Vehicle-mounted infrared sensor lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lamp with a built-in infrared sensor, including an infrared sensor and less likely to cause an increase in size and weight of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicular lamp with a built-in infrared sensor includes: a visible light unit 2020 including a visible light source 2021 for emitting visible light; a first lens part 2045a (projection lens) for emitting the visible light forward; a reflection type infrared cut filter 2034; and an infrared sensor 2035 for detecting an infrared ray. The infrared cut filter 2034 is disposed between the visible light source 2021 and the first lens part 2045a. The infrared sensor 2035 is disposed in the vicinity of a virtual focal point of the first lens part 2045a folded back by the infrared cut filter 2034. The visible light emitted from the visible light source 2021 passes through the infrared cut filter 2034 and is incident on the first lens part 2045a. The infrared ray incident on the infrared cut filter 2034 from a lamp front side through the first lens part 2045a is reflected toward the infrared sensor 2035.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle infrared sensor - built - in lamp used for vehicles such as automobiles.

Background Art

[0002] A night vision device is known from Patent Document 1 and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a vehicle tries to clarify an image obtained by infrared rays by irradiating infrared rays or increasing the intensity of the irradiated infrared rays. However, when other vehicles such as oncoming vehicles or the vehicle in front are located in front of the host vehicle, if infrared rays are irradiated on these other vehicles, they will be reflected with a high intensity, and halation will occur in the image of the infrared camera of the host vehicle. When such halation occurs, by reducing the sensitivity of the infrared camera, an image without halation can be obtained. However, in the image obtained from the infrared camera in this case, an object with a low reflection intensity such as a pedestrian may not be photographed. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle infrared lamp system that can detect an object with a low infrared reflection intensity while suppressing the occurrence of halation in the image of an infrared camera.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The vehicle infrared lamp system according to one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle infrared lamp system mounted on a vehicle equipped with an infrared camera, An infrared light source that emits infrared rays, An optical component that emits infrared rays from the aforementioned infrared light source toward the front of the lamp, A unit for acquiring the location information of oncoming vehicles or preceding vehicles, The system includes a control unit that controls the illumination state of the infrared light source based on the position information of the oncoming vehicle or the preceding vehicle acquired by the other vehicle position acquisition unit, such that a dimmed area is formed in at least a part of the oncoming vehicle or the preceding vehicle where the infrared irradiation intensity is lower than the irradiation intensity in other areas.

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle infrared lighting system that can detect objects with low infrared reflectivity while suppressing the occurrence of halation in the image of an infrared camera.

[0007] An infrared sensor system for vehicles according to one aspect of the present invention is: An infrared sensor system for vehicles used in vehicles equipped with an infrared camera and an infrared sensor, Infrared light source and An optical component that emits infrared rays from the aforementioned infrared light source toward the front of the lamp, The infrared light source has a control unit that controls the lighting state, The control unit can drive the infrared light source in a first mode suitable for imaging with the infrared camera and a second mode suitable for sensing with the infrared sensor. The control unit, in accordance with the output of the infrared sensor, sets a dimming region in which the infrared irradiation intensity is lower than in other regions when operating in the first mode.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle infrared sensor system that can emit light suitable for an infrared camera and an infrared sensor from a common light source.

[0009] A vehicle-mounted infrared sensor lamp according to one aspect of the present invention is: A visible light unit having a visible light source that emits visible light, A projection lens that emits visible light forward, A reflective infrared cut filter, It has an infrared sensor that detects infrared rays, The infrared cut filter is placed between the visible light source and the projection lens. The infrared sensor is positioned near the virtual focal point of the projection lens, which is reflected by the infrared cut filter. The visible light emitted from the visible light source passes through the infrared cut filter and enters the projection lens, and the infrared light that enters the infrared cut filter from the front of the lamp via the projection lens is reflected toward the infrared sensor.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle-mounted infrared sensor lighting device that does not easily lead to an increase in the size and weight of the vehicle.

[0011] A light fixture with an built-in optical sensor according to one aspect of the present invention is The first light source and Optical sensors and A second light source having a peak wavelength different from the peak wavelength of light emitted by the first light source, and emitting light of a wavelength that is highly sensitive to the optical sensor's light reception, A scanning unit that scans and emits light emitted from the first light source and light emitted from the second light source toward the front of the luminaire, A projection lens that projects light emitted from the scanning unit toward the front of the light fixture, A first substrate on which the first light source is arranged and which has a power supply function to the first light source, The second light source is arranged on a second substrate having a power supply function for the second light source, The second substrate is provided behind the first substrate as viewed from the scanning unit. The first substrate is provided with a gap that allows light emitted from the second light source to pass through to the scanning unit.

[0012] According to the present invention, a lighting fixture with a built-in optical sensor is provided that is less large and more easily mounted on a vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle infrared lamp system capable of detecting an object with a low infrared reflection intensity while suppressing the occurrence of halation in an image of an infrared camera.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram of a vehicle system in which a vehicle infrared lamp system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of a lamp unit mounted on a vehicle lamp. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the vehicle infrared lamp system. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern irradiated on another vehicle. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of a dimming region formed by taking a margin in the light distribution pattern irradiated on another vehicle. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing another example of a process executed by the vehicle infrared lamp system. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern irradiated on a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram of a vehicle system in which a vehicle infrared sensor system according to a second embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of a lamp unit mounted on a vehicle lamp. [Figure 10] It is a front view of an infrared light source mounted on a lamp unit. [Figure 11] It is a schematic diagram showing the irradiable range of infrared rays of a lamp unit. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern in a sensing mode. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern in an imaging mode. [Figure 14]This is a time chart showing the timing of the infrared light source being turned on and the exposure timing of the infrared camera. [Figure 15] This is a block diagram of a vehicle system incorporating a vehicle infrared sensor-equipped lighting fixture according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a vehicle-mounted infrared sensor light fixture. [Figure 17] This is a front view of a visible light source mounted in a vehicle-mounted infrared sensor lighting fixture. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an infrared light distribution pattern. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a visible light distribution pattern. [Figure 20] This figure shows an example of an image captured by an infrared camera at time t. [Figure 21] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an infrared light distribution pattern emitted at time t+1. [Figure 22] This is a block diagram of a vehicle system incorporating a lighting fixture with an optical sensor according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a lighting fixture with a built-in optical sensor. [Figure 24] This is a front view of the first circuit board. [Figure 25] This is a schematic diagram showing the illumination range of each light emitted from a light fixture with a built-in optical sensor. [Figure 26] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern obtained by the control unit controlling the visible light LED. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, based on embodiments. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the embodiments are illustrative and not limiting to the invention, and not all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention.

[0016] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle system 2 incorporating a vehicle infrared lighting system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 1 on which the vehicle system 2 is installed is a vehicle (automobile) capable of driving in autonomous driving mode. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle system 2 includes a vehicle control unit 3, a sensor 5, a camera 6, a radar 7, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 8, a GPS (Global Positioning System) 9, a wireless communication unit 10, and a map information storage unit 11. The vehicle system 2 also includes a steering actuator 12, a steering device 13, a brake actuator 14, a brake device 15, an accelerator actuator 16, and an accelerator device 17. Furthermore, the vehicle system 2 includes the vehicle infrared lighting system 100.

[0017] The vehicle control unit 3 is configured to control the movement of the vehicle 1. The vehicle control unit 3 is composed of, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU). The electronic control unit includes a microcontroller including a processor and memory, and other electronic circuits (e.g., transistors). The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various vehicle control programs (e.g., artificial intelligence (AI) programs for autonomous driving) are stored, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) in which various vehicle control data is temporarily stored. The processor is configured to load a specified program from the various vehicle control programs stored in the ROM onto the RAM and execute various processes in cooperation with the RAM.

[0018] Sensor 5 includes an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor, a gyroscope sensor, etc. Sensor 5 is configured to detect the driving state of vehicle 1 and output the driving state information to vehicle control unit 3. Sensor 5 may further include a seating sensor to detect whether the driver is sitting in the driver's seat, a face orientation sensor to detect the direction of the driver's face, an external weather sensor to detect external weather conditions, and a human presence sensor to detect whether there is a person inside the vehicle. Furthermore, sensor 5 may also include an illuminance sensor to detect the illuminance of the surrounding environment of vehicle 1.

[0019] The camera (in-vehicle camera) 6 is a camera that includes an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary MOS). The imaging of camera 6 is controlled based on signals transmitted from the vehicle control unit 3. Camera 6 can generate images based on the visible light it receives. Camera 6 may also be an infrared camera that detects infrared light.

[0020] Radar 7 is a millimeter-wave radar, microwave radar, or laser radar, etc. Radar 7 may also be equipped with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging). LiDAR is generally a sensor that emits invisible light in front of it and acquires information such as the distance to an object, the shape of the object, and the material of the object based on the emitted light and the reflected light. The camera 6 and radar 7 (an example of a sensor) are configured to detect the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1 (other vehicles, pedestrians, road shape, traffic signs, obstacles, etc.) and output the surrounding environment information to the vehicle control unit 3.

[0021] The HMI8 consists of an input unit that receives input operations from the driver and an output unit that outputs driving information and other data to the driver. The input unit includes a steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and a driving mode selector switch for switching the driving mode of vehicle 1. The output unit is a display that shows various driving information.

[0022] The GPS 9 is configured to acquire the current location information of vehicle 1 and output the acquired current location information to the vehicle control unit 3. The wireless communication unit 10 is configured to receive information about other vehicles in the vicinity of vehicle 1 (e.g., driving information) from other vehicles and to transmit information about vehicle 1 (e.g., driving information) to other vehicles (vehicle-to-vehicle communication). The wireless communication unit 10 is also configured to receive infrastructure information from infrastructure equipment such as traffic lights and marker lights and to transmit vehicle 1's driving information to the infrastructure equipment (vehicle-to-infrastructure communication). The map information storage unit 11 is an external storage device such as a hard disk drive in which map information is stored and is configured to output the map information to the vehicle control unit 3.

[0023] When vehicle 1 is driving in autonomous driving mode, the vehicle control unit 3 automatically generates at least one of the steering control signal, accelerator control signal, and brake control signal based on driving state information, surrounding environment information, current location information, map information, etc. The steering actuator 12 is configured to receive the steering control signal from the vehicle control unit 3 and control the steering device 13 based on the received steering control signal. The brake actuator 14 is configured to receive the brake control signal from the vehicle control unit 3 and control the brake device 15 based on the received brake control signal. The accelerator actuator 16 is configured to receive the accelerator control signal from the vehicle control unit 3 and control the accelerator device 17 based on the received accelerator control signal. In this way, in autonomous driving mode, the driving of vehicle 1 is automatically controlled by the vehicle system 2.

[0024] On the other hand, when vehicle 1 is running in manual driving mode, the vehicle control unit 3 generates steering control signals, accelerator control signals, and brake control signals according to the driver's manual operations on the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and steering wheel. Thus, in manual driving mode, the steering control signals, accelerator control signals, and brake control signals are generated by the driver's manual operations, and the driving of vehicle 1 is controlled by the driver.

[0025] Next, the driving modes of vehicle 1 will be described. The driving modes consist of an automatic driving mode and a manual driving mode. The automatic driving mode consists of a fully automatic driving mode, an advanced driver assistance mode, and a driver assistance mode. In the fully automatic driving mode, the vehicle system 2 automatically performs all driving controls, including steering, braking, and acceleration, and the driver is not in a position to drive vehicle 1. In the advanced driver assistance mode, the vehicle system 2 automatically performs all driving controls, including steering, braking, and acceleration, and the driver is in a position to drive vehicle 1 but does not drive it. In the driver assistance mode, the vehicle system 2 automatically performs some of the driving controls, including steering, braking, and acceleration, and the driver drives vehicle 1 with the assistance of the vehicle system 2. On the other hand, in the manual driving mode, the vehicle system 2 does not automatically perform driving controls, and the driver drives vehicle 1 without the assistance of the vehicle system 2.

[0026] Furthermore, the driving mode of vehicle 1 may be switched by operating a driving mode selector switch. In this case, the vehicle control unit 3 switches the driving mode of vehicle 1 among four driving modes (fully automated driving mode, advanced driving assistance mode, driving assistance mode, and manual driving mode) in response to the driver's operation of the driving mode selector switch. Alternatively, the driving mode of vehicle 1 may be automatically switched based on information about sections where the automated vehicle can drive, sections where the automated vehicle is prohibited from driving, or information about external weather conditions. In this case, the vehicle control unit 3 switches the driving mode of vehicle 1 based on this information. In addition, the driving mode of vehicle 1 may be automatically switched using a seat sensor, a face orientation sensor, etc. In this case, the vehicle control unit 3 switches the driving mode of vehicle 1 based on the output signals from the seat sensor and the face orientation sensor.

[0027] The vehicle infrared lighting system 100 comprises a vehicle infrared lighting fixture 4, and other vehicle position acquisition unit 102 and distance acquisition unit 103 connected to the vehicle infrared lighting fixture 4.

[0028] The vehicle infrared lamp 4 comprises a lamp unit 30 capable of emitting infrared rays and a control unit 101 that controls various parts of the vehicle infrared lamp 4. The vehicle infrared lamp 4 is mounted on the front of the vehicle 1.

[0029] The other vehicle position acquisition unit 102 is an acquisition unit that acquires position information of other vehicles (for example, including vehicles ahead and oncoming vehicles). The other vehicle position acquisition unit 102 acquires position information of other vehicles based on images captured by, for example, an infrared camera or a visible light camera (an example of an on-board camera 6) mounted on vehicle 1. In addition, the other vehicle position acquisition unit 102 acquires position information of other vehicles based on information acquired by, for example, LiDAR (an example of a radar 7).

[0030] The distance acquisition unit 103 is an acquisition unit that acquires the distance between other vehicles and the vehicle 1. The distance acquisition unit 103 acquires distance information to other vehicles based on information acquired by, for example, LiDAR. Alternatively, the distance acquisition unit 103 acquires distance information to other vehicles by, for example, analyzing images captured by the on-board camera 6.

[0031] The other vehicle position acquisition unit 102 and the distance acquisition unit 103 are connected to the control unit 101 of the vehicle infrared lamp 4. The lamp unit 30, the other vehicle position acquisition unit 102, and the distance acquisition unit 103 are controlled by the control unit 101. In this embodiment, the other vehicle position acquisition unit 102 and the distance acquisition unit 103 are configured independently of the control unit 101, but they may be included in the control unit 101 as processing units that execute the processing of the control unit 101, for example.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of a lamp unit 30 mounted on a vehicle infrared lamp 4. As shown in Figure 2, the lamp unit 30 includes a housing 30a, an infrared light source 32, a rotating reflector 33 (an example of an optical component), an infrared camera 34, a lens component 35, and a light-shielding wall 36.

[0033] The interior of the housing 30a is divided into two spaces, a first light chamber 37 and a second light chamber 38, by a light-shielding wall 36. The infrared light source 32 and the rotating reflector 33 are located in the first light chamber 37. The infrared camera 34 is located in the second light chamber 38.

[0034] The infrared light source 32 is composed of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that emit infrared rays. The infrared light source 32 may also be composed of LDs (Laser Diodes) that emit infrared rays. When it is required that the infrared light source 32 illuminate a wide area, it is preferable to use LEDs that have a large degree of light diffusion. When it is required that the infrared light source 32 be used to sense other vehicles, etc., it is preferable to use LDs that have a small degree of light diffusion. The infrared light source 32 is mounted on a substrate 39. For example, the infrared light source 32 is provided in multiple rows of three infrared light sources 32 arranged on a virtual straight line extending vertically on the substrate 39. The infrared light source 32 may be configured with LEDs or LDs in each row. The lighting timing of the infrared light sources 32 arranged on the substrate 39 in the vertical and horizontal directions is controlled by the control unit 101.

[0035] The rotating reflector 33 is a scanning means that scans the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 32 and emits it forward of the lamp. The rotating reflector 33 rotates around the rotation axis R. The rotating reflector 33 has a shaft portion 33a extending around the rotation axis R and two blades 33b extending radially from the shaft portion 33a. The surface of the blades 33b is a reflective surface. This reflective surface has a twisted shape in which the angle with respect to the rotation axis R gradually changes in the circumferential direction. Specifically, when the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 32 is reflected by the reflective surface of the rotating reflector 33, the direction in which the reflected light is emitted gradually changes from the left end to the right end. As a result, the lamp unit 30 can scan and emit light from the infrared light source 32 within a predetermined range. For example, the lamp unit 30 can irradiate infrared light within the irradiable range P1 shown in Figure 4.

[0036] A lens component 35 is provided in front of the housing 30a. The lens component 35 has a first lens element 35a and a second lens element 35b. The first lens element 35a is positioned in front of the first lamp chamber 37. Light emitted from the infrared light source 32 and reflected by the rotating reflector 33 is incident on the first lens element 35a. The first lens element 35a causes the incident light from the infrared light source 32 to be emitted in front of the lamp. The reflection point of the rotating reflector 33 is located near the focal point of the first lens element 35a. The second lens element 35b is positioned in front of the second lamp chamber 38. The second lens element 35b collects light from the front of the lamp, for example, reflected light from objects such as other vehicles, and guides the collected light to the infrared camera 34. The light-receiving surface of the infrared camera 34 is located near the focal point of the second lens element 35b. The distance to the rear focal point F1 of the first lens element 35a is shorter than the distance to the rear focal point F2 of the second lens element 35b. The first lens element 35a and the second lens element 35b are integrally formed as a single lens component 35.

[0037] The infrared camera 34 is a camera that has the highest sensitivity to the peak wavelength of infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 32. The infrared camera 34 outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received infrared light. The infrared camera 34 can acquire an image corresponding to the reflected infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 32 in front of the light fixture. The image acquired by the infrared camera 34 is transmitted to the control unit 101.

[0038] The light-shielding wall 36 is provided between the optical axis of the first lens element 35a and the optical axis of the second lens element 35b. For example, the light-shielding wall 36 is positioned to block light emitted from the infrared light source 32 that would otherwise enter the infrared camera 34 without entering the first lens element 35a.

[0039] An example of the operation of the vehicle infrared lighting system 100 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the vehicle infrared lighting system 100. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the light distribution pattern emitted from the lamp unit 30 of vehicle 1 toward other vehicles.

[0040] While vehicle 1 is in motion, the control unit 101 of the vehicle infrared lighting system 100 sets the entire area of ​​the maximum range (hereinafter referred to as the irradiable range) P1 in which the vehicle infrared lighting 4 can emit infrared rays as a normal area under normal conditions. The control unit 101 of the vehicle infrared lighting system 100 supplies a current of, for example, a first current value to the infrared light source 32 that irradiates the area corresponding to the normal area, causing it to emit infrared rays at a certain illuminance.

[0041] Immediately after vehicle 1 starts moving, as described above, the entire area of ​​the irradiable range P1 is set to a normal area, and infrared light is irradiated with a uniform illuminance throughout the irradiable range P1. In this state, an image of the area in front of vehicle 1 is captured by the infrared camera 34. The image captured by the infrared camera 34 is transmitted to the control unit 101.

[0042] The control unit 101 determines whether or not another vehicle is present in the image captured by the infrared camera 34 (step S01). For example, the control unit 101 determines that another vehicle is present in pixels in the image acquired by the infrared camera 34 where the brightness is above a predetermined value, and identifies the position corresponding to this pixel as the position of the other vehicle. Alternatively, the control unit 101 may identify the position of the other vehicle by referring to the azimuth angle of the object as seen from the reference point of the vehicle 1 in the image captured by the infrared camera 34. Or, the position of the other vehicle may be identified based on the area of ​​multiple pixels occupied by the object in the image captured by the infrared camera 34.

[0043] If it is determined that no other vehicles are present in the captured image (Step S01: No), the control unit 101 terminates the process while maintaining the normal area in all areas of the irradiable range P1.

[0044] On the other hand, if it is determined that another vehicle is present in the captured image (Step S01: Yes), the control unit 101 transmits the image captured by the infrared camera 34, along with information about the detected other vehicle, to the other vehicle position acquisition unit 102 and the distance acquisition unit 103.

[0045] In this example, as shown in Figure 4, an image of another vehicle A being in front of vehicle 1 is captured by the infrared camera 34. Therefore, the control unit 101 detects the other vehicle in step S01.

[0046] The other vehicle position acquisition unit 102 acquires the position information of the leftmost and rightmost edges of the detected other vehicle A based on the image captured by the infrared camera 34 (step S02). The acquired position information of the other vehicle is transmitted from the other vehicle position acquisition unit 102 to the control unit 101.

[0047] The distance acquisition unit 103 acquires distance information between the detected other vehicle A and the vehicle 1 based on the image captured by the infrared camera 34 (step S03). The acquired distance information of the other vehicle A is transmitted from the distance acquisition unit 103 to the control unit 101.

[0048] Based on the position information of other vehicle A acquired by the other vehicle position acquisition unit 102 and the distance information of other vehicle A acquired by the distance acquisition unit 103, the control unit 101 sets at least a portion of the area of ​​other vehicle A as a dimmed area where the infrared irradiation intensity is lower than the infrared irradiation intensity irradiated to other areas (step S04). In this example, the dimmed area means an area where the infrared irradiation intensity is lower than that of the normal area. The control unit 101 supplies a current with a second current value smaller than the first current value to the infrared light source 32 and irradiates the dimmed area with infrared light at an illuminance lower than that of the normal area.

[0049] For example, based on the position information of the right and left ends of other vehicle A obtained from the other vehicle position acquisition unit 102, the control unit 101 sets the right boundary line 41 of the dimming area Q1 to the left of the right end 43 of other vehicle A, and sets the left boundary line 42 of the dimming area Q1 to the right of the left end 44 of other vehicle A, as shown in Figure 4. That is, the width W1 of the dimming area Q1 is set to be narrower than the width W2 of other vehicle A. The dimming area Q1 is also set in the center of other vehicle A in the vehicle width direction. Alternatively, the control unit 101 may, for example, identify the central position 45 of other vehicle A in the vehicle width direction based on the position information of the right and left ends of other vehicle A obtained from the other vehicle position acquisition unit 102, set the right boundary line 41 of the dimming area Q1 between the central position 45 and the right end of other vehicle A, and set the left boundary line 42 of the dimming area Q1 between the central position 45 and the left end of other vehicle A.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 101 may set the degree of dimming of the infrared light source 32 according to the distance from the vehicle 1 to the other vehicle A, based on the distance information between the other vehicle A and the vehicle 1 obtained from the distance acquisition unit 103. Specifically, the closer the distance from the vehicle 1 to the other vehicle A, the smaller the second current value supplied to the infrared light source 32, thereby increasing the degree of dimming of the infrared light source 32 with respect to the dimming region Q1. Conversely, the farther the distance from the vehicle 1 to the other vehicle A, the larger the second current value supplied to the infrared light source 32, thereby decreasing the degree of dimming of the infrared light source 32 with respect to the dimming region Q1.

[0051] The control unit 101 sets the area within the irradiable range P1, excluding the dimming region Q1, as the normal region S.

[0052] As described above, the vehicle infrared lighting system 100 according to the above embodiment is configured such that a dimming region Q1 is formed in the area where other vehicles with high infrared reflection intensity are located. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate other vehicles within the irradiable range P1 with infrared light of low intensity, and the reflection intensity of said infrared light from other vehicles can be reduced. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of halation in the image of the vehicle's infrared camera 34 due to infrared light reflected from other vehicles. In addition, the vehicle infrared lighting system 100 has a normal region S set in the area other than the area set as the dimming region Q1, so that infrared light of higher intensity than the dimming region Q1 is irradiated into the normal region S. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, for example, it becomes easier for the infrared camera 34 to detect objects with low infrared reflection intensity that are in the vicinity of other vehicles, such as pedestrian B next to other vehicle A or pedestrian C behind other vehicle A.

[0053] Incidentally, in vehicle headlights that illuminate the area in front of the vehicle with visible light, it is known that in order to avoid dazzling the drivers of other vehicles, the position of other vehicles is detected and a dimmed area is set in that range where the illumination of visible light is suppressed. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a dimmed area Q2 set for other vehicle A when the light source emits visible light. As shown in Figure 5, when illuminating with visible light, in order to avoid dazzling the driver of other vehicle A, the right boundary line 51 of the dimmed area Q2 is set to the right of the right edge 43 of other vehicle A, and the left boundary line 52 is set to the left of the left edge 44 of other vehicle A. In other words, when illuminating with visible light, the dimmed area Q2 is set to an area with a margin over the area of ​​other vehicle A. The width W3 of the dimmed area Q2 is set to be wider than the width W2 of other vehicle A. In this case, although it is possible to suppress dazzling the driver of other vehicle A, it is difficult to obtain information about the area of ​​other vehicle A and information about pedestrians B and C in the vicinity of other vehicle A.

[0054] In contrast, the vehicle infrared lighting system 100 has an infrared light source 32 as the light source that illuminates the front. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the dimming region Q1 is formed on the inside (center) in the width direction of the other vehicle A. Since the light from the infrared light source is infrared, it differs from visible light and does not cause glare to the driver of the other vehicle. Also, when an infrared camera is mounted on the vehicle, it is often mounted in the center in the width direction of the vehicle. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to avoid causing glare to the driver of the other vehicle A, and even if an infrared camera is mounted on the other vehicle A, it is possible to reduce the glare to the infrared camera. In addition, since a normal region S is set in the area other than the dimming region Q1, information about the left edge and right edge of the other vehicle A, excluding the center, can be acquired by the infrared camera 34 of the vehicle 1.

[0055] Furthermore, the vehicle infrared lighting system 100 is configured such that the degree of attenuation of infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 32 to the attenuation region Q1 changes according to the distance from the vehicle 1 to the other vehicle A. Therefore, by adjusting the infrared irradiation intensity to suit the distance to the other vehicle A, it is possible to accurately acquire information about all other vehicles.

[0056] (modified version) Referring to Figures 6 and 7, another example of the operation of the vehicle infrared lighting system 100 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing performed by the vehicle infrared lighting system 100. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the light distribution pattern emitted from the lamp unit 30 of vehicle 1 toward the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle. In this example, the vehicle infrared lighting system 100 sets dimming areas and light-blocking areas depending on whether the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle.

[0057] In Figure 6, the process up to step S11 is the same as the process up to step S01 in Figure 3 described above.

[0058] In this example, as shown in Figure 7, an image of other vehicles A and D being in front of vehicle 1 is captured by the infrared camera 34. Therefore, in step S11, the control unit 101 detects other vehicles A and D.

[0059] The other vehicle position acquisition unit 102 acquires the position information of the left and right edges of the detected other vehicle A, and the position information of the left and right edges of other vehicle D, based on the image captured by the infrared camera 34 (step S12). The acquired position information of other vehicles A and D is transmitted from the other vehicle position acquisition unit 102 to the control unit 101, respectively.

[0060] The distance acquisition unit 103 acquires distance information between the detected other vehicle A and the vehicle itself 1, and distance information between the other vehicle D and the vehicle itself 1, based on the image captured by the infrared camera 34 (step S13). The acquired distance information for other vehicle A and other vehicle D is transmitted from the distance acquisition unit 103 to the control unit 101.

[0061] The control unit 101 determines whether the detected other vehicle is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle (step S14). For example, by comparing images from two infrared cameras taken at different timings, if the position of the other vehicle has changed significantly beyond a threshold, or if the area occupied by the other vehicle has changed significantly beyond a threshold, the control unit may determine that this other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle; otherwise, it may determine that this other vehicle is a preceding vehicle. Alternatively, if vehicle 1 is equipped with radar, if the time until the reflected wave is detected is shorter than a predetermined value, or if the wavelength of the reflected wave is shorter than a threshold, the control unit may determine that this other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle; otherwise, it may determine that this other vehicle is a preceding vehicle. In the following explanation, it is assumed that other vehicle A is determined to be an oncoming vehicle and other vehicle D is determined to be a preceding vehicle.

[0062] If the control unit 101 determines that the detected other vehicle D is a preceding vehicle (step S14: Yes), it sets at least a portion of the area of ​​the preceding vehicle D to a dimmed area where the infrared irradiation intensity is lower than that of the normal area, based on the position information of the preceding vehicle D acquired by the other vehicle position acquisition unit 102 and the distance information of the preceding vehicle D acquired by the distance acquisition unit 103 (step S15).

[0063] On the other hand, if the control unit 101 determines that the detected other vehicle A is an oncoming vehicle (step S14: No), it sets at least a portion of the area of ​​the oncoming vehicle A as a light-shielding area where infrared light is not emitted, based on the position information of the oncoming vehicle A acquired by the other vehicle position acquisition unit 102 and the distance information of the oncoming vehicle A acquired by the distance acquisition unit 103 (step S16). The control unit 101 turns off the infrared light source 32 by setting the current supplied to the infrared light source 32 to zero at the timing when the light-shielding area is scanned.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 101 sets a dimming area Q1 in the center of the vehicle width direction of the preceding vehicle D, similar to the setting of the dimming area Q1 in step S04 of Figure 3 described above, and sets a light-shielding area T in the center of the vehicle width direction of the oncoming vehicle A. In addition, the control unit 101 sets the dimming degree of the infrared light source 32 according to the distance from the vehicle 1 to the oncoming vehicle A and the distance from the vehicle 1 to the preceding vehicle D, similar to the setting of the dimming degree of the infrared light source 32 in step S04 of Figure 3 described above.

[0065] With this type of vehicle infrared lighting system 100, a light-shielding region T is formed in the center of the vehicle width direction of the oncoming vehicle A. Therefore, for example, even if the oncoming vehicle A is equipped with an infrared camera, it is possible to prevent glare from being applied to the infrared camera. Furthermore, a light-reducing region Q1 is formed in the center of the vehicle width direction of the preceding vehicle D. Therefore, if an object is located very close to the preceding vehicle D, for example, as shown in Figure 7, even if there is a pedestrian E between the preceding vehicle D and the vehicle 1 which is within the range of the light-reducing region Q1, the preceding vehicle D is illuminated with infrared light at a low intensity, making it possible for the vehicle 1's infrared camera 34 to detect the pedestrian E. In addition, the preceding vehicle D may be equipped with a rear infrared camera that acquires information from behind. Although there is a risk that the infrared light illuminating the light-reducing region Q1 may cause halation in the rear infrared camera of the preceding vehicle D, such a rear infrared camera is used when parking, etc., and not when driving. Therefore, problems are unlikely to occur even if infrared light is irradiated from behind onto the preceding vehicle D while driving. Furthermore, the illuminance of the light-shielding area only needs to be lower than the illuminance of the light-reducing area, and infrared light may be irradiated into the light-shielding area.

[0066] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be freely modified and improved as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, and placement of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0067] In the embodiments described above, an optical component was described in which infrared rays emitted from an infrared light source 32 are scanned by a rotating reflector 33 and emitted forward of the luminaire via a lens component 35. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the portion between the infrared light source 32 and the rotating reflector 33 may be composed of a multi-array type infrared light source, and the light from this light source may be emitted forward of the luminaire via the lens component 35. A multi-array type infrared light source is, for example, a light source with a structure in which multiple infrared light sources are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. Each infrared light source is capable of emitting light in a different direction, and all infrared light sources are configured to illuminate a predetermined area in front of the luminaire. The illumination of a specific area in front of the luminaire is controlled by controlling the lighting state of a specific infrared light source.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the infrared camera 34 is provided within the lamp unit 30 (inside the luminaire) which is shared with the infrared light source 32, but this is not the only option. For example, the infrared camera 34 may be provided in another part of the vehicle 1, rather than inside the luminaire.

[0069] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explained an example in which a low-intensity infrared light is irradiated onto the dimmed area, for example, infrared light may not be irradiated onto the dimmed area.

[0070] <Second Embodiment> Next, a vehicle infrared sensor system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In recent years, vehicles have increasingly been equipped with sensor units based on multiple detection principles, such as cameras and infrared photodiodes. However, equipping vehicles with multiple types of sensor units increases their overall size. A second embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle infrared sensor system capable of emitting light suitable for an infrared camera and an infrared sensor from a common light source.

[0071] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a vehicle system 2 in which the vehicle infrared sensor system 1100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. The vehicle 1 on which the vehicle system 2 is installed is a vehicle (automobile) capable of driving in autonomous driving mode, the same as in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Figure 8, the vehicle system 2 includes a vehicle control unit 3, a sensor 5, a camera 6, a radar 7, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 8, a GPS (Global Positioning System) 9, a wireless communication unit 10, and a map information storage unit 11. The vehicle system 2 also includes a steering actuator 12, a steering device 13, a brake actuator 14, a brake device 15, an accelerator actuator 16, and an accelerator device 17. Furthermore, the vehicle system 2 includes a vehicle infrared sensor system 1100. These are the same as in the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, so they are given the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0072] The camera (in-vehicle camera) 6 is a camera that includes an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary MOS). The imaging of camera 6 is controlled based on signals transmitted from the vehicle control unit 3. Camera 6 is capable of generating images based on the visible light it receives. Camera 6 includes an infrared camera 6a that detects infrared light. The infrared camera 6a is capable of generating images based on the infrared light it receives.

[0073] The vehicle infrared sensor system 1100 includes a vehicle lighting fixture 1004 (e.g., a headlamp) on which a lamp unit 1030 and a control unit 1101 are mounted. The control unit 1101 controls the operation of the vehicle lighting fixture 1004. The control unit 1101 is communicated with the vehicle control unit 3. The vehicle lighting fixture 1004 is mounted on the front of the vehicle 1.

[0074] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of a lamp unit 1030 mounted on a vehicle lighting fixture 1004. As shown in Figure 9, the lamp unit 1030 includes a housing 1030a, an infrared light source 1032, an infrared sensor 1034, a lens component 1035, and a light-shielding wall 1036.

[0075] The interior of the housing 1030a is divided into two spaces, a first light chamber 1037 and a second light chamber 1038, by a light-shielding wall 1036. The infrared light source 1032 is located in the first light chamber 1037. The infrared sensor 1034 is located in the second light chamber 1038.

[0076] The infrared light source 1032 is composed of multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that emit infrared light. The infrared light source 1032 is mounted on the substrate 1039. The on / off state of the infrared light source 1032 mounted on the substrate 1039 is controlled by the control unit 1101. The infrared light source 1032 is driven and controlled to, for example, an on / off state for an imaging mode (first mode) suitable for imaging with an infrared camera 6a, and an on / off state for a sensing mode (second mode) suitable for sensing with an infrared sensor 1034.

[0077] The infrared sensor 1034 is composed of a photodiode (PD) that detects infrared light. The infrared sensor 1034 outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the infrared light it receives. The infrared sensor 1034 outputs a signal with higher signal intensity the higher the intensity of the infrared light it receives. The infrared sensor 1034 has the highest light receiving sensitivity at the peak wavelength of the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 1032. The infrared sensor 1034 is configured to receive reflected infrared light emitted in front of the lamp from the infrared light source 1032 and to detect the peak wavelength of the reflected light. Information about the reflected light acquired by the infrared sensor 1034 is transmitted to the control unit 1101. The operation of the infrared sensor 1034, such as sensing operation to detect infrared light, is controlled based on the signal transmitted from the control unit 1101.

[0078] The infrared camera 6a is a camera that has the highest sensitivity to the peak wavelength of infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 1032. The infrared camera 6a can acquire an image corresponding to the reflected infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 1032 in front of the lamp. The image acquired by the infrared camera 6a is transmitted to the control unit 1101. The operation of the infrared camera, for example, the imaging operation to image the area in front of the vehicle 1, may be controlled based on a signal transmitted from the vehicle control unit 3, or it may be controlled based on a signal transmitted from the control unit 1101.

[0079] A lens component 1035 is provided at the front of the housing 1030a. The lens component 1035 has a projection lens 1035a (an example of an optical element) and a condensing lens 1035b. The projection lens 1035a is located at the front of the first lamp chamber 1037. Light emitted from the infrared light source 1032 is incident on the projection lens 1035a. The projection lens 1035a causes the incident light from the infrared light source 1032 to be emitted forward of the lamp. The infrared light source 1032 is located near the focal point of the projection lens 1035a. The condensing lens 1035b is located at the front of the second lamp chamber 1038. The condensing lens 1035b collects light from the front of the lamp, for example, reflected light emitted from the infrared light source 1032 and reflected by objects to be detected such as other vehicles, and guides the collected light to the infrared sensor 1034. The light-receiving surface of the infrared sensor 1034 is positioned near the focal point of the condensing lens 1035b. The distance to the back focal point of the projection lens 1035a is shorter than the distance to the back focal point of the condensing lens 1035b. The projection lens 1035a and the condensing lens 1035b are integrally formed as a single lens component 1035.

[0080] The light-shielding wall 1036 is provided between the optical axis of the projection lens 1035a and the optical axis of the focusing lens 1035b. For example, the light-shielding wall 1036 is positioned to block light emitted from the infrared light source 1032 that would otherwise enter the infrared sensor 1034 directly without entering the projection lens 1035a.

[0081] Figure 10 is a front view of the infrared light source 1032. As shown in Figure 10, the infrared light source 1032 is equipped with multiple infrared LEDs arranged in an array in two dimensions: vertically (01-10) and horizontally (a-p). In the following description, the infrared light source 1032 located at the nth position from the top (n is any of 01-10) and the xth position from the right (x is any of a-p) in Figure 10 will be referred to as infrared LED nx. For example, infrared LED 03j is the infrared LED located at the 3rd position from the top and the jth position from the right in Figure 10.

[0082] Each of the infrared LEDs 01a to 10p is capable of emitting light in a different direction. The infrared light source 1032 is controlled by the control unit 1101, and the illumination of a specific area in front of the light fixture is controlled by controlling the on / off state of a specific infrared LED.

[0083] In this embodiment, the control unit 1101 drives the infrared light source 1032 in an imaging mode (first mode) suitable for imaging with an infrared camera and a sensing mode (second mode) suitable for sensing with an infrared sensor. The imaging mode and sensing mode will be explained below with reference to Figures 11 to 13.

[0084] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the illumination range Q of the lamp unit 1030. The illumination range Q in Figure 11 is displayed on a virtual vertical screen when, for example, a virtual vertical screen is installed 25 m in front of the vehicle light fixture 1004. The illumination range Q is the maximum range over which the lamp unit 1030 can emit infrared light, and is illuminated by turning on all of the infrared LEDs 01a to 10p of the infrared light source 1032.

[0085] In Figure 11, for the sake of explanation, the irradiable range Q is divided into 10 vertical regions and 11 horizontal regions. Within the irradiable range Q in Figure 11, the region designated as the Nth vertically from the top (N is one of 01 to 10) and the Xth horizontally from the left (X is one of A to P) is called region QNX. For example, when the infrared LED 01a located at the upper right corner in Figure 10 is turned on, infrared light is emitted to region Q01A located at the upper right corner in Figure 11. Alternatively, when the infrared LED 06p is turned on, light is emitted to region Q06P in Figure 11. In this vehicle infrared sensor system 1100, the memory records which regions Q01A to Q10P are emitted when each infrared LED 01a to 10p is turned on, and the control unit 1101 is able to read this information from the memory.

[0086] Furthermore, in the following explanation, the Nth region from the top in the vertical direction and the entire horizontal region will be referred to as region QN. This region QN is a band-shaped region extending in the left-right direction. For example, the 7th region from the top in the vertical direction and the A to P regions in the horizontal direction are called region Q07. When the infrared LEDs 07a to 07p in Figure 10 are turned on, infrared light is irradiated into region Q07. In this embodiment, the irradiable range Q is divided such that the H rays are located between region Q06 and region Q07.

[0087] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the illumination pattern when the control unit 1101 drives the infrared light source 1032 as a sensing mode. As shown in Figure 12, in this example, as a sensing mode, the control unit 1101 controls the infrared light source 1032 so that regions Q02, Q04, and Q06 are illuminated in order to sense objects to be detected, such as other vehicles.

[0088] In sensing mode, the control unit 1101 lights up only one infrared LED at any given moment and sequentially changes the infrared LED that is lit to sense whether an object such as another vehicle exists within the illumination range Q. The control unit 1101 detects the presence or absence of reflected infrared light from any direction using the infrared sensor 1034 and identifies the presence and position of an object in front of the lamp. For example, when the infrared sensor 1034 detects reflected light with an intensity of a predetermined value or higher from a certain direction, the control unit 1101 determines that another vehicle is present in that direction.

[0089] For example, the control unit 1101 scans the region Q02, which extends horizontally, by sequentially changing which infrared LED is lit within the region Q02, and illuminating only one infrared LED at any given moment. Specifically, the control unit 1101 scans the strip-shaped region Q02 by sequentially turning infrared LEDs 02a to 10p on and off. After scanning region Q02 is complete, it sequentially scans regions Q04 and Q06. In this example, regions Q02, Q04, and Q06 are illuminated in sensing mode, but the illumination range in sensing mode is not limited to these.

[0090] As shown in Figure 12, when another vehicle Z is present in front of the vehicle, the infrared sensor 1034 detects a strong reflected light when infrared light is shone into regions Q04D~Q04G and Q06D~Q06G. That is, when the control unit 1101 lights up the infrared LEDs 04d~04g and 06d~06g, the infrared sensor 1034 outputs a signal above a predetermined value. The control unit 1101 then determines that another vehicle is located in regions Q04D~Q04G and Q06D~Q06G, and that no other vehicles are present in other regions.

[0091] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the illumination pattern when the control unit 1101 drives the infrared light source 1032 in imaging mode. In Figure 13, the control unit 1101 forms a light distribution pattern that includes a normal region and a dimmed region. In imaging mode, unlike sensing mode, the control unit 1101 simultaneously lights up multiple infrared LEDs 01a to 10p.

[0092] The control unit 1101 sets a normal region S in areas where no other vehicles Z are present in the imaging mode, and sets a dimming region R in areas where other vehicles Z are present. In the illustrated example, all vertical regions QD, QE, QF, and QG, including regions Q04D to Q04G and Q06D to Q06G where other vehicles Z are present, are set to dimming region R, and the other regions are set to normal region S. The control unit 1101 supplies a current of a first current value to the infrared LED that irradiates infrared light into the normal region S, and supplies a current of a second current value, which is lower than the first current value, to the infrared LED that irradiates infrared light into the dimmed region R. In other words, the control unit 1101 irradiates infrared light into the dimmed region R so that the illuminance is lower than that of the normal region S.

[0093] In this embodiment, the control unit 1101 sets a dimming region R in which the infrared irradiation intensity is lower than other regions S when driving the infrared light source 1032 in imaging mode, according to the output of the infrared sensor 1034 obtained when infrared light is irradiated in sensing mode. This suppresses the large difference between the intensity of infrared reflected light from other vehicles Z with high reflectivity and the intensity of infrared reflected light from other regions when the infrared camera 6a photographs the area in front of the vehicle, and suppresses the occurrence of halation in the image acquired by the infrared camera 6a.

[0094] According to the vehicle infrared sensor system 1100 of this embodiment, the infrared light source 1032 is configured to switch between an imaging mode suitable for imaging with the infrared camera 6a and a sensing mode suitable for sensing with the infrared sensor 1034. Therefore, the light for the infrared camera 6a and the light for the infrared sensor 1034 can be emitted from a common infrared light source 1032. Consequently, the number of components constituting the vehicle infrared sensor system 1100 can be reduced, and the size of the vehicle 1 can be suppressed.

[0095] Furthermore, the control unit 1101 sets a dimming region R in which the infrared irradiation intensity is lower than other regions S when the system is driven in shooting mode, according to the output of the infrared sensor 1034. As a result, when the infrared camera 6a photographs the area in front of the vehicle, it is possible to suppress the large difference between the intensity of infrared reflected light from objects with high reflectivity (such as other vehicles Z) and the intensity of infrared reflected light from other regions, thereby suppressing the occurrence of halation in the image acquired by the infrared camera 6a.

[0096] Furthermore, in the vehicle infrared sensor system 1100, the infrared light source 1032 is composed of a multi-array type light source in which multiple infrared LEDs are arranged in two dimensions. Therefore, the illuminance of a specific area within the irradiable range Q can be accurately and easily controlled. In addition, light for the infrared camera 6a and light for the infrared sensor 1034 can be emitted with a simple configuration.

[0097] Furthermore, in the vehicle infrared sensor system 1100, the infrared light source 1032 is positioned near the focal point of the projection lens 1035a, and the infrared sensor 1034 is positioned near the focal point of the condensing lens 1035b. Therefore, it is possible to accurately emit light from the infrared light source 1032 in any direction, and the detection accuracy of the infrared sensor 1034 can be improved. Moreover, since the projection lens 1035a and the condensing lens 1035b are integrated, the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

[0098] Furthermore, the vehicle infrared sensor system 1100 is equipped with a light-shielding wall 1036 that prevents light emitted from the infrared light source 1032 from directly entering the infrared sensor 1034. Therefore, when the infrared sensor 1034 detects light, it is possible to suppress the direct entry of light from the infrared light source 1032 into the infrared sensor 1034, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the infrared sensor 1034.

[0099] Furthermore, the vehicle infrared sensor system 1100 is configured such that in imaging mode, each of the infrared LEDs 01a to 10p is lit simultaneously to illuminate the entire field of view of the infrared camera 6a with infrared light. In sensing mode, only one infrared LED is lit at any given moment, and the lit infrared LED is sequentially changed to detect the presence or absence of reflected infrared light from any direction, thereby detecting the presence and position of an object in front of the light fixture. As a result, the imaging accuracy of the infrared camera 6a can be improved in imaging mode, and the detection accuracy of the infrared sensor 1034 can be improved in sensing mode.

[0100] Next, we will explain in detail the timing of the infrared light source 1032 being turned on and the exposure timing of the infrared camera 6a. Figure 14 is a time chart showing the timing of the infrared light source 1032 being turned on and the exposure timing of the infrared camera 6a. As shown in Figure 14, the control unit 1101 drives the infrared light source 1032 to alternate between imaging mode and sensing mode. The control unit 1101 also switches between imaging mode and sensing mode in conjunction with the exposure timing of the infrared camera 6a, which is the shutter open period and shutter closed period. That is, when the control unit 1101 drives the infrared light source 1032 in sensing mode, the infrared camera 6a is set to the shutter closed period, and when the infrared light source 1032 is driven in imaging mode, the infrared camera 6a is set to the shutter open period.

[0101] In sensing mode, the control unit 1101 turns on one infrared LED at any given moment and turns off the remaining infrared LEDs. At the next moment, it turns on the next infrared LED and turns off the remaining infrared LEDs. By sequentially turning the infrared LEDs on and off in this way, the illuminated range Q is scanned. When the control unit 1101 is driving the infrared light source 1032 in sensing mode, the infrared camera 6a is closed during the shutter closing period, and the infrared sensor 1034 is operated. Then, as described above, the normal region S and the dimmed region R are set according to the output of the infrared sensor 1034.

[0102] In imaging mode, the control unit 1101 supplies a current of either the first or second current value to all infrared LEDs, causing them to emit light. This illuminates the area in front of the vehicle with infrared light at a brightness suitable for imaging by the infrared camera 6a. When the control unit 1101 is driving the infrared light source 1032 in imaging mode, it sets the infrared camera 6a to a shutter-open state. At this time, the control unit 1101 may set the infrared sensor 1034 to a non-operating state.

[0103] In these sensing and imaging modes, the control unit 1101 controls the infrared LEDs 01a to 10p using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). The control unit 1101 controls the current duty cycle supplied to the infrared LEDs 01a to 10p in imaging mode to be greater than the current duty cycle supplied to the infrared LEDs 01a to 10p in sensing mode. In addition, the control unit 1101 controls the instantaneous current value i2 supplied to the infrared LEDs 01a to 10p in imaging mode to be less than the instantaneous current value i1 supplied to the infrared LEDs 01a to 10p in sensing mode.

[0104] Furthermore, the control of infrared LEDs 01a to 10p in imaging mode and the control of infrared LEDs 01a to 10p in sensing mode may be controlled to differ, for example, the energizing time of the pulses input to infrared LEDs 01a to 10p, or the de-energizing time of the pulses input to infrared LEDs 01a to 10p. Also, the control of infrared LEDs 01a to 10p in imaging mode and the control of infrared LEDs 01a to 10p in sensing mode may be controlled to differ, for example, the input current supplied to infrared LEDs 01a to 10p. When the control unit 1101 sets a dimming region in imaging mode according to the sensing result of the infrared sensor 1034, it changes at least one of the energizing time of the pulses input to infrared LEDs 01a to 10p, the de-energizing time of the pulses, and the input current.

[0105] Furthermore, when the control unit 1101 inputs a pulse current to the infrared LEDs 01a to 10p, in sensing mode, it turns one infrared LED on and off at any given moment, as described above, and sequentially changes which infrared LED is turned on and off. For this reason, the timing of the pulse currents input to each of the infrared LEDs 01a to 10p is controlled so that they do not overlap.

[0106] As described above, the vehicle infrared sensor system 1100 according to this embodiment is configured to switch between imaging mode and sensing mode in conjunction with the exposure timing of the infrared camera 6a. Therefore, when the infrared camera 6a is taking a picture, strong infrared light for sensing is not emitted, making it easier to obtain a clear image with the infrared camera 6a.

[0107] Furthermore, the vehicle infrared sensor system 1100 is configured such that the duty cycle of the current supplied in imaging mode is greater than the duty cycle of the current supplied in sensing mode. As a result, strong reflected infrared light can be obtained in sensing mode, making it easier to improve the detection accuracy of the infrared sensor 1034.

[0108] Furthermore, the vehicle infrared sensor system 1100 is configured such that the instantaneous current value supplied in imaging mode is smaller than the instantaneous current value supplied in sensing mode. When imaging with the infrared camera 6a, it is preferable that a wide area is illuminated with light of moderate illuminance rather than being illuminated with infrared light of high local intensity. On the other hand, when sensing with the infrared sensor 1034, it is preferable that a specific area is illuminated with infrared light of high illuminance. According to this embodiment, a light distribution pattern suitable for each of the two situations requiring different characteristics can be obtained with a single infrared light source 1032.

[0109] Furthermore, the vehicle infrared sensor system 1100 is configured to change at least one of the energizing time, de-energizing time, and input current of the pulse input to the infrared light source 1032 when switching between imaging mode and sensing mode according to the output of the infrared sensor 1034.

[0110] Furthermore, in the vehicle infrared sensor system 1100, the timing of the pulse currents input to each infrared LED 41a to 50p does not overlap in sensing mode. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the infrared sensor 1034, which detects the reflected infrared light emitted from each infrared LED 41a to 50p, can be improved.

[0111] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be freely modified and improved as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, and placement of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0112] The above embodiment shows an example in which an infrared light source 1032 and an infrared sensor 1034 are mounted within the vehicle lighting fixture 1004, but it is not limited to this. For example, an infrared camera 6a may be mounted within the vehicle lighting fixture 1004 together with the infrared light source 1032 and the infrared sensor 1034. Alternatively, only the infrared light source 1032 may be mounted within the vehicle lighting fixture 1004, among the infrared light source 1032, infrared sensor 1034, and infrared camera.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the infrared light source 1032 is composed of LEDs that emit infrared rays, but it may also be configured to include, for example, an LD (Laser Diode) that emits infrared rays. When it is required that the infrared light source 1032 illuminate a wide area, it is preferable to use LEDs that have a large degree of light diffusion. When it is required that the infrared light source 1032 be used to sense other vehicles, etc., it is preferable to use an LD that has a small degree of light diffusion. Therefore, the infrared light source 1032 may be configured, for example, by mounting LEDs or LDs in each row in the left-right direction.

[0114] <Third Embodiment> Incidentally, in recent years, there has been a demand for various sensors, such as night vision devices, to be installed in vehicles, which tends to make vehicles larger and heavier. A third embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle-mounted infrared sensor lighting device that does not easily lead to an increase in vehicle size or weight.

[0115] Figure 15 is a block diagram of a vehicle system 2 incorporating a vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lighting fixture 2004 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 1 on which the vehicle system 2 is installed is a vehicle (automobile) capable of driving in automatic driving mode. As shown in Figure 15, the vehicle system 2 comprises a vehicle control unit 3, a vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lighting fixture 2004, a sensor 5, a camera 6, a radar 7, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 8, a GPS (Global Positioning System) 9, a wireless communication unit 10, and a map information storage unit 11. Furthermore, the vehicle system 2 comprises a steering actuator 12, a steering device 13, a brake actuator 14, a brake device 15, an accelerator actuator 16, and an accelerator device 17.

[0116] The vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lighting fixture 2004 comprises a visible light unit 2020, an infrared unit 2030, and a control unit 2101. The vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lighting fixture 2004 is a lighting fixture (e.g., a headlamp) mounted on the front of the vehicle 1. The visible light unit 2020 is a unit capable of emitting visible light. The infrared unit 2030 is a unit capable of emitting infrared light. The control unit 2101 is communicated with the vehicle control unit 3. When predetermined conditions are met, the vehicle control unit 3 generates an instruction signal to control the on / off state of the vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lighting fixture 2004 and transmits the instruction signal to the control unit 2101. Based on the received instruction signal, the control unit 2101 controls the operation of the visible light unit 2020, the infrared unit 2030, etc. Information acquired by the control unit 2101 and information acquired by the vehicle control unit 3 are transmitted and received between them.

[0117] The camera (in-vehicle camera) 6 is a camera that includes an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary MOS). The imaging of camera 6 is controlled based on signals transmitted from the vehicle control unit 3. Camera 6 can generate images based on the visible light it receives. Camera 6 may also be an infrared camera that detects infrared light. An infrared camera can generate images based on the infrared light it receives.

[0118] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of a vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lighting fixture 2004. As shown in Figure 16, the vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lighting fixture 2004 includes a housing 2040, a lens component 2045, a light shielding wall 2046, a visible light unit 2020, an infrared unit 2030, an infrared cut filter 2034, and an infrared sensor 2035.

[0119] The interior of the housing 2040 is divided into two spaces, the first light chamber 2047 and the second light chamber 2048, by a light-shielding wall 2046. The visible light unit 2020, the infrared cut filter 2034, and the infrared sensor 2035 are located in the first light chamber 2047. The infrared unit 2030 is located in the second light chamber 2048.

[0120] A lens component 2045 is provided at the front of the housing 2040. The lens component 2045 has a first lens portion 2045a and a second lens portion 2045b. The first lens portion 2045a is located at the front of the first lamp chamber 2047. The second lens portion 2045b is located at the front of the second lamp chamber 2048. The first lens portion 2045a and the second lens portion 2045b are integrally formed as a single lens component 2045.

[0121] The visible light unit 2020 includes a visible light source 2021 that emits visible light, and a substrate 2022 on which the visible light source 2021 is mounted. The visible light source 2021 is composed of multiple visible light LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The on / off switching of the visible light source 2021 is controlled by the control unit 2101.

[0122] Figure 17 is a front view of the visible light source 2021. As shown in Figure 17, the visible light source 2021 is equipped with multiple visible light LEDs arranged in a two-dimensional array in the vertical direction (01-10) and the horizontal direction (a-p). In the following description, the visible light LED located at the nth position from the top (n is any of 01-10) and the xth position from the left (x is any of a-p) in Figure 17 will be referred to as visible light LED nx. For example, visible light LED 03j is the visible light LED located at the 3rd position from the top and the jth position from the left in Figure 17. Each of the visible light LEDs 01a-10p can emit light in a different direction. The visible light source 2021 is controlled by the control unit 2101, and the illuminance of a specific area in front of the light fixture is controlled by controlling the on / off state of specific visible light LEDs. In this embodiment, the control unit 2101 controls the visible light source 2021 so that a light distribution pattern suitable for viewing the area in front of the vehicle 1 is formed by the visible light emitted from the visible light source 2021.

[0123] Returning to Figure 16, the infrared unit 2030 includes an infrared light source 2031 that emits infrared rays, a substrate 2032 on which the infrared light source 2031 is mounted, and a rotating reflector 2033 that reflects infrared rays. The infrared light source 2031 is composed of multiple infrared LDs (Laser Diodes). In this embodiment, three infrared light sources 2031 are arranged in the vertical direction on the substrate 2032. The infrared light sources 2031 are positioned so as not to overlap with the first lens portion 2045a when viewed from the front of the vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lamp 2004. As a result, the infrared rays emitted from the infrared light sources 2031 are emitted forward of the lamp without being obstructed by the first lens portion 2045a. The on / off timing of each infrared light source 2031 is controlled by the control unit 2101.

[0124] The rotating reflector 2033 is a scanning means that scans the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 2031 and emits it forward of the lamp. The rotating reflector 2033 rotates around the rotation axis R. The rotating reflector 2033 has a shaft portion 2033a extending around the rotation axis R and a plurality of blades 2033b extending radially from the shaft portion 2033a. The surface of the blades 2033b is a reflective surface. This reflective surface has a twisted shape in which the angle with respect to the rotation axis R gradually changes in the circumferential direction. Specifically, when the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 2031 is reflected by the reflective surface provided on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating reflector 2033, the direction in which the reflected light is emitted gradually changes from the left end to the right end according to the rotation phase of the rotating reflector 2033. The reflection point of the rotating reflector 2033 is located near the focal point of the second lens portion 2045b. The operation of the rotating reflector 2033 is controlled by the control unit 2101.

[0125] The control unit 2101 controls the infrared unit 2030 to form a light distribution pattern suitable for sensing objects such as other vehicles using infrared rays emitted from the infrared light source 2031. More specifically, the control unit 2101 controls the timing of the illumination of the infrared light source 2031 and the rotation phase of the rotating reflector 2033 to cause the infrared rays from the infrared light source 2031 to be emitted toward any position in front of the lamp.

[0126] The visible light source 2021 is used as a light source to illuminate the area in front of vehicle 1, and therefore needs to illuminate a wide area. In contrast, the infrared light source 2031 is used as a light source to illuminate objects such as other vehicles, and therefore needs to illuminate a specific area with high illumination. For this reason, it is preferable to use an LED with a large degree of light diffusion as the visible light source 2021, and an LD with a small degree of light diffusion as the infrared light source 2031.

[0127] Visible light emitted from the visible light source 2021 is incident on the first lens portion 2045a of the lens component 2045. The first lens portion 2045a projects the incident visible light forward of the lamp. The first lens portion 2045a functions as a projection lens that projects the visible light emitted from the visible light source 2021 forward of the lamp. Furthermore, the first lens section 2045a collects light from the front of the lamp, for example, reflected infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 2031 and reflected by objects such as other vehicles, and guides it to the infrared sensor 2035 via the infrared cut filter 2034. The first lens section 2045a functions as a focusing lens that concentrates infrared light onto the infrared sensor 2035.

[0128] Infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 2031 and reflected by the rotating reflector 2033 is incident on the second lens portion 2045b of the lens component 2045. The second lens portion 2045b functions as a projection lens that directs the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 2031 forward of the lamp.

[0129] The light-shielding wall 2046 is provided between the optical axis of the first lens section 2045a and the optical axis of the second lens section 2045b. For example, the light-shielding wall 2046 is provided at a position that prevents visible light emitted from the visible light source 2021 from directly entering the second lens section 2045b without entering the first lens section 2045a, and at a position that prevents infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 2031 from directly entering the first lens section 2045a without entering the second lens section 2045b.

[0130] The infrared cut filter 2034 is a reflective optical filter that suppresses the transmission of infrared light by reflecting it. The infrared cut filter 2034 is positioned in the first lamp chamber between the visible light source 2021 and the first lens section 2045a. The infrared cut filter 2034 reflects infrared light incident on the infrared cut filter 2034 from the front of the lamp through the first lens section 2045a toward the infrared sensor 2035. The infrared cut filter 2034 also transmits visible light emitted from the visible light source 2021. The visible light that has passed through the infrared cut filter 2034 is incident on the first lens section 2045a.

[0131] The infrared sensor 2035 is composed of a photodiode (PD) that detects infrared light. The infrared sensor 2035 is positioned near the virtual focus of the first lens section 2045a, which is folded back by the infrared cut filter 2034. The infrared sensor 2035 outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the detected infrared light. The infrared sensor 2035 outputs a signal with higher signal intensity as the intensity of the detected infrared light increases. The infrared sensor 2035 has the highest light reception sensitivity at the peak wavelength of the infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 2031. The infrared sensor 2035 receives the reflected light of the infrared light emitted in front of the lamp from the infrared light source 2031 and detects the peak wavelength of the reflected light. Information about the reflected light acquired by the infrared sensor 2035 is transmitted to the control unit 2101. The operation of the infrared sensor 2035, such as the sensing operation that detects infrared light, is controlled based on the signal transmitted from the control unit 2101.

[0132] Next, we will explain the control by which the control unit 2101 senses objects such as other vehicles. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing the area illuminated by infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 2031 of the infrared unit 2030. The schematic diagram shown in Figure 18 is displayed, for example, on a virtual vertical screen installed 25 m in front of the vehicle infrared sensor-equipped lighting fixture 2004.

[0133] The control unit 2101 controls the infrared unit 2030 to sense objects such as other vehicles using infrared rays emitted from the infrared light source 2031. Range Q01 is the area illuminated by infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 2031 located at the uppermost part of the substrate 2032. Immediately after the infrared light source 2031 located at the uppermost part is turned on, infrared light illuminates a portion of range Q1a, including the left edge of range Q1. As the rotating reflector 2033 is rotated, the area Q1a illuminated by infrared light moves to the right. In this way, during one rotation of the rotating reflector 2033, the uppermost infrared light source 2031 illuminates the entire area of ​​range Q1 with infrared light. Range Q03 is the area illuminated by infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 2031 located at the very bottom of the substrate 2032. Immediately after the infrared light source 2031 located at the very bottom is turned on, infrared light illuminates a portion of range Q3, including the left edge of range Q3. As the rotating reflector 2033 is rotated, the area illuminated by infrared light moves to the right. In this way, during one rotation of the rotating reflector 2033, the infrared light source 2031 at the very bottom illuminates the entire area of ​​range Q3 with infrared light. Range Q02 is the area illuminated by infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 2031 located midway in the vertical direction on the substrate 2032. Immediately after the infrared light source 2031 located midway is switched on, infrared light illuminates a portion of range Q2, including the left edge of range Q2. As the rotating reflector 2033 is rotated, the area illuminated by infrared light moves to the right. In this way, during one rotation of the rotating reflector 2033, the midway infrared light source 2031 illuminates the entire area of ​​range Q2 with infrared light. Ranges Q01, Q02, and Q03 are straight lines extending in the left-right direction. Preferably, each range Q01 to Q03 has a vertical width of 0.4 degrees or more. The region of range Q03 overlaps with line H.

[0134] The infrared radiation emitted from the infrared unit 2030 is reflected by an object in front of the light fixture. This reflected infrared radiation passes through the first lens section 2045a, is reflected by the infrared cut filter 2034, and is guided to the infrared sensor 2035.

[0135] As shown in Figure 18, when another vehicle CA is present in front of the vehicle, the infrared sensor 2035 detects a strong infrared signal when the infrared light source 2031, which illuminates the area occupied by the other vehicle CA, is turned on. The control unit 2101 determines that another vehicle CA is present in the area when the signal strength output from the infrared sensor 2035 is above a predetermined value. The rotation phase of the rotating reflector 2033 and the area (position) illuminated by the infrared light source 2031 at that time are recorded in memory in advance. The control unit 2101 is able to access this memory. When the infrared sensor 2035 outputs a signal with a signal strength above a predetermined value, the control unit 2101 obtains the rotation phase of the rotating reflector 2033, obtains which area the infrared signal is illuminating, and determines that another vehicle CA is present in the area illuminated by the infrared signal.

[0136] Next, we will describe the control by which the control unit 2101 changes the visible light distribution pattern based on the sensing results. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a visible light distribution pattern formed by visible light emitted from the visible light source 2021 of the visible light unit 2020. Figure 19 is displayed on a virtual vertical screen installed in the same manner as Figure 18.

[0137] The illuminable range T is the maximum range over which the vehicle infrared sensor-equipped lamp 2004 can emit visible light, and this range can be illuminated by turning on all of the visible light LEDs 01a to 10p of the visible light source 2021. In Figure 19, for the sake of explanation, the illuminable range T is divided into 10 vertical and 11 horizontal regions. Within the illuminable range T, the region specified as the Nth vertical region from the top (N is one of 01 to 10) and the Xth horizontal region from the left (X is one of A to P) is called range TNX. For example, when the visible light LED 01a located at the upper right corner in Figure 17 is turned on, visible light is emitted to range T01A located at the upper left corner in Figure 19. Also, when the visible light LED 06p is turned on, visible light is emitted to range T06P in Figure 19.

[0138] Furthermore, the Xth region from the left in the horizontal direction and the entire region in the vertical direction is called range TX. This range TX is a band-shaped illumination area that extends vertically. For example, the Dth region from the left in the horizontal direction and the 1st to 10th regions in the vertical direction are called range TD. When the vertical visible light LEDs 01d to 10d in Figure 17 are turned on, visible light is illuminated in range TD. Furthermore, the Nth region from the top in the vertical direction and the entire region in the horizontal direction is called range TN. This range TN is a band-shaped illumination area that extends horizontally. For example, the 7th region from the top in the vertical direction and the Ath to Pth regions in the horizontal direction are called range T07. When the visible light LEDs 07a to 07p in Figure 17 are turned on, visible light is illuminated in range T07. In this example, the H line is located between range Q06 and range Q07. In a normal state where there are no objects such as other vehicles in front of the vehicle, the control unit 2101 sets the entire area of ​​the irradiable range T to the normal area U and controls the visible light source 2021 so that visible light is irradiated into this area at a predetermined illuminance.

[0139] The control unit 2101 changes the visible light distribution pattern in response to the signal output from the infrared sensor 2035. For example, when the control unit 2101 detects another vehicle CA based on the signal output from the infrared sensor 2035, it sets a dimming region V in the area where the other vehicle CA is present within the irradiable range T, and sets a normal region U in the area where the other vehicle CA is not present. The control unit 2101 controls the visible light source 2021 so that visible light with a lower illuminance than the normal region U is irradiated into the dimming region V. The control unit 2101 changes the visible light distribution pattern formed in the irradiable range T so that visible light is weakly irradiated into the area where the other vehicle CA is detected.

[0140] As shown in Figure 19, the control unit 2101 sets the range TD to TG, where it is determined that another vehicle CA is present based on the signal output from the infrared sensor 2035, to the dimming region V, and sets the other regions to the normal region U. The control unit 2101 supplies current at a first current value to visible light LEDs 01d to 01g, 02d to 02g, 03d to 03g, 04d to 04g, 05d to 05g, 06d to 06g, 07d to 07g, 08d to 08g, 09d to 09g, and 10d to 10g, and supplies current at a second current value greater than the first current value to the other visible light LEDs. In this embodiment, the other vehicle CA refers to a vehicle ahead of the vehicle, but it is not limited to this. The other vehicle may be, for example, an oncoming vehicle.

[0141] In this embodiment, the vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lamp 2004 is configured such that visible light emitted from the visible light source 2021 passes through the infrared cut filter 2034 and enters the first lens portion 2045a, and infrared light that enters the infrared cut filter 2034 from the front of the lamp via the first lens portion 2045a is reflected toward the infrared sensor 2035. With this configuration, the first lens portion 2045a, which is provided as a projection lens that projects visible light toward the front of the lamp, can also function as a focusing lens that focuses infrared light toward the infrared sensor 2035. Therefore, the number of parts constituting the vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lamp 2004 can be reduced, making it easier to miniaturize and lighten the lamp 2004. Consequently, even if the infrared sensor 2035 is mounted on the lamp 2004, the increase in size and weight of the vehicle 1 can be suppressed.

[0142] Furthermore, according to the vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lighting device 2004, when another vehicle CA is detected based on the output signal of the infrared sensor 2035, the visible light distribution pattern formed in the irradiable range T is changed so that weak visible light is irradiated into the area where the other vehicle CA is detected. As a result, the illuminance of the visible light irradiated into the area of ​​the detected other vehicle CA can be reduced, thereby reducing glare to the other vehicle CA.

[0143] Furthermore, the vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lamp 2004 is provided with a light-shielding wall 2046 that prevents visible light emitted from the visible light source 2021 from directly entering the second lens section 2045b, and also prevents infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 2031 from directly entering the first lens section 2045a. As a result, when the visible light source 2021 emits visible light, the visible light from the visible light source 2021 is prevented from being projected from the second lens section 2045b, and an arbitrary visible light distribution pattern can be formed by the visible light projected from the first lens section 2045a. In addition, when the infrared sensor 2035 detects light, it is possible to suppress the light from the infrared light source 2031 from directly entering the infrared sensor 2035, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the infrared sensor 2035.

[0144] (modified version) In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which a photodiode was used as the infrared sensor 2035, but the present invention is not limited thereto. An infrared camera 2135 may also be used as the infrared sensor. Figure 20 shows an image of the area in front of the light fixture captured by the infrared camera 2135 at a certain time t. Figure 21 shows an example of an infrared light distribution pattern formed by infrared radiation emitted from the infrared unit 2030 at time t+1.

[0145] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 2031 is swept across a linear range Q1 to Q3 by the rotating reflector 2033 (see Figure 18). However, in this example, infrared light is uniformly irradiated over a wide area in front of the lamp, as shown in the irradiation range X in Figure 21. Such a light distribution may be achieved by adjusting the rotation speed of the rotating reflector 2033 to sweep the infrared light at high speed so that the entire range is irradiated with infrared light within the exposure time of the infrared camera 2135. Alternatively, instead of using the rotating reflector 2033, a wide area in front of the lamp may be irradiated with infrared light by an array of infrared light sources 2031 and a projection lens placed in front of them. The control unit 2101 sets the entire irradiation range X to the normal region Y in the initial state when sensing is started, and controls the infrared light source 2031 so that infrared light is irradiated into this region at a predetermined illuminance.

[0146] The infrared camera 2135 is a camera that has the highest sensitivity to the peak wavelength of infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 2031. The infrared camera 2135 can acquire an image corresponding to the reflected infrared light emitted from the infrared light source 2031 in front of the lamp. The infrared camera 2135 outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the detected infrared light. The operation of the infrared camera 2135 may be controlled by the control unit 2101 or by the vehicle control unit 3.

[0147] Infrared light emitted from the infrared unit 2030 and reflected by an object in front of the lamp is reflected by the infrared cut filter 2034 via the first lens section 2045a and guided to the infrared camera 2135. The infrared camera 2135 captures an image W, for example, at time t, as shown in Figure 20, in response to the detected infrared light. The image W captured by the infrared camera 2135 is transmitted to the control unit 2101. The control unit 2101 determines whether or not there are objects such as other vehicles in the captured image W.

[0148] Based on the image W captured at time t, the control unit 2101 changes the infrared light distribution pattern of the illumination range X at time t+1 in accordance with the signal output from the infrared camera 2135. For example, when the control unit 2101 detects another vehicle CA based on the signal output from the infrared camera 2135, it sets a dimmed area Z in the area of ​​the illumination range X where the other vehicle CA is present, as shown in Figure 21, and sets a normal area Y in the area where the other vehicle CA is not present. The control unit 2101 controls the infrared light source 2031 so that infrared light with a lower illuminance than the normal area Y is irradiated into the dimmed area Z. The control unit 2101 changes the infrared light distribution pattern of the illumination range X so that infrared light is weakly irradiated into the area where the other vehicle CA is detected. For example, if the system is configured to irradiate the irradiation range X with infrared light by sweeping the infrared light with a rotating reflector 2033, the rotating reflector 2033 supplies a current at a first current value when it is in a rotation phase that irradiates the dimming region Z, and supplies a current at a second current value higher than the first current value when it is in a rotation phase that irradiates the normal region Y. Alternatively, if the infrared unit 2030 has infrared light sources 2031 arranged in an array on the substrate 2032, a first current value is supplied to the infrared light source 2031 that irradiates the dimming region Z, and a second current value is supplied to the infrared light source 2031 that irradiates the normal region Y.

[0149] Furthermore, in the above modified example, the area where another vehicle CA is detected is set as the dimming area Z, and the area other than the dimming area Z is set as the normal area Y, but this is not limited to this. For example, the area where another vehicle CA is detected may be set as the normal area, and the area other than the normal area may be set as the enhanced area. When illuminating the enhanced area, a third current value greater than the second current value is supplied to the infrared light source 2031 so that stronger infrared light than that irradiated to the normal area is irradiated to the enhanced area.

[0150] Furthermore, according to the vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lighting fixture 2004, the infrared light distribution pattern is configured such that a dimming region Z is formed in the region where other vehicles CA with high infrared reflection intensity are present. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate other vehicles CA within the irradiation range X with infrared light at a low illumination level, and the reflection intensity of infrared light from other vehicles CA can be reduced. Consequently, it is possible to suppress halation in the image of the vehicle's infrared camera 2135 caused by infrared light reflected from other vehicles CA, and the detection accuracy of objects in front of the lighting fixture, such as other vehicles, can be improved.

[0151] Furthermore, in a configuration where the area where other vehicles CA are detected is set as the normal area and the area outside of the normal area is set as the enhanced area, for example, as shown in Figure 21, objects with low infrared reflection intensity, such as pedestrians HU near other vehicles CA, can be more easily detected by the infrared camera 2135.

[0152] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be freely modified and improved as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, and placement of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0153] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a visible light source comprising a plurality of visible light LEDs arranged in a two-dimensional array is used as a means to change the light distribution pattern of the visible light emitted from the visible light source 2021, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the light distribution pattern may be changed using a rotating reflector, similar to the infrared unit 2030 shown in Figure 16.

[0154] <Fourth Embodiment> For example, in sensor-equipped lighting fixtures that have two types of light sources—one emitting visible light suitable for cameras and drivers, and another emitting light suitable for sensors—the lighting fixtures tend to be large, resulting in a lack of ease of installation in vehicles. A fourth embodiment of the present invention provides a lighting fixture with an integrated optical sensor that is less large and more suitable for mounting on a vehicle.

[0155] Figure 22 is a block diagram of a vehicle system 3002 incorporating an optical sensor-integrated lighting fixture 3004 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 1 on which the vehicle system 3002 is mounted is a vehicle (automobile) capable of driving in an autonomous driving mode, the same as in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Figure 22, the vehicle system 3002 includes a vehicle control unit 3, an optical sensor-integrated lighting fixture 3004, a sensor 5, a camera 6, a radar 7, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 8, a GPS (Global Positioning System) 9, a wireless communication unit 10, and a map information storage unit 11. Furthermore, the vehicle system 3002 includes a steering actuator 12, a steering device 13, a brake actuator 14, a brake device 15, an accelerator actuator 16, and an accelerator device 17.

[0156] The optical sensor-integrated lamp 3004 is a lamp capable of emitting visible light and infrared light. The optical sensor-integrated lamp 3004 is a lamp (e.g., a headlamp) mounted on the front of the vehicle 1. The optical sensor-integrated lamp 3004 is equipped with a control unit 3101 that controls the operation of the lamp 3004. The control unit 3101 is communicated with the vehicle control unit 3. When predetermined conditions are met, the vehicle control unit 3 generates an instruction signal to control the on / off state of the optical sensor-integrated lamp 3004 and transmits the instruction signal to the control unit 3101. Based on the received instruction signal, the control unit 3101 controls the operation of the optical sensor-integrated lamp 3004. Information acquired by the control unit 3101 and information acquired by the vehicle control unit 3 are transmitted and received between them.

[0157] The camera (in-vehicle camera) 6 is a camera that includes an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary MOS). The imaging of camera 6 is controlled based on signals transmitted from the vehicle control unit 3. Camera 6 can generate images based on the visible light it receives. Camera 6 may also be an infrared camera that detects infrared light. An infrared camera can generate images based on the infrared light it receives.

[0158] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the optical sensor-integrated light fixture 3004. As shown in Figure 23, the optical sensor-integrated light fixture 3004 comprises a housing 3030, a first light source 3031, a second light source 3032, a rotating reflector 3033 (an example of a scanning unit), a projection lens 3034, an infrared sensor 3035 (an example of an optical sensor), a first substrate 3036, and a second substrate 3037.

[0159] The housing 3030 has a main body 3030a having an opening on the front side, and a transparent outer cover 3030b attached to cover the opening of the main body 3030a. Inside a single light chamber 3030c formed by the main body 3030a and the outer cover 3030b, a first light source 3031, a second light source 3032, a rotating reflector 3033, a projection lens 3034, an infrared sensor 3035, and the like are housed.

[0160] The first light source 3031 emits visible light for the driver to view the area around the vehicle 1 or for the camera 6 to capture images. The first light source 3031 is composed of multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The first light source 3031 (hereinafter referred to as "visible light LED 3031" in this embodiment) is mounted on the first substrate 3036. The on / off switching of the visible light LED 3031 is controlled by the control unit 3101. The detailed configuration of the first light source 3031 will be described later in Figure 24.

[0161] The second light source 3032 emits light for sensing objects such as other vehicles located in front of vehicle 1. The second light source 3032 emits light with a peak wavelength different from the peak wavelength of the light emitted by the first light source 3031. In this embodiment, the second light source 3032 emits infrared light, which has a longer wavelength than visible light. The second light source 3032 is composed of an LD (Laser Diode). The second light source 3032 (hereinafter referred to as "infrared LD3032" in this embodiment) is mounted on the second substrate 3037. The on / off switching of the infrared LD3032 is controlled by the control unit 3101. A collimating lens 3038 is provided in the direction of emission of the infrared LD3032. The collimating lens 3038 causes the infrared light emitted from the infrared LD3032 to become parallel light.

[0162] The first light source 3031 is used as a light source to illuminate the area in front of vehicle 1, and therefore needs to illuminate a wide area. In contrast, the second light source 3032 is used as a light source to illuminate the area in order to detect objects such as other vehicles, and therefore needs to illuminate a specific area with high illumination. For this reason, it is preferable to use an LED with a relatively large degree of light diffusion as the first light source 3031, and an LD with a small degree of light diffusion as the second light source 3032.

[0163] The rotating reflector 3033 is a scanning means that scans the visible light emitted from the visible light LED 3031 and the infrared light emitted from the infrared LD 3032 and emits them forward of the luminaire. The rotating reflector 3033 rotates around the rotation axis R. The rotating reflector 3033 has a shaft portion 3033a extending around the rotation axis R and multiple blades 3033b (an example of a reflective part) extending radially from the shaft portion 3033a (three in this example). The twist angles of each blade are different from each other. The surface of the blades 3033b is the reflective surface. This reflective surface has a twisted shape in which the angle with respect to the rotation axis R gradually changes in the circumferential direction.

[0164] The rotating reflector 3033 has a portion that reflects visible light emitted from the visible light LED 3031 toward the front of the lamp and a portion that reflects infrared light emitted from the infrared LD 3032 toward the front of the lamp, and these are either the same reflector (blade 3033b) or an integrated reflector (blade 3033b). The reflection point of the rotating reflector 3033 is set to be near the focal point of the projection lens 3034. The operation of the rotating reflector 3033 is controlled by the control unit 3101. The control unit 3101 controls the lighting timing of the visible light LED 3031 and the infrared LD 3032, and the rotation phase of the rotating reflector 3033, thereby causing the visible light from the visible light LED 3031 and the infrared light from the infrared LD 3032 to be emitted toward any area in front of the lamp.

[0165] Specifically, when visible light emitted from the visible light LED 3031 is reflected by the reflective surface of the rotating reflector 3033, the direction in which the reflected light is emitted gradually changes, for example, from left to right, depending on the rotational phase of the rotating reflector 3033. Similarly, when infrared light emitted from the infrared LD 3032 is reflected by the reflective surface of the rotating reflector 3033, the direction in which the reflected light is emitted gradually changes from left to right, depending on the rotational phase of the rotating reflector 3033.

[0166] The projection lens 3034 is located inside the lamp chamber 3030c. The projection lens 3034 is positioned between the outer cover 3030b and the rotating reflector 3033. Light emitted from the visible light LED 3031 and the infrared LD 3032 and reflected by the rotating reflector 3033 is incident on the projection lens 3034. The projection lens 3034 projects the incident visible light from the visible light LED 3031 and the infrared light from the infrared LD 3032 forward.

[0167] The infrared sensor 3035 is composed of a photodiode (PD) that detects infrared radiation. The infrared sensor 3035 outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the detected infrared radiation. The infrared sensor 3035 outputs a signal with higher signal intensity as the intensity of the detected infrared radiation increases. The infrared sensor 3035 has the highest light reception sensitivity at the peak wavelength of the infrared radiation emitted from the infrared LD 3032. The infrared sensor 3035 detects the reflected light of the infrared radiation emitted from the infrared LD 3032 in front of the light fixture. Information regarding the reflected light acquired by the infrared sensor 3035 is transmitted to the control unit 3101. The operation of the infrared sensor 3035, such as the sensing operation to detect infrared radiation, is controlled by the control unit 3101.

[0168] The first substrate 3036 is positioned such that, for example, the emission surface of the visible light LED 3031 mounted on the first substrate 3036 faces the blade 3033b of the rotating reflector 3033. The first substrate 3036 has a power supply function for the visible light LED 3031. The first substrate 3036 supplies power to the visible light LED 3031 via a power supply pattern formed on the first substrate 3036. The second substrate 3037 is positioned such that, for example, the emission surface of the infrared LD 3032 mounted on the second substrate 3037 faces the blade 3033b of the rotating reflector 3033. The second substrate 3037 has a power supply function for the infrared LD 3032. The second substrate 3037 supplies power to the infrared LD 3032 via a power supply pattern formed on the second substrate 3037. The second substrate 3037 is positioned behind the first substrate 3036 as seen from the blade 3033b. In this embodiment, the first substrate 3036 is provided so as to be parallel to the second substrate 3037.

[0169] The visible light LED 3031 on the first substrate 3036 is positioned closer to the focal plane P passing through the virtual focus F of the projection lens 3034 than the infrared LD 3032 on the second substrate 3037. The virtual focus F refers to the focal point of the projection lens 3034 when it is reflected by the blade 3033b of the rotating reflector 3033. The focal plane P refers to the plane passing through the virtual focus F that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the infrared LD 3032.

[0170] Figure 24 is a view of the first substrate 3036 on which the visible light LEDs 3031 are mounted, as seen from the front side of the first substrate 3036 (the side on which the visible light LEDs 3031 are mounted). As shown in Figure 24, in this embodiment, six visible light LEDs 3031 are provided on the first substrate 3036. A void 3039 is provided in the center of the first substrate 3036.

[0171] The gap 3039 penetrates the first substrate 3036. The gap 3039 is positioned to allow infrared light emitted from the infrared LD 3032 on the second substrate 3037 to pass through to the blade 3033b of the rotating reflector 3033. The gap 3039 is positioned on the optical axis of the infrared LD 3032 mounted on the second substrate 3037. As shown in Figure 24, when the first substrate 3036 and the second substrate 3037 are viewed from the vertical direction of the second substrate 3037, the gap 3039 is positioned and sized so that the infrared LD 3032 can be seen through the gap 3039.

[0172] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram showing the illumination range of visible light and infrared light emitted from the optical sensor-integrated light fixture 3004 of this embodiment. The illumination range shown in Figure 25 is displayed, for example, on a virtual vertical screen installed 25 m in front of the optical sensor-integrated light fixture 3004.

[0173] Ranges Q01, Q2, and Q3 are the illumination ranges of visible light emitted from the visible light LED 3031 of the first substrate 3036. Ranges Q01 to Q3 are the illumination ranges used by the driver to view the area around the vehicle 1 or to capture images with the camera 6. When the rotating reflector 3033 is rotated while the six visible light LEDs 3031 are lit, the area Q01a illuminated by the six visible light LEDs 3031 gradually moves from left to right. Range Q01 is the range in which visible light is emitted from the time the visible light LED 3031 is turned on until the rotating reflector 3033 completes a 1 / 3 rotation. The visible light emitted from the visible light LED 3031 is reflected by the first blade of the rotating reflector 3033, and the visible light is swept into range Q01. Range Q02 is the range in which visible light is emitted while the rotating reflector 3033 rotates 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of a turn when the visible light LED 3031 is lit. The visible light emitted from the visible light LED 3031 is reflected by the second blade of the rotating reflector 3033, and the visible light is swept into range Q02. Range Q03 is the range in which visible light is emitted while the rotating reflector 3033 rotates 2 / 3 to 1 turn when the visible light LED 3031 is lit. The visible light emitted from the visible light LED 3031 is reflected by the third blade of the rotating reflector 3033, and the visible light is swept into range Q03. The ranges Q01 to Q03 are band-shaped regions extending in the left-right direction. Preferably, the lowest range Q03 includes the H line. The control unit 3101 controls the lighting timing of the visible light LED 3031 and the rotation phase of the rotating reflector 3033, thereby irradiating any region within the ranges Q01 to Q03 in front of the luminaire with visible light.

[0174] Ranges Q11, Q12, and Q13 are the irradiation ranges of infrared light emitted from the infrared LD3032 of the second substrate 3037. In ranges Q11, Q12, and Q13, the infrared light from the infrared LD3032 is irradiated according to the rotation phase of the rotating reflector 3033, similar to ranges Q01 to Q03 described above. In other words, range Q11 is the range in which infrared light is emitted from the time the infrared LD3032 is turned on until the rotating reflector 3033 completes a 1 / 3 rotation. The infrared light emitted from the infrared LD3032 is reflected by the first blade of the rotating reflector 3033, and the infrared light is swept into range Q11. Range Q12 is the range in which infrared light is emitted while the rotating reflector 3033 rotates 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of a turn when the infrared LD3032 is lit. The infrared light emitted from the infrared LD3032 is reflected by the second blade of the rotating reflector 3033, and the infrared light is swept into range Q12. Range Q13 is the range in which infrared light is emitted while the rotating reflector 3033 rotates 2 / 3 to 1 turn when the infrared LD3032 is lit. The third blade of the rotating reflector 3033 reflects the infrared light emitted from the infrared LD3032, sweeping the infrared light into range Q13. The ranges Q11 to Q13 are linear regions extending in the left-right direction. Preferably, range Q11 is located within range Q01, range Q12 within range Q02, and range Q13 within range Q03. The linear region in range Q11 to Q13 preferably has a vertical width of 0.4 degrees or more. The control unit 3101 controls the lighting timing of the infrared LD 3032 and the rotation phase of the rotating reflector 3033, thereby irradiating infrared light from the infrared LD 3032 to any position in range Q11 to Q13.

[0175] If an object such as an oncoming vehicle is present in front of the light fixture, the infrared light emitted from the infrared LD3032 is reflected by the object, and the infrared sensor 3035 detects a high-intensity reflected light. The relationship between the rotation phase of the rotating reflector 3033 and the region from which visible light and infrared light are emitted at that time is recorded in memory. The control unit 3101 is able to access this memory. The control unit 3101 first turns on the infrared LD3032 to rotate the rotating reflector 3033 and obtains the output of the infrared sensor 3035. When the infrared sensor 3035 outputs a signal with a signal intensity of a predetermined value or higher, the control unit obtains the rotation phase of the rotating reflector 3033 at that time and identifies the region (position) from which the infrared light was irradiated at that time. The control unit 3101 determines that an object is present in this identified region (position). If the signal intensity of the output of the infrared sensor 3035 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 3101 determines that no object is present in the corresponding region.

[0176] Figure 26 shows an example of a light distribution pattern obtained by the control unit 3101 controlling the visible light LED 3031. To form a light distribution pattern like the one shown in Figure 26, the control unit 3101 controls as follows.

[0177] If the control unit 3101 determines, for example, as shown in Figure 26, that another vehicle Z is present within the visible light irradiation range Q01 to Q03, it sets a dimming region T in a predetermined area including the other vehicle Z and sets a normal region S in the other area. The control unit 3101 supplies a current of a first current value to the visible light LED 3031 and irradiates visible light with a predetermined illuminance toward the normal region S. The control unit 3101 supplies a current of a second current value, which is smaller than the first current value, to the visible light LED 3031 and irradiates visible light with a lower illuminance than the normal region S toward the dimming region T. As a result, a highly visible light distribution pattern is formed that does not cause glare to the other vehicle Z and illuminates a wider area brightly.

[0178] Incidentally, in vehicle lighting fixtures, it is necessary to mount multiple components that make up the fixture in curved spaces such as corners at the front and rear ends of the vehicle, or in narrow spaces such as between the grille and the hood. On the other hand, vehicle lighting fixtures require the optical system, which consists of a light source, a reflector, and a lens, to be designed to obtain the desired image. For this reason, in lighting fixtures equipped with at least two types of light sources, including a light source for a sensor to sense an object to be detected, multiple optical systems are required, which tends to make the lighting fixture larger and reduces its suitability for mounting on a vehicle.

[0179] In contrast, the optical sensor-integrated lamp 3004 according to the present invention has a second substrate 3037 mounted on an infrared LD 3032 for sensing objects such as other vehicles, positioned behind a first substrate 3036 on which a visible light LED 3031 that illuminates the front of the vehicle is mounted. The infrared light from the infrared LD 3032 is transmitted to the front of the first substrate 3036 through a gap 3039 formed in the first substrate 3036. This allows the optical system including the visible light LED 3031 and the optical system including the infrared LD 3032 to be combined into a single optical system, and the rotating reflector that reflects the visible light from the visible light LED 3031 and the projection lens 3034 that projects the visible light can be made common with the components that reflect and project the infrared light from the infrared LD 3032. Furthermore, the inside of the optical sensor-integrated lamp 3004 can be configured as a single lamp chamber 3030c. Therefore, even in a lighting fixture 3004 with a built-in optical sensor that has two types of light sources, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the lighting fixture 3004 and improve its mountability on the vehicle 1.

[0180] Furthermore, the visible light LED 3031 mounted on the first substrate 3036 is positioned closer to the focal plane P passing through the virtual focal point F of the projection lens 3034 than the infrared LD 3032 mounted on the second substrate 3037. Therefore, the visible light emitted from the visible light LED 3031 can be irradiated in front of the lamp without diffusion. In addition, the second substrate 3037, which is positioned behind the first substrate 3036, is equipped with an infrared LD 3032 that diffuses less than the visible light LED 3031. Therefore, even if the infrared LD 3032 is positioned far from the focal plane P of the projection lens 3034, the infrared light from the infrared LD 3032 can be irradiated in front of the lamp without diffusion.

[0181] Furthermore, the infrared LD3032 is fitted with a collimating lens 3038 that makes the infrared light emitted from the infrared LD3032 into parallel light. As a result, the directivity of the infrared light emitted from the infrared LD3032 can be increased, and the infrared light can be focused on a specific area, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the infrared sensor 3035.

[0182] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be freely modified and improved as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, and placement of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0183] In the above embodiment, one void 3039 is formed in the center of the first substrate 3036, and one infrared LD 3032 is mounted on the second substrate 3037, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, multiple voids 3039 may be provided in the first substrate 3036, and the infrared LD 3032 may be visible from each of these voids 3039 when viewed from the front of the first substrate 3036. Alternatively, multiple infrared LDs 3032 may be visible from a single void 3039 when viewed from the front of the first substrate 3036.

[0184] Furthermore, although the second light source 3032 is configured as an infrared LD in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, the second light source 3032 may be configured as an LED that emits infrared light.

[0185] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first light source 3031 is configured as a visible light LED and the second light source 3032 as an infrared LD, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first light source 3031 may be configured as an infrared LED, and the second light source 3032 may be configured as an infrared LD having a peak at a different wavelength than the peak wavelength of infrared light emitted by the first light source 3031. In this case, an image corresponding to the reflected infrared light emitted from the infrared LED in front of the luminaire is captured by the infrared camera. The infrared camera has the highest sensitivity to the peak wavelength of infrared light emitted from the infrared LED. In addition, the reflected infrared light emitted from the infrared LD 3032 in front of the luminaire is detected by the infrared sensor 3035. The infrared sensor 3035 has the highest sensitivity to the peak wavelength of infrared light emitted from the infrared LD 3032. The control unit 3101 controls the infrared LED to obtain a light distribution pattern suitable for imaging by the infrared camera, according to the signal output from the infrared sensor 3035. For example, the control unit 3101 can set a dimming area in the region where another vehicle is detected, thereby suppressing the occurrence of halation in the part of the infrared camera image corresponding to the other vehicle.

[0186] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-170540, filed on September 19, 2019, Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-170541, filed on September 19, 2019, Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-183066, filed on October 3, 2019, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-183067, filed on October 3, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Industrial applicability]

[0187] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle infrared lighting system that can detect objects with low infrared reflectivity while suppressing the occurrence of halation in the image of an infrared camera.

Claims

1. A visible light unit having a visible light source that emits visible light, A projection lens that emits visible light forward, A reflective infrared cut filter, It has an infrared sensor that detects infrared rays, The infrared cut filter is placed between the visible light source and the projection lens. The infrared sensor is positioned near the virtual focal point of the projection lens, which is reflected by the infrared cut filter. A vehicle lamp with a built-in infrared sensor, configured such that visible light emitted from the visible light source passes through the infrared cut filter and enters the projection lens, and infrared light entering the infrared cut filter from the front of the lamp via the projection lens is reflected toward the infrared sensor.

2. The visible light unit has a control unit that controls the visible light unit to form an arbitrary light distribution pattern using the visible light emitted from the visible light source, The vehicle lamp with built-in infrared sensor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the light distribution pattern of the visible light according to the output of the infrared sensor.

3. The infrared unit has an infrared light source that emits infrared rays at a position that does not overlap with the projection lens when viewed from the front, The vehicle lamp with built-in infrared sensor according to claim 1, wherein the infrared sensor detects reflected light of infrared radiation emitted from the infrared light source.

4. The infrared unit has a control unit that controls the infrared unit to form an arbitrary infrared light distribution pattern using infrared rays emitted from the infrared light source, The vehicle lamp with built-in infrared sensor according to claim 3, wherein the control unit changes the infrared light distribution pattern according to the output of the infrared sensor.

5. The infrared unit has a rotating reflector equipped with multiple reflective surfaces on its outer circumferential surface, which reflects infrared rays to different positions in front of the lamp according to the rotation phase. The infrared unit is controlled by the control unit, The control unit is configured to emit infrared radiation toward any position in front of the lamp by controlling the timing of the illumination of the infrared light source and the rotation phase of the rotating reflector. The infrared sensor is an infrared photodiode that outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of reflected infrared light. The vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lamp according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to output information on the presence or absence of an object in front of the lamp and the position of the object, based on a signal corresponding to the intensity of the reflected infrared light emitted from the infrared sensor toward an arbitrary position in front of the lamp.

6. The projection lens integrally comprises a first lens portion that projects visible light emitted from the visible light source toward the front of the lamp, and a second lens portion that projects infrared light emitted from the infrared light source toward the front of the lamp. The vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lamp according to claim 3, further comprising a light-shielding wall that prevents visible light emitted from the visible light source from directly entering the second lens portion and prevents infrared light emitted from the infrared light source from directly entering the first lens portion.

7. The vehicle infrared sensor-integrated lighting device according to claim 5, wherein the output of the control unit is transmitted to the vehicle.

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