Headlight system

Abstract

The present invention improves visibility ahead of a vehicle at the time of rainfall or the like.　This headlight system comprises a headlight, a controller, and a weather detection unit. The headlight has at least a function of projecting a high beam from a first position or a second position relatively closer to the outer side and / or the lower side of the vehicle than the first position, and a function of projecting a low beam from a third position or a fourth position relatively closer to the outer side and / or the lower side of the vehicle than the third position. The controller controls the headlight so that, when the weather detected by the weather detection unit does not satisfy a predetermined criterion, the high beam is projected from the first position and the low beam is projected from the fourth position, and so that, when the weather is rainy weather satisfying the predetermined criterion, the high beam is projected from the second position and the low beam is projected from the third position.

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 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 weather at the current location of the vehicle, wherein the headlight has at least a function of emitting a high beam from a first position or a second position that is relatively closer to the outside and / or below the vehicle than the first position, and a function of emitting a low beam from a third position or a fourth position that is relatively closer to the outside and / or below the vehicle than the third position, and the controller controls the headlight to emit the high beam from the first position and the low beam from the fourth position when the weather detected by the weather detection unit does not satisfy a predetermined criterion, and controls the headlight to emit the high beam from the second position and the low beam from the third position when the weather is rainy and satisfies the predetermined criterion.

[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 of the 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. FIG. 3(A) is a schematic front view for explaining an example of the configuration of a headlamp. FIG. 3(B) is a schematic front view for explaining another example of the configuration of a headlamp. FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are schematic front views showing an example of the configuration of a headlamp that can move the irradiation positions of the high beam and low beam. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the headlamp system. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view showing an example of a modified configuration of a headlamp. FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B) are schematic front views showing an example of a modified configuration of a headlamp.

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

[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 sources 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 first light source unit 31 capable of emitting high beams (or selective high beams) and low beams, and a second light source unit 32 capable of similarly emitting high beams (or selective high beams) and low beams. The first light source unit 31 is positioned relatively closer to the inside of the vehicle, while the second light source unit 32 is positioned relatively closer to the outside of the vehicle (see FIGS. 2A and 2B , described below).

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 first light source unit 31 or the second light source unit 32 of each headlight 14R, 14L illuminates a low beam.

[0017] 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 first light source unit 31 or the second light source unit 32 of each headlight 14R, 14L emits a low beam, and also sets the illumination state so that the first light source unit 31 or the second light source unit 32 emits a high beam.

[0018] 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 first light source unit 31 or the second light source unit 32 of each headlight 14R, 14L to illuminate a selective high beam 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.

[0019] The light distribution control unit 21 generates a control signal for causing each headlamp 14R, 14L to form illumination light according to the illumination state set by the illumination state setting unit 20, and supplies this signal to each headlamp 14R, 14L.

[0020] The light distribution movement control unit 22 performs control to move the illumination range of the illumination light (high beam and low beam) formed by each headlight 14R, 14L based on the amount of rainfall (and / or raindrop diameter) detected by the raindrop sensor 13.

[0021] 2A is a plan view schematically illustrating the illumination range of the light before movement. As shown in FIG. 2A, the high beam 51 emitted by the first light source unit 31 of the headlight 14R is illuminated over a range that spreads forward of the vehicle. The high beam 51 may be a selective high beam. The low beam 52 emitted by the second light source unit 32 of the headlight 14R is illuminated over a range that is wider than the high beam 51. Generally, the low beam is often emitted closer to the outside of the vehicle, and therefore, in this embodiment, such an arrangement is adopted before the illumination range is moved, i.e., during normal operation.

[0022] At this time, the line of sight E of the occupant 100 in the driver's seat toward the front of the vehicle overlaps with the illumination ranges of the high beam 51 and the low beam 52 as shown in the figure. If it is raining around the vehicle, light is scattered by raindrops in the air in the area where the illumination ranges of the high beam 51 and the low beam 52 overlap 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 when viewing the area ahead of the vehicle from the occupant 100 is reduced.

[0023] 2B is a plan view schematically illustrating the illumination range of the high beam after the movement. As shown in FIG. 2B, the high beam 51 emitted by the first light source unit 31 is turned off, and instead, the high beam 53 is emitted by the second light source unit 32. The illumination range of this high beam 53 has shifted to the right (i.e., toward the outside of the vehicle) relative to the high beam 51. Furthermore, the low beam 52 emitted by the second light source unit 32 is turned off, and instead, the low beam 54 is emitted by the first light source unit 31. The illumination range of this low beam 54 has shifted to the left (i.e., toward the inside of the vehicle) relative to the low beam 52. Note that the "outside of the vehicle" refers to a side relatively closer to the side of the vehicle, and the "inside of the vehicle" refers to a side relatively farther from the side of the vehicle.

[0024] As a result, the overlapping range (distance) D2 of the irradiation range of the high beam 53 and the line of sight E of the passenger is shorter than the overlapping range (distance) D1 of the irradiation range of the high beam 51 and the line of sight E of the passenger, so that the light curtain visible to the passenger can be reduced.

[0025] Based on the above-described principle, the headlight system of this embodiment shifts the illumination position of the high beam and also the illumination position of the low beam during rainfall, thereby reducing the veiling experienced by the occupants and improving visibility. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0026] 3A is a schematic front view illustrating an example of the configuration of a headlamp. Here, the headlamp 14R is shown as viewed from the front of the vehicle. The headlamp 14L is not shown because it is arranged symmetrically. In the headlamp 14R, the first light source unit 31 is positioned relatively close to the inside of the vehicle, and the second light source unit 32 is positioned relatively close to the outside of the vehicle.

[0027] FIG. 3(B) is a schematic front view illustrating another example of a headlamp configuration. Here, the headlamp 14R is shown as viewed from the front of the vehicle. The headlamp 14L is not shown because it is arranged symmetrically. Similar to the configuration of FIG. 3(A) described above, in the headlamp 14R, the first light source unit 31 is positioned relatively closer to the inside of the vehicle, and the second light source unit 32 is positioned relatively closer to the outside of the vehicle. The third light source unit 33 is positioned between the first light source unit 31 and the second light source unit 32. Like the first light source unit 31 and the second light source unit 32, the third light source unit 33 is a light source unit capable of emitting high beams or selective high beams and low beams.

[0028] 4(A) and 4(B) are schematic front views showing example configurations of headlights capable of moving the high beam and low beam illumination positions, respectively. Here, an example configuration of the headlight 14R on the right side of the vehicle is shown, but the headlight 14L on the left side of the vehicle can be configured symmetrically. In the headlight 14R of the example configuration shown in FIG. 4(A), the first light source unit 31 includes a high beam unit 31a and a low beam unit 31b, and the second light source unit 32 includes a high beam unit 32a and a low beam unit 32b. In the headlight 14R of the example configuration shown in FIG. 4(B), the first light source unit 31 includes a high beam unit 31a and a low beam unit 31b, the second light source unit 32 includes a high beam unit 32a and a low beam unit 32b, and the third light source unit 33 includes a high beam unit 33a and a low beam unit 33b.

[0029] 4A, the headlamp 14R can move the high beam illumination position by selectively using the high beam unit 31a of the first light source unit 31 and the high beam unit 32a of the second light source unit 32. That is, the high beam unit 31a of the first light source unit 31 can illuminate the high beam from a position (first position) relatively closer to the inside of the vehicle, while the high beam unit 32a of the second light source unit 32 can illuminate the high beam from a position (second position) relatively closer to the outside of the vehicle. This allows the high beam illumination range to be moved.

[0030] 4A, the low beam illumination position can be moved by selectively using the low beam unit 31b of the first light source unit 31 and the low beam unit 32b of the second light source unit 32. That is, the low beam unit 31b of the first light source unit 31 can illuminate a low beam from a position relatively closer to the inside of the vehicle (third position), while the low beam unit 32b of the second light source unit 32 can illuminate a high beam from a position relatively closer to the outside of the vehicle (fourth position). This allows the low beam illumination range to be moved.

[0031] 4(A), the headlamp 14R of the configuration example shown in Fig. 4(B) can variably set the irradiation positions of the high beam and low beam using the first light source unit 31 and the second light source unit 32. Furthermore, by using the third light source unit 33, it is possible to irradiate the high beam and low beam from an intermediate position between a position relatively close to the inside of the vehicle and a position relatively close to the outside of the vehicle.

[0032] For example, the high beam illumination range can be moved by switching between irradiating a high beam using the high beam unit 31 a of the first light source unit 31 and the high beam unit 33 a of the third light source unit 33 and irradiating a high beam using the high beam unit 32 a of the second light source unit 32 and the high beam unit 33 a of the third light source unit 33. Similarly, the low beam illumination range can be moved by switching between irradiating a low beam using the low beam unit 31 b of the first light source unit 31 and the low beam unit 33 b of the third light source unit 33 and irradiating a low beam using the low beam unit 32 b of the second light source unit 32 and the low beam unit 33 b of the third light source unit 33.

[0033] The configuration of each headlamp 14R, 14L is not limited to the above, and various known configurations can be employed. For example, a light source unit configured by combining a light source bulb with a reflector or a shielding plate can be used to realize a light source unit capable of emitting high beam, selective high beam, and low beam. A light source unit having light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged in one or two directions and capable of individually controlling the lighting state of each light-emitting element can also be used to realize a light source unit capable of emitting high beam, selective high beam, and low beam. A light source unit having a light source and a liquid crystal element, etc., capable of individually controlling the light transmission state of each pixel of the liquid crystal element can also be used to realize a light source unit capable of emitting high beam, selective high beam, and low beam. A light source unit having light-emitting elements such as laser diodes and a scanning element, such as a mirror device, that scans the light emitted from the light-emitting elements can also be used to realize a light source unit capable of emitting high beam, selective high beam, and low beam.

[0034] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the headlamp system. 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 specifically shown here can be added. For ease of understanding, the following description will be given assuming the use of the headlamp 14L, 14R shown in FIG. 4A.

[0035] When the headlamp switch 12 is on (step S11; YES), the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state to illuminate the low beam (step S12). The light distribution control unit 21 outputs a control signal in accordance with the set illumination state, causing the second light source units 32 of the headlamp 14L, 14R to emit the low beam.

[0036] If the amount of rainfall (and / or raindrop diameter) detected by the raindrop sensor 13 satisfies the predetermined weather conditions (step S13; YES), the light distribution movement control unit 22 controls the movement of the high beam and low beam illumination positions of at least the headlamp 14R located relatively close to the driver's seat (step S14). Specifically, for low beam, the light distribution movement control unit 22 controls the illumination state setting unit 20 to stop illumination by the second light source unit 32 and to illuminate from the first light source unit 31. For high beam, the light distribution movement control unit 22 controls the illumination state setting unit 20 to stop illumination by the first light source unit 31 and to illuminate from the second light source unit 32.

[0037] Here, the weather condition can be satisfied when, for example, the rainfall is 20 mm / h or more (heavy rain). The weather condition can be determined by comparing the raindrop diameter with a predetermined reference value, or can be determined based on both the rainfall amount and the raindrop diameter.

[0038] Next, the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state to activate the high beam function (step S15). The light distribution control unit 21 outputs a control signal in accordance with the set illumination state, causing the high beam units 32a of the second light source units 32 of each headlamp 14L, 14R to emit high beams. A selective high beam (adaptive driving beam) may be emitted as the high beam. The high beam may also be controlled to automatically turn off when a vehicle ahead is present.

[0039] If the amount of rainfall (and / or raindrop diameter) detected by the raindrop sensor 13 no longer satisfies the predetermined weather conditions (step S16; YES), the light distribution movement control unit 22 controls at least the illumination position of the light emitted by the headlamp 14R located relatively close to the driver's seat to return to its original position (step S17). Specifically, for high beam, the illumination state setting unit 20 controls the illumination state setting unit 20 to stop illumination by the high beam unit 32a of the second light source unit 32 and to illuminate from the high beam unit 31a of the first light source unit 31. Furthermore, for low beam, the illumination state setting unit 20 controls the illumination state setting unit 20 to stop illumination by the low beam unit 31b of the first light source unit 31 and to illuminate from the low beam unit 32b of the second light source unit 32.

[0040] Next, the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state to activate the high beam function (step S18). A control signal is output from the light distribution control unit 21 in accordance with the set illumination state, causing the high beam units 31a of the first light source units 31 of each headlamp 14L, 14R to emit a high beam. A selective high beam (adaptive driving beam) may be emitted as the high beam. The high beam may also be controlled to be automatically turned off when a vehicle ahead is present. 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 first light source unit 31 and the second light source unit 32 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 activate the high beam function (step S20). A control signal is output from the light distribution control unit 21 in accordance with the set illumination state, causing the high beam units 31a of the first light source units 31 of each headlamp 14L, 14R to emit high beams. A selective high beam (adaptive driving beam) may be emitted as the high beam. The high beam may also be controlled to automatically turn off when a vehicle ahead is present.

[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] It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. For example, 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 is variably set, 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 positions of the high beam, etc. from each of the headlights 14R and 14L may be changed.

[0046] 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. An example configuration of the headlamp 14R (14L) in this case is shown in FIG. 6 . In the illustrated headlamp 14R, the first light source unit 31 is positioned relatively closer to the upper side of the vehicle, and the second light source unit 32 is positioned relatively closer to the lower side of the vehicle. 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. 2(B).

[0047] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, when using headlights 14R (14L) equipped with a first light source unit 31 and a second light source unit 32 each having a high beam unit and a low beam unit, complementary operational control is performed for turning on and off the high beam unit 31a and the high beam unit 32a, and the low beam unit 31b and the low beam unit 32b, respectively, but a similar effect can also be obtained by increasing or decreasing the amount of light.

[0048] Specifically, in the situation shown in Figure 2 (A), the high beam unit 31a of the first light source unit 31 can be controlled to light up with a relatively high light intensity and the high beam unit 32a of the second light source unit 32 can be controlled to light up with a relatively low light intensity, and the low beam unit 31b of the first light source unit 31 can be controlled to light up with a relatively low light intensity and the low beam unit 32b of the second light source unit 32 can be controlled to light up with a relatively high light intensity.

[0049] In addition, in the situation shown in Figure 2 (B), the high beam unit 31a of the first light source unit 31 can be controlled to be lit with a relatively low light intensity and the high beam unit 32a of the second light source unit 32 can be controlled to be lit with a relatively high light intensity, and the low beam unit 31b of the first light source unit 31 can be controlled to be lit with a relatively high light intensity and the low beam unit 32b of the second light source unit 32 can be controlled to be lit with a relatively low light intensity.

[0050] The same applies to the case where the first light source unit 31 is disposed in a position relatively closer to the upper side of the vehicle and the second light source unit 32 is disposed in a position relatively closer to the lower side of the vehicle.

[0051] 7(A) and 7(B), for example, in a case where the headlamp 14R (14L) includes a plurality of light source units 40, 41, 42, and 43 that can switch between emitting a high beam (or a selective high beam) and a low beam, the headlamp 14R (14L) may be configured to switch which of the light source units 41, etc. emits the low beam and the high beam, and further to switch the balance of light intensity among the light source units 41 to 43. The headlamp 14R in the examples shown in each figure includes light source units 40 and 41 that are arranged relatively above and light source units 42 and 43 that are arranged relatively below. The relative balance of light intensity is indicated in parentheses in the figures.

[0052] In the example shown in FIG. 7A, a low beam is emitted by the light source unit 42, which is relatively lower and outer, and a high beam is emitted by the other light source units 40, 41, and 43. In this case, if the light intensity of the low beam of the light source unit 42 is 100, the light intensity of the high beams of the other light source units 40, 41, and 43 are all 100. In the example shown in FIG. 7B, a low beam is emitted by the light source unit 41, which is relatively upper and inner, and a high beam is emitted by the other light source units 40, 42, and 43. In this case, if the light intensity of the low beam of the light source unit 41 is 100, the light intensity of the high beams of the other light source units 40, 41, and 43 are 50, 200, and 50, respectively. For example, by switching the illumination positions of the high beam and the low beam and changing the light intensity balance as described above, the illumination ranges of the low beam and the high beam can be moved without changing the overall light intensity. Furthermore, by relatively increasing the light intensity of the high beam of the light source unit 42, which is relatively lower, the effect of reducing light veiling can be further enhanced.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The present disclosure has the following features: (Supplementary Note 1) A headlamp system including: a headlamp installed in a vehicle; a controller connected to the headlamp and controlling the operation of the headlamp; and a weather detection unit connected to the controller and detecting weather at a current location of the vehicle, wherein the headlamp has at least a function of emitting a high beam from a first position or a second position that is relatively closer to the outside and / or below the vehicle than the first position, and a function of emitting a low beam from a third position or a fourth position that is relatively closer to the outside and / or below the vehicle than the third position, and wherein the controller controls the headlamp to emit the high beam from the first position and the low beam from the fourth position when the weather detected by the weather detection unit does not satisfy a predetermined criterion, and controls the headlamp to emit the high beam from the second position and the low beam from the third position when the weather is rainy and satisfies the predetermined criterion. (Supplementary Note 2) The headlamp system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the headlamp is installed on a side of the vehicle closer to a driver's seat. (Supplementary Note 3) The headlamp system according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the rainy weather is when the amount of rainfall is equal to or greater than a first reference value and / or when the diameter of raindrops is equal to or greater than a second reference value. (Supplementary Note 4) The headlamp system according to any of Supplements 1 to 3, wherein the weather detection unit is a sensor capable of detecting the amount of rainfall and / or the diameter of raindrops. (Supplementary Note 5) The headlamp system according to any of Supplements 1 to 4, wherein the headlamp has a first light source unit and a second light source unit capable of emitting the high beam and the low beam, respectively, the first light source unit is disposed relatively on the inner side and / or upper side of the vehicle, and the second light source unit is disposed relatively on the outer side and / or lower side of the vehicle. (Supplementary Note 6) The headlamp system described in Supplementary Note 5, wherein the first light source unit is capable of emitting the high beam from the first position and the low beam from the third position, and the second light source unit is capable of emitting the high beam from the second position and the low beam from the fourth position.(Supplementary Note 7) The headlamp system described in Supplementary Note 6, wherein the first light source unit includes a first high beam unit capable of emitting the high beam from the first position and a first low beam unit capable of emitting the low beam from the third position; and the second light source unit includes a second high beam unit capable of emitting the high beam from the second position and a second low beam unit capable of emitting the low beam from the fourth position.

[0056] 10: Controller, 11: Camera, 12: Headlight switch, 13: Raindrop sensor, 14R, 14L: Headlight, 20: Irradiation state setting unit, 21: Light distribution control unit, 22: Light distribution movement control unit, 31: First light source unit, 31a: High beam unit, 31b: Low beam unit, 32: Second light source unit, 32a: High beam unit, 32b: Low beam unit

Claims

1. A headlamp installed in a vehicle, a controller connected to the headlamp and controlling the operation of the headlamp, and a weather detection unit connected to the controller and detecting the weather at the current position of the vehicle, wherein the headlamp has at least a function of irradiating a high beam from a first position or a second position relatively closer to the outside and / or lower side of the vehicle than the first position, and a function of irradiating a low beam from a third position or a fourth position relatively closer to the outside and / or lower side of the vehicle than the third position, and the controller controls the headlamp to irradiate the high beam from the first position and irradiate the low beam from the fourth position when the weather detected by the weather detection unit does not meet a predetermined standard, and controls the headlamp to irradiate the high beam from the second position and irradiate the low beam from the third position when the weather is rainy and meets the predetermined standard. Headlamp system.

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

3. The headlamp system according to claim 1, wherein the rainy weather is a case where 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.

4. The headlamp system according to claim 3, wherein the weather detection unit is a sensor capable of detecting the rainfall amount and / or the raindrop diameter.

5. The headlamp system according to claim 1, wherein each of the headlamps has a first light source unit and a second light source unit capable of irradiating the high beam and the low beam, the first light source unit is arranged relatively closer to the inside and / or upper side of the vehicle, and the second light source unit is arranged relatively closer to the outside and / or lower side of the vehicle.

6. The headlamp system according to claim 5, wherein the first light source unit is capable of irradiating the high beam from the first position and irradiating the low beam from the third position, and the second light source unit is capable of irradiating the high beam from the second position and irradiating the low beam from the fourth position.

7. The first light source unit includes a first high beam unit capable of irradiating the high beam from the first position and a first low beam unit capable of irradiating the low beam from the third position, and the second light source unit includes a second high beam unit capable of irradiating the high beam from the second position and a second low beam unit capable of irradiating the low beam from the fourth position. The headlamp system according to claim 6.

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