Control device mounted on vehicle equipped with automatic brake system

Abstract

Provided is a control device that is mounted on a vehicle equipped with an automatic brake system, and that can alert a pedestrian without startling the pedestrian with glare. The control device controls a lamp unit capable of forming a flashing beam light distribution pattern having a dimmed light reduction area above an irradiation area in front of a host vehicle, and is characterized in that when an automatic brake system for automatically causing a brake to operate upon detection of an obstacle is activated, the control device causes the lamp unit to form the flashing beam light distribution pattern and emit a blinking light. When the automatic brake is activated, flashing is automatically performed with the flashing beam in which the upper part is dimmed.

Description

Control device mounted on a vehicle equipped with an automatic braking system

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device mounted on a vehicle equipped with an automatic braking system.

[0002] There is a vehicle lamp that forms a light distribution pattern considerate of vehicles and pedestrians (Patent Document 1). The light distribution pattern is formed and irradiated so as not to dazzle the driver of an oncoming vehicle or pedestrians.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-168131

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, pedestrians may not notice the vehicle. Moreover, when an automatic brake is applied to the vehicle, if a pedestrian in the traveling direction does not notice the vehicle, it is dangerous for both the pedestrian and the driver.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of this, and provides a control device mounted on a vehicle equipped with an automatic braking system, which can perform control capable of alerting pedestrians without dazzling them.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, in a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a control device for controlling a lamp unit capable of forming a passing beam light distribution pattern having a dimming region in which the upper part of an irradiation region in front of the host vehicle is dimmed. When an automatic braking system that automatically operates the brakes when an obstacle is detected is activated, the control device is configured to form the passing beam light distribution pattern in the lamp unit and perform flashing irradiation.

[0007] According to this aspect, when the automatic brake is activated, a passing beam with a dimmed upper part is irradiated from the vehicle lamp and flashes. If the obstacle is a pedestrian, even if the brakes are automatically applied, the pedestrian may not notice the vehicle. By using a passing beam with a dimmed upper part, the pedestrian is irradiated with light dimmed on the head, and attention is prompted without being dazzled. With a simple configuration of performing passing with a passing beam when the automatic brake is activated, it is possible to alert pedestrians without dazzling them.

[0008] Furthermore, in a second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the illumination area of ​​the passing beam light distribution pattern has the same vertical width as the illumination area of ​​the high beam light distribution pattern, and the upper area of ​​the illumination area is composed of a dimmed area that is attenuated compared to other areas. According to this embodiment, a passing beam can be formed by dimming the upper area of ​​the high beam. The high beam run unit and the passing beam lamp unit can be shared.

[0009] Furthermore, in a third embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, the automatic braking system is configured to detect the type of obstacle, and the control device is configured to form the passing beam pattern and emit the passing beam only when the obstacle is a person. According to this embodiment, even if the automatic brake is activated due to obstacle detection, the flashing will not be directed at anything other than a person. Unnecessary flashing can be suppressed.

[0010] Furthermore, in a fourth embodiment, in any of the first to third embodiments, the automatic braking system is configured to measure the distance to the obstacle, the dimming area of ​​the passing beam light distribution pattern is configured to have a variable range, and the control device is configured to determine the range of the dimming area when it acquires distance information to the obstacle. According to this embodiment, the dimming area can be adjusted to ensure that the dimming area hits the head of a pedestrian when passing is performed.

[0011] Furthermore, in a fifth embodiment, in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the automatic braking system is configured to measure the distance to the obstacle, the dimming region of the passing beam light distribution pattern is configured to have a variable range, and the control device is configured to acquire distance information to the obstacle and to control the vertical length of the dimming region to decrease as the distance to the obstacle decreases.

[0012] Furthermore, a vehicle lighting device in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the control device and the lamp unit capable of forming the passing beam light distribution pattern having the dimmed area above the illumination area in front of the vehicle.

[0013] Furthermore, a lighting system in one aspect of the present disclosure includes a lamp unit capable of forming a passing beam light distribution pattern having a dimmed area above the illumination area in front of the vehicle, and a control device for controlling the lamp unit, wherein the control device is configured to cause the lamp unit to flash and illuminate with the passing beam light distribution pattern when an automatic braking system that automatically applies the brakes when an obstacle is detected is activated.

[0014] Furthermore, an illumination method in one aspect of the present disclosure is an illumination method using a lamp unit capable of forming a passing beam light distribution pattern having a dimmed area above the illumination area in front of the vehicle, wherein the lamp unit is configured to flash and illuminate with the passing beam light distribution pattern when an automatic braking system that activates the automatic brake when an obstacle is detected is activated.

[0015] Furthermore, in a program according to one embodiment of this disclosure, the irradiation method is performed by the control device.

[0016] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the storage medium is configured to be computer-readable, storing the program.

[0017] As is clear from the above explanation, a control device can be provided that can be installed in vehicles equipped with an automatic braking system and that can alert pedestrians without dazzling them.

[0018] This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration and usage state of a lighting system including a control device and vehicle lighting according to the first embodiment. This is a front view showing the schematic configuration of a vehicle lighting according to the first embodiment. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the third lamp unit (passing beam lamp unit). This schematically shows the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lighting. Figure 4(A) shows the low beam light distribution pattern by the first lamp unit and the high beam light distribution pattern by the second lamp unit, and Figure 4(B) shows the low beam light distribution pattern by the first lamp unit and the passing beam light distribution pattern by the third lamp unit. This is a side view schematically showing the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lighting. This is a flowchart of the operation of the lighting system. This shows a modified lamp unit. This shows a modified lighting system. This is an explanatory diagram explaining the imaging device and image processing. This is a flowchart of the operation of a modified lighting system. This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration and usage state of a lighting system including a control device and vehicle lighting according to the second embodiment. This is a front view showing the schematic configuration of a vehicle lighting according to the second embodiment. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fourth lamp unit (a lamp unit for both high beam and passing beam). It schematically shows the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lighting fixture. Figure 13(A) shows the state with the dimming plate raised, Figure 13(B) shows the state with the dimming plate lowered, and Figure 13(C) shows the state where the rotation angle of the dimming plate is 0 < α < α1. This is a flowchart of the operation of the lighting fixture system. This shows a modified example of the lamp unit. This is a block diagram of a lighting fixture system including a control device and vehicle lighting fixture according to the third embodiment. This is a front view of the vehicle lighting fixture. This is a schematic configuration diagram of the fifth lamp unit. It schematically shows the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lighting fixture. Figure 19(A) shows the low beam light distribution pattern and the high beam light distribution pattern, and Figures 19(B) and 19(C) show the low beam light distribution pattern and the passing beam light distribution pattern. This schematically shows the change in the light distribution pattern due to the vehicle lighting fixture. Figure 20(A) shows a pedestrian relatively far from the vehicle, and Figure 20(B) shows a pedestrian relatively close to the vehicle. This is a block diagram of a lighting system including a control device and vehicle lighting fixture according to the fourth embodiment. This is a front view of the vehicle lighting fixture.This is a schematic diagram of the sixth lamp unit. It schematically shows the change in the light distribution pattern by the vehicle's lighting equipment. Figure 24(A) shows the low beam light distribution pattern by the first lamp unit and the high beam light distribution pattern by the sixth lamp unit, and Figure 24(B) shows the low beam light distribution pattern by the first lamp unit and the passing beam light distribution pattern by the sixth lamp unit.

[0019] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are illustrative and not limiting to the invention, and not all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. In the following descriptions of embodiments and modifications, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. In Figures 1, 5, 10, and 20, the brightness of light is shown by shades of gray, with darker shades indicating brighter light and lighter shades indicating dimmer light. In Figure 24, hatching indicates a dimmed state.

[0020] (Outline of the first lighting system) Figure 1 shows an outline configuration of a lighting system VS1 comprising a control device 9 and a vehicle lighting device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] The lighting system VS1 includes an automatic braking system that automatically applies the brakes when an obstacle is detected, and a vehicle lighting device 1 capable of emitting a passing beam. When the automatic brake is activated, the system is configured to automatically flash the passing beam.

[0022] Vehicle lighting fixtures 1 are headlights mounted on the left and right corners of the front of the vehicle, and are configured to emit high beam, low beam, and passing beam. The on / off switching of vehicle lighting fixtures 1 and the light distribution pattern emitted by vehicle lighting fixtures 1 are controlled by control device 9. Control device 9 is configured to receive brake operation signals by means of (not shown).

[0023] Figure 1 shows the state when a vehicle V is illuminated by a passing beam from the vehicle light fixture 1. The brightness of the light is shown by the shades of light gray, with darker gray indicating higher luminosity (darker is brighter, lighter is dimmer). As shown in Figure 1, the passing beam is dimmed in at least the upper region of the passing beam illumination area.

[0024] The automatic braking system includes a sensor 5 that detects obstacles in the direction of travel of the vehicle V, and a brake actuation unit 7 that activates the brakes. The sensor 5 is, for example, an infrared laser radar or an ultrasonic sensor. When the control device 9 detects an obstacle by the sensor 5 and the brake actuation unit 7 is activated, it causes the vehicle light fixture 1 to form a passing beam light distribution pattern and flashes the light source that forms the passing beam light distribution pattern. This flashing is mainly performed only once, and a passing beam with at least the upper region dimmed is automatically projected in front of the vehicle for a short time along with the automatic braking activation.

[0025] (Vehicle lighting fixture 1) The specific configuration of vehicle lighting fixture 1 will be described below. Vehicle lighting fixture 1 comprises a lamp body 2 and a lamp cover 4 as a lamp housing. The lamp body 2 has an opening at the front, and a lamp cover 4 made of translucent resin is attached to the opening, defining a lamp chamber on the inside.

[0026] The vehicle lighting fixture 1 houses three lamp units LU1 to LU3 within its lamp chamber. Each of the lamp units LU1 to LU3 is equipped with a light source, and the light emitted from the light source is formed into a predetermined lamp light distribution pattern and emitted forward of the vehicle.

[0027] The first lamp unit LU1 is a low-beam lamp unit. The second lamp unit LU2 is a high-beam lamp unit. The first lamp unit LU1 and the second lamp unit LU2 illuminate the area in front of the vehicle with low beam / high beam, either individually or in cooperation.

[0028] The third lamp unit LU3 is a lamp unit for the passing beam. The third lamp unit LU3, in cooperation with the first lamp unit LU1 and the second lamp unit LU2, or independently, illuminates the area in front of the vehicle with a passing beam. Generally, the beam used for passing is either a high beam or a low beam, but in this embodiment, a passing beam separate from the high beam / low beam is used when passing.

[0029] The control device 9 controls the on / off switching and light distribution pattern of the three lamp units LU1 to LU3. Each light distribution pattern is switched and turned on / off automatically by the control device 9 or manually by the driver using a switch SW.

[0030] Flashing headlights is primarily used as a form of communication, such as to alert or signal drivers of oncoming vehicles or pedestrians. As mentioned above, the flashing beam is automatically activated when the automatic braking system is activated, and can also be activated manually by the driver using a switch.

[0031] (Lamp Unit) The configuration of the lamp unit LU will now be described. The first lamp unit LU1 and the second lamp unit LU2 may use conventionally known optical units such as reflector type or projector type, as long as they are capable of emitting low beam / high beam, and the type is not limited. For this reason, a detailed explanation using diagrams for both lamp units will be omitted. The first lamp unit LU1 and the second lamp unit LU2 may have different configurations. They may be devices capable of forming arbitrary patterns in light, such as a DMD (Digital Mirror Device), pixel optical devices such as LED arrays or liquid crystal shutters, or scanning devices that scan laser light at high speed to form images from afterimages, or a single lamp unit integrating both lamp units may be used.

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the third lamp unit LU3. As shown in Figure 3, the third lamp unit LU3 comprises a reflector 11, a light source 12 which is a light-emitting element, and a dimming plate 13, all of which are attached to and supported by a support member 14.

[0033] The light source 12 is a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), LD (Laser Diode), or EL (Electroluminescence) element.

[0034] The light-reducing plate 13 is a reflector configured to receive a portion of the light emitted from the light source 12 and guide at least a portion of the incident light to the reflector 11. The light-reducing plate 13 is not configured to concentrate the incident light, but rather to diffuse / attenuate it and guide it to the reflector 11. For this reason, although the inner surface 13a of the light-reducing plate 13 is the reflective surface of the light emitted from the light source 12, it is configured to reduce the incidence rate of light to the reflector 11. For example, the inner surface 13a may be matte-finished, a light-reducing film may be attached to the inner surface 13a, an anti-reflective paint may be applied to the inner surface 13a, the light-reducing plate 13 may be made of a light-absorbing material, or it may be processed to primarily diffuse light away from the reflector 11, so that the light-reducing plate 13 is processed to reflect light at a reduced intensity compared to the incident light. Due to the dimming plate 13, the light L1 emitted from the light source 12, reflected by the dimming plate 13, and incident on the reflector 11 has a lower luminous intensity than the light L2 that directly incident on the reflector 11 from the light source 12.

[0035] The reflector 11 is an optical component configured to receive light emitted from the light source 12, reflect it, and guide it forward to the lamp unit, with its inner surface being a predetermined reflective surface 11a. The light emitted from the light source 12 and incident on the reflector 11 includes not only the light L2 directly incident from the light source 12, but also the light L1 that is incident on the dimming plate 13 and reflected toward the reflector 11.

[0036] The reflector 11 is a step reflector, which is a step-shaped reflector divided into multiple reflective elements. After molding, metal deposition is applied to the inner surface of the reflector 11 to form a reflective surface 11a.

[0037] The reflector 11 and the light-reducing plate 13 constitute an optical component that forms a passing beam light distribution pattern. However, it is not limited to this configuration; the passing beam light distribution pattern may be formed solely by the shape of the step reflector, and the light-reducing plate 13 may not be included. Alternatively, other optical components may be used to form an optical component that forms a passing beam light distribution pattern, either individually or in cooperation with them.

[0038] The support member 14 is a flat plate, and the light source 12 is attached to the support member 14 with its light-emitting surface facing downward vertically. The reflector 11 is configured to have a substantially radial cross-sectional shape, with its upper end fixed to the support member 14 and its reflective surface 11a facing forward. The dimming plate 13 is positioned in front of the light source 12, with its upper end fixed to the support member 14 and its inner surface 13a facing the light source 12 and the reflector 11. The dimming plate 13 is smaller than the reflector 11, and a portion of the light emitted from the light source 12 enters the dimming plate 13 and is reflected back to the reflector 11.

[0039] (Light Distribution Pattern) Figure 4 schematically shows the illumination range of each lamp unit formed on a virtual vertical screen located 25 m in front of the vehicle by the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 1. It schematically shows the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp 1. The axis centers of the horizontal line (H-H line) and vertical line (V-V line) on the virtual vertical screen are assumed to pass through the optical axis of the vehicle lamp 1. The same applies to the schematic diagrams showing the illumination range of the lamp units shown later.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4(A), the first lamp unit LU1, which is a low-beam lamp unit, forms the light from the light source into a low-beam light distribution pattern P1 having a cutoff line CL, and irradiates it in front of the vehicle.

[0041] The second lamp unit LU2, which is a lamp unit for high beams, forms a high beam light distribution pattern P2 above the low beam light distribution pattern P1. The high beam light distribution pattern P2 is mainly formed centered slightly above the horizontal line (H-H line).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4(B), the third lamp unit LU3, which is a lamp unit for passing beams, forms a passing beam light distribution pattern P3 in front of the vehicle. The outer shape of the passing beam light distribution pattern P3 is substantially the same as that of the high beam light distribution pattern P2.

[0043] The reflector 11 forms the light of the light source 12 into the passing beam light distribution pattern P3 and emits it in front of the vehicle. The light shielding plate 13 is disposed on the front side of the light source 12. Among the light incident on the reflector 11, the light L1 reflected by the light shielding plate 13 is reflected slightly upward rather than the light L2 directly incident from the light source 12.

[0044] Therefore, the passing beam light distribution pattern P3 is divided into an upper region formed by the light L1 and a lower region formed by the light L2, and the passing beam light distribution pattern P3 is formed by the combination of both regions.

[0045] The light L1 emitted from the light source 12, reflected by the light shielding plate 13, and incident on the reflector 11 has a lower luminous intensity than the light L2 emitted from the light source 12 and directly incident on the reflector 11. Therefore, in the passing beam light distribution pattern P3, the upper region is a "light-shielded region" with a lower luminous intensity than the lower region. Hereinafter, a region with a relatively high luminous intensity is referred to as a normal region, and a region with a lower luminous intensity than the normal region is referred to as a light-shielded region.

[0046] The upper region of the passing beam light distribution pattern P3 is the light-shielded region P31, and the lower region is the normal region P32. The two regions are divided vertically with the boundary line LN as the boundary.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a side view for explaining the upper and lower irradiation ranges of the passing beam irradiated by the vehicle lamp 1. In FIG. 5, similar to FIG. 1, the range of the light irradiated by the vehicle lamp 1 is shown in light ink, and the darker the light ink, the higher the luminous intensity.

[0048] As an example, if the distance to a pedestrian walking in front of the vehicle is L = 8 m, the pedestrian's height is T = 1.7 m, the length of the pedestrian's head is Hd = 0.3 m, and the mounting height of the vehicle light fixture 1 is Hl = 0.9 m, then the height from the vehicle light fixture 1 to the bottom of the pedestrian's head is Hh = T - Hl - Hd = 0.5 m. The straight-line distance from the vehicle light fixture 1 to the bottom of the pedestrian's head is R = (L ２ +HH ２ ) 0.5 = 8.015m The illumination angle of the normal region P32, that is, the setting angle θ of the boundary line LN based on the installation position of the vehicle light fixture 1 = arcsin(HH / R) = arcsin(0.5 / 8.015) = 3.57° In this embodiment, the passing beam light distribution pattern is a dimmed region P31 in which the upper region is dimmed, and the boundary line LN is set so that the dimmed region P31 with low light intensity generally hits the heads of pedestrians in front of the vehicle.

[0049] The boundary line LN is the illumination boundary above the normal region P32, and the setting angle θ of the boundary line LN (i.e., the illumination angle above the normal region P32) with respect to the installation position of the vehicle lamp 1 (horizontal line H-H) is preferably 4° or less. In this embodiment, the lamp unit that forms the high beam light distribution pattern and the lamp unit that forms the passing beam light distribution pattern are different, and the high beam and passing beam are illuminated by switching the lamp unit itself. Therefore, considering the installation margin, it is preferable that the normal region P32 is at a position slightly lower than the ideal position, and the setting angle θ of the boundary line LN is preferably 2.8° to 4°.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, the illumination area of ​​the passing beam light distribution pattern P3 is equivalent to that of the high beam light distribution pattern P2, and the vertical widths of both illumination areas are also equivalent. Since there are multiple lamp units that form and illuminate each light distribution pattern, equivalent vertical widths are not limited to exactly the same vertical width. As shown in Figure 5, a difference of about 0.5 to 1 degree in the illumination angle from the vehicle lamp 1 is considered equivalent in vertical width.

[0051] Flashing headlights is a signal to pedestrians and other drivers in front of a vehicle. Generally, flashing headlights involves briefly flashing the high beams, but shining high beams directly at pedestrians for a short time carries the risk of dazzling them, as if a flash had been used. However, if no light hits the pedestrian's head at all, pedestrians and drivers may not notice the vehicle. Therefore, when flashing headlights, it is desirable to use a light that attracts the attention of others without dazzling them. In this embodiment, the flashing beam pattern includes a dimmed area in the upper region that would hit the pedestrian's head.

[0052] When an automatic braking system detects a pedestrian and automatically applies the brakes, the pedestrian may not notice the vehicle even after it has stopped. While it is important for pedestrians to notice the vehicle, care must be taken not to dazzle them. Therefore, when the brakes are applied automatically, the system is configured to automatically flash the passing beam to alert pedestrians without dazzling them, as part of a series of actions. The flashing is mainly a one-time event, and the passing beam is illuminated for a short time when the automatic brakes are applied.

[0053] (Flowchart of the First Embodiment) The operation of the lighting system VS1, which includes the vehicle lighting fixture 1 described above, will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0054] First, in step S101, the vehicle V's automatic braking system is turned on. Consequently, the lighting system VS1 is also turned on. The system may be configured to automatically turn on the automatic braking system and the lighting system VS1 when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned on. When the automatic braking system is turned on, the sensor 5 begins obstacle detection.

[0055] Next, in step S102, when sensor 5 detects an obstacle, the process moves to step S103. Obstacle detection is performed continuously, and detection by sensor 5 continues as long as the engine is running.

[0056] Next, in step S103, since an obstacle has been detected, the automatic braking system performs a braking operation. The brake actuation unit 7 applies the brakes to the vehicle V.

[0057] Next, in step S104, the passing is performed. The control device 9 receives a brake activation signal from the automatic braking system and causes the lamp unit to form a passing beam light distribution pattern and illuminate. Specifically, the control device 9 makes the light source 12 blink. The blinking is mainly done only once. As a result, the passing beam is illuminated for a short time.

[0058] Thus, in vehicle V equipped with the automatic braking system and lighting system VS1, when an obstacle is detected, the automatic brakes are activated and a passing beam with its upper area dimmed is briefly illuminated. This series of actions is performed automatically. If the obstacle is a pedestrian walking in front of the vehicle, the passing beam will alert the pedestrian without dazzling them.

[0059] (Modification 1) Figure 7 shows a modification of the third lamp unit LU3, which is the third lamp unit LU3'. The third lamp unit LU3' comprises a light source 12, a reflector 11', and a support member 14, and is configured to form a passing beam light distribution pattern P3 from the light emitted from the light source 12 and emit it forward of the vehicle.

[0060] The third lamp unit LU3' does not have a dimming plate 13 and has the same configuration as the third lamp unit LU3 except for the shape of the reflector 11'.

[0061] The reflector 11' is configured to receive light emitted from the light source 12, reflect it, and guide it forward to the lamp unit, with its inner surface being a predetermined reflective surface 11a'. The reflector 11' consists of an upper part 11b closer to the light source 12 and a lower part 11c below the upper part 11b. The upper part 11b reflects the incident light L4 to mainly form the normal region P32 of the passing beam light distribution pattern P3, and the lower part 11c reflects the incident light L3 to mainly form the dimming region P31. For example, the lower part 11c is configured to form the dimming region P31 by reducing the luminosity by diffusing the incident light over a wide area, by dulling the reflective surface 11a so that the reflectivity of the lower part 11c is lower than that of the upper part 11b, or by adjusting the direction of reflection.

[0062] As a result, the third lamp unit LU3' can form a passing beam light distribution pattern P3 having a dimming region P31 in the upper region, similar to the third lamp unit LU3.

[0063] In the third lamp unit LU3, the reflector 11 and the dimming plate 13 constitute the optical component that forms the passing beam light distribution pattern. In the third lamp unit LU', only the reflector 11' constitutes the optical component that forms the passing beam light distribution pattern. Thus, the optical component that forms the passing beam light distribution pattern may consist of one or more components.

[0064] (Modification 2) The sensor for detecting obstacles around the vehicle is not limited to the form of sensor 5. The sensor for detecting obstacles only needs to be able to detect obstacles, and may monitor the surroundings with LiDAR or millimeter-wave radar, or it may detect obstacles by processing images captured using an imaging device. Furthermore, it is even better if it can determine whether or not the obstacle is a person.

[0065] As a modified example, a lighting system VS1' in which an imaging device 8 is installed instead of sensor 5 will be described using Figures 8 and 9. Note that the configuration of the lighting system VS1' with the imaging device 8 is the same as that of Figure 1, so it is not shown.

[0066] Figure 8 shows an example of an image acquired by the imaging device 8 as a sensor for detecting obstacles. The control device 9 is equipped with an application for image processing of the imaging device 8 (hereinafter referred to as the image processing unit 9a; not shown in the figure). The image processing unit 9a detects obstacles and identifies the type of obstacle from the images acquired by the imaging device 8. Obstacles include, for example, fallen objects in the direction of travel or pedestrians attempting to cross the road. By analyzing the continuously acquired images, it also monitors for hazardous objects that could potentially become obstacles.

[0067] When the image processing unit 9a detects an obstacle that obstructs the vehicle's movement, the automatic brake is activated first, and if the obstacle is a pedestrian, the vehicle flashes its headlights with a dimmed upper beam.

[0068] Next, we will explain the operation of the lighting system VS1'. Figure 9 is a flowchart of the operation of the lighting system VS1'.

[0069] First, in step S201, the vehicle's automatic braking system is turned on. The lighting system VS1' is also turned on as a result. Once the automatic braking system is turned on, the imaging device 8 begins imaging. The images acquired by the imaging device 8 are output to the image processing unit 9a as they occur. The image processing unit 9a determines from the images whether or not there are obstacles.

[0070] Next, in step S202, if an obstacle is detected from the image captured by the imaging device 8, the system proceeds to step S203. Obstacle detection is performed continuously, and monitoring continues while the engine is running.

[0071] Next, in step S203, the automatic brakes are activated upon obstacle detection. The automatic braking system automatically applies the brakes to the vehicle via the brake actuation unit 7.

[0072] Next, in step S204, it is determined whether the obstacle detected by the image processing unit 9a is a person or not. If the obstacle is a person, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0073] Next, in step S205, passing is performed. The control device 9 causes the passing beam lamp unit to form a passing beam light distribution pattern and irradiates with the passing beam.

[0074] In step S204, if the obstacle is not a person, the flashing of the headlights will not occur and the process will end.

[0075] After automatic braking, the flashing headlights will only be activated if the obstacle is a person; otherwise, no flashing will occur. The system is configured to flash the headlights only when necessary to warn pedestrians.

[0076] (Second Embodiment) Figure 10 shows a schematic configuration of a lighting system VS2 comprising a control device 109 and a vehicle lighting device 101 according to a preferred second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 shows a state in which a vehicle V is illuminated by a passing beam from the vehicle lighting device 101. The brightness of the light is indicated by the shades of light gray, with darker gray indicating higher luminosity (darker is brighter, lighter is dimmer). Components having equivalent configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0077] The lighting system VS2 includes a vehicle lighting fixture 101 that houses an automatic braking system that automatically applies the brakes when an obstacle is detected, and a variable light distribution lamp unit that emits a desired light distribution pattern. When the automatic brake is activated, the system is configured to automatically flash the headlights with a passing beam appropriate to the situation.

[0078] The automatic braking system includes a sensor 105 that detects obstacles in the direction of travel of the vehicle V, and a brake actuation unit 7 that activates the brakes. The sensor 105 is equipped with a light emitter and a light receiver, and by emitting invisible infrared light forward and receiving the reflected light reflected by obstacles, it can detect obstacles in front of the vehicle and measure the distance L to the detected obstacle.

[0079] The vehicle light fixture 101 is configured to emit a desired light distribution pattern, and the dimming area P51 of the passing beam can be expanded or contracted (increased or decreased) by the control device 109. At this time, the overall illumination area does not change, and the normal area P52 decreases or increases in accordance with the increase or decrease of the dimming area P51. Intuitively, as shown in Figure 10, this means that the boundary line LN1 moves up and down, and the vertical width of the dimming area P51 changes.

[0080] In this embodiment, the setting angle θ of the boundary line LN1 relative to the setting position (horizontal line H-H) of the vehicle light fixture 101 increases or decreases. At the same time, the dimming area angle β to the end of the dimming area P51 relative to the boundary line LN1 decreases. Regardless of the position of the boundary line LN1, the setting angle θ + dimming area angle β remains constant, and the range illuminated by the passing seam remains the same regardless of the situation.

[0081] When an obstacle is detected by the sensor 105, the brake actuation unit 7 is activated by the automatic braking system, and the distance L to the obstacle is measured by the sensor 105, the control device 109 acquires the distance L as distance information, sets a set angle θ according to the distance L, causes the vehicle light fixture 1 to form a passing beam light distribution pattern, and flashes the light source that forms the passing beam light distribution pattern. As a result, passing is performed with a passing beam with a light distribution appropriate to the situation, along with the automatic braking.

[0082] (Vehicle lighting fixture 101) Figure 11 is a front view of the vehicle lighting fixture 101. As shown in Figure 11, the vehicle lighting fixture 101 houses a first lamp unit LU1, a fourth lamp unit LU4, and a sensor 105 inside the lamp chamber.

[0083] The first lamp unit LU1 is capable of forming a low-beam light distribution pattern and is identical to that of the first embodiment, so its description will be omitted.

[0084] The sensor 105 is located inside the lamp housing of the vehicle lamp 101. However, it is not limited to this location and may also be located in the grille or bumper of the vehicle V.

[0085] The fourth lamp unit LU4 integrates the functions of the second lamp unit LU2 and the third lamp unit LU3. That is, the fourth lamp unit LU4 can form a high beam light distribution pattern and a passing beam light distribution pattern from the light source, and both light distribution patterns are switchable. As mentioned above, the passing beam light distribution pattern can be changed depending on the situation, and the control device 109 controls the on / off switching of the first lamp unit LU1 and the fourth lamp unit LU4, and the switching of the light distribution patterns. When the sensor 105 detects an obstacle and measures the distance to the obstacle, the control device 109 acquires the distance L to the obstacle as distance information and forms a passing beam light distribution pattern according to the distance L to the obstacle.

[0086] (Lamp unit for high beam and passing beam) Figure 12 shows the fourth lamp unit LU4. The fourth lamp unit LU4 comprises a reflector 111, a light source 112, a dimming plate 113, an actuator 117, and a support member 114.

[0087] The fourth lamp unit LU4 has the same configuration as the third lamp unit LU3, except that it has an actuator 117 and the dimming plate 113 is configured to be repositionable. Therefore, explanations other than the actuator 117 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0088] The dimming plate 113 is rotatably supported on axis AX, which is a horizontal axis extending in the width direction of the luminaire. The actuator 117 is a drive mechanism for changing the position of the dimming plate 113. In this embodiment, the actuator 117 is a rotary motor that rotates axis AX of the dimming plate 113. The control device 109 controls the on / off switching of the light source 112, and the driving and rotation direction of the actuator 117. As a result, the dimming plate 113 is positioned in the set position.

[0089] The actuator 117 positions the dimming plate 113 in or out of the optical path of the light source 112. This switching of the dimming plate 113's position switches the light distribution pattern formed in front of the vehicle by the fourth lamp unit LU4 between a high beam light distribution pattern and a passing beam light distribution pattern.

[0090] When the dimming plate 113 is placed in the optical path of the light source 112 (solid line dimming plate 113), the fourth lamp unit LU4 has the same configuration as the third lamp unit LU3. The reflector 111 receives the light L6 that directly enters from the light source 112 and the light L5 that has been dimmed and reflected by the dimming plate 113, and reflects it forward to form a passing beam light distribution pattern. When the dimming plate 113 is removed from the optical path of the light source 112 (dash-dot line dimming plate 113'), the reflector 111 receives all the light from the light source 112 directly and reflects it forward to form a high beam light distribution pattern.

[0091] Normally, the dimming plate 113 is in the raised position (dotted-dot dimming plate 113') and is located outside the optical path of the light source 112. When forming a passing beam pattern, the actuator 117 rotates to position the dimming plate 113 on the optical path of the light source 112. When the light source 112 is switched off after a short period of illumination, the actuator 117 rotates in the opposite direction and the dimming plate 113 returns to its original position.

[0092] Furthermore, in the fourth lamp unit LU4, the dimming area of ​​the irradiated passing beam can be expanded or contracted (increased or decreased) as a variable light distribution pattern. The amount of light incident on the dimming plate 113 increases or decreases depending on the arrangement of the dimming plate 113. The control device 109 controls the rotation angle of the actuator 117 to adjust the amount of light incident on the dimming plate 113, that is, the amount of light that forms the dimming area, thereby changing the size of the dimming area in the passing beam distribution.

[0093] Using the state in which the dimming plate 113 is raised (dotted-dot line dimming plate 113) as a reference, the rotation angle α is defined as the angle at which the dimming plate 113 rotates toward the light source 112 around its axis AX. The amount of light incident on the dimming plate 113 changes depending on the rotation angle α. As the rotation angle α increases from α = 0, the amount of light L5 incident on the dimming plate 113 increases, and the dimming region formed above the passing beam formed by the fourth lamp unit LU4 becomes larger. Conversely, the amount of light L5 directly incident on the reflector 111 decreases by the same amount. The actuator 117 can rotate to the position where the dimming region is at its maximum (rotation angle α = α1).

[0094] (Light distribution pattern of the second embodiment) The fourth lamp unit LU4 has a different light distribution pattern depending on the arrangement of the dimming plate 113. Figure 13 schematically shows the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp 101. It mainly shows the light distribution pattern of the fourth lamp unit LU4, and the light distribution (low beam light distribution pattern P1) formed by the first lamp unit LU1 is shown by a dotted line. Figure 13 corresponds to Figure 4. Figure 13(A) shows the state in which the dimming plate 113 is raised (dotted line dimming plate 113' in Figure 10, rotation angle α = 0). Figure 13(B) shows the state in which the dimming plate 113 is lowered (solid line dimming plate 113 in Figure 10, rotation angle α = α1). Figure 13(C) shows the state in which the rotation angle α of the dimming plate 113 is 0 < α < α1.

[0095] As shown in Figure 13(A), when the dimming plate 113 is raised (dimming plate 113' shown by the dashed line in Figure 12, rotation angle α = 0), the dimming plate 113 does not receive light from the light source 112. All the light emitted from the light source 112 is reflected by the reflector 111, forming the high beam light distribution pattern P2.

[0096] When the actuator 117 rotates and the dimming plate 113 is lowered (solid line in Figure 12, rotation angle α = α1), a portion of the light from the light source 112 enters the dimming plate 113. As shown in Figure 13(B), the light L5 emitted from the light source 112, entering the dimming plate 113 and being dimmed before being emitted, forms a dimming region P51a. Similarly, the light L6 emitted from the light source 112 that enters the reflector 111 directly without entering the dimming plate 113 forms a normal region P52a. The passing beam light distribution pattern P5a is formed from the dimming region P51a and the normal region P52a.

[0097] As shown in Figure 13(C), when the actuator 117 rotates and the rotation angle α is in the state of 0 < α < α1, the dimming region P51a increases or decreases in accordance with the increase or decrease in the rotation angle α. Specifically, when the actuator 117 rotates and the rotation angle α increases, the area of ​​the dimming region P51b in the irradiation area of ​​the fourth lamp unit LU4 increases, resulting in a larger vertical width of the dimming region P51b, while the normal region P52b decreases, resulting in a smaller vertical width of the normal region P52b.

[0098] The dimming region P51b is always formed in the upper region of the illumination area of ​​the fourth lamp unit LU4. The arrangement of the dimming plate 113 does not change the overall illumination area (the vertical width of the entire illumination area). When the rotation angle α increases, the boundary line LN1 between the dimming region P51b and the normal region P52b lowers, and when the rotation angle α decreases, the boundary line LN1 rises. In this way, the height of the boundary line LN1 changes up or down with the change in the rotation angle α, and the size of the dimming region (the vertical width of the dimming region P51) changes.

[0099] The vertical width of the dimming region P51 can be replaced by the dimming region angle β of the dimming region P31 (see Figure 10). The control device 109 determines the set angle θ from the distance L to the obstacle detected by the sensor 105. From the set angle θ, the control device 109 calculates the rotation angle α to determine the dimming region angle β for forming the dimming region P51, as the setting of the range of the dimming region P51 of the passing beam.

[0100] In terms of the specific operation of the lighting system VS2, first, when the sensor 105 detects an obstacle, the brake actuation unit 7 is activated, and the control device 109 acquires the distance information L to the obstacle measured by the sensor 105, calculates the rotation angle α to set the range of the dimming area P51 of the passing beam, rotates the actuator 117 to the position of rotation angle α, and flashes the light source 112. As a result, along with automatic braking, a passing beam is flashed in a way that does not dazzle pedestrians depending on the situation, and pedestrians are alerted.

[0101] (Flowchart of the second embodiment) The operation of the lighting system VS2 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 14.

[0102] First, in step S301, the vehicle V's automatic braking system is turned on. Consequently, the lighting system VS2 is also turned on. The system may be configured to automatically turn on the automatic braking system and lighting system VS2 when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned on, or it may be configured to require manual activation of the automatic braking system. When the automatic braking system is turned on, the sensor 105 begins obstacle detection.

[0103] Next, in step S302, when the sensor 105 detects an obstacle, the process moves to step S303. Obstacle detection by the sensor 105 is performed continuously and continues while the engine is running.

[0104] Next, in step S303, an obstacle is detected, and the automatic braking system performs an automatic braking operation. The brake actuation unit 7 automatically applies the brakes to the vehicle V.

[0105] Next, in steps S304 to S306, the passing is performed. In step S204, the distance L to the obstacle is calculated from the measurement by the sensor 105. The distance information is output to the control device 9. In step S305, when the control device 109 obtains the distance L to the obstacle, it calculates the rotation angle α as the range of the dimming area. Then, in step S206, the control device 109 rotates the actuator 117 to the rotation angle α and makes the light source 112 blink. This forms a passing beam distribution pattern suitable for the situation and illuminates the area.

[0106] (Modification 3) Figure 15 shows a modification of the fourth lamp unit LU4, called the fourth lamp unit LU4'. Similar to the fourth lamp unit LU4, the fourth lamp unit LU4' combines the functions of a high beam lamp unit and a passing beam lamp unit.

[0107] As shown in Figure 15, the fourth lamp unit LU4' comprises a reflector 111', two light-emitting elements, a first light source 112A and a second light source 112B, and a support member 114 to which they are attached.

[0108] The first light source 112A and the second light source 112B are semiconductor light-emitting elements, and are mounted on a flat support member 114 with their light-emitting surfaces facing downward vertically. The first light source 112A and the second light source 112B are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction, with the first light source 112A positioned in front of the second light source 112B.

[0109] The reflector 111' is configured to receive light L7 emitted from the first light source 112A and light L8 emitted from the second light source 112B, reflect them to form a predetermined light distribution, and guide them to the front of the lamp unit, with its inner surface being a predetermined reflective surface 111a'. The reflector 111' is configured to have a radial cross-sectional shape, its upper end is fixed to the support member 114, and its reflective surface 111a' is positioned facing forward.

[0110] The light L8 emitted from the second light source 112B is mainly directed slightly downward, while the light L7 emitted from the first light source is directed upward compared to the light L8.

[0111] The first light source 112A is configured to allow the brightness to be changed, for example, by changing the voltage. The brightness may be continuously adjustable, or it may be adjustable in only two stages: bright / dim. The light source may be composed of multiple light-emitting elements, and the brightness may be changed by changing the number of light-emitting elements that are lit. In this embodiment, the brightness of the first light source 112A is changed by changing the luminance by changing the voltage applied to the first light source 112A.

[0112] When illuminating with high beams, the second light source 112B and the first light source 112A are illuminated at their brightest settings. When illuminating with passing beams, the brightness of the first light source 112A is reduced, and the first light source 112A and the second light source 112B are blinked in sync. At this time, the first light source 112A is dimmer than the second light source 112B, and the light L7 emitted by the first light source 112A has a lower luminous intensity than the light L8 emitted by the second light source 112B. As a result, the illuminated light distribution pattern has a reduced light intensity in the upper region.

[0113] The system may be configured to reduce the brightness of the first light source 112A and create a dimmed area above the passing beam only when flashing the passing beam after a pedestrian has been detected as an obstacle and the automatic brakes have been applied. When flashing the passing beam manually using a switch SW, the system may be configured to illuminate with the high beam, or it may be configured to illuminate with the passing beam even when flashing manually. The brightness of the second light source 112B may also be made adjustable, so that when flashing the passing beam after the automatic brakes have been applied, the brightness of both the first light source 112A and the second light source 112B is reduced, and a passing beam that is dimmed compared to the high beam is used in the entire range. The flashing of the dimmed passing beam allows pedestrians to notice the vehicle without being dazzled and to be alerted to the situation.

[0114] Furthermore, embodiments and modifications can be combined. For example, it is preferable that the image processing unit 9a detects a person's head, which is an obstacle, from the image acquired by the imaging device 8, calculates the distance L from its size, and forms a passing beam light distribution pattern according to the distance.

[0115] (Third Embodiment) Figure 16 shows a block diagram of a lighting system VS3 including a control device 209 and a vehicle lighting fixture 201 according to the third embodiment.

[0116] The control device 209 of the lighting system VS3 is a vehicle ECU and includes both a sensor 105 that detects obstacles in the direction of vehicle travel and measures the distance to the obstacles, and an imaging device 8 that captures the scenery in front of the vehicle. The lighting system VS3 may be a separate system from the automatic braking system, or it may be a system that includes the automatic braking system. The control device 209 controls the lamp lighting circuit 203 of at least the lamp unit capable of emitting a passing beam. For this reason, the control device 209 may be a control device that controls only the vehicle lighting fixture 201, or it may be a vehicle ECU that controls other equipment as well, as in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the control device 209, as a vehicle ECU, also controls the vehicle lighting fixture 101 and the automatic braking system. For this reason, the brake operating unit 7 is controlled by the control device 209.

[0117] Figure 17 shows a vehicle lighting fixture 201 provided in the lighting system VS3. The vehicle lighting fixture 201 includes a first lamp unit LU1 and a fifth lamp unit LU5 within the lighting chamber. Note that equipment other than the lamp units in Figure 17 is shown in a block diagram in Figure 16 and is omitted here. Figure 18 shows the schematic configuration of the fifth lamp unit LU5.

[0118] The vehicle lighting fixture 201 houses a first lamp unit LU1 that forms a low-beam light distribution pattern and a fifth lamp unit LU5 that can form a variable light distribution pattern. In this embodiment, the fifth lamp unit LU5 forms a high-beam light distribution pattern and a passing beam light distribution pattern. However, it is not limited to this and may also form a low-beam light distribution pattern.

[0119] The fifth lamp unit LU5 includes a matrix LED 212 in which multiple light sources 212a are arranged in a matrix. The timing of on / off and the illumination intensity (brightness) of each individual light source 212a of the matrix LED 212 are individually controlled by the lamp lighting circuit 203. The light sources 212a are white LEDs, and a desired light distribution pattern can be formed by selecting which light sources 212a to illuminate and adjusting the brightness of the illuminated light sources 212a. For this reason, the fifth lamp unit LU5 can form high beam light distribution patterns and passing beam light distribution patterns. The various light distribution patterns formed by the matrix LED 212 are emitted toward the inner lens 218 and illuminated in front of the vehicle through the inner lens 218. When passing through the inner lens 218, the light is inverted vertically and illuminated. The control of the lamp lighting circuit 203 is controlled by the control device 209, which is the vehicle's ECU. In other words, the lamp unit is controlled by the control device 209.

[0120] In a passing beam light distribution pattern, a dimmed region is formed within the illuminated area. In a matrix LED 212, a dimmed region can be formed by controlling the brightness of light sources 212a that contribute to the formation of a region within a desired light distribution pattern to be lower than others. Alternatively, by keeping the brightness of the light sources 212a of the matrix LED 212 uniformly the same, and reducing the number of lit light sources 212a in a certain area, a dimmed region that is darker than others can be expressed. That is, by setting the ratio of light sources that are actually lit among the light sources 212a present per unit area of ​​the matrix LED 212 as the first lit-up rate E1, and controlling the lit-up rate of a predetermined area of ​​the matrix LED 212 corresponding to a dimmed region in the passing beam light distribution pattern to a second lit-up rate E2 which is lower than the first lit-up rate E1 of other areas, a dimmed region can be formed within the passing beam light distribution pattern. The matrix LED 212 can form a desired light distribution pattern by the lit-up pattern of the light sources 212a arranged in a matrix. The matrix LED 212 itself serves as both a light source and an optical component that forms each light distribution pattern.

[0121] The lighting system VS3 includes a sensor 105 and an imaging device 8. The sensor 105 and imaging device 8 can detect obstacles in the direction of vehicle travel, determine the type of obstacle, i.e., whether the obstacle is a person or not, and acquire the distance to the obstacle.

[0122] Figure 19 schematically shows the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lighting fixture 201. Figure 19(A) shows the low beam light distribution pattern P1 (dotted line) and the high beam light distribution pattern. Figures 19(B) and 19(C) show the passing beam light distribution pattern.

[0123] As shown in Figure 19(A), the matrix LED 212 has light sources 212a arranged in a matrix, so the outer shape of the maximum illumination range is rectangular. By controlling the on / off state of each light source 212a, the high beam light distribution pattern P62 is equivalent to the maximum illumination range of the matrix LED 212. All light sources 212a light up with the same brightness to form the high beam light distribution pattern P62.

[0124] As shown in Figure 19(B), the passing beam light distribution pattern P63a consists of a normal region P632a and a dimmed region P631a formed above it. The dimmed region P631a is formed by reducing the brightness of the light sources 212a of the matrix LED 212 corresponding to the dimmed region P631a, such as by selective lighting. The boundary line LN2 between the normal region P632a and the dimmed region P631a can be clearly controlled due to the characteristics of the matrix LED 212 in which the light sources are arranged horizontally and vertically.

[0125] Therefore, as shown in Figure 19(C), the range of the dimmed area P631 can be changed by moving the boundary line LN2 between the two areas vertically, such as the dimmed area P631b and the normal area P632b. The vehicle EUC, which is the control device 209, determines the height of the boundary line LN2, that is, the vertical length T of the dimmed area P631, from the distance to the obstacle detected by the sensor 105. In this embodiment, the vertical length T indicates the vertical length of the dimmed area P631 in the illumination range formed on a virtual vertical screen located 25 m in front of the vehicle by the light emitted from the vehicle lamp 201.

[0126] The control device 209 acquires the distance from the sensor 105 to the obstacle and determines the range of the dimming area P631. Specifically, the control device 209 determines, based on the distance L to the obstacle, which rows of the light source 212a of the matrix LED 212 will be dimmed in the vertical direction. If the obstacle is a person, the control device 209 controls the system so that the person's face is illuminated with dimmed light.

[0127] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how the dimming area P631 changes depending on the distance between an obstacle (person) and the vehicle. Figure 20(A) shows a state where pedestrian Oa is relatively far from vehicle V. Figure 20(B) shows a state where pedestrian Ob is relatively close to vehicle V. As shown in Figure 20(A), when pedestrian Oa is relatively far from vehicle V, the pedestrian is near the horizontal line H-H, and the vertical length Ta of the dimming area P61b becomes longer. In contrast, when pedestrian Ob approaches vehicle V, the pedestrian Ob's head is above the horizontal line H-H, so the dimming area P61b becomes narrower, and the vertical length Tb also becomes shorter. In this embodiment, the vertical length of the dimming area is set to 25m away, but it is not limited to this, and the vertical length of the dimming area at a predetermined distance from the vehicle is controlled so that the vertical length of the dimming area becomes shorter as the distance to the obstacle decreases.

[0128] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 21 is a block diagram of the control device 309 and vehicle lighting fixture 301 according to the fourth embodiment. The vehicle lighting fixture 301 has a first lamp unit LU1, a sixth lamp unit LU6, and a lighting fixture ECU that controls these lamp units, which is the control device 309. In this embodiment, the control device 309 controls the first lamp unit LU1, which is a low beam lamp unit, and the sixth lamp unit LU6, which is a high beam and passing beam lamp unit. Thus, the control device only needs to control the lamp units, and may be a lighting fixture ECU or lamp lighting circuit that controls the lamp units, as in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the control device 309 causes the lamp units to flash and illuminate with passing beams when the sensor 5 detects an obstacle in the direction of vehicle travel and the brake operating unit 7 receives an operation signal from the vehicle ECU 303 for the automatic braking system to activate the automatic brakes.

[0129] Figure 22 shows a vehicle lighting fixture 301. The sixth lamp unit LU6 has a two-stage LED array 312. Figure 23 shows a schematic configuration of the sixth lamp unit LU6 including the two-stage LED array 312.

[0130] The two-tier LED array 312 has rows of light sources arranged in the width direction, with each row positioned vertically. The light sources in the upper row are referred to as the upper-tier light sources 312a, and the light sources in the lower row are referred to as the lower-tier light sources 312b. At least one row of light sources in the lower row, the lower-tier light sources 312b, can be controlled to reduce its brightness. Therefore, when the lower-tier light sources 312b in the lower row are lit at reduced brightness, a dimmed area can be formed that is more dimmed than the upper-tier light sources 312a in the upper row. The light emitted from each light source passes through the inner lens 318, is inverted vertically, and is projected onto the front of the vehicle. When the upper-tier light sources 312a are lit normally, and the lower-tier light sources 312b are lit at reduced brightness, the vehicle light fixture 301 can project a passing beam. The two-tier LED array 312, like the matrix LED 212, has a configuration that serves as both a light source and an optical component. The configuration of the lamp unit is not limited to this, and may include optical components such as a reflector that is long in the width direction to form a predetermined light distribution.

[0131] Figure 24 schematically shows the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lighting fixture 301. Figure 24(A) shows the low beam light distribution pattern P1 (dotted line) by the first lamp unit LU1 and the high beam light distribution pattern by the sixth lamp unit LU6. Figure 24(B) shows the passing beam light distribution pattern. In Figure 24, hatching indicates a state where the light is reduced compared to normal.

[0132] As shown in Figure 24(A), the high-beam light distribution pattern P72 is formed by combining rectangular irradiation patterns P721 and P722, which are arranged in parallel in two vertical rows in the left-right direction, with a portion overlapping above the low-beam light distribution pattern P1. Irradiation patterns P721 and P722 are the irradiation patterns of the lower light source 312b and upper light source 312a, respectively. The light emitted from each light source passes through the inner lens 318 and is inverted vertically before irradiation. Therefore, the light emitted from the upper light source 312a irradiates the lower region of the irradiation area, and the light emitted from the lower light source 312b irradiates the upper region of the irradiation area. In other words, the irradiation pattern P721 of the lower light source 312b is formed above the irradiation pattern P722 of the upper light source 312a. The high-beam light distribution pattern P72 is formed by combining all the irradiation patterns P721 and P722.

[0133] As shown in Figure 24(B), the passing beam light distribution pattern P73 consists of a normal region P732 and a dimmed region P731 formed above it. The normal region P732 is formed as a composite of the irradiation pattern P722. The dimmed region P731 is formed as a composite of dimmed irradiation patterns P721', which are formed when the lower light source 312b of the two-stage LED array 312 corresponding to the dimmed region P731 is lit at a lower brightness than the upper light source 312a, thereby dimming the light distribution pattern P731 compared to the normal region P732.

[0134] When sensor 5 detects an obstacle, control device 309 controls the system to form a passing beam light distribution pattern P73 and flash the light. Specifically, the brightness of the lower light source 312b is reduced to a dimmed state, and the upper light source 312a is kept in its normal state, causing both to flash for a short time. The flashing is mainly done only once, performing a flash illumination that lights up the passing beam for just a moment.

[0135] The configuration of this disclosure is not limited to control devices, but also includes forms of lighting systems, vehicle lighting devices, and illumination methods. Furthermore, embodiments also include programs for causing the control device to execute the illumination method, and storage media readable by a computer storing the program.

[0136] The embodiments described above are examples of the present invention, and these can be combined based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art; such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0137] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-159975, filed on 17 September 2024, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-078730, filed on 9 May 2025, the entire contents of said Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-159975 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-078730 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0138] The above description of specific embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the forms described. Numerous modifications and changes are possible in light of the above description, as will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0139] 1, 101, 201, 301: Vehicle lighting fixtures 5, 105: Sensors 8: Imaging device 7: Brake actuation unit 9: Control device 12, 112: Light source L: Distance P2, P62, P72: High beam light distribution pattern P3, P5, P63, P73: Passing beam light distribution pattern P31, P51, P631, P731: Dimming area P32, P52, P632, P732: Normal area V: Vehicle VS, VS2, VS3, VS4: Lighting system

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a lamp unit capable of forming a passing beam light distribution pattern having a dimmed area above the illumination area in front of the vehicle, characterized in that when an automatic braking system that automatically applies the brakes when an obstacle is detected is activated, the control device forms the passing beam light distribution pattern on the lamp unit and causes it to flash.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the irradiation area by the passing beam light distribution pattern has the same vertical width as the irradiation area by the high beam light distribution pattern, and the upper region of the irradiation area by the passing beam light distribution pattern is composed of the dimmed region which is dimmed compared to other regions.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the automatic braking system is configured to detect the type of obstacle, and the control device causes the lamp unit to form the passing beam light distribution pattern and flash only when the obstacle is a person.

4. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the automatic braking system is configured to measure the distance to the obstacle, the dimming region of the passing beam light distribution pattern is configured to have a variable range, and the control device determines the range of the dimming region when it obtains distance information to the obstacle.

5. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the automatic braking system is configured to measure the distance to the obstacle, the dimming region of the passing beam light distribution pattern is configured to have a variable range, and the control device acquires distance information to the obstacle and controls the vertical length of the dimming region to decrease as the distance to the obstacle decreases.

6. A vehicle light fixture comprising: a control device according to claim 1; and a lamp unit capable of forming the passing beam light distribution pattern having the dimmed area above the illumination area in front of the vehicle.

7. A lighting system comprising: a lamp unit capable of forming a passing beam light distribution pattern having a dimmed area above the illumination area in front of the vehicle; and a control device for controlling the lamp unit, wherein the control device causes the lamp unit to flash and illuminate with the passing beam light distribution pattern when an automatic braking system that automatically applies the brakes when an obstacle is detected is activated.

8. An illumination method using a lamp unit capable of forming a passing beam light distribution pattern having a dimmed area above the illumination area in front of the vehicle, characterized in that when an automatic braking system that activates the automatic brake when an obstacle is detected is activated, the lamp unit flashes and illuminates with the passing beam light distribution pattern.

9. A program for causing the control device to execute the irradiation method described in claim 8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program described in claim 9.

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