Headlamp control device, program, and lamp system

Abstract

A control device 200 controls a headlamp 300. A first light source 110 illuminates a first region 810 having a cutoff line as the upper edge thereof. A second light source 120 illuminates a second region 820 including an area in the vicinity of the cutoff line. A third light source 130 can illuminate a third region 830 including an area above the cutoff line, and a light blocking portion 832 of which the position can be controlled in the horizontal direction can be formed in the third region 830. In a variable light distribution mode (iii), the control device 200 turns on the first light source 110, turns on the third light source 130, and causes the third light source 130 to form the light shielding portion 832 at a position corresponding to a target. The control device 200 adaptively switches the second light source 120 on and off.

Description

Headlamp control device, program, and lamp system

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle lamps.

[0002] Vehicle lamps can generally switch between low beam and high beam. The low beam illuminates the area near the vehicle at a predetermined illuminance, and the light distribution regulations are defined so as not to give glare to oncoming vehicles or preceding vehicles, and it is mainly used when driving in urban areas. On the other hand, the high beam illuminates a wide range and the distance ahead at a relatively high illuminance, and is mainly used when driving at high speed on a road with few oncoming vehicles or preceding vehicles. Therefore, although the high beam is superior in visibility by the driver compared to the low beam, there is a problem that it gives glare to the drivers or pedestrians of the vehicles existing in front of the vehicle.

[0003] In recent years, an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) technology has been proposed that dynamically and adaptively controls the light distribution pattern of the high beam based on the state around the vehicle. The ADB technology detects preceding vehicles and oncoming vehicles (collectively referred to as front vehicles) and pedestrians (collectively referred to as targets) in front of the vehicle, and reduces the glare given to the vehicle or pedestrians by dimming the area corresponding to the target.

[0004] International Publication WO2024 / 142734[[ID=१३]]

[0005] In ADB control, if priority is given to suppressing the glare given to the target, it becomes difficult for the driver to see the road surface and the surroundings. On the contrary, if priority is given to the ease of viewing by the driver, the possibility of giving glare to the target increases.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in such a situation, and one of its exemplary purposes is to provide a lamp system that can realize an easy-to-see visual field while suppressing glare during driving in ADB mode.

[0007] A particular aspect of this disclosure relates to a control device for a headlamp. The headlamp includes a first light source capable of illuminating a first region with a cutoff line at its upper end, a second light source capable of illuminating a second region including at least the vicinity of the cutoff line, and a third light source capable of illuminating a third region including the area above the cutoff line, and capable of forming a horizontally position-controllable light-shielding portion within the third region. The control device (i) turns on the first and second light sources in low beam mode, (ii) turns on the first, second, and third light sources in high beam mode, and (iii) turns on the first light source and the third light source, causes the third light source to form a light-shielding portion at a position corresponding to a target, and adaptively switches the second light source on and off.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a program executed by a control device for a headlamp. The headlamp includes a first light source capable of illuminating a first region with a cutoff line at its upper end, a second light source capable of illuminating a second region including the vicinity of the cutoff line, and a third light source capable of illuminating a third region including the area above the cutoff line, and capable of forming a horizontally position-controllable light-shielding portion within the third region. The program causes the processor of the control device to perform the following processes: (i) turning on the first and second light sources in response to a low beam illumination command; (ii) turning on the first, second, and third light sources in response to a high beam illumination command; and (iii) turning on the first light source, turning on the third light source, causing the third light source to form a light-shielding portion at a position corresponding to a target, and adaptively switching the second light source on and off in response to a variable beam illumination command.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a lamp system. This lamp system includes a first light source capable of illuminating a first region with a cutoff line at its upper end; a second light source capable of illuminating a second region including at least the vicinity of the cutoff line; a third light source capable of illuminating a third region including the area above the cutoff line and capable of forming a horizontally position-controllable light-shielding portion within the third region; and a control device for controlling the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source. The control device (i) turns on the first and second light sources in low beam mode; (ii) turns on the first, second and third light sources in high beam mode; and (iii) turns on the first light source and the third light source, causes the third light source to form a light-shielding portion at a position corresponding to a target, and adaptively switches the second light source on and off in variable beam mode.

[0010] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, or any substitution of components or expressions between methods, apparatus, systems, etc., are also valid as embodiments of the present invention or this disclosure. Moreover, the description in this section does not describe all the indispensable features of the present invention, and therefore, subcombinations of these described features may also constitute the present invention.

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the objective is to provide a lamp system that can achieve a clear field of view while suppressing glare when driving in ADB mode.

[0012] This is a block diagram of a lamp system according to Embodiment 1. This diagram illustrates the area that the lamp system can illuminate. This diagram illustrates the low beam light distribution formed in low beam mode. This diagram illustrates the low beam light distribution formed in low beam mode. This diagram illustrates the high beam light distribution formed in high beam mode. This diagram illustrates the first variable light distribution formed in ADB mode. This is a top view of the first variable light distribution formed in ADB mode. This diagram illustrates the second variable light distribution formed in ADB mode. This is a top view of the second variable light distribution formed in ADB mode. This is a block diagram of a lamp system according to one embodiment of Embodiment 1. This is a block diagram of a lamp system according to another embodiment of Embodiment 1. This is a block diagram of a lamp system according to Embodiment 2. This diagram illustrates the first variable light distribution formed in ADB mode. This is a top view of the first variable light distribution formed in ADB mode. This diagram illustrates the second variable light distribution formed in ADB mode. This is a top view of the second variable light distribution formed in ADB mode. This is a block diagram of a lamp system according to one embodiment of Embodiment 2. This is a block diagram of a lamp system according to another embodiment of Embodiment 2.

[0013] (Outline of Embodiments) An outline of some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure is provided below. This outline is intended to provide a basic understanding of the embodiments and to serve as a prelude to the detailed description that follows later. It simplifies some concepts of one or more embodiments and does not limit the scope of the invention or disclosure. Furthermore, this outline is not a comprehensive overview of all possible embodiments and does not limit the essential components of the embodiments. For convenience, “one embodiment” may be used to refer to one embodiment (example or variation) or more embodiments (example or variation) disclosed herein.

[0014] A control device according to one embodiment controls a headlamp. The headlamp includes a first light source capable of illuminating a first region with a cutoff line at its upper end, a second light source capable of illuminating a second region including the vicinity of the cutoff line, and a third light source capable of illuminating a third region including the area above the cutoff line, and capable of forming a light-shielding portion within the third region whose position can be controlled horizontally. The control device (i) turns on the first and second light sources in low beam mode, (ii) turns on the first, second, and third light sources in high beam mode, and (iii) turns on the first light source and the third light source, causes the third light source to form a light-shielding portion at a position corresponding to a target, and adaptively switches the second light source on and off.

[0015] With this configuration, when the second light source is turned on, it can illuminate the road surface further away, providing a clearer field of view, and when the second light source is turned off, glare can be suppressed.

[0016] In one embodiment, the control device may switch the second light source on or off depending on the state of the target.

[0017] With this configuration, in situations where there is a high probability of causing glare on the target, the second light source can be turned off, and the second area can be left unilluminated, thereby suppressing glare. When a situation is detected where there is a low probability of causing glare on the target, the second light source can be turned on, allowing illumination to extend to the road surface further away, thus improving the driver's field of view.

[0018] In one embodiment, the control device may switch the second light source on and off depending on the distance to the target. When the distance to the target is far, glare is less likely to occur, and when it is close, glare is more likely to occur. Therefore, the distance to the target is a suitable condition for controlling the on / off state of the second light source.

[0019] In one embodiment, the control device may turn on the second light source when the distance to the target is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0020] In one embodiment, the control device may switch the second light source on or off depending on the state of the vehicle equipped with the headlamp.

[0021] With this configuration, when the driver of the vehicle does not need a wide field of view, the second light source can be turned off, and the second area can be left unilluminated, thereby suppressing glare. Conversely, when the driver needs a wide field of view, turning on the second light source allows illumination to extend further towards the road surface, improving the driver's field of view.

[0022] In one embodiment, the control device may switch the second light source on and off according to the vehicle's speed. When traveling at low speeds, it is sufficient to be able to see nearby objects, but when traveling at high speeds, it is desirable to be able to see further objects. Therefore, the vehicle's speed is a suitable condition for controlling the on / off state of the second light source.

[0023] In one embodiment, the control device may turn on the second light source when the vehicle's speed is faster than a predetermined threshold. The brightness of the second light source may be controlled in multiple levels rather than just two levels (on and off), in which case it is also effective to control the brightness of the second light source so that it becomes brighter as the vehicle's speed increases.

[0024] In one embodiment, the control device may be provided on the vehicle side that is equipped with the headlamp.

[0025] In one embodiment, the control device may be provided integrally with the headlamp.

[0026] A lamp system according to one embodiment includes a first light source capable of illuminating a first region with a cutoff line at its upper end, a second light source capable of illuminating a second region including the vicinity of the cutoff line, a third light source capable of illuminating a third region including the area above the cutoff line and capable of forming a light-shielding portion within the third region whose position can be controlled horizontally, and a control device for controlling the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source. The control device (i) turns on the first and second light sources in low beam mode, (ii) turns on the first, second and third light sources in high beam mode, and (iii) turns on the first light source and the third light source, causes the third light source to form a light-shielding portion at a position corresponding to a target, and adaptively switches the second light source on and off.

[0027] (Embodiments) Preferred embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the embodiments are illustrative and not limiting to the disclosure, and not all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the disclosure.

[0028] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a block diagram of a lamp system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The lamp system 100 is mounted on an automobile and has the function of a headlamp that illuminates the field of view in front of the vehicle. This lamp system 100 can switch between low beam mode, high beam mode, and ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) mode. In this embodiment, a lamp system 100 suitable for countries and regions with right-hand traffic is described, but this embodiment can also be applied to a lamp system 100 suitable for left-hand traffic, in which case left and right should be interpreted as appropriate.

[0029] The lamp system 100 comprises a first light source 110, a second light source 120, a third light source 130, and a control device 200. The first light source 110, the second light source 120, and the third light source 130 are housed within the casing of the headlamp 300.

[0030] The first light source 110 can illuminate a first region 810 with the cutoff line at its upper end. The second light source 120 can illuminate a second region 820, which includes the vicinity of the cutoff line. The second region 820, together with the first region 810, forms a low beam light distribution.

[0031] The third light source 130 can illuminate the third region 830, including the area above the cutoff line. The third light source 130 forms a high beam light distribution.

[0032] As described above, the lamp system 100 is selectable in ADB mode. In ADB mode, the lamp system 100 forms a split high beam light distribution. Specifically, the split high beam light distribution includes a light-shielding portion 832 within the third region 830. The position of the light-shielding portion 832 can be controlled horizontally according to the position of the target, and the width of the light-shielding portion 832 can be controlled according to the size of the target.

[0033] The first light source 110 is also referred to as the low-beam light source, the second light source 120 as the additional low-beam light source, and the third light source 130 as the high-beam light source. The first light source 110, the second light source 120, and the third light source 130 can be individually controlled to be on or off.

[0034] The control device 200 receives information (lighting mode) MODE indicating the operating mode of the lamp system 100. As mentioned above, the lighting mode MODE is one of the following: low beam mode, high beam mode, or ADB mode. The control device 200 also receives information (target information) OBJ regarding targets to be shielded in ADB mode.

[0035] The control device 200 controls the on / off status of the first light source 110, the second light source 120, and the third light source 130 according to the operating mode of the lamp system 100. In addition, in ADB mode, it controls the presence, position, and width of the light shielding section 132.

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates the area that the lamp system 100 can illuminate. Figure 2 shows a virtual vertical screen 800. The first region 810 and the second region 820 form the low beam light distribution, with the first region 810 being relatively lower and the second region 820 being relatively upper on the virtual vertical screen. The first region 810 has the cutoff line CL as its upper end. The second region 820 is defined to include the vicinity of the cutoff line CL. When viewing the light distribution formed by the lamp system 100 from above, the first region 810 is the area relatively close to the vehicle, and the second region 820 is the area relatively farther away.

[0037] In low-beam mode, the control device 200 turns on the first light source 110 and the second light source 120. As a result, the first region 810 and the second region 820 are illuminated, and a low-beam light distribution is formed.

[0038] In high-beam mode, the control device 200 turns on the first light source 110, the second light source 120, and the third light source 130. As a result, the first region 810, the second region 820, and the third region 830 are illuminated, and a low-beam light distribution is formed. In high-beam mode, the third region 830 does not include the light-shielding portion 832.

[0039] In ADB mode, the control device 200 turns on the first light source 110 and the third light source 130, and forms a light-shielding portion 832 on the third light source 130 at a position corresponding to the target. The light-shielding portion 832 may be completely shielded or reduced in brightness.

[0040] In ADB mode, the control device 200 adaptively switches the second light source 120 on and off. In this embodiment, the control device 200 switches the second light source 120 on and off according to the state of the target.

[0041] In one embodiment, the control device 200 may switch the second light source 120 between on and off according to the distance to the target. For example, the lamp system 100 may include a distance measuring sensor that measures the distance to the target. The control device 200 compares the distance to the target with a predetermined threshold value, and turns off the second light source 120 when the distance to the target is closer than the threshold value, and can turn on the second light source 120 when the distance to the target is farther than the threshold value.

[0042] The above is the configuration of the lamp system 100 according to Embodiment 1. Subsequently, its operation will be described.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a low beam distribution 900 formed in the low beam mode. In the low beam mode, the first light source 110 and the second light source 120 are on, and the first region 810 and the second region 820 are irradiated.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a low beam distribution 900 formed in the low beam mode. The second region 820 covers a range farther than the first region 810, and plays a role in enhancing the visibility during driving in the low beam mode. Also, by irradiating the second region 820, the change in illuminance at the boundary of the cut-off line CL can be made gentle.

[0045] The specific shapes and illuminances of the first region 810 and the second region 820 may be determined so as to satisfy the regulations defined for each country or region.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a high beam distribution 910 formed in the high beam mode. In the high beam mode, since the first light source 110, the second light source 120, and the third light source 130 are all on, the first region 810, the second region 820, and the third region 830 are all irradiated.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a first variable light distribution 920A formed in the ADB mode. The first variable light distribution 920A includes a first region 810 and a third region 830, and is formed when the first light source 110 and the third light source 130 are on. An oncoming vehicle 932 is traveling in the oncoming lane 930. The oncoming vehicle 932 is detected as a target, and a light-shielding portion 832 is formed in the third region 830.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a top view of the first variable light distribution 920A formed in the ADB mode. The second region 820 is not irradiated, and glare given to the oncoming vehicle 932 can be suppressed.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a second variable light distribution 920B formed in the ADB mode. In this scene, the distance to the oncoming vehicle 932 is farther than in the scene of FIG. 6. The second variable light distribution 920B is obtained by adding a second region 820 to the first variable light distribution 920A, and is formed when the first light source 110, the second light source 120, and the third light source 130 are on.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a top view of the second variable light distribution 920B formed in the ADB mode. By irradiating the second region 820, it becomes brighter up to a farther road surface than the first variable light distribution 920A in FIG. 7, so that a visible field that is easy for the driver to see can be provided.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a lamp system 100 according to an embodiment. The lamp system 100 includes a headlamp 300, a vehicle-side ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 400, and a sensor 410. The headlamp 300 includes a first light source 110, a second light source 120, a third light source 130, and a lamp ECU 310.

[0052] The sensor 410 detects a target. For example, the sensor 410 is a camera, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a TOF (Time of Flight) camera, or the like.

[0053] In this embodiment, the vehicle-side ECU 400 corresponds to the control device 200 in Figure 1. The vehicle-side ECU 400 controls the headlights 300 based on instructions to turn on the headlights and instructions for the lighting mode. The vehicle-side ECU 400 consists of a microcontroller having a processor 402 and a software program 404 executed by the processor. The software program 404 is loaded from non-volatile memory into RAM and executed by the processor 402.

[0054] The processor 402 executes the software program 404 and performs the following processing: (i) In low beam mode, the processor 402 supplies control commands to the headlamp 300 to turn on the first light source 110 and the second light source 120.

[0055] (ii) In high beam mode, the processor 402 supplies control commands to turn on the first light source 110, the second light source 120, and the third light source 130.

[0056] (iii) In ADB mode, the processor 402 supplies control commands to turn on the first light source 110 and the third light source 130. The processor 402 also detects the position and size of the target based on the output of the sensor 410. It then transmits information to the headlamp 300 indicating the position of the light shielding portion 832 corresponding to the target. Based on the information of the light shielding portion 832, the lighting ECU 310 controls the third light source 130 to illuminate the third region 830 including the light shielding portion 832.

[0057] In ADB mode, the processor 402 acquires the distance to the target and decides whether to turn on or off the second light source 120 according to the distance. It then supplies a control command to the headlamp 300 to instruct the second light source 120 to turn on or off.

[0058] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing a lamp system 100 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the functions of the control device 200 are implemented on the headlamp 300 side. Specifically, the headlamp 300's lighting ECU 310 is a microcontroller including a processor 312, which executes a software program 314.

[0059] (Modification of Embodiment 1) In the embodiment, the on / off state of the second light source 120 was controlled according to the distance to the target, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the second light source 120 may be controlled based on the speed of the target, or the type and size of the target.

[0060] For example, the state of the target referenced for controlling the second light source 120 may include the type of vehicle the target is or the overall height of the vehicle. That is, if the target is a vehicle with a high height from the road surface to the driver's seat, such as a truck, it is less likely to produce glare, so the second light source 120 may be turned on. Conversely, if the target is a vehicle with a low height from the road surface to the driver's seat, such as a passenger car, the second light source 120 may be turned off to suppress glare.

[0061] The second light source 120 may be switched depending on the direction of travel of the target, in other words, whether it is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle.

[0062] Furthermore, the first state φ1 and the second state φ2 may be switched depending on the relative position of the target with respect to the vehicle, specifically its position in the left-right direction. For example, on a road with multiple lanes on one side (two or three lanes on one side), if the target is a preceding vehicle (when the target is traveling in the same direction as the vehicle), the second light source 120 may be turned on if the preceding vehicle is traveling in a lane less susceptible to glare, and conversely, the second light source 120 may be turned off if the preceding vehicle is traveling in a lane more susceptible to glare.

[0063] (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1, the second light source 120 was adaptively switched on and off according to the state of the target. In this embodiment, the second light source 120 is adaptively switched on and off according to the state of the vehicle. The lamp system 100 according to Embodiment 2 will be described below, focusing on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0064] Figure 12 is a block diagram of the lamp system 100 according to Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, the control device 200 receives information indicating the operating mode of the lamp system 100 (lighting mode) MODE, and information regarding targets to be shielded in ADB mode (target information) OBJ, similar to Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 2, the control device 200 receives vehicle information INFO indicating the status of the vehicle equipped with the headlamp 300.

[0065] Refer to Figure 2. In Embodiment 2, the area that the lamp system 100 can illuminate is the same as described in Embodiment 2.

[0066] Similar to Embodiment 1, in Embodiment 2, the control device 200 turns on the first light source 110 and the second light source 120 in low beam mode. As a result, the first region 810 and the second region 820 are illuminated, and a low beam light distribution is formed.

[0067] Similar to Embodiment 1, in Embodiment 2, the control device 200 turns on the first light source 110, the second light source 120, and the third light source 130 in high beam mode. As a result, the first region 810, the second region 820, and the third region 830 are illuminated, and a low beam light distribution is formed. In high beam mode, the third region 830 does not include the light-shielding portion 832.

[0068] Similar to Embodiment 1, in Embodiment 2, the control device 200 turns on the first light source 110 and the third light source 130 in ADB mode, and forms a light-shielding portion 832 on the third light source 130 at a position corresponding to the target. The light-shielding portion 832 may be completely shielded or may be dimmed.

[0069] In Embodiment 2, the control device 200 switches the second light source 120 on and off according to the state of the vehicle indicated by the vehicle information INFO in ADB mode. In one embodiment, the control device 200 may switch the second light source 120 on and off according to the speed of the vehicle. That is, the vehicle information INFO may include vehicle speed information V. The control device 200 compares the speed of the vehicle with a predetermined threshold and can turn off the second light source 120 if the vehicle speed is lower than the threshold, and turn on the second light source 120 if the vehicle speed is higher than the threshold.

[0070] The above describes the configuration of the lamp system 100 according to Embodiment 2. Next, its operation will be explained.

[0071] The low beam light distribution 900 formed in low beam mode is the same as in Embodiment 1, and is as described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0072] The high beam light distribution 910 formed in high beam mode is the same as in Embodiment 1, as described with reference to Figure 5.

[0073] Figure 13 illustrates the first variable light distribution 920A formed in ADB mode. The first variable light distribution 920A includes a first region 810 and a third region 830, and is formed when the first light source 110 and the third light source 130 are turned on. An oncoming vehicle 932 is traveling in the oncoming lane 930. This oncoming vehicle 932 is detected as a target, and a light-shielding portion 832 is formed within the third region 830.

[0074] Figure 14 is a top view of the first variable light distribution 920A formed in ADB mode. The second region 820 is not illuminated, which suppresses glare to the oncoming vehicle 932.

[0075] Figure 15 illustrates the second variable light distribution 920B formed in ADB mode. The second variable light distribution 920B is the first variable light distribution 920A with the addition of a second region 820, and is formed when the first light source 110, the second light source 120, and the third light source 130 are on. In this scene, the vehicle's speed is higher than in the scene in Figure 13. In other words, the driver of the vehicle needs a field of view that extends further.

[0076] Figure 16 is a top view of the second variable light distribution 920B formed in ADB mode. By illuminating the second region 820, the road surface is illuminated further away compared to the first variable light distribution 920A in Figure 14, thus providing the driver with a clearer field of view.

[0077] Figure 17 is a block diagram showing a lamp system 100 according to one embodiment of Embodiment 2. The lamp system 100 comprises a headlamp 300, a vehicle-side ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 400, a target sensor 410, and a vehicle speed sensor 420. The headlamp 300 comprises a first light source 110, a second light source 120, a third light source 130, and a lamp ECU 310.

[0078] The target sensor 410 detects targets. For example, the target sensor 410 may be a camera, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or a Time of Flight (TOF) camera, and it generates target information INFO.

[0079] The vehicle speed sensor 420 detects the speed of the vehicle. Vehicle information INFO, including the vehicle speed, is supplied to the vehicle-side ECU 400.

[0080] In this embodiment, the vehicle-side ECU 400 corresponds to the control device 200 in Figure 1. The vehicle-side ECU 400 controls the headlamps 300 based on instructions to turn on the headlamps and instructions for the lighting mode MODE. The vehicle-side ECU 400 consists of a microcontroller having a processor 402 and a software program 404 executed by the processor. The software program 404 is loaded from non-volatile memory into RAM and executed by the processor 402.

[0081] The target sensor 410 and the vehicle speed sensor 420 do not necessarily need to be directly connected to the control device 200, which is the vehicle-side ECU 400. The target information OBJ and vehicle information INFO may be supplied to the vehicle-side ECU 400 via an ECU higher up than the vehicle-side ECU 400.

[0082] The processor 402 executes the software program 404 and performs the following processing: (i) In low beam mode, the processor 402 supplies control commands to the headlamp 300 to turn on the first light source 110 and the second light source 120.

[0083] (ii) In high beam mode, the processor 402 supplies control commands to turn on the first light source 110, the second light source 120, and the third light source 130.

[0084] (iii) In ADB mode, the processor 402 supplies control commands to turn on the first light source 110 and the third light source 130. The processor 402 also detects the position and size of the target based on the output of the target sensor 410. It then transmits information to the headlamp 300 indicating the position of the light shielding portion 832 corresponding to the target. Based on the information of the light shielding portion 832, the lighting ECU 310 controls the third light source 130 to illuminate the third region 830 including the light shielding portion 832.

[0085] In ADB mode, the processor 402 acquires the vehicle speed and decides whether to turn the second light source 120 on or off according to the vehicle speed. It then supplies a control command to the headlamp 300 to instruct the second light source 120 to turn on or off.

[0086] Figure 18 is a block diagram showing a lamp system 100 according to another embodiment of Embodiment 2. In this embodiment, the functions of the control device 200 are implemented on the headlamp 300 side. Specifically, the headlamp 300's luminaire ECU 310 is a microcontroller including a processor 312, which executes a software program 314. Vehicle information INFO, including the lighting mode MODE and vehicle speed V, is supplied from the vehicle-side ECU 400 to the luminaire ECU 310. The vehicle ECU 400 also supplies the luminaire ECU 310 with information indicating the range of the light-shielding portion 832 based on the target information INFO. The processor 312 of the luminaire ECU 310 controls the first light source 110, the second light source 120, and the third light source 130 based on this information.

[0087] (Modification of Embodiment 2) In the embodiment, the on / off state of the second light source 120 is controlled according to the vehicle speed, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in one modification, the on / off state of the second light source 120 may be controlled according to the type of road on which the vehicle is traveling, i.e., whether it is a public road or a highway. Specifically, the second light source 120 may be turned on on a highway and turned off on a public road. In another modification, the on / off state of the second light source 120 may be controlled according to the speed limit of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, rather than the actual speed of the vehicle.

[0088] In yet another modification, when driving on a road with two or three lanes in one direction, the second light source 120 may be controlled according to the position of the lane in which the vehicle is traveling. Specifically, the second light source 120 may be turned off when driving in a lane with a relatively low speed (driving lane), and turned on when driving in a lane with a relatively high speed (passing lane).

[0089] In yet another modification, the second light source 120 may be controlled according to the location where the vehicle is driving. For example, the second light source 120 may be turned off in urban areas where the road surface is relatively bright, and turned on in suburban areas where the surroundings are dark.

[0090] In yet another variation, the second light source 120 may be controlled according to the ambient illuminance around the vehicle. For example, the second light source 120 may be turned off when the ambient illuminance around the vehicle is high, and turned on when the ambient illuminance is low.

[0091] In another modification, the on / off state of the second light source 120 may be controlled according to the vehicle height or the height of the headlamp mounting position. Specifically, if the vehicle height is low or the headlamp is positioned low, it is less likely to cause glare, so the second light source 120 may be turned on. Conversely, if the vehicle height is high or the headlamp is positioned high, it is more likely to cause glare, so the second light source 120 may be turned off.

[0092] In the embodiment, the brightness of the second light source 120 was controlled in two stages, on and off, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the brightness of the second light source 120 may be controlled in multiple levels. Specifically, it is also effective to control the brightness of the second light source 120 as the vehicle speed increases, as the speed limit increases, and as the ambient illuminance decreases.

[0093] While the embodiments described herein have been explained using specific terminology, this explanation is merely illustrative to aid understanding and does not limit the scope of this disclosure or the claims. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and therefore embodiments, examples, and modifications not described herein are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0094] This disclosure relates to vehicle lighting equipment.

[0095] 100...Lamp system, 200...Control device, 110...First light source, 120...Second light source, 130...Third light source, 810...First area, 820...Second area, 830...Third area, 832...Light shielding section, 300...Headlamp, 310...Lighting ECU, 312...Processor, 314...Program, 400...Vehicle-side ECU, 402...Processor, 404...Program, 410...Target sensor, 420...Vehicle speed sensor.

Claims

1. A control device for a headlamp, wherein the headlamp comprises: a first light source capable of illuminating a first region with a cutoff line at its upper end; a second light source capable of illuminating a second region including the vicinity of the cutoff line; and a third light source capable of illuminating a third region including the area above the cutoff line, and capable of forming a light-shielding portion within the third region whose position can be controlled horizontally, wherein the control device is characterized by: (i) turning on the first light source and the second light source in low beam mode; (ii) turning on the first light source, the second light source and the third light source in high beam mode; and (iii) turning on the first light source and the third light source, and causing the third light source to form the light-shielding portion at a position corresponding to a target, and adaptively switching the second light source on and off.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that it switches the second light source on and off according to the state of the target.

3. The control device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control device switches the second light source on and off according to the distance to the target.

4. The control device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control device turns on the second light source when the distance to the target is greater than a predetermined threshold.

5. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that it switches the second light source on and off according to the state of the vehicle equipped with the headlamp.

6. The control device according to claim 5, characterized in that the control device switches the second light source on and off according to the speed of the vehicle equipped with the headlamp.

7. The control device according to claim 5, characterized in that the control device turns on the second light source when the speed of the vehicle is faster than a predetermined threshold.

8. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control device is provided on the vehicle side on which the headlamp is mounted.

9. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control device is provided integrally with the headlamp.

10. A program executed by a control device for a headlamp, wherein the headlamp comprises: a first light source capable of illuminating a first region with a cutoff line at its upper end; a second light source capable of illuminating a second region including the vicinity of the cutoff line; and a third light source capable of illuminating a third region including the area above the cutoff line, and capable of forming a horizontally position-controllable light-shielding portion within the third region, the program is characterized by causing the processor of the control device to execute: (i) a process of turning on the first light source and the second light source in response to a low beam lighting instruction; (ii) a process of turning on the first light source, the second light source and the third light source in response to a high beam lighting instruction; and (iii) a process of turning on the first light source and the third light source, causing the third light source to form the light-shielding portion at a position corresponding to a target, and adaptively switching the second light source on and off in response to a variable beam lighting instruction.

11. The program according to claim 10, characterized in that the on / off state of the second light source is switched according to the state of the target.

12. The program according to claim 10, characterized in that the on / off state of the second light source can be switched according to the state of the vehicle equipped with the headlamp.

13. A lamp system comprising: a first light source capable of illuminating a first region with a cutoff line as its upper end; a second light source capable of illuminating a second region including the vicinity of the cutoff line; a third light source capable of illuminating a third region including the area above the cutoff line, and capable of forming a light-shielding portion within the third region whose position can be controlled horizontally; and a control device for controlling the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source, wherein the control device (i) turns on the first light source and the second light source in low beam mode; (ii) turns on the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source in high beam mode; (iii) turns on the first light source and the third light source, causes the third light source to form the light-shielding portion at a position corresponding to a target, and adaptively switches the second light source on and off.

14. The lamp system according to claim 13, characterized in that the control device switches the second light source on and off according to the state of the target.

15. The lamp system according to claim 13, characterized in that the control device switches the second light source on and off according to the state of the vehicle on which the control device is installed.

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