure and function described above. Its effects will be explained below.

[0116] The vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment includes a left lamp unit 2L, a right lamp unit 2R that illuminates a high beam light distribution pattern HP in front of the vehicle, and a control device 3. Based on information obtained from an onboard camera device 4, which is a detection device, namely data on the light-shielding range A1, the control device 3 controls the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R to form the light-shielding range A1 in the high beam light distribution pattern HP, and to form a light-dark gradient range A2 on the four sides of the illumination range adjacent to the light-shielding range A1 and the entire periphery of the light-shielding range A1.

[0117] Therefore, the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment can mitigate the difference in brightness between the shading range A1 and the illumination range A3 by forming a brightness gradient range A2 between the shading range A1 and the illumination range A3. Thus, compared to the vehicle headlight of Patent Document 1, where the difference in brightness at the boundary between the shading range and the illumination range in the high beam light distribution pattern is large, or the headlight control device of Patent Document 2, where the difference in brightness at the boundary between the enhanced high beam area and the non-illuminating area is large, the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment can reduce driver fatigue during nighttime driving.

[0118] Furthermore, the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, through the effect of the brightness difference of the brightness gradient range A2, can reduce driver fatigue when driving at night, even if the shading range A1 and the brightness gradient range A2 move as the oncoming vehicle 71 or the vehicle in front moves, or even if there are multiple shading ranges A1 and brightness gradient ranges A2, because there are multiple oncoming vehicles 71 or vehicles in front.

[0119] In the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, when information related to driver fatigue is input from the vehicle information unit 5 and it is determined that the information related to driver fatigue is above a predetermined value, the control device 3 outputs control signals to the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R to increase the widths W2, W2L, and W2R between the 0.5° (0.5deg) light-shielding range A1 and the illumination range A3, which is the width of the light-dark gradient range A2, to widths W20, W20L, and W20R of 1° (1deg) or 1.5° (1.5deg).

[0120] Therefore, the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment increases the width of the brightness gradient range A2, namely the range of brightness difference easing, W20, W20L, and W20R, before the driver's fatigue accumulates, thus reducing driver fatigue during long-term night driving.

[0121] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, the widths W2, W2L, and W2R of the brightness gradient range A2 are 0.5° (0.5deg) of the minimum width until the information related to driver fatigue reaches a predetermined value. Therefore, it can be felt that the vehicle is equipped with ADB, thereby maintaining the commodity value of the vehicle at a high level.

[0122] In the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, the information related to driver fatigue is the driving time or driving distance in the vehicle information obtained from the vehicle information unit 5. When a driving time or driving distance of more than a specified threshold value (1 hour, 2 hours, or 50km, 100km) is input from the vehicle information unit 5, the control device 3 outputs control signals to the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R to increase the width W2, W2L, W2R of the brightness gradient range A2 from 0.5° (0.5deg) to a width W20, W20L, W20R of 1° (1deg) or 1.5° (1.5deg).

[0123] Therefore, in the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, since driving time or driving distance is used as information related to driver fatigue, the driver's fatigue can be accurately measured, thereby reducing driver fatigue when driving at night.

[0124] In the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, the control device 3 obtains environmental information about the vehicle from the environmental information unit 6. If the obtained environmental information is severe environmental information related to severe weather, the control device 3 reduces the specified value. That is, when the specified value of the information related to driver fatigue is reduced by multiplying it by 0.8, and the driving time or driving distance becomes more than or equal to the reduced specified value (0.8 hours (48 minutes), 1.6 hours (96 minutes, 1 hour 36 minutes), or 40 km, 80 km), the control signal is output to the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R to increase the width W2, W2L, W2R of the brightness gradient range A2 from 0.5° (0.5deg) to 1° (1deg) or 1.5° (1.5deg) to W20, W20L, W20R.

[0125] Therefore, the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment reduces the specified values ​​of information related to driver fatigue, such as driving time or driving distance, when the driver is prone to fatigue in adverse environments such as rain or snow. Thus, it can reduce driver fatigue when driving at night in adverse environments.

[0126] In the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, the control device 3 outputs a control signal to the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R, which is used to increase the width of the light-dark gradient range A2 of the light-blocking range A1 that blocks the light from the oncoming vehicle 71 by 1° (1 degree) compared with the width of the other side W2L, W20L, W21L.

[0127] Therefore, in the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, the widths W2R, W20R, and W21R on the side of the oncoming vehicle 71 in the width of the brightness gradient range A2 are 1° (1 degree) larger than the widths W2L, W20L, and W21L on the other side. Thus, even when the relative speed between the vehicle and the oncoming vehicle 71 is high, and the positional movement of the oncoming vehicle 71 in the direction of travel is large, the brightness gradient range A2 can be used to shield the oncoming vehicle 71, thereby suppressing glare generated on the oncoming vehicle 71.

[0128] In the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, the control device 3 outputs a control signal to the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R to make the brightness gradient between the shading range A1 and the illumination range A3 of the brightness gradient range A2 into a linear shape.

[0129] Therefore, in the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, the brightness between the shading range A1 and the illumination range A3 of the brightness gradient range A2 is smoothly and linearly changed, thus reducing driver fatigue when driving at night.

[0130] In the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, the control device 3 outputs to the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R for such Figure 7 As shown in (A) and (B), the control signals that make the width of the light-dark gradient range A2, i.e. the width between the light-blocking range A1 and the illumination range A3, W2L, W2R, W21L, W21R increase or decrease with the width of the left and right direction of the light-blocking range A1, W11.

[0131] Therefore, in the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, the width in the left-right direction of the light-shielding range A1 is from Figure 7 W1 in (A) becomes 1.5 times its value. Figure 7 In the case of W11 in (B), make the width of the other side of the light and dark gradient range A2 from Figure 7 The W2L of (A) increased from 0.5° to 1.5 times its normal value. Figure 7 In the middle (B), W21L is 0.75°, on the other hand, the width of the opposing vehicle 71 on the driving side of the light and dark gradient range A2 is from Figure 7The W2R of (A) increases by 1.5° to 1.5 times its normal value. Figure 7 The W21R of (B) is 2.25°. Therefore, in the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, the shading range A1 and the brightness gradient range A2 are widened or narrowed in the same proportion, thus maintaining the balance between the shading range A1 and the brightness gradient range A2, which is preferred from a visual point of view.

[0132] In the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, the control device 3 includes: a setting unit 31, which sets the shading range A1 and the brightness gradient range A2 based on the information input from the vehicle-mounted camera device 4, which is a detection device; and a light intensity adjustment unit 32, which adjusts the light intensity of the micro light-emitting elements 21L and 21R based on the shading range A1 and the brightness gradient range A2 set in the setting unit 31.

[0133] Therefore, the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment can form a light-shielding range A1 and a light-dark gradient range A2 on the four sides surrounding the entire light-shielding range A1 in the high beam light distribution pattern HP.

[0134] In addition, in the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment, the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R have: a matrix of multiple LEDs arranged as micro light-emitting elements 21L and 21R, and an optical component 22L and 22R that serve as a lens, which directs the light from the micro light-emitting elements 21L and 21R as a high beam light distribution pattern HP to the front of the vehicle.

[0135] Therefore, the vehicle headlight device 1 of this embodiment can form a light-shielding range A1 and a light-dark gradient range A2 on the four sides surrounding the entire light-shielding range A1 in the high beam light distribution pattern HP.

[0136] (Explanation of examples other than those implemented)

[0137] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of forming a light-dark gradient range A2 around the entire surrounding area of ​​the shading range A1 was described. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where the light-dark gradient range A2 is formed on at least a portion of the illumination range A3 adjacent to the shading range A1, such as the portion on the side facing the oncoming vehicle 71 or the portion on the side facing the forward vehicle 72.

[0138] Furthermore, the above embodiment described an example of left-hand traffic. However, the present invention can also be applied to cases where right-hand traffic is permitted. In this case, the left and right directions of the above embodiment are reversed.

[0139] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example was described where either travel time or travel distance was used as vehicle information. However, in this invention, both travel time and travel distance can also be used as vehicle information.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the widths W2, W2L, and W2R of the 0.5° (0.5deg) light-dark gradient range A2 are increased in two stages to widths W20, W20L, and W20R of 1° (1deg) or 1.5° (1.5deg). However, in this invention, the value of the light-dark gradient range A2 can also be other than the above-mentioned value. In addition, besides increasing in two stages, it can also be an increase in one stage or an increase in three or more stages.

[0141] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the specified values ​​for travel time or travel distance are 1 hour, 2 hours, or 50km and 100km. However, in this invention, the specified values ​​for travel time or travel distance can also be other values ​​besides those mentioned above. In addition, besides two levels, there can be one level or three or more levels.

[0142] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in adverse environmental conditions such as rain or snow, the prescribed value related to driver fatigue is multiplied by 0.8 in order to reduce the prescribed value. However, in this invention, the value multiplied by the prescribed value can also be other than the one described above.

[0143] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the widths W2R, W20R, and W21R of the light-shading range A1 that blocks the light from the oncoming vehicle 71 are increased by 1° (1 degree) on the side where the oncoming vehicle 71 is traveling compared to the widths W2L, W20L, and W21L on the other side. However, in this invention, the value of the width increase can be other than those described above. Additionally, in this invention, the width increase can vary with the relative speed between the vehicle and the oncoming vehicle 71. For example, when the relative speed is high, the increase is greater than 1°, and when the relative speed is low, the increase is less than 1°.

[0144] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the brightness between the shading range A1 and the illumination range A3 of the light-dark gradient range A2 is as follows: Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the transition is a smooth, linear gradient. However, in this invention, the gradient shape of brightness between the shading range A1 and the illumination range A3 of the light-dark gradient range A2 can be, for example, as shown... Figure 6As shown in (A), (B), and (C), the shape can also be a lower sine curve, an upper sine curve, or a stepped shape. Alternatively, it can be a combination of a straight line, a lower sine curve, an upper sine curve, and a stepped shape. Thus, in this invention, by setting the brightness gradient between the shading range A1 and the illumination range A3 of the brightness gradient range A2 to an arbitrary gradient shape, a gradient shape suitable for the driver's preference can be selected, thereby reducing driver fatigue during nighttime driving.

[0145] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the micro-light-emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R are composed of multiple micro-LEDs, and the multiple micro-LEDs are arranged in a matrix. However, in the present invention, in addition to micro-LEDs, the micro-light-emitting elements may also be MEMS-type micro-light-emitting elements or DMD-type micro-light-emitting elements.

[0146] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, even if the light-shielding range A1 widens or narrows, the width of the light-dark gradient range A2 remains fixed. However, in this invention, the control device 3 can also be controlled as described later, so that when the light-shielding range A1 widens or narrows, the width of the light-dark gradient range A2 increases or decreases accordingly.

[0147] That is, such as Figure 7 As shown in (A) and (B), the shading range A1 varies with the object being shaded, i.e. Figure 7 The width of the lane changes depending on the distance between oncoming vehicles 71. For example, when the distance between the lane and oncoming vehicles 71 is long, such as... Figure 7 As shown in (A), the shading range A1 is relatively narrow, that is, the lateral width W1 of the shading range A1 is relatively narrow. On the other hand, when the distance to the oncoming vehicle 71 is short, as shown in (A), the shading range A1 is relatively narrow. Figure 7 As shown in (B), the shading range A1 is relatively wide, that is, the lateral width W11 of the shading range A1 is relatively wide. Thus, as the distance to the object being shaded (oncoming vehicle 71) changes, the shading range A1 widens or narrows. If the shading range A1 widens or narrows, but the width of the light-dark gradient range A2 remains constant, the balance between the widened or narrowed shading range A1 and the fixed light-dark gradient range A2 is disrupted, which is not visually desirable.

[0148] Therefore, control device 3 outputs to the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R for such Figure 7As shown in (A) and (B), the control signals that cause the widths of the light-dark gradient range A2, i.e., the widths W2L, W2R, W21L, and W21R between the light-blocking range A1 and the illumination range A3, to increase or decrease with the width of the light-blocking range A1, i.e., the widths W1 and W11 in the left-right direction in this example. For example, when the width of the light-blocking range A1 in the left-right direction is from... Figure 7 W1 in (A) becomes 1.5 times its value. Figure 7 In the case of W11 in (B), make the width of the other side of the light and dark gradient range A2 from Figure 7 The W2L of (A) increased from 0.5° to 1.5 times its normal value. Figure 7 In the middle (B), W21L is 0.75°, on the other hand, the width of the opposing vehicle 71 on the driving side of the light and dark gradient range A2 is from Figure 7 The W2R of (A) increases by 1.5° to 1.5 times its normal value. Figure 7 The W21R of (B) is 2.25°. Thus, the shading range A1 and the light-dark gradient range A2 widen or narrow in the same proportion, thus maintaining the balance between the shading range A1 and the light-dark gradient range A2, which is visually preferred.

[0149] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0150] (Symbol Explanation)

[0151] 1. Vehicle headlight system

[0152] 2L left side light unit

[0153] 2R right-side lamp unit

[0154] 21L, 21R micro light-emitting elements

[0155] 22L and 22R optical components

[0156] 3 Control devices

[0157] 31 Setting Department

[0158] 32 Light Intensity Adjustment Section

[0159] 33 Judgment Department

[0160] 331 Driving Status Judgment Unit (Driving Judgment Unit)

[0161] 332 Night Driving Judgment Unit (Night Judgment Unit)

[0162] 333 ADB Decision Unit (ADB Decision Unit)

[0163] 334 Driving Time Specified Value Judgment Department (Time Judgment Department)

[0164] 335 Driving Distance Specified Value Judgment Unit (Distance Judgment Unit)

[0165] 336 Environmental Assessment Department

[0166] 337 Light-shielding object judgment unit (light-shielding judgment unit)

[0167] 4. Vehicle-mounted camera device

[0168] 41 Camera Department

[0169] 42 Image Processing Unit

[0170] 43 Object Inspection Department

[0171] 44 Light-shielding range computing unit

[0172] 5. Vehicle Information Department

[0173] 6. Environmental Information Department

[0174] 71 vehicles in opposite directions

[0175] Vehicle 72 ahead

[0176] A1 Light-blocking range

[0177] A2 Light and Dark Gradient Range

[0178] A3 Irradiation Range

[0179] The horizontal lines on the left and right sides of the HL-HR projection screen

[0180] HP High Beam Light Distribution Pattern

[0181] Vertical lines of the VU-VD projection screen

[0182] The width of the shading range A1 in the left and right directions of W1 and W11

[0183] The width of the left and right portions of the light and shadow gradient range on the sides of the vehicles ahead (W2, W20) at point 72.

[0184] The width of the left side portion of the light-dark gradient range on the opposite side of vehicles 71 (W2L, W20L, W21L)

[0185] The width of the right side of the light and dark gradient range A2 on the opposite side of vehicle 71 of W2R, W20R, and W21R.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlight device, which is a vehicle headlight device with variable light distribution. The vehicle headlight device is characterized in that... have: The lamp unit projects the high beam light pattern forward onto the vehicle. A control device, based on information obtained from a detection device mounted on the vehicle, controls the lamp unit to form a shading range in the high beam light distribution pattern and to form a light-dark gradient range over at least a portion of the illumination range adjacent to the shading range.

2. The vehicle headlight device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When information related to driver fatigue is input from the information unit mounted on the vehicle, and it is determined that the information related to driver fatigue is above a threshold, the control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to increase the width of the brightness gradient range.

3. The vehicle headlight device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The information related to the driver's fatigue level is at least one of the vehicle information obtained by the information unit, namely, the driving time or the driving distance. When a value of at least one of the driving time or the driving distance exceeding the threshold is input from the information unit, the control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to increase the width of the brightness gradient range.

4. The vehicle headlight device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control device obtains environmental information about the vehicle from the information unit, and lowers the threshold when the obtained environmental information is related to severe weather.

5. The vehicle headlight device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The information related to driver fatigue is at least one of the vehicle information obtained by the information unit, namely, driving time or driving distance. The control device obtains the environmental information of the vehicle from the information unit, and lowers the threshold when the obtained environmental information is related to severe weather.

6. The vehicle headlight device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to increase the width of the opposite side of the light-dark gradient range compared to the width of the other side of the light-dark gradient range.

7. The vehicle headlight device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to make the brightness gradient of the brightness gradient range into at least one of a linear shape, a curved shape, or a stepped shape.

8. The vehicle headlight device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to make the width of the light-dark gradient range increase or decrease as the width of the light-blocking range narrows or increases.

9. The vehicle headlight device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device has: The setting unit sets the shading range and the brightness gradient range based on the information input from the detection device; The light intensity adjustment unit adjusts the amount of light emitted by the lamp unit based on the light-blocking range and the brightness gradient range set in the setting unit.

Images