Vehicle lighting system

Abstract

To improve visibility of a front of a vehicle at the time of rainy weather or the like.SOLUTION: Provided is a vehicle lighting system 1 capable of irradiating a front of a vehicle with irradiation light of a light distribution pattern that is variably set, the vehicle lighting system 1 including a first lighting fixture 30L arranged in a left side and a second lighting fixture 30R arranged in a right side of a front part of the vehicle. In a case where the weather of a location in which the vehicle exists is bad, with respect to the upper part than the horizontal line in front view from the vehicle, light of such a light distribution pattern is emitted that a range from a front center to a front left-side of the vehicle in an irradiation possible range of the first lighting fixture 30L is set to a first light irradiation range, and a reduced light range or a non-emission range is set for an irradiation possible range of the second lighting fixture 30R.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle lighting system. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 6032248 (Patent Document 1) describes a vehicle lighting device that controls headlights to dimly illuminate portions of the road surface ahead of the vehicle that correspond to the road shape estimated by a travel path estimation unit when weather conditions that result in poor visibility ahead of the vehicle are detected. This vehicle lighting device, for example, dims illumination of the portion estimated as the road surface ahead of the vehicle and illuminates other portions with normal illumination, thereby improving visibility of the road ahead of the vehicle. However, no consideration has been given to the visibility of pedestrians and cyclists on roadsides, such as roadside strips and sidewalks, in bad weather. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6032248 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of the objects of a specific aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can further improve visibility ahead of a vehicle in bad weather such as rainy weather. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A vehicle lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: A vehicle lighting system capable of irradiating light having a variably set light distribution pattern ahead of a vehicle, The vehicle includes a first lamp disposed on the left side of the front of the vehicle and a second lamp disposed on the right side of the front of the vehicle, When the vehicle is located in bad weather And , When there is no vehicle ahead, when there is a preceding vehicle whose distance to the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or when there is an oncoming vehicle ahead of the vehicle Above the horizon when viewed from the front of the vehicle, the first lamp can illuminate an area from the front center to the front left of the vehicle. specified The range is set as a first light irradiation range, and the light of the light distribution pattern set as a dimming range or a non-irradiation range for the irradiation range of the second lamp is irradiated. A vehicle lighting system.

[0006] According to the above configuration, it is possible to further improve the visibility ahead of the vehicle in bad weather such as rainy weather. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a computer system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the range in which the light veiling phenomenon occurs in rainy weather. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the range in which light can be irradiated by each lamp unit. [Figure 5] 5(A) and 5(B) are diagrams for explaining an example of a high beam illumination mode (illumination mode 1) in rainy weather. [Figure 6] Fig. 6(A) is a diagram for explaining the contrast between the pedestrian luminance and the background luminance in the above-mentioned illumination mode. Fig. 6(B) is a diagram for explaining the contrast between the pedestrian luminance and the background luminance in the illumination mode of Comparative Example 1. Fig. 6(C) is a diagram for explaining the contrast between the pedestrian luminance and the background luminance in the illumination mode of Comparative Example 2. [Figure 7] 7(A) and 7(B) are diagrams for explaining another example (illumination mode 2) of the high beam illumination mode in rainy weather. [Figure 8]8(A) and 8(B) are diagrams for explaining another example (illumination mode 3) of the high beam illumination mode in rainy weather. [Figure 9] 9(A) and 9(B) are diagrams for explaining another example (illumination mode 4) of the high beam illumination mode in rainy weather. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the vehicle lighting system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle lighting system according to one embodiment. The vehicle lighting system 1 of this embodiment includes a controller 10, a camera 11, a raindrop sensor 12, a vehicle speed sensor 13, and a pair of lamp units (first lamp / second lamp) 30L and 30R.

[0009] The controller 10 controls the light irradiation by each of the headlamp units 30L, 30R. The controller 10 can be configured using a computer system including, for example, a processor (CPU: Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a flash memory, an input / output interface, etc. The controller 10 of this embodiment is enabled to perform a predetermined function by the processor reading and executing a program stored in advance in the storage device (or ROM).

[0010] The camera 11 has a function of capturing an image of the space ahead of the vehicle and generating image data, and a function of detecting the position of a preceding vehicle (a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle), the distance from the vehicle, pedestrians, and other conditions ahead of the vehicle by performing image recognition processing on the generated image data. The image processing function may be provided on the controller 10 side.

[0011] The raindrop sensor 12 detects the amount of rainfall at the location where the vehicle is located and outputs a signal (or data) indicating changes in the amount of rainfall. Various known raindrop sensors can be used as the raindrop sensor 12. One example is a sensor that is installed on the inside of the vehicle's windshield and detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface of the windshield using an optical method, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-29807.

[0012] The vehicle speed sensor 13 detects the speed of the host vehicle and outputs a vehicle speed signal (vehicle speed pulse). If the host vehicle has a vehicle speed sensor that is provided in advance for another purpose, that vehicle speed sensor may be used as the vehicle speed sensor 13.

[0013] The controller 10 described above is configured to include a forward vehicle detection unit 20, a weather detection unit 21, and a light distribution control unit 22 as functional blocks realized by executing a program.

[0014] Based on the data output from the camera 11, the forward vehicle detection unit 20 detects the presence or absence of a forward vehicle, the position of the forward vehicle, the distance from the host vehicle, the type of the forward vehicle (oncoming vehicle / leading vehicle), and the like.

[0015] Weather detection unit 21 detects the weather conditions, specifically the amount of rainfall, based on the output of raindrop sensor 13. If the amount of rainfall exceeds a predetermined value, weather detection unit 21 outputs a message to that effect (that it is raining) to light distribution control unit 22.

[0016] The light distribution control unit 22 detects the presence or absence of a vehicle ahead, the position of the vehicle ahead, the distance from the vehicle ahead, the type of vehicle ahead (oncoming vehicle / leading vehicle), and the weather detection unit 23. 21 Based on the weather conditions detected by the above, the light distribution pattern within the high beam illumination range of each lamp unit 30L, 30R is set, and a control signal for realizing the light distribution pattern is generated and output to each lamp unit 30L, 30R.

[0017] A pair of lamp units 30L, 30R are mounted at predetermined positions on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle, and operate in response to control signals provided by the controller 10 to irradiate light in a desired light distribution pattern ahead of the vehicle. Each lamp unit 30L, 30R includes a driver 31 and an LED array 32 driven by the driver 31. The LED array 32 has a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged in two directions, and the lighting state of each LED is individually controlled by the driver 31, thereby enabling the light distribution pattern to be variably set.

[0018] The configuration of the lamp unit 30L is not limited to this, and various known configurations can be employed. For example, a lamp unit configured by combining a light source bulb with a reflector or a shielding plate may be used. Alternatively, a lamp unit including a light source and a liquid crystal element, etc., and capable of individually controlling the light transmission state of each pixel of the liquid crystal element may be used. Alternatively, a lamp unit including a light-emitting element such as a laser diode and a scanning element such as a mirror device that scans the light emitted from the light-emitting element, and capable of controlling the timing of turning on and off the light-emitting element and the scanning timing of the scanning element may be used. Furthermore, a lamp unit 30L may be configured to have multiple individual lamp units, each capable of emitting a different fixed light distribution, and the light distribution pattern of the lamp unit 30L may be changed by switching between these individual lamp units. Alternatively, the lamp unit 30L itself may be configured with multiple lamp units, and the light distribution pattern may be changed by switching between these lamp units.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer system. The controller 10 described above can be configured using, for example, a computer system as shown in the figure. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 performs information processing by reading and executing a program 207 stored in a storage device 204. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 stores basic control programs and other programs required for the operation of the CPU 201. The RAM (Temporary Storage Memory) 203 temporarily stores data required for the information processing of the CPU 201. The storage device 204 is a large-capacity storage device for storing data, and is configured using a hard disk drive, solid-state drive, or the like. The communication device 205 performs processing related to data communication with other external devices. The input / output unit 206 is an interface for connecting to external devices, and in this embodiment is used for connecting the camera 11, raindrop sensor 12, vehicle speed sensor 13, and each lamp unit 30L, 30R. The CPUs 201 and other components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the range in which the veil phenomenon occurs in rainy weather. The driver's viewpoint position of the host vehicle is P. Assuming a right-hand drive vehicle, the viewpoint position P is offset to the right of the center of the host vehicle in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the lamp units 30L and 30R are located on the left and right sides of the host vehicle, forward of the viewpoint position P. FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the relative positions of these positions as viewed from above. In rainy weather, the veil phenomenon can occur in an area Q enclosed by lines connecting the driver's viewpoint position P and the positions of the lamp units 30L and 30R in a planar view. In this embodiment, the veil phenomenon refers to a phenomenon in which strong light is scattered and becomes hazy when it hits raindrops in the space ahead of the vehicle. When this veil phenomenon occurs, the contrast (brightness difference) between the brightness of a pedestrian on the side of the road (on the shoulder or on the sidewalk) and the background brightness decreases, potentially reducing the visibility of the pedestrian from the viewpoint position P of the host vehicle. Furthermore, the haze ahead of the vehicle can be annoyance to the driver.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the range of light that can be irradiated by each lamp unit. FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the road ahead as viewed from the vehicle. In the figure, line H is an imaginary line (horizontal line) indicating the horizontal direction, and line V is an imaginary line (vertical line) indicating the vertical direction at the center in front of the vehicle. Line H extends left and right at a position of 0° in the vertical direction. Line V extends vertically at a position of 0° in the horizontal direction (the center position in front of the vehicle). As illustrated by the dotted line, the majority of low beam 41 is generally irradiated below line H. Note that low beam 41 is irradiated by a low beam light source (not shown) included in each lamp unit 30L, 30R.

[0022] The approximately elliptical range indicated by a solid line in the figure is the range in which the high beam 40L emitted by the lamp unit 30L can be irradiated. This high beam 40L can be irradiated in a range that is biased relatively to the left of the V-line, and can be irradiated from approximately in front of the vehicle to the side of the road on the left side of the vehicle. In addition, the high beam 40L can be irradiated vertically from above to below the H-line. The approximately elliptical range indicated by a dashed-dotted line in the figure is the range in which the high beam 40R emitted by the lamp unit 30R can be irradiated. This high beam 40R can be irradiated in a range that is biased relatively to the right of the V-line, and can be irradiated from approximately in front of the vehicle to the road shoulder on the right side of the vehicle. In addition, the high beam 40R can be irradiated vertically from above to below the H-line.

[0023] As shown in the figure, the irradiable range of high beam 40L and the irradiable range of high beam 40R partially overlap in front of the vehicle. The lower side of each irradiable range of high beam 40L, 40R partially overlaps with low beam 41. Any portion within each irradiable range of high beam 40L, 40R can be selectively set as a dimmed range (or non-irradiated range; the same applies below). The irradiable range of the entire high beam, which combines the irradiable ranges of high beam 40L, 40R, preferably includes at least a range of ±12° from the V line in the left-right direction and a range of 2° or more above and 0° or less below the H line in the vertical direction.

[0024] 5(A) and 5(B) are diagrams illustrating an example of a high beam illumination mode (illumination mode 1) in rainy weather. FIG. 5(A) schematically illustrates the road ahead as viewed from the vehicle, and FIG. 5(B) schematically illustrates the vehicle as viewed from above. As shown in these figures, in the vehicle lighting system of this embodiment, in rainy weather, the light illumination range of the high beam 40L is narrowed so that the lamp unit 30L of the lamp units 30L and 30R of the vehicle 50 selectively illuminates only the relatively left side. In FIG. 5(A), the light illumination range of the high beam 40L is indicated by a diagonal line pattern. The portion of the high beam 40L without the diagonal line pattern is the dimming range.

[0025] As an example, the right edge of the illumination range of the high beam 40L is preferably 0° (V line position) or more (left of the V line position). Furthermore, it is more preferable that the illumination range of the high beam 40L be 1° or more to the left, biased toward the roadside to the left of the vehicle. Furthermore, the lower edge of the illumination range of the high beam 40L is preferably 0° (H line position), but it may be up to about 0.05° downward, or even lower than this.

[0026] Furthermore, the lamp unit 30R is controlled to be turned off. That is, the entire high beam 40R is set to the dimming range. Note that the concept of "turning off" in this embodiment also includes substantially turning off the high beam 40R, such as turning it on slightly. Furthermore, the low beam 41 is irradiated normally without any particular change.

[0027] According to the illumination mode described above, light is emitted in a narrow width mainly toward the side of the road on the left side of the vehicle 50, so that the pedestrian 42 is illuminated with light, but not to the right of the pedestrian 42. This increases the contrast between the brightness of the pedestrian 42 and the background brightness, improving the visibility of the pedestrian 42. Furthermore, the background brightness is reduced in areas other than the side of the road, such as in front of the vehicle and to the left of the vehicle, reducing the annoyance caused by the light screen.

[0028] Note that lamp unit 30L may be controlled so that the illuminance of a predetermined range of the light illumination range of high beam 40L corresponding to pedestrian 42 is increased. The size (width in the left-right direction) of the light illumination range of high beam 40L may be variably set in accordance with the road shape detected by image recognition processing using image data from camera 11, the vehicle speed of host vehicle 50 detected by vehicle speed sensor 13, and the like. For example, a conceivable mode is to narrow the width of the light illumination range as the vehicle speed increases.

[0029] FIG. 6(A) is a diagram illustrating the contrast between the pedestrian luminance and the background luminance in the above-described illumination mode. FIG. 6(B) is a diagram illustrating the contrast between the pedestrian luminance and the background luminance in the illumination mode of Comparative Example 1. This comparative example shows the contrast when the entire high beams 40L and 40R are illuminated in the rain. FIG. 6(C) is a diagram illustrating the contrast between the pedestrian luminance and the background luminance in the illumination mode of Comparative Example 2. This comparative example shows the contrast when the entire high beams 40L and 40R are illuminated in the sunny weather. In each diagram, the vertical axis represents luminance, and the horizontal axis represents left-right position. Comparing the illumination mode of this embodiment ( FIG. 6(A) ) with Comparative Example 1 ( FIG. 6(B) ), it can be seen that this embodiment has a larger difference between the luminance at the pedestrian's position and the background luminance to the right of the pedestrian, resulting in a greater contrast. The relationship between the pedestrian luminance and the background luminance to the right of the pedestrian in the illumination mode of this embodiment is similar to the relationship in sunny weather shown in Comparative Example 2 ( FIG. 6(C) ). Therefore, the visibility of pedestrians in rainy weather is improved.

[0030] 7(A) and 7(B) are diagrams illustrating another example of the high beam illumination mode in rainy weather (illumination mode 2). Elements common to those in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate. In illumination mode 2, in addition to the light illumination range of the high beam 40L in illumination mode 1 described above, the range below the H line is also included as the light illumination range. This increases the illuminance in the range below the H line, which is less likely to become a light veil, thereby further improving visibility of the vehicle's lane.

[0031] 8(A) and 8(B) are diagrams illustrating another example of the high beam illumination mode in rainy weather (illumination mode 3). Elements common to FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate. In illumination mode 3, in addition to the light illumination range of high beam 40L in illumination mode 2 described above, the light illumination range of high beam 40R also extends below the H line. This further increases the illuminance in the range below the H line, which is less likely to become a light veil, thereby further improving visibility of the vehicle's lane.

[0032] 9(A) and 9(B) are diagrams for explaining another example of the high beam illumination mode in rainy weather (illumination mode 4). Elements common to those in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted as appropriate. In this illumination mode 4, the above-mentioned illumination mode 3 In addition to the respective light illumination ranges of high beams 40L and 40R, the light illumination range for high beam 40R also extends to an area 3.6 degrees or more to the right. In the example shown, the light illumination range expands upward from the 3.6 degrees to the right position as it approaches the side of the road on the right, crossing the H line halfway through. This further increases the illuminance in the area below the H line, where light veiling is less likely to occur, further improving visibility of the vehicle's own lane and also improving visibility of pedestrians on the side of the road to the right.

[0033] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the vehicle lighting system. The operation procedure shown here is executed repeatedly at regular intervals. The order of each process can be changed as long as it does not cause inconsistency in the control results, and other processes not described can be added, and these embodiments are not excluded.

[0034] When the weather detection unit 21 detects that it is raining (step S11; YES), the forward vehicle detection unit 20 detects a forward vehicle (step S12; YES), and the type of the forward vehicle is detected as a preceding vehicle or the like rather than an oncoming vehicle (step S13; NO), and when the distance between the host vehicle and the forward vehicle detected by the forward vehicle detection unit 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S14; YES), the light distribution control unit 22 generates a control signal to realize a light distribution pattern suitable for rainy weather and outputs it to each lamp unit 30L, 30R (step S15). As a result, the high beams 40L, 40R are irradiated in one of the above-described irradiation modes 1 to 4 ahead of the host vehicle. It is assumed that which irradiation mode is to be used is preset (the same applies hereinafter).

[0035] Here, the threshold value for the distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle, etc., in step S14 can be set to 30 m, for example. This threshold value is obtained based on the following assumptions. For example, assume that the width of the lane on which the host vehicle is traveling (host lane) is 3.5 m, the width of the preceding vehicle traveling in front of the host vehicle is 1.8 m, and the lateral centers of the vehicles are substantially aligned with the host vehicle, the pedestrian is located 60 m ahead of the host vehicle and 0.5 m from the left edge of the host lane, and the viewpoint of the driver of the host vehicle (see FIG. 3) is located 0.5 m to the right of the lateral center of the host vehicle. In this case, if the distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle becomes less than 30.5 m, the preceding vehicle will block the view from the driver's viewpoint to the pedestrian. Therefore, the threshold value can be set to 30 m, taking into account some margin of error. As a result, if the distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle is less than the threshold value, the rainy weather illumination mode is stopped and normal light distribution is performed.

[0036] Furthermore, even when no forward vehicle is detected by the forward vehicle detection unit 20 (step S12; NO), the light distribution control unit 22 generates a control signal to realize a light distribution pattern suitable for rainy weather and outputs it to each lamp unit 30L, 30R (step S15). As a result, the high beams 40L, 40R are irradiated in front of the vehicle in any one of the above-described irradiation modes 1 to 4.

[0037] Furthermore, if the type of the forward vehicle detected by the forward vehicle detection unit 20 is an oncoming vehicle (step S13; YES), the light distribution control unit 22 generates a control signal to realize a light distribution pattern suitable for rainy weather in which at least the area above the H line on the oncoming lane side is turned off, and outputs the control signal to each lamp unit 30L, 30R (step S16). In this case, the high beams 40L, 40R in any of the above-mentioned illumination modes 1 to 3 are irradiated ahead of the host vehicle.

[0038] On the other hand, if it is not raining (step S11; NO), the light distribution control unit 22 generates a control signal to realize a light distribution pattern corresponding to normal (clear weather) and outputs it to each lamp unit 30L, 30R (step S17). Also, if the vehicle ahead is a preceding vehicle and the distance from the vehicle is shorter than a threshold (step S14; NO), the light distribution control unit 22 generates a control signal to realize a light distribution pattern corresponding to normal (clear weather) and outputs it to each lamp unit 30L, 30R (step S18). In this embodiment, the normal light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern for the high beams 40L, 40R in which a predetermined range including the position of the forward vehicle is a dimming range and the remaining range is a light illumination range. A high beam with such a light distribution pattern is called an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam).

[0039] According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to suppress the influence of the light veiling phenomenon and further improve the visibility ahead of the vehicle in rainy weather.

[0040] The present disclosure is not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. For example, the numerical values ​​and other conditions shown in the above-described embodiment are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment illustrates a pedestrian as an object present at the side of the road, the object may also be a cyclist or the like.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the weather detection unit 21 detects rain based on the output of the raindrop sensor 12. However, rain may be detected based on the operating state of the wiper switch when the wipers are operating, or a switch for operating the wipers in rain may be provided and rain may be detected when the driver manually switches this switch. Furthermore, rain may be detected based on weather information obtained via communication. In the above embodiment, rain was given as an example of bad weather, but snowfall, fog, etc. may also be detected as bad weather.

[0042] In addition, in the above embodiment, the presence or absence, type, position, distance between vehicles ahead, etc. were detected by image processing using image data from the camera 11, but the presence or absence of vehicles ahead, etc. may also be detected using various sensors such as LiDAR.

[0043] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment illustrates a vehicle lighting system mounted on a four-wheeled vehicle, the scope of application of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and also includes vehicles other than four-wheeled vehicles (such as two-wheeled vehicles).

[0044] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the explanation was given on the assumption that vehicles are required by law to drive on the left side of the road. However, if vehicles are required to drive on the right side of the road, the operation of each lamp unit 30L, 30R in the above embodiment can be reversed and switched from left to right, allowing light to be emitted in the same way in bad weather.

[0045] The present disclosure has the following additional features. (Appendix 1) A vehicle lighting system capable of irradiating light having a variably set light distribution pattern ahead of a vehicle, The vehicle includes a first lamp disposed on the left side of the front of the vehicle and a second lamp disposed on the right side of the front of the vehicle, When the vehicle is located in bad weather, the light of the light distribution pattern is irradiated above the horizon in a forward view from the vehicle, with the first light irradiation range being set to a range from the front center to the front left of the vehicle within the irradiation range of the first lamp, and the second lamp being set to a dimming range or a non-irradiation range. Vehicle lighting system. (Appendix 2) The first light irradiation range is set to a range biased toward the roadside on the left side of the vehicle. 10. A vehicle lighting system as set forth in claim 1. (Appendix 3) Light is emitted from at least one of the first lighting fixture and the second lighting fixture below the horizontal line. 3. A vehicle lighting system according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) When a preceding vehicle is present ahead of the vehicle and the distance between the preceding vehicle and the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the light distribution pattern is irradiated. Attachment 1 - 3: A vehicle lighting system according to any one of attachments 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) The light of the light distribution pattern is irradiated above the horizontal line, and a range biased toward the side of the road of the oncoming lane of the vehicle within the irradiable range of the second lamp is set as a second light irradiation range. Attachment 1 - 4: A vehicle lighting system according to any one of attachments 1 to 4. (Appendix 6) The second light irradiation range expands upward as it approaches the side of the road of the oncoming traffic lane. 6. A vehicle lighting system according to claim 5. (Appendix 7) The second light irradiation range is a range that is biased to the front right side of the vehicle by 3.6° or more. 7. A vehicle lighting system according to claim 6. (Appendix 8) Further comprising a controller that controls the operation of the first lighting fixture and the second lighting fixture. 8. A vehicle lighting system according to any one of appendices 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) The bad weather includes rain, snow, or fog. 10. A vehicle lighting system according to any one of appendices 1 to 8. (Appendix 10) A vehicle lighting system capable of irradiating light having a variably set light distribution pattern ahead of a vehicle, The vehicle includes a first lamp disposed on the right side of the front of the vehicle and a second lamp disposed on the left side of the front of the vehicle, When the vehicle is located in bad weather, the light of the light distribution pattern is irradiated above the horizon in a forward view from the vehicle, with the first light irradiation range being set to a range from the front center to the front right of the vehicle within the irradiation range of the first lamp, and the second lamp being set to a dimming range or a non-irradiation range. Vehicle lighting system. (Appendix 11) The first light irradiation range is set to a range biased toward the roadside on the right side of the vehicle. 11. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 10. (Appendix 12) Light is emitted from at least one of the first lighting fixture and the second lighting fixture below the horizontal line. 12. A vehicle lighting system according to claim 10 or 11. (Appendix 13) When a preceding vehicle is present ahead of the vehicle and the distance between the preceding vehicle and the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the light distribution pattern is irradiated. Attachment 10 - 12 any one of the vehicle lighting system. (Appendix 14) The light of the light distribution pattern is irradiated above the horizontal line, and a range biased toward the side of the road of the oncoming lane of the vehicle within the irradiable range of the second lamp is set as a second light irradiation range. Attachment 14: A vehicle lighting system according to any one of attachments 10 to 13. (Appendix 15) The second light irradiation range expands upward as it approaches the side of the road of the oncoming traffic lane. 15. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 14. (Appendix 16) The second light irradiation range is a range that is biased to the front left side of the vehicle by 3.6° or more. 16. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 15. (Appendix 17) Further comprising a controller that controls the operation of the first lighting fixture and the second lighting fixture. 17. A vehicle lighting system according to any one of appendices 10 to 16. (Appendix 18) The bad weather includes rain, snow, or fog. Attachment 10 - 17: A vehicle lighting system according to any one of attachments 10 to 17. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1: Vehicle lighting system, 10: Controller, 11: Camera, 12: Raindrop sensor, 13: Vehicle speed sensor, 20: Forward vehicle detection unit, 21: Weather detection unit, 22: Light distribution control unit, 30L, 30R: Lamp unit, 31: Driver, 32: LED array, 40L, 40R: High beam, 41: Low beam, 42: Pedestrian, 50: Vehicle

Claims

1. A vehicle lighting system capable of irradiating light having a variably set light distribution pattern ahead of a vehicle, a first lamp disposed on the left side of a front portion of the vehicle and a second lamp disposed on the right side; When the weather is bad at the location where the vehicle is located and there is no vehicle ahead, when there is a preceding vehicle whose distance from the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or when there is an oncoming vehicle ahead of the vehicle, light of the light distribution pattern is irradiated above the horizon in a forward view from the vehicle, with a first light irradiation range being set to a predetermined range from the front center to the front left side of the vehicle within the irradiation range of the first lamp, and a dimming range or non-irradiation range being set for the irradiation range of the second lamp. Vehicle lighting system.

2. The first light irradiation range is set to a range biased toward the left road shoulder side of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1.

3. Light is emitted from at least one of the first lamp and the second lamp below the horizontal line.

2. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1.

4. The light distribution pattern is irradiated above the horizontal line, with a second light irradiation range being set to a range biased toward the shoulder of the oncoming lane of the vehicle within the irradiation range of the second lamp.

2. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1.

5. The second light irradiation range expands upward as the second light irradiation range approaches the shoulder side of the oncoming lane.

5. A vehicle lighting system according to claim 4.

6. The second light irradiation range is a range offset by 3.6° or more to the front right side of the vehicle.

6. A vehicle lighting system according to claim 5.

7. Further comprising a controller that controls the operation of the first lighting device and the second lighting device.

2. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1.

8. The bad weather includes rain, snow, or fog.

2. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1.

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