Control device for vehicle lighting fixture, vehicle lighting fixture system

Abstract

To provide a technique that can more improve the visibility for a pedestrian.SOLUTION: A control device for a vehicle lighting fixture is a device configured to control operation of a vehicle lighting fixture that can vary light distribution patterns. A controller controls the vehicle lighting fixture to emit a first beam in a case corresponding to a first weather condition in which it is estimated that the relationship between the amount of rainfall detected by a first sensor and the raindrop size detected by a second sensor does not cause an optical film phenomenon to occur, and controls the vehicle lighting fixture to emit a second beam having illuminance set to be relatively lower than that of the first beam in a case corresponding to a second weather condition in which it is estimated that the relationship between the amount of rainfall detected by the first sensor and the raindrop size detected by the second sensor causes the optical film phenomenon to occur.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for a vehicle lamp and a vehicle lamp system. [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2022-109440 A (Patent Document 1) describes a vehicle lighting system that controls the light emitted by the first headlamp unit to be relatively darker than the light emitted by the second headlamp unit when the amount of rainfall is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. According to this prior example, the light film phenomenon, in which strong light hits raindrops in the air and causes light to scatter and become hazy, is suppressed. However, depending on the weather conditions, the light film phenomenon may occur even with little rainfall, which may result in reduced visibility of pedestrians on the roadside, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-109440 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One object of a specific embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that can further improve pedestrian visibility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] [1] An apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus for controlling the operation of a vehicle lamp having a variable light distribution pattern, the apparatus including: (a) a first sensor capable of detecting an amount of rainfall; (b) a second sensor capable of detecting a size of raindrops; and (c) a controller connected to each of the first sensor and the second sensor, wherein (d) the controller (d1) controls the vehicle lamp to emit a first beam when a relationship between the amount of rainfall detected by the first sensor and the size of raindrops detected by the second sensor corresponds to a first weather condition that is estimated not to cause a light film phenomenon; and (d2) controls the vehicle lamp to emit a second beam having an illuminance set lower than that of the first beam when a relationship between the amount of rainfall detected by the first sensor and the size of raindrops detected by the second sensor corresponds to a second weather condition that is estimated to cause the light film phenomenon. [2] A vehicle lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle lighting system including the control device according to [1] above and a vehicle lighting device connected to the control device.

[0006] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a technique that can further improve the visibility of pedestrians. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle lighting system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the conditions under which the light film phenomenon occurs. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an illumination mode that is variably set according to weather and vehicle speed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the illumination state that is variably set according to the weather and the vehicle speed. [Diagram 5] Figures 5(A) and 5(B) are diagrams for exemplarily explaining the first embodiment, and Figures 5(C) and 5(D) are diagrams for exemplarily explaining the second embodiment. [Figure 6]Figures 6(A) and 6(B) are diagrams for exemplarily explaining the third embodiment, and Figures 6(C) and 6(D) are diagrams for exemplarily explaining the fourth embodiment and the fourth' embodiment. [Figure 7] Figures 7(A) and 7(B) are diagrams for exemplarily explaining the fifth embodiment, and Figures 7(C) and 7(D) are diagrams for exemplarily explaining the sixth embodiment. [Figure 8] Figures 8(A) and 8(B) are diagrams for exemplarily explaining the seventh embodiment, and Figures 8(C) and 8(D) are diagrams for exemplarily explaining the eighth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the vehicle lighting system when the adaptive driving beam (ADB) can be formed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the vehicle lighting system when the adaptive driving beam (ADB) cannot be formed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle lighting system according to an embodiment. The vehicle lighting system shown in the figure includes a controller 100, a camera 11, a rainfall amount sensor 12, a raindrop sensor 13, and a pair of headlamp units 30L and 30R. This vehicle lighting system is for emitting light forward of a vehicle. In this specification, the controller 10, the camera 11, the rainfall amount sensor 12, and the raindrop sensor 13 constitute a control device for a vehicle lighting device.

[0009] The controller 10 controls the light irradiation operation of each of the headlamp units 30L and 30R. The controller 10 can be configured using a computer system equipped with, for example, a processor (CPU: Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, an input / output interface, and the like. The controller 10 of this embodiment is capable of performing a predetermined function by having the processor read and execute a program previously stored in the storage device (or ROM).

[0010] The controller 10 is also connected to each of a wiper switch 14, a lamp switch 15, and a vehicle speed sensor 16 provided on the vehicle. The term "connected" here includes a direct connection via a signal line or the like, and an indirect connection via a control unit or the like (not shown). The term "connected" via a control unit or the like also includes a case where the operation statuses of the wiper switch 14, the lamp switch 15, and the vehicle speed sensor 16 are received as digital signals or the like from the control unit or the like via communication means.

[0011] The camera 11 detects the situation such as the positions of vehicles ahead (vehicles ahead, oncoming vehicles) and pedestrians by performing a predetermined image recognition process based on image data obtained by photographing the space ahead of the vehicle. Note that a part or all of the image recognition process function may be provided on the controller 10 side. In that case, the image data is supplied from the camera 11 to the controller 10, and the image recognition process is performed by executing a predetermined program in the controller 10.

[0012] The rainfall sensor 12 detects the amount of rainfall at the location where the vehicle is located, and outputs a signal (or data; the same applies below) indicating a change according to the amount of rainfall. Various known rainfall sensors can be used as the rainfall sensor 12, for example, a rainfall sensor configured by pairing a light-emitting element that emits a band-shaped laser light with a light-receiving element that receives the light can be used. This rainfall sensor can detect the size and speed of raindrops based on the degree of drop in the voltage signal generated in the light-receiving element when raindrops pass through the band-shaped laser light. The amount of rainfall can then be identified based on the size and speed of the raindrops.

[0013] The raindrop sensor 13 detects the size (diameter) of raindrops at the location where the vehicle is located, and outputs a signal (or data) indicating a change according to the size. Various known raindrop sensors can be used as the raindrop sensor 13, and for example, a raindrop sensor having a pair of electrodes and configured so that a current flows between the electrodes when raindrops adhere to the electrodes so as to connect the electrodes can be used. In this rainfall sensor, for example, a plurality of transparent electrodes are arranged on a part of the windshield, with the distance between the electrodes being, for example, 0.1 mm, and the current flowing between the electrodes changes according to the size of the attached raindrop, so that the size of the raindrop can be detected from the magnitude of the current.

[0014] The wiper switch 14 is disposed near the driver's seat of the vehicle in a position operable by the driver. The wiper switch 14 is operated by the driver when the driver wishes to operate the wipers installed on the front windshield or rear windshield of the vehicle.

[0015] The lamp switch 15 is disposed in a position near the driver's seat of the vehicle where it can be operated by the driver. The lamp switch 15 is operated by the driver when the driver wishes to emit light from the headlamp units 30L and 30R. The lamp switch 15 also serves as a turn signal switch for turning on the direction indicator lights.

[0016] The vehicle speed sensor 16 detects the speed of the host vehicle. The vehicle speed sensor 16 outputs a pulse signal in response to the rotation of the wheels, for example. The vehicle speed can be identified based on the output pulse signal.

[0017] The controller 10 includes a light distribution pattern setting unit 21 and a control signal generating unit 22 as functional blocks realized by executing a program.

[0018] The light distribution pattern setting unit 21 sets a light distribution pattern of the light illuminated by each headlamp unit 30L, 30R based on the detection results of a forward vehicle, etc. by the camera 11, the amount of rainfall detected by the rainfall sensor 12, and the size of raindrops detected by the raindrop sensor 13.

[0019] The control signal generating unit 22 generates a control signal for causing each of the headlamp units 30L, 30R to form irradiation light according to the light distribution pattern set by the light distribution pattern setting unit 21, and supplies the control signal to each of the headlamp units 30L, 30R.

[0020] A pair of headlamp units 30L, 30R are mounted at predetermined positions on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle, and operate in response to a control signal provided by the controller 10 to form light to be irradiated in front of the vehicle. The headlamp units 30L, 30R of this embodiment can variably set a light distribution pattern, and can form low beam (passing light) and high beam (driving light) irradiation lights, as well as an adaptive driving beam (ADB) which is an irradiation light in which a range set according to the position of the vehicle ahead is partially dimmed (or turned off). In addition to the low beam, high beam, and adaptive driving beam, the headlamp units 30L, 30R can form an additional beam which is an additional irradiation light for irradiating the roadside area according to the rainfall situation.

[0021] Various known configurations can be adopted for each headlamp unit 30L, 30R. For example, a high beam, a low beam, and an additional beam can be formed by a lamp unit configured by combining a light source bulb with a reflector or a shielding plate. An adaptive driving beam can also be formed by using a lamp unit in which light emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are arranged in one or two directions and the lighting state of each light emitting element can be individually controlled. An adaptive driving beam can also be formed by using a lamp unit that includes a light source and a liquid crystal element and can individually control the light transmission state of each pixel of the liquid crystal element. An adaptive driving beam can also be formed by using a lamp unit that includes a light emitting element such as a laser diode and a scanning element such as a mirror device that scans the light emitted from the light emitting element and can control the timing of turning on and off the light emitting element and the scanning timing by the scanning element. Furthermore, in the lamp units of these configurations, a high beam, a low beam, and an additional beam may be formed in addition to the adaptive driving beam.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the conditions under which the light film phenomenon occurs. In FIG. 2, the rainfall amount and the raindrop size are each set as variables, the vertical axis is set as the rainfall amount, and the horizontal axis is set as the raindrop size, and the boundary conditions under which the light film phenomenon occurs are shown by characteristic lines (boundary lines). In the illustrated example, the applicant actually confirmed the rainfall situation and the presence or absence of light film occurrence under several conditions using an experimental facility in a subjective evaluation within the range of raindrop size 0 to 6.0 (mm) and rainfall amount 0 to 300 (mm / h), and obtained the characteristic lines by performing curve approximation based on the results. As shown in the figure, two regions separated by the characteristic lines are obtained within the range of raindrop size 0 to 6.0 (mm) and rainfall amount 0 to 300 (mm / h). In the figure, the region below the characteristic line is the first region corresponding to the condition under which the light film phenomenon does not occur (first weather condition), and the region above the characteristic line is the second region corresponding to the condition under which the light film phenomenon occurs (second weather condition).

[0023] As illustrated in the figure, for example, even if the raindrop size is relatively large (e.g., a1), the light film phenomenon may not occur when the rainfall amount is relatively large (e.g., b1), and on the other hand, even if the raindrop size is relatively small (e.g., a2), the light film phenomenon may occur when the rainfall amount is relatively small (e.g., b2). In other words, simply setting only the rainfall amount or the raindrop size as a condition makes it difficult to accurately determine whether the light film phenomenon occurs or does not occur. In this embodiment, however, the presence or absence of the light film phenomenon can be more accurately determined by focusing on the relationship between the rainfall amount and the raindrop size and determining whether the relationship belongs to the first region or the second region.

[0024] Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining illumination modes that are variably set according to weather and vehicle speed. Figure 3 shows a case where an adaptive driving beam (ADB) can be formed, which is an illumination light that is partially dimmed (or turned off) within the illumination range of the high beam and is set according to the position of the vehicle ahead, etc. Figure 4 shows a case where an adaptive driving beam (ADB) cannot be formed within the illumination range of the high beam, and a normal high beam can be formed.

[0025] In each diagram, the weather is classified into three types: fine weather (including weather that is not rainy), a first region in which the weather condition does not cause the light film phenomenon, and a second region in which the weather condition causes the light film phenomenon. The vehicle speed is classified into three types: when it is lower than a predetermined threshold V1 (e.g., 30 km / h), when the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the threshold V1 and lower than a threshold V2 (e.g., 60 km / h), and when the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the threshold V2. Therefore, when a matrix is ​​created corresponding to each classification of weather and vehicle speed, it is divided into nine conditions. Then, one of the conditions is selected by the light distribution pattern setting unit 21 according to the weather and vehicle speed.

[0026] First, with reference to FIG. 3, a description will be given of an illumination mode in the case where each of the headlamp units 30L, 30R is capable of forming an adaptive driving beam (ADB).

[0027] When the weather is fine and the vehicle speed is less than V1, the first mode is selected, which is a mode in which low beam is irradiated. A specific example of the first mode will be described later with reference to Fig. 5(A) and Fig. 5(B). The low beam here refers to light that is irradiated so that objects that may be traffic obstacles, such as other vehicles and pedestrians, existing within a distance of about 40 m in front of the vehicle can be confirmed, mainly at night.

[0028] When the weather is in the first region (no light film phenomenon) and the vehicle speed is lower than V1, the "second mode" is selected, which is a mode in which the pedestrian-emphasizing low beam is irradiated together with the low beam. A specific example of the second mode will be described later with reference to Figs. 5(C) and 5(D). The pedestrian-emphasizing low beam (first beam) here refers to light that is irradiated mainly toward an area including the side of the vehicle's lane within the irradiation range of the low beam, and more specifically, toward an area including the shoulder of the vehicle's lane (shoulder adjacent to the lane on which the vehicle is traveling). This pedestrian-emphasizing low beam improves the visibility of pedestrians on the shoulder (including side strips and sidewalks) even in rainy weather, when visibility is likely to decrease, making it easier for the driver to find pedestrians. The mode of irradiating light toward the "area including the shoulder of the vehicle's lane" is a concept that includes any of the following modes: irradiating the area including the shoulder of the vehicle's lane, irradiating the shoulder of the vehicle, and irradiating the shoulder of the vehicle together with an area other than the shoulder of the vehicle. This concept is also common to the pedestrian-emphasizing low beam and pedestrian-emphasizing high beam in each embodiment such as a third embodiment described later.

[0029] When the weather is in the second region (light film phenomenon exists) and the vehicle speed is lower than V1, a "third mode" is selected in which a pedestrian-emphasizing low beam is irradiated together with the low beam and the irradiated light intensity of the pedestrian-emphasizing low beam is relatively low. A specific example of the third mode will be described later with reference to Figs. 6(A) and 6(B). The pedestrian-emphasizing low beam (second beam) with a narrower irradiation range is formed by dimming or turning off the light irradiated from the headlamp unit 30R on the driver's seat side of the vehicle within the irradiation range of the low beam, and irradiating a region including the side of the vehicle's lane mainly by the light irradiated from the headlamp unit 30L on the closer side to the region including the road shoulder on the vehicle's lane side as a more specific mode. Hereinafter, this pedestrian-emphasizing low beam is referred to as "pedestrian-emphasizing low beam (one side)". This reduces the amount of light that illuminates the front of the vehicle, thereby reducing the occurrence of the light film phenomenon in the front as seen mainly from the driver's seat in rainy weather, ensuring visibility and making it easier to spot pedestrians on the shoulder of the road.

[0030] When the weather is fine and the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than V1 but smaller than V2, the "fourth mode" is selected, which is a mode in which the adaptive driving beam (ADB) is irradiated. A specific example of the fourth mode will be described later with reference to Figs. 6(C) and 6(D). The adaptive driving beam (ADB) referred to here is a light that is irradiated by partially dimming (or turning off) a range set according to the position of the vehicle ahead within the irradiation range of a high beam, which is a light that is irradiated so that objects that may be traffic obstacles, such as other vehicles and pedestrians, existing within a distance of approximately 100 m ahead of the vehicle, mainly at night, can be confirmed. This makes it possible to improve forward visibility while preventing glare to the vehicle ahead.

[0031] When the weather is in the first region (no light film phenomenon) and the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to V1 and less than V2, the "sixth mode" is selected, which is a mode in which the low beam, adaptive driving beam (ADB), and pedestrian-emphasizing low beam are irradiated in combination. A specific example of the sixth mode will be described later in Fig. 7(C) and Fig. 7(D). The contents and effects of the adaptive driving beam (ADB) and pedestrian-emphasizing low beam referred to here are the same as those described above.

[0032] When the weather is in the second region (light film phenomenon exists) and the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than V1 and less than V2, the "seventh mode" is selected, which is a mode in which low beam, pedestrian-emphasizing high beam, and pedestrian-emphasizing low beam (one side) are irradiated. The pedestrian-emphasizing high beam (third beam) is light that is irradiated toward an area including the side of the own lane within the irradiation range of the high beam, and more specifically, toward an area including the road shoulder on the side of the own lane. A specific example of the seventh mode will be described later with reference to Figs. 8(A) and 8(B).

[0033] When the weather is fine and the vehicle speed is V2 or more, the "fourth mode" in which the low beam and the adaptive driving beam (ADB) are irradiated is selected. Similarly, when the weather is in the first region (no light film phenomenon) and the vehicle speed is V2 or more, the "fourth mode" in which the low beam and the adaptive driving beam (ADB) are irradiated is selected.

[0034] When the weather is in the second area (light film phenomenon exists) and the vehicle speed is V2 or more, the "eighth mode" is selected, which is a mode in which the pedestrian-emphasizing high beam is irradiated in addition to the low beam. A specific example of the eighth mode will be described later with reference to Figures 8(C) and 8(D).

[0035] Next, the illumination mode in the case where each headlamp unit 30L, 30R cannot form an adaptive driving beam (ADB) will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Note that the description of the illumination mode that is the same as that described with reference to Fig. 3 above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0036] When the weather is clear and the vehicle speed is slower than V1, the first mode is selected, which is a mode in which the low beam is irradiated. When the weather is in the first region (no light film phenomenon) and the vehicle speed is slower than V1, the second mode is selected, which is a mode in which the pedestrian-emphasizing low beam is irradiated in addition to the low beam. When the weather is in the second region (light film phenomenon) and the vehicle speed is slower than V1, the third mode is selected, which is a mode in which the pedestrian-emphasizing low beam (one side) is irradiated in addition to the low beam.

[0037] When the weather is clear and the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than V1 and less than V2, the "fourth' mode" in which low beam and high beam are irradiated is selected. Specific examples of the fourth' mode will be described later in Figs. 6(C) and 6(D). When the weather is in the first region (no light film phenomenon) and the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than V1 and less than V2, the fifth mode in which pedestrian-emphasizing low beam is irradiated in addition to low beam and high beam is selected. Specific examples of the fifth mode will be described later in Figs. 7(C) and 7(D). When the weather is in the second region (light film phenomenon) and the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than V1 and less than V2, the third mode in which low beam and pedestrian-emphasizing low beam (one side) are irradiated is selected.

[0038] When the weather is fine and the vehicle speed is V2 or more, the fourth' mode in which low beam and high beam are irradiated is selected. Similarly, when the weather is in the first region (no light film phenomenon) and the vehicle speed is V2 or more, the fourth' mode in which low beam and high beam are irradiated is selected. When the weather is in the second region (light film phenomenon) and the vehicle speed is V2 or more, the third mode in which pedestrian-emphasizing low beam (one side) is irradiated in addition to the low beam is selected.

[0039] 5(A) and 5(B) are diagrams for illustratively explaining the first mode. FIG. 5(A) illustrates the shape of light irradiated onto a virtual screen assumed at a predetermined position (for example, 25 m ahead) in front of the vehicle. FIG. 5(B) illustrates the shape of light irradiated from each headlamp unit 30L, 30R in a plan view as viewed from above the vehicle. Note that each diagram conceptually illustrates the illumination mode, and for convenience of illustration, the scales are not necessarily the same (the same applies below).

[0040] In the first mode, the low beam LB is emitted in an area generally below the horizontal line H, spreading left and right across the vertical line V (see FIG. 5(A)). The low beam LB is not emitted near the head of the pedestrian h, but is emitted to the torso, feet, and other body parts. This low beam LB is obtained by combining the low beams LB1 and LB2 emitted from the headlamp units 30L and 30R installed on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle (see FIG. 5(B)).

[0041] 5(C) and 5(D) are diagrams for illustrating the second mode. As in the above, FIG. 5(C) shows the shape of light on a virtual screen, and FIG. 5(D) shows the shape of light seen from above the vehicle. In the second mode, in addition to the low beam LB as described above, a pedestrian-emphasizing low beam SB is emitted as an illumination light that mainly illuminates the road shoulder on the vehicle's own lane side within the illumination range of the low beam (see FIG. 5(C)). In the illustrated example, the pedestrian-emphasizing low beam SB is irradiated in a position biased to the left side of the figure (the road shoulder on the vehicle's own lane side) based on the vertical line V, superimposed on the low beam LB. This emphasizes the presence of the pedestrian h, making it easier to find the pedestrian. This pedestrian-emphasizing low beam SB is obtained by combining the pedestrian-emphasizing low beams SB1 and SB2 irradiated from each headlamp unit 30L and 30R (see FIG. 5(D)).

[0042] 6(A) and 6(B) are diagrams for illustrating the third embodiment. As in the above, FIG. 6(A) shows the shape of light on a virtual screen, and FIG. 6(B) shows the shape of light seen from above the vehicle. In the third embodiment, in addition to the low beam LB as described above, a pedestrian-emphasizing low beam SB' with a relatively low intensity is irradiated as an irradiating light that mainly irradiates the road shoulder on the vehicle's own lane side within the irradiation range of the low beam (see FIG. 6(A)). In the illustrated example, the pedestrian-emphasizing low beam SB' is irradiated superimposed on the low beam LB at a position biased to the left side in the figure (the road shoulder on the vehicle's own lane side) based on the vertical line V. This pedestrian-emphasizing low beam SB' is obtained by turning on the headlight unit 30L and turning off (or dimming) the headlight unit 30R among the left and right headlight units 30L and 30R (see FIG. 6(B)). As a result, the amount of light irradiating the front direction of the vehicle is relatively small, so that the occurrence of the light film phenomenon in the front direction as seen mainly from the driver's seat in rainy weather is suppressed, visibility is ensured, and pedestrians h on the roadside can be easily spotted.

[0043] FIG. 6(C) and FIG. 6(D) are diagrams for illustrating the fourth and fourth modes. As above, FIG. 6(C) shows the shape of light on a virtual screen, and FIG. 6(D) shows the shape of light seen from above the vehicle. In the fourth mode, in addition to the low beam LB as described above, an adaptive driving beam ADB is irradiated in an irradiation range extending to the left and right in the figure across a vertical line V in an area slightly below and above the horizontal line H (see FIG. 6(C)). In the illustrated example, an adaptive driving beam ADB is irradiated with a dimming range (or a shaded range) according to the position of the forward vehicle 100. This corresponds to the fourth mode. In the case of a high beam, such a dimming range is not provided (see FIG. 7(A) described later). This corresponds to the fourth mode.

[0044] 7(A) and 7(B) are diagrams for illustrating the fifth embodiment. As in the above, FIG. 7(A) shows the shape of light on a virtual screen, and FIG. 7(B) shows the shape of light as viewed from above the vehicle. In the fifth embodiment, the same low beam LB and high beam HB as in the above are irradiated, and further, the pedestrian-emphasizing low beam SB is irradiated. This makes it easier to find pedestrians.

[0045] Figures 7(C) and 7(D) are diagrams for illustrating the sixth mode. As above, Figure 7(C) shows the shape of light on a virtual screen, and Figure 7(D) shows the shape of light seen from above the vehicle. In the sixth mode, the low beam LB and adaptive driving beam ADB are irradiated as above, and the pedestrian-emphasizing low beam SB is also irradiated. This makes it easier to find pedestrians.

[0046] 8(A) and 8(B) are diagrams for illustrating the seventh embodiment. As in the above, FIG. 8(A) shows the shape of light on a virtual screen, and FIG. 8(B) shows the shape of light seen from above the vehicle. In the seventh embodiment, the low beam LB and the pedestrian-emphasizing low beam SB' are irradiated as in the above, and the pedestrian-emphasizing high beam SHB is irradiated so as to selectively illuminate the road shoulder on the vehicle's lane side. The pedestrian-emphasizing high beam SHB is formed mainly by the headlamp unit 30L on the left side of the vehicle as illustrated in FIG. 8(B), but the headlamp unit 30R may also be lighted slightly to use the irradiated light in combination. This makes it easier to find pedestrians.

[0047] 8(C) and 8(D) are diagrams for illustrating the eighth mode. As in the above, FIG. 8(C) shows the shape of light on a virtual screen, and FIG. 8(D) shows the shape of light seen from above the vehicle. In the eighth mode, the same low beam LB as above is irradiated, and further, the pedestrian-emphasizing high beam SHB is irradiated so as to selectively illuminate the road shoulder on the vehicle's lane side. Unlike the seventh mode, the pedestrian-emphasizing low beam SB (or SB') is not irradiated. This makes it easier to find pedestrians while ensuring forward visibility even in a situation where the light film phenomenon may occur.

[0048] 9 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the vehicle lighting system when an adaptive driving beam (ADB) can be formed. Note that the order of each process shown here can be changed as long as no contradiction or inconsistency occurs in the results of information processing, and other processes not shown here can be added.

[0049] When the operating status of the lamp switch 15 operated by the driver instructs the automatic turning on of the headlamps (step S10; YES), the vehicle speed of the vehicle identified based on the output of the vehicle speed sensor 16 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold V1 (step S11; YES), the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold V2 that is higher than V1 (step S12; YES), and the weather characterized based on the output of the rainfall sensor 12 is rainy (step S13; YES), and further the weather conditions identified based on the output of the rainfall sensor 12 and the output of the raindrop sensor 13 fall within the "first region" (see FIG. 2) (step S14; YES), the light distribution pattern setting unit 21 of the controller 10 sets the irradiation pattern of each headlamp unit 30L, 30R to the "fourth mode" (step S15). A control signal is generated by the control signal generating unit 22 based on this set irradiation pattern and output to each headlight unit 30L, 30R, thereby performing light irradiation in the fourth mode (see Figures 6(C) and 6(D)).

[0050] The thresholds V1 and V2 can be appropriately set based on experiments, simulations, etc., and as an example, V1 can be set to 30 km / h and V2 can be set to 50 km / h. The condition branch using the threshold V1 in step S11 is for determining whether or not to use the adaptive driving beam. When the vehicle is moving at a speed lower than the threshold V1, it is considered that the situation is not suitable for using the adaptive driving beam, for example, when driving in an urban area. In addition, in this condition branch, the determination may be made using, for example, the lighting conditions around the vehicle (night, urban area, environmental illuminance), the light emitted by the headlights and blinkers of the oncoming vehicle, the light emitted by the taillights and blinkers of the preceding vehicle, etc. In addition, the condition branch for determining whether the weather is rainy may be determined based on the amount of rainfall, as well as the operating status of the wipers, weather information obtained from outside the vehicle via communication, environmental illuminance, vehicle speed range, number of lanes, number of street lights, presence or absence of a tunnel, steering angle, yaw rate, etc.

[0051] When the weather conditions specified based on the output of the rainfall sensor 12 and the output of the raindrop sensor 13 fall within the "second region" (see FIG. 2) (step S14; NO), the light distribution pattern setting unit 21 of the controller 10 sets the irradiation pattern of each headlamp unit 30L, 30R to the "eighth mode" (step S16). Based on this set irradiation pattern, the control signal generating unit 22 generates a control signal and outputs it to each headlamp unit 30L, 30R, thereby executing light irradiation in the eighth mode (see FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B)).

[0052] Furthermore, if the weather characterized based on the output of the rainfall sensor 12 is not rainy (step S13; NO), the light distribution pattern setting unit 21 of the controller 10 sets the irradiation pattern of each headlamp unit 30L, 30R to "fourth mode" (step S17). Based on this set irradiation pattern, the control signal generating unit 22 generates a control signal and outputs it to each headlamp unit 30L, 30R, thereby executing light irradiation in the fourth mode (see Fig. 6(C) and Fig. 6(D)).

[0053] On the other hand, when the vehicle speed of the vehicle, which is determined based on the output of the vehicle speed sensor 16, is lower than the threshold value V2 (step S12; NO), the weather, which is determined based on the output of the rainfall sensor 12, is rainy (step S18; YES), and the weather conditions, which are determined based on the output of the rainfall sensor 12 and the output of the raindrop sensor 13, fall within the "first region" (see FIG. 2) (step S19; YES), the light distribution pattern setting unit 21 of the controller 10 sets the irradiation pattern of each headlamp unit 30L, 30R to the "fifth mode" (step S20). Based on this set irradiation pattern, the control signal generating unit 22 generates a control signal and outputs it to each headlamp unit 30L, 30R, thereby performing light irradiation in the fifth mode (see FIG. 7(A) and FIG. 7(B)).

[0054] Furthermore, when the weather conditions identified based on the output of the rainfall sensor 12 and the output of the raindrop sensor 13 fall within the "second region" (see FIG. 2) (step S19; NO), the light distribution pattern setting unit 21 of the controller 10 sets the irradiation pattern of each headlamp unit 30L, 30R to the "seventh mode" (step S21). Based on this set irradiation pattern, the control signal generating unit 22 generates a control signal and outputs it to each headlamp unit 30L, 30R, thereby executing light irradiation in the seventh mode (see FIG. 8(A) and FIG. 8(B)).

[0055] Furthermore, if the weather characterized based on the output of the rainfall sensor 12 is not rainy (step S18; NO), the light distribution pattern setting unit 21 of the controller 10 sets the irradiation pattern of each headlamp unit 30L, 30R to "sixth mode" (step S22). Based on this set irradiation pattern, the control signal generating unit 22 generates a control signal and outputs it to each headlamp unit 30L, 30R, thereby executing light irradiation in the sixth mode (see Fig. 7(C) and Fig. 7(D)).

[0056] On the other hand, when the vehicle speed of the vehicle, which is determined based on the output of the vehicle speed sensor 16, is lower than the threshold value V1 (step S11; NO), the weather, which is determined based on the output of the rainfall sensor 12, is rainy (step S23; YES), and the weather conditions, which are determined based on the output of the rainfall sensor 12 and the output of the raindrop sensor 13, fall within the "first region" (see FIG. 2) (step S24; YES), the light distribution pattern setting unit 21 of the controller 10 sets the irradiation pattern of each headlamp unit 30L, 30R to the "second mode" (step S25). A control signal is generated by the control signal generating unit 22 based on this set irradiation pattern, and is output to each headlamp unit 30L, 30R, thereby performing light irradiation in the second mode (see FIG. 5(C) and FIG. 5(D)).

[0057] Furthermore, when the weather conditions identified based on the output of the rainfall sensor 12 and the output of the raindrop sensor 13 fall within the "second region" (see FIG. 2) (step S24; NO), the light distribution pattern setting unit 21 of the controller 10 sets the irradiation pattern of each headlamp unit 30L, 30R to the "third mode" (step S26). Based on this set irradiation pattern, the control signal generating unit 22 generates a control signal and outputs it to each headlamp unit 30L, 30R, thereby executing light irradiation in the third mode (see FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B)).

[0058] Furthermore, if the weather characterized based on the output of the rainfall sensor 12 is not rainy (step S23; NO), the light distribution pattern setting unit 21 of the controller 10 sets the irradiation pattern of each headlamp unit 30L, 30R to "first mode" (step S27). Based on this set irradiation pattern, the control signal generating unit 22 generates a control signal and outputs it to each headlamp unit 30L, 30R, thereby executing light irradiation in the first mode (see Fig. 5(A) and Fig. 5(B)).

[0059] On the other hand, when the operating state of the lamp switch 15 operated by the driver does not instruct automatic lighting of the headlamps but instructs manual selection (step S10; NO), the light distribution pattern setting unit 21 of the controller 10 sets the irradiation pattern to any one of the first, second, third, seventh, and eighth modes according to the operating state of the lamp switch 15 (step S28). Based on this set irradiation pattern, the control signal generating unit 22 generates a control signal and outputs it to each of the headlamp units 30L and 30R, thereby executing light irradiation in any one of the modes.

[0060] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the vehicle lighting system when the adaptive driving beam (ADB) cannot be formed. Note that the order of the processes shown here can be changed as long as there is no contradiction or inconsistency in the results of the information processing, and other processes not shown here can be added.

[0061] The operation procedure shown in Fig. 10 is basically the same as the operation procedure shown in Fig. 9, but the irradiation patterns set in steps S15, S16, S17, S21, and S22 are different. Therefore, only the differences will be described. In each of steps S15, S17, and S22, the 4' mode is set instead of the case in Fig. 9. The 4' mode is a mode in which a normal high beam is used instead of the adaptive driving beam. In addition, in each of steps S16 and S21, the 3' mode is set instead of the case in Fig. 9.

[0062] According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to more accurately prevent the occurrence of the light film phenomenon, and to further improve the visibility of pedestrians on the road shoulder. Also, it is possible to improve forward visibility.

[0063] In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the contents of the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. For example, the above-mentioned embodiment illustrates a case where the vehicle drives on the left side of the road, but it goes without saying that, in a case where the vehicle drives on the right side of the road, the left and right in the above-mentioned embodiment can be reversed and the control can be performed.

[0064] In the above embodiment, when the vehicle speed is lower than the threshold V1 and the weather is fine, the first mode is set to irradiate only the low beam as the irradiation pattern (see Figs. 3 and 4), but the second or third mode may be set to irradiate the pedestrian-emphasizing low beam in addition to the pedestrian-emphasizing low beam as the irradiation pattern. This improves the ease of finding pedestrians in fine weather.

[0065] The present disclosure has the following features. (Appendix 1) A device for controlling the operation of a vehicle lamp having a variable light distribution pattern, comprising: A first sensor capable of detecting an amount of rainfall; A second sensor capable of detecting a raindrop size; a controller connected to each of the first sensor and the second sensor; Including, The controller: controlling the vehicle lamp to irradiate a first beam when a relationship between the amount of rainfall detected by the first sensor and the size of the raindrops detected by the second sensor corresponds to a first weather condition that is estimated not to cause a light film phenomenon; When a relationship between the amount of rainfall detected by the first sensor and the size of the raindrops detected by the second sensor corresponds to a second weather condition that is estimated to cause the light film phenomenon, the vehicle lamp is controlled to irradiate a second beam having an illuminance set relatively lower than that of the first beam. A control device for vehicle lighting. (Appendix 2) The second beam has a relatively small component irradiating a front direction of the vehicle compared to the first beam. 2. A control device for a vehicle lamp as described in appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The vehicle lamp includes a pair of headlamp units respectively installed on the right and left sides of a front portion of the vehicle, The first beam is formed by combining beams emitted from each of the pair of headlamp units toward an area including a side of the host vehicle's lane, and the second beam is formed by using a beam emitted from the headlamp unit of the pair of headlamp units that is relatively closer to the shoulder of the lane on the side of the host vehicle's lane toward an area including a side of the host vehicle's lane. 3. A control device for a vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The first weather condition and the second weather condition are associated with two regions separated by a boundary line obtained by setting each of the rainfall amount and the raindrop size as a variable, the controller determines that the first weather condition exists when the relationship between the amount of rainfall and the size of the raindrops falls within a first region of the two regions, and determines that the first weather condition exists when the relationship between the amount of rainfall and the size of the raindrops falls within a second region of the two regions, and controls the vehicle lamp. 4. A control device for a vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) The controller controls the vehicle lamp to emit a low beam together with the first beam or the second beam. 5. A control device for a vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4. (Appendix 6) The first beam and the second beam are irradiated in an overlapping manner within the irradiation range of the low beam, 6. A control device for a vehicle lamp as described in appendix 5. (Appendix 7) The controller: When the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is equal to or higher than a first threshold value, if the first weather condition is met, the vehicle lamp is controlled to irradiate an adaptive driving beam that dims or blocks light in a range of an illumination range of a high beam in accordance with the position of another vehicle in front of the host vehicle, together with the first beam and the low beam; When the vehicle speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than a first threshold value, if the second weather condition is met, the vehicle lamp is controlled to irradiate a third beam toward an area including a side of the vehicle lane together with the second beam and the low beam, The third beam is a beam that is irradiated relatively above the second beam in the vertical direction. 6. A control device for a vehicle lamp as described in appendix 5. (Appendix 8) The controller: When the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, if the vehicle falls under the first weather condition, the vehicle lamp is controlled so as not to emit the first beam and to emit the low beam and the adaptive driving beam; When the vehicle speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value, if the vehicle falls under the second weather condition, the vehicle lamp is controlled so as not to emit the second beam and to emit the low beam and the third beam. 8. A control device for a vehicle lamp as described in appendix 7. (Appendix 9) The controller: When the vehicle speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than a first threshold value and the first weather condition is met, the vehicle lamp is controlled to emit a high beam together with the first beam and the low beam; When the vehicle speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than a first threshold, if the second weather condition is met, the vehicle lamp is controlled to emit the second beam and the low beam. 6. A control device for a vehicle lamp as described in appendix 5. (Appendix 10) The controller: When the vehicle speed of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, if the vehicle falls under the first weather condition, the vehicle lamp is controlled so as not to emit the first beam and to emit the low beam and the high beam; When the vehicle speed of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, if the second weather condition is met, the vehicle lamp is controlled to emit the second beam and the low beam. 10. A control device for a vehicle lamp as described in appendix 9. (Appendix 11) A control device according to any one of appendix 1 to 10; A vehicle lamp connected to the control device; A vehicle lighting system comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 10: controller, 11: camera, 12: rainfall sensor, 13: raindrop sensor, 14: wiper switch, 15: lamp switch, 16: vehicle speed sensor, 30L, 30R: headlamp unit, h: pedestrian, LB: low beam, SB: pedestrian-emphasizing low beam, SB': pedestrian-emphasizing low beam (one side), ADB: adaptive driving beam, HB: high beam, SHB: pedestrian-emphasizing high beam

Claims

1. A device for controlling the operation of a vehicle lamp having a variable light distribution pattern, a first sensor capable of detecting an amount of rainfall; a second sensor capable of detecting raindrop size; a controller connected to each of the first sensor and the second sensor; Including, The controller controlling the vehicle lamp to emit a first beam when a relationship between the amount of rainfall detected by the first sensor and the size of the raindrops detected by the second sensor corresponds to a first weather condition that is estimated not to cause a veiling phenomenon; When a relationship between the amount of rainfall detected by the first sensor and the size of the raindrops detected by the second sensor corresponds to a second weather condition that is estimated to cause the veiling phenomenon, the vehicle lamp is controlled to irradiate a second beam having an illuminance set relatively lower than that of the first beam. A control device for vehicle lighting fixtures.

2. The second beam has a relatively small component irradiating a front direction of the vehicle compared to the first beam. The vehicle lighting device control device according to claim 1 .

3. The vehicle lamp includes a pair of headlamp units respectively installed on the right and left sides of a front portion of the vehicle, The first beam is formed by combining beams emitted from each of the pair of headlamp units toward an area including a side of the host vehicle's lane, and the second beam is formed by using a beam emitted from the headlamp unit of the pair of headlamp units that is relatively closer to the shoulder of the lane on which the host vehicle is traveling toward an area including a side of the host vehicle's lane. The vehicle lighting device control device according to claim 1 .

4. the first weather condition and the second weather condition are associated with two regions separated by a boundary line obtained by setting the rainfall amount and the raindrop size as variables, the controller determines that the first weather condition applies when the relationship between the amount of rainfall and the size of raindrops falls within a first region of the two regions, and determines that the second weather condition applies when the relationship between the amount of rainfall and the size of raindrops falls within a second region of the two regions, and controls the vehicle lamp. The vehicle lighting device control device according to claim 1 .

5. the controller controls the vehicle lamp to emit a low beam together with the first beam or the second beam. The vehicle lighting device control device according to claim 1 .

6. The first beam and the second beam are irradiated so as to overlap each other within an irradiation range of the low beam. The vehicle lighting device control device according to claim 5.

7. The controller When the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and the first weather condition is met, the vehicle lamp is controlled to irradiate, together with the first beam and the low beam, an adaptive driving beam that dims or blocks light in a range within an illumination range of a high beam according to the position of another vehicle present ahead of the host vehicle; When the vehicle speed of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a first threshold, if the second weather condition is met, the vehicle lamp is controlled to irradiate a third beam toward an area including a side of the vehicle lane together with the second beam and the low beam, the third beam is a beam that is irradiated relatively above the second beam in the vertical direction; The vehicle lighting device control device according to claim 5.

8. The controller When the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, if the first weather condition is met, the vehicle lamp is controlled so as not to emit the first beam and to emit the low beam and the adaptive driving beam; When the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, if the second weather condition is met, the vehicle lamp is controlled so as not to emit the second beam and to emit the low beam and the third beam. The vehicle lighting device control device according to claim 7.

9. The controller When the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a first threshold and the first weather condition is met, the vehicle lamp is controlled to emit a high beam together with the first beam and the low beam; When the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a first threshold, if the second weather condition is met, the vehicle lamp is controlled to emit the second beam and the low beam. The vehicle lighting device control device according to claim 5.

10. The controller When the vehicle speed of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, if the first weather condition is met, the vehicle lamp is controlled so as not to emit the first beam and to emit the low beam and the high beam; When the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, and when the second weather condition is met, the vehicle lamp is controlled to irradiate the second beam and the low beam. The vehicle lighting device control device according to claim 9.

11. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a vehicle lamp connected to the control device; A vehicle lighting system comprising:

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