Control device for lamp unit, program, and headlight for vehicle

Abstract

In the present invention, in a first state in which an angle (θ) between a first direction (D1) from a vehicle (100) toward a predetermined object (OB1) which overlaps one of a pair of adjacent first regions (61a, 61b) and a second direction (D2) from the vehicle (100) toward a predetermined object (OB2) which overlaps the other of the pair of first regions (61a, 61b) is equal to or less than a first threshold value, a control device (CO) controls a lamp unit (10) so as to increase the light amount in a third region (63a) that includes a connected region (64b) which is connected to respective second regions (62a, 62b) surrounding the pair of first regions (61a, 61b) and which is sandwiched between the pair of first regions (61a, 61b). In a second state in which the angle (θ) between the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) with respect to the pair of first regions (61a, 61b) is greater than a second threshold value equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the control device (CO) controls the lamp unit (10) so as not to increase the light amount in the third region (63a).

Description

Lighting unit control device, program, and vehicle headlamp

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting unit control device, a program, and a vehicle headlamp.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Known vehicle headlights, such as automobile headlights, are those that change the light distribution pattern of emitted light, and Patent Document 1 listed below discloses such a vehicle headlight.

[0003] The vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1 below includes a lighting unit capable of changing the light distribution pattern of emitted light, and a control device. The control device controls the lighting unit based on information from a detection device that detects other vehicles located in front of the vehicle, so that light is irradiated around the other vehicles while suppressing light irradiation on the other vehicles. Therefore, Patent Document 1 below claims that the vehicle headlamp can suppress glare to drivers of other vehicles located in front of the vehicle.

[0004] JP 2011-031807 A

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention is a lighting unit control device that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of a vehicle and is capable of changing the light distribution pattern of emitted light, and when a plurality of the predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle, the control device reduces the amount of light in a plurality of first regions that overlap at least a portion of the predetermined objects in the light distribution pattern and increases the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, compared to when the predetermined objects are not located in front of the vehicle. In a first state in which the angle between a first direction and a second direction from the vehicle toward the specified object that overlaps with the other of the pair of first regions is less than or equal to a first threshold, a signal that can control the lighting unit is output so as to increase the amount of light in a third region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding the pair of first regions and includes a connection region that is sandwiched between the pair of first regions, and in a second state in which the angle between the first direction and the second direction relative to the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold that is greater than or equal to the first threshold, a signal that can control the lighting unit is output so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region.

[0006] Further, a second aspect of the program of the present invention is a program that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of a vehicle, and that controls a control device of a lighting unit that can change a light distribution pattern of emitted light, and that, when a plurality of the predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle, reduces the amount of light in a plurality of first regions that overlap with at least a part of the predetermined object and increases the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, in the light distribution pattern, compared to when the predetermined objects are not located in front of the vehicle. In a first state in which the angle between the first region and the second direction toward the vehicle and the specified object overlapping the other of the first regions is less than or equal to a first threshold, outputting a signal that can control the lighting unit so as to increase the amount of light in a third region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding the pair of first regions and includes a connection region sandwiched between the pair of first regions; and in a second state in which the angle between the first direction and the second direction relative to the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold that is greater than or equal to the first threshold, outputting a signal that can control the lighting unit so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region.

[0007] A vehicle headlamp according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a lighting unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light, and a control device that controls the lighting unit in response to a signal input from a detection device that detects predetermined objects located in front of the vehicle, and the control device controls the lighting unit in a state where a plurality of the predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle, by reducing the amount of light in a plurality of first regions that overlap at least a portion of the predetermined objects, and increasing the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, and that overlap one of a pair of adjacent first regions, compared to a state where the predetermined objects are not located in front of the vehicle. In a first state in which the angle between a first direction from the vehicle toward the specified object and a second direction from the vehicle toward the specified object that overlaps with the other of the pair of first regions is less than or equal to a first threshold, the lighting unit is controlled to increase the amount of light in a third region that is connected to each of the second regions that surround the pair of first regions and includes a connection region that is sandwiched between the pair of first regions, and in a second state in which the angle between the first direction and the second direction relative to the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold that is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the lighting unit is controlled so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region.

[0008] According to the lighting unit control device of the first aspect, the program of the second aspect, and the vehicle headlamp of the third aspect, the amount of light in a plurality of first regions of a light distribution pattern that respectively overlap a plurality of predetermined objects is reduced, and the amount of light in a plurality of second regions and a third region that individually surround the first regions is increased. This reduces the amount of light irradiated onto the plurality of predetermined objects, prevents the surroundings of the plurality of first regions from appearing dark, and suppresses a decrease in visibility ahead of the vehicle. Furthermore, the third region includes a connecting region that is sandwiched between a pair of adjacent first regions and connects to each of the second regions that surround the pair of first regions. In a first state in which the angle between the first direction and the second direction is equal to or less than a first threshold, the amount of light in the third region is increased. In a second state in which the angle between the first direction and the second direction is greater than a second threshold, the amount of light is not increased. The larger the angle between the first direction and the second direction, the greater the distance between the two first regions. Therefore, when the distance between the pair of first regions is short, the light intensity of the third region increases, preventing the area between the pair of first regions from appearing dark. Furthermore, because the connection region of the third region connects to the second region, the increased light intensity of the second and third regions is integrated, reducing the driver's discomfort compared to when the third region is separated from the second region. The connection region tends to become larger as the distance between adjacent first regions increases, and the increased light intensity of the third region tends to increase as the connection region becomes larger. In the control device for the lamp unit of the first aspect, the program of the second aspect, and the vehicle headlamp of the third aspect, the light intensity of the third region is not increased in the second state, i.e., when the distance between the pair of first regions is long. Therefore, compared to when the light intensity of the third region is increased regardless of the angle between the first direction and the second direction, the light intensity of the third region is reduced and energy consumption is reduced.

[0009] In the lighting unit control device of the first aspect, the program of the second aspect, and the vehicle headlamp of the third aspect, the second threshold value may be greater than the first threshold value.

[0010] With this configuration, compared to when the second threshold value is the same as the first threshold value, the frequency of switching between a state in which the light amount in the third area is increased and a state in which the light amount in the third area is not increased can be reduced, thereby preventing the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

[0011] In the control device of the lighting unit of the first aspect, the program of the second aspect, and the vehicle headlamp of the third aspect, the third area may include everything other than the first area and the second area within the smallest rectangular frame that surrounds the pair of first areas.

[0012] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the vicinity of the pair of first regions from appearing dark, compared to when the third region is a part of the rectangular frame.

[0013] In the control device of the lighting unit of the first aspect, the program of the second aspect, and the vehicle headlamp of the third aspect, the total amount of light that decreases in the multiple first regions may be the same as the total amount of light that increases in the multiple second regions and the third region.

[0014] With this configuration, the increase in energy consumption can be suppressed compared to when the total amount of light increasing in the multiple second regions and the third region is greater than the total amount of light decreasing in the multiple first regions.

[0015] The control device of the lighting unit of the first aspect described above may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so that the amount of light in the third area is not increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle until a first period has elapsed since the first state was entered, and the amount of light in the third area is increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle when the first period has elapsed and the vehicle is in the first state.

[0016] When the first threshold is exceeded and the first state is entered, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is close to the first threshold. Therefore, even if the first state is entered, the first state may be immediately discontinued. According to the above configuration, the light amount in the third region remains unchanged until the first period has elapsed since the first state was entered, compared to when the specified object is not present. If the first period has elapsed and the first state is entered, the light amount in the third region is increased. Therefore, the frequency with which the light amount in the third region changes can be reduced compared to when the light amount in the third region is increased upon entering the first state. This can reduce the annoyance felt by the driver by the change in the light distribution pattern.

[0017] The control device of the lighting unit of the first aspect described above may be configured to increase the amount of light in the third area until a second period has elapsed since the second state was entered, in a state in which the amount of light in the third area is increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle, and may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so that, when the second state is entered after the second period has elapsed, the amount of light in the third area is not increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle.

[0018] Even if the second threshold is exceeded and the second state is entered, the second state may soon be canceled. According to the above configuration, the light amount in the third region remains increased compared to when the specified object is not present until the second period has elapsed since the second state was entered. If the second state is entered after the second period has elapsed, the light amount in the third region is no longer increased. Therefore, the frequency with which the light amount in the third region changes can be reduced compared to when the light amount in the third region is no longer increased when the second state is entered. This can reduce the annoyance felt by the driver by the change in the light distribution pattern.

[0019] The detection device may be capable of detecting other vehicles as the specified object, and the control device of the lighting unit of the first aspect described above may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so that when the specified object, where the pair of first regions overlap, is a pair of other vehicles that are in the second state, and when a vertical plane passing through the vehicle and one of the pair of other vehicles intersects with the other of the pair of other vehicles, the amount of light in the third region is increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle, and when the vertical plane does not intersect with the other of the pair of other vehicles, the amount of light in the third region is not increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle.

[0020] When the specified object is another vehicle and a vertical plane passing through the vehicle and one of the other vehicles intersects with the other vehicle, the two other vehicles tend to be on the same road. Therefore, for example, the two other vehicles may be a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle. For example, one vehicle may be located just before entering an uphill slope from flat ground and the other vehicle may be located on an uphill slope, or one vehicle may be located just before entering flat ground from a downhill slope and the other vehicle may be located on flat ground. In such a situation, for example, once both vehicles are located on an uphill slope after a certain amount of time has passed, the angle between the first direction and the second direction tends to be small. Furthermore, once both vehicles are located on flat ground after a certain amount of time has passed, the angle between the first direction and the second direction tends to be small. Furthermore, once both vehicles are located on flat ground after a certain amount of time has passed, the angle between the first direction and the second direction tends to be small. In other words, in these situations, even if the angle between the first direction and the second direction is large, the angle is likely to become small. With the above configuration, in such situations, the amount of light in the third region can be increased compared to when the specified object is not located, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility while suppressing an increase in energy consumption.

[0021] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a lighting unit control device that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle located in front of a vehicle and is capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light, and when a plurality of preceding vehicles and a plurality of oncoming vehicles are located in front of the vehicle, the control device reduces the amount of light in a plurality of first regions of the light distribution pattern that overlap at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, and increases the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, and changes the amount of light from a plurality of first regions that overlap with the plurality of preceding vehicles, compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle. In at least one of a set for a preceding vehicle consisting of a plurality of first regions overlapping a plurality of the oncoming vehicles, a signal that can control the lighting unit is output so as to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding adjacent first regions and is sandwiched between the adjacent first regions, and a non-specific region in which the amount of light does not change when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle is located between the second region surrounding the first region overlapping with the preceding vehicle and the second region surrounding the first region overlapping with the oncoming vehicle.

[0022] A fifth aspect of the program of the present invention is a program that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle located in front of a vehicle, and that controls a control device of a lighting unit that can change a light distribution pattern of emitted light, and that controls the control device to reduce the amount of light in a plurality of first regions that overlap with at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle and increase the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, in the light distribution pattern, compared to a case where the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle. and in at least one of a set for oncoming vehicles consisting of a plurality of the first regions overlapping a plurality of the oncoming vehicles, a step of outputting a signal that can control the lighting unit so as to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connecting region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding adjacent first regions and is sandwiched between the adjacent first regions, characterized in that a non-specific region in which the amount of light does not change when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle is located between the second region surrounding the first region overlapping with the preceding vehicle and the second region surrounding the first region overlapping with the oncoming vehicle.

[0023] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp comprising: a lighting unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; and a control device that controls the lighting unit in response to a signal input from a detection device that detects a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle located in front of the vehicle, wherein, when a plurality of the preceding vehicles and a plurality of the oncoming vehicles are located in front of the vehicle, the control device reduces the amount of light in a plurality of first regions of the light distribution pattern that overlap with at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, and increases the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, and In at least one of a set for a preceding vehicle consisting of a plurality of overlapping first regions and a set for an oncoming vehicle consisting of a plurality of first regions overlapping a plurality of oncoming vehicles, the lighting unit is controlled to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connecting region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding adjacent first regions and is sandwiched between the adjacent first regions, and is characterized in that between the second region surrounding the first region overlapping with the preceding vehicle and the second region surrounding the first region overlapping with the oncoming vehicle, there is located a non-specific region in which the amount of light does not change when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle.

[0024] According to the lighting unit control device of the fourth aspect, the program of the fifth aspect, and the vehicle headlamp of the sixth aspect, the light intensity of a plurality of first regions in a light distribution pattern that overlap at least a portion of a plurality of preceding vehicles and a plurality of oncoming vehicles is reduced, and the light intensity of a plurality of second regions and a third region that individually surround the first regions is increased. This reduces the amount of light irradiated onto the plurality of preceding vehicles and the plurality of oncoming vehicles, and prevents the surroundings of each of the plurality of first regions from appearing dark, thereby preventing a decrease in visibility ahead of the vehicle. Furthermore, the third region is a region that includes a connecting region sandwiched between adjacent first regions and connected to each of the second regions that surround the adjacent first regions in at least one of a preceding vehicle group consisting of a plurality of first regions that overlap with the plurality of preceding vehicles and an oncoming vehicle group consisting of a plurality of first regions that overlap with the plurality of oncoming vehicles. This prevents the area between adjacent first regions from appearing dark in at least one of the preceding vehicle group and the oncoming vehicle group. Furthermore, because the connection region included in the third region is connected to the second region, the illuminated second and third regions are integrated, which may reduce the driver's discomfort compared to when the third region is separated from the second region. Generally, leading vehicles and oncoming vehicles travel in roughly the same direction, so the amount of relative movement tends to be small. In this lighting unit control device, program, and vehicle headlamp, the third region where the light intensity increases is a region that includes the connection region in at least one of the pair for the leading vehicle and the pair for the oncoming vehicle, and this connection region tends to be stable. Furthermore, because the leading vehicle and the oncoming vehicle travel in roughly opposite directions, the amount of relative movement tends to be large. Therefore, the shape of the region sandwiched between the first region overlapping the leading vehicle and the first region overlapping the oncoming vehicle and connected to each second region surrounding these first regions tends to change easily. In the fourth aspect of the control device for this lighting unit, the fifth aspect of the program, and the sixth aspect of the vehicle headlamp, a non-specific area is located between the second area surrounding the first area overlapping with the preceding vehicle and the second area surrounding the first area overlapping with the oncoming vehicle, and the amount of light does not change even when neither the preceding vehicle nor the oncoming vehicle is located in front of the vehicle. Therefore, the amount of light does not increase in the area sandwiched between the first area overlapping with the preceding vehicle and the first area overlapping with the oncoming vehicle and connected to the second areas surrounding these first areas.Therefore, the change in the shape of the third region can be suppressed compared to when the amount of light in this region increases, and therefore the change in the light distribution pattern can be suppressed compared to when the amount of light in this region increases, and the driver can be prevented from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

[0025] In the control device of the lighting unit of the fourth aspect, the program of the fifth aspect, and the vehicle headlamp of the sixth aspect, the total amount of light that decreases in the multiple first regions may be the same as the total amount of light that increases in the multiple second regions and the third region.

[0026] With this configuration, the increase in energy consumption can be suppressed compared to when the total amount of light increasing in the multiple second regions and the third region is greater than the total amount of light decreasing in the multiple first regions.

[0027] The control device of the lighting unit of the above-mentioned fourth aspect may output a signal that can control the lighting unit so as to increase the amount of light in the third area in one of the pair for the preceding vehicle and the pair for the oncoming vehicle, and not increase the amount of light in the third area in the other pair.

[0028] In this case, the control device of the lighting unit of the above-mentioned fourth aspect may output a signal that can control the lighting unit so as to increase the amount of light in the third area in the set for the preceding vehicle and not increase the amount of light in the third area in the set for the oncoming vehicle.

[0029] A preceding vehicle tends to be less likely to move relative to the vehicle, while an oncoming vehicle tends to be more likely to move relative to the vehicle. Therefore, the first region overlapping with the oncoming vehicle tends to be more likely to move, and the shape of the third region in the oncoming vehicle pair tends to be more likely to change. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress changes in the shape of the third region, and to suppress the driver from feeling annoyed by changes in the light distribution pattern.

[0030] The control device of the lighting unit of the fourth aspect described above may be configured such that, in a pair of the preceding vehicle pair and the oncoming vehicle pair in which the light amount of the third region is increased, in a first state in which an angle formed between a first direction from the vehicle toward the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle that overlaps with one of a pair of adjacent first regions and a second direction from the vehicle toward the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle that overlaps with the other of the pair of first regions is equal to or smaller than a first threshold, the control device outputs a signal that can control the lighting unit to increase the light amount of the third region, including the connection region with the pair of first regions, compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle; and in a second state in which the angle formed between the first direction and the second direction with respect to the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold that is equal to or larger than the first threshold, the control device outputs a signal that can control the lighting unit to not increase the light amount of the third region, including the connection region with the pair of first regions, compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle.

[0031] The larger the angle between the first direction and the second direction, the greater the distance between the pair of adjacent first regions. Because the connection region is connected to the second region as described above, the larger the connection region, the greater the distance between the pair of first regions. As the connection region becomes larger and the third region including the connection region becomes brighter, the amount of light increased in the third region tends to increase. In this lighting unit control device, program, and vehicle headlamp, in the second state, i.e., when the distance between the pair of first regions is large, the amount of light increased in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions does not increase. Therefore, compared to when the amount of light increased in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions increases regardless of the angle between the first direction and the second direction, the amount of light increased in the third region can be prevented from becoming too large, thereby suppressing an increase in energy consumption.

[0032] In this case, the control device of the lighting unit of the above-mentioned fourth aspect may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so that, until a first period has elapsed since the first state has been entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle, the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle, and when the first state has been entered after the first period has elapsed, the control device may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so that the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle.

[0033] When the first state is reached by exceeding the first threshold, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is close to the first threshold. Therefore, even if the first state is reached, the first state may be immediately discontinued. According to the above configuration, the light intensity of the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions does not increase until a first period has elapsed since the first state was reached. If the second state is reached after the first period has elapsed, the light intensity of the third region including the connection region increases. Therefore, the frequency with which the light intensity of the third region including the connection region changes can be reduced compared to when the light intensity of the third region including the connection region increases upon reaching the first state. This can reduce the annoyance felt by the driver by changes in the light distribution pattern.

[0034] Furthermore, when changing the signal to be output depending on the angle between the first direction and the second direction, the control device of the lighting unit of the fourth aspect may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so that, until a second period has elapsed since the second state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle, the control device increases the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle, and when the second state is entered after the second period has elapsed, the control device does not increase the amount of light in the third region with respect to the pair of first regions compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle.

[0035] Even if the second state is entered by exceeding the second threshold, the second state may be immediately canceled. According to the above configuration, the light amount of the third region including the connection region between the pair of first regions remains increased until the second period elapses after the second state is entered. If the second state is entered after the second period elapses, the light amount of the third region including the connection region between the pair of first regions is not increased. Therefore, the frequency with which the light amount of the connection region changes can be reduced compared to when the light amount of the third region including the connection region is not increased after the second state is entered. This can reduce the annoyance felt by the driver by the change in the light distribution pattern.

[0036] The control device of the lighting unit of the fourth aspect described above may be configured to, in a pair of the pair for the preceding vehicle and the pair for the oncoming vehicle in which the light amount of the third region is increased, output a signal that can control the lighting unit so as to increase the light amount of the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions, compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle, in a third state in which the relative speed between the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle that overlaps with one of a pair of adjacent first regions and the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle that overlaps with the other of the pair of first regions is less than a first speed, and to output a signal that can control the lighting unit so as not to increase the light amount of the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions, compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle, in a fourth state in which the relative speed with respect to the pair of first regions is greater than a second speed that is greater than the first speed.

[0037] The greater the relative speed, the more likely the distance between a pair of adjacent first regions changes. Because the connection region is connected to the second region as described above, a change in the distance between the pair of first regions causes a change in the shape of the third region, including the connection region. In this lighting unit control device, program, and vehicle headlamp, in the fourth state, i.e., when the distance between the pair of first regions is likely to change, the light intensity of the third region, including the connection region for the pair of first regions, is not increased. Therefore, compared to a case in which the light intensity of the third region, including the connection region for the pair of first regions, is increased regardless of the relative speed, changes in the shape of the third region can be suppressed, and the driver's annoyance due to changes in the light distribution pattern can be suppressed.

[0038] In this case, the control device of the lighting unit of the above-mentioned fourth aspect may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so that, until a third period has elapsed since the third state has been entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle, the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle, and when the third state has been entered after the third period has elapsed, the control device may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so that the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle.

[0039] The relative speed when the vehicle exceeds the first speed and enters the third state is close to the first speed. Therefore, even if the vehicle enters the third state, the vehicle may soon exit the third state. According to the above configuration, the light intensity of the third region, including the connection region between the pair of first regions, does not increase until the third period has elapsed since the vehicle entered the third state. If the vehicle is in the third state after the third period has elapsed, the light intensity of the third region, including the connection region, increases. Therefore, the frequency with which the third region, including the connection region, changes can be reduced compared to when the light intensity of the third region, including the connection region, increases upon entering the third state. This can reduce the driver's annoyance caused by changes in the light distribution pattern.

[0040] Furthermore, when changing the signal to be output according to the above-mentioned relative speed, the control device of the lighting unit of the fourth aspect may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so that, until a fourth period has elapsed since the fourth state has been entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle, the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle, and when the fourth state has been entered after the fourth period has elapsed, the control device may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so that the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle.

[0041] Even if the vehicle exceeds the second speed and enters the fourth state, the fourth state may soon be canceled. According to the above configuration, the light intensity of the third region, including the connection region between the pair of first regions, remains increased until the fourth period has elapsed after the fourth state is entered. If the fourth state is entered after the fourth period has elapsed, the light intensity of the third region, including the connection region, is not increased. Therefore, the frequency with which the third region, including the connection region, changes can be reduced compared to when the light intensity of the third region, including the connection region, is not increased when the vehicle enters the fourth state. This can reduce the annoyance felt by the driver by the change in the light distribution pattern.

[0042] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a lighting unit control device that receives a signal from a detection device that detects other vehicles, such as a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle, located in front of the vehicle and is capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light, and in a state where a plurality of other vehicles, including the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, are located in front of the vehicle and one of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle is plural and the other is only one, the light distribution pattern is controlled to reduce the amount of light in a plurality of first regions that overlap with at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, and to increase the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first region, compared to a case where the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle. and outputs a signal that can control the lighting unit so as to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connecting region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding adjacent first regions and sandwiched between the adjacent first regions in a set consisting of a plurality of first regions that overlap with one of the plurality of other vehicles out of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, and is characterized in that a non-specific region in which the amount of light does not change when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle is located between the second region surrounding the first region overlapping with the preceding vehicle and the second region surrounding the first region overlapping with the oncoming vehicle.

[0043] Further, an eighth aspect of the program of the present invention is a program that receives a signal from a detection device that detects other vehicles, such as a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle, positioned in front of a vehicle, and that controls a control device of a lighting unit that can change a light distribution pattern of emitted light, and that controls the control device to, in a state where a plurality of other vehicles, including the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, are positioned in front of the vehicle and one of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle is plural and the other is only one, reduce the amount of light in a plurality of first regions of the light distribution pattern that overlap with at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, and increase the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first region, compared to a case where the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle. In a group consisting of a plurality of first areas that overlap with one of the plurality of other vehicles, the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, a step of outputting a signal that can control the lighting unit is executed so as to increase the amount of light in a third area that is connected to each of the second areas that surround adjacent first areas and includes a connecting area sandwiched between the adjacent first areas, and is characterized in that between the second area that surrounds the first area that overlaps with the preceding vehicle and the second area that surrounds the first area that overlaps with the oncoming vehicle, there is located a non-specific area in which the amount of light does not change when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle.

[0044] A ninth aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp including a lighting unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light, and a control device that receives a signal from a detection device that detects other vehicles, including a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle, positioned in front of the vehicle and controls the lighting unit, and the control device reduces the amount of light in a plurality of first regions of the light distribution pattern that overlap with at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, compared to a case where the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle, and controls the first regions to be individually illuminated. and controls the lighting unit to increase the amount of light in a plurality of second regions surrounding the first region, and to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connecting region connected to each of the second regions surrounding adjacent first regions and sandwiched between the adjacent first regions in a set consisting of a plurality of first regions overlapping with one of the plurality of other vehicles out of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, and is characterized in that a non-specific region in which the amount of light does not change when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle is located between the second region surrounding the first region overlapping with the preceding vehicle and the second region surrounding the first region overlapping with the oncoming vehicle.

[0045] According to the lighting unit control device of the seventh aspect, the program of the eighth aspect, and the vehicle headlamp of the ninth aspect, similar to the lighting unit control device of the fourth aspect, the program of the fifth aspect, and the vehicle headlamp of the sixth aspect, the amount of light irradiated onto a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle can be reduced, and the periphery of each of the plurality of first regions that are darkened can be prevented from appearing dark, thereby preventing a decrease in visibility ahead of the vehicle. Furthermore, in a group of a plurality of first regions that overlap with one of a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle, the area between a pair of adjacent first regions can be prevented from appearing dark. Furthermore, the second and third regions that are brightened are integrated, and the driver's sense of discomfort can be reduced compared to when the third region is separated from the second region. Furthermore, in the lighting unit control device, program, and vehicle headlamp, a non-specific region is located between the second region surrounding the first region overlapping the preceding vehicle and the second region surrounding the first region overlapping the oncoming vehicle, and the non-specific region does not change in light intensity even when neither the preceding vehicle nor the oncoming vehicle is located in front of the vehicle. Therefore, the light intensity of the region between the first region overlapping the preceding vehicle and the first region overlapping the oncoming vehicle and connected to each of the second regions surrounding the first region does not increase. This reduces the change in the shape of the third region compared to when the light intensity of this region increases. Therefore, compared to this case, the change in the light distribution pattern can be reduced, and the driver's annoyance caused by the change in the light distribution pattern can be reduced.

[0046] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp according to a first embodiment as first to third aspects of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a lamp unit. FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing the light source unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of a high beam according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern according to the first embodiment, similar to FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the situation shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of another ADB light distribution pattern according to the first embodiment, similar to FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of a process for changing the light amount of a third region in the control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of a process for changing the light amount of a third region in the control device according to a second embodiment as first to third aspects of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in a second state according to the second embodiment, similar to FIG. 6. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern according to a third embodiment as fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention, similar to FIG. 5. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of another ADB light distribution pattern according to the third embodiment, similar to FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the situation shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 13 is a diagram similar to FIG. 12 showing an example of yet another ADB light distribution pattern in the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram similar to FIG. 12 showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in the fourth embodiment as the fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram similar to FIG. 12 showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in the fifth embodiment as the fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of a process for changing the light amount of a third region in the control device of the sixth embodiment as the fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention.

[0047] Preferred embodiments of a lighting unit control device, a program, and a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments exemplified below are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit thereof. The present invention may also be implemented by appropriately combining the components in the embodiments exemplified below. Note that in the drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each component may be changed to facilitate understanding. Also, in the drawings, for ease of viewing, similar components may be denoted with reference symbols only in part, and some reference symbols may be omitted.

[0048] (First embodiment) A first embodiment will be described as a first to third aspect of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 includes a pair of left and right vehicle headlamps 1, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 101, a light switch 110, and a detection device 120. In this specification, "right" means the right side in the forward direction of the vehicle 100, "left" means the left side in the forward direction, and "driver" means the driver of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 according to this embodiment is an automobile.

[0049] Each vehicle headlamp 1 includes a lamp unit 5, a memory ME, a control device CO, and a power supply circuit 50. Generally, the lamp unit 5 of one vehicle headlamp 1 is disposed on the left side of the front portion of the vehicle 100, and the lamp unit 5 of the other vehicle headlamp 1 is disposed on the right side of the front portion. The configuration of one vehicle headlamp 1 is the same as the configuration of the other vehicle headlamp 1, except that the shape of the lamp unit 5 is generally symmetrical. For this reason, the following will describe one vehicle headlamp 1, and a description of the other vehicle headlamp 1 will be omitted.

[0050] 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the lighting fixture section 5. The lighting fixture section 5 mainly includes a housing 16 and a lighting fixture unit 10.

[0051] The housing 16 mainly comprises a housing 17 and a front cover 18. The front cover 18 transmits light emitted from the lamp unit 10. The housing 17 is configured in a box shape with an opening at the front, and the front cover 18 is fixed to the housing 17 so as to close the opening. In this way, an accommodation space surrounded by the housing 17 and the front cover 18 is formed in the housing 16, and the lamp unit 10 is disposed in the accommodation space.

[0052] The lamp unit 10 is capable of changing the light distribution pattern of the emitted light. The light distribution pattern is, for example, a light pattern drawn by the light irradiated onto a vertical surface located in front of the vehicle 100, and includes the light intensity distribution as well as the outline of the light. The lamp unit 10 of this embodiment mainly comprises a light source unit 12 that emits light forward and a projection lens 15 arranged in front of the light source unit 12.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a front view schematically illustrating the light source unit 12 shown in FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the light source unit 12 of this embodiment includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 13 as a light-emitting unit that emits light, and a circuit board 14 on which the plurality of light-emitting elements 13 are mounted. The plurality of light-emitting elements 13 are arranged in a matrix to form rows in the vertical and horizontal directions, and emit light forward. The light-emitting elements 13 are capable of individually changing the amount of light they emit. In this embodiment, the light-emitting elements 13 are micro LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and the light source unit 12 is a so-called micro LED array. Note that the number of light-emitting elements 13 arranged in the horizontal direction and the number of light-emitting elements 13 arranged in the vertical direction are not particularly limited.

[0054] The projection lens 15 is disposed in front of the light source unit 12, and light emitted from the light source unit 12 is incident on the projection lens 15, with the divergence angle of this light being adjusted by the projection lens 15. Therefore, the light whose divergence angle has been adjusted by the projection lens 15 is emitted from the lamp unit 10, and this light is irradiated forward of the vehicle 100 from the lamp unit 5 via the front cover 18. The projection lens 15 in this embodiment is a lens whose light entrance and exit surfaces are formed in a convex shape, and the rear focal point of the projection lens 15 is located on or near the light exit surface of any one of the light-emitting elements 13 in the light source unit 12. Therefore, the light distribution pattern of the light irradiated forward of the vehicle 100 is a light distribution pattern obtained by vertically and horizontally inverting the light distribution pattern of the light emitted by the light source unit 12.

[0055] 1 is composed of an integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, an integrated circuit (IC), a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or an NC (numerical control) device. When an NC device is used, the control device CO may or may not use a machine learning device. The control device CO is electrically connected to the memory ME, the power supply circuit 50, and the ECU 101.

[0056] The memory ME is configured to store information and to be able to read the stored information. The memory ME is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and is preferably a semiconductor recording medium such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM), but may also include any type of recording medium, such as an optical recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that "non-transitory" recording media includes all computer-readable recording media except for transient, propagating signals, and does not exclude volatile recording media. The memory ME stores programs for controlling the lamp unit 10 and information necessary for such control, and the control device CO reads the programs and information stored in the memory ME.

[0057] The control device CO of this embodiment reads out a program for controlling the lamp unit 10 from the memory ME, and controls the lamp unit 10 by outputting a signal to the power supply circuit 50 and controlling the power supply circuit 50 .

[0058] The power supply circuit 50 includes a driver, and when a control signal is input from the control device CO, the driver adjusts the power supplied from a power supply (not shown) to each light-emitting element 13 of the light source section 12. In this way, the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 13 is adjusted, and light having a light distribution pattern according to the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 13 is emitted from the lighting unit 10.

[0059] The light switch 110 of this embodiment is a switch that selects whether to emit light or not. When the light switch 110 is on, it outputs a signal indicating that light is emitted to the control device CO via the ECU 101, and when it is off, it does not output a signal.

[0060] The detection device 120 of this embodiment detects a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle 100. Examples of the predetermined object include other vehicles such as a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, a retroreflective object, a human being such as a pedestrian, and an obstacle. The retroreflective object of this embodiment is an object that does not emit light itself but retroreflects irradiated light at a predetermined spread angle. Examples of such retroreflective objects include road signs and delineators. The detection device 120 of this embodiment includes an image acquisition unit 121 and a detection unit 122.

[0061] The image acquisition unit 121 acquires an image of the area ahead of the vehicle 100, and this image includes at least a portion of an area that can be irradiated with light emitted from the pair of vehicle headlights 1. Examples of the image acquisition unit 121 include a charged coupled device (CCD) camera, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and a stereo camera. The image acquisition unit 121 outputs a signal related to the acquired image to the detection unit 122.

[0062] The detection unit 122 has a configuration similar to that of the control device CO, for example. The detection unit 122 detects the presence of a predetermined object, the position coordinates of the predetermined object, the type of the predetermined object, etc. by applying predetermined image processing to the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 121. When the detection device 120 detects a predetermined object, it outputs a signal indicating information such as the presence of the predetermined object, the position of the predetermined object, and the type of the predetermined object to the control device CO via the ECU 101. When the detection device 120 does not detect a predetermined object, it outputs a signal indicating that the predetermined object does not exist to the control device CO via the ECU 101, but it is not necessary to output this signal.

[0063] In this embodiment, the detection device 120 calculates, as the position coordinates of the predetermined object, a vector directed from the image acquisition unit 121 to the predetermined object and a distance from the image acquisition unit 121 to the predetermined object. This vector is a three-dimensional vector, and is, for example, a vector in a coordinate system based on a first axis passing through the center of the image acquisition unit 121 and extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100, a second axis passing through the center of the image acquisition unit 121 and extending along the lateral direction of the vehicle 100, perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis passing through the center of the image acquisition unit 121 and perpendicular to the first and second axes. Note that the position coordinates of the predetermined object are not limited.

[0064] Furthermore, the predetermined objects detected by the detection device 120, the number of types of predetermined objects, and the configuration of the detection device 120 are not particularly limited. For example, the image acquisition unit 121 may be a CCD camera and LiDAR, or a CCD camera and millimeter-wave radar. Furthermore, the detection device 120 may be configured to include millimeter-wave radar and the detection unit 122. Furthermore, the method for detecting predetermined objects by the detection unit 122 is not particularly limited. For example, when the detection unit 122 receives image information from the image acquisition unit 121 in which a pair of white light spots or a pair of red light spots with a brightness higher than a predetermined brightness are present at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction, the detection unit 122 detects the presence and position coordinates of another vehicle as a predetermined object from the light spots. For example, when the detection unit 122 receives image information from the image acquisition unit 121 in which the pair of white light spots are present, the detection unit 122 identifies the other vehicle as an oncoming vehicle. When the detection unit 122 receives image information from the image acquisition unit 121 in which the pair of red light spots are present, the detection unit 122 identifies the other vehicle as a preceding vehicle. For example, a pair of white light spots are the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, and a pair of red light spots are the taillights of a leading vehicle.

[0065] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the operation of the pair of vehicle headlamp 1 is the same and synchronized with each other. Therefore, the operation of one of the vehicle headlamp 1 will be described below, and the operation of the other vehicle headlamp 1 will not be described.

[0066] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device CO in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the operation of the control device CO includes steps SP11 to SP15, and a program read by the control device CO from the memory ME causes the control device CO to execute these steps SP11 to SP15. In the starting state shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that a signal from the detection device 120 is input to the control device CO.

[0067] (Step SP11) This step is a step in which the next step is determined depending on whether or not a signal is input from the light switch 110. In this step, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP12 if a signal is not input from the light switch 110, and advances the control flow to step SP13 if this signal is input.

[0068] (Step SP12) This step is a step of preventing the vehicle headlamp 1 from emitting light. In this step, the control device CO outputs a signal to the power supply circuit 50 to control the power supply circuit 50, thereby controlling the lighting unit 10 and preventing the lighting unit 10 from emitting light. As a result, the vehicle headlamp 1 does not emit light. Note that the signal output from the control device CO is not particularly limited as long as it is a signal that can control the lighting unit 10 to prevent light from being emitted. As a result, it is sufficient that light is not emitted from the lighting unit 10. For example, if light is not being emitted from the lighting unit 10 when proceeding from step SP11 to this step, the control device CO can maintain that state. In this case, the control device CO does not need to output any signal to the power supply circuit 50. After this step, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0069] (Step SP13) This step is a step in which the next step is changed depending on the signal from the detection device 120. In this step, if the control device CO receives a signal from the detection device 120 indicating that a predetermined object is not present, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP14, and if the control device CO receives a signal from the detection device 120 indicating information related to the predetermined object, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP15. Note that if the detection device 120 is configured not to output a signal when a predetermined object is not present, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP14 if no signal is received from the detection device 120.

[0070] (Step SP14) This step causes the vehicle headlamp 1 to emit a high beam. In this step, the control device CO outputs a signal to the power supply circuit 50 to control the power supply circuit 50, thereby controlling the lamp unit 10 and causing the lamp unit 10 to emit a high beam. In this way, when a predetermined object is not present in front of the vehicle 100, the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a high beam. Note that the signal output from the control device CO is not particularly limited as long as it is a signal that can control the lamp unit 10 to emit a high beam. For example, if a high beam is being emitted from the lamp unit 10 when proceeding from step SP13 to this step, the control device CO simply maintains that state. In this case, the control device CO does not need to output any signal to the power supply circuit 50. After this step, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0071] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a high-beam light distribution pattern in this embodiment. In Fig. 5, V indicates a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the lateral direction, and a high-beam light distribution pattern PH formed on a virtual vertical screen positioned 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100 is indicated by a thick line. The situation shown in Fig. 5 is one in which the vehicle 100 is traveling in the lane opposite the shoulder of a two-lane road and is positioned just before starting from flat ground onto an uphill slope. In this embodiment, when emitting a high beam, light is emitted from all of the light-emitting elements 13, and the outline of the high-beam light distribution pattern is a generally horizontally elongated rectangle.

[0072] (Step SP15) This step is a step of causing the vehicle headlamp 1 to emit light having an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle 100, which is detected by the detection device 120. The ADB light distribution pattern in this embodiment is a light distribution pattern in which the light amount in at least a first region and a second region of the high beam light distribution pattern PH is changed. The first region overlaps with at least a portion of the predetermined object, and the second region surrounds the first region. The change in the light amount in the first region is a decrease compared to when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. The change in the light amount in the second region is an increase compared to when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100.

[0073] In this step, the control device CO outputs a signal to the power supply circuit 50 based on information related to the predetermined object input from the detection device 120, thereby controlling the power supply circuit 50 and controlling the lamp unit 10 to emit light having an ADB light distribution pattern from the lamp unit 10. In this way, when a predetermined object is present in front of the vehicle 100, light having an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the predetermined object is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Note that the signal output from the control device CO is not particularly limited as long as it is a signal that can control the lamp unit 10 to emit light having an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the predetermined object. After this step, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0074] Next, the ADB light distribution pattern of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0075] Fig. 6 is a diagram similar to Fig. 5 showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in this embodiment, and is a diagram showing the ADB light distribution pattern when three predetermined objects OB1, OB2, and OB3 are located ahead of vehicle 100. In Fig. 6, the three predetermined objects OB1, OB2, and OB3 are other vehicles, which are preceding vehicles traveling in roughly the same direction as vehicle 100. The situation shown in Fig. 6 is a situation in which vehicle 100 is located just before entering an uphill slope from flat ground, two preceding vehicles, which are predetermined objects OB1 and OB2, are located on flat ground, and one preceding vehicle, which is predetermined object OB3, is located on an uphill slope.

[0076] In the ADB light distribution pattern P1, the light intensity of the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c that overlap at least a portion of the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, and OB3 is less than the light intensity of the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment reduces the amount of light irradiated onto the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, and OB3, thereby reducing glare to drivers of other vehicles that are the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, and OB3. Note that, although the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c in this embodiment are light-blocking regions that are not irradiated with light, this is not intended to be limiting. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c are rectangular and overlap the license plates of the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, and OB3 above them. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing glare to the driver of the other vehicle, it is sufficient that the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c overlap at least a portion of the viewing area through which the driver of the other vehicle can see outside the vehicle. For example, the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c may overlap the entire other vehicle, and the shape and size of the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c are not limited. Note that the viewing area may be, for example, the front windshield if the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, or, for example, the side mirror, rear windshield, or an imaging device that captures an image behind the vehicle if the other vehicle is a leading vehicle, and these generally tend to be located above the license plate.

[0077] 6, first region 61a and first region 61b are adjacent to each other, and first region 61b and first region 61c are adjacent to each other. In this specification, a pair of adjacent first regions refers to a pair of a specific first region and another first region that is closest to the specific first region among the multiple first regions.

[0078] In the ADB light distribution pattern P1, the second region 62a is a region surrounding the first region 61a, the second region 62b is a region surrounding the first region 61b, and the second region 62c is a region surrounding the first region 61c. The light intensities of the second regions 62a, 62b, and 62c are greater than the light intensities of the second regions 62a, 62b, and 62c in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can prevent the areas around the darkened first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c from appearing dark, thereby preventing a decrease in visibility ahead of the vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the widths of the second regions 62a, 62b, and 62c are generally constant, but they do not have to be constant.

[0079] In the ADB light distribution pattern P1, the light intensity of the third regions 63a, 63b is greater than the light intensity of the third regions 63a, 63b in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. In Fig. 6, the third region 63a is hatched with diagonal lines, and the third region 63b is hatched with dots. The third region 63a is a region that includes a connection region 64a between the pair of adjacent first regions 61a, 61b, and the third region 63a is a region that includes a connection region 64b between the pair of adjacent first regions 61a, 61c.

[0080] The connection region 64a is sandwiched between the pair of first regions 61a and 61b and is connected to the second regions 62a and 62b surrounding the pair of first regions 61a and 61b. The connection region 64b is sandwiched between the pair of first regions 61a and 61c and is connected to the second regions 62a and 62c surrounding the pair of first regions 61a and 61c. In this embodiment, the third region 63a includes everything within the smallest rectangular frame 70a surrounding the pair of first regions 61a and 61b except for the first regions 61a and 61b and the second regions 62a and 62b. The third region 63b includes everything within the smallest rectangular frame 70b surrounding the pair of first regions 61a and 61c except for the first regions 61a and 61c and the second regions 62a and 62c. 6, the third region 63a is the entire area other than the first regions 61a and 61b and the second regions 62a and 62b within the smallest rectangular frame that encloses the second regions 62a and 62b for the pair of first regions 61a and 61b. The third region 63b is the entire area other than the first regions 61a and 61c and the second regions 62a and 62c within the smallest rectangular frame that encloses the second regions 62a and 62c for the pair of first regions 61a and 61c. The shapes of the third regions 63a and 63b are not limited.

[0081] Furthermore, in the ADB light distribution pattern P1, the light amount in a non-specific region 66, which is a region other than the first regions 61a to 61c, the second regions 62a to 62c, and the third regions 63a and 63b, is the same as the light amount in the non-specific region 66 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH, and the light intensity distribution in the non-specific region 66 in the ADB light distribution pattern P1 is the same as the light intensity distribution in the non-specific region 66 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. In other words, the non-specific region 66 is a region in which the light amount does not change from when the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, and OB3 are not located in front of the vehicle 100.

[0082] In this embodiment, the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c is equal to the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a, 62b, and 62c and the third regions 63a and 63b. The total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c may differ from the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a, 62b, and 62c and the third regions 63a and 63b. In this embodiment, the light increase rate is constant throughout the second regions 62a, 62b, and 62c and the third regions 63a and 63b. This light increase rate is the percentage of light increase based on the amount of light that would occur if a specific object were not located in front of the vehicle 100. For example, if the light amount before light increase is 100 and the light amount after light increase is 120, the light increase rate is 20%. The light increasing rate does not have to be constant throughout the second regions 62a, 62b, 62c and the third regions 63a, 63b. For example, the light increasing amount per unit area may be constant throughout the second regions 62a, 62b, 62c and the third regions 63a, 63b. The brightness of the second regions 62a, 62b, 62c and the third regions 63a, 63b may also be the same. With this configuration, it is possible to make it difficult to recognize the boundaries between the second regions 62a, 62b, 62c and the third regions 63a, 63b.

[0083] The light intensity of the third regions 63a, 63b of such an ADB light distribution pattern P1 is no longer increased depending on the relative positions of the vehicle 100 and the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, OB3, and becomes the same as the light intensity when the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, OB3 are not located in front of the vehicle 100.

[0084] 7 is a schematic diagram showing the situation shown in FIG. 6 , in which the vehicle 100 and predetermined objects OB1, OB2, and OB3 are viewed from above. In this embodiment, in a first state in which an angle θ formed between a first direction D1 from the vehicle 100 toward a predetermined object overlapping one of a pair of adjacent first regions and a second direction D2 from the vehicle 100 toward a predetermined object overlapping the other of the pair of first regions is equal to or less than a first threshold, the amount of light in the third region relative to the pair of first regions increases. In a second state in which the angle θ formed between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is greater than a second threshold, the amount of light in the third region does not increase, and remains the same as the amount of light when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. In the following description, a state in which the amount of light in the third region is increased compared to when the predetermined object is not located will be referred to as a first emission state, and a state in which the amount of light in the third region is not increased compared to when the predetermined object is not located and is the same as when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100 will be referred to as a second emission state. Fig. 7 shows a first direction D1 from the vehicle 100 toward a predetermined object OB1 that overlaps with one of the adjacent first regions 61 a, 61 b, and a second direction D2 toward a predetermined object OB2 that overlaps with the other. In the situation shown in Fig. 6, the angle θ formed by the pair of first regions 61 a, 61 b ​​and the angle θ formed by the pair of first regions 61 a, 61 c are equal to or less than a first threshold, which is a first state.

[0085] In this embodiment, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold. The first threshold is, for example, 2 degrees or more and 3 degrees or less, and the second threshold is, for example, 5 degrees or more and 6 degrees or less, but the first threshold and the second threshold are not limited.

[0086] Fig. 8 is a diagram similar to Fig. 6 , showing an example of another ADB light distribution pattern according to this embodiment. The situation shown in Fig. 8 is a situation in which, in the situation shown in Fig. 6 , only the angle θ formed between the adjacent first regions 61 a and 61 b ​​is greater than the second threshold value, resulting in a second state. As shown in Fig. 9 , in ADB light distribution pattern P2, the amount of light of the third region 63 a relative to the adjacent first regions 61 a and 61 b ​​does not increase and is the same as the amount of light when no predetermined object is located, while the amount of light of the third region 63 b relative to the adjacent first regions 61 a and 61 c increases.

[0087] Furthermore, in the ADB light distribution pattern P2, similar to the ADB light distribution pattern P1 shown in FIG. 6 , the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61c is equal to the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62c and the third region 63b. The total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61c may differ from the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62c and the third region 63b. In this embodiment, the light increase rate is constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62c and the third region 63b, but this does not have to be constant. For example, the amount of light increase per unit area may be constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62c and the third region 63b. Furthermore, the brightness of the second regions 62a and 62c may be the same as that of the third region 63b.

[0088] In addition, when the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, the amount of light in the third region is maintained in the first emission state where it is increased, or in the second emission state where it is not increased.

[0089] Next, we will explain the operation of the light distribution change process of the control device CO, which changes the ADB light distribution pattern according to the angle θ. Specifically, we will explain the operation of changing the light amount of a third region relative to a pair of adjacent first regions when the number of predetermined objects increases and new first regions are formed.

[0090] 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the process of changing the light amount in the third region in the control device CO of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the operation of the control device CO to change the light amount in the third region includes steps SP21 to SP32, and a program read by the control device CO from the memory ME causes the control device CO to execute these steps SP21 to SP32. In the start state shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle headlamp 1 emits light of the ADB light distribution pattern, and a signal related to a predetermined object that has been detected in advance by the detection device 120 and a signal related to a new predetermined object are input to the control device CO.

[0091] (Step SP21) This step is a step of reducing the amount of light in a first region of the emitted ADB light distribution pattern that overlaps at least a part of a new predetermined object, and increasing the amount of light in a second region that surrounds the first region. In this step, the control device CO controls the lamp unit 10 based on the information related to the predetermined object input from the detection device 120, and changes the emitted ADB light distribution pattern as described above.

[0092] (Step SP22) This step is a step of acquiring the angle θ formed by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 for a first region overlapping with a new predetermined object and a first region adjacent to the first region. In this embodiment, in this step, the control device CO calculates the angle θ for the pair of adjacent first regions based on information related to the predetermined object input from the detection device 120. Note that the detection device 120 may calculate the angle θ and output a signal indicating the angle θ to the control device CO, in which case the control device CO acquires the angle θ from the signal.

[0093] (Step SP23) This step is a step in which the next step is changed depending on the angle θ acquired in step SP22. In this step, if the acquired angle θ is equal to or smaller than the first threshold, i.e., if the first state is being assumed, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP24. Also, if the acquired angle θ is greater than the first threshold, i.e., if the first state is not being assumed, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP25. Cases in which the state is not the first state include cases in which the state is the second state, and cases in which the state is neither the first nor the second state and the angle θ is greater than the first threshold but equal to or smaller than the second threshold.

[0094] (Step SP24) This step is a step of increasing the amount of light in the third region relative to a pair of adjacent first regions compared to when the specified object is not located. In this step, the control device CO controls the lighting unit 10 to increase the amount of light in this third region. In other words, the state of the third region relative to the pair of first regions is set to the first emission state. The memory ME stores "1" indicating the first emission state as a reference value for the pair of first regions. Note that the reference value indicating the first emission state is not limited. After this step, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP26.

[0095] (Step SP25) This step is a step in which the amount of light in the third region relative to the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the specified object is not located. In this step, the control device CO controls the lighting unit 10 so as not to increase the amount of light in this third region. In other words, the state of the third region relative to the pair of first regions is set to the second emission state. The memory ME stores "2" as the reference value for the pair of first regions, indicating the second emission state. Note that the reference value indicating the second emission state is not limited. After this step, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP26.

[0096] (Step SP26) This step, like step SP22, is a step of acquiring the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 for the pair of first regions. In this embodiment, in this step, the control device CO calculates the angle θ based on information related to the predetermined object input from the detection device 120.

[0097] (Step SP27) This step determines the next step depending on the angle θ acquired in step SP26 and the reference value for the pair of first regions stored in memory ME. In this step, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP28 if the reference value is "1" and the angle θ is greater than the second threshold value, i.e., if the first emission state changes to the second state. Furthermore, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP30 if the reference value is "1" and the angle θ is equal to or less than the second threshold value, or if the reference value is "2."

[0098] (Step SP28) This step acquires the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 for the pair of first regions after the first period has elapsed since step SP26, and determines the next step depending on the angle θ. The first period is, for example, 0.5 seconds or more and 1.0 seconds or less, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, in this step, the control device CO calculates the angle θ, similar to step SP26. If the acquired angle θ is greater than the second threshold, i.e., if the second state is still in effect after the first period has elapsed since step SP26, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP29. If the acquired angle θ is equal to or less than the second threshold, i.e., if the second state is not in effect, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP26. Therefore, the increased light intensity of the third region relative to the pair of first regions is maintained.

[0099] (Step SP29) This step changes the third region to the second emission state. In this step, the control device CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light intensity of the third region returns to the light intensity of the third region when a predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. Thus, if the second state is reached after a first period has elapsed since the first emission state changed to the second state, the third region for the pair of first regions enters the second emission state. Furthermore, until the first period has elapsed since the first emission state changed to the second state, the third region is maintained in the first emission state, and the light intensity of the third region continues to increase. Furthermore, the control device CO rewrites the reference value stored in the memory ME to "2," indicating the second emission state. After this step, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP26.

[0100] (Step SP30) This step determines the next step depending on the angle θ acquired in step SP26 and the reference value stored in memory ME. In this step, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP31 if the reference value is "2" and the angle θ is equal to or less than the first threshold, i.e., if the second emission state changes to the first state. Furthermore, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP26 if the reference value is "1" and the angle θ is equal to or less than the second threshold, or if the reference value is "2" and the angle θ is greater than the first threshold. Therefore, if the first emission state is not the second state, the amount of light in the third region relative to the pair of first regions remains increased. Furthermore, if the second emission state is not the first state, the amount of light in the third region relative to the pair of first regions remains unchanged.

[0101] (Step SP31) This step acquires the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 after the second period has elapsed since step SP26, and determines the next step depending on the angle θ. The second period is, for example, 0.5 seconds or more and 1.0 seconds or less, but is not limited thereto. The second period may be the same as or different from the first period. In this embodiment, in this step, the control device CO calculates the angle θ, similar to step SP26. If the acquired angle θ is equal to or less than the first threshold, i.e., if the first state is still in effect after the second period has elapsed since step SP26, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP32. If the acquired angle θ is greater than the first threshold, i.e., if the first state is not in effect, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP26. Therefore, the light intensity of the third region relative to the pair of first regions remains unchanged.

[0102] (Step SP32) This step changes the third region to the first emission state. In this step, the lighting unit 10 is controlled so that the amount of light in the third region is increased compared to when a predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. Thus, if the first state is reached after a second period has elapsed since the second emission state was changed to the first state, the third region for the pair of first regions is in the first emission state. Furthermore, until the second period has elapsed since the second emission state was changed to the first state, the third region is maintained in the second emission state, and the amount of light in the third region remains unchanged. Furthermore, the control device CO rewrites the reference value stored in the memory ME to "1," indicating the first emission state. After this step, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP26.

[0103] In this way, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the ADB light distribution pattern changes depending on the angle θ formed between the first direction and the second direction for a pair of first regions adjacent to each other.

[0104] The manner in which the third region is set to the first emission state in which the light amount is increased and the manner in which the third region is set to the second emission state in which the light amount is not increased are not limited. For example, when the third region is set to the second emission state, the light amount of the third region may decrease over time to become the light amount of the third region in the high beam light distribution pattern PH, or the light amount of the third region may decrease instantaneously to become the light amount of the third region in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Furthermore, when the third region is set to the first emission state, the light amount of the third region may increase over time to a predetermined amount, or the light amount of the third region may increase instantaneously to become the predetermined amount.

[0105] However, when a region of reduced light intensity is formed, as in the vehicle headlight of Patent Document 1, the driver of the vehicle tends to perceive the region and its surroundings as dark, which may reduce visibility ahead of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight of Patent Document 1, when multiple vehicles are positioned ahead of the vehicle, the light intensity of one region overlapping the other vehicles is reduced. As a result, the region between adjacent vehicles also becomes dark, reducing visibility ahead of the vehicle. There is a demand for reducing this reduction in visibility ahead of the vehicle. To address this demand, for example, it is conceivable to increase the amount of light irradiated around the region of reduced light intensity and the region between adjacent vehicles. However, when controlling such a lighting unit, energy consumption tends to increase if the region where light intensity is increased is large.

[0106] Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment as a third aspect includes the lamp unit 10 and the control device CO, and the program of this embodiment as a second aspect causes the control device CO to execute steps SP21 to SP32. The control device CO of this embodiment as a first aspect controls the lamp unit 10 to reduce the light intensity of multiple first regions 61a, 61b, 61c that overlap at least a portion of the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, OB3 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH, and to increase the light intensity of multiple second regions 62a, 62b, 62c that individually surround the first regions 61a, 61b, 61c, when multiple predetermined objects OB1, OB2, OB3 are located in front of the vehicle 100, compared to when the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, OB3 are not located in front of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the control device CO of this embodiment as a first aspect controls the lighting unit 10 to increase the amount of light in the third region 63a in a first state in which an angle θ formed between a first direction D1 from the vehicle 100 toward a predetermined object OB1 overlapping one of the pair of adjacent first regions 61a, 61b and a second direction D2 from the vehicle 100 toward a predetermined object OB2 overlapping the other of the pair of first regions 61a, 61b is equal to or smaller than a first threshold. Furthermore, the control device CO of this embodiment as a first aspect controls the lighting unit 10 not to increase the amount of light in the third region 63a in a second state in which the angle θ formed between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 relative to the pair of first regions 61a, 61b is greater than a second threshold that is equal to or larger than the first threshold.

[0107] The third region 63a includes a connection region 64a that is connected to each of the second regions 62a, 62b surrounding a pair of adjacent first regions 61a, 61b and is sandwiched between the pair of first regions 61a, 61b. The third region 63a increases its light intensity in a first state in which the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is equal to or less than a first threshold. The third region 63a does not increase its light intensity in a second state in which the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is equal to or greater than a second threshold. The larger the angle between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the greater the distance between the pair of first regions 61a, 61b. Therefore, when the pair of first regions 61a, 61b are close to each other, the light intensity of the third region 63a increases, preventing the area between the pair of first regions 61a, 61b from appearing dark. Furthermore, because the connection region 64a of the third region 63a connects to the second regions 62a and 62b, the second regions 62a and 62b and the third region 63a, which are brightened, are integrated, which can reduce the sense of discomfort felt by the driver compared to when the third region 63a is separated from the second regions 62a and 62b. The connection region 64a tends to become larger as the distance between the adjacent first regions 61a and 61b increases, and the larger the connection region 64a, the greater the amount of brightening in the third region 63a. In the lighting unit control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 according to the first to third aspects of the present embodiment, in the second state, i.e., when the distance between the pair of first regions 61a and 61b is large, the third region 63a is not brightened. Therefore, compared to when the third region 63a is brightened regardless of the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, it is possible to prevent the amount of brightening in the third region 63a from becoming too great, and to suppress an increase in energy consumption.

[0108] In the first to third aspects of the present embodiment, the second threshold value is greater than the first threshold value. Therefore, according to the control device CO, the program, and the vehicle headlamp 1 of the first to third aspects of the present embodiment, the frequency of switching between a state in which the light amount of the third region 63a is increased and a state in which the light amount of the third region 63a is not increased can be reduced compared to when the second threshold value is the same as the first threshold value, and the driver's annoyance due to changes in the light distribution pattern can be reduced.

[0109] The third region 63a includes everything within the smallest rectangular frame 70a that surrounds the pair of first regions 61a, 61b except for the first regions 61a, 61b and the second regions 62a, 62b. Therefore, according to the control device CO, the program, and the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the first to third aspects, it is possible to prevent the vicinity of the pair of first regions 61a, 61b from appearing dark, compared to when the third region 63a is a part of the rectangular frame 70a.

[0110] In the first to third aspects of the present embodiment, the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61 a, 61 b, and 61 c is equal to the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62 a, 62 b, and 62 c and the third regions 63 a, 63 b. Therefore, the control device CO, the program, and the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the first to third aspects, can suppress an increase in energy consumption compared to a case where the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62 a, 62 b, and 62 c and the third regions 63 a, 63 b is greater than the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61 a, 61 b, and 61 c.

[0111] Furthermore, the control device CO of this embodiment as a first aspect controls the lamp unit 10 so as not to increase the amount of light in the third area 63a until a first period has elapsed since the first state was entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third area 63a is not increased compared to when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, when the control device CO of this embodiment as a first aspect is in the first state after the first period has elapsed, it controls the lamp unit 10 so as to increase the amount of light in the third area 63a compared to when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100.

[0112] When the first state is reached by exceeding the first threshold, the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is close to the first threshold. Therefore, even if the first state is reached, the first state may soon be lost. According to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the first to third aspects, the light amount of the third region 63a remains unchanged until the first period has elapsed since the first state was reached. If the first period has elapsed and the vehicle is still in the first state, the light amount of the third region 63a increases. Therefore, the frequency with which the light amount of the third region 63a changes can be reduced compared to when the light amount of the third region 63a increases upon reaching the first state. This can reduce the driver's annoyance caused by the change in the light distribution pattern.

[0113] The control device CO of this embodiment as a first aspect controls the lamp unit 10 to increase the light amount of the third area 63a until a second period has elapsed since the second state was entered in a state in which the light amount of the third area 63a is increased compared to when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, when the control device CO of this embodiment as a first aspect is in the second state after the second period has elapsed, it controls the lamp unit 10 not to increase the light amount of the third area 63a compared to when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100.

[0114] Even if the second threshold is exceeded and the second state is entered, the second state may soon be discontinued. According to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the first to third aspects, the light amount of the third region 63a remains increased until the second period elapses after the second state is entered. If the second state is entered after the second period has elapsed, the light amount of the third region 63a is not increased. Therefore, the frequency with which the light amount of the third region 63a changes can be reduced compared to when the light amount of the third region 63a is not increased after the second state is entered. This can reduce the annoyance felt by the driver by the change in the light distribution pattern.

[0115] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail, which is one of the first to third aspects of the present invention. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified.

[0116] In this embodiment, the detection device 120 can detect other vehicles as the predetermined object. Furthermore, the operation of the process of changing the light amount of the third region in the control device CO differs from that in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the process of changing the light amount of the third region in the control device CO of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the operation of the light distribution change process of the control device CO of this embodiment differs from the operation of the light distribution change process of the control device CO of the first embodiment in that it further includes step SP35. Therefore, only step SP35 will be described, and a description of steps SP21 to SP32 will be omitted.

[0117] (Step SP35) This step is performed when, in step SP28, the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 for a pair of adjacent first regions remains in the second state even after the first period has elapsed since step SP26. This step is a step in which the next step is changed depending on information related to a predetermined object input from the detection device 120.

[0118] In this step, if the predetermined object for the pair of first regions is not another vehicle, or if the predetermined object is another vehicle but a vertical plane passing through the vehicle 100 and one of the predetermined objects does not intersect with the other predetermined object, the control device CO proceeds to step SP29. Therefore, if the second state is still present when the first period has elapsed since the change to the second state, the third region for the pair of first regions changes to the second emission state in which the light amount is not increased.

[0119] Furthermore, if the predetermined object for the pair of first regions is another vehicle and a vertical plane passing through the vehicle 100 and one of the predetermined objects intersects with the other predetermined object, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP26. Therefore, despite the change to the second state, the third region for the pair of first regions is maintained in the first emission state with the increased light amount.

[0120] FIG. 11 is a diagram similar to FIG. 6 , illustrating an example of an ADB light distribution pattern P1 in the second state of this embodiment. In FIG. 11 , the predetermined objects OB1 and OB3 corresponding to the pair of first regions 61a and 61c are other vehicles, i.e., preceding vehicles traveling in roughly the same direction as the vehicle 100. Also, in FIG. 11 , a vertical plane 75 passing through the vehicle 100 and one predetermined object OB1 is indicated by a dashed line. As shown in FIG. 11 , the vertical plane 75 intersects with the other predetermined object OB3. Even in the second state in which the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is greater than the threshold value, the light intensity of the third region 63b is maintained at an increased level compared to when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. That is, the control device CO controls the lamp unit 10 to maintain the light intensity of the third region 63b in this state.

[0121] When the predetermined objects OB1 and OB3 are other vehicles and a vertical plane 75 passing through the vehicle 100 and one of the predetermined objects OB1 intersects with the other predetermined object OB3, the two predetermined objects OB1 and OB3 tend to be other vehicles on the same road. For example, the two predetermined objects OB1 and OB3 may be a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, as shown in FIG. 11 . For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , one of the predetermined objects OB1 and OB3 may be located just before entering an uphill slope from flat ground, and the other may be located on an uphill slope. Alternatively, one of the predetermined objects OB1 and OB3 may be located just before entering flat ground from a downhill slope, and the other may be located on flat ground. In such a situation, for example, after a certain amount of time has passed and both of the predetermined objects OB1 and OB3 are located on an uphill slope, the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is unlikely to change. When the vehicle 100 is located on an uphill slope, the angle θ tends to decrease. Furthermore, after a certain period of time has passed and both of the vehicles are on flat ground, the angle θ is less likely to change, and when the vehicle 100 is on flat ground, the angle θ tends to decrease. In other words, in these situations, even if the angle θ is large, the angle θ tends to decrease. Therefore, according to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, in such situations, the amount of light in the third region 63b can be increased, thereby suppressing an increase in energy consumption and a decrease in visibility.

[0122] Although the first to third aspects of the present invention have been described using the first and second embodiments as examples, the first to third aspects of the present invention are not limited to these.

[0123] For example, in the first and second embodiments, the operation of the process of changing the light amount of the third region in the control device CO includes steps SP21 to SP32 or steps SP21 to SP32 and step SP35. However, this operation is not limited to these. For example, this operation does not need to include steps SP28 and SP31. In this case, for example, in step SP27 in the first embodiment, if the control device CO changes from the first emission state to the second state, the control flow proceeds to step SP25. Also, in step SP30 in the second embodiment, if the control device CO changes from the second emission state to the first state, the control flow proceeds to step SP32. Also, in step SP30 in the first and second embodiments, if the control device CO changes from the second emission state to the first state, the control flow proceeds to step SP32. Furthermore, in step SP23, the control device CO may proceed with the control flow to step SP24 if the vehicle is not in the second state, and may proceed with the control flow to step SP25 if the vehicle is in the second state. In the first and second embodiments, the second emission state is a state in which the amount of light in the third region is not increased compared to when a predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100, and the amount of light in the third region is the same as when a predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. However, the second emission state may be any state in which the amount of light in the third region is not increased compared to when a predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100, and may be, for example, a state in which the amount of light in at least a part of the third region is reduced compared to when a predetermined object is not located.

[0124] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which there are multiple predetermined objects located in front of the vehicle 100. For example, when one predetermined object is located in front of the vehicle 100, the control device CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that, compared to when no predetermined object is located in front of the vehicle 100, the amount of light in a first region of the high beam light distribution pattern PH that overlaps with at least a portion of the predetermined object is reduced and the amount of light in a second region surrounding the first region is increased.

[0125] In the first and second embodiments, the light intensity of the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c, the second regions 62a, 62b, and 62c, and the third regions 63a and 63b in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is varied. However, the light distribution pattern in which the light intensity of the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c, the second regions 62a, 62b, and 62c, and the third regions 63a and 63b is varied is not limited to this. For example, this light distribution pattern may be an additional light distribution pattern that is added to a low-beam light distribution pattern to form a high-beam light distribution pattern. In this case, for example, the low beam is emitted from a lamp unit separate from the lamp unit 10, and the lamp unit 10 emits light of the additional light distribution pattern.

[0126] In the first and second embodiments, the light source unit 12 has a plurality of light-emitting elements 13 that can individually change the amount of light emitted. However, the light source unit 12 is not limited to this. For example, the light source unit 12 may have a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) that includes a plurality of reflective elements arranged in a matrix and a light-emitting unit that irradiates the DMD with light. The DMD can adjust the amount of light emitted in a predetermined direction from the reflective surface of each reflective element, and can form a light distribution pattern according to the amount of light emitted in a predetermined direction from each reflective element.

[0127] In the first and second embodiments, the vehicle 100 is described as including a pair of vehicle headlights 1 each having a control device CO and a memory ME. However, at least one of the control device CO and the memory ME may be shared by the pair of vehicle headlights 1. The signal output from the detection device 120 may be input to the control device CO without passing through the ECU 101 of the vehicle 100. The vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlight 1 may be, for example, a motorcycle. The number of vehicle headlights 1 equipped on the vehicle is not limited and may be, for example, one.

[0128] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described as fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0129] In this embodiment, the detection device 120 can detect other vehicles as the predetermined object. Also, in this embodiment, the ADB light distribution pattern is mainly different from the ADB light distribution pattern in the first embodiment.

[0130] 12 is a diagram showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in this embodiment, similar to FIG. 5, and is a diagram showing the ADB light distribution pattern when three preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3 and two oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2, which are predetermined objects, are located in front of vehicle 100. The situation shown in FIG. 12 is a situation in which vehicle 100 is located just before entering an uphill slope from flat ground, two preceding vehicles LV1 and LV2 and two oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2 are located on flat ground, and one preceding vehicle LV3 is located on an uphill slope.

[0131] In the ADB light distribution pattern P3, the light intensity of the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c overlapping at least a portion of the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3 is less than the light intensity of the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Furthermore, the light intensity of the first regions 61d and 61e overlapping at least a portion of the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2 is less than the light intensity of the first regions 61d and 61e in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can reduce the amount of light irradiated onto the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3 and the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2, thereby reducing glare for the drivers of the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3 and the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2. Note that, although the first regions 61a-61e in this embodiment are light-blocking regions that are not irradiated with light, this is not limiting.

[0132] 12 , the first regions 61 a, 61 b, and 61 c are rectangular and overlap the license plates of the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3, and the first regions 61 d and 61 e are rectangular and overlap the license plates of the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2. However, from the perspective of suppressing glare, it is sufficient that the first regions 61 a, 61 b, and 61 c overlap at least a portion of the viewing area through which the drivers of the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3 view the outside of the vehicles, and it is sufficient that the first regions 61 d and 61 e overlap at least a portion of the viewing area through which the drivers of the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2 view the outside of the vehicles.

[0133] 12, in the preceding vehicle group LVS consisting of first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c that overlap with preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3, the first region 61a and the first region 61b are adjacent to each other, and the first region 61b and the first region 61c are adjacent to each other. In the oncoming vehicle group OVS consisting of first regions 61d and 61e that overlap with oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2, the first region 61b and the first region 61c are adjacent to each other.

[0134] In the ADB light distribution pattern P3, the second region 62a is a region surrounding the first region 61a, the second region 62b is a region surrounding the first region 61b, the second region 62c is a region surrounding the first region 61c, the second region 62d is a region surrounding the first region 61d, and the second region 62e is a region surrounding the first region 61e. The light intensity of the second regions 62a-62e is greater than the light intensity of the second regions 62a-62e in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can prevent the areas surrounding the darkened first regions 61a-61e from appearing dark, thereby preventing a decrease in visibility ahead of the vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the widths of the second regions 62a-62e are generally constant, but need not be constant.

[0135] In the ADB light distribution pattern P3, the light amounts of the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c are greater than the light amounts of the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. In Fig. 12, the third regions 63a and 63c are hatched with diagonal lines, and the third region 63b is hatched with dots.

[0136] The third region 63a is a region in the preceding vehicle set LVS that is connected to the second regions 62a and 62b that surround the pair of first regions 61a and 61b, respectively, and includes a connection region 64a sandwiched between the pair of first regions 61a and 61b. The third region 63b is a region in the preceding vehicle set LVS that is connected to the second regions 62a and 62c that surround the pair of first regions 61a and 61c, respectively, and includes a connection region 64a sandwiched between the pair of first regions 61a and 61c. In this embodiment, the third region 63a includes everything within the smallest rectangular frame 70La that surrounds the pair of first regions 61a and 61b except for the first regions 61a and 61b and the second regions 62a and 62b. The third region 63b includes everything within the smallest rectangular frame 70Lb that surrounds the pair of first regions 61a, 61c, except for the first regions 61a, 61c and the second regions 62a, 62c. In the example shown in FIG. 12 , the third region 63a is everything within the smallest rectangular frame that surrounds the second regions 62a, 62b, except for the first regions 61a, 61b and the second regions 62a, 62b. The third region 63b is everything within the smallest rectangular frame that surrounds the second regions 62a, 62c, except for the first regions 61a, 61c and the second regions 62a, 62c. The shapes of the third regions 63a, 63b are not limited.

[0137] The third region 63c is connected to the second regions 62a and 62b surrounding the pair of first regions 61d and 61e in the pair OVS for oncoming vehicles, and includes a connection region 64c sandwiched between the pair of first regions 61d and 61e. In this embodiment, the third region 63c includes everything within the smallest rectangular frame 70O surrounding the pair of first regions 61d and 61e except the first regions 61d and 61e and the second regions 62d and 62e. In the example shown in FIG. 12 , the third region 63c is everything within the smallest rectangular frame surrounding the second regions 62d and 62e except the first regions 61d and 61e and the second regions 62d and 62e. The shape of the third region 63c is not limited.

[0138] Furthermore, in the ADB light distribution pattern P3, the light intensity of a non-specific region 66, which is a region other than the first regions 61a to 61e, the second regions 62a to 62e, and the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c, is the same as the light intensity of the non-specific region 66 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, and the light intensity distribution of the non-specific region 66 in the ADB light distribution pattern P1 is the same as the light intensity distribution of the non-specific region 66 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. In other words, the non-specific region 66 is a region where the light intensity does not change from when a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle 100. The non-specific region 66 is located between second regions 62a, 62b, and 62c that surround the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c that overlap with the preceding vehicles LV1 to LV3, and second regions 62d and 62e that surround the first regions 61d and 61e that overlap with the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2. That is, the non-specific region 66 crosses between the second regions 62a, 62b, 62c and the second regions 62d, 62e, and the second regions 62a, 62b, 62c and the second regions 62d, 62e are not connected by the region where the amount of light is increased.

[0139] In this embodiment, the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61d is the same as the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c. The total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61d may differ from the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c. In this embodiment, the light increase rate is constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c. The light increase rate does not have to be constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c. For example, the amount of light increase per unit area may be constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c. The second regions 62a to 62c may have the same brightness as the third regions 63a and 63b, and such a configuration makes it difficult to visually recognize the boundaries between the second regions 62a to 62c and the third regions 63a and 63b. The second regions 62d and 62e may have the same brightness as the third region 63c, and such a configuration makes it difficult to visually recognize the boundaries between the second regions 62d and 62e and the third region 63c.

[0140] 12 shows a state in which there are multiple preceding vehicles and multiple oncoming vehicles, but in a state in which there are multiple preceding vehicles and multiple oncoming vehicles and only one other vehicle, the third region becomes a region that includes a connection region for each pair of adjacent first regions in a group of multiple first regions that overlaps with one of the multiple preceding vehicles and the multiple oncoming vehicles.

[0141] Fig. 13 is a diagram similar to Fig. 12 , illustrating an example of another ADB light distribution pattern according to this embodiment. The situation illustrated in Fig. 13 is the same as the situation illustrated in Fig. 12 , except that the oncoming vehicle OV2 is not positioned ahead of the vehicle 100, and three preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3 and one oncoming vehicle OV1 are positioned ahead of the vehicle 100. In the ADB light distribution pattern P4 in this situation, the light intensity of the first regions 61a to 61c overlapping with at least a portion of the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3 is less than the light intensity of the first regions 61a to 61c in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Furthermore, the light intensity of the first region 61d overlapping with at least a portion of the oncoming vehicle OV1 is less than the light intensity of the first region 61d in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Furthermore, the amount of light in the second regions 62a to 62d that individually surround the first regions 61a to 61d is greater than the amount of light in the second regions 62a to 62d in the high beam light distribution pattern PH.

[0142] In addition, in the ADB light distribution pattern P4, the non-specific area 66 is located between the second areas 62a to 62c that surround the first areas 61a to 61c that overlap with the preceding vehicles LV1 to LV3, and the second area 62d that surrounds the first area 61d that overlaps with the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2.

[0143] Furthermore, in the ADB light distribution pattern P4, similar to the ADB light distribution pattern P3 shown in FIG. 12 , the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61d is equal to the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a and 63b. The total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61d may differ from the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a and 63b. In this embodiment, the light increase rate is constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a and 63b, but this does not have to be constant. For example, the amount of light increase per unit area may be constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a and 63b. Furthermore, the brightness of the second regions 62a and 62c may be the same as that of the third region 63b.

[0144] The light intensity of the third regions 63a, 63b of such ADB light distribution patterns P3, P4 increases when a predetermined requirement is met, and does not increase when the predetermined requirement is not met, resulting in the same light intensity as when no preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle is located in front of the vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the light intensity of the third regions 63a, 63b does not increase depending on the relative positions of the vehicle 100 and the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3. Also, the light intensity of the third region 63c of the ADB light distribution pattern P1 does not increase depending on the relative positions of the vehicle 100 and the oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2.

[0145] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the situation shown in FIG. 12 , in which the vehicle 100, the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3, and the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2 are viewed from above. In this embodiment, the light intensity of a third region including a connecting region between a pair of adjacent first regions in the preceding vehicle set LVS increases in a first state in which an angle θ formed between a first direction D1 from the vehicle 100 toward a preceding vehicle overlapping one of the pair of first regions and a second direction D2 from the vehicle 100 toward a preceding vehicle overlapping the other of the pair of first regions is equal to or less than a first threshold. The light intensity of the third region does not increase in a second state in which the angle θ formed between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is greater than a second threshold. Note that FIG. 14 shows a first direction D1 from the vehicle 100 toward the preceding vehicle LV1 overlapping one of the pair of first regions 61a and 61b, and a second direction D2 toward the preceding vehicle LV2 overlapping the other of the pair of first regions 61a and 61b. Similarly to the connection region for the preceding vehicle LVS, the light intensity of a third region including a connection region for a pair of adjacent first regions in the oncoming vehicle OVS increases in a first state in which an angle θ formed between a first direction D1 from the vehicle 100 toward an oncoming vehicle overlapping one of the pair of first regions and a second direction D2 toward an oncoming vehicle overlapping the other of the pair of first regions is equal to or less than a first threshold. The light intensity of the third region does not increase in a second state in which the angle θ formed between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is greater than a second threshold. Hereinafter, as in the first embodiment, a state in which the light intensity of the third region is increased compared to when there is no preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle present may be referred to as a first emission state, and a state in which the light intensity of the third region is not increased compared to when there is no preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle present and the light intensity of the third region is the same as when there is no preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle present may be referred to as a second emission state. In the situation shown in Figure 12, the state of the angle θ between a pair of adjacent first regions in the set LVS for the preceding vehicle and the state of the angle θ between a pair of adjacent first regions in the set OVS for the oncoming vehicle are in a first state in which they are less than or equal to a first threshold value.

[0146] In this embodiment, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold. The first threshold is, for example, 2 degrees or more and 3 degrees or less, and the second threshold is, for example, 5 degrees or more and 6 degrees or less, but the first threshold and the second threshold are not limited.

[0147] Fig. 15 is a diagram similar to Fig. 12 , showing another example of an ADB light distribution pattern according to this embodiment. The situation shown in Fig. 15 is a situation in which, in the situation shown in Fig. 12 , only the state of the angle θ formed by the adjacent first regions 61 a, 61 b ​​is greater than the second threshold, resulting in a second state. As shown in Fig. 15 , in ADB light distribution pattern P5, the light amount of third region 63 a, which includes connection region 64 a between the pair of first regions 61 a, 61 b, does not increase.

[0148] 12 , in the ADB light distribution pattern P5, the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61d is equal to the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63b and 63c. Note that the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61d may differ from the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63b and 63c. In this embodiment, the light increase rate is constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63b and 63c, but it does not have to be constant. For example, the amount of light increase per unit area may be constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63b and 63c. The second regions 62a and 62c may have the same brightness as the third region 63b, and the second regions 62d and 62e may have the same brightness as the third region 63c.

[0149] In addition, when the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is maintained in an increased first emission state, or in a non-increased second emission state.

[0150] Furthermore, the operation of the light distribution change process of the control device CO that changes the ADB light distribution pattern in accordance with the angle θ is the same as the operation in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9, and therefore a description of this operation will be omitted.

[0151] As mentioned above, there are cases where the amount of light irradiated around the area where the amount of light is reduced and the area between adjacent vehicles is increased. However, in controlling such a lamp unit, if the change in the light distribution pattern is large, the driver may find the change in the light distribution pattern annoying.

[0152] Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment as a sixth aspect includes the lamp unit 10 and the control device CO, and the program of this embodiment as the fifth aspect causes the control device CO to execute steps SP21 to SP32. The control device CO of this embodiment as the third aspect controls the lamp unit 10 to reduce the amount of light in the first regions 61a to 61e and increase the amount of light in the second regions 62a to 62e and the third regions 63a, 63b, 63c of the high beam light distribution pattern PH when multiple preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3 and multiple oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2 are located in front of the vehicle 100, compared to when the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3 and the oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2 are not located in front of the vehicle 100. The first regions 61a to 61c overlap at least a portion of the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3, and the first regions 61d and 61e overlap at least a portion of the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2. The second regions 62a to 62e individually surround the first regions 61a to 61e.

[0153] The third regions 63a, 63b are regions in the preceding vehicle group LVS consisting of first regions 61a-61c that overlap with the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3, that include connection regions 64a, 64b that are connected to second regions that surround adjacent first regions and are sandwiched between the adjacent first regions. The third region 63c is a region in the preceding vehicle group LVS consisting of first regions 61d, 61e that overlap with the oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2, that includes connection region 64c that is connected to second regions that surround adjacent first regions and is sandwiched between the adjacent first regions. This can prevent the spaces between adjacent first regions from appearing dark in both the preceding vehicle group LVS and the oncoming vehicle group OVS. Furthermore, since the connection regions 64a to 64c are connected to the second regions 62a to 62e, the brightened second regions 62a to 62c and the third regions 63a, 63b are integrated, which can reduce the sense of discomfort felt by the driver compared to when the third regions 63a, 63b are separated from the second regions 62a to 62c.

[0154] Generally, because preceding vehicles and oncoming vehicles are traveling in roughly the same direction, the amount of relative movement tends to be small. In the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 according to the fourth to sixth aspects of the present embodiment, the light intensity is increased in the third region 63a, 63b including the connection region 64a, 64b in the preceding vehicle set LVS and the third region 63c including the connection region 64c in the oncoming vehicle set OVS. The connection regions 64a-64c tend to be less likely to change. Furthermore, because the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are traveling in roughly opposite directions, the amount of relative movement tends to be large. Therefore, the shape of the region sandwiched between the first region overlapping the preceding vehicle and the first region overlapping the oncoming vehicle and connected to the second region surrounding these first regions tends to change easily. In the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 according to the fourth to sixth aspects of the present embodiment, a non-specific region 66 is located between the second regions 62a-62c surrounding the first regions 61a-61c overlapping the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3 and the second regions 62d and 62e surrounding the first regions 61d and 61e overlapping the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2. The non-specific region 66 is a region in which the amount of light does not change even when the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3 and the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2 are not positioned in front of the vehicle 100. Therefore, the region sandwiched between the first region overlapping the preceding vehicle and the first region overlapping the oncoming vehicle and connected to the respective second regions surrounding these first regions does not increase. Therefore, the change in the shape of the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c can be suppressed compared to when the amount of light in this region increases. Therefore, compared to this case, the change in the light distribution pattern can be suppressed, and the driver's annoyance caused by the change in the light distribution pattern can be suppressed.

[0155] In the control device CO of this embodiment as a seventh aspect, the program as an eighth aspect, and the vehicle headlamp 1 as a ninth aspect, when there are multiple preceding vehicles and one oncoming vehicle and only one other vehicle, the third region is a region that includes a connecting region that is sandwiched between adjacent first regions and connected to each of the second regions that surround the adjacent first regions in a set of multiple first regions that overlap with one of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle. This can prevent the space between adjacent first regions from appearing dark in a set of multiple first regions that overlap with one of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle. Furthermore, the brightened second and third regions are integrated, which can reduce the sense of discomfort felt by the driver compared to when the third region is separated from the second region. Furthermore, in the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 according to the seventh to ninth aspects of the present embodiment, when there are multiple preceding vehicles and multiple oncoming vehicles and only one other vehicle, a non-specific region 66 is located between the second region surrounding the first region overlapping the preceding vehicle and the second region surrounding the first region overlapping the oncoming vehicle. Therefore, the light intensity of the region sandwiched between the first region overlapping the preceding vehicle and the first region overlapping the oncoming vehicle and connected to the second region surrounding these two first regions does not increase. This reduces the change in the shape of the third region compared to when the light intensity of this region is increased. Therefore, compared to this case, this reduces the change in the light distribution pattern, reducing the annoyance felt by the driver by the change in the light distribution pattern.

[0156] Furthermore, in the fourth to ninth aspects of the present embodiment, the total amount of light that decreases in the plurality of first regions 61 a to 61 e is equal to the total amount of light that increases in the plurality of second regions 62 a to 62 e and the third regions 63 a, 63 b, and 63 c. Therefore, according to the control device CO, the program, and the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the fourth to ninth aspects, it is possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption compared to a case where the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62 a to 62 e and the third regions 63 a, 63 b, and 63 c is greater than the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61 a and 61 b.

[0157] Furthermore, in a first state in which an angle θ formed between a first direction D1 from the vehicle 100 toward a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle that overlaps with one of a pair of adjacent first regions in the preceding vehicle set LVS and the oncoming vehicle set OVS, and a second direction D2 from the vehicle 100 toward a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle that overlaps with the other of the pair of first regions, is equal to or smaller than a first threshold, the control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lighting unit 10 to increase the amount of light in a third region that includes a connection region with the pair of first regions. Furthermore, in a second state in which the angle θ formed with the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold that is equal to or larger than the first threshold, the control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lighting unit 10 not to increase the amount of light in the third region with respect to the pair of first regions.

[0158] The greater the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the greater the distance between the pair of adjacent first regions. Because the connection region is connected to the second region as described above, the greater the distance between the pair of first regions, the larger the connection region tends to be. As the connection region becomes larger and the third region including the connection region becomes brighter, the amount of light increased in the third region tends to increase. In the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 according to the present embodiment as the fourth to ninth aspects, in the second state, i.e., when the distance between the pair of first regions is large, the amount of light increased in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions does not increase. Therefore, compared to when the amount of light increased in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions increases regardless of the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the amount of light increased in the third region can be prevented from becoming too large, thereby suppressing an increase in energy consumption.

[0159] Furthermore, in the fourth to ninth aspects of the present embodiment, the second threshold value is greater than the first threshold value. Therefore, the control device CO, the program, and the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the fourth to ninth aspects of the present embodiment can reduce the frequency with which the light intensity of the connection region relative to the pair of first regions changes, compared to when the second threshold value is the same as the first threshold value. This can prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by changes in the light distribution pattern. The second threshold value may be the same as the first threshold value.

[0160] Furthermore, the control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lighting unit 10 so as not to increase the light amount of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions until a first period has elapsed since the first state was entered in a state in which the light amount of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions was not increased. Furthermore, if the control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects is in the first state after the first period has elapsed, it controls the lighting unit 10 so as to increase the light amount of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions.

[0161] When the first threshold is exceeded and the first state is entered, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is close to the first threshold. Therefore, even if the first state is entered, the first state may be immediately discontinued. According to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the fourth to ninth aspects, the light intensity of the connection region for the pair of first regions remains unchanged until the first period has elapsed since the first state was entered. If the second state is entered after the first period has elapsed, the light intensity of the connection region increases. Therefore, the frequency with which the light intensity of the connection region changes can be reduced compared to when the light intensity of the connection region increases upon entering the first state. This can reduce the annoyance felt by the driver by the change in the light distribution pattern.

[0162] Furthermore, the control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lighting unit 10 to increase the light amount of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions until the second period has elapsed since the second state was entered in a state in which the light amount of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions has been increased. Furthermore, the control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lighting unit 10 not to increase the light amount of the connection region to the pair of first regions if the lighting unit is in the second state after the second period has elapsed.

[0163] Even if the second threshold is exceeded and the second state is entered, the second state may soon be discontinued. According to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, as the fourth to ninth aspects, the light intensity of the third region, including the connection region between the pair of first regions, remains increased until the second period elapses after the second state is entered. If the second state is entered after the second period elapses, the light intensity of the third region is not increased. Therefore, the frequency with which the light intensity of the third region changes can be reduced compared to when the light intensity of the third region is not increased after the second state is entered. Therefore, the driver's annoyance due to the change in the light distribution pattern can be reduced.

[0164] Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment as the fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention will be described in detail. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the third embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0165] In this embodiment, the ADB light distribution pattern in a situation where a plurality of preceding vehicles and a plurality of oncoming vehicles are located ahead of the vehicle 100 is different from the ADB light distribution pattern in the third embodiment.

[0166] Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in this embodiment, similar to Fig. 12. The situation illustrated in Fig. 16 is similar to the situation illustrated in Fig. 12, in which three preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3 and two oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2 are located ahead of vehicle 100. Furthermore, the angle θ formed between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 with respect to the first regions adjacent to each other in the preceding vehicle set LVS, and the angle θ formed between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 with respect to the first regions adjacent to each other in the oncoming vehicle set OVS, are in a first state in which they are equal to or smaller than a first threshold value.

[0167] In the third embodiment, in the ADB light distribution pattern P3, the light intensity is increased in the third regions 63a and 63b in the preceding vehicle set LVS and the third region 63c in the oncoming vehicle set OVS. However, as shown in Fig. 16 , in the ADB light distribution pattern P6 of this embodiment, the third regions where the light intensity is increased are the third regions 63a and 63b in the preceding vehicle set LVS, and do not include the third region 63c in the oncoming vehicle set OVS. In other words, the control device CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light intensity in the third regions 63a and 63b in the preceding vehicle set LVS is increased and the light intensity in the third region 63c in the oncoming vehicle set OVS remains unchanged from when the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3 and the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2 are not located ahead of the vehicle 100.

[0168] The preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3 tend to be less likely to move relative to the vehicle 100, while the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2 tend to be more likely to move relative to the vehicle 100. Therefore, the first regions 61d and 61e that overlap with the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2 tend to be more likely to move, and the shape of the third region 63c in the oncoming vehicle set OVS tends to be more likely to change. Therefore, the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment can suppress changes in the shape of the third region 63c, and can suppress annoyance felt by the driver due to changes in the light distribution pattern.

[0169] In the ADB light distribution pattern P6, the light intensity of at least one of the third regions 63a, 63b in the set LVS for the preceding vehicle and the third region 63c in the set OVS for the oncoming vehicle may be increased. Therefore, the light intensity of the third region 63c in the set OVS for the oncoming vehicle may be increased, and the light intensity of the third regions 63a, 63b in the set LVS for the preceding vehicle may not be increased. In other words, the control device CO may control the lamp unit 10 to increase the light intensity of the third region in one of the set LVS for the preceding vehicle and the set OVS for the oncoming vehicle, and to maintain the light intensity of the third region in the other set OVS unchanged from when neither the preceding vehicle nor the oncoming vehicle is located ahead of the vehicle 100.

[0170] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described in detail as the fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the third embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0171] In this embodiment, the operation of the process of changing the light amount of the third region in the control device CO is the same as the operation in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10, and therefore a description of this operation will be omitted.

[0172] FIG. 17 is a diagram similar to FIG. 12 , illustrating an example of an ADB light distribution pattern according to this embodiment. The situation illustrated in FIG. 17 is a situation in which only the angle θ between the pair of adjacent first regions 61a, 61c is in the second state, where the angle θ is greater than the second threshold. Also, in FIG. 17 , a vertical plane 75 passing through one of the two preceding vehicles LV1, LV3, where the pair of first regions 61a, 61c overlap, and vehicle 100, is indicated by a dashed-dotted line. As illustrated in FIG. 17 , the vertical plane 75 intersects with the other preceding vehicle LV3. Even if the angle θ between the pair of first regions 61a, 61c is in the second state, the light intensity of the third region 63b in the preceding vehicle group LVS is maintained at an increased level. In other words, the control device CO controls the lamp unit 10 to maintain the light intensity of the third region 63b.

[0173] When a vertical plane 75 passing through one of two vehicles whose specific adjacent first regions overlap and the vehicle 100 intersects with the other vehicle, for example, as shown in FIG. 17 , one vehicle is located just before entering an uphill slope from flat ground and the other vehicle is located on an uphill slope. Alternatively, one vehicle is located just before entering flat ground from a downhill slope and the other vehicle is located on flat ground. In such a situation, for example, when both vehicles are located on an uphill slope after a certain amount of time has passed, the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is unlikely to change, and when the vehicle 100 is located on an uphill slope, the angle θ tends to decrease. Furthermore, when both vehicles are located on flat ground after a certain amount of time has passed, the angle θ is unlikely to change, and when the vehicle 100 is located on flat ground, the angle θ tends to decrease. In other words, in these situations, even if the angle θ is large, the angle θ tends to decrease. Therefore, according to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, in such a situation, the amount of light in the third region 63b can be increased, thereby suppressing a decrease in visibility while suppressing an increase in energy consumption.

[0174] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described in detail as the fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention. Note that components identical or equivalent to those in the third embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0175] In this embodiment, the operation of the control device CO for changing the light amount of the third region is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0176] 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the process of changing the light intensity of the third region in the control device CO of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the operation of the control device CO to change the light intensity of the third region in this embodiment differs from that of the third embodiment in that it includes steps SP42, SP43, and SP46 to SP52 instead of SP22, SP23, and SP26 to SP32. Therefore, steps SP42, SP43, and SP46 to SP52 will be described, and a description of steps SP21, SP24, and SP25 will be omitted.

[0177] (Step SP42) This step is a step of acquiring the relative speed between the new vehicle and another vehicle overlapping a first area adjacent to the first area overlapping with the new vehicle. In this embodiment, in this step, the control device CO calculates the relative speeds between the pair of adjacent first areas based on information related to the other vehicle input from the detection device 120. Note that the detection device 120 may calculate the relative speed and output a signal indicating the relative speed to the control device CO, in which case the control device CO acquires the relative speed from the signal.

[0178] (Step SP43) This step determines the next step depending on the relative speed acquired in step SP42. In this step, if the acquired relative speed is equal to or less than the first speed, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP24. Note that, hereinafter, a state in which the relative speed is equal to or less than the first speed is referred to as the third state. Furthermore, if the acquired relative speed is greater than the first speed, i.e., if the state is not the third state, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP25. Cases that are not the third state include a fourth state in which the relative speed is greater than the first speed but greater than the second speed, and a case in which the relative speed is greater than the first speed but less than the second speed, rather than the third and fourth states. In this embodiment, the first speed is greater than the second speed. The first speed is, for example, equal to or less than 5 km / h, and the second speed is, for example, equal to or greater than 10 km / h, but the first and second speeds are not limited.

[0179] (Step SP46) This step is a step of acquiring the relative speed with respect to the pair of first regions, similar to step SP42. In this embodiment, in this step, the control device CO calculates the relative speed based on the information related to the other vehicle input from the detection device 120.

[0180] (Step SP47) This step determines the next step depending on the relative velocity acquired in step SP46 and the reference value for the pair of first regions stored in memory ME. In this step, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP48 if the reference value is "1" and the relative velocity is in the fourth state greater than the second velocity, i.e., if the first emission state changes to the fourth state. Furthermore, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP50 if the reference value is "1" and the relative velocity is equal to or less than the second velocity, or if the reference value is "2."

[0181] (Step SP48) This step acquires the relative velocity of the pair of first regions after the third period has elapsed since step SP46, and determines the next step based on this relative velocity. The third period is, for example, 0.5 seconds or more and 1.0 seconds or less, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, in this step, the control device CO calculates the relative velocity in the same manner as in step SP46. If the relative velocity is greater than the second velocity, i.e., if the fourth state is still in effect after the first period has elapsed since step SP46, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP49. If the relative velocity is equal to or less than the second velocity, i.e., if the fourth state is not in effect, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP46. Therefore, the increased light intensity of the third region relative to the pair of first regions is maintained.

[0182] (Step SP49) This step changes the third region to the second emission state. In this step, the control device CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light intensity of the third region returns to the light intensity of the third region when no other vehicle is located in front of the vehicle 100. Thus, if the fourth state is reached after a third period has elapsed since the first emission state changed to the fourth state, the third region for the pair of first regions changes to the second emission state. Furthermore, until a first period has elapsed since the first emission state changed to the fourth state, the third region is maintained in the first emission state, and the light intensity of the third region continues to increase. Furthermore, the control device CO rewrites the reference value stored in the memory ME to "2," indicating the second emission state. After this step, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP46.

[0183] (Step SP50) This step determines the next step depending on the relative speed acquired in step SP46 and the reference value stored in memory ME. In this step, if the reference value is "2" and the relative speed is equal to or less than the first speed, i.e., if the second emission state changes to the third state, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP51. Furthermore, if the reference value is "1" and the relative speed is equal to or less than the second speed, or if the reference value is "2" and the relative speed is greater than the first speed, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP46. Therefore, if the first emission state is not the fourth state, the third region relative to the pair of first regions remains increased. Furthermore, if the second emission state is not the third state, the light intensity of the third region relative to the pair of first regions remains unchanged.

[0184] (Step SP51) This step acquires the relative velocity after the fourth period has elapsed since step SP46 and determines the next step depending on the acquired relative velocity. The fourth period is, for example, 0.5 seconds or more and 1.0 seconds or less, but is not limited thereto. The fourth period may be the same as or different from the third period. In this embodiment, in this step, the control device CO calculates the relative velocity, similar to step SP46. If the acquired relative velocity is equal to or less than the first velocity, i.e., if the state is still the third state after the fourth period has elapsed since step SP46, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP52. If the acquired relative velocity is greater than the first velocity, i.e., if the state is not the third state, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP46. Therefore, the light intensity of the third region relative to the pair of first regions is maintained in an unincreased state.

[0185] (Step SP52) This step changes the third region to the first emission state. In this step, the lighting unit 10 is controlled so that the light intensity of the third region is increased compared to when neither a preceding vehicle nor an oncoming vehicle is located ahead of the vehicle 100. Thus, if the third state is reached after a third period has elapsed since the second emission state was changed to the third state, the third region for the pair of first regions is set to the first emission state. Furthermore, until a third period has elapsed since the second emission state was changed to the third state, the third region is maintained in the second emission state, and the light intensity of the third region remains unchanged. Furthermore, the control device CO rewrites the reference value stored in the memory ME to "1," indicating the first emission state. After this step, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP46.

[0186] In this way, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the ADB light distribution pattern changes in accordance with the relative speed with respect to the pair of first regions adjacent to each other.

[0187] The manner in which the third region is set to the first emission state in which the light amount is increased and the manner in which the third region is set to the second emission state in which the light amount is not increased are not limited. For example, when the third region is set to the second emission state, the light amount of the third region may decrease over time to become the light amount of the third region in the high beam light distribution pattern PH, or the light amount of the third region may decrease instantaneously to become the light amount of the third region in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Furthermore, when the third region is set to the first emission state, the light amount of the third region may increase over time to a predetermined amount, or the light amount of the third region may increase instantaneously to become the predetermined amount.

[0188] The control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lamp unit 10 to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions in a third state in which the relative speed between the preceding vehicle set LVS and the oncoming vehicle set OVS, a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle overlapping one of a pair of adjacent first regions, and the preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle overlapping the other of the pair of first regions, is equal to or less than a first speed. Furthermore, the control device CO of the present embodiment controls the lamp unit 10 not to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions in a fourth state in which the relative speed between the pair of first regions is greater than a second speed that is equal to or greater than the first speed.

[0189] The greater the relative speed, the more likely the distance between a pair of adjacent first regions changes. Because the connection region is connected to the second region as described above, a change in the distance between the pair of first regions changes the shape of the third region including the connection region. In the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 according to the present embodiment, which are the fourth to ninth aspects, in the fourth state, i.e., when the distance between the pair of first regions is likely to change, the light intensity of the third region including the connection region for the pair of first regions is not increased. Therefore, compared to when the light intensity of the third region including the connection region for the pair of first regions is increased regardless of the relative speed, changes in the shape of the third region can be suppressed, and the driver's annoyance due to changes in the light distribution pattern can be suppressed.

[0190] Furthermore, the control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lighting unit 10 so as not to increase the light intensity of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions until a third period has elapsed since the third state was entered in a state in which the light intensity of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions was not increased. Furthermore, if the control device CO of the present embodiment is in the third state after the third period has elapsed, it controls the lighting unit 10 so as to increase the light intensity of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions.

[0191] The relative speed when the vehicle exceeds the first speed and enters the third state is close to the first speed. Therefore, even if the vehicle enters the third state, the vehicle may soon exit the third state. According to the above configuration, the light intensity of the third region, including the connection region between the pair of first regions, does not increase until the third period has elapsed since the vehicle entered the third state. If the vehicle is in the third state after the third period has elapsed, the light intensity of the third region, including the connection region, increases. Therefore, the frequency with which the light intensity of the third region changes can be reduced compared to when the light intensity of the third region, including the connection region, increases upon entering the third state. This can reduce the driver's annoyance caused by changes in the light distribution pattern.

[0192] Furthermore, the control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lighting unit to increase the light intensity of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions until a fourth period has elapsed since the fourth state was entered in a state in which the light intensity of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is increasing. Furthermore, if the control device CO of the present embodiment is in the fourth state after the fourth period has elapsed, it controls the lighting unit 10 not to increase the light intensity of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions.

[0193] Even if the vehicle exceeds the second speed and enters the fourth state, the fourth state may soon be canceled. According to the above configuration, the light intensity of the third region, including the connection region between the pair of first regions, remains increased until the fourth period has elapsed after the fourth state is entered. If the fourth state is entered after the fourth period has elapsed, the light intensity of the third region is no longer increased. Therefore, the frequency with which the light intensity of the third region changes can be reduced compared to when the light intensity of the third region is no longer increased after the fourth state is entered. This can reduce the annoyance felt by the driver by the change in the light distribution pattern.

[0194] The process of changing the light intensity of the third region performed by the control device CO in the fourth and seventh aspects of the present embodiment may further include step SP35 in the fifth embodiment. In this case, step SP35 is performed if, in step SP48, the relative speed corresponding to a specific adjacent first region remains in the fourth state even after the third period has elapsed since step SP46. If the vertical plane 75 passing through one of the adjacent vehicles whose first regions overlap and vehicle 100 does not intersect with the other vehicle, the control device CO proceeds to step SP49. If the vertical plane 75 passing through one of the adjacent vehicles whose first regions overlap and vehicle 100 does intersect with the other vehicle, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP46.

[0195] Although the fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention have been described using the third to sixth embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to these.

[0196] For example, the operation of the process of changing the light amount in the third region in the control device CO is not limited. For example, steps SP28, SP31, SP48, and SP51 may not be included. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and the relative speed were listed as the predetermined requirements. However, the light amount in the third region may be increased regardless of the predetermined requirements. Furthermore, in the third to sixth embodiments, the second emission state is a state in which the light amount in the third region is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle 100, and the light amount in the third region is the same as when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle 100. However, the second emission state may be any state in which the light amount in the third region is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle 100. For example, the second emission state may be a state in which the light amount in at least a part of the third region is reduced compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle 100.

[0197] In the third to sixth embodiments, examples have been described in which the light amounts of the first, second, and third regions in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH are changed. However, the light distribution pattern in which the light amounts of the first, second, and third regions are changed is not limited. For example, this light distribution pattern may be an additional light distribution pattern that is added to a low-beam light distribution pattern to form a high-beam light distribution pattern. In this case, for example, the low beam is emitted from a lamp unit separate from the lamp unit 10, and the lamp unit 10 emits light of the additional light distribution pattern.

[0198] In the third to sixth embodiments, the light source unit 12 has a plurality of light-emitting elements 13 that can individually change the amount of light emitted. However, the light source unit 12 is not limited to this. For example, the light source unit 12 may have a DMD that includes a plurality of reflecting elements arranged in a matrix and a light-emitting unit that irradiates the DMD with light.

[0199] Furthermore, in the third to sixth embodiments, the vehicle 100 including a pair of vehicle headlights 1 each having a control device CO and a memory ME has been described as an example. However, at least one of the control device CO and the memory ME may be shared by the pair of vehicle headlights 1. Furthermore, the signal output from the detection device 120 may be input to the control device CO without passing through the ECU 101 of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlight 1 may be, for example, a motorcycle. Furthermore, the number of vehicle headlights 1 equipped on the vehicle is not limited and may be, for example, one.

[0200] According to the first to third aspects of the present invention, there are provided a lighting unit control device, a program, and a vehicle headlamp that can suppress an increase in energy consumption while suppressing a decrease in visibility, and can be used in fields such as vehicle headlamp for automobiles, etc. Also, according to the fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention, there are provided a lighting unit control device, a program, and a vehicle headlamp that can suppress a decrease in visibility while suppressing annoyance felt by the driver due to changes in the light distribution pattern, and can be used in fields such as vehicle headlamp for automobiles, etc.

Claims

1. A control device for a lighting unit that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of a vehicle and is capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light, wherein, in a state in which a plurality of the predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle, the control device outputs a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit to reduce the amount of light in a plurality of first regions that overlap at least a portion of the predetermined objects in the light distribution pattern and increase the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, compared to a state in which the predetermined objects are not located in front of the vehicle, and in a first state in which an angle between a first direction from the vehicle toward the predetermined object that overlaps one of a pair of adjacent first regions and a second direction from the vehicle toward the predetermined object that overlaps the other of the pair of first regions is equal to or less than a first threshold, increase the amount of light in a third region that includes a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions that surround the pair of first regions and is sandwiched between the pair of first regions; A control device for a lighting unit, characterized in that in a second state in which the angle between the first direction and the second direction for the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold value that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit is output so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region.

2. The lighting unit control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second threshold value is greater than the first threshold value.

3. A control device for a lighting unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that the third area includes everything other than the first area and the second area within the smallest rectangular frame that surrounds the pair of first areas.

4. The control device for a lighting unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that the total amount of light that decreases in the multiple first regions is the same as the total amount of light that increases in the multiple second regions and the multiple third regions.

5. A control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that the control device outputs a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so as to not increase the amount of light in the third area until a first period has elapsed since the first state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third area is not increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle, and when the first state is entered after the first period has elapsed, to increase the amount of light in the third area compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle.

6. A control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that the control device increases the amount of light in the third area until a second period has elapsed since the second state is entered with the amount of light in the third area increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle, and outputs a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so that, when the second state is entered after the second period has elapsed, the amount of light in the third area is not increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle.

7. A control device for a lighting unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the detection device is capable of detecting another vehicle as the specified object, the specified object where the pair of first regions overlap is a pair of the other vehicles in the second state, and when a vertical plane passing through the vehicle and one of the pair of other vehicles intersects with the other of the pair of other vehicles, the amount of light in the third region is increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle, and when the vertical plane does not intersect with the other of the pair of other vehicles, the control device outputs a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so as to not increase the amount of light in the third region compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle.

8. A step of outputting a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit to a control device of the lamp unit, which receives a signal from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of a vehicle and is capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light, to reduce the amount of light in a plurality of first regions that overlap at least a portion of the predetermined objects in the light distribution pattern and increase the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, in a state in which a plurality of the predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle, compared to a state in which the predetermined objects are not located in front of the vehicle, and to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions that surround the pair of first regions and is sandwiched between the pair of first regions, in a first state in which an angle between a first direction from the vehicle toward the predetermined object that overlaps one of a pair of adjacent first regions and a second direction from the vehicle toward the predetermined object that overlaps the other of the pair of first regions is equal to or less than a first threshold value; In a second state in which the angle between the first direction and the second direction for the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold value that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, outputting a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region.

9. A lighting unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; and a control device which receives a signal from a detection device which detects a predetermined object located in front of a vehicle and controls the lighting unit, wherein the control device controls the lighting unit so as to: in a state in which a plurality of the predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle, reduce the amount of light in a plurality of first regions which overlap at least a portion of the predetermined objects in the light distribution pattern and increase the amount of light in a plurality of second regions which individually surround the first regions, compared to a state in which the predetermined objects are not located in front of the vehicle; and in a first state in which an angle formed between a first direction from the vehicle towards the predetermined object which overlaps one of a pair of adjacent first regions and a second direction from the vehicle towards the predetermined object which overlaps the other of the pair of first regions is equal to or less than a first threshold value, increase the amount of light in a third region which includes a connection region which is connected to each of the second regions which surround the pair of first regions and is sandwiched between the pair of first regions; In a second state in which an angle between the first direction and the second direction for the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold value that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the lighting unit is controlled so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region.

10. A control device for a lighting unit that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle located in front of a vehicle and is capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light, wherein, when a plurality of preceding vehicles and a plurality of oncoming vehicles are located in front of the vehicle, the control device outputs a signal that can control the lighting unit to reduce the amount of light in a plurality of first regions that overlap at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle and increase the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, in the light distribution pattern, compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions that surround adjacent first regions and is sandwiched between the adjacent first regions in at least one of a preceding vehicle set consisting of a plurality of first regions that overlap with a plurality of preceding vehicles and an oncoming vehicle set consisting of a plurality of first regions that overlap with a plurality of oncoming vehicles, a control device for a lighting unit, characterized in that a non-specific area in which the amount of light does not change when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle is located between the second area surrounding the first area overlapping with the preceding vehicle and the second area surrounding the first area overlapping with the oncoming vehicle.

11. The control device for a lighting unit as described in claim 10, characterized in that the total amount of light that decreases in the multiple first regions is the same as the total amount of light that increases in the multiple second regions and the multiple third regions.

12. A control device for a lighting unit as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it outputs a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so as to increase the amount of light in the third area in one of the pair for the preceding vehicle and the pair for the oncoming vehicle, and not to increase the amount of light in the third area in the other pair.

13. A control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 12, characterized in that it outputs a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so as to increase the amount of light in the third area in the pair for the preceding vehicle and not to increase the amount of light in the third area in the pair for the oncoming vehicle.

14. A control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 10, characterized in that, in a first state in which an angle between a first direction from the vehicle towards the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle overlapping with one of a pair of adjacent first regions and a second direction from the vehicle towards the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle overlapping with the other of the pair of first regions is less than or equal to a first threshold, a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit is output so as to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions, compared to a case in which the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle; and, in a second state in which an angle between the first direction and the second direction relative to the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold that is greater than or equal to the first threshold, a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit is output so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions, compared to a case in which the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle.

15. A control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 14, characterized in that until a first period has elapsed since the first state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, the control device outputs a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and when the first state is entered after the first period has elapsed, the control device outputs a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so as to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle.

16. A control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that until a second period has elapsed since the second state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, a signal is output that can control the lamp unit so that the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and when the second state is entered after the second period has elapsed, the amount of light in the third region to the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle.

17. A control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 10, characterized in that, in a third state in which the relative speed between the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle overlapping one of a pair of adjacent first regions and the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle overlapping the other of the pair of first regions is less than a first speed, a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit is output so as to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions, compared to a case in which the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle; and, in a fourth state in which the relative speed between the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle is greater than a second speed that is greater than the first speed, a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit is output so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions, compared to a case in which the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle.

18. A control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 17, characterized in that until a third period has elapsed since the third state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, the control device outputs a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and when the third state is entered after the third period has elapsed, the control device outputs a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so as to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle.

19. A control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 17 or 18, characterized in that until a fourth period has elapsed since the fourth state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and a signal is output that can control the lamp unit so that, when the fourth state is entered after the fourth period has elapsed, the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle.

20. A control device for a lighting unit that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle located in front of a vehicle and is capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light, executes a step of outputting a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so that, in a state in which a plurality of preceding vehicles and a plurality of oncoming vehicles are located in front of the vehicle, the amount of light in a plurality of first regions that overlap at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle in the light distribution pattern is reduced and the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions is increased, compared to a state in which the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and the amount of light in a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions that surround adjacent first regions and is sandwiched between the adjacent first regions in at least one of a preceding vehicle set consisting of a plurality of first regions that overlap with a plurality of preceding vehicles and a oncoming vehicle set consisting of a plurality of first regions that overlap with a plurality of oncoming vehicles, a non-specific area in which the amount of light does not change when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle is located between the second area surrounding the first area overlapping with the preceding vehicle and the second area surrounding the first area overlapping with the oncoming vehicle.

21. A lighting unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light; and a control device that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle located in front of the vehicle and controls the lighting unit, wherein when a plurality of preceding vehicles and a plurality of oncoming vehicles are located in front of the vehicle, the control device controls the lighting unit to reduce the amount of light in a plurality of first regions that overlap at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle and to increase the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, in the light distribution pattern, compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions that surround adjacent first regions and is sandwiched between the adjacent first regions in at least one of a preceding vehicle set consisting of a plurality of first regions that overlap with a plurality of preceding vehicles and an oncoming vehicle set consisting of a plurality of first regions that overlap with a plurality of oncoming vehicles, a non-specific area in which the amount of light does not change even when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle is located between the second area that surrounds the first area that overlaps with the preceding vehicle and the second area that surrounds the first area that overlaps with the oncoming vehicle.

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