Headlight system

Abstract

The present invention improves visibility ahead of a vehicle during rainfall or the like.　Provided is a headlight system comprising a headlight that is configured to be capable of moving an irradiation position of irradiation light and is installed in a vehicle, a controller that is connected to the headlight and controls operation of the headlight, and a weather detection unit that is connected to the controller and detects the weather at the current position of the vehicle, the headlight system being such that, when the weather detected by the weather detection unit is rain satisfying a prescribed criterion, the controller controls the headlight so that the irradiation position of the irradiation light moves to a position that is relatively closer to the outer side and / or the lower side of the vehicle than before the movement.

Description

Headlight System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to headlamp systems.

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 6032248 (Patent Document 1) describes a vehicle lighting device that controls headlights to dim and illuminate a portion of the road surface ahead of the vehicle that corresponds to the road shape estimated by a travel path estimation unit when weather conditions that result in poor visibility ahead of the vehicle are detected. This vehicle lighting device is also controlled so as not to illuminate a high place during rain or snow. However, it is believed that there is room for further improvement in terms of improving visibility ahead of the vehicle during rain or snow.

[0003] Patent No. 6032248

[0004] One of the objects of a specific aspect of the present disclosure is to improve visibility ahead of a vehicle during rainy weather, etc.

[0005] A headlight system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a headlight that is installed on a vehicle and is configured to be able to move the irradiation position of irradiation light; a controller that is connected to the headlight and controls the operation of the headlight; and a weather detection unit that is connected to the controller and detects the weather at the current location of the vehicle, wherein when the weather detected by the weather detection unit is rainy and satisfies a predetermined standard, the controller controls the headlight so that the irradiation position of the irradiation light moves to a position relatively closer to the outside and / or below the vehicle than before the movement.

[0006] According to the above configuration, it is possible to improve the visibility ahead of the vehicle during rainy weather, etc.

[0007] FIG. 1(A) is a diagram showing the configuration of a headlamp system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1(B) is a diagram showing an example configuration of a computer system. FIG. 2(A) is a plan view schematically showing the irradiation position of a high beam before movement. FIG. 2(B) is a plan view schematically showing the irradiation position of a high beam after movement. FIGS. 3(A), 3(B), and 3(C) are schematic front views showing example configurations of a high beam unit capable of moving the irradiation position of a high beam. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing another example configuration of a high beam unit capable of moving the irradiation position of a high beam. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the headlamp system. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view showing an example modified configuration of the high beam unit.

[0008] 1A is a diagram showing the configuration of a headlamp system according to one embodiment. The headlamp system includes a controller 10, a camera 11, a headlamp switch 12, a raindrop sensor 13, and a pair of headlamps 14R and 14L. The headlamp system is designed to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle.

[0009] The controller 10 controls the light irradiation by the headlights 14R, 14L. The controller 10 can be configured using a computer system including a processor (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a storage device 204 such as a flash memory, an input / output interface (I / F) 205, and the like, as shown in FIG. 1B .

[0010] The camera 11 detects the situation, such as the position of pedestrians, based on an image obtained by capturing an image of the space ahead of the vehicle. The camera 11 captures an image of the space ahead of the vehicle to generate image data, and performs image recognition processing on the image data to detect the situation ahead of the vehicle, such as the position of pedestrians, the position of a preceding vehicle (a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle), and white lines on the road. This image processing function may be provided in the controller 10. In this case, the image data is supplied from the camera 11 to the controller 10, and the image recognition processing is performed by executing a predetermined program in the controller 10. In addition to the above-mentioned camera, an optical ranging sensor such as LiDAR, millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic sensor, etc. may also be used as a means for detecting the situation ahead of the vehicle.

[0011] The headlamp switch 12 is located near the driver's seat of the vehicle and is operable by the driver when the driver wishes to turn on the headlamps 14R and 14L.

[0012] The raindrop sensor 13 detects the amount of rainfall (and / or raindrop diameter; the same applies hereinafter) at the location where the vehicle is located and outputs a signal (or data) indicating changes in the amount of rainfall. Various known raindrop sensors can be used as the raindrop sensor 13, and for example, a sensor that is installed inside the vehicle's windshield and detects raindrops adhering to the outer surface of the windshield using an optical method can be used.

[0013] A pair of headlights 14R, 14L are mounted at predetermined positions on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle and operate in response to control signals provided by the controller 10 to illuminate the area ahead of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the headlights 14R, 14L are capable of emitting low beams (passing lights) and high beams (driving lights), as well as selective high beams, which are light beams that are partially dimmed (or turned off) within a range that is set depending on the position of the vehicle ahead. Selective high beams are also referred to as adaptive driving beams (ADBs). Each headlight 14R, 14L includes a high beam unit 30, which is a light source unit that emits high beams and selective high beams, and a low beam unit 31, which is a light source unit that emits low beams.

[0014] Various known configurations can be employed for each headlamp 14R, 14L. For example, a high beam or low beam can be generated by a light source unit configured by combining a light source bulb with a reflector or a shielding plate. Alternatively, a selective high beam can be generated by a light source unit in which light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are arranged in one or two directions and the lighting state of each light-emitting element can be individually controlled. Alternatively, a selective high beam can be generated by a light source unit including a light source and a liquid crystal element, etc., and capable of individually controlling the light transmission state of each pixel of the liquid crystal element. Alternatively, a selective high beam can be generated by a light source unit including a light-emitting element such as a laser diode and a scanning element, such as a mirror device, that scans the light emitted from the light-emitting element, and capable of controlling the timing of turning on and off the light-emitting element and the scanning timing of the scanning element. Furthermore, a light source unit with these configurations may generate a high beam or low beam in addition to a selective high beam.

[0015] The above-mentioned controller 10 includes an irradiation state setting unit (irradiation state setting function) 20, a light distribution control unit (light distribution control function) 21, and a light distribution movement control unit (light distribution movement control function) 22, which are functions realized when a program stored in a storage device 204 is read and executed by the processor 201.

[0016] The illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state of the light emitted by each headlight 14R, 14L based on the situation ahead of the vehicle photographed by the camera 11 and the operating state of the headlight switch 12.

[0017] For example, when the headlight switch 12 is in a state instructing low beam illumination, the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state so that the low beam units 31 of the headlights 14R and 14L illuminate with low beams.

[0018] In addition, when the headlight switch 12 is set to emit low beam and high beam, the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state so that the low beam unit 31 of each headlight 14R, 14L emits a low beam, and sets the illumination state so that the high beam unit 30 emits a high beam.

[0019] Furthermore, when the headlight switch 12 is in a state instructing selective high beam illumination, the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state for the high beam units of each headlight 14R, 14L so as to illuminate with selective high beams whose light distribution pattern is set to include a dimming range according to the position of the forward vehicle (oncoming vehicle or preceding vehicle) photographed by the camera 11.

[0020] The light distribution control unit 21 generates control signals for causing each of the headlights 14R, 14L to form illumination light according to the illumination state set by the illumination state setting unit 20, and supplies the control signals to each of the headlights 14R, 14L.

[0021] The light distribution movement control unit 22 controls the movement of the irradiation position of the light emitted by each of the headlights 14R and 14L based on the amount of rainfall (and / or raindrop diameter) detected by the raindrop sensor 13.

[0022] 2A is a plan view schematically illustrating the illumination range of the high beam before movement. As shown in FIG. 2A, the high beam 50 emitted by the high beam unit 30 of the headlamp 14R is emitted in a range that spreads forward of the vehicle with the reference axis L as its approximate center. The reference axis L is an axis representing the main traveling direction of the high beam 50 emitted by the high beam unit 30, i.e., an axis representing the center direction of the high beam 50 (so-called optical axis). In the illustrated example, the reference axis L is oriented in the traveling direction of the vehicle (a direction approximately parallel to the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle). If the high beam 50 is a selective high beam, the central axis when the entire range is illuminated without providing a dimming range can be used as the reference axis L.

[0023] At this time, the line of sight E from the driver's seat passenger 100 toward the pedestrian 101 in front of the vehicle overlaps with the illumination range of the high beam 50 as shown in the figure. If it is raining around the vehicle, light may be scattered by raindrops in the air in the area where the illumination range of the high beam 50 overlaps with the line of sight E, causing a veiling phenomenon. The veiling phenomenon is a phenomenon in which scattered light makes the space appear like white smoke. When the veiling phenomenon occurs, visibility of the pedestrian 101 from the passenger 100 is reduced.

[0024] FIG. 2B is a plan view schematically illustrating the high beam illumination range after the movement. As shown in FIG. 2B, the illumination range of the high beam 50 has shifted to the right (i.e., outside the vehicle) relative to the vehicle. In the illustrated example, the high beam unit 30 itself is physically moved to the right, shifting the illumination range of the high beam 50 to the right. At this time, the reference axis L of the high beam 50 moves parallel from the inside to the outside of the vehicle before and after the movement of the illumination range of the high beam 50. In other words, when viewed from the high beam unit 30 as a reference, the direction of the reference axis L when the high beam 50 is emitted remains unchanged, and the reference axis L before and after the movement of the illumination range is approximately parallel. As a result, the overlapping range of the illumination range of the high beam 50 and the passenger's line of sight E is shortened by the illustrated range (distance) D, thereby reducing the light veil perceived by the passenger. Note that the "outside of the vehicle" refers to a side relatively close to the side of the vehicle, and the "inside of the vehicle" refers to a side relatively far from the side of the vehicle.

[0025] Based on the above-described principle, the headlight system of this embodiment shifts the illumination position of the high beam 50 during rain, thereby shifting the illumination range, thereby reducing the veil of light experienced by the occupants and improving visibility. This will be described in more detail below.

[0026] 3A, 3B, and 3C are schematic front views showing an example of the configuration of a high beam unit that can move the high beam irradiation position. Here, an example of the configuration of the high beam unit 30 for the headlight 14R on the right side of the vehicle is shown, but a symmetrical configuration can also be used for the headlight 14L on the left side of the vehicle.

[0027] The high beam unit 30 in the configuration example shown in Figure 3(A) is configured so that the position of the unit itself can be moved within the housing of the headlamp 14R. As an example, by configuring the high beam unit 30 to include a light source, a rail that slidably supports the light source, and an actuator that moves the light source, the position of the unit itself can be moved between the inside and outside of the vehicle as shown in the figure. The moving distance of the high beam unit 30 in this case can be, for example, approximately 10 to 20 cm (the same applies to the following configuration examples).

[0028] 3(B) , the high beam unit 30 is integrally formed with the low beam unit 31, and is configured so that the position of the unit itself can be moved together with the low beam unit 31 inside the housing of the headlamp 14R. A specific configuration example, similar to that described above, is one in which the integrated high beam unit 30 and low beam unit 31 are slidably moved using a light source, a rail, and an actuator. This allows the position of the high beam unit 30 itself to be moved between the inside and outside of the vehicle as shown in the figure.

[0029] 3(C) , the high beam unit 30 is disposed inside the housing of the headlamp 14R together with the low beam unit 31, and the position of the entire housing of the headlamp 14R can be moved between the inside and outside of the vehicle as shown. Specific examples of the configuration include, as above, a configuration in which the entire housing of the headlamp 14R is slidable using a light source, a rail, and an actuator.

[0030] Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view showing another example of a high beam unit configuration that can move the irradiation position of the high beam. The high beam unit 30 illustrated in Fig. 3A and other figures is configured to move the high beam unit 30 itself by mechanical means, but the high beam unit 30 illustrated in Fig. 4 can move the irradiation position of the high beam 50 by variably setting the optical path of the light emitted from the light source 40. In other words, this is a configuration that allows the high beam unit 30 to be moved in an apparent pseudo-manner.

[0031] Specifically, the illustrated high beam unit 30 includes a light source 40 that emits light, a mirror 41 that is disposed obliquely on the optical path of the light from the light source 40, and a mirror 42 that is disposed at a position where light reflected by the mirror 41 can enter. The mirror 41 is configured to be movable so that it can be switched between being disposed on the optical path of the light from the light source 40 and not being disposed on the optical path. The light emitted from the light source 40 is reflected by the mirror 41 and enters the mirror 42, and is further reflected by the mirror 42 and emitted outside the high beam unit 30 (see optical path P1 in the figure). When the mirror 41 is not disposed on the optical path, the light emitted from the light source 40 is emitted outside the high beam unit 30 without being reflected by the mirror 41 (see optical path P2 in the figure). By configuring the optical paths P1 and P2 to be switchable in this manner, the illumination position of the high beam 50 can be moved. Although the mirrors 41 and 42 are shown here as an example of an optical element for making the optical path switchable, there is no limitation on the configuration of the optical element as long as it is possible to switch the optical path.

[0032] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the headlamp system. Note that the order of the processes shown here can be changed as long as no contradictions or inconsistencies occur in the results of the information processing, and other processes not explicitly shown here can also be added.

[0033] When the headlamp switch 12 is on (step S11; YES), the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state to turn on the low beam (step S12). The light distribution control unit 21 outputs a control signal according to the set illumination state, causing the low beam units 31 of the headlamp 14L, 14R to emit low beams.

[0034] If the amount of rainfall (and / or raindrop diameter) detected by the raindrop sensor 13 satisfies the specified weather conditions (step S13; YES), the light distribution movement control unit 22 controls the movement of the illumination position of the light emitted by the high beam unit 30 of the headlight 14R, which is located at least relatively close to the driver's seat (step S14).

[0035] Here, the weather condition can be determined to be satisfied when, for example, the rainfall is 20 mm / h or more (heavy rain). The weather condition can be determined based on the diameter of raindrops, or based on both the amount of rainfall and the diameter of raindrops.

[0036] Furthermore, the control manner for moving the irradiation position of the irradiated light differs depending on the specific configuration of the high beam unit 30. For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 3(A) above, the high beam unit 30 itself is moved from the inside to the outside of the vehicle. In the configuration shown in Figure 3(B), the pair of high beam unit 30 and low beam unit 31 is moved from the inside to the outside of the vehicle. In the configuration shown in Figure 3(C), the headlamp 14R itself, including the high beam unit 30 and low beam unit 31, is moved from the inside to the outside of the vehicle. In the configuration shown in Figure 4, a mirror 41 is placed in the optical path of the light source 40 so that the light emitted from the light source follows optical path P1.

[0037] Next, the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state to turn on the high beams (step S15). The light distribution control unit 21 outputs a control signal in accordance with the set illumination state, causing the high beam units 30 of the headlights 14L and 14R to emit high beams. Alternatively, a selective high beam (adaptive driving beam) may be emitted.

[0038] If the amount of rainfall (and / or raindrop diameter) detected by the raindrop sensor 13 no longer satisfies the specified weather conditions (step S16; YES), the light distribution movement control unit 22 controls the illumination position of the light emitted by the high beam unit 30 of the headlight 14R, which is located at least relatively close to the driver's seat, to return to its original position (step S17).

[0039] For example, in the configuration shown in Fig. 3A, the high beam unit 30 itself is moved from the outside to the inside of the vehicle. In the configuration shown in Fig. 3B, the pair of high beam unit 30 and low beam unit 31 is moved from the outside to the inside of the vehicle. In the configuration shown in Fig. 3C, the headlamp 14R itself, including the high beam unit 30 and low beam unit 31, is moved from the outside to the inside of the vehicle. In the configuration shown in Fig. 4, the mirror 41 is removed from the optical path of the light source 40 so that the light emitted from the light source follows optical path P2.

[0040] Next, the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state to turn on the high beams (step S18). The light distribution control unit 21 outputs a control signal in accordance with the set illumination state, causing the high beam units 30 of the headlights 14L and 14R to emit high beams. Alternatively, selective high beams (adaptive driving beams) may be emitted. Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0041] If the headlight switch 12 is off or becomes off (step S11; NO), the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state to turn off the headlights (high beam and low beam) (step S19). The light distribution control unit 21 outputs a control signal in accordance with the set illumination state, thereby turning off the high beam unit 30 and the low beam unit 31 of each headlight 14L, 14R. Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0042] On the other hand, if the weather conditions are not met in step S13 (step S13; NO), the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state to turn on the high beams (step S20). The light distribution control unit 21 outputs a control signal in accordance with the set illumination state, causing the high beam units 30 of the headlights 14L and 14R to emit high beams. Alternatively, selective high beams (adaptive driving beams) may be emitted. Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0043] If the weather conditions are met in step S16 (step S16; NO), the process returns to step S11. In this case, the high beam illumination continues with the illumination position of the illumination light moved through steps S14 and S15. Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0044] According to the present embodiment as described above, it is possible to improve the visibility ahead of the vehicle during rainy weather, etc.

[0045] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the illumination position of the high beam (including the selective high beam) is variably set, but the illumination position of the low beam may be changed in a similar manner. Furthermore, the illumination positions of both the high beam and the low beam may be changed.

[0046] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the illumination position of the high beam or low beam (hereinafter referred to as "high beam, etc.") from the headlight 14R on the side closer to the driver's seat was set to be variable, but the illumination position of the high beam, etc. from the headlight 14L on the side farther from the driver's seat may be changed, or the illumination position of the high beam, etc. from each of the headlights 14R and 14L may be changed.

[0047] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the illumination position of the high beam, etc., is moved in the vehicle width direction. However, the illumination position of the high beam, etc., may also be moved in the vehicle height direction. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the headlamp 14L (14R) may be configured so that the high beam unit 30 can slide between the upper and lower sides of the vehicle. Although not shown, the headlamp 14L (14R) configured as shown in FIGS. 3B, 3C, and 4 may also be used. This configuration and control mode are particularly suitable for vehicles with a high driver's seat, such as large vehicles. In other words, by relatively lowering the illumination position of the high beam, etc., in rainy weather, the overlapping range of the illumination range of the high beam, etc., and the passenger's line of sight E can be shortened based on the same principle as described using FIG. 2B.

[0048] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a raindrop sensor capable of detecting the amount of rainfall (and / or the diameter of raindrops) was given as an example of a weather detection unit for detecting rainy weather, but the weather detection unit may also be configured using a communication device capable of acquiring information such as the amount of rainfall at the vehicle's current location via wireless communication from an external system.

[0049] Furthermore, although the above embodiment assumes that the driver's seat is located on the right side of the vehicle, the contents of the present disclosure can also be applied to cases where the driver's seat is located on the left side.

[0050] The present disclosure has the following features. (Supplementary Note 1) A headlamp system including: a headlamp configured to move an irradiation position of irradiated light and installed on a vehicle; a controller connected to the headlamp and controlling operation of the headlamp; and a weather detection unit connected to the controller and detecting weather at the current location of the vehicle, wherein, when the weather detected by the weather detection unit is rainy and satisfies a predetermined standard, the controller controls the headlamp so that the irradiation position of the irradiated light moves to a position relatively closer to the outside and / or below the vehicle than before the movement. (Supplementary Note 2) The headlamp system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the optical axis of the irradiated light is approximately parallel before and after the movement of the irradiation position. (Supplementary Note 3) The headlamp system according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the headlamp is installed on a side of the vehicle closer to the driver's seat. (Supplementary Note 4) The headlamp system according to any of Supplements 1 to 3, wherein the irradiated light is a high beam or a selective high beam. (Supplementary Note 5) The headlight system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 3, wherein the irradiated light is a low beam. (Supplementary Note 6) The headlight system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 5, wherein the headlight has a light source unit configured to be able to change its position within a housing, and the controller moves the irradiation position of the irradiated light by controlling the position of the light source unit. (Supplementary Note 7) The headlight system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 5, wherein the headlight is configured to be able to change the position of the entire headlight, and the controller moves the irradiation position of the irradiated light by controlling the position of the entire headlight. (Supplementary Note 8) The headlight system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 5, wherein the headlight has a light source and an optical element configured to be able to switch the optical path of light emitted from the light source, and the controller moves the irradiation position of the irradiated light by controlling the optical element to switch the optical path. (Supplementary Note 9) The headlamp system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein the rainy weather is a case where the amount of rainfall is equal to or greater than a first reference value and / or the diameter of raindrops is equal to or greater than a second reference value. (Supplementary Note 10) The headlamp system according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the weather detection unit is a sensor capable of detecting the amount of rainfall and / or the diameter of raindrops.

[0051] 10: Controller, 11: Camera, 12: Headlight switch, 13: Raindrop sensor, 14R, 14L: Headlight, 20: Illumination state setting unit, 21: Light distribution control unit, 22: Light distribution movement control unit, 30: High beam unit, 31: Low beam unit

Claims

1. A headlight configured to be able to move the irradiation position of the irradiation light and installed on a vehicle, a controller connected to the headlight and controlling the operation of the headlight, and a weather detection unit connected to the controller and detecting the weather at the current position of the vehicle. The controller controls the headlight so that when the weather detected by the weather detection unit is rainy weather satisfying a predetermined standard, the irradiation position of the irradiation light moves to a position relatively closer to the outside and / or the lower side of the vehicle than before the movement. A headlight system.

2. The headlight system according to claim 1, wherein the optical axis of the irradiation light is substantially parallel before and after the movement of the irradiation position.

3. The headlight system according to claim 1, wherein the headlight is installed on the side closer to the driver's seat of the vehicle.

4. The headlight system according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation light is high beam or selective high beam.

5. The headlight system according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation light is low beam.

6. The headlight system according to claim 1, wherein the headlight has a light source unit configured to be variable in position within a housing, and the controller moves the irradiation position of the irradiation light by controlling the position of the light source unit.

7. The headlight system according to claim 1, wherein the headlight is configured to be variable in the position of the entire headlight, and the controller moves the irradiation position of the irradiation light by controlling the position of the entire headlight.

8. The headlight system according to claim 1, wherein the headlight has a light source and an optical element configured to be able to switch the optical path of the light emitted from the light source, and the controller moves the irradiation position of the irradiation light by controlling the optical element to switch the optical path.

9. The rainy weather in the headlight system according to claim 1 is when the rainfall amount is equal to or greater than a first reference value and / or the raindrop diameter is equal to or greater than a second reference value.

10. The headlight system according to claim 9, wherein the weather detection unit is a sensor capable of detecting the rainfall amount and / or the raindrop diameter.

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