Vehicle headlight device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle headlight device capable of reducing a fatigue given to a driver during nighttime driving.SOLUTION: A vehicle headlight device includes a left side lamp unit 2L and a right side lamp unit 2R for irradiating the front side of a vehicle with a high beam distribution pattern HP, and a control device 3. The control device 3 controls the left side lamp unit 2L and the right side lamp unit 2R on the basis of data of a light-shielding range A1 obtained in an on-vehicle camera device 4, forms a light-shielding range A1 in a high beam distribution pattern HP, and forms a light-dark gradual variation range A2 on fourth sides of the whole periphery of the light-shielding range A1. As a result, the vehicle headlight device can reduce a fatigue given to a driver during nighttime driving.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle headlamp device with variable light distribution.

Background Art

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

[0003] The vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 1 irradiates a high-beam light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle. When an in-vehicle camera detects an object such as an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle, a light-shielding range that shields the range of the object is formed within the high-beam light distribution pattern. Thereby, the vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 1 does not give glare to the driver of the object.

[0004] In addition, when the headlamp control device of Patent Document 2 determines that the driving state is a random driving state by the driver state determination device and determines the presence of a preceding vehicle by the preceding vehicle determination device, it dims the irradiation area corresponding to the preceding vehicle, and when the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it brightens the high-beam area above the peripheral area of the irradiation area corresponding to the preceding vehicle. Thereby, the headlamp control device of Patent Document 2 can encourage the driver to drive with appropriate concentration. In the headlamp control device of Patent Document 2, when the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the high-beam area (similarly, reference numerals "U1(RB)", "U2(RB)", "U5(RB)", "U6(RB)") above the peripheral area (similarly, reference numerals "R1", "R2", "R5", "R6" are also referred to) of the irradiation area corresponding to the preceding vehicle (refer to reference numerals "R3(RA)" and "R4(RA)" in "FIG. 4" of Patent Document 2) is brightened, but the area above the irradiation area corresponding to the preceding vehicle is a non-irradiated area where light is not irradiated (similarly, the area where the "preceding vehicle" is shown).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-89386 Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-171161 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, since the vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 1 forms a light-shielding range in the high-beam light distribution pattern, there is a large difference in brightness at the boundary between the light-shielding range where the light in the high-beam light distribution pattern is blocked and the area where the light is not blocked. Moreover, in the vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 1, the light-shielding range also changes in the high-beam light distribution pattern as the object moves, and when there are a plurality of objects, there are also a plurality of light-shielding ranges. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 1 is in a situation that causes fatigue to the driver during night driving.

[0007] Further, since the headlamp control device of Patent Document 2 increases the light intensity of the high-beam area above the peripheral area of the irradiation area corresponding to the preceding vehicle when the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, there is a large difference in brightness at the boundary between the high-beam area where the light intensity is increased and the non-irradiated area where the light is not irradiated. For this reason, the headlamp control device of Patent Document 2, like the vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 1 described above, is in a situation that causes fatigue to the driver during night driving.

[0008] The problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a vehicle headlamp device that can reduce the fatigue given to the driver during night driving. Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The vehicle headlamp device according to the first aspect of the present invention is a light distribution variable type vehicle headlamp device for solving the above problems, and includes a lamp unit that irradiates a high beam light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle, and based on information obtained from a detection device mounted on the vehicle, controls the lamp unit to form a light shielding range within the high beam light distribution pattern and form a gradual brightness change range in at least a part of the irradiation range adjacent to the light shielding range, and is characterized by comprising a control device.

[0010] In the vehicle headlamp device of the present invention, it is preferable that the control device inputs information regarding the driver's fatigue degree from an information unit mounted on the vehicle, and when it is determined that the information regarding the driver's fatigue degree is equal to or greater than a threshold value, outputs a control signal for increasing the width of the gradual brightness change range to the lamp unit.

[0011] In the vehicle headlamp device of the present invention, the information regarding the driver's fatigue degree is at least one of the driving time or the driving distance among the vehicle information obtained in the information unit, and it is preferable that the control device outputs a control signal for increasing the width of the gradual brightness change range to the lamp unit when at least one value of the driving time or the driving distance equal to or greater than the threshold value is input from the information unit.

[0012] In the vehicle headlamp device of the present invention, it is preferable that the control device obtains the environmental information of the vehicle from the information unit and lowers the threshold value when the obtained environmental information is information related to bad weather.

[0013] In the vehicle headlamp device of the present invention, the information regarding the driver's fatigue degree is at least one of the driving time or the driving distance among the vehicle information obtained in the information unit, and it is preferable that the control device obtains the environmental information of the vehicle from the information unit and lowers the threshold value when the obtained environmental information is information related to bad weather.

[0014] In the vehicle headlamp device of the present invention, it is preferable that the control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to increase the width of the light and dark gradual change range on the side where the oncoming vehicle travels compared to the width of the light and dark gradual change range on the other side.

[0015] In the vehicle headlamp device of the present invention, it is preferable that the control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to make the gradual change form of the brightness in the light and dark gradual change range at least one of a linear form, a curved form, or a stepped form.

[0016] In the vehicle headlamp device of the present invention, it is preferable that the control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to increase or decrease the width of the light and dark gradual change range according to the width of the light shielding range.

[0017] In the vehicle headlamp device of the present invention, it is preferable that the control device includes a setting unit that sets the light shielding range and the light and dark gradual change range based on the information input from the detection device, and a light amount adjustment unit that adjusts the light emission amount of the lamp unit based on the light shielding range and the light and dark gradual change range set by the setting unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] The vehicle headlamp device of the present invention can reduce the fatigue given to the driver during night driving.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments (examples) and modification examples of the vehicle headlamp device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by these embodiments and modification examples. Also, the constituent elements in the following embodiments and modification examples include those that can be replaced by those skilled in the art and are easy, or those that are substantially the same.

[0021] In this specification, front, rear, up, down, left, and right are the front, rear, up, down, left, and right in the vehicle-mounted state where the vehicle headlamp device according to the present invention is mounted on the vehicle. Also, each direction of front-rear, up-down, and left-right is the direction in the vehicle-mounted state where the vehicle headlamp device is mounted on the vehicle, and indicates the direction when looking at the traveling direction of the vehicle from the driver's seat. The front-rear direction is the traveling direction of the vehicle (forward direction and backward direction), the up-down direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the left-right direction is the horizontal direction. In the front direction and the rear direction, the direction in which light is irradiated from the vehicle headlamp device is defined as the front direction, and the opposite direction of the front direction is defined as the rear direction.

[0022] Figures 2, 3, 4, 7(A)(B) are explanatory diagrams showing the light distribution patterns projected onto a screen installed 10 m or 25 m ahead in the front direction from the vehicle headlight device according to this invention. In Figures 2, 3, 4, 7(A)(B), the symbol "VU-VD" indicates the vertical lines at the top and bottom of the screen, and the symbol "HL-HR" indicates the horizontal lines at the left and right of the screen. Here, the screen is marked with grids at 1° (1 deg) intervals. The "angles" described in this specification are expressed as the widths in the left-right direction and the up-down direction on the screen.

[0023] (Description of the Configuration of the Embodiment) Hereinafter, the configuration of the vehicle headlight device according to this embodiment will be described.

[0024] (Description of the Vehicle Headlight Device 1) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the components of the vehicle headlight device 1 according to this embodiment. The vehicle headlight device 1 is of the ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) type, that is, a vehicle headlight device with variable light distribution. The vehicle headlight device 1 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown). The vehicle headlight device 1 includes a left lamp unit 2L, a right lamp unit 2R, and a control device 3.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle on which the vehicle headlight device 1 is mounted is equipped with an in-vehicle camera device 4, a vehicle information unit 5 as an information unit, and an environmental information unit 6.

[0026] (Description of the Left Lamp Unit 2L and the Right Lamp Unit 2R) The left lamp unit 2L is mounted on the left side of the front part of the vehicle. The right lamp unit 2R is mounted on the right side of the front part of the vehicle. The left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R irradiate the high-beam light distribution pattern HP in front of the vehicle as shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 7(A)(B). As shown in Figure 1, the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R have micro light-emitting elements 21L, 21R and optical members 22L, 22R.

[0027] The small light-emitting elements 21L and 21R are each composed of LEDS in the tens of thousands (hereinafter may be simply referred to as "LEDs"). The LEDs are arranged in a matrix. Note that the number of the small light-emitting elements 21L and 21R is not particularly limited.

[0028] The LEDs emit light individually, and the brightness changes according to the supplied current value. That is, by adjusting the current value supplied to each LED or modulating the pulse width of the power supplied to each LED, the amount of light emitted from the LED, that is, the brightness, is adjusted.

[0029] In this example, the optical members 22L and 22R are lenses. The lenses directly irradiate the light from the small light-emitting elements 21L and 21R as a high-beam light distribution pattern HP in front of the vehicle.

[0030] Note that the optical members 22L and 22R are not limited to the lenses in this example. The optical members 22L and 22R may be a reflecting surface such as a reflector that reflects the light from the small light-emitting elements 21L and 21R and irradiates it as a high-beam light distribution pattern HP in front of the vehicle, or may be a combination of a lens and a reflector, or may be a combination with other optical members.

[0031] (Description of the control device 3) Based on the data of the light-shielding range obtained by the in-vehicle camera device 4, the control device 3 controls the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R to form a light-shielding range A1 in the high-beam light distribution pattern HP and form a gradually changing light and dark range A2 around the entire periphery of the light-shielding range A1 as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7(A), and 7(B). The control device 3 performs control as described in the flowchart of FIG. 5, which will be described later.

[0032] The control device 3 is composed of a computer. The control device 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory (RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and storage, etc.), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which are not shown in the figure. Note that the storage includes various non-volatile memories such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive), and may be removable from the computer. Further, the control device 3 has an input unit (not shown) for inputting data (information) from external devices such as the in-vehicle camera device 4, the vehicle information unit 5, and the environment information unit 6, and an output unit (not shown) for outputting data (control signals) from the control device 3 to external devices such as the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R. The input unit and the output unit perform input and output with external devices by wire or wirelessly.

[0033] The control device 3 has a setting unit 31, a light quantity adjustment unit 32, and a determination unit 33 as shown in FIG. 1 by the cooperation of the software stored in the above memory and each hardware constituting the above computer. The setting unit 31 sets the light shielding range A1 and the light and shade gradual change range A2 based on the data of the light shielding range obtained by the in-vehicle camera device 4, the vehicle information obtained by the vehicle information unit 5, and the vehicle environment information obtained by the environment information unit 6.

[0034] The light quantity adjustment unit 32 adjusts the light emission quantity of the minute light emitting elements 21L of the left lamp unit 2L and the minute light emitting elements 21R of the right lamp unit 2R based on the light shielding range A1 and the light and shade gradual change range A2 set by the setting unit 31. When individually supplying current to the minute light emitting elements 21L and 21R composed of LEDs, the light quantity adjustment unit 32 adjusts the light quantity (brightness) of the light emitted from the LEDs by adjusting the current value to be supplied or modulating the pulse width of the supplied power.

[0035] The determination unit 33 includes a traveling determination unit 331 (hereinafter referred to as the "traveling determination unit 331"), a nighttime traveling determination unit 332 (hereinafter referred to as the "nighttime determination unit 332"), an ADB usage determination unit 333 (hereinafter referred to as the "ADB determination unit 333"), a traveling time predetermined value determination unit 334 (hereinafter referred to as the "time determination unit 334") or a traveling distance predetermined value determination unit 335 (hereinafter referred to as the "distance determination unit 335"), an environment determination unit 336, and a light-shielding object determination unit 337 (hereinafter referred to as the "light-shielding determination unit 337").

[0036] The traveling determination unit 331 determines whether the host vehicle, that is, the vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment, is traveling. In this example, the determination of traveling is made based on whether the engine is driving or not.

[0037] The nighttime determination unit 332 determines whether the host vehicle is traveling at night. In this example, the determination of nighttime traveling is made based on whether the lighting switch (headlight switch) is on or not.

[0038] The ADB determination unit 333 determines whether ADB is being used. In this example, the determination of ADB usage is made based on whether the host vehicle is traveling at a speed of 30 km / h or more in a situation where an operation related to the use of the ADB function in the vehicle has been performed.

[0039] The time determination unit 334 determines whether the traveling time has reached a predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as the "predetermined value") as a threshold. In this example, the determination of the predetermined value of the traveling time is made based on whether the time elapsed since the engine was started has reached a predetermined time (for example, whether one hour has elapsed, or whether two hours has elapsed, etc.). Here, the traveling time is the time elapsed since the engine was started.

[0040] The distance determination unit 335 determines whether the traveling distance has reached a predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as the "predetermined value") as a threshold. In this example, the determination of the predetermined value of the traveling distance is made based on whether the distance since the engine was started has reached a predetermined distance (for example, whether 50 km has elapsed or whether 100 km has elapsed). Here, the traveling distance is the distance since the engine was started.

[0041] The environment determination unit 336 determines whether the environment is a bad environment such as rain or snow. In this example, the determination of the bad environment is made based on the image processing data from the in-vehicle camera device 4.

[0042] The light shielding determination unit 337 determines whether the light shielding object is the oncoming vehicle 71. In this example, the determination of the oncoming vehicle 71 is made based on the image processing data from the in-vehicle camera device 4.

[0043] (Description of the in-vehicle camera device 4) As shown in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle camera device 4 includes an imaging unit 41, an image processing unit 42, an object detection unit 43, and a light shielding range calculation unit 44.

[0044] The in-vehicle camera device 4 is equipped with a computer. The computer included in the in-vehicle camera device 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory (RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and storage, etc.), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which are not shown in the figure. Note that the storage includes various non-volatile memories including an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive), and may be removable from the computer. Also, the in-vehicle camera device 4 is provided with a data output unit (not shown) for transmitting and receiving data from an external device and outputting data from the in-vehicle camera device 4. The data output unit may be a connection unit that connects to a portable memory, or may be a communication unit that communicates by wire or wirelessly. Also, the external device may be a portable memory, and data stored in such a memory may be read into the in-vehicle camera device 4.

[0045] The imaging unit 41 captures information in front of the vehicle and outputs the captured information as imaging information data to the image processing unit 42.

[0046] The image processing unit 42 processes the information in front of the vehicle as image data based on the imaging information data output from the imaging unit 41 and outputs it to the object detection unit 43.

[0047] Based on the image data output from the image processing unit 42, the object detection unit 43 detects objects to be shaded, in this example, oncoming vehicles 71 and preceding vehicles 72 shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 7(A), and 7(B), and outputs the detected object data to the shading range calculation unit 44.

[0048] The object detection unit 43 can discriminate the vehicle types, for example, sedan, light automobile, truck, etc. in the detected oncoming vehicle 71 and preceding vehicle 72. Note that the objects to be shaded may include, in addition to the oncoming vehicle 71 and preceding vehicle 72 in this example, for example, pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles, signboards, etc.

[0049] Based on the object data output from the object detection unit 44, the light-shielding range calculation unit 44 calculates the light-shielding range A1 (the range with lattice hatching in FIGS. 3, 4, 7(A), and 7(B)), and outputs the calculated light-shielding range data to the setting unit 31 of the control device 3. The light-shielding range data (light-shielding range A1) is displayed in the orthogonal coordinates of the X-axis and Y-axis. Thereby, the light-shielding range A1 can be accurately formed in the high-beam light distribution pattern HP irradiated from the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R mounted separately on the left and right.

[0050] (Description of the vehicle information unit 5 and the environment information unit 6) The vehicle information unit 5 obtains either the running time or the running distance as vehicle information, and outputs the vehicle information of the running time or the running distance to the setting unit 31 of the control device 3. The environment information unit 6 obtains information related to bad weather such as rain and snow as the vehicle's environment information, and outputs the information related to bad weather such as rain and snow as bad environment information to the setting unit 31 of the control device 3.

[0051] (Description of the light-shielding range A1, the gradual brightness change range A2, and the irradiation range A3) As shown in the portion with lattice hatching in FIGS. 3, 4, 7(A), and 7(B), the light-shielding range (light-shielding area) A1 is formed in a rectangular range (area) that covers the oncoming vehicle 71 and the preceding vehicle 72, which are the light-shielding objects, within the high-beam light distribution pattern HP. In this example, for the light-shielding range A1, the current value supplied to the micro light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the light-shielding range A1 is 0%, the micro light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the light-shielding range A1 are in a non-lighting state, and no light is irradiated from the micro light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the light-shielding range A1. Therefore, the brightness (luminance) of the light-shielding range A1 is at a low level (0 level, 0%. Hereinafter, referred to as "0%").

[0052] The light and dark gradual change range (light and dark gradual change area) A2 is formed in the high beam light distribution pattern HP within the mouth-shaped range (area) of the entire perimeter of the light shielding range A1, as shown in the portions where the dots in FIGS. 3, 4, 7(A), and 7(B) are applied. In this example, for the light and dark gradual change range A2, the pulse width of the current value or power supplied to the micro light emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the light and dark gradual change range A2 is from 0% or more to 100% or less (hereinafter referred to as "0% - 100%"), the micro light emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the light and dark gradual change range A2 are in a half-lit state, and light is irradiated from the micro light emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the light and dark gradual change range A2 by 0% - 100%. Therefore, the brightness (luminance) of the light and dark gradual change range A2 is from a low level (0 level, 0%) or more to a high level (100%) or less (hereinafter referred to as "0% - 100%"). Note that the light and dark gradual change range A2 in this example is the irradiation range A3 adjacent to the light shielding range A1 and is formed across the entire perimeter of the light shielding range A1.

[0053] Here, in FIGS. 3, 4, 7(A), and 7(B), let the widths of the left and right portions of the light and dark gradual change range A2 on the leading vehicle 72 side be W2 and W20, the widths of the left portions of the light and dark gradual change range A2 on the oncoming vehicle 71 side be W2L, W20L, and W21L, and the widths of the right portions of the light and dark gradual change range A2 on the oncoming vehicle 71 side be W2R, W20R, and W21R. Note that in this example, the right side of the light and dark gradual change range A2 on the oncoming vehicle 71 side is the side in the traveling direction of the oncoming vehicle 71.

[0054] The widths of the upper and lower portions of the light and dark gradual change range A2 on the leading vehicle 72 side are equivalent to the widths W2 and W20 of the left portion and the widths W2 and W20 of the right portion of the light and dark gradual change range A2 on the leading vehicle 72 side. Note that the widths of the upper and lower portions of the light and dark gradual change range A2 on the leading vehicle 72 side and the widths W2 and W20 of the left portion and the widths W2 and W20 of the right portion do not necessarily have to be equivalent.

[0055] The widths of the upper and lower portions of the light and dark gradual change range A2 on the oncoming vehicle 71 side are equal to the widths W2L, W20L, and W21L of the left portion of the light and dark gradual change range A2 on the oncoming vehicle 71 side. Note that the widths of the upper and lower portions of the light and dark gradual change range A2 on the oncoming vehicle 71 side and the widths W2L, W20L, and W21L of the left portion do not necessarily have to be equal.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7(A), and 7(B), the irradiation range (irradiation area) A3 is formed in the high-beam light distribution pattern HP in a range (area) other than the light-shielding range A1 and the light and dark gradual change range A2. In this example, for the irradiation range A3, the current values supplied to the micro light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the irradiation range A3 are 100%, the micro light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the irradiation range A3 are in a lit state, and light is irradiated at 100% from the micro light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the irradiation range A3. Therefore, the brightness (luminance) of the irradiation range A3 is at a high level (100%. Hereinafter, referred to as "100%").

[0057] (Explanation of the operation of the embodiment) The vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment has the above-described configuration, and hereinafter, its operation will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. 5.

[0058] In step S1, the traveling determination unit 331 determines whether the host vehicle is traveling. If the traveling determination unit 331 determines that the vehicle is not traveling (NO), the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 ends. If it determines that the vehicle is traveling (YES), the process proceeds to step S2.

[0059] In step S2, the nighttime determination unit 332 determines whether the host vehicle is traveling at night. If the nighttime determination unit 332 determines that it is not nighttime driving (NO), the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 ends. If it determines that it is nighttime driving (YES), the process proceeds to step S3. When the process proceeds to step S3, the control device 3 turns on the micro light-emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R via the light quantity adjustment unit 32. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R irradiate the high-beam light distribution pattern HP in front of the host vehicle.

[0060] In step S3, the ADB determination unit 333 determines whether ADB is being used. If the ADB determination unit 333 determines that ADB is not being used (NO), the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 ends. If it determines that ADB is being used (YES), the process proceeds to step S4.

[0061] In step S4, the time determination unit 334 determines whether the driving time has reached a predetermined value of 1 hour. If the time determination unit 334 determines that it has not reached 1 hour (NO), the process proceeds to step S5. If it determines that it has reached 1 hour (YES), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0062] Alternatively, in step S4, the distance determination unit 335 determines whether the driving distance has reached a predetermined value of 50 km. If the distance determination unit 335 determines that it has not reached 50 km (NO), the process proceeds to step S5. If it determines that it has reached 50 km (YES), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0063] Note that in the case of YES in step S4, if it is determined in step S9 described below that the environment is a bad environment such as rain or snow (YES), via step S10 described below, the time determination unit 334 determines whether the driving time has reached a predetermined value of 0.8 hours (48 minutes). If the time determination unit 334 determines that it has not reached 0.8 hours (48 minutes) (NO), the process proceeds to step S5. If it determines that it has reached 0.8 hours (48 minutes) (YES), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0064] Or, when the answer is YES in step S4, and when it is determined in step S9 described below that the environment is a bad environment such as rain or snow (YES), via step S10 described below, the distance determination unit 335 determines whether the travel distance has reached 40 km, which is a predetermined value. When the distance determination unit 335 determines that it has not reached 40 km (NO), it proceeds to step S5, and when it determines that it has reached 40 km (YES), it proceeds to step S8.

[0065] In step S5, the setting unit 31 sets a light-shielding range A1 and a gradual brightness change range A2 based on the data of the light-shielding range input from the in-vehicle camera device 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the light-shielding range A1 is a rectangular range that covers the objects to be shielded, in this example, the oncoming vehicle 71 and the preceding vehicle 72, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, the gradual brightness change range A2 is the entire perimeter of the light-shielding range A1, that is, the range surrounding the four sides. In this example, the widths W2 and W2L of the gradual brightness change range A2 are 0.5° (0.5 deg).

[0066] Also, the light quantity adjustment unit 32 adjusts the light emission quantities of the minute light-emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R based on the light-shielding range A1 and the gradual brightness change range A2 set by the setting unit 31. In this example, the light emission quantities of the minute light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the light-shielding range A1 are set to 0%, the light emission quantities of the minute light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the irradiation range A3 are set to 100%, and the light emission quantities of the minute light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the gradual brightness change range A2 are set to be between 0% and 100% from the light-shielding range A1 side to the irradiation range A3 side.

[0067] As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, within the high beam light distribution pattern HP, a light shielding range A1 that covers the oncoming vehicle 71 and the preceding vehicle 72 is formed, and a gradual brightness change range A2 is formed on the four sides of the entire periphery of the light shielding range A1. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, within the high beam light distribution pattern HP, the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the light shielding range A1 is at a low level, the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the irradiation range A3 is at a high level, and the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the gradual brightness change range A2 gradually changes linearly from a low level to a high level from the light shielding range A1 side to the irradiation range A3 side.

[0068] When step S5 is completed, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the light shielding determination unit 337 determines whether the object to be shielded is the oncoming vehicle 71. When the light shielding determination unit 337 determines that it is not the oncoming vehicle 71 (NO), the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 ends, and when it determines that it is the oncoming vehicle 71 (YES), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0069] In step S7, the setting unit 31 sets a gradual brightness change range A2 in which the width of the gradual brightness change range A2 associated with the light shielding range A1 covering the oncoming vehicle 71 is increased by an additional width of 1° (1 deg) on the side where the oncoming vehicle 71 travels, which is the right side width W2R in this example. Further, the light quantity adjustment unit 32 adjusts the light emission quantity of the minute light emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left side lamp unit 2L and the right side lamp unit 2R based on the gradual brightness change range A2 set by the setting unit 31, that is, the gradual brightness change range A2 in which the right side width W2R is increased by an additional width of 1° (1 deg) compared to the width of the other side width W2L.

[0070] As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the right side width W2R of the gradual brightness change range A2 associated with the light shielding range A1 covering the oncoming vehicle 71 is increased by an additional 1° (1 deg) compared to the other side width W2L (0.5° (0.5 deg)) and becomes 1.5° (1.5 deg). Thus, step S7 ends.

[0071] In step S8, the travel time determination unit 334 determines whether the travel time has reached a predetermined value of 2 hours. If the travel time determination unit 334 determines that it has not reached 2 hours (NO), the process proceeds to step S9. If it determines that it has reached 2 hours (YES), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0072] Alternatively, in step S8, the distance determination unit 335 determines whether the travel distance has reached a predetermined value of 100 km. If the distance determination unit 335 determines that it has not reached 100 km (NO), the process proceeds to step S9. If it determines that it has reached 100 km (YES), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0073] Note that in the case of YES in step S8, if it is determined in step S14 described below that the environment is a bad environment such as rain or snow (YES), via step S15 described below, the travel time determination unit 334 determines whether the travel time has reached a predetermined value of 1.6 hours (96 minutes, 1 hour and 36 minutes). If the travel time determination unit 334 determines that it has not reached 1.6 hours (96 minutes, 1 hour and 36 minutes) (NO), the process proceeds to step S9. If it determines that it has reached 1.6 hours (96 minutes, 1 hour and 36 minutes) (YES), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0074] Alternatively, in step S8, if it is determined in step S14 described below that the environment is a bad environment such as rain or snow (YES), via step S15 described below, the distance determination unit 335 determines whether the travel distance has reached a predetermined value of 80 km. If the distance determination unit 335 determines that it has not reached 80 km (NO), the process proceeds to step S9. If it determines that it has reached 80 km (YES), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0075] In step S9, the environment determination unit 336 determines whether the environment is a bad environment such as rain or snow. If the environment determination unit 336 determines that it is a bad environment (YES), the process proceeds to step S10. If it determines that it is not a bad environment (NO), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0076] In step S10, the control device 3 multiplies the travel time (1 hour) or the predetermined value of the travel distance (50 km) in step S4 by 0.8, reducing the predetermined value of the travel time in step S4 from 1 hour to 0.8 hours (48 minutes) or the predetermined value of the travel distance from 50 km to 40 km. When step S10 is completed, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0077] In step S11, the setting unit 31 sets a light-shielding range A1 and a gradual brightness change range A2 based on the data of the light-shielding range input from the in-vehicle camera device 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the light-shielding range A1 is a rectangular range that covers the objects to be shielded, in this example, the oncoming vehicle 71 and the preceding vehicle 72, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, the gradual brightness change range A2 is the entire perimeter of the light-shielding range A1, that is, the range surrounding the four sides. In this example, the widths W20 and W20L of the gradual brightness change range A2 are 1° (1 deg).

[0078] Also, the light quantity adjustment unit 32 adjusts the light emission quantities of the micro light-emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R based on the light-shielding range A1 and the gradual brightness change range A2 set by the setting unit 31. In this example, the light emission quantities of the micro light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the light-shielding range A1 are set to 0%, the light emission quantities of the micro light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the irradiation range A3 are set to 100%, and the light emission quantities of the micro light-emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the gradual brightness change range A2 are set to be between 0% and 100% from the light-shielding range A1 side to the irradiation range A3 side.

[0079] As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, in the high-beam light distribution pattern HP, a light-shielding range A1 that covers the oncoming vehicle 71 and the preceding vehicle 72 respectively is formed, and a gradual brightness change range A2 is formed on the four sides of the entire perimeter of the light-shielding range A1. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, in the high-beam light distribution pattern HP, the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the light-shielding range A1 is at a low level, the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the irradiation range A3 is at a high level, and the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the gradual brightness change range A2 changes linearly from a low level to a high level from the light-shielding range A1 side to the irradiation range A3 side.

[0080] When step S11 is completed, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the light shielding determination unit 337 determines whether the object to be shielded from light is the oncoming vehicle 71. If the light shielding determination unit 337 determines that it is not the oncoming vehicle 71 (NO), the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 ends. If it determines that it is the oncoming vehicle 71 (YES), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0081] In step S13, the setting unit 31 sets a light and dark gradual change range A2 in which the width of the side on which the oncoming vehicle 71 travels, in this example, the right side width W2R, is additionally increased by 1° (1 deg) among the widths of the light and dark gradual change range A2 attached to the light shielding range A1 covering the oncoming vehicle 71. Also, based on the light and dark gradual change range A2 set by the setting unit 31, that is, the light and dark gradual change range A2 in which the right side width W2R is additionally increased by 1° (1 deg) compared to the width of the other side width W2L, the light emission amount adjustment unit 32 adjusts the light emission amounts of the minute light emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left side lamp unit 2L and the right side lamp unit 2R.

[0082] As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the right side width W2R of the light and dark gradual change range A2 attached to the light shielding range A1 covering the oncoming vehicle 71 is additionally increased by 1° (1 deg) compared to the other side width W2L (1° (1 deg)) and becomes 2° (2 deg). Thus, step S13 ends.

[0083] In step S14, the environment determination unit 336 determines whether the environment is a bad environment such as rain or snow. If the environment determination unit 336 determines that it is a bad environment (YES), the process proceeds to step S15. If it determines that it is not a bad environment (NO), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0084] In step S15, the control device 3 multiplies the travel time (2 hours) or the predetermined value of the travel distance in step S8 by 0.8, and reduces the predetermined value of the travel time in step S8 from 2 hours to 1.6 hours (96 minutes, 1 hour 36 minutes) or reduces the predetermined value of the travel distance from 100 km to 80 km. When step S15 is completed, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0085] In step S16, the setting unit 31 sets a light-shielding range A1 and a gradual brightness change range A2 based on the data of the light-shielding range input from the in-vehicle camera device 4. The light-shielding range A1 is a rectangular range that covers the objects to be shielded, in this example, the oncoming vehicle 71 and the preceding vehicle 72, respectively (see FIG. 4). The gradual brightness change range A2 is the entire perimeter of the light-shielding range A1, that is, the range surrounding the four sides (see FIG. 4). In this example, the width of the gradual brightness change range A2 is 1.5° (1.5 deg).

[0086] Also, the light quantity adjustment unit 32 adjusts the light emission quantities of the minute light emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left side lamp unit 2L and the right side lamp unit 2R based on the light-shielding range A1 and the gradual brightness change range A2 set by the setting unit 31. In this example, the light emission quantities of the minute light emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the light-shielding range A1 are set to 0%, the light emission quantities of the minute light emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the irradiation range A3 are set to 100%, and the light emission quantities of the minute light emitting elements 21L and 21R corresponding to the gradual brightness change range A2 are set to be between 0% and 100% from the light-shielding range A1 side to the irradiation range A3 side.

[0087] As a result, in the high beam light distribution pattern HP, a light-shielding range A1 that covers the oncoming vehicle 71 and the preceding vehicle 72 respectively is formed, and a gradual brightness change range A2 is formed on the four sides of the entire perimeter of the light-shielding range A1 (see FIG. 4). Also, in the high beam light distribution pattern HP, the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the light-shielding range A1 is at a low level, the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the irradiation range A3 is at a high level, and the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the gradual brightness change range A2 changes linearly from a low level to a high level from the light-shielding range A1 side to the irradiation range A3 side (see FIG. 4).

[0088] When step S16 is completed, the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the light-shielding determination unit 337 determines whether the object to be shielded is the oncoming vehicle 71. If the light-shielding determination unit 337 determines that it is not the oncoming vehicle 71 (NO), the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 ends, and if it determines that it is the oncoming vehicle 71 (YES), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0089] In step S18, the setting unit 31 sets a gradually changing light and dark range A2 with an additional increased width of 1° (1 deg) in the width of the gradually changing light and dark range A2 attached to the light shielding range A1 covering the oncoming vehicle 71, on the side where the oncoming vehicle 71 travels, which is the right side width W2R in this example. Further, the light quantity adjustment unit 32 adjusts the light emission quantities of the minute light emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left side lamp unit 2L and the right side lamp unit 2R based on the gradually changing light and dark range A2 set by the setting unit 31, that is, the gradually changing light and dark range A2 in which the right side width W2R is additionally increased by 1° (1 deg) compared to the width of the other side width W2L.

[0090] As a result, the right side width W2R of the gradually changing light and dark range A2 attached to the light shielding range A1 covering the oncoming vehicle 71 is additionally increased by 1° (1 deg) compared to the other side width W2L (1.5° (1.5 deg)) and becomes 2.5° (2.5 deg). Thus, step S18 ends (see FIG. 4). With this, the operation of the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment ends.

[0091] (Description of Effects of Embodiment) The vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment has the above-described configuration and operation, and the effects thereof will be described below.

[0092] The vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment includes a left side lamp unit 2L and a right side lamp unit 2R that irradiate a high beam light distribution pattern HP in front of the vehicle, and a control device 3. The control device 3 controls the left side lamp unit 2L and the right side lamp unit 2R based on the information obtained by the in-vehicle camera device 4 as a detection device, that is, based on the data of the light shielding range A1, to form the light shielding range A1 in the high beam light distribution pattern HP, and to form a gradually changing light and dark range A2 in the lighting range adjacent to the light shielding range A1 and on the four sides of the entire periphery of the light shielding range A1.

[0093] As a result, the vehicle headlight device 1 according to this embodiment can mitigate the brightness difference between the light-shielding range A1 and the irradiation range A3 by the gradually changing brightness range A2 formed between the light-shielding range A1 and the irradiation range A3. Thereby, the vehicle headlight device 1 according to this embodiment has a large brightness difference at the boundary between the light-shielding range and the irradiation range in the high-beam light distribution pattern, and also at the boundary between the increased high-beam region and the non-irradiation region in Patent Document 1. Compared with the headlight control device of Patent Document 2 having a large brightness difference, during night driving, the fatigue given to the driver can be reduced.

[0094] Moreover, the vehicle headlight device 1 according to this embodiment, due to the brightness difference mitigation effect of the gradually changing brightness range A2, even if the light-shielding range A1 and the gradually changing brightness range A2 move as the oncoming vehicle 71 or the preceding vehicle 72 of the object moves, or even if there are a plurality of oncoming vehicles 71 or preceding vehicles 72 of the object and there are a plurality of light-shielding ranges A1 and gradually changing brightness ranges A2, during night driving, the fatigue given to the driver can be reduced.

[0095] In the vehicle headlight device 1 according to this embodiment, when information regarding the driver's fatigue level is input from the vehicle information unit 5 to the control device 3 and it is determined that the information regarding the driver's fatigue level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a control signal for increasing the widths W2, W2L, W2R of 0.5° (0.5 deg) between the light-shielding range A1, which is the width of the gradually changing brightness range A2, and the irradiation range A3 to widths W20, W20L, W20R of 1° (1 deg) or 1.5° (1.5 deg) is output to the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R.

[0096] As a result, the vehicle headlight device 1 according to this embodiment increases the widths W20, W20L, W20R of the gradually changing brightness range A2, that is, the brightness difference mitigation range, before the driver's fatigue level accumulates, so that during long-time night driving, the fatigue given to the driver can be reduced.

[0097] Moreover, since the width W2, W2L, W2R of the gradual brightness change range A2 is 0.5° (0.5 deg), which is the minimum width, until the information regarding the driver's fatigue level reaches a predetermined value or more in the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment, it can be felt that the vehicle is equipped with ADB, and the commercial value of the vehicle is maintained at a high level.

[0098] In the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment, the information regarding the driver's fatigue level is the driving time or the driving distance among the vehicle information obtained in the vehicle information unit 5. When a value of the driving time or the driving distance equal to or greater than a predetermined value (1 hour, 2 hours, or 50 km, 100 km) as a threshold value is input from the vehicle information unit 5 to the control device 3, the control device 3 outputs a control signal for increasing the width W2, W2L, W2R of 0.5° (0.5 deg) of the gradual brightness change range A2 to the width W20, W20L, W20R of 1° (1 deg) or 1.5° (1.5 deg) to the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R.

[0099] As a result, since the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment uses the driving time or the driving distance as the information regarding the driver's fatigue level, the driver's fatigue level can be accurately grasped, and the fatigue given to the driver during night driving can be reduced.

[0100] In the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment, the control device 3 obtains the vehicle environment information from the environment information unit 6, and reduces the predetermined value when the obtained environment information is bad environment information related to bad weather. That is, the predetermined value of the information regarding the driver's fatigue level is reduced by multiplying the predetermined value of the information regarding the driver's fatigue level by 0.8. When the driving time or the driving distance becomes equal to or greater than the reduced predetermined value (0.8 hour (48 minutes), 1.6 hours (96 minutes, 1 hour 36 minutes), or 40 km, 80 km), the control device 3 outputs a control signal for increasing the width W2, W2L, W2R of 0.5° (0.5 deg) of the gradual brightness change range A2 to the width W20, W20L, W20R of 1° (1 deg) or 1.5° (1.5 deg) to the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R.

[0101] As a result, when the driver's fatigue sets in earlier in adverse environments such as rain or snow, the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment reduces a predetermined value of the driving time or the driving distance, which is information regarding the driver's fatigue level. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the fatigue imposed on the driver during night driving in adverse environments.

[0102] In the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment, the control device 3 outputs a control signal for increasing the widths W2R, W20R, W21R on the side where the oncoming vehicle 71 travels by 1° (1 deg) more than the widths W2L, W20L, W21L on the other side, among the widths of the gradual brightness change range A2 attached to the light-shielding range A1 for shielding the oncoming vehicle 71, to the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R.

[0103] As a result, in the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment, since the widths W2R, W20R, W21R on the side where the oncoming vehicle 71 travels are 1° (1 deg) larger than the widths W2L, W20L, W21L on the other side among the widths of the gradual brightness change range A2, even when the relative speed between the host vehicle and the oncoming vehicle 71 is high and the positional movement on the traveling direction side of the oncoming vehicle 71 is large, the oncoming vehicle 71 can be shielded by the gradual brightness change range A2, and glare to the oncoming vehicle 71 can be suppressed.

[0104] In the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment, the control device 3 outputs a control signal for making the gradual change form of the brightness between the light-shielding range A1 and the irradiation range A3 of the gradual brightness change range A2 a linear form, to the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R.

[0105] As a result, since the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment gradually changes the brightness linearly and smoothly between the light-shielding range A1 and the irradiation range A3 of the gradual brightness change range A2, it is possible to reduce the fatigue imposed on the driver during night driving.

[0106] In the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), the control device 3 outputs control signals for increasing or decreasing the widths W2L, W2R, W21L, and W21R of the light and dark gradual change range A2, which are the widths between the light shielding range A1 and the irradiation range A3, in accordance with the widths W1 and W11 in the left-right direction of the light shielding range A1, to the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R.

[0107] As a result, in the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment, when the width in the left-right direction of the light shielding range A1 becomes 1.5 times from W1 in FIG. 7(A) to W11 in FIG. 7(B), the width of the other side of the light and dark gradual change range A2 increases 1.5 times from 0.5° of W2L in FIG. 7(A) to 0.75° of W21L in FIG. 7(B). On the other hand, the width of the side where the oncoming vehicle 71 travels in the light and dark gradual change range A2 increases 1.5 times from 1.5° of W2R in FIG. 7(A) to 2.25° of W21R in FIG. 7(B). Thereby, in the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment, since the light shielding range A1 and the light and dark gradual change range A2 increase or decrease at the same ratio, the balance between the light shielding range A1 and the light and dark gradual change range A2 is maintained, which is visually preferable.

[0108] In the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment, the control device 3 includes a setting unit 31 that sets the light shielding range A1 and the light and dark gradual change range A2 based on the information input from the in-vehicle camera device 4 as a detection device, that is, the data of the light shielding range A1, and a light quantity adjustment unit 32 that adjusts the light emission quantity of the micro light emitting elements 21L and 21R based on the light shielding range A1 and the light and dark gradual change range A2 set in the setting unit 31.

[0109] As a result, in the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to form the light shielding range A1 and the light and dark gradual change range A2 provided on the four sides of the entire periphery of the light shielding range A1 in the high beam light distribution pattern HP.

[0110] In the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment, the left lamp unit 2L and the right lamp unit 2R include minute light-emitting elements 21L and 21R in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged in a matrix, and optical members 22L and 22R as lenses that directly irradiate the light from the minute light-emitting elements 21L and 21R forward of the vehicle as a high-beam light distribution pattern HP.

[0111] As a result, the vehicle headlamp device 1 according to this embodiment can form a light-shielding range A1 and a gradual light and dark change range A2 provided on four sides of the entire periphery of the light-shielding range A1 within the high-beam light distribution pattern HP.

[0112] (Description of an example other than the embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, an example of forming the gradual light and dark change range A2 around the entire periphery of the light-shielding range A1 has been described. However, in the present invention, it can also be applied to a case where the gradual light and dark change range A2 is formed in at least a part of the irradiation range A3 adjacent to the light-shielding range A1, for example, a part on the traveling direction side of the oncoming vehicle 71 and a part on the traveling direction side of the preceding vehicle 72.

[0113] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example of left-hand traffic has been described. However, in the present invention, it can also be applied to the case of right-hand traffic. In this case, the left and right of the above-described embodiment are reversed.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which either the travel time or the travel distance is used as vehicle information has been described. However, in the present invention, both the travel time and the travel distance may be used as vehicle information.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the widths W2, W2L, and W2R of 0.5° (0.5 deg) in the light and shade gradual change range A2 are increased in two steps to widths W20, W20L, and W20R of 1° (1 deg) or 1.5° (1.5 deg). However, in the present invention, the numerical value of the light and shade gradual change range A2 may be a numerical value other than the above, and in addition to the increase in two steps, it may be an increase in one step or an increase in three or more steps.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the predetermined values of the running time or the running distance are in two steps of 1 hour, 2 hours, or 50 km, 100 km. However, in the present invention, the numerical value of the predetermined value of the running time or the running distance may be a numerical value other than the above, and in addition to two steps, it may be one step or three or more steps.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in the case of a bad environment such as rain or snow, in order to lower the predetermined value of the information regarding the driver's fatigue level, the predetermined value of the information regarding the driver's fatigue level is multiplied by 0.8. However, in the present invention, the numerical value to be multiplied by the predetermined value may be a numerical value other than the above.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, among the widths of the light and shade gradual change range A2 associated with the light shielding range A1 for shielding the oncoming vehicle 71, the widths W2R, W20R, and W21R on the side where the oncoming vehicle 71 travels are increased by 1° (1 deg) compared to the widths W2L, W20L, and W21L on the other side. However, in the present invention, the numerical value for increasing the width may be a numerical value other than the above. Also, in the present invention, the numerical value for increasing the width may be changed according to the relative speed between the host vehicle and the oncoming vehicle 71. For example, when the relative speed is high, it is additionally increased at an angle larger than 1°, and when the relative speed is low, it is additionally increased at an angle smaller than 1°.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the brightness between the light-shielding range A1 and the irradiation range A3 of the light and dark gradual change range A2 changes linearly and smoothly. However, in the present invention, the gradual change form of the brightness between the light-shielding range A1 and the irradiation range A3 of the light and dark gradual change range A2 may be, in addition to the linear form, for example, a downward-curved form, an upward-curved form, or a stepped form as shown in FIGS. 6(A), (B), and (C). Also, a combination of a linear form, a downward-curved form, an upward-curved form, and a stepped form may be used. Thus, in the present invention, by making the gradual change form of the brightness between the light-shielding range A1 and the irradiation range A3 of the light and dark gradual change range A2 an arbitrary gradual change form, a gradual change form suitable for the driver's preference can be selected, and the fatigue given to the driver during night driving can be reduced.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the minute light-emitting elements 21L and 21R of the left-side lamp unit 2L and the right-side lamp unit 2R are composed of a plurality of minute LEDs and the plurality of minute LEDs are arranged in a matrix is described. However, in the present invention, as the minute light-emitting element, in addition to the minute LED, a MEMS-type minute light-emitting element or a DMD-type minute light-emitting element may be used.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, even if the light-shielding range A1 becomes wider or narrower, the width of the light and dark gradual change range A2 is constant. However, in the present invention, the control device 3 may control as described later so that when the light-shielding range A1 becomes wider or narrower, the width of the light and dark gradual change range A2 increases or decreases accordingly.

[0122] That is, as shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), the light-shielding range A1 widens and narrows according to the distance from the object to be light-shielded, which is the oncoming vehicle 71 in FIG. 7. For example, when the distance from the oncoming vehicle 71 is long, as shown in FIG. 7(A), the light-shielding range A1 is narrow, that is, the width W1 in the left-right direction of the light-shielding range A1 is narrow. On the other hand, when the distance from the oncoming vehicle 71 is short, as shown in FIG. 7(B), the light-shielding range A1 is wide, that is, the width W11 in the left-right direction of the light-shielding range A1 is wide. Thus, the light-shielding range A1 widens and narrows according to the distance from the object to be light-shielded (the oncoming vehicle 71). At this time, although the light-shielding range A1 widens and narrows, when the width of the gradual light and dark change range A2 is constant, the balance between the widening and narrowing light-shielding range A1 and the constant gradual light and dark change range A2 is broken, which is not visually preferable.

[0123] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), the control device 3 outputs control signals for increasing and decreasing the widths W2L, W2R, W21L, and W21R of the gradual light and dark change range A2, which are between the light-shielding range A1 and the irradiation range A3, according to the widening and narrowing of the light-shielding range A1. In this example, the widening and narrowing of the width in the left-right direction W1, W11, to the left and right lamp units 2L and 2R. For example, when the width in the left-right direction of the light-shielding range A1 increases from W1 in FIG. 7(A) to W11 in FIG. 7(B) by 1.5 times, the width of the other side of the gradual light and dark change range A2 is increased from 0.5° of W2L in FIG. 7(A) to 0.75° of W21L in FIG. 7(B) by 1.5 times. On the other hand, the width of the side where the oncoming vehicle 71 travels in the gradual light and dark change range A2 is increased from 1.5° of W2R in FIG. 7(A) to 2.25° of W21R in FIG. 7(B) by 1.5 times. Thereby, since the light-shielding range A1 and the gradual light and dark change range A2 widen and narrow at the same ratio, the balance between the light-shielding range A1 and the gradual light and dark change range A2 is maintained, which is visually preferable.

[0124] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0125] 1 Vehicle headlamp device 2L Left lamp unit 2R Right lamp unit 21L, 21R Micro light-emitting elements 22L and 22R optical members 3 Control device 31 Setting unit 32 Light quantity adjustment unit 33 Judgment unit 331 Traveling judgment unit (travel judgment unit) 332 Nighttime traveling judgment unit (night judgment unit) 333 ADB usage judgment unit (ADB judgment unit) 334 Travel time set value judgment unit (time judgment unit) 335 Travel distance set value judgment unit (distance judgment unit) 336 Environment judgment unit 337 Light shielding object judgment unit (light shielding judgment unit) 4 Vehicle-mounted camera device 41 Imaging unit 42 Image processing unit 43 Object detection unit 44 Light shielding range calculation unit 5 Vehicle information unit 6 Environment information unit 71 Oncoming vehicle 72 Leading vehicle A1 Light shielding range A2 Gradual brightness change range A3 Irradiation range HL-HR Horizontal lines on the left and right of the screen HP High beam light distribution pattern VU-VD Vertical lines on the top and bottom of the screen W1, W11 Widths of the light shielding range A1 in the left-right direction W2, W20 Widths of the left and right parts of the gradual brightness change range A2 on the leading vehicle 72 side W2L, W20L, W21L Widths of the left part of the gradual brightness change range A2 on the oncoming vehicle 71 side W2R, W20R, W21R Widths of the right part of the gradual brightness change range A2 on the oncoming vehicle 71 side

Claims

1. A vehicle headlamp device with variable light distribution, comprising: a lamp unit that irradiates a high-beam light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle; a control device that controls the lamp unit based on information obtained from a detection device mounted on the vehicle to form a light-shielding range within the high-beam light distribution pattern and form a gradually changing light and dark range in at least a part of the irradiation range adjacent to the light-shielding range; and comprising: a vehicle headlamp device characterized by the above.

2. When information regarding the driver's fatigue level is input from an information unit mounted on the vehicle to the control device and it is determined that the information regarding the driver's fatigue level is equal to or higher than a threshold value, the control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to increase the width of the gradually changing light and dark range. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The information regarding the driver's fatigue level is at least one of the driving time or the driving distance among the vehicle information obtained in the information unit. When at least one value of the driving time or the driving distance equal to or higher than the threshold value is input from the information unit to the control device, the control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to increase the width of the gradually changing light and dark range. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The control device obtains the environmental information of the vehicle from the information unit and lowers the threshold value when the obtained environmental information is information related to bad weather. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

5. The information regarding the driver's fatigue level is at least one of the driving time or the driving distance among the vehicle information obtained in the information unit. The control device obtains the environmental information of the vehicle from the information unit and lowers the threshold value when the obtained environmental information is information related to bad weather. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. The control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to increase the width of the gradually changing light and dark range on the side where the oncoming vehicle is traveling compared to the width of the gradually changing light and dark range on the other side. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

7. The control device outputs a control signal to the lamp unit to make the gradual change form of the brightness of the gradually changing light and dark range at least one of a linear form, a curved form, or a stepped form. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

8. The control device outputs a control signal for increasing or decreasing the width of the gradual brightness change range in accordance with the width of the light shielding range to the lamp unit. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

9. The control device includes a setting unit that sets the light shielding range and the gradual brightness change range based on the information input from the detection device; and a light quantity adjustment unit that adjusts the light emission quantity of the lamp unit based on the light shielding range and the gradual brightness change range set by the setting unit. It has The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

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