Vehicle light control device and light control method for vehicle light control device

Abstract

This disclosure provides a vehicle lighting control device and a method for controlling the lighting of the vehicle lighting control device. The objective of this invention is to suppress glare to surrounding road users. A vehicle lighting control device controls the headlights of the vehicle, comprising: a target object recognition unit that identifies targets around the vehicle based on detection results from external sensors of the vehicle; a scene determination unit that determines whether a scene indicates the vehicle is parked based on the target object recognition results of the target object recognition unit; and a lighting control unit that, when the scene determination unit determines that the vehicle is parked and the vehicle is continuously decelerating, switches the headlights from high beam to low beam or glare-free light distribution when the headlights are in high beam mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle lighting control device and a lighting control method for the vehicle lighting control device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-162959 was known as a technical document related to vehicle lighting control devices. This publication discloses a headlight device for vehicles that reduces the illuminance of a light distribution pattern when a preceding vehicle enters a predetermined detection range, and increases the illuminance of the light distribution pattern when the preceding vehicle leaves the predetermined detection range.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-162959 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in conventional devices, since the driving scenario of the vehicle is not taken into account, the illuminance increases according to the driving scenario of the vehicle, which may cause glare to surrounding road users.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lighting control device that controls the headlights of a vehicle. The vehicle lighting control device includes: a target object recognition unit that identifies targets around the vehicle based on detection results from external sensors of the vehicle; a scene determination unit that determines whether the scene is a parking scene based on the target object recognition results of the target object recognition unit; and a lighting control unit that, when the scene determination unit determines that the scene is a parking scene and the vehicle is continuously decelerating, switches the headlights of the vehicle to low beams or glare-free headlights when the headlights are in high beam mode.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is a lighting control method for a vehicle lighting control device, wherein the vehicle lighting control device controls the headlights of the vehicle, and the lighting control method includes the following steps: identifying targets around the vehicle based on the detection results of the vehicle's external sensors; determining whether the scenario is a parking situation based on the identification results of the targets; and, if the scenario is determined to be a parking situation and the vehicle is continuously decelerating, switching the illumination state of the vehicle's headlights from high beam to low beam or glare-free light distribution when the headlights of the vehicle are in the high beam illumination state.

[0007] Invention Effects

[0008] According to various embodiments of the present invention, by appropriately controlling the headlights in the scenario where the vehicle is parked, it is possible to suppress glare to surrounding traffic participants. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle lighting control device according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the lighting control process during parking in this vehicle's headlights under AHB control.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the lighting control process during parking in this vehicle's headlights under ADB control. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle lighting control device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 1 The vehicle lighting control device 100 shown is a device for controlling the headlights of the vehicle, and has the function of switching the illumination state of the headlights according to the driving scenario of the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle lighting control device 100 has the function of performing automatic high beam (AHB) or adaptive high beam (ADB).

[0014] The vehicle lighting control device 100 includes an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 10. The ECU 10 is an electronic control unit with a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and a storage unit. The storage unit may consist of, for example, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), or an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM). In the ECU 10, various functions are implemented, for example, by the CPU executing programs stored in the storage unit. The ECU 10 may also be composed of multiple electronic units.

[0015] ECU10 is connected to camera (external sensor) 1, vehicle speed sensor 2, acceleration sensor 3, light switch 4, and headlight 5. Camera 1 is a camera device that captures images of the external condition of the vehicle. For example, camera 1 is installed behind the windshield of the vehicle to capture images of the front of the vehicle. Camera 1 sends the captured images (detection results) related to the external condition of the vehicle to ECU10.

[0016] Vehicle speed sensor 2 is a detector for detecting the speed of the vehicle. Vehicle speed sensor 2 may use, for example, a magnetic sensor or optical sensor mounted on the wheels of the vehicle to calculate the vehicle speed by measuring the rotational speed of the wheels. Vehicle speed sensor 2 sends the detected vehicle speed information to ECU 10. Acceleration sensor 3 is a detector for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle. Acceleration sensor 3 sends the detected acceleration information to ECU 10. Furthermore, ECU 10 only needs to be connected to either vehicle speed sensor 2 or acceleration sensor 3.

[0017] The light switch 4 is used to control the illumination status of the headlights of this vehicle. The driver can manually switch the headlight illumination status by operating the light switch 4. The light switch 4 has multiple positions for switching the headlights on, off, high beam, low beam, etc.

[0018] The light switch 4 is mounted on the vehicle's steering column and positioned in a location easily accessible to the driver. If the driver operates the light switch 4, the operation signal is sent to the ECU 10. Based on the received operation signal, the ECU 10 appropriately controls the illumination state of the headlights 5.

[0019] Headlight 5 is the headlight for this vehicle. Headlight 5 supports Automatic High Beam (AHB) or Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB). Headlight 5 can be, for example, a matrix LED headlight or a laser headlight.

[0020] Next, the functional structure of ECU10 will be explained. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the ECU10 has a target object recognition unit 11, a scene determination unit 12, and a lighting control unit 13.

[0021] The target object recognition unit 11 is an important component for detecting and identifying targets present around the vehicle. The target object recognition unit 11 has the function of accurately identifying targets based on information from the camera 1 mounted on the vehicle or other external sensors.

[0022] The target objects include traffic participants. Traffic participants include other vehicles or pedestrians. Target objects may include at least one of traffic lights, stop lines, stop line signs, stop signs, and pedestrian crossings. The target object recognition unit 11 accurately grasps the surrounding environment of the vehicle by detecting and recognizing these target objects. For example, it analyzes image data captured by camera 1 to identify the color or position of traffic lights. Furthermore, it detects the positions of stop lines, stop line signs, stop signs, and pedestrian crossings to determine the constituent elements of a scenario where the vehicle needs to stop.

[0023] Furthermore, the target object recognition unit 11 also has the function of detecting the presence or absence of pedestrians. It analyzes data from the camera 1 or other sensors to determine whether there are pedestrians ahead. The information of the target objects recognized by the target object recognition unit 11 is sent to the scene determination unit 12.

[0024] The scene determination unit 12 determines whether the scene is one in which the vehicle is parked based on the recognition result of the object recognition unit 11. For example, if the traffic light is red and there is a stop line, the scene determination unit 12 determines that the scene is one in which the vehicle is parked. In addition, if the traffic light in front of the vehicle is green and the vehicle is accelerating, the probability of the vehicle stopping is low, so the scene determination unit 12 may not determine the scene as a parking scenario.

[0025] The scene determination unit 12 determines whether a scene is one in which the vehicle is parked based on the recognition result of the object recognition unit 11. Specifically, the scene determination unit 12 receives object information such as traffic lights, stop lines, stop line signs, stop signs, crosswalks, and pedestrians sent from the object recognition unit 11, and performs comprehensive analysis on this information. For example, if the traffic light is red, the scene determination unit 12 determines that a scene is one in which the vehicle is parked. If a stop line is detected in front of the vehicle, the scene determination unit 12 determines that a scene is one in which the vehicle is parked. Furthermore, if there is a crosswalk and pedestrians ahead, it is also determined to be a parking scene.

[0026] When the scene determination unit 12 determines that the vehicle is parked, it can determine whether the vehicle is continuously decelerating towards the parking position. The parking position is, for example, the stop line at a red light, or a position a certain distance from a parked vehicle in front. For example, if the vehicle is not continuously decelerating, the scene determination unit 12 will not issue an instruction to the lighting control unit 13 and will end the process.

[0027] The scene determination unit 12 can determine whether there is a pedestrian in front of the vehicle on the road it is traveling on, based on the image captured by the camera 1. Alternatively, a millimeter-wave radar or LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) can be used instead of the camera 1. In this case, the millimeter-wave radar or LiDAR constitutes an external sensor for the vehicle. For example, if there is a pedestrian in front of the vehicle on the road it is traveling on, the scene determination unit 12 will not issue an instruction to the light control unit 13 and will end the process. The determination of the presence or absence of a pedestrian can be performed by the object recognition unit 11.

[0028] When the scenario is determined to be a stopped vehicle, the scenario determination unit 12 issues an instruction to the lighting control unit 13 to switch to low beam or glare-free headlights if the vehicle is continuously decelerating and there are no pedestrians in front of the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is performing AHB (Automatic High Beam), the scenario determination unit 12 instructs the low beam to switch. If the vehicle is performing ADB (Automatic Deflection), the scenario determination unit 12 instructs the glare-free headlight to switch.

[0029] The lighting control unit 13 appropriately controls the illumination state of the headlights 5 based on the instructions from the scene determination unit 12. When the headlights are in the high beam state, the lighting control unit 13 issues an instruction to switch the headlights to the low beam state or glare-free beam distribution when the specified conditions are met.

[0030] In glare-free headlight distribution, only specific areas can be darkened based on the position of other vehicles or pedestrians ahead. This prevents glare to other drivers or pedestrians while illuminating a wide area. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if pedestrians are present in the vehicle's path, the high beams are maintained instead of switching to glare-free headlight distribution to assist the driver in visually identifying the pedestrians. The target of glare-free headlight distribution is other vehicles ahead or pedestrians walking beside the road who are about to cross the road.

[0031] The lighting control unit 13 is an important component for controlling the illumination state of the headlights 5 of the vehicle based on instructions from the scene determination unit 12. The lighting control unit 13 has the function of appropriately switching the illumination state of the headlights according to the surrounding environment or driving conditions of the vehicle.

[0032] Specifically, when the scene determination unit 12 determines that the vehicle is parked and the vehicle is continuously decelerating, and the headlights are in high beam mode, the lighting control unit 13 switches the headlights to low beam or glare-free light distribution. This suppresses glare to surrounding road users in parking scenarios.

[0033] Next, the lighting control method (lighting control processing when parked) of the vehicle lighting control device 100 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the headlight control processing during parking in this vehicle's AHB (Auxiliary Headlight Control) mode. Figure 2 In this context, the headlights of this vehicle are set to high beam.

[0034] like Figure 2As shown, in step S10, ECU10 determines whether there is no preceding vehicle in front of the vehicle. If there is no preceding vehicle in front of the vehicle (step S10: "Yes"), ECU10 proceeds to the next step S11. If there is a preceding vehicle in front of the vehicle (step S10: "No"), ECU10 proceeds to step S15.

[0035] In step S11, it is determined whether the traffic light ahead is green and whether the vehicle is accelerating continuously. If the traffic light is green and the vehicle is accelerating continuously (step S11: "Yes"), ECU10 ends the lighting control process during this stop with the high beams on. If the traffic light is not green or the vehicle is not accelerating continuously (step S11: "No"), ECU10 proceeds to step S12.

[0036] In step S12, ECU10 determines whether the scenario is a parking scenario for the vehicle. If it is a parking scenario (step S12: "Yes"), ECU10 proceeds to step S13. If it is not a parking scenario (step S12: "No"), ECU10 ends the lighting control process for this parking scenario with the high beams on.

[0037] In step S13, ECU10 determines, via scene determination unit 12, whether the vehicle's deceleration toward the parking position is ongoing. If the vehicle's deceleration is ongoing (step S13: "Yes"), ECU10 proceeds to step S14. If the vehicle's deceleration is not ongoing (step S13: "No"), ECU10 terminates the lighting control process for this parking maneuver by switching to high beam mode.

[0038] In step S14, ECU10 determines, via scene determination unit 12, whether there is a pedestrian on the road in front of the vehicle. If there is no pedestrian (step S14: "Yes"), ECU10 proceeds to step S15. If there is a pedestrian (step S14: "No"), ECU10 ends the lighting control process for this parking situation by turning on the high beams.

[0039] In step S15, ECU 10 switches the vehicle's headlights to low beam via the lighting control unit 13. The lighting control unit 13 instructs the headlights 5 to switch the vehicle's headlight illumination status from high beam to low beam. Then, ECU 10 terminates the lighting control processing for this parking situation.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the headlight control processing during parking in this vehicle's ADB control phase. Figure 3 In this case, the headlights of this vehicle are also set to high beam.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, in step S20, ECU10 determines whether there is no preceding vehicle in front of the vehicle. If there is no preceding vehicle in front of the vehicle (step S20: "Yes"), ECU10 proceeds to the next step S21. If there is a preceding vehicle in front of the vehicle (step S20: "No"), ECU10 proceeds to step S26.

[0042] In step S21, it is determined whether the traffic light ahead is green and whether the vehicle is accelerating continuously. If the traffic light is green and the vehicle is accelerating continuously (step S21: "Yes"), ECU10 ends the lighting control process during this stop with the high beams on. If the traffic light is not green or the vehicle is not accelerating continuously (step S21: "No"), ECU10 proceeds to step S22.

[0043] In step S22, ECU10 determines whether the scenario is a parking scenario for the vehicle. If it is a parking scenario (step S22: "Yes"), ECU10 proceeds to step S23. If it is not a parking scenario (step S22: "No"), ECU10 ends the lighting control process for this parking scenario with the high beams on.

[0044] In step S23, ECU10 determines, via scene determination unit 12, whether the vehicle's deceleration toward the parking position is ongoing. If the vehicle's deceleration is ongoing (step S23: "Yes"), ECU10 proceeds to step S24. If the vehicle's deceleration is not ongoing (step S23: "No"), ECU10 terminates the lighting control process for this parking situation with the high beams on.

[0045] In step S24, ECU10 determines, via scene determination unit 12, whether there is a pedestrian on the road in front of the vehicle. If there is no pedestrian (step S24: "Yes"), ECU10 proceeds to step S25. If there is a pedestrian (step S24: "No"), ECU10 ends the lighting control processing for this parking situation.

[0046] In step S25, ECU10 switches the vehicle's headlights to glare-free light distribution via the lighting control unit 13. The lighting control unit 13 instructs the headlights 5 to switch the vehicle's headlights from illumination to glare-free light distribution. Then, ECU10 terminates the lighting control process for this parking situation.

[0047] In step S26, ECU10 switches the vehicle's headlights to shrouded high beams via the lighting control unit 13. The lighting control unit 13 instructs the headlights 5 to switch the vehicle's headlight illumination status from normal high beams to shrouded high beams. Then, ECU10 terminates the lighting control processing for this parking situation.

[0048] According to the vehicle lighting control device 100 described above, when the vehicle is determined to be parked and the vehicle is continuously decelerating, the headlights can be switched to low beams or glare-free light distribution when the headlights are in high beam mode. Therefore, by appropriately controlling the headlights when the vehicle is parked, glare to surrounding traffic participants can be suppressed.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the vehicle lighting control device 100, even when the scene determination unit 12 determines that the vehicle is parked and the vehicle is continuously decelerating, the headlights can be kept in high beam mode even when there is a pedestrian on the road ahead. Therefore, the vehicle lighting control device 100 ensures visual recognition of pedestrians on the road ahead, even in a parked scenario.

[0050] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various ways, for example, by making various changes and improvements to the above embodiments based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0051] The vehicle lighting control device 100 does not necessarily need to perform AHB or ADB operations; it only needs to control the vehicle's headlights. The vehicle lighting control device 100 does not necessarily need to consider whether a traffic light is green. Similarly, the vehicle lighting control device 100 does not necessarily need to consider whether the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating. The vehicle lighting control device 100 does not necessarily need to consider whether the vehicle is decelerating. The vehicle lighting control device 100 may also switch from high beams to low beams or glare-free light distribution when the driver performs actions that impede stopping the vehicle, such as pressing the accelerator pedal or making a sharp turn. The vehicle lighting control device 100 may also switch from high beams to low beams or glare-free light distribution based on whether a parking scenario exists, rather than needing to determine the presence of pedestrians in front of the vehicle.

[0052] Symbol Explanation

[0053] 1-Camera, 2-Vehicle speed sensor, 3-Acceleration sensor, 4-Light switch, 5-Headlight, 10-ECU, 11-Target object recognition unit, 12-Scene determination unit, 13-Lighting control unit, 100-Vehicle lighting control device.

Claims

1. A vehicle lighting control device for controlling the headlights of a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: The target object recognition unit identifies target objects around the vehicle based on the detection results of the vehicle's external sensors; The scene determination unit determines, based on the object recognition result of the object recognition unit, whether the scene corresponds to the parking of the vehicle. The lighting control unit, when the scene determination unit determines that the vehicle is parked and the vehicle is continuously decelerating, switches the headlights of the vehicle from high beam to low beam or glare-free light distribution when the headlights of the vehicle are in high beam mode.

2. The vehicle lighting control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Even if the scene determination unit determines that the vehicle is parked and the vehicle is continuously decelerating, the lighting control unit will continue to keep the vehicle's headlights in high beam mode when there are pedestrians on the road in front of the vehicle.

3. A lighting control method for a vehicle lighting control device, wherein the vehicle lighting control device controls the headlights of the vehicle, the lighting control method of the vehicle lighting control device being characterized by comprising the following steps: Based on the detection results of the vehicle's external sensors, identify target objects around the vehicle; Based on the identification result of the target object, determine whether it is a scenario where the vehicle is parked; and In the case where the vehicle is determined to be parked and is continuously decelerating, when the headlights of the vehicle are in the high beam state, the headlights of the vehicle shall be switched to the low beam state or the glare-free light distribution state.

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