Vehicle lamp system

Abstract

A vehicle lamp system 10 comprises: a left-side lamp 12a that is provided on the left side of a vehicle 1 and comprises a first light source; and a right-side lamp 12b that is provided on the right side of the vehicle 1 and comprises a second light source. The first light source emits a left-side pattern onto a road surface. The second light source emits a right-side pattern that at least partially overlaps the left-side pattern onto the road surface. The width of a region of the left-side pattern on the right side of a first centerline, in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1, of the left-side lamp 12a is greater than the width of a region of the left-side pattern to the left of the first centerline. The width of a region of the right-side pattern on the left side of a second centerline, in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1, of the right-side lamp 12b is greater than the width of a region of the right-side pattern to the right of the second centerline.

Description

Vehicle lighting system

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle lighting system.

[0002] (1) Conventionally, there is a known technology for drawing shapes on the road surface by shining light onto the road surface using lamps mounted on vehicles such as automobiles. For example, Patent Document 1 describes drawing shapes in front of a vehicle using a drawing optical unit provided in the right headlamp.

[0003] (2) Various light-emitting elements are used as light sources for the headlamps of vehicles such as automobiles. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses that each of the left and right headlamps is provided with an array of micro-LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) on the order of μm as a light source, and that the left and right headlamps illuminate the area in front to form a high beam.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-55351 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-68513

[0005] However, the inventors came to recognize the following problem: (1) That is, they realized that there is room to make the patterns drawn on the road surface brighter.

[0006] (2) While a high-definition light distribution pattern can be achieved by using an array of micro-LEDs as the light source, the light spread of micro-LEDs is narrow, so it becomes necessary to enlarge the light source in order to illuminate a wide area with the light distribution pattern. If it is difficult to enlarge the light source, it is difficult to illuminate a wide area with a light distribution pattern using an array of micro-LEDs as the light source.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and one of its exemplary objectives is to (1) provide a vehicle lighting system that can draw a brighter pattern on the road surface.

[0008] Another exemplary objective is (2) to provide a vehicle lighting system that can illuminate a wide area with a light distribution pattern without increasing the size of the light source.

[0009] (1) A vehicle lighting system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a left-side lighting fixture provided on the left side of the vehicle and having a first light source, and a right-side lighting fixture provided on the right side of the vehicle and having a second light source. The first light source illuminates the road surface with a left-side pattern. The second light source illuminates the road surface with a right-side pattern that at least partially overlaps with the left-side pattern. The width of the area to the right of the first centerline in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle of the left-side lighting fixture with the left-side pattern is wider than the width of the area to the left of the first centerline of the left-side pattern. The width of the area to the left of the second centerline in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle of the right-side lighting fixture with the right-side pattern is wider than the width of the area to the right of the second centerline of the right-side pattern.

[0010] (2) A vehicle lighting system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a left-side lighting fixture provided on the left side of the vehicle and having a first light source, and a right-side lighting fixture provided on the right side of the vehicle and having a second light source. The first light source illuminates the left-side pattern. The second light source illuminates the right-side pattern which partially overlaps with the left-side pattern. The left-side pattern and the right-side pattern are illuminated such that the width of the area that does not overlap with the other pattern is wider than the width of the area that overlaps with the other pattern.

[0011] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as conversions of the expression of the present invention between methods, apparatus, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also valid embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] (1) According to the present invention, a vehicle lighting system can be provided that can draw a brighter pattern on the road surface. Or, (2) According to the present invention, a vehicle lighting system can be provided that can illuminate a wide area with a light distribution pattern without increasing the size of the light source.

[0013] This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to the first embodiment, viewed from above. This diagram schematically shows the configuration of a vehicle light fixture according to the same embodiment. This diagram shows an example of a micro-LED array constituting a light source according to the same embodiment. This is a top view of an example of a left-side pattern irradiated onto the road surface by the first light source according to the same embodiment. This is a top view of an example of a right-side pattern irradiated onto the road surface by the second light source according to the same embodiment. This is a top view of an example of a road surface pattern according to the same embodiment. This is a perspective view for explaining another example of a road surface pattern according to the same embodiment. This diagram shows an example of a pattern irradiated by lighting up eight light-emitting elements. This diagram shows an example of a pattern irradiated when a micro-LED array is used as a light source. This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to the second embodiment, viewed from above. This diagram shows an example of a left-side pattern irradiated by the first light source according to the same embodiment. This diagram shows an example of a right-side pattern irradiated by the second light source according to the same embodiment. This diagram shows an example of a light distribution pattern according to the same embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle light fixture according to a third modified example.

[0014] (Embodiments) Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. In this specification and drawings, multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different letters after the same reference numeral.

[0015] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment, viewed from above. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a vehicle lighting system 10. W shown in Figure 1 Ｖ The symbol represents the width of the vehicle 1. The vehicle lighting system 10 is configured to illuminate the road surface pattern, high beams, and low beams. In the first embodiment, the configuration for the vehicle lighting system 10 to illuminate the road surface pattern will be described primarily.

[0016] The road surface pattern is a pattern drawn on the road surface by shining light on it, and may be drawn, for example, to inform the surroundings of the presence of vehicle 1. For example, when a stopped vehicle 1 starts moving, the road surface pattern may be drawn to inform pedestrians and others in the vicinity that vehicle 1 is moving. Alternatively, the road surface pattern may be drawn while vehicle 1 is moving to inform pedestrians and others in the vicinity of the presence of vehicle 1 in motion.

[0017] The vehicle lighting system 10 according to this embodiment comprises a left-side lighting fixture 12a, a right-side lighting fixture 12b, a control unit 14, an image processing unit 16, and an imaging unit 18. Hereinafter, when the left-side lighting fixture 12a and the right-side lighting fixture 12b are not specifically distinguished, they will also be referred to as "vehicle lighting fixture 12". The control unit 14 and the image processing unit 16 may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0018] In this embodiment, the left-side lamp 12a is provided on the left side of the front end of the vehicle 1, and the right-side lamp 12b is provided on the right side of the front end of the vehicle 1. The left-side lamp 12a has a first light source that illuminates the road surface with a left-side pattern, and the right-side lamp 12b has a second light source that illuminates the road surface with a right-side pattern that at least partially overlaps with the left-side pattern. The road surface pattern is formed by the combination of the left-side pattern and the right-side pattern.

[0019] Furthermore, the left-side lamp 12a and the right-side lamp 12b may each have additional light sources for forming high beams and low beams, in addition to the light source for illuminating the road surface. In this embodiment, the first light source and the second light source each include a plurality of light-emitting elements, specifically a plurality of micro-LEDs arranged in a matrix. The micro-LEDs are LEDs with a size on the order of micrometers.

[0020] The first centerline CL of the left-side lamp 12a shown in Figure 1 Ｌ１ and the second center line CL of the right-side lamp 12b Ｒ１ These are, respectively, hypothetical lines in the longitudinal direction of vehicle 1. First centerline CL Ｌ１ It passes through the center of the left lamp 12a and the second center line CL Ｒ１passes through the center of the right lamp 12b. More specifically, the first center line CL Ｌ１ passes through the center of the straight line connecting the left end and the right end of the left lamp 12a, and is the second center line CL Ｒ１ passes through the center of the straight line connecting the left end and the right end of the right lamp 12b.

[0021] The imaging unit 18 is composed of various known imaging devices (cameras). The imaging unit 18 captures an image in front of the vehicle 1 and acquires image data D １ . The image data D １ is transmitted to the image processing unit 16.

[0022] The image processing unit 16 is configured to process the image data D １ . The image processing unit 16 according to the present embodiment may detect images such as oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, outer lane lines, and median lines included in the image data D １ by using various known image recognition techniques. Furthermore, the image processing unit 16 may acquire information (such as shape and position) regarding the detected images.

[0023] The image processing unit 16 according to the present embodiment has a function as a measurement unit, and specifically, can measure the width of a lane. The image processing unit 16 may measure the width of the lane on which the vehicle 1 travels, for example, based on the results of detecting the outer lane line and the median line.

[0024] The image processing unit 16 transmits result data D ２ indicating detection results and measurement results, etc. to the control unit 14. The result data D ２ may include information indicating the shape and position of the detected image, or information indicating the width of the lane, etc.

[0025] The control unit 14 controls the operations of the light sources of the left lamp 12a and the right lamp 12b, respectively. For example, the control unit 14 may control the lighting and dimming and gradation of the micro LEDs of the light sources (the first light source and the second light source) based on the result data D ２ . The control unit 14 according to the present embodiment can control the gradation and lighting and dimming individually for each of the plurality of micro LEDs using control signals.

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle lighting fixture 12 according to this embodiment. The components included in the vehicle lighting fixture 12 may be included in either the left-side lighting fixture 12a or the right-side lighting fixture 12b. As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle lighting fixture 12 has a light source 120, a circuit board 122 on which the light source 120 is mounted, and a projection lens 130. The vehicle lighting fixture 12 may further have a cover member and fixing members for fixing various components as needed.

[0027] The light source 120 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of micro-LEDs arranged in a matrix, each micro-LED emitting light L. The circuit board 122 is electrically connected to the micro-LEDs of the light source 120 and receives control signals S supplied from the control unit 14. １ This controls the on / off state and gradation of each micro-LED.

[0028] The projection lens 130 is configured to receive light L emitted from the light source 120, transmit light L, and emit it. The light emitted from the projection lens 130 is directed onto the road surface. The projection lens 130 according to this embodiment is composed of a triplet lens including a convex lens 132, a concave lens 134, and a convex lens 136. However, the configuration of the projection lens 130 is not limited to this.

[0029] Figure 3 shows an example of an array of micro-LEDs 126 constituting the light source 120 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the light source 120 is constructed by arranging a plurality of micro-LEDs 126 in the vertical and horizontal directions. The number of micro-LEDs 126 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, tens of thousands. In Figure 3, for simplification, an array of 10 micro-LEDs 126 arranged vertically and 21 horizontally is depicted.

[0030] Figure 4 shows the left-side pattern P irradiated onto the road surface by the first light source according to this embodiment. Ｌ１ This is a top view of one example. As shown in Figure 4, the left pattern P Ｌ１ is a rectangular pixel p Ｌ１ These are formed in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, and each pixel p Ｌ１This is formed by the light emitted by each micro LED 126 of the first light source. Ｌ１ The shape is not limited to a rectangular shape, but may include various shapes such as triangles and circles.

[0031] Left side pattern P Ｌ１ A virtual pattern center line CL in the longitudinal direction of vehicle 1, passing through its center. Ｌ２ is the distance d Ｌ In proportion to the first centerline CL Ｌ１ It is located to the right of the pattern center line CL. Ｌ２ This is the left pattern P Ｌ１ It passes through the center of the line connecting the left and right ends. Left pattern P Ｌ１ First centerline CL Ｌ１ Region R to the right of ＰＬ２ Width W ＰＬ２ This is the left pattern P Ｌ１ First centerline CL Ｌ１ Region R to the left of ＰＬ１ Width W ＰＬ１ It's wider than that.

[0032] distance d Ｌ This can be adjusted by changing the positional relationship between the light source 120 and the projection lens 130, or by changing the orientation of the left-side lamp 12a itself. Also, the distance d Ｌ This refers to the size and number of micro LEDs 126 in the first light source, and the left pattern P. Ｌ１ It may be adjusted according to the position to be illuminated, etc.

[0033] The control unit 14 controls the left pattern P Ｌ１ Right end R ＰＬＥ The brightness of the micro LED 126 that illuminates the left pattern P Ｌ１ The gradation of the micro-LED 126 of the first light source may be controlled so that it is less than the brightness of the micro-LED 126 that illuminates the remaining area. ＰＬＥ This is the left pattern P Ｌ１ It may be an area of ​​a few pixels from the right edge. For example, the control unit 14 is located at end R ＰＬＥ The current flowing through the micro LED 126 that illuminates is controlled by the left pattern P Ｌ１The current flowing to the micro-LED 126 that illuminates the remaining area may be smaller than the current flowing to the end R. ＰＬＥ However, left pattern P Ｌ１ It becomes darker than the rest of the area.

[0034] Left side pattern P Ｌ１ If the right side partially overlaps with the right pattern illuminated by the second light source of the right-side lamp 12b, then the left-side pattern P Ｌ１ If the overall brightness is constant, the area where the left and right patterns overlap and the left pattern P Ｌ１ Near the boundary with the area illuminated only by [this light source], the brightness of the road surface pattern may change abruptly. Left pattern P Ｌ１ Right end R ＰＬＥ Left side pattern P Ｌ１ By making it darker than the remaining area, the area where the left and right patterns overlap and the left pattern P Ｌ１ This suppresses the abrupt change in brightness of the road surface pattern near the boundary with the area illuminated only by that light source. As a result, it reduces the likelihood of causing discomfort to drivers and pedestrians.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 14 controls the left pattern P Ｌ１ Right end R ＰＬＥ As you move to the right, the pattern gradually changes to the left P Ｌ１ The gradation of the micro LED 126 of the first light source may be controlled so that it becomes darker. This allows the region where the left and right patterns overlap and the left pattern P to be controlled. Ｌ１ Near the boundary with the area illuminated only by this light source, the abrupt change in the brightness of the road surface pattern is further suppressed.

[0036] Figure 5 shows the right-side pattern P irradiated onto the road surface by the second light source according to this embodiment. Ｒ１ This is a top view of one example. Right side pattern P Ｒ１ This is the left pattern P Ｌ１ Similarly, pixel p Ｒ１ These are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, and each pixel p Ｒ１ This is formed by the light emitted by each micro LED 126 of the second light source. Right side pattern P Ｒ１ This is the left pattern P Ｌ１Similarly, it may have a rectangular shape as shown in Figure 5, or it may include various shapes such as triangles and circles.

[0037] Right side pattern P Ｒ１ A virtual pattern center line CL in the longitudinal direction of vehicle 1, passing through its center. Ｒ２ is the distance d Ｒ The second centerline CL Ｒ１ It is located to the left of the pattern center line CL. Ｒ２ Right side pattern P Ｒ１ It passes through the center of the line connecting the left and right ends. Right side pattern P Ｒ１ Second centerline C Ｒ１ Region R to the left of ＰＲ２ Width W ＰＲ２ Right side pattern P Ｒ１ First centerline CL Ｒ１ Region R to the right of ＰＲ１ Width W ＰＲ１ It's wider than that.

[0038] distance d Ｒ This can be adjusted by changing the positional relationship between the light source 120 and the projection lens 130, or by changing the orientation of the right-side lamp 12b itself. Also, the distance d Ｒ The size and number of micro LEDs 126 in the second light source, and the right-side pattern P Ｒ１ It may be adjusted according to the position to be illuminated, etc.

[0039] The control unit 14 controls the right pattern P Ｒ１ The left end R ＰＲＥ The brightness of the micro LED 126 that illuminates the right pattern P Ｒ１ The gradation of the micro-LED 126 of the second light source may be controlled so that it is less than the brightness of the micro-LED 126 that illuminates the remaining area. ＰＲＥ Right side pattern P Ｒ１ It can be an area of ​​a few pixels from the right edge.

[0040] For example, the control unit 14 has an end R ＰＲＥ The current flowing through the micro LED 126 that illuminates is controlled by the right-side pattern P Ｒ１It may be made smaller than the current flowing through the micro LED 126 that irradiates the remaining area. As a result, the right pattern P Ｒ１ of the left end R ＰＬＥ becomes darker than the remaining area of the right pattern P Ｒ１ . As a result, when the left pattern P Ｒ１ is partially overlapped on the left side of the right pattern P Ｌ１ , a sudden change in the brightness of the road surface pattern is suppressed in the vicinity of the boundary between the area where the left and right patterns overlap and the area where only the right pattern P Ｒ１ is irradiated.

[0041] The control unit 14 may control the gradation of the micro LED 126 included in the second light source so that the right pattern P Ｒ１ becomes gradually darker toward the left at the left end R ＰＲＥ of the right pattern P Ｒ１ . As a result, a sudden change in the brightness of the road surface pattern is further suppressed in the vicinity of the boundary between the area where the left and right patterns overlap and the area where only the right pattern P Ｒ１ is irradiated.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a top view of an example of the road surface pattern P Ｄ１ according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the road surface pattern P Ｄ１ may be formed by partially overlapping the left pattern P Ｌ１ and the right pattern P Ｌ１ irradiated more to the right than the left pattern P Ｒ１ . The road surface pattern P Ｄ１ has a rectangular shape with a length W Ｄ１ and a width W Ｄ１ . The positional relationship between the left pattern P Ｌ１ and the right pattern P Ｒ１ changes according to the shape of the lane (for example, the slope of the slope). The shape of the road surface pattern P Ｄ１ may change according to the positional relationship, but at least on a flat lane, a rectangular road surface pattern P Ｄ１ may be drawn as shown in FIG. 6.

[0043] The width W Ｄ１ of the road surface pattern P Ｄ１The width W of vehicle 1 is Ｖ It may be identical to the width W. Ｄ１ The width W of vehicle 1 Ｖ By making it identical, for example, it becomes possible to more accurately inform the surroundings of the presence of vehicle 1. Here, road surface pattern P Ｄ１ Width W Ｄ１ and the width W of vehicle 1 Ｖ The difference is the width W of vehicle 1. Ｖ If it is within ±5%, road surface pattern P Ｄ１ Width W Ｄ１ The width W of vehicle 1 Ｖ It shall be considered identical to [the other].

[0044] Road surface pattern P is formed when all micro LEDs 126 are lit. Ｄ１ Width W Ｄ１ However, the width W of vehicle 1 Ｖ It may be wider than that. In this case, the control unit 14 controls the road surface pattern P Ｄ１ Width W Ｄ１ The width W of vehicle 1 Ｖ Road surface pattern P Ｄ１ The micro LED 126 corresponding to the left or right end may be turned off.

[0045] In Figure 6, the area with hatched lines is left pattern P. Ｌ１ Right side pattern P Ｒ１ This is the overlapping region, and that region has a width W. ＯＬ１ It has the left pattern P shown in Figure 6. Ｌ１ Right side pattern P Ｒ１ The width W of the overlapping region ＯＬ１ This is the left pattern P Ｌ１ Right side pattern P Ｒ１ Width W of the region that does not overlap Ｌ１ It is wider than that. Also, the right side pattern P Ｒ１ Left side pattern P Ｌ１ The width W of the overlapping region ＯＬ１ Right side pattern P Ｒ１ Left side pattern P Ｌ１ Width W of the region that does not overlap Ｒ１ It is wider than the left pattern P. Ｌ１ and right-side pattern P Ｒ１The area where the two overlap can be widened. As a result, the road surface pattern P Ｄ１ This allows for a wider area of ​​brightness.

[0046] Figure 7 shows the road surface pattern P according to this embodiment. Ｄ２ This is a perspective view illustrating another example. In the example shown in Figure 7, the road surface pattern P is created by illuminating the left pattern and the right pattern so that they coincide. Ｄ２ This is drawn on the lane lines. This results in an overall brighter road surface pattern P Ｄ２ These are drawn on the lanes. As mentioned above, the positional relationship between the left-side pattern and the right-side pattern may change depending on the shape of the roadway, but at least on a flat roadway, the first and second light sources can emit light so that the left-side pattern and the right-side pattern coincide.

[0047] Road surface pattern P Ｄ２ Its width is the width of the lane W ＬＡＮＥ It may be drawn to match the following. Here, the lane width W ＬＡＮＥ (For example, outer edge line L of the roadway) ＲＯ and the central median line L Ｂ The distance between the lane and the road surface pattern P Ｄ２ The width of the lane W is measured by the image processing unit 16. ＬＡＮＥ The on / off state of the micro LED 126 may be controlled to match the road surface pattern P. Ｄ２ The width is the width of the lane W ＬＡＮＥ Road surface pattern P Ｄ２ The micro LEDs 126 that illuminate the left and right ends may be turned off. This allows for a road surface pattern P that matches the width of the lane for lanes of any width. Ｄ２ This makes it possible to form the road surface pattern P. Ｄ２ Width and lane width W ＬＡＮＥ The difference between this and the lane width W ＬＡＮＥ If it is within ±5%, road surface pattern P Ｄ２ Width and lane width W ＬＡＮＥ Assume that these two conditions are the same.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, the light emitted from the first light source of the left-side lamp 12a is along the first central axis CL Ｌ１ angle θ Ｌ１ As a result, it spreads to the left, along the first central axis CL Ｌ１ angle θ Ｌ２ It expands to the right by that amount. Here, θ Ｌ２ >θ Ｌ１ Furthermore, the light emitted from the second light source of the right-side luminaire 12b is directed along the second central axis CL. Ｒ１ angle θ Ｒ１ As a result, it spreads to the right, along the second central axis CL Ｒ１ angle θ Ｒ２ It expands to the left by that amount. Here, θ Ｒ２ >θ Ｒ１ Thus, when light is emitted from the first and second light sources, the lane width W is determined. ＬＡＮＥ A bright road surface pattern P Ｄ２ It can form.

[0049] The above describes the configuration of the vehicle lighting system 10 according to this embodiment and the road surface pattern P formed thereby. Ｄ１ , P Ｄ２ The following was explained. The vehicle lighting system 10 according to this embodiment comprises a left-side lighting fixture 12a provided on the left side of the vehicle 1 and having a first light source, and a right-side lighting fixture 12b provided on the right side of the vehicle 1 and having a second light source. The first light source is left-side pattern P Ｌ１ The light is projected onto the road surface. The second light source is left pattern P Ｌ１ Right-side pattern P overlaps with at least partially. Ｒ１ The light is shone onto the road surface.

[0050] Left side pattern P Ｌ１ The left-side light fixture 12a is located on the first centerline CL in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. Ｌ１ Region R to the right of ＰＬ２ Width W ＰＬ２ This is the left pattern P Ｌ１ First centerline CL Ｌ１ R to the left ＰＬ１ The width W of the region ＰＬ１ It is wider than that. Also, the right side pattern P Ｒ１ The second centerline CL in the front-rear direction of the right-side light fixture 12b in the vehicle 1 Ｒ１ Region R to the left ofＰＲ２ Width W ＰＲ２ Right side pattern P Ｒ１ Second centerline CL Ｒ１ Region R to the right of ＰＲ１ Width W ＰＲ１ It's wider than that.

[0051] According to this configuration, left pattern P Ｌ１ The first centerline CL Ｌ１ It is irradiated to the right of the right side, right pattern P Ｒ１ The second centerline CL Ｒ１ It is irradiated to the left of the left pattern P. Ｌ１ and right-side pattern P Ｒ１ This allows for the overlapping of these patterns over a wide area. As a result, a brighter pattern (road surface pattern P) can be created. Ｄ１ , P Ｄ２ This makes it possible to draw ) on the road surface.

[0052] (Challenges in light sources using a micro-LED array) Figure 8 shows pattern P illuminated by illuminating eight light-emitting elements. １ This figure shows an example. Pattern P is shown in Figure 8. １ This is the pattern illuminated by the right headlamp to form the high beam. The light emitted by each light-emitting element is diffused into eight partial patterns P １１ These eight partial patterns P are formed. １１ When combined, the height H １ and width W １ Pattern P １ A formation is created.

[0053] Each section pattern P １１ In its outer region R １２ (For example, the rightmost part pattern P) １１ The area with hatched diagonal lines is affected by light diffusion, resulting in the central region R １１ It becomes darker. In Figure 8, the rightmost partial pattern P １１ Only in the outer region R １２ The central area is shown with hatched lines, and similarly, the remaining seven sub-patterns also have darker outer regions than the central region. When these eight sub-patterns are combined, the overall pattern P is created, which is bright in the center and dark on the outer edges.１ A formation is created.

[0054] Figure 9 shows the pattern P irradiated when a micro-LED array is used as the light source. ２ This figure shows an example. Pattern P is shown in Figure 9. ２ This is the pattern illuminated by the right-side headlamp to form the high beam. Pattern P ２ is, height h １ and width w １ A rectangular pixel p having １ These are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions to form each pixel p １ This is formed when one of the multiple microLEDs that make up the light source emits light. When all the microLEDs emit light, the height H ２ and width W ２ A rectangular pattern P having ２ A formation is created.

[0055] By configuring the light source with an array of micro-LEDs, Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) light distribution control can be realized. ADB light distribution control allows for pattern P by turning off some of the micro-LEDs as needed. ２ This technology allows for the creation of partial dark areas. For example, if a camera detects the presence of an oncoming vehicle ahead, some micro-LEDs can be turned off to avoid dazzling the oncoming vehicle. Because the array is composed of micro-LEDs, the size, shape, and position of the dark area can be adjusted with high precision.

[0056] However, because micro-LEDs emit light in a narrow beam, increasing the number of micro-LEDs that make up a single light source is necessary to widen the pattern formed by that light source. However, this leads to larger light sources, which may not be practical in some cases. Another option is to diffuse the light emitted by the micro-LEDs to increase the area per pixel, but this diffusion makes each pixel darker, resulting in an overall darker light distribution pattern. Furthermore, as each pixel becomes larger, high-precision ADB light distribution control becomes difficult.

[0057] (Second Embodiment) Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 2 according to the second embodiment, viewed from above. As shown in Figure 10, the vehicle 2 according to this embodiment is equipped with a vehicle lighting system 20. The vehicle lighting system 20 is configured to emit, for example, high beams and low beams. Furthermore, the vehicle lighting system 20 according to this embodiment has the above-mentioned ADB light distribution control function.

[0058] The vehicle lighting system 20 comprises a left-side lamp 22a, a right-side lamp 22b, and a control unit 24. Hereinafter, when the left-side lamp 22a and the right-side lamp 22b are not specifically distinguished, they will also be referred to as "vehicle lighting 22". The vehicle lighting 22 has a light source, a circuit board on which the light source is mounted, and a projection lens, similar to the vehicle lighting 12 according to the first embodiment. The light source, circuit board, and projection lens according to the second embodiment may be configured similarly to the light source 120, circuit board 122, and projection lens 130 according to the first embodiment, respectively.

[0059] In this embodiment, the left-side lamp 22a is provided on the left side of the front end of the vehicle 2, and the right-side lamp 22b is provided on the right side of the front end of the vehicle 2. The left-side lamp 22a has a first light source that illuminates the left-side pattern, and the right-side lamp 22b has a second light source that illuminates the right-side pattern which partially overlaps with the left-side pattern. By combining the left-side pattern and the right-side pattern, a light distribution pattern such as a high beam is formed. The first light source and the second light source each have a plurality of light-emitting elements, specifically including a plurality of micro-LEDs arranged in a matrix.

[0060] The control unit 24 may include, for example, a CPU. The control unit 24 controls the operation of the light-emitting elements of the first and second light sources, specifically controlling the on / off switching and gradation of the micro-LEDs. By controlling the gradation of the micro-LEDs, the brightness of the micro-LEDs is controlled. For example, the control unit 24 may adjust the magnitude of the current flowing through the micro-LEDs, or in the case of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, it may adjust the pulse width. The control unit 24 may control the gradation for each micro-LED.

[0061] Figure 11 shows the left pattern P irradiated by the first light source according to this embodiment. Ｌ２ This figure shows an example. The left pattern P is shown in Figure 11. Ｌ２ This pattern is primarily for forming a high beam that illuminates above the horizontal line H, and illuminates further to the left than the pattern formed by a typical left-side headlamp. Left-side pattern P Ｌ２ is a rectangular pixel p Ｌ２ These are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, and each pixel p Ｌ２ This is formed by the light emitted by each micro-LED of the first light source.

[0062] The control unit 24 controls the left pattern P Ｌ２ Right-side end region R ＬＥ Left side pattern P Ｌ２ The gradation of the micro-LEDs of the first light source may be controlled so that it becomes darker than the remaining area of ​​the left pattern P Ｌ２ Right-side end region R ＬＥ The brightness of the micro-LEDs illuminating the left pattern P Ｌ２ The gradation of the micro-LEDs of the first light source may be controlled so that it is less than the brightness of the micro-LEDs that illuminate the remaining area.

[0063] For example, the control unit 24 controls the end region R ＬＥ The current flowing through the micro LED that illuminates the light is controlled by the left pattern P Ｌ２ The current flowing to the micro-LED illuminating the remaining area can be made smaller than the current flowing to the micro-LED illuminating the remaining area R. ＬＥ This is the left pattern P Ｌ２ It becomes darker than the rest of the region. (Edge region R) ＬＥ This is the left pattern P Ｌ２ It can be an area of ​​a few pixels from the right edge.

[0064] Left side pattern P Ｌ２ A portion of the right side overlaps with the right-side pattern illuminated by the second light source of the right-side lamp 22b. End region R ＬＥ Left side pattern P Ｌ２ By making it darker than the remaining area, the area where the left and right patterns overlap and the left pattern P Ｌ２The abrupt change in brightness of the light distribution pattern near the boundary with the area illuminated only by this light source is suppressed, thus reducing the likelihood of causing discomfort to drivers, pedestrians, and others.

[0065] The control unit 24 controls the left pattern P Ｌ２ Right-side end region R ＬＥ In this case, as you move to the right, the left pattern P Ｌ２ The gradation of the micro-LEDs of the first light source may be controlled so that the brightness gradually decreases. This further suppresses abrupt changes in the brightness of the light distribution pattern near the boundary between the area where the left and right patterns overlap and the area where only the right-side pattern is illuminated.

[0066] Figure 12 shows the right-side pattern P illuminated by the second light source according to this embodiment. Ｒ２ This figure shows an example. Right-hand pattern P shown in Figure 12. Ｒ２ This is for forming the high beam and illuminates further to the right than the pattern formed by a typical right-side headlamp. Right-side pattern P Ｒ２ This is the left pattern P Ｌ２ Similarly, pixel p Ｒ２ These are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, and each pixel p Ｒ２ This is formed by the light emitted by each micro-LED of the second light source.

[0067] The control unit 24 controls the right pattern P Ｒ２ Left edge region R ＲＥ Right side pattern P Ｒ２ The gradation of the micro-LEDs of the second light source may be controlled so that it becomes darker than the remaining area of ​​the right pattern P Ｒ２ Left edge region R ＲＥ The brightness of the micro-LEDs illuminating the right pattern P Ｒ２ The gradation of the micro-LEDs of the second light source may be controlled so that it is less than the brightness of the micro-LEDs that illuminate the remaining area.

[0068] For example, the control unit 24 controls the end region R ＲＥ The current flowing through the micro-LED that illuminates the light is controlled by the right-hand pattern P Ｒ２The current flowing to the micro-LED illuminating the remaining area can be made smaller than the current flowing to the micro-LED illuminating the remaining area R. ＲＥ Right side pattern P Ｒ２ It becomes darker than the rest of the region. (Edge region R) ＲＥ Right side pattern P Ｒ２ It can be an area of ​​a few pixels from the left edge. By controlling the gradation of the micro-LED in this way, the area where the left and right patterns overlap and the right pattern P Ｒ２ The abrupt change in brightness of the light distribution pattern near the boundary with the area illuminated only by that light source is suppressed.

[0069] The control unit 24 controls the right pattern P Ｒ２ Left edge region R ＲＥ As you move to the left, the right side pattern P Ｒ２ The gradation of the micro-LEDs of the second light source may be controlled so that the light gradually dims. This allows the region where the left and right patterns overlap and the left pattern P to be controlled. Ｌ２ The abrupt change in brightness of the light distribution pattern near the boundary with the area illuminated only by that light source is further suppressed.

[0070] Figure 13 shows the light distribution pattern P according to this embodiment. ＬＲ This figure shows an example. The left pattern P shown above. Ｌ２ and right-side pattern P Ｒ２ When these are combined, a rectangular light distribution pattern P is formed as shown in Figure 13. ＬＲ This is formed as a high beam. Specifically, right pattern P Ｒ２ Left side pattern P Ｌ２ It is irradiated to the right of the right side, right pattern P Ｒ２ The left side is left pattern P Ｌ２ By overlapping with a portion of the right side, the light distribution pattern P ＬＲ A formation is created.

[0071] Light distribution pattern P ＬＲ Of these, the area with hatched diagonal lines (width W ＯＬ２ The rectangular area is left pattern P Ｌ２ and right-side pattern P Ｒ２ This is the region where the two overlap. Also, the light distribution pattern P ＬＲOf these, the area without hatching is left pattern P Ｌ２ and right-side pattern P Ｒ２ This is a region where only one of the two is irradiated.

[0072] As shown in Figure 13, left pattern P Ｌ２ and right-side pattern P Ｒ２ Each pattern is irradiated such that the width of the area that does not overlap with the other pattern is wider than the width of the area that overlaps with the other pattern. For example, left pattern P Ｌ２ Right side pattern P Ｒ２ Region P that does not overlap with ＯＬＬ Width W Ｌ２ The width W is the area where the left and right patterns overlap. ＯＬ２ It is wider than that. Also, the right side pattern P Ｒ２ Left side pattern P Ｌ２ Region P that does not overlap with ＯＬＲ Width W Ｒ２ The width W is the area where the left and right patterns overlap. ＯＬ２ It is wider than that. This results in a light distribution pattern P ＬＲ This allows for illumination over a wide area.

[0073] Left side pattern P Ｌ２ and right-side pattern P Ｒ２ For each of these, the width of the region that does not overlap with the other pattern (W Ｌ２ , W Ｒ２ ) is the width W of the region that overlaps with the other pattern. ＯＬ２ It can be 1.1 to 1.3 times that. In other words, width W Ｌ２ and width W ＯＬ２ The ratio of RA Ｌ (=W Ｌ２ / W ＯＬ２ >1), width W Ｒ２ and width W ＯＬ２ The ratio of RA Ｒ (=W Ｒ２ / W ＯＬ２ >1) When RA Ｌ and RA Ｒ These may be 1.1 to 1.3, respectively. RA Ｌ RA Ｒ By setting it to 1.1 or higher, the light distribution pattern P can be more reliably achieved. ＬＲ It can irradiate a wide area. Also, RAＬ RA Ｒ By setting this to 1.3 or less, the width W of the area where the left and right patterns overlap becomes ＯＬ２ This ensures a brighter and more reliable light distribution pattern P ＬＲ It becomes possible to form RA Ｌ RA Ｒ This value is not limited to this value and may be adjusted as appropriate depending on the size and number of microLEDs, etc.

[0074] Figure 13 shows the light distribution pattern P when all micro-LEDs are emitting light. ＬＲ This shows that some micro-LEDs are turned off, and the light distribution pattern P ＬＲ A dark area may be formed in part of the image. For example, a camera (not shown) may capture an image of the area in front of the vehicle 2, and a micro-LED that illuminates the area including an oncoming vehicle detected from the image may be turned off. This can suppress dazzling oncoming vehicles.

[0075] The above describes the configuration of the vehicle lighting system 20 according to this embodiment and its light distribution pattern P. ＬＲ The following was explained. The vehicle lighting system 20 according to this embodiment comprises a left-side lighting fixture 22a provided on the left side of the vehicle 2 and having a first light source, and a right-side lighting fixture 22b provided on the right side of the vehicle 2 and having a second light source. The first light source is left-side pattern P Ｌ２ The light source is irradiated with the left pattern P. Ｌ２ Right-side pattern P partially overlaps with this. Ｒ２ Irradiate with it. Left side pattern P Ｌ２ and right-side pattern P Ｒ２ Each of these represents the width W of the region that overlaps with the other pattern. ＯＬ２ Rather, the width of the area that does not overlap with the other pattern (W Ｌ２ , W Ｒ２ The irradiation is applied in such a way that the area of ​​effect is widened.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the light distribution pattern P is determined by the region where the left and right patterns do not overlap (i.e., the region where only one pattern is illuminated). ＬＲ This allows for a wider distribution of the light distribution pattern P without increasing the size of the light source 120. ＬＲThis makes it possible to illuminate a wide area. Therefore, even when it is necessary to enlarge the light source to illuminate a wide area with a single lamp, such as in an array of micro-LEDs, the light distribution pattern P using the left and right lamps can be used. ＬＲ This makes it possible to illuminate a wide area.

[0077] The present invention has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in combinations of their respective components and processing processes, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention. It is also possible to freely combine the components of the first embodiment with the components of the second embodiment.

[0078] (First Modification) In the first embodiment, mainly the left pattern P Ｌ１ and right-side pattern P Ｒ１ and are combined to form one road surface pattern P Ｄ１ , P Ｄ２ An example of how this is formed was explained. This is not limited to this example; the left-side pattern P Ｌ１ and right-side pattern P Ｒ１ Each of these may form its own individual road surface pattern. Left side pattern P Ｌ１ and right-side pattern P Ｒ１ One of the lights may be used to illuminate the road surface, for example, drawing a snowflake symbol.

[0079] (Second Modification) In the first embodiment, an example was mainly described in which a road surface pattern is drawn in front of the vehicle 1. However, the vehicle may be equipped with vehicle lights having the same configuration as the left light 12a and right light 12b on the left and right sides of the rear of the vehicle 1, and the road surface pattern may be drawn behind the vehicle 1. In this case as well, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Similarly in the second embodiment, vehicle lights having the same configuration as the left light 22a and right light 22b on the left and right sides of the rear of the vehicle 2 may be equipped with vehicle lights, and these vehicle lights may be used as taillights. In this case as well, the same effects as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0080] (Third Modification) Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle lamp 13 according to the third modification. The vehicle lamp 13 according to the third modification differs from the vehicle lamps 12 and 24 according to the above embodiment in that the projection lens 140 is composed of four lenses. The projection lens 140 according to the third modification has, in order from the output side, a convex lens 142, a concave lens 144, and convex lenses 146 and 148. Light L emitted from the light source 120 enters the convex lens 148, passes through the four lenses, and exits from the convex lens 142.

[0081] Generalizing the above embodiments and modifications, the following embodiments can be obtained.

[0082] [Aspect 1] A vehicle lighting system comprising: a left-side lamp provided on the left side of the vehicle and having a first light source; and a right-side lamp provided on the right side of the vehicle and having a second light source, wherein the first light source illuminates the road surface with a left-side pattern; the second light source illuminates the road surface with a right-side pattern that at least partially overlaps the left-side pattern; the width of the region to the right of the first centerline in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle of the left-side lamp for the left-side pattern is wider than the width of the region to the left of the first centerline for the left-side pattern; and the width of the region to the left of the second centerline in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle of the right-side lamp for the right-side pattern is wider than the width of the region to the right of the second centerline for the right-side pattern.

[0083] [Aspect 2] The vehicle lighting system according to aspect 1, wherein the first light source and the second light source each include a plurality of micro-LEDs arranged in a matrix.

[0084] [Aspect 3] The vehicle lighting system according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the left pattern and the right pattern are each rectangular in shape, and the road surface pattern formed by combining the left pattern and the right pattern is rectangular in shape.

[0085] [Aspect 4] The vehicle lighting system according to aspect 3, wherein the first light source illuminates the left pattern such that the width of the area of ​​the left pattern that overlaps with the right pattern is wider than the width of the area of ​​the left pattern that does not overlap with the right pattern, and the second light source illuminates the right pattern such that the width of the area of ​​the right pattern that overlaps with the left pattern is wider than the width of the area of ​​the right pattern that does not overlap with the left pattern.

[0086] [Aspect 5] The vehicle lighting system according to aspect 4, wherein the left-side pattern matches the right-side pattern.

[0087] [Aspect 6] The vehicle lighting system according to any one of aspects 3 to 5, wherein the width of the road surface pattern is the same as the width of the vehicle.

[0088] [Aspect 7] A vehicle lighting system according to any one of aspects 3 to 5, further comprising: a measuring unit for measuring the width of a lane; and a control unit for controlling the on / off of the micro LEDs, wherein the control unit controls the on / off of the micro LEDs so that the width of the road surface pattern matches the width of the lane measured by the measuring unit.

[0089] [Aspect 8] A vehicle lighting system according to any one of aspects 3 to 7, further comprising a control unit for controlling the gradation of the micro-LEDs, wherein the left pattern partially overlaps with the right pattern, the control unit controls the gradation of the micro-LEDs of the first light source such that the brightness of the micro-LEDs illuminating the right end of the left pattern is less than the brightness of the micro-LEDs illuminating the remaining area of ​​the left pattern, and controls the gradation of the micro-LEDs of the second light source such that the brightness of the micro-LEDs illuminating the left end of the right pattern is less than the brightness of the micro-LEDs illuminating the remaining area of ​​the right pattern.

[0090] [Aspect 9] A vehicle lighting system comprising: a left-side lighting fixture provided on the left side of the vehicle and having a first light source; and a right-side lighting fixture provided on the right side of the vehicle and having a second light source, wherein the first light source illuminates a left-side pattern, and the second light source illuminates a right-side pattern that partially overlaps the left-side pattern, and the left-side pattern and the right-side pattern are illuminated such that the width of the area that does not overlap with the other pattern is wider than the width of the area that overlaps with the other pattern.

[0091] [Aspect 10] The vehicle lighting system according to aspect 9, wherein the first light source and the second light source each have a plurality of micro-LEDs arranged in a matrix.

[0092] [Aspect 11] The vehicle lighting system according to aspect 10, further comprising a control unit for controlling the gradation of the microLEDs, wherein the control unit controls the gradation of the microLEDs of the first light source such that the right end region of the left pattern is darker than the remaining region of the left pattern, and controls the gradation of the microLEDs of the second light source such that the left end region of the right pattern is darker than the remaining region of the right pattern.

[0093] [Aspect 12] The vehicle lighting system according to aspect 11, wherein the control unit controls the gradation of the micro LEDs of the first light source so that the left pattern gradually darkens as it moves to the right in the right end region of the left pattern, and controls the gradation of the micro LEDs of the second light source so that the right pattern gradually darkens as it moves to the left in the left end region of the right pattern.

[0094] [Aspect 13] The vehicle lighting system according to any one of aspects 9 to 12, wherein the width of the area that does not overlap with the other pattern is 1.1 to 1.3 times the width of the area that overlaps with the other pattern.

[0095] This invention can be used in vehicle lighting systems.

[0096] 1,2 Vehicle, 10,20 Vehicle lighting system, 12,13 Vehicle lighting, 12a,22a Left-side lighting, 12b,22b Right-side lighting, 14,24 Control unit, 16 Image processing unit (measurement unit), 18 Imaging unit, 120 Light source, 122 Circuit board, 126 Micro LED, 130,140 Projection lens, 132,136,142,146,148 Convex lens, 134,144 Concave lens, P Ｌ１ , P Ｌ２ Left side pattern, P Ｒ１ , P Ｒ２ Right-side pattern, P Ｄ１ , P Ｄ２ Road surface pattern, P ＬＲ Light distribution pattern.

Claims

1. A vehicle lighting system comprising: a left-side lighting fixture provided on the left side of the vehicle and having a first light source; and a right-side lighting fixture provided on the right side of the vehicle and having a second light source, wherein the first light source illuminates the road surface with a left-side pattern; the second light source illuminates the road surface with a right-side pattern that at least partially overlaps the left-side pattern; the width of the region to the right of the first centerline in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle of the left-side lighting fixture of the left-side pattern is wider than the width of the region to the left of the first centerline of the left-side pattern; and the width of the region to the left of the second centerline in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle of the right-side lighting fixture of the right-side pattern is wider than the width of the region to the right of the second centerline of the right-side pattern.

2. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the first light source and the second light source each include a plurality of micro-LEDs arranged in a matrix.

3. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 2, wherein the left-side pattern and the right-side pattern are each rectangular in shape, and the road surface pattern formed by combining the left-side pattern and the right-side pattern is rectangular in shape.

4. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 3, wherein the first light source illuminates the left pattern such that the width of the area of ​​the left pattern that overlaps with the right pattern is wider than the width of the area of ​​the left pattern that does not overlap with the right pattern, and the second light source illuminates the right pattern such that the width of the area of ​​the right pattern that overlaps with the left pattern is wider than the width of the area of ​​the right pattern that does not overlap with the left pattern.

5. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 4, wherein the left-side pattern matches the right-side pattern.

6. The vehicle lighting system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the width of the road surface pattern is the same as the width of the vehicle.

7. A vehicle lighting system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising: a measuring unit for measuring the width of a lane; and a control unit for controlling the on / off state of the micro LED, wherein the control unit controls the on / off state of the micro LED so that the width of the road surface pattern matches the width of the lane measured by the measuring unit.

8. A vehicle lighting system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising a control unit for controlling the gradation of the micro-LEDs, wherein the left pattern partially overlaps with the right pattern, and the control unit controls the gradation of the micro-LEDs of the first light source such that the brightness of the micro-LEDs illuminating the right end of the left pattern is less than the brightness of the micro-LEDs illuminating the remaining area of ​​the left pattern, and controls the gradation of the micro-LEDs of the second light source such that the brightness of the micro-LEDs illuminating the left end of the right pattern is less than the brightness of the micro-LEDs illuminating the remaining area of ​​the right pattern.

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