Control device for a headlamp, control method for a headlamp, headlamp system

Abstract

To reduce glare to a vehicle ahead and further improve forward visual recognition of the host vehicle. A control device for a headlamp includes a controller configured to perform control to control the headlamp to emit low beam, first additional beam, second additional beam, and selective high beam, and control the headlamp to dim the first additional beam in the case where a dimming range is set. The first additional beam has a first portion on one of left and right of a plumb line, i.e., a first side, with an upper end at substantially the same height as a horizontal line, and a second portion on the other of left and right of the plumb line, i.e., a second side, with an upper end at a position lower than the horizontal line. The second additional beam has a third portion on the second side with an upper end at substantially the same height as the horizontal line, and a fourth portion on the first side with an upper end at a position lower than the horizontal line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a headlight control device, a headlight control method, and a headlight system. Background Technology

[0002] International Publication No. 2022 / 131044 (Patent Document 1) discloses a vehicle lighting system comprising: a low beam unit capable of forming a low beam light distribution pattern having a cutoff line, and capable of independently adjusting the illuminance of multiple partial areas in the low beam light distribution pattern arranged below the cutoff line; and a light distribution control device controlling the low beam unit to form a first illuminance reduction section in a partial area of ​​the multiple partial areas whose position in the vehicle width direction overlaps with the position of the vehicle in front in the vehicle width direction.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 131044 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] One of the specific purposes of this disclosure is to provide a technology that can reduce glare to vehicles ahead and further improve the forward visual recognition of the vehicle.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] [1] One aspect of the headlight control device of this disclosure is a device for controlling the operation of a headlight capable of illuminating low beams, supplementary beams, and selective high beams, wherein, The control device has the following features: A controller, which is connected to the headlight; and A forward monitoring sensor, connected to the controller, detects vehicles positioned in front of the vehicle. The additional beam includes: A first additional beam has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is located on either the left or right side of a vertical line referenced to the vehicle, i.e., a first side, and has an upper end at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle. The second portion is located on the other side of the vertical line, i.e., a second side, and has an upper end at a position lower than the horizontal line. The second additional beam has a third portion and a fourth portion, the third portion having an upper end on the second side at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle, and the fourth portion having an upper end on the first side at a position lower than the horizontal line. The controller is configured to perform the following control: Control the headlights to illuminate the low beam and the additional beam; Control the headlights to illuminate the selective high beam, which includes a dimming range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead detected by the forward monitoring sensor; and With the dimming range set, the headlights are controlled to dim the first additional beam in the additional beam.

[0010] [2] One aspect of the headlight control method disclosed herein is a method executed by a controller connected to the headlight for controlling the operation of a headlight capable of illuminating low beam, additional beam, and selective high beam. The additional beam includes: A first additional beam has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is located on either the left or right side of a vertical line referenced to the vehicle, i.e., a first side, and has an upper end at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle. The second portion is located on the other side of the vertical line, i.e., a second side, and has an upper end positioned below the horizontal line. The second additional beam has a third portion and a fourth portion, the third portion having an upper end on the second side at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle, and the fourth portion having an upper end on the first side at a position lower than the horizontal line. The controller includes the following controls: Control the headlights to illuminate the low beam and the additional beam; Control the headlights to illuminate the selective high beam, which includes a dimming range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead detected by the forward monitoring sensor; and With the dimming range set, the headlights are controlled to dim the first additional beam in the additional beam.

[0011] [3] One aspect of the headlight system of this disclosure includes: Headlights, which can provide low beam, additional beam, and selective high beam; A controller, which is connected to the headlight; and A forward monitoring sensor, connected to the controller, detects vehicles ahead of the vehicle, and the additional beam includes: A first additional beam has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is located on either the left or right side of a vertical line referenced to the vehicle, i.e., a first side, and has an upper end at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle. The second portion is located on the other side of the vertical line, i.e., a second side, and has an upper end at a position lower than the horizontal line. The second additional beam has a third portion and a fourth portion, the third portion having an upper end on the second side at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle, and the fourth portion having an upper end on the first side at a position lower than the horizontal line. The controller is configured to perform the following control: Control the headlights to illuminate the low beam and the additional beam; Control the headlights to illuminate the selective high beam, which includes a dimming range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead detected by the forward monitoring sensor; and With the dimming range set, the headlights are controlled to dim the first additional beam in the additional beam.

[0012] In addition, the concept of "light reduction" in this specification includes reducing the brightness of the irradiated light to 0, i.e., turning it off.

[0013] Based on the above structure, glare to vehicles ahead can be reduced, and the forward visual recognition of the vehicle can be further improved. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 (A) is a diagram showing the structure of a headlight system according to one embodiment. Figure 1 (B) is a diagram illustrating a computer system.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic front view showing an example of the structure of a headlight.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the positional relationship between this vehicle and an oncoming vehicle.

[0017] Figure 4 (A) is a diagram showing specific examples of the illumination range of the low beam, high beam, and additional beam. Figure 4 (B) is a diagram showing specific examples of the illumination range of the low beam and high beam, respectively.

[0018] Figure 5 (A) Figure 5 (B) Figure 5 (C) is a diagram showing a specific example of the illumination range of the additional beam.

[0019] Figure 6 (A) ~ Figure 6 (D) is a diagram used to illustrate the illumination patterns of low beam, high beam, and additional beam.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the sequence of actions of the headlight system.

[0021] Figure 8 (A) Figure 8 (B) is a diagram used to illustrate the position of the cross-sectional photometric value in the irradiation pattern.

[0022] Figure 9 (A) is a graph showing the cross-sectional luminosity at position 2R in the comparative example. Figure 9 (B) is a graph showing the cross-sectional photometric intensity at position 2R in the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 (A) is a graph showing the cross-sectional luminosity at position 2L in the comparative example. Figure 10 (B) is a graph showing the cross-sectional photometric intensity at position 2R in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figure 1 Figure (A) is a diagram showing the structure of a headlight system according to one embodiment. The illustrated headlight system is configured to include a controller (control device) 10, a forward monitoring sensor 11, and a pair of headlights 13L and 13R. This headlight system is installed in a vehicle and is used to illuminate the area in front of the vehicle. In this embodiment, it is envisioned that the controller 10 and the forward monitoring sensor 11 are located on the vehicle side, but one or both of the controller 10 and the forward monitoring sensor 11 may also be located within the housing of the headlights 13L and / or 13R.

[0025] The controller 10 is connected to the forward monitoring sensor 11 and to each of the headlights 13L and 13R to control various operations of the headlight system. Furthermore, the controller 10 is configured to detect the operating status of the light switches 12 located in the vehicle. For example, the controller 10 detects the operating status of the light switch 12 located in the driver's seat and sends a corresponding control signal to each of the headlights 13L and 13R.

[0026] The forward monitoring sensor 11 is connected to the controller 10 and detects the position, size, and type of objects present in front of the vehicle. Examples of objects and their types that can be detected include vehicles ahead (vehicles traveling in the same direction, oncoming vehicles), pedestrians, bicycles, road signs, and obstacles. As an example, the forward monitoring sensor 11 can be configured using a camera that captures images of the space in front of the vehicle, and an image processor that performs image processing on the images captured by the camera to determine the position of objects.

[0027] The classification of a vehicle ahead, i.e., whether it is a leading vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, can be based on, for example, the color of the lights. For instance, if a pair of white or similar colored lights are detected, it can be identified as an oncoming vehicle, and if a pair of red or similar colored lights are detected, it can be identified as a leading vehicle.

[0028] In addition, the forward monitoring sensor 11 can be, for example, an optical ranging sensor such as LiDAR, or a radar, ultrasonic sensor, etc., and can be used in conjunction with the image processing described above.

[0029] The headlights 13L and 13R are capable of illuminating the space in front of the vehicle with low beam, supplemental beam, and selective high beam, and are equipped with a low beam unit 30, an ADB unit 31, and a supplemental beam unit 32. For example... Figure 2 As shown in the schematic front view, in each headlight 13L, 13R, for example, the low beam unit 30 and the ADB unit 31 are integrally formed, while the additional beam unit 32 is separately formed from the low beam unit 30 and the ADB unit 31. They are arranged adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction. In addition, each unit can be formed entirely separately or entirely as an integral unit. That is, there is no particular limitation on the configuration of each unit.

[0030] Each low beam unit 30 is configured to illuminate the space in front of the vehicle with low beam (meeting beam) based on a control signal supplied from the control signal generation unit 21 of the controller 10. The low beam unit 30 of the headlight 13L is located on the front left side of the vehicle, and the low beam unit 30 of the headlight 13R is located on the front right side of the vehicle. The light illuminating the front of the vehicle from each low beam unit 30 is combined to form the low beam.

[0031] Each ADB unit 31 is configured to illuminate the space in front of the vehicle with high beams based on a control signal supplied from the control signal generation unit 21 of the controller 10. The ADB unit 31 of the headlight 13L is located on the front left side of the vehicle, and the ADB unit 31 of the headlight 13R is located on the front right side of the vehicle. The illumination light generated by each ADB unit 31 overlaps in front of the vehicle to form high beams. In addition, each ADB unit 31 is a variable beam distribution unit, which, when there are objects such as oncoming vehicles, sets the light reduction range corresponding to the position of the object within the illumination range of the high beams to form selective high beams (adaptive drive beams).

[0032] Each ADB unit 31 can be configured to include a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements arranged in two directions and a lens for converging the light emitted from these light-emitting elements. Furthermore, various known types of ADB units can be used as each ADB unit 31, such as an ADB unit that uses a liquid crystal element to control the light reduction range and the light illumination range, an ADB unit that scans the light emitted from a laser element using a light deflector and simultaneously causes the laser element to rapidly light up and extinguish, thereby controlling the light reduction range and the light illumination range, and an ADB unit that selectively uses multiple shielding plates to block a portion of the light emitted from the light source, thereby controlling the light reduction range and the light illumination range.

[0033] Each additional beam unit 32 is configured to irradiate an additional beam onto a portion of the area included in the low beam illumination range based on a control signal supplied from the control signal generation unit 21 of the controller 10. Specific examples of the portion of the area irradiated by the additional beam will be described later.

[0034] To facilitate understanding of the functions of controller 10, function blocks are used for explanation. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the controller 10 is configured to include a light distribution pattern setting unit (light distribution pattern setting function) 20 and a control signal generation unit (control signal generation function) 21.

[0035] The light distribution pattern setting unit 20 sets the light reduction range (or light blocking range) and light illumination range of the ADB function of each ADB unit 31 based on the position of the vehicle ahead (leading vehicle or oncoming vehicle) detected by the forward monitoring sensor 11. In addition, the light distribution pattern setting unit 20 can variably control the brightness of the additional beam of each additional beam unit 32.

[0036] The control signal generation unit 21 generates a control signal for each ADB unit 31 to form an illumination light corresponding to the light distribution pattern set by the light distribution pattern setting unit 20, and supplies the control signal to each ADB unit 31. Additionally, the control signal generation unit 21 generates a control signal for each additional beam unit 32 to form an additional beam corresponding to the brightness set by the light distribution pattern setting unit 20, and supplies the control signal to each additional beam unit 32. Furthermore, the control signal generation unit 21 generates a control signal for each low beam unit 30 to illuminate low beams based on the operating state of the vehicle's light switch 12, and supplies the control signal to each low beam unit 30.

[0037] In addition, if the vehicle has the function of automatically turning on and off the headlights 13L and 13R according to the ambient illuminance, this function can also be used to turn on the low beam units 30, etc.

[0038] Figure 1 (B) is a diagram illustrating a computer system. The illustrated computer system can be constructed using a computer system equipped with a processor (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 201, ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, flash memory and other storage devices 204, input / output interfaces 205, etc. In this computer system, by reading and executing a program 206 pre-stored in the storage device 204 by the processor, it becomes capable of performing various functions. The aforementioned controller 10 can be implemented, for example, using such a computer system.

[0039] Figure 3 This diagram schematically illustrates an example of the positional relationship between this vehicle and an oncoming vehicle. As shown, in this embodiment, it is envisioned that traffic regulations are stipulated such that the oncoming vehicle 110 travels on the left side relative to this vehicle 100. That is, in this embodiment, the right side corresponds to the "first side," and the left side corresponds to the "second side." Furthermore, in the case where traffic regulations are stipulated such that the oncoming vehicle travels on the right side relative to this vehicle, the method of using... Figure 4 The near beam 50, far beam 51, and additional beams 52a and 52b, as shown in the inverted shape, are obtained. In this case, the left side corresponds to the "first side" and the right side corresponds to the "second side".

[0040] Figure 4 (A) is a diagram showing specific examples of the illumination range of the low beam, high beam, and additional beam. Figure 4(B) is a diagram showing specific examples of the illumination range of the low beam and high beam, respectively. Here, the main visual shape of each beam is shown on an imaginary vertical screen at a predetermined position in front of the vehicle (e.g., 25m ahead). Figure 3 In the diagram, the horizontal line H and the vertical line V are based on the positions of the headlights 13L and 13R in this vehicle, respectively.

[0041] The low beam 50 is formed as a relatively wide illumination light at a position lower than the cutoff line CL. In this embodiment, the cutoff line CL corresponds to the upper end of the low beam 50, that is, the boundary line where the illuminance on the imaginary vertical screen of the low beam 50 becomes below a predetermined value. The cutoff line CL includes: a first portion, which is located on the right side of the vertical line V in the figure and extends in a generally horizontal direction, substantially overlapping with the horizontal line H; a second portion, which is located on the left side of the vertical line V in the figure and extends in a generally horizontal direction at a position lower than the first portion; and a third portion, which connects the ends of the first portion and the second portion and extends obliquely, overlapping with the vertical line V.

[0042] The high beam 51 is an illumination beam formed primarily above the horizontal line H with a narrower width than the low beam 50. In this embodiment, the high beam 51 includes a portion above the horizontal line H and a portion below the horizontal line H. The portion of the high beam 51 below the horizontal line H partially overlaps with the low beam 50 and the additional beams 52a and 52b. The illumination range of the high beam 51 is locally reduced depending on the position of the vehicle ahead (see below). Figure 6 (C) has a light reduction range of 53).

[0043] The additional beams 52a and 52b are illumination beams formed within a range whose width (horizontal length) and height (vertical length) are both shorter than that of the low beam 50. In this embodiment, the upper ends of each of the additional beams 52a and 52b are approximately aligned with the horizontal line H, and their lower ends are located above the lower end of the low beam 50 in the figure, with a width narrower than that of the low beam 50. Furthermore, the additional beams 52a and 52b have a symmetrical shape separated by the vertical line V. The height of each of the additional beams 52a and 52b is preferably set to, for example, less than 1 / 3 of the height of the low beam 50. Therefore, even when the additional beams 52a and 52b are dimmed, their range can be further reduced, suppressing the reduction in forward visual recognition.

[0044] In this embodiment, the low beam 50 supplements the light amount by overlapping the illumination of the supplementary beam 52a on the right, thereby obtaining illumination light with the same illuminance distribution as the normal low beam. Furthermore, by reducing (or extinguishing) the illumination of the supplementary beam 52a, a portion of the low beam (the area illuminated by the supplementary beam 52a) can be reduced in brightness. On the other hand, as described later, the supplementary beam 52b on the left is illuminated when the high beam 51 is turned on.

[0045] Figure 5 Figure (A) is a diagram showing a specific example of the illumination range of the additional beam 52a. The additional beam (first additional beam) 52a has: a first portion 55a, which is positioned to the right of the vertical line V in the figure; and a second portion 55b, which is connected to the first portion 55a and extends from the right to the left of the vertical line V. The upper end of the first portion 55a is approximately aligned with the first part of the cutoff line CL. The upper end of the second portion 55b is approximately aligned with the second part of the cutoff line CL. In comparing the first portion 55a and the second portion 55b, the upper end of the first portion 55a is positioned relatively higher than the upper end of the second portion 55b. Furthermore, the lower end of the first portion 55a is approximately aligned with the lower end of the second portion 55b. The gap between the second part 55b and the horizontal line H can be set to about 0.2° to 1.0° in the vertical direction, based on the position of each headlight 13L, 13R, and preferably to about 0.5° to 1.0°.

[0046] Figure 5 Figure (B) is a diagram showing a specific example of the illumination range of the additional beam 52b. The additional beam (second additional beam) 52b has: a third portion 56a, which is positioned to the left of the vertical line V in the diagram; and a fourth portion 56b, which is connected to the third portion 56a and is positioned from the left to the right of the vertical line V. The upper end of the third portion 56a is located above the second part of the cutoff line CL, and this upper end is approximately aligned with the horizontal line H. In addition, the upper end of the fourth portion 56b is located below the first part of the cutoff line CL, and this upper end is located below the horizontal line H. The gap between the fourth portion 56b and the horizontal line H can be set to approximately 0.2° to 1.0° in the vertical direction, based on the positions of each headlamp 13L, 13R, preferably 0.5° to 1.0°.

[0047] Figure 5(C) is a diagram showing the overlapping of additional beams 52a and 52b. The combined range of the additional beams 52a and 52b includes a range 60a that can only illuminate the additional beam 52a, a range 60b that can only illuminate the additional beam 52b, and a range 60c that can overlap in illuminating both the additional beams 52a and 52b. Range 60a is the portion of the first part 55a of the additional beam 52a that does not overlap with the additional beam 52b. Range 60b is the portion of the third part 56a of the additional beam 52b that does not overlap with the additional beam 52a. Range 60c is the portion where a portion of the additional beams 52a and 52b overlap. Within ranges 60a and 60b, the presence or absence of light reduction can be controlled within a narrow angle range of approximately 0.5° to 1.0° in their respective vertical directions.

[0048] Generally, improving the angular resolution of light distribution control in a variable light distribution unit is technically or costly. Currently, the angular resolution is 3° to 4° or higher, making it difficult to achieve an angular resolution of around 0.5° to 1.0°. In contrast, for example, if a fixed light distribution structure is used without considering variable light distribution, the additional beams 52a and 52b shown in this embodiment can be realized. Therefore, by combining them for illumination, a range 60a and 60b that can control the presence or absence of light reduction within a narrow angle range of approximately 0.5° to 1.0° in the vertical direction can be obtained.

[0049] Figure 6 (A) ~ Figure 6 (D) is a diagram illustrating the illumination patterns of low beam, high beam, and additional beam. When the lamp switch 12 is in the operating state indicating only low beam illumination, as shown... Figure 6 As shown in (A), a near beam 50 is irradiated, and an additional beam 52a corresponding to a portion of its range is irradiated.

[0050] Additionally, when the operation status indicator of light switch 12 shows low beam and high beam illumination, such as Figure 6 As shown in (B), the low beam 50, high beam 51, and additional beams 52a and 52b are illuminated. Furthermore, when the light switch 12 is in the state of indicating low beam and selective high beam illumination and there are no vehicles ahead, since no dimming range is set within the illumination range of high beam 51, it also becomes... Figure 6 The irradiation state shown in (B).

[0051] Additionally, when the light switch 12 is in operation and indicates low beam or selective high beam, if there is a vehicle ahead, such as Figure 6As shown in (C), low beam 50, high beam 51, and additional beams 52a and 52b are illuminated. At this time, as shown, a light reduction range 53 corresponding to the position of the vehicle in front is set within the illumination range of high beam 51. Furthermore, with light reduction range 53 set, the additional beam 52a is reduced in brightness regardless of its position. Additionally, in the case of multiple vehicles in front, sometimes... Figure 6 As shown in (D), the overall illumination range of the high beam 51 is set to a reduced range.

[0052] In these cases, since the area 60a illuminating only the additional beam 52a is dimmed, glare to vehicles ahead can be reduced. The vertical height of this dimmed area 60a can be set to approximately 0.5° to 1.0°, thus reducing glare and suppressing a decrease in forward visual visibility. Furthermore, since the area 60b illuminating only the additional beam 52b is not dimmed, supplementary lighting can be provided between the upper end of the low beam 50 and the horizontal line H. This also suppresses a decrease in forward visual visibility. Moreover, regarding the area 60c illuminating both the additional beam 52a and the additional beam 52b, since the additional beam 52b is not dimmed, a decrease in brightness in area 60c is also suppressed. Therefore, a decrease in forward visual visibility can be suppressed.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the sequence of actions of the headlight system. Furthermore, the order of the processes shown here can be rearranged as long as there are no contradictions or mismatches in the results of information processing. Additionally, other processes not explicitly shown here can be added.

[0054] When the headlight switch 12 is turned on, i.e., in the state indicating the operation of the headlights 13L and 13R (step S11; Yes), and in the state indicating selective high beam (ADB) illumination (step S12; Yes), the light distribution pattern setting unit 20 of the controller 10 instructs the control signal generation unit 21 to perform low beam and additional beam illumination. According to this instruction, the control signal generation unit 21 supplies control signals to each low beam unit 30 and each additional beam unit 32, thereby performing low beam and additional beam illumination.

[0055] If the light switch 12 is not turned on (step S11; no), or if the light is not in a state indicating selective high beam illumination (step S12; no), return to step S11.

[0056] Additionally, the beam pattern setting unit 20 instructs the control signal generation unit 21 to selectively illuminate the high beam based on a beam pattern having a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead (oncoming vehicle or preceding vehicle) detected by the forward monitoring sensor 11. Based on this instruction, the control signal generation unit 21 supplies control signals to each ADB unit 31, thereby performing selective high beam illumination (step S13).

[0057] When the light distribution pattern setting unit 20 sets the light reduction range corresponding to the vehicle in front (step S14; Yes), it instructs the control signal generation unit 21 to reduce the light of the additional beam 52a (first additional beam).

[0058] According to the instruction, the control signal generation unit 21 supplies control signals to each additional beam unit 32, thereby reducing the light intensity of the additional beam 52a (step S15). Regarding the degree of light reduction, for example, it can be set to a light reduction rate of 20% by comparing with the non-light reduction state. When step S15 is completed, return to step S11.

[0059] On the other hand, if no light reduction range is set (step S14; no), the light distribution pattern setting unit 20 instructs the control signal generation unit 21 to maintain the luminance of the additional beam 52a as it is. According to this instruction, a control signal is supplied from the control signal generation unit 21 to each additional beam unit 32, thereby maintaining the additional beam 52a as it is, i.e., maintaining an unreduced light state (step S16). When step S16 is completed, the process returns to step S11.

[0060] Furthermore, in step S14 above, the processing can also be based on the presence or absence of the vehicle in front, rather than on the setting of the light reduction range. That is, step S14 can be processed as follows: if a vehicle in front is present, the determination is affirmative in step S14; if a vehicle in front is not present, the determination is negative in step S14.

[0061] Specific examples of the effects obtained by the headlight system according to this embodiment will be described. Here, as... Figure 8 As shown in (A), the cross-sectional luminosity of the illumination light in the vertical direction is studied by combining the additional beams 52a and 52b at positions 2° to the right of the vertical line V (denoted as 2R in the figure) and 2° to the left of the vertical line V (denoted as 2L in the figure) on an imaginary vertical screen. Regarding the additional beam 52a, it is assumed to illuminate with a light reduction rate of 20%.

[0062] In addition, as a comparative example, the study used, for example... Figure 8The diagram shows the cross-sectional luminance in the vertical direction of the irradiated light at positions 2° to the right (represented as 2R) and 2° to the left (represented as 2L) on an imaginary vertical screen in the case of the additional beam 152a shown in (B). The additional beam 152a is set to irradiate with a 20% reduction rate. In the comparative example, the additional beam 152a is positioned to the right of the vertical line V in the diagram, and its vertical height is set to the same as that of the additional beam 52a in this embodiment.

[0063] Figure 9 (A) is a graph showing the cross-sectional luminosity at position 2R in the comparative example. Figure 9 (B) is a graph showing the cross-sectional photometric intensity at position 2R in the embodiment. Figure 9 As shown in (A), in the comparative example, compared with the luminous cross section a1 before light reduction of the added beam 152a, the luminous cross section a2 after light reduction has a reduced overall luminous intensity, thus resulting in a decrease in forward visual recognition.

[0064] In contrast, such as Figure 9 As shown in (B), in this embodiment, if the luminance section b1 before light reduction and the luminance section b2 after light reduction of the additional beam 52a are compared, the reduction in luminance is suppressed at a position lower than 1° in the vertical direction (the UD angle in the figure is in the range of 1° to 5°), while the luminance is reduced at a position higher than 0.5° in the vertical direction (the position to the right of the position indicated as 0.5D in the figure).

[0065] That is, in the embodiment, the luminance of the low beam illumination range, i.e. the range relatively close to the vehicle, is maintained with almost no reduction, thereby preventing a decrease in forward visual recognition and suppressing luminance above 0.5°, thereby reducing glare to vehicles in front.

[0066] Figure 10 (A) is a graph showing the cross-sectional luminosity at position 2L in the comparative example. Figure 10 (B) is a graph showing the cross-sectional photometric intensity at position 2L in the embodiment. Figure 10 As shown in (A), in the comparative example, compared with the luminance section a3 before the light reduction of the added beam 152a, the luminance section a4 after the light reduction is reduced overall, thus resulting in a decrease in forward visual recognition.

[0067] In contrast, such as Figure 10As shown in (B), in the embodiment, if the luminance section b3 before light reduction of the additional beam 52a is compared with the luminance section b4 after light reduction, the reduction in luminance is suppressed at a position lower than 1° in the vertical direction (the UD angle in the figure is in the range of 1° to 5°), while the luminance is reduced at a position higher than 0.5° in the vertical direction (the range to the right of the position indicated by 0.5D in the figure).

[0068] That is, in the embodiment, the luminance of the low beam illumination range, i.e., the range relatively close to the vehicle, is maintained with almost no reduction, thereby preventing a decrease in forward visual recognition and suppressing luminance above 0.5°, thereby reducing glare to vehicles ahead. In addition, in the comparative example, the luminance at the gap between the upper end of the low beam 50 and the horizontal line H (the part directly below the horizontal line H; the range above 0.5° in the figure) is lower, especially when the high beam 51 is not illuminating, further improving forward visual recognition. In contrast, in the embodiment, this gap is also filled with additional beam 52b, thus further improving forward visual recognition.

[0069] According to the above-described implementation method, glare to vehicles ahead can be reduced, and the forward visual recognition of the vehicle can be further improved.

[0070] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the spirit of this disclosure. For example, in the above embodiments, the assumption is that an oncoming vehicle is traveling on the left relative to the vehicle (see [reference]). Figure 3 However, the relative position between this vehicle and the oncoming vehicle can also be reversed. That is, the technical concept of this disclosure can also be applied when the oncoming vehicle is traveling on the right relative to this vehicle. In this case, as described above, using... Figure 4 The shape shown is the inverted shape of the near beam, high beam, and additional beam.

[0071] This disclosure has the following appendix structure.

[0072] (Note 1)

[0073] A headlight control device is provided for controlling the operation of a headlight capable of illuminating low beams, supplemental beams, and selective high beams. The control device has the following features: A controller, which is connected to the headlight; and A forward monitoring sensor, connected to the controller, detects vehicles positioned in front of the vehicle. The additional beam includes: A first additional beam has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is located on either the left or right side of a vertical line referenced to the vehicle, i.e., a first side, and has an upper end at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle. The second portion is located on the other side of the vertical line, i.e., a second side, and has an upper end at a position lower than the horizontal line. The second additional beam has a third portion and a fourth portion, the third portion having an upper end on the second side at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle, and the fourth portion having an upper end on the first side at a position lower than the horizontal line. The controller is configured to perform the following control: Control the headlights to illuminate the low beam and the additional beam; Control the headlights to illuminate the selective high beam, which includes a dimming range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead detected by the forward monitoring sensor; and With the dimming range set, the headlights are controlled to dim the first additional beam in the additional beam.

[0074] (Note 2)

[0075] According to the headlight control device described in Appendix 1, wherein, The first additional beam and the second additional beam are symmetrical in shape.

[0076] (Note 3)

[0077] According to the headlight control device described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein, The lower ends of the first and second additional beams are at the same height.

[0078] (Note 4)

[0079] The headlight control device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein... The first portion of the first additional beam generates a range that overlaps with the fourth portion of the second additional beam and a range that does not overlap with the second additional beam; the third portion of the second additional beam generates a range that overlaps with the second portion of the first additional beam and a range that does not overlap with the first additional beam.

[0080] (Note 5)

[0081] The headlight control device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein... The vertical angle range of the portion of the first additional beam that does not overlap with the second additional beam and / or the portion of the third additional beam that does not overlap with the first additional beam is 0.2° to 1.0°.

[0082] (Note 6)

[0083] The headlight control device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein, The upper end of the low beam includes: a first portion located on the second side relative to the plumb line and extending in a generally horizontal direction in a manner that substantially overlaps with the horizontal line; a second portion located on the first side relative to the plumb line and extending in a generally horizontal direction at a position relatively lower than the first portion; and a third portion connecting the ends of the first portion and the second portion and extending obliquely in a manner that overlaps with the plumb line.

[0084] (Note 7)

[0085] The headlight control device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, wherein... The headlight includes a first unit that illuminates the low beam, a second unit that illuminates the selective high beam, and a third unit that illuminates the additional beam.

[0086] (Note 8)

[0087] A method for controlling a headlight, wherein the method is for controlling the operation of a headlight capable of illuminating low beam, supplemental beam, and selective high beam, and is executed by a controller connected to the headlight, wherein... The additional beam includes: A first additional beam has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is located on either the left or right side of a vertical line referenced to the vehicle, i.e., a first side, and has an upper end at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle. The second portion is located on the other side of the vertical line, i.e., a second side, and has an upper end positioned below the horizontal line. The second additional beam has a third portion and a fourth portion, the third portion having an upper end on the second side at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle, and the fourth portion having an upper end on the first side at a position lower than the horizontal line. The controller includes the following controls: Control the headlights to illuminate the low beam and the additional beam; Control the headlights to illuminate the selective high beam, which includes a dimming range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead detected by the forward monitoring sensor; and With the dimming range set, the headlights are controlled to dim the first additional beam in the additional beam.

[0088] (Note 9)

[0089] A headlight system comprising: Headlights, which can provide low beam, additional beam, and selective high beam; A controller, which is connected to the headlight; and A forward monitoring sensor, connected to the controller, detects vehicles ahead of the vehicle, and the additional beam includes: A first additional beam has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is located on either the left or right side of a vertical line referenced to the vehicle, i.e., a first side, and has an upper end at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle. The second portion is located on the other side of the vertical line, i.e., a second side, and has an upper end at a position lower than the horizontal line. The second additional beam has a third portion and a fourth portion, the third portion having an upper end on the second side at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle, and the fourth portion having an upper end on the first side at a position lower than the horizontal line. The controller is configured to perform the following control: Control the headlights to illuminate the low beam and the additional beam; Control the headlights to illuminate the selective high beam, which includes a dimming range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead detected by the forward monitoring sensor; and With the dimming range set, the headlights are controlled to dim the first additional beam in the additional beam.

[0090] Label Explanation

[0091] 10: Controller; 11: Forward monitoring sensor; 12: Steering angle sensor; 13L, 13R: Headlights; 14: Light switch; 20: Light distribution pattern setting unit; 21: Control signal generation unit; 30: Low beam unit; 31: ADB unit; 32: Additional beam unit; 50: Low beam; 51: High beam; 52a, 52b: Additional beam; 53: Dimming range; 100: This vehicle; 110: Oncoming vehicle.

Claims

1. A headlight control device, the control device being used to control the operation of a headlight capable of illuminating low beams, supplementary beams, and selective high beams, wherein, The control device has the following features: A controller, which is connected to the headlight; and A forward monitoring sensor, connected to the controller, detects vehicles positioned in front of the vehicle. The additional beam includes: A first additional beam has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is located on either the left or right side of a vertical line referenced to the vehicle, i.e., a first side, and has an upper end at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle. The second portion is located on the other side of the vertical line, i.e., a second side, and has an upper end at a position lower than the horizontal line. The second additional beam has a third portion and a fourth portion, the third portion having an upper end on the second side at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle, and the fourth portion having an upper end on the first side at a position lower than the horizontal line. The controller is configured to perform the following control: Control the headlights to illuminate the low beam and the additional beam; Control the headlights to illuminate the selective high beam, which includes a dimming range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead detected by the forward monitoring sensor; and With the dimming range set, the headlights are controlled to dim the first additional beam in the additional beam.

2. The headlight control device according to claim 1, wherein, The first additional beam and the second additional beam are symmetrical in shape.

3. The headlight control device according to claim 1, wherein, The lower ends of the first and second additional beams are at the same height.

4. The headlight control device according to claim 1, wherein, At the first location of the first additional beam, a range overlapping with the fourth location of the second additional beam and a range not overlapping with the second additional beam are generated; at the third location of the second additional beam, a range overlapping with the second location of the first additional beam and a range not overlapping with the first additional beam are generated.

5. The headlight control device according to claim 1, wherein, The vertical angle range of the portion of the first additional beam that does not overlap with the second additional beam and / or the portion of the third additional beam that does not overlap with the first additional beam is 0.2° to 1.0°.

6. The headlight control device according to claim 1, wherein, The upper end of the low beam includes: a first portion located on the second side relative to the plumb line and extending in a generally horizontal direction in a manner that substantially overlaps with the horizontal line; a second portion located on the first side relative to the plumb line and extending in a generally horizontal direction at a position relatively lower than the first portion; and a third portion connecting the ends of the first portion and the second portion and extending obliquely in a manner that overlaps with the plumb line.

7. The headlight control device according to claim 1, wherein, The headlight includes a first unit that illuminates the low beam, a second unit that illuminates the selective high beam, and a third unit that illuminates the additional beam.

8. A method for controlling a headlight, the method being for controlling the operation of a headlight capable of illuminating low beam, additional beam, and selective high beam, and being executed by a controller connected to the headlight, wherein... The additional beam includes: A first additional beam has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is located on either the left or right side of a vertical line referenced to the vehicle, i.e., a first side, and has an upper end at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle. The second portion is located on the other side of the vertical line, i.e., a second side, and has an upper end positioned below the horizontal line. The second additional beam has a third portion and a fourth portion, the third portion having an upper end on the second side at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle, and the fourth portion having an upper end on the first side at a position lower than the horizontal line. The controller includes the following controls: Control the headlights to illuminate the low beam and the additional beam; Control the headlights to illuminate the selective high beam, which includes a dimming range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead detected by the forward monitoring sensor; and With the dimming range set, the headlights are controlled to dim the first additional beam in the additional beam.

9. A headlight system comprising: Headlights, which can provide low beam, additional beam, and selective high beam; A controller, which is connected to the headlight; and A forward monitoring sensor, connected to the controller, detects vehicles ahead of the vehicle, and the additional beam includes: A first additional beam has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is located on either the left or right side of a vertical line referenced to the vehicle, i.e., a first side, and has an upper end at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle. The second portion is located on the other side of the vertical line, i.e., a second side, and has an upper end at a position lower than the horizontal line. The second additional beam has a third portion and a fourth portion, the third portion having an upper end on the second side at approximately the same height as a horizontal line referenced to the vehicle, and the fourth portion having an upper end on the first side at a position lower than the horizontal line. The controller is configured to perform the following control: Control the headlights to illuminate the low beam and the additional beam; The headlights are controlled to illuminate the selective high beam, which includes a dimming range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead detected by the forward monitoring sensor. as well as With the dimming range set, the headlights are controlled to dim the first additional beam in the additional beam.

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