Vehicle lighting system and vehicle lighting unit control method

Abstract

To provide a lighting fixture system for a vehicle which can adjust an optical axis of a lighting fixture unit for a vehicle without preparing a dedicated light source unit.SOLUTION: A lighting fixture system for a vehicle, which includes a mask object detection sensor for detecting a position of a mask object existing in front of a vehicle, a non-irradiation region setting part for setting a non-irradiation region where the mask object is not irradiated on the basis of a position of the mask object, and a lighting fixture unit control part for controlling the lighting fixture unit for the vehicle so as to emit the irradiation region other than the non-irradiation region, includes: a reference spot pattern position storage part for previously storing a position of a reference spot pattern formed on a screen arranged in front of the vehicle by light emitted from the light fixture unit for the vehicle mounted on the vehicle in a state where an optical axis coincides with a designed optical axis; a deviation amount calculation part for calculating a deviation amount; and a deviation amount storage part for storing the deviation amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lighting system and a vehicle lighting unit control method, and more particularly to a vehicle lighting system and a vehicle lighting unit control method that can calculate the amount of deviation of the optical axis of a vehicle lighting unit without preparing a dedicated light source unit separate from the vehicle lighting unit. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to adjust the optical axis of a vehicle lighting unit, a system is known which uses a dedicated light source unit that is separate from the vehicle lighting unit and emits light for adjusting the optical axis, and calculates the amount of deviation of the optical axis of the vehicle lighting unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-111883 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, although Patent Document 1 is capable of calculating the amount of deviation of the optical axis of a vehicle lamp unit, there is a problem in that a dedicated light source unit separate from the vehicle lamp unit must be prepared.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a vehicle lighting system and a vehicle lighting unit control method that can calculate the amount of deviation of a vehicle lighting unit without having to prepare a dedicated light source unit separate from the vehicle lighting unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle lighting system according to the present invention is provided with a vehicle lighting unit, a mask object detection sensor including a camera that captures an image ahead of the vehicle and a mask object position detection unit that detects at least the position of the headlamp of an oncoming vehicle as the position of an object to be masked present in front of the vehicle based on an image captured by the camera, a non-illumination area setting unit that sets a non-illumination area where the mask object is not illuminated based on the position of the mask object, and a lamp unit control unit that controls the vehicle lighting unit to illuminate an illumination area other than the non-illumination area, and the vehicle lighting system includes a reference spot pattern position storage unit that pre-stores the position of a reference spot pattern formed on a screen arranged in front of the vehicle by light irradiated from the vehicle lighting unit attached to the vehicle with the optical axis coinciding with a design optical axis, and a deviation amount calculation unit that calculates a deviation amount. and a deviation amount memory unit that stores the deviation amount, wherein when an instruction to start optical axis correction is input, the lighting unit control unit controls the vehicle lighting unit so that a spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of a virtual oncoming vehicle is formed on the screen, the camera captures an image including a spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of the virtual oncoming vehicle on the screen, the masking object position detection unit detects the position of the spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of the virtual oncoming vehicle on the screen based on the image including the spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of the virtual oncoming vehicle on the screen, and the deviation amount calculation unit calculates the deviation amount of the spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of the virtual oncoming vehicle relative to the reference spot pattern based on the position of the reference spot pattern and the position of the spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of the virtual oncoming vehicle on the screen.

[0007] With this configuration, it is possible to calculate the amount of deviation of the optical axis of the vehicle lamp unit without providing a dedicated light source unit separate from the vehicle lamp unit.

[0008] This is because the amount of deviation of the optical axis of the vehicle lamp unit is calculated using a spot pattern emitted by the vehicle lamp unit, rather than a dedicated light source unit.

[0009] The above vehicle lighting system may further include an illuminated / non-illuminated area correction unit which corrects the illuminated area and the non-illuminated area, and when an instruction to start the optical axis correction is not input, the camera captures an image of the area in front of the vehicle, the masking object position detection unit detects a position of a masking object present in front of the vehicle based on an image captured by the camera, the non-illuminated area setting unit sets a non-illuminated area where the masking object is not illuminated based on the position of the masking object, the illuminated / non-illuminated area correction unit corrects the illuminated area and the non-illuminated area based on the deviation amount stored in the deviation amount storage unit, and the lamp unit control unit may control the vehicle lighting unit to illuminate the corrected illumination area other than the corrected non-illuminated area.

[0010] In this way, even if the optical axis of the vehicle lamp unit is misaligned due to an installation error of the vehicle lamp unit or the like, glare on the object to be masked can be prevented.

[0011] This is because the non-irradiated area is corrected based on the amount of deviation stored in the deviation amount storage section.

[0012] The vehicle lighting unit control method of the present invention comprises the steps of controlling a vehicle lighting unit attached to a vehicle so that a spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of a virtual oncoming vehicle is formed on a screen positioned in front of the vehicle; detecting the position of the spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of the virtual oncoming vehicle on the screen; calculating the amount of deviation of the spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of the virtual oncoming vehicle relative to the reference spot pattern based on the position of a pre-stored reference spot pattern and the position of the spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of the virtual oncoming vehicle on the screen; and storing the amount of deviation.

[0013] The above-mentioned vehicle lighting unit control method may include the steps of detecting an object to be masked present in front of the vehicle, setting a non-illuminated area in which the object to be masked is not illuminated, correcting the non-illuminated area and an illuminated area other than the non-illuminated area based on the stored deviation amount, and controlling the vehicle lighting unit to illuminate the corrected illuminated area other than the corrected non-illuminated area. Effect of the Invention

[0014] The present invention provides a vehicle lighting system and a vehicle lighting unit control method that can calculate the amount of deviation of the optical axis of a vehicle lighting unit without preparing a dedicated light source unit separate from the vehicle lighting unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle lighting system 10. FIG. [Diagram 2] 11 is a diagram for explaining a left spot pattern LP1, a right spot pattern RP1, etc. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating each element of formulas 1 to 6 and formulas 7 to 12. [Figure 4] (a) An example of the positions (angles θLE1, θLE2) of the light-dark boundary lines CL1, CL2 set by the non-irradiation area setting unit 33, (b) an example of the light-dark boundary lines CL1, CL2 formed when the left spot pattern LP1 is shifted by an angle θLD (see Figure 2) relative to the left reference spot pattern LP2, and (c) an example of a light distribution pattern PADB for ADB. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart of a deviation amount calculation process. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart of a process for forming a light distribution pattern for ADB. [Figure 7] This is an example of mask margins M1 and M2. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle lighting system 10 (modification). [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart of a modified example of a light distribution pattern formation process for ADB. [Figure 10] 2A is an example of a light distribution pattern PADB for ADB (light-dark boundary lines CL1, CL2) formed when the left spot pattern LP1 is shifted by an angle θLD (see FIG. 2) with respect to the left reference spot pattern LP2, and FIG. 2B is an example of a light distribution pattern PADB for ADB (light-dark boundary lines CL1, CL2) after correction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, a vehicle lighting system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle lighting system 10. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining a left spot pattern LP1, a right spot pattern RP1, and the like.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle lighting system 10 includes a masked object detection sensor 20, a control unit 30, lighting units 40L, 40R, etc. The tester 50 is, for example, a tester for fault inspection, and is used to input an instruction to start optical axis correction (for example, a correction execution command) as described below. The vehicle lighting system 10 is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. Hereinafter, the vehicle on which the vehicle lighting system 10 is mounted is referred to as the host vehicle V.

[0019] The masked object detection sensor 20 is a sensor with an oncoming vehicle detection function, and includes a camera 21 and a masked object position detection unit 22. The masked object position detection unit 22 can be realized by software or hardware.

[0020] The masked object detection sensor 20 is provided, for example, at the center of the vehicle width direction inside the vehicle cabin of the host vehicle V (see FIG. 2). 21 and the central axis AX of the vehicle V Vare consistent.

[0021] The camera 21 is an imaging element such as a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, etc. The camera 21 periodically (for example, every 60 ms) captures an image of the area in front of the host vehicle V through the windshield.

[0022] Based on the image (image data) captured by the camera 21 (by performing a predetermined image processing on the image), the masking object position detection unit 22 detects at least the position of the headlamp of an oncoming vehicle as the position of an object to be masked that exists in front of the host vehicle V. The object to be masked is, for example, an oncoming vehicle traveling in the oncoming lane ahead of the host vehicle V, or a preceding vehicle traveling in the host vehicle lane ahead of the host vehicle V.

[0023] The position of the mask object is, for example, the position of the vehicle V (the optical axis AX 21 ) relative to the headlamp of the oncoming vehicle, and the optical axis AX of the camera 21 of the own vehicle V 21 ) is the position of the taillights of the vehicle ahead in relation to the vehicle ahead.

[0024] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a left spot pattern LP1 and a right spot pattern RP1 corresponding to the headlamps of a virtual oncoming vehicle V0 are formed on a screen S disposed in front of the vehicle V. The left spot pattern LP1 is formed by a light Ray irradiated from a left lamp unit 40L attached to the vehicle V. 40L The light spot is formed on the screen S by the above-mentioned. Note that the light axis of the left lamp unit 40L attached to the vehicle V may deviate from the designed light axis AX due to an attachment error or the like. 40L Similarly, the right spot pattern RP1 does not necessarily match the light Ray irradiated from the right lamp unit 40R attached to the vehicle V. 40R The light spot is formed on the screen S by the above-mentioned. Note that the optical axis of the right lamp unit 40R attached to the vehicle V may deviate from the designed optical axis AX due to an attachment error or the like. 40R does not necessarily correspond to the

[0025] In this case, the masking object position detection unit 22 detects the positions of the left spot pattern LP1 and the right spot pattern RP1 corresponding to the headlights of the imaginary oncoming vehicle V0 as the position of the masking object present in front of the host vehicle V. In FIG. 2, the left angle θ LA , right angle θ RA are the positions of the left spot pattern LP1 and the right spot pattern RP1 corresponding to the headlamps of the imaginary oncoming vehicle V0. LA , right angle θ RA is the amount of deviation as seen by the camera 21.

[0026] In FIG. 2, the vehicle V faces the screen S, and the optical axis AX 21 (and the central axis AX of the own vehicle V V 2, the symbol L represents the distance between the masked object detection sensor 20 (camera 21) and the screen S, and the symbol LL represents the distance between the masked object detection sensor 20 (camera 21) and the lighting units 40L and 40R.

[0027] As described above, the position of the masking object detected by the masking object position detection unit 22 (for example, the left angle θ LA and right angle θ RA ) is transmitted to the control unit 30.

[0028] The control unit 30 is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) including a processor (not shown), a storage unit 36, and a memory 37. The ECU is, for example, a lamp control ECU.

[0029] The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor may be one or more. The processor executes a predetermined program (not shown) read from the storage unit 36 ​​into a memory 37 (for example, a RAM) to function as a mask object position acquisition unit 31, a shift amount calculation unit 32, a non-irradiated area setting unit 33, a non-irradiated area correction unit 34, and a lighting unit control unit 35. Some or all of these may be realized by hardware.

[0030] The masking object position acquisition unit 31 receives the position of the masking object (for example, the left angle θ LA and right angle θ RA ) is obtained (received).

[0031] The deviation amount calculation unit 32 calculates the deviation amount of the left spot pattern LP1 relative to the left reference spot pattern LP2 and the deviation amount of the right spot pattern RP1 relative to the right reference spot pattern RP2 based on the position of the reference spot pattern and the position of the spot pattern corresponding to the headlamp of a virtual oncoming vehicle V0 on the screen S.

[0032] For example, as shown in Fig. 2, a left spot pattern LP1 and a right spot pattern RP1 corresponding to the headlamps of a hypothetical oncoming vehicle V0 are formed on a screen S disposed in front of the vehicle V. In Fig. 2, the left reference spot pattern LP2 has an optical axis that coincides with the designed optical axis AX 40L It is a light spot formed on the screen S by light emitted from the left lamp unit 40L attached to the vehicle V in a state where the light spot coincides with the left lamp unit 40L.

[0033] Similarly, the right reference spot pattern RP2 has an optical axis that is parallel to the designed optical axis AX 40R The left angle θ is a light spot formed on the screen S by light emitted from the right lamp unit 40R attached to the vehicle V in a state where the left angle θ LB , right angle θ RB are the positions of the left reference spot pattern LP2 and the right reference spot pattern RP2. The positions of the left reference spot pattern LP2 and the right reference spot pattern RP2 (left angle θ LB , right angle θ RB ) are stored in advance in the storage unit 36 ​​(reference spot pattern position storage unit 36a).

[0034] In Fig. 2, angle θ LD is the amount of deviation of the left spot pattern LP1 from the left reference spot pattern LP2. This deviation amount (angle θ LD) can be calculated by the following formulas 1 to 6. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the elements of formulas 1 to 6 and formulas 7 to 12. In FIG. 3, the symbol AX 40L represents the designed optical axis of the left lamp unit 40L. 40R represents the designed optical axis of the right lamp unit 40R. 40L (And the optical axis AX of the right lamp unit 40R 40R ) and the optical axis AX of camera 21 21 are parallel to each other.

[0035] LTB = (VL+CL) × tan(θ LB )...(Formula 1) However, LTB is the optical axis AX of the camera 21. 21 to the left spot pattern LP1. VL is the distance between the lighting units 40L, 40R and the screen S. CL is the distance between the lighting units 40L, 40R and the masked object detection sensor 20 (camera 21).

[0036] (LTD+LTB) / (VL+CL) = tan(θ LA )...(Formula 2) Here, LTD is the distance between the left spot pattern LP1 and the left reference spot pattern LP2.

[0037] LTD+LTB = (VL+CL) × tan(θ LA )...(Formula 3) LTD = (VL+CL) × tan(θ LA ) - LTB (Formula 4) LTD = (VL+CL) × ( tan(θ LA ) - tan(θ LB ) )...(Formula 5) θ LD = arctan( LTD / VL ) (Equation 6) In Fig. 2, angle θ RD is the amount of deviation of the right spot pattern RP1 from the right reference spot pattern RP2. This deviation amount (angle θ RD) can be calculated by the following formulas 7 to 12.

[0038] RTB = (VL+CL) × tan(θ RB )...(Formula 7) However, the RTB is aligned with the optical axis AX of the camera 21. 21 to the right spot pattern RP1.

[0039] (RTD+RTB) / (VL+CL) = tan(θ RA )...(Formula 8) where RTD is the distance between the right spot pattern RP1 and the right reference spot pattern RP2.

[0040] RTD+RTB = (VL+CL) × tan(θ RA )...(Formula 9) RTD = (VL+CL) × tan(θ RA ) - RTB (Equation 10) RTD = (VL+CL) × ( tan(θ RA ) - tan(θ RB ) )...(Equation 11) θ RD = arctan( RTD / VL ) (Equation 12) The amount of deviation (angle θ LD ) and the deviation amount (angle θ RD ) is stored in the storage unit 36 ​​(deviation amount storage unit 36b) as a correction value.

[0041] The non-irradiation area setting unit 33 sets a non-irradiation area where the mask object is not irradiated based on the position of the mask object detected by the mask object position detection unit 22. The non-irradiation area is an area that is darker than the irradiation area (a dimmed area or an unlit area).

[0042] For example, assume that a masking object (an oncoming vehicle Ob) is detected as shown in FIG. 4(a). In this case, the non-illumination region setting unit 33 sets the positions (angle θ LE1 , angle θ LE2 4A shows the positions of the light-dark boundary lines CL1 and CL2 (angle θ LE1 , angle θ LE2 ) is an example.

[0043] Here, the left spot pattern LP1 is at an angle θ LD (See Figure 2) If the optical axis of the left lamp unit 40L is misaligned with the designed optical axis AX 40L As shown in FIG. 4(b), the light-dark boundary lines CL1 and CL2 are spaced apart by an angle of θ LE1 +angle θ LD , angle θ LE2 +angle θ LD It is formed at the position.

[0044] As a result, the oncoming vehicle Ob is irradiated, and it is not possible to prevent glare from being caused to the oncoming vehicle Ob. LD (See FIG. 2) This is an example of the light-dark boundary lines CL1 and CL2 that are formed when the right spot pattern RP1 is at an angle θ RD (See FIG. 2) The optical axis of the right lamp unit 40R is misaligned with the optical axis AX 40R The same applies when the

[0045] Therefore, the non-irradiation area set by the non-irradiation area setting section 33 is corrected by the non-irradiation area correction section 34 .

[0046] The non-irradiation region correction unit 34 calculates the deviation amount (angle θ LD , angle θ RD) the non-irradiation area set by the non-irradiation area setting unit 33 is corrected.

[0047] Specifically, for the lighting unit 40L, the non-illuminated region correction unit 34 corrects the positions of the two light-dark boundary lines CL1 and CL2 set by the non-illuminated region setting unit 33 (angle θ LE1 , angle θ LE2 ) stored in the memory unit 36 ​​(deviation amount memory unit 36b), LD The same is true for the lighting unit 40R.

[0048] As a result, as shown in FIG. 4C, the light-dark boundary lines CL1 and CL2 are positioned after correction, that is, at an angle θ LE1 , angle θ LE2 As a result, the oncoming vehicle Ob is not illuminated, and glare to the oncoming vehicle Ob can be prevented.

[0049] The lamp unit control unit 35 controls the lamp units 40L, 40R so as to illuminate areas other than the non-illuminated area. Specifically, the lamp unit control unit 35 controls the vehicular lamp units 40L, 40R so as to illuminate areas other than the non-illuminated area corrected by the non-illuminated area correction unit 34. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the lamp unit control unit 35 controls the position after correction by the non-illuminated area correction unit 34, that is, the angle θ LE1 , angle θ LE2 ADB light distribution pattern P including light-dark boundary lines CL1 and CL2 formed at the position ADB The lamp units 40L and 40R are controlled so that the following is formed.

[0050] Figure 4(c) shows the light distribution pattern P for ADB. ADB This is an example.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 4(c), the ADB light distribution pattern P ADBis formed in the high beam area, including a non-illuminated area A that does not illuminate the mask object (e.g., an oncoming vehicle Ob) and illuminated areas B and C that illuminate the other areas. Note that the light-dark boundary lines CL1 and CL2 are the boundaries between the non-illuminated area A and the illuminated areas B and C, and extend in the vertical direction (vertical direction).

[0052] The lamp units 40L and 40R are controlled by the lamp unit control unit 35 to generate the ADB light distribution pattern P ADB Any configuration may be used as long as the lighting unit is a variable light distribution type lighting unit that can form the above-mentioned light distribution.

[0053] For example, the lighting units 40L, 40R may be a direct projection type (also called direct type) lighting unit (LED segment type ADB lighting unit) with multiple light sources arranged horizontally, a direct projection type (also called direct type) lighting unit (LED array type ADB lighting unit) with multiple light sources arranged in a matrix, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) type ADB lighting unit, a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) type lighting unit, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) type ADB lighting unit, or an ADB lighting unit of other configurations.

[0054] The storage unit 36 ​​is, for example, a non-volatile readable / writable storage unit such as a flash memory.

[0055] The storage unit 36 ​​includes a reference spot pattern position storage unit 36a and a deviation amount storage unit 36b.

[0056] The reference spot pattern position storage unit 36a stores the position of the left reference spot pattern LP2 (left angle θ LB ), the position of the right reference spot pattern RP2 (right angle θ RBThe deviation amount storage unit 36b stores the deviation amount (angle θ LD , angle θ RD ) is memorized.

[0057] Next, a shift amount calculation process will be described as an example of the operation of the vehicle lighting system 10 having the above configuration. The shift amount calculation process calculates the shift amount (angle θ LD ) and the deviation amount (angle θ RD ) is calculated.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the deviation amount calculation process.

[0059] In the following description, it is assumed that the vehicle V faces the screen S as shown in FIG. 2, and the optical axis AX 21 (and the central axis AX of the own vehicle V V ) is assumed to be perpendicular to the screen S when the vehicle is stopped. The following process is executed, for example, during the aiming process when assembling a vehicle, or when the optical axes of the lamp units 40L, 40R are manually adjusted during vehicle inspection, etc. The following process is started by inputting a command to start optical axis correction from the tester 50 electrically connected to the control unit 30.

[0060] When an instruction to start optical axis correction (e.g., a correction execution command) is input from the tester 50, first, a spot pattern is formed on the screen S (step S10). This is realized by the lamp unit control unit 35 controlling the lamp units 40L, 40R so that a left spot pattern LP1 and a right spot pattern RP1 corresponding to the headlamps of a virtual oncoming vehicle V0 are formed on the screen S. The left spot pattern LP1 and the right spot pattern RP1 are formed on the screen S with the same size and brightness as the headlamps of a general vehicle so that their positions can be detected by the mask target position detection unit 22.

[0061] Next, the spot patterns (left spot pattern LP1 and right spot pattern RP1) formed on the screen S are captured by the camera 21 (step S11).

[0062] Next, the position of the masking object is detected (step S12). This is realized by the masking object position detection unit 22 performing a predetermined image processing on the image (image data) captured in step S11.

[0063] Here, the positions of the left spot pattern LP1 and the right spot pattern RP1 corresponding to the headlights of the imaginary oncoming vehicle V0 (left angle θ LA , right angle θ RA 2) are detected. The positions of the detected left spot pattern LP1 and right spot pattern RP1 (left angle θ LA , right angle θ RA ) is transmitted to the control unit 30.

[0064] Next, the masking object position acquisition unit 31 acquires the position of the masking object (step S13). Here, as the position of the masking object, the positions of the left spot pattern LP1 and the right spot pattern RP1 (left angle θ LA , right angle θ RA ) is assumed to have been acquired (received).

[0065] Next, the deviation amounts are calculated (step S14). This is realized by the deviation amount calculation unit 32 calculating the deviation amount of the left spot pattern LP1 relative to the left reference spot pattern LP2 and the deviation amount of the right spot pattern RP1 relative to the right reference spot pattern RP2 based on the position of the reference spot pattern and the position of the spot pattern corresponding to the headlamp of the imaginary oncoming vehicle V0 on the screen S. Here, the deviation amount is calculated by using an angle θ LD , angle θ RD (See FIG. 2) is calculated. This calculated deviation amount (angle θ LD , angle θ RD) is stored in the storage unit 36 ​​(deviation amount storage unit 36b) (step S15).

[0066] In this manner, the deviation amount (angle θ LD ) and the deviation amount (angle θ RD ) is calculated.

[0067] Next, a process of forming a light distribution pattern for ADB will be described as an operation example of the vehicle lighting system 10 having the above configuration.

[0068] 6 is a flowchart of the ADB light distribution pattern forming process. Hereinafter, the ADB light distribution pattern forming process of the left lamp unit 40L will be described as a representative. The ADB light distribution pattern forming process of the right lamp unit 40R is similar, so the description will be omitted.

[0069] In the following description, as shown in FIG. 2, the left spot pattern LP1 is at an angle θ LD (That is, the optical axis of the left lamp unit 40L is different from the optical axis AX 40L The memory unit 36 ​​(deviation amount memory unit 36b) stores the deviation amount (angle θ LD ) are stored in advance. The following process is executed while the host vehicle V is traveling. In the following process, since the tester 50 is not electrically connected to the control unit 30, a command to start optical axis correction is not input.

[0070] First, the camera 21 captures an image of the area ahead of the vehicle V (step S20).

[0071] Next, the position of the masking object is detected (step S21). This is realized by the masking object position detection unit 22 detecting the position s of the masking object present in front of the host vehicle V based on the image (image data) captured in step S20 (by performing a predetermined image processing on the image). Here, it is assumed that the position (left angle and right angle) of the headlamp of the oncoming vehicle Ob is detected as the position of the masking object. The detected position (left angle and right angle) of the headlamp of the oncoming vehicle Ob is transmitted to the control unit 30.

[0072] Next, the masking object position acquisition unit 31 acquires the position of the masking object (step S22). Here, it is assumed that the position of the headlights of the oncoming vehicle Ob transmitted from the masking object detection sensor 20 (masking object position detection unit 22) is acquired (received) as the position of the masking object.

[0073] Next, a non-illumination region is set (step S23). This is realized by the non-illumination region setting unit 33 setting a non-illumination region in which the mask object is not illuminated based on the position of the mask object (the position of the headlights of the oncoming vehicle Ob) acquired in step S22. Here, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the positions (angle θ LE1 , angle θ LE2 ) is set.

[0074] Here, the left spot pattern LP1 is at an angle θ LD (See Figure 2) If the optical axis of the left lamp unit 40L is misaligned with the designed optical axis AX 40L As shown in FIG. 4(b), the light-dark boundary lines CL1 and CL2 are spaced apart by an angle of θ LE1 +angle θ LD , angle θ LE2 +angle θ LD As a result, the oncoming vehicle Ob is irradiated, and glare to the oncoming vehicle Ob cannot be prevented.

[0075] Therefore, the non-irradiation area set in step S23 is corrected (step S24). This is because the non-irradiation area correction unit 34 corrects the amount of deviation (angle θ LD , angle θ RD Specifically, the non-irradiation region correction unit 34 corrects the non-irradiation region set by the non-irradiation region setting unit 33 based on the positions (angle θ LE1 , angle θ LE2 ) stored in the memory unit 36 ​​(deviation amount memory unit 36b), LD ) is subtracted.

[0076] Next, the lamp unit 40L is controlled so as to illuminate an area other than the non-illuminated area after the correction in step S24 (step S25). For example, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the lamp unit control unit 35 adjusts the position after the correction in step S24, that is, the angle θ LE1 , angle θ LE2 ADB light distribution pattern P including light-dark boundary lines CL1 and CL2 formed at the position ADB The lamp unit 40L is controlled so that the above is formed.

[0077] As a result, the lamp unit 40L, under the control of the lamp unit control section 35, adjusts the position after the correction in step S24, that is, the angle θ LE1 , angle θ LE2 ADB light distribution pattern P including light-dark boundary lines CL1 and CL2 formed at the position ADB Form.

[0078] By correcting the non-irradiated region (the positions of the light-dark boundary lines CL1 and CL2) in the above manner, as shown in FIG. 4C, the light-dark boundary lines CL1 and CL2 are positioned at the positions corrected in step S24, that is, at the angle θ LE1 , angle θ LE2 As a result, the mask object (here, the oncoming vehicle Ob) is not illuminated, and glare on the mask object (here, the oncoming vehicle Ob) can be prevented.

[0079] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to calculate the amount of deviation of the optical axis of the vehicle lamp unit (lamp units 40L, 40R) without providing a dedicated light source unit separate from the vehicle lamp unit.

[0080] This is not a dedicated light source unit, but rather a method for measuring the deviation of the optical axis of a vehicle lighting unit (angle θ LD , angle θ RD ) is calculated.

[0081] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even if the optical axis of the vehicle lamp unit (lamp units 40L, 40R) is misaligned due to an installation error of the vehicle lamp unit (lamp units 40L, 40R), glare on the mask object can be prevented.

[0082] This is because the non-irradiated area is corrected based on the amount of deviation stored in the deviation amount storage section.

[0083] Furthermore, this embodiment has the following advantages.

[0084] FIG. 7 shows an example of the mask margins M1 and M2.

[0085] That is, in general, the width (horizontal width) of the non-illuminated area A is determined to be wide in consideration of the mask margins M1, M2 (see FIG. 7) so that the mask object is not illuminated even if the optical axis is shifted due to an installation error of the headlamp (e.g., the lamp units 40L, 40R). Therefore, even if the optical axis is shifted due to an installation error of the headlamp (e.g., the lamp units 40L, 40R), glare on the mask object (e.g., an oncoming vehicle Ob) can be prevented. However, the width (horizontal width) of the illuminated areas B and C decreases by the amount that the width (horizontal width) of the non-illuminated area A increases. As a result, forward visibility decreases.

[0086] In contrast, in this embodiment, even if the optical axis is misaligned due to an installation error of the headlamp (for example, the lamp units 40L and 40R), the non-illuminated region (the position of the light-dark boundary lines CL1 and CL2) is corrected, as shown in FIG. 4C, so that the light-dark boundary lines CL1 and CL2 are positioned after the correction in step S24, that is, the angle θ LE1 , angle θ LE2 As a result, even if the optical axis is misaligned due to an installation error of the headlamp (e.g., the lamp units 40L, 40R), the mask object (e.g., an oncoming vehicle Ob) is not illuminated, and glare on the mask object (e.g., an oncoming vehicle Ob) can be prevented. In addition, the width (horizontal width) of the illuminated areas B and C is increased by the amount that the width (horizontal width) of the non-illuminated area A can be narrowed. As a result, forward visibility is improved.

[0087] As described above, according to this embodiment, the amount of deviation between the installation direction of the camera 21 and the illumination direction of the lighting units 40L, 40R is reduced, improving the accuracy of the illumination range, and improving visibility ahead of the vehicle V without causing dazzle to those in the vicinity.

[0088] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by using the function of controlling partial lighting / shading (illumination control) that the ADB lighting system originally has, which controls the illumination of the vehicle lighting units (lamp units 40L, 40R) according to the surrounding traffic environment, and the oncoming vehicle detection function that is a basic function of the masked object detection sensor 20 (illumination control sensor), the deviation amount can be calculated without adding any new device other than the configuration for realizing the ADB lighting system (mainly the masked object detection sensor 20, the control unit 30, and the lamp units 40L, 40R). Also, the non-illuminated area can be corrected based on this deviation amount.

[0089] Next, a modified example will be described.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the deviation amount (angle θ LD , angle θ RD), an example has been described in which a non-illuminated region correction section 34 is used to correct the non-illuminated region set by the non-illuminated region setting section 33 based on the deviation amount (angle θ LD , angle θ RD ) to correct the illuminated and non-illuminated areas.

[0091] The deviation amount calculation process of this modified example is similar to that of the above embodiment (see FIG. 5).

[0092] Next, a process of forming a light distribution pattern for ADB will be described as an operation example of the vehicle lighting system 10 of this modified example.

[0093] 9 is a flowchart of a modified example of the ADB light distribution pattern forming process. LD (See Figure 2) ADB light distribution pattern P formed when the ADB (Example of light-dark boundary line CL1, CL2). Figure 10(b) shows the corrected ADB light distribution pattern P ADB This is an example of (bright / dark boundary lines CL1, CL2). Fig. 9 corresponds to a case where steps S24 and S25 in Fig. 6 are replaced with steps S24A and S25A. The following describes steps S24A and S25A, which are different points.

[0094] In step S24A, the irradiation area and the non-irradiation area set in step S23 are corrected. This is because the irradiation / non-irradiation area correction unit 34A corrects the deviation amount (angle θ LD , angle θ RD) is achieved by correcting the non-irradiation area set by the irradiation area and non-irradiation area setting unit 33. For example, the irradiation / non-irradiation area correction unit 34A shifts the position where the irradiation area (refer to symbols B and C in Fig. 10(a)) is formed and the position where the non-irradiation area (refer to symbol A in Fig. 10(a)) is formed by the amount of deviation (for example, angle θ LD minutes) to the left (or right).

[0095] Next, in step S25A, the lamp unit 40L is controlled to irradiate the corrected irradiation area (refer to symbols B and C in Fig. 10(b)) other than the corrected non-irradiation area (refer to symbol A in Fig. 10(b)) in step S24A.

[0096] Thereby, the lamp unit 40L irradiates the corrected irradiation area (refer to symbols B and C in Fig. 10(b)) other than the corrected non-irradiation area (refer to symbol A in Fig. 10(b)) according to the control from the lamp unit control unit 35. That is, the irradiation area (refer to symbols B and C in Fig. 10(b)) and the non-irradiation area (refer to symbol A in Fig. 10(b)) are included in the ADB light distribution pattern P LD shifted by the amount of deviation (for example, angle θ ADB minutes) to the left (or right) to form.

[0097] By correcting the irradiation area and the non-irradiation area set in step S23 as described above, as shown in Fig. 10(b), the non-irradiation area A (brightness boundary lines CL1 and CL2) is formed at the position after correction in step S24A. As a result, the mask object (here, the oncoming vehicle Ob) is not irradiated, and glare to the mask object (here, the oncoming vehicle Ob) can be prevented.

[0098] This modified example can also achieve the same effects as the above-described embodiment.

[0099] All the numerical values shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and of course, appropriately different numerical values can be used.

[0100] The above-described embodiments are merely examples in all respects. The present invention should not be construed as being limited by the description of the above-described embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main characteristics thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 10...vehicle lighting system, 20...masked object detection sensor, 21...camera, 22...masked object position detection unit, 30...control unit, 31...masked object position acquisition unit, 32...shift amount calculation unit, 33...non-illuminated area setting unit, 34...non-illuminated area correction unit, 35...lamp unit control unit, 36...storage unit, 36a...reference spot pattern position storage unit, 36b...shift amount storage unit, 37...memory, 40L...left lamp unit, 40R...right lamp unit, 50...tester, A...non-illuminated area, B, C...illuminated area, CL1, CL2...light-dark boundary line, LP1...left spot pattern, LP2...left reference spot pattern, M1, M2...mask margin, Ob...oncoming vehicle, P ADB ...ADB light distribution pattern, RP1...right spot pattern, RP2...right reference spot pattern, S...screen, V...own vehicle, V0...virtual oncoming vehicle

Claims

1. a vehicle lighting unit capable of forming a left spot pattern and a right spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of a virtual oncoming vehicle on a screen disposed in front of the vehicle; a masking object detection sensor including a camera that captures an image ahead of the vehicle, and a masking object position detection unit that detects at least the position of a headlamp of an oncoming vehicle as the position of a masking object present ahead of the vehicle based on the image captured by the camera; a non-irradiation region setting unit that sets a non-irradiation region where the mask object is not irradiated based on a position of the mask object; A vehicle lighting system including: a lighting unit control unit that controls the vehicle lighting unit so as to illuminate an illumination area other than the non-illumination area, a reference spot pattern position storage unit in which positions of a left reference spot pattern and a right reference spot pattern formed on the screen by light irradiated from the vehicle lamp unit attached to the vehicle in a state in which the optical axis coincides with a design optical axis are stored in advance; A deviation amount calculation unit that calculates a deviation amount; a deviation amount storage unit that stores the deviation amount, the left spot pattern and the right spot pattern are configured to have a size and brightness that allow the mask object position detection unit to detect the position, When a command to start optical axis correction is input, the lamp unit control unit controls the vehicle lamp unit so that the left spot pattern and the right spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of a virtual oncoming vehicle are formed on the screen; The camera captures an image including the left spot pattern and the right spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of a virtual oncoming vehicle on the screen, the masking object position detection unit detects positions of the left spot pattern and the right spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of a virtual oncoming vehicle on the screen, based on an image including the left spot pattern and the right spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of a virtual oncoming vehicle on the screen; The deviation amount calculation unit calculates the deviation amounts of the left and right spot patterns corresponding to the headlamps of a virtual oncoming vehicle relative to the left reference spot pattern and right reference spot pattern based on the positions of the left reference spot pattern and the right reference spot pattern and the positions of the left spot pattern and the right spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of a virtual oncoming vehicle on the screen.

2. An irradiation / non-irradiation region correction unit that corrects the irradiation region and the non-irradiation region, If the instruction to start the optical axis correction is not input, The camera captures an image of a front of the vehicle, The masking object position detection unit detects a position of a masking object present in front of the vehicle based on an image captured by the camera, the non-irradiation region setting unit sets a non-irradiation region in which the mask object is not irradiated based on a position of the mask object; The irradiation / non-irradiation region correction unit corrects the irradiation region and the non-irradiation region based on the shift amount stored in the shift amount storage unit, The vehicle lamp system according to claim 1 , wherein the lamp unit control unit controls the vehicle lamp unit so as to illuminate the corrected illumination area other than the corrected non-illuminated area.

3. A method for controlling a vehicle lighting system as claimed in claim 1, comprising: controlling a vehicle lighting unit mounted on the vehicle so that a left spot pattern and a right spot pattern corresponding to the headlamps of a virtual oncoming vehicle are formed on a screen disposed in front of the vehicle; detecting positions of the left spot pattern and the right spot pattern on the screen corresponding to the headlamps of a virtual oncoming vehicle; calculating deviation amounts of the left and right spot patterns corresponding to the headlamps of the imaginary oncoming vehicle relative to the left and right reference spot patterns, based on pre-stored positions of the left and right reference spot patterns and positions of the left and right spot patterns corresponding to the headlamps of the imaginary oncoming vehicle on the screen; and storing the deviation amount.

4. detecting a masking object in front of the vehicle; setting a non-irradiation area where the mask object is not irradiated; correcting the non-irradiated area and an irradiation area other than the non-irradiated area based on the stored deviation amount; The vehicle lamp unit control method according to claim 3 , further comprising the step of controlling the vehicle lamp unit so as to illuminate the corrected illumination area other than the corrected non-illuminated area.

Images