Vehicle headlight device

Abstract

A vehicle headlight device comprises: a headlight that illuminates in front of a vehicle; a beam pattern-changing device for changing the beam pattern of the headlight; a detection device for detecting the position of a vehicle ahead; a control device for controlling the beam pattern-changing device based on a detection result from the detection device; and a determination device for determining whether the position of the vehicle ahead is within the beam pattern or not. If it is determined that the position of the vehicle ahead is within the beam pattern, the device changes the beam pattern so that the position of the vehicle ahead falls outside the beam pattern.If it is determined that the position of the vehicle in front is outside the illuminated area, the device either does not change the illuminated area or, with the illuminated area change device, performs a control to suppress a change in the illuminated area.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle headlight devices. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Adaptive front headlight systems (AFS) are known from the state of the art, which control the directions of optical axes of headlights according to the steering direction in order to improve the safety of the vehicle when driving at night.

[0003] Furthermore, headlight systems with variable high beams (or adaptive driving lights) are known that utilize a light distribution pattern known as "intermediate high beam." This light distribution pattern dims a portion corresponding to a vehicle ahead (either a vehicle traveling in front or an oncoming vehicle), while illuminating other areas with high beams. Such systems also detect the position of the vehicle ahead using image processing information from a vehicle camera and adjust the dimmed area to follow the vehicle ahead, thus ensuring a wide field of vision and making it easy to see pedestrians without dazzling the driver of the vehicle in front.

[0004] Furthermore, patent document 1 discloses a vehicle headlight device that calculates coordinate information about a vehicle ahead based on information captured by a camera and swivels the headlights with an actuator to move the illuminated area to the left or right, thereby making the dimmed area follow the vehicle ahead. PRINTED FORMS FROM THE STATE OF THE ART Patent literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP 2012-020715 A SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problem to be solved with the invention

[0006] However, an evaluation of the vehicle headlight device disclosed in patent document 1 in a state mounted on a vehicle revealed that it can sometimes feel disruptive. For example, a vehicle ahead moves regardless of the intentions of the driver of a following vehicle; therefore, if the vehicle ahead frequently makes steering maneuvers, it can be disconcerting if the range or illumination area of ​​the headlights of the following vehicle meticulously follows the movement of the vehicle ahead.

[0007] Furthermore, if there is a reflective wall in the vicinity of the vehicle in front, the reflective wall may be mistakenly perceived as the vehicle in front. In this case, the headlights are swiveled away from the vehicle in front to direct their beam away from the reflective wall. However, since the reflective wall, now out of the beam's path, does not reflect light, the headlights are swiveled back towards the vehicle in front. The reflective wall then reflects light again, and the headlights are once more swiveled away from the vehicle in front to direct their beam away from the reflective wall. Consequently, a trailing effect occurs, in which the aforementioned processes are repeated; this is disruptive.

[0008] In addition, compared to dipped beam headlights, intermediate high beam headlights illuminate not only a distant area but also a nearby area. Therefore, the movement of the illuminated area, which lights up trees and noise barriers at the roadside, is easily perceived, which is distracting.

[0009] Although the perception of such problems varies from person to person, some people find it difficult to concentrate or become tired as a result. It is therefore desirable to implement a control mechanism so that the driver is not disturbed by such issues.

[0010] The present invention was made in light of the problems described above. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlight device that does not dazzle the driver or occupants of a vehicle traveling ahead and does not disturb the driver of the vehicle in front. Means to solve the problem

[0011] According to the invention as described in claim 1, which solves the problem described above, a vehicle headlight device comprises: a headlight that shines in front of a vehicle; a beam range change device for changing a beam range of the headlight; a detection device for detecting a position of a front vehicle located in front of the vehicle; and a control device for controlling the beam range change device based on a detection result of the detection device.The invention is characterized in that the vehicle headlight device further comprises: a determining device for determining whether the position of the front vehicle is within the illuminated area or not, wherein, if the determining device determines that the position of the front vehicle is within the illuminated area, the control device controls the illuminated area change device in such a way that it changes the illuminated area so that the position of the front vehicle falls outside the illuminated area, and, if it is determined that the position of the front vehicle is outside the illuminated area, the control device does not change the illuminated area or performs a control operation with the illuminated area change device to suppress a change in the illuminated area.

[0012] In the configuration described above, if the control unit determines that the position of the vehicle in front is within the headlights' illumination range, it controls the beam pattern adjustment device to modify the illumination range so that the position of the vehicle in front falls outside the range. Consequently, the driver or any occupant of the vehicle in front is not dazzled. Furthermore, if it determines that the position of the vehicle in front is outside the illumination range, the control unit either does not modify the illumination range or uses the beam pattern adjustment device to suppress any change in the illumination range. As a result, the driver of the vehicle in front is not bothered by the frequent movement of the beam pattern.

[0013] The invention as described in claim 2 is characterized in that the detection device comprises a camera that captures an image in front of the vehicle, and an image processing device that generates image information based on the image captured by the camera, which includes a coordinate of the front vehicle; the detection device identifies the position of the front vehicle by means of an end coordinate that indicates a lateral position of one end of the front vehicle in the vehicle width direction;The determining device makes the determination based on a comparison between a reference coordinate, which indicates an inner boundary position of the illuminated area, and the end coordinate, and, if the determining device determines that the position of the front vehicle is within the illuminated area, the control device controls the illuminated area modification device to change the illuminated area in order to bring the reference coordinate into alignment with the end coordinate.

[0014] In the configuration described above, the detection device, based on images captured in front of the vehicle, generates image information containing the coordinates of the vehicle in front and identifies the position of the vehicle in front by means of an end coordinate that indicates the lateral position of one end of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. Consequently, it is possible to accurately detect the vehicle in front within a short time. Furthermore, the determination device makes its determination based on a comparison between the reference coordinate, which indicates an inner boundary position of the illuminated area, and the end coordinate. If the determination device determines that the position of the vehicle in front lies within the illuminated area, the control unit controls the illuminated area adjustment device to modify the illuminated area to align the reference coordinate with the end coordinate.Consequently, it is possible to move the illuminated area to the correct position.

[0015] The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that the determining device calculates a deviation between the reference coordinate, which indicates the inner boundary position of the illuminated area, and the end coordinate, and makes the determination based on this deviation. With this configuration, it is possible for the control device to independently control the illuminated area adjustment device when the deviation is large and when the deviation is small. Consequently, it is possible to adjust the illuminated area appropriately for the respective situations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0016] Fig. Figure 1 shows a diagram of functional blocks illustrating the overall structure of a vehicle headlight device according to one embodiment;

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the structure of a headlight;

[0018] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the light distribution pattern in the intermediate high beam as seen from above;

[0019] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the light distribution pattern in the intermediate high beam from the perspective of a driver's seat;

[0020] Fig. Figure 5 shows a flowchart to illustrate a process of an ECU (electronic control unit) for controlling the illuminated area of ​​the headlight;

[0021] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the case in which the headlight's illumination area overlaps the vehicle in front;

[0022] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic view of the case in which the illuminated area of ​​the headlight deviates from the vehicle ahead by a predetermined angle or more; and

[0023] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic view of the case in which the illuminated area of ​​the headlight deviates from the vehicle in front by less than the specified angle. FORMS OF EXECUTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The following is a vehicle headlight device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, referring to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 8 described. As in Fig. As shown in 1, the vehicle headlight assembly includes 1 a vehicle camera 2 , a steering angle sensor 3 , a wheel speed sensor 4 , an ECU (electronic control unit) 5 and headlights 6 and 7 .

[0025] The vehicle camera 2 It is located within the windshield of a vehicle. The vehicle camera 2 It takes a picture in front of the vehicle and sends the data to the ECU. 5The steering angle sensor 3 is an existing sensor for an ESC (Electronic Stability Program) that is located in a steering mechanism. The steering angle sensor 3 It detects the vehicle's steering angle and sends a steering angle signal, indicating the detection results, to the ECU. 5 The wheel speed sensor 4 This is an existing sensor designed for use in an ABS (anti-lock braking system). The wheel speed sensor 4 It detects the rotational speed of a wheel of the vehicle and sends a wheel speed signal, indicating the detection results, to the ECU. 5 .

[0026] The ECU 5 is a control unit for controlling the headlights 6 and 7 In particular, the ECU 5 an image processing section 51 , a defining part 52 as well as a control unit 53The image processing section 51 performs image processing of the data from the vehicle camera 2 It processes and calculates the position of a vehicle in front (a vehicle traveling ahead or an oncoming vehicle) in the form of coordinates. The determination part 52 Determines the direction and magnitude of the deviation between the position of the vehicle in front and the beam range or illumination areas of the headlights. The control unit 53 points the headlights 6 and 7 to switch light distribution patterns and perform a panning action. Furthermore, the control unit can 53 based on the steering angle signal from the steering angle sensor 3 is output, and the wheel speed signal that is generated by the wheel speed sensor 4 is issued, the headlights 6 and 7 instruct it to perform a swiveling movement as with a conventional AFS.

[0027] The headlights 6 and 7 These are a pair of headlights mounted on the left and right sides of the vehicle to illuminate the area in front of it. As in Fig. As shown in section 2, each of the headlights includes 6 and 7 a light source 11 , a lens 12 , an aperture mechanism 13 as well as an actuator 14 The light source 11 It's a halogen lamp. The aperture mechanism 13 It comprises a plurality of aperture plates or apertures not shown. The aperture mechanism 13 forms according to a command from the control unit 53 the ECU 5 An intermediate high beam pattern and a low beam pattern are created by inserting it into a part of the optical path formed in the headlight to block the light. Furthermore, the aperture mechanism forms 13a high beam pattern by completely withdrawing it from the optical path. The headlights 6 and 7 They also have these three light distribution patterns.

[0028] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the intermediate high beam is a concave light distribution pattern that dims a portion corresponding to the vehicle in front, in order to avoid dazzling an occupant of that vehicle. The left headlight defines a beam area. 21 , which has an essentially L-shaped light distribution pattern. The right headlight defines a lighting area. 22 , which exhibits an essentially mirror-inverted L-shaped light distribution pattern.

[0029] When the left and right headlights simultaneously form the intermediate high beam, a light distribution pattern is produced, as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in section 4, this is achieved. Ideally, it is preferred to proceed as shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows that the lighting areas are arranged such that positions at the left and right ends of the front vehicle coincide with the positions of vertical intersection lines of the lighting areas. Therefore, the position of the front vehicle is constantly checked and the headlights are swiveled or rotated.

[0030] The intermediate high beam, except for the dimmed or low beam area, has the same brightness as the high beam. Therefore, if the intermediate high beam were to unintentionally illuminate the vehicle in front, and the vehicle in front were an oncoming vehicle, the light would shine directly into the eyes of the oncoming driver, causing glare. If the vehicle in front were a vehicle traveling ahead, the light reflected by mirrors would shine into the eyes of the driver of the vehicle ahead and / or brightly illuminate the passenger compartment of the vehicle ahead, making it difficult to see the surroundings. To avoid the above, it is therefore necessary to calculate the rotation angles when the headlights' light distribution pattern switches from high beam or low beam to intermediate high beam.

[0031] Furthermore, the actual light distribution pattern is not symmetrical left-right; rather, the left side is more brightly illuminated. However, this is irrelevant for the explanation of the present invention. For the sake of simplicity, the explanation is therefore given under the assumption that the light distribution pattern is symmetrical in each figure.

[0032] Furthermore, the headlights can 6 and 7 The headlights can be switched between high beam, low beam, or ADB mode via a manual switch. ADB (adaptive driving lights) refers to a variable headlight high beam system. ADB mode is an automatic switching mode in which the control unit 53 the ECU 5 automatically switches the left and right headlights to high beam or individually switches the left and right headlights to intermediate high beam or low beam.

[0033] In particular, the control unit switches 53the ECU 5 In ADB mode, the left and right headlights are set to high beam when there is no vehicle in front. If a vehicle is present, the control unit switches it on. 53 the ECU 5 the left and right headlights into the intermediate high beam.

[0034] Furthermore, if the vehicle in front makes a left turn and the swivel angle of the left headlight thus becomes greater than a predetermined angle, the control unit switches 53 the ECU 5 The left headlight switches to low beam. At this point, the right headlight remains in intermediate high beam mode. If the vehicle in front is an oncoming vehicle traveling in a different direction, and the vehicle is approaching the oncoming vehicle, the control unit will... 53 the ECU 5The left headlight is in intermediate high beam mode and only switches the right headlight to low beam mode if the swivel angle of the right headlight becomes greater than the specified angle.

[0035] At the point where the aperture mechanism 13 inserts and removes the apertures, as in Fig. As shown in 2, the up-down and left-right relationship is shown through the lens. 12 Conversely, if the aperture mechanism... 13 covers the lower side of the optical path, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the upper side of the illuminated area is masked. This means that by covering a predefined lower portion of the optical path, it is possible to achieve a light distribution pattern that is described in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is shown.

[0036] The actuator 14 controls according to a command from the control unit 53 the ECU 5the entire headlight, so that it pivots or rotates around a pivot axis. In the present embodiment, when the headlight's light distribution pattern is low beam or high beam, the actuator controls the headlight. 14 The headlight adjusts based on the steering angle, similar to a conventional AFS. In ADB mode, the actuator controls the headlight. 14 the headlight based on the data from the vehicle camera 2 and depending on the position of the vehicle in front, only if the headlight's light distribution pattern is the intermediate high beam, in order to swivel the illuminated area.

[0037] The following describes the control and operation of the vehicle headlight system. 1 as described in the present embodiment. Fig. The flowchart shown illustrates a process of the ECU. 5, which is executed when the headlights are switched to ADB mode and to intermediate high beam. Data initialization and the initialization process, such as a mode selection process, are omitted. The “START” in Fig. 5 denotes a state in which these initialization processes have already been completed.

[0038] Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, the following description refers only to the right end of a vehicle traveling ahead. The process according to the present embodiment can similarly be applied to the left end of the vehicle traveling ahead and to both ends of an oncoming vehicle.

[0039] The in Fig. Position E of the vertical section line of the essentially inverted L-shaped light distribution pattern of the right headlight, as shown in section 4, serves as the reference coordinate of the illuminated area. 22The reference coordinate is defined based on the command information from the control unit. 53 the ECU 5 to the actuator 14 of the headlight. In the Fig. 6 to Fig. 8 is the right end coordinate of the vehicle ahead, marked by D, and the reference coordinate of the illuminated area. 22 is marked by E.

[0040] First, the presence of a vehicle ahead is detected (step S1, subsequently abbreviated as S-1; other steps are abbreviated similarly). Then, the right end coordinate of the vehicle ahead is calculated (S-2). The right end coordinate is determined based on image processing of the information from the vehicle's camera. 2 in the image processing section 51 the ECU 5 and the detection of, for example, a pair of red taillights.

[0041] The deviation between the reference coordinate E of the illuminating area is then calculated. 22 and the right end coordinate D of the vehicle ahead is calculated, which is considered a deviation from the ideal state (right end coordinate = reference coordinate) (S-3). Deviation = (right end coordinate – reference coordinate) (1)

[0042] The right side Fig. Let 6 be the positive direction of the coordinate and the left side the negative direction. If the illuminated area 22 accordingly, the vehicle in front as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the deviation calculated by equation (1) is positive (S-4: YES).

[0043] In this case, a filter constant is set to A (S-5). The filter constant A is, for example, equal to 1.0. Using the filter constant A allows the calculation of a target coordinate to which the reference coordinate must be moved, in the following equation (2). Target coordinate = filter constant × right end coordinate + (1 – filter constant) × reference coordinate (2)

[0044] Since the filter constant A in S-5 was set to 1.0, the result of the calculation from equation (2) is as follows. Target coordinate = right end coordinate (3)

[0045] If the right end of the vehicle in front enters the illuminated area 22When the headlight reaches the vehicle ahead and thus illuminates the vehicle in front, the headlight is controlled to move the reference coordinate of the illuminated area to the right end of the vehicle ahead (S-7). Consequently, the reference coordinate becomes equal to the target coordinate (S-8). Simultaneously, by equation (3), the right end coordinate becomes equal to the reference coordinate. As a result, as in Fig. Figure 4 shows the right end of the vehicle with the intersection line of the illuminated area. 22 together. Additionally, the target coordinate from equation (3) is a coordinate that sets the deviation determined in S-3 to zero. Subsequently, a counter for another process, which will be described later, is reset (S-9) and the process returns to START. Then the sequence is executed again, beginning with vehicle detection (S-1).

[0046] In practical terms, this means that if the illuminated area 22 as in Fig. Figure 6 shows the vehicle ahead illuminated; the light reflected by mirrors shines into the eyes of the driver of the vehicle ahead and / or brightly illuminates the passenger compartment of the vehicle ahead, making it difficult to perceive the surroundings. It is therefore necessary to move the illuminated area immediately. In the case of (S-4: NO)

[0047] The following describes the case in which the deviation calculated in equation (1) is negative. If the illuminated area is from the right end of the vehicle ahead, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, if the deviation is negative, the deviation calculated in equation (1) is negative (S-4: NO). In this case, a predetermined value X is specified, and the deviation is compared to this predetermined value X. For example, the predetermined value X is –1°. Then, if the deviation is less than –1°, i.e., if the luminous area 22If the position of the reference coordinate deviates from the right end of the vehicle ahead by more than 1° absolute value (S-10: YES), the filter constant is set to B (S-11). The filter constant B is, for example, equal to 0.5. Using the filter constant B, the target coordinate to which the reference coordinate is to be moved is calculated in equation (2), the result of which is as follows. Target coordinate = 0.5 × right end coordinate + 0.5 × reference coordinate (4)

[0048] This means the target coordinate is a coordinate that internally divides the right end coordinate and the reference coordinate in a 1:1 ratio; in other words, it is the average of the right end coordinate and the reference coordinate. If the illuminated area 22If the distance to the right of the vehicle in front deviates by more than the specified value, the headlight is activated to correct the deviation between the right end coordinate of the vehicle in front and the reference coordinate of the illuminated area. 22 to halve (S-7). As a result of the movement, the reference coordinate is moved to the target coordinate (S-8). Additionally, the target coordinate determined by equation (4) is a coordinate that halves the deviation determined in S-3. Subsequently, a counter for another process, which will be described later, is reset (S-9) and the process returns to START. Then the sequence is executed again, beginning with vehicle detection (S-1). In the case of (S-4: NO) and (S-10: NO)

[0049] The following describes the case where the deviation is greater (or smaller in absolute terms) than the specified value X. If the deviation is greater than -1°, i.e., if the luminous range 22If the position of the vehicle deviates from the right end of the vehicle ahead by 0° to 1° in absolute terms (S-10: NO), the counter value is compared to a predefined value Z (S-20). The predefined value Z is 5. If the counter value is less than or equal to 5 (S-20: NO), the counter is incremented (S-30), and the process returns to S-1. Therefore, provided the positional relationship between the vehicle and the vehicle ahead remains unchanged, the loop S-30 → S-1 is repeated. For the duration of the 5-times-repeated loop (e.g., 1 second per repetition × 5 repetitions = 5 seconds), the reference coordinate is maintained, and the headlight is not activated.Additionally, if the positional relationship between the own vehicle and the vehicle ahead is changed, a new right end coordinate in S-2 will be obtained in the next loop, and the process according to this condition will be executed without waiting 5 seconds.

[0050] If the counter value is greater than 5 (S-20: YES), the filter constant is set to C (S-21). For example, the filter constant C is equal to 0.1. Using the filter constant C, the target coordinate to which the reference coordinate is to be moved is calculated by equation (2), with the result being as follows.

[0051] Target coordinate = 0.1 × right end coordinate + 0.9 × reference coordinate ( 5 This means the target coordinate is a position that divides the interval between the right end coordinate and the reference coordinate in a ratio of 9:1. Therefore, if the illuminated area 22If the headlight deviates to the right from the vehicle in front by the specified value X or less, it is controlled in such a way as to adjust the reference coordinate of the illuminated area. 22 to move the vehicle 10% closer to the right end of the vehicle ahead (S-7). As a result of this movement, the reference coordinate is moved to the target coordinate (S-8). Additionally, the target coordinate determined by equation (5) is a coordinate that reduces the deviation determined in S-3 to 90%. Subsequently, the counter for S-20 is reset (S-9) and the process returns to START. Then the sequence is executed again, beginning with vehicle detection (S-1).

[0052] Assuming that the position of the vehicle ahead continuously satisfies condition S-10 equaling NO for more than 10 seconds, S-21 and the subsequent steps are executed at least twice, thereby moving the reference coordinate, which was moved to the target coordinate according to the aforementioned S-7, by a further 10%. Additionally, compared to the reference coordinate before the two movements, the total amount of movement becomes 19% (i.e., 1 – 0.9 × 0.9).

[0053] As described above, by repeating S-21 and the subsequent steps, the reference coordinate is gradually approximated to the right-hand end coordinate. In practice, this means that the positional relationship with the vehicle ahead rarely remains unchanged for more than 10 seconds. Rather, the positional relationship changes constantly, so the process is carried out in such a way that the right-hand end coordinate is reacquired in S-2.

[0054] Consequently, it is possible to avoid interference caused by misperception. For example, if there is a reflective wall near the vehicle in front, and the reflective wall is visible to the following vehicle, the image processing of the information from the vehicle's camera can prevent this. 2The light from the reflecting wall is mistakenly perceived as coming from the taillights of the vehicle ahead. In this case, S-4 becomes YES, and the reference coordinate is moved to one end of the reflecting wall. The light can then no longer reach the reflecting wall, and the taillight of the vehicle ahead is correctly perceived. However, S-10 becomes NO, and the reference coordinate remains unchanged. Consequently, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a trailing phenomenon, in which the light repeatedly reaches and misses the reflecting wall, and the reference coordinate of the illuminated area repeatedly shifts between the reflecting wall and the end of the vehicle ahead.

[0055] The preceding cases, in which the deviation calculated in equation (1) is negative, are summarized here. In the case in which the right end position of the vehicle ahead is outside the illuminated area22 The value deviates, and the absolute deviation is less than or equal to the specified value, if the condition persists for 5 seconds, the reference coordinate is maintained, and the headlight is not activated. The illuminated area is then... 22 The vehicle moves 10% closer to the vehicle in front. Furthermore, if the rightmost position of the vehicle in front is outside the illuminated area, the vehicle will move 10% closer to the vehicle in front. 22 If the deviation is greater than the specified value in absolute terms, the headlight is rotated or swiveled in such a way that the target coordinate is moved 50% of the deviation closer to the vehicle in front.

[0056] In practical terms, this means that if the illuminated area 22 deviates from the vehicle in front, as in the Fig. 7 and Fig.As shown in Figure 8, there are no concerns that the headlight's light could dazzle the driver of the vehicle ahead. Consequently, it is not necessary to determine the reference coordinate of the illuminated area. 22 to align the illuminated area directly with the right end coordinate of the vehicle ahead. Therefore, the illuminated area is either moved after waiting a certain time or moved by 50% of the deviation.

[0057] As is clear from the above explanations, a vehicle headlight device includes ( 1 ) according to the present embodiment: a headlight ( 6 , 7 ), which shines in front of a vehicle; a beam pattern adjustment device (actuator) 14 ) to change the illuminated area ( 21 , 22 ) of the headlight; a detection device (the vehicle camera) 2 and the image processing part 51) for detecting the position of a vehicle in front of the vehicle; and a control unit (the control unit) 53 ) for controlling the lighting range adjustment device based on the position of the vehicle ahead, which is detected by the sensing device. The device further comprises a determining device (the determining part). 52) to determine whether the position of the vehicle ahead is within the illuminated area or not. If the determining device determines that the position of the vehicle ahead is within the illuminated area, the control unit controls the illumination range adjustment device to change the illuminated area so that the position of the vehicle ahead falls outside the illuminated area. If the position of the vehicle ahead is determined to be outside the illuminated area, the control unit either does not change the illuminated area or uses the illumination range adjustment device to suppress any change in the illuminated area.

[0058] Furthermore, the detection device according to the present embodiment includes the vehicle camera. 2 , which takes an image in front of the vehicle and the image processing unit (the image processing part) 51), which are based on the image captured by the camera 2 The captured images are processed into image information containing a coordinate of the vehicle ahead. The detection device identifies the position of the vehicle ahead by means of an end coordinate that indicates the lateral position of one end of the vehicle ahead in the direction of its width. The determination unit (the determination part) 52 The determination is carried out based on a comparison between the reference coordinate, which indicates an inner boundary position of the illuminated area, and the end coordinate. If the position of the vehicle ahead is determined by the determination device to be within the illuminated area, the control unit (the control section) activates 53 ) the illumination range change device to change the illumination range in such a way as to bring the reference coordinate into alignment with the final coordinate.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the determining device (the determining part) calculates 52 ) a deviation between the reference coordinate, which defines the inner boundary position of the illuminated area 21 , 22 displays the final coordinate and performs the determination based on this deviation.

[0060] Furthermore, if, according to the present embodiment, the deviation caused by the determining device (the determining part) 52 If the value is greater than or equal to a predefined value, the control unit (the control part) calculates the result. 53 ) a target coordinate which internally divides the end coordinate and the reference coordinate in a predefined ratio (first predefined ratio), and controls the lighting range change device (actuator) 14 ) in such a way as to extend the illuminated area 21 , 22to modify the reference coordinate in such a way as to bring it into line with the target coordinate. If the determination device (the determination part) 52 If the calculated deviation is smaller than the specified value, the control unit changes the illuminated area. 21 , 22 for a predetermined period of time, during which this state persists, the control unit does not. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit calculates a target coordinate, which internally divides the end coordinate and the reference coordinate in a different predetermined ratio (second predetermined ratio) that differs from the first predetermined ratio, and controls the lighting range change device (the actuator). 14 ) to illuminate the area 21 , 22 to change the reference coordinate in order to bring it into line with the target coordinate. [Modification]

[0061] According to the embodiment described above, the deviation between the right end coordinate of the vehicle ahead and the reference coordinate is compared with the predetermined value X, and the process is varied according to the result of the comparison. However, it is possible to execute the process in another way, independent of the magnitude of the deviation.

[0062] This means that, regardless of the size of the deviation, the control unit (the control part) 53 ) calculate a target coordinate which internally divides the right end coordinate and the reference coordinate in the ratio of, for example, 1:1, and then the lighting range change device (the actuator) 14 ) control to adjust the lighting area 21 , 22 to change it in such a way as to bring the reference coordinate into line with the target coordinate.

[0063] According to the configuration described above, even if the deviation is greater than or equal to the specified value, the illuminated area is not immediately aligned with the rear of the vehicle; instead, the illuminated area is adjusted to half the deviation. By repeating this process without any significant input, the position is detected again, and a target coordinate to which the illuminated area should be adjusted is recalculated based on the new deviation. Consequently, even if the relative position to the vehicle in front changes rapidly to the left or right, it is possible to minimize the movement of the illuminated area and thus avoid any distracting sensation.

[0064] Alternatively, regardless of the size of the deviation, the control unit (the control part) can 53 ) the illuminated area 21 , 22The position should not change for the specified time. After the specified time has elapsed, the control unit can calculate a target coordinate, which internally divides the end coordinate and the reference coordinate in a ratio of, for example, 9:1, and then the illumination range change device (the actuator) 14 ) control to adjust the lighting area 21 , 22 to change it in order to bring the reference coordinate into line with the target coordinate.

[0065] According to the configuration described above, if the position of the vehicle ahead is outside the illuminated area, the illuminated area remains unchanged for a predetermined period, during which this state persists. This prevents frequent movement of the illuminated area, thus eliminating any discomfort. Furthermore, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the illuminated area is adjusted to reduce the deviation to 90%. By repeating this process, it appears as if the illuminated area is gradually approaching the vehicle ahead. Consequently, it is possible to minimize the driver's experience of being disturbed by the frequent movement of the illuminated area.

[0066] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and its variations. It is self-evident that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0067] For example, the explanation of the present embodiment is based on a vehicle driving ahead. By configuring the vehicle camera 2 However, to detect the lights of headlights of an oncoming vehicle, it is also possible to detect the left and right ends of an oncoming vehicle in a similar manner and to apply the control of the embodiment described above.

[0068] Furthermore, the camera can 2 This can be achieved using an existing camera that is used for other purposes, such as a collision avoidance system.

[0069] In the embodiment described above, the filter constant B is equal to 0.5 and the filter constant C is equal to 0.1. However, the filter constants B and C can be set to other values. The target coordinate is calculated by equation (2).

[0070] In the above embodiment, the headlight light sources are halogen lamps. However, the headlight light sources can also be implemented using LED lamps, HID lamps (HID is a registered trademark), or other types of light sources.

[0071] In the embodiment described above, the reference coordinate is determined by the ECU based on command information. 5 to the actuators 14 the headlight 6 and 7 determined. However, the reference coordinate can be determined by image processing of the information from the vehicle camera. 2 using the command information to the actuators 14be determined.

[0072] The embodiment described above is based on the assumption that the vehicle drives on the left, as in Japan and Great Britain. However, the invention can be used similarly for vehicles that drive on the right. Reference symbol list 1: Vehicle headlight assembly 2: Vehicle camera 5: ECU 6, 7: Headlights 13: Aperture mechanism 14: Actuator 21, 22: Lighting areas 52: Determination section 53: Control unit

Claims

[1] Vehicle headlight assembly ( 1 ), showing: a headlight ( 6 , 7 ), which shines in front of a vehicle; a lighting range change device ( 14 ) to change a lighting area ( 21 , 22 ) of the headlight; a recording device ( 2 , 51 ) to detect the position of a vehicle in front of the vehicle; and a control unit ( 53 ) to control the lighting range change device based on a detection result from the detection device; characterized by that the vehicle headlight device further includes: a determining device ( 52 ) to determine whether the position of the vehicle in front is within the illuminated area or not, wherein, if the determining device determines that the position of the front vehicle is within the illuminated area, the control device controls the illuminated area changing device so that it changes the illuminated area such that the position of the front vehicle falls out of the illuminated area, and, If it is determined that the position of the vehicle in front is outside the illuminated area, the control unit will not change the illuminated area or will perform a control operation to suppress a change in the illuminated area using the illuminated area change device. [2] Vehicle headlight device according to claim 1, furthermore characterized by that the detection device a camera ( 2 ) which captures an image in front of the vehicle, as well as an image processing device ( 51), which generates image information based on the image captured by the camera, containing a coordinate of the vehicle in front, The detection device identifies the position of the front vehicle by means of an end coordinate that indicates a lateral position of one end of the front vehicle in the vehicle width direction. the determining device makes the determination based on a comparison between a reference coordinate, which indicates an inner boundary position of the illuminated area, and the end coordinate, and If the determining device determines that the position of the front vehicle is within the illuminated area, the control device controls the illuminated area change device to change the illuminated area in order to bring the reference coordinate into alignment with the end coordinate. [3] Vehicle headlight device according to claim 2, furthermore characterized by that The determining device calculates a deviation between the reference coordinate, which indicates the inner boundary position of the illuminated area, and the end coordinate, and makes the determination based on this deviation. [4] Vehicle headlight device according to claim 3, furthermore characterized by that if the deviation calculated by the determining device is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control device calculates a target coordinate which internally divides the end coordinate and the reference coordinate in a predetermined ratio, and controls the illumination range change device to change the illumination range in order to bring the reference coordinate into agreement with the target coordinate. [5] Vehicle headlight device according to claim 4, furthermore characterized by that, If the deviation calculated by the determining device is smaller than the specified value, the control device does not change the illumination area for a specified period of time during which this condition persists, and After the specified time period, the control unit calculates a target coordinate which internally divides the end coordinate and the reference coordinate in a second specified ratio that differs from the specified ratio, and controls the illumination range change device to change the illumination range in order to bring the reference coordinate into line with the target coordinate. [6] Vehicle headlight device according to claim 3, furthermore characterized by that If the determining device determines that the position of the vehicle in front is outside the illuminated area, and the deviation is less than a predetermined value, the control device will not change the illuminated area for a predetermined period of time during which this condition persists, and After the specified time period, the control unit calculates a target coordinate which internally divides the end coordinate and the reference coordinate in a specified ratio, and controls the lighting area change device to change the lighting area in order to bring the reference coordinate into line with the target coordinate.