JP2009067083A - Headlight device for vehicle and its control method - Google Patents

Headlight device for vehicle and its control method Download PDF

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JP2009067083A
JP2009067083A JP2007234309A JP2007234309A JP2009067083A JP 2009067083 A JP2009067083 A JP 2009067083A JP 2007234309 A JP2007234309 A JP 2007234309A JP 2007234309 A JP2007234309 A JP 2007234309A JP 2009067083 A JP2009067083 A JP 2009067083A
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vehicle
irradiation
detected
light
light source
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Satoshi Kawai
諭司 河合
Hidenori Seguchi
秀則 瀬口
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Nissan Motor Co Ltd
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Nissan Motor Co Ltd
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a driver of his/her own vehicle to instantly recognize the existence of another vehicle detected. <P>SOLUTION: This headlight device is provided with a headlight 50 provided in the vehicle to irradiate light toward the front of one's own vehicle V, an other vehicle detecting portion 20 for detecting the other vehicle existing on a rear side of one's own vehicle V, and an irradiation control portion 40 for irradiating light from the headlight 50 toward a road surface in front of the one's own vehicle V. A light irradiation region according to irradiation of light is formed on the road surface in front of one's own vehicle. The driver of one's own vehicle V catches appearance of the irradiation region formed on the front road surface to recognize the existence of the other vehicle on the rear side of one's own vehicle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、自車両の後側方に存在する他車両を検知し、検知した他車両の存在と他車両の自車両に対する注目度を運転者に報知する車両用前照灯装置およびその制御方法に関する。   The present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp device for detecting other vehicles existing behind the host vehicle, and notifying the driver of the presence of the detected other vehicles and the degree of attention of the other vehicles to the host vehicle, and a control method therefor. About.

自車両の周囲に存在する他車両を検知し、他車両の存在を運転者に報知する装置が種々提案されており、例えば特許文献１に開示されたものがある。
特開２００４−１８５５０４号公報 Various devices for detecting other vehicles existing around the host vehicle and notifying the driver of the presence of the other vehicles have been proposed. For example, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 1.
JP 2004-185504 A

特許文献１に開示されたものは、カメラやレーザレーダなどのセンサにより、自車両の後側方に位置する他車両を検知し、ディスプレイに表示することで、他車両の存在を運転者に報知する。   The one disclosed in Patent Document 1 detects the other vehicle located behind the host vehicle by a sensor such as a camera or a laser radar, and notifies the driver of the presence of the other vehicle by displaying it on the display. To do.

しかし、車両が走行している際には、運転者の視線は自車両の前方に向けられており、検知した他車両をディスプレイに表示しても、運転者に検知した他車両の存在を即座に認識させることは困難であった。   However, when the vehicle is running, the driver's line of sight is directed to the front of the host vehicle, and even if the detected other vehicle is displayed on the display, the driver immediately detects the presence of the detected other vehicle. It was difficult to make them recognize.

よって、本発明は、他車両を検知した場合に、検知した他車両の存在を自車両の運転者が即座に認識できるようにすることを目的とする。   Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable the driver of the own vehicle to immediately recognize the presence of the detected other vehicle when the other vehicle is detected.

本発明は、自車両の後側方に存在する他車両を検知した場合に、自車両前方の路面に向けて光を照射する構成とした。   The present invention is configured to irradiate light toward the road surface in front of the host vehicle when another vehicle existing behind the host vehicle is detected.

本発明によれば、光の照射に応じた光の照射領域が、自車両前方の路面上に形成される。
よって、自車両の運転者は、視線を動かすことなく、路面上に形成される光の照射領域を視覚的に捉えて、自車両の後側方に他車両が存在することを即座に認識できる。 According to the present invention, the light irradiation area corresponding to the light irradiation is formed on the road surface in front of the host vehicle.
Therefore, the driver of the own vehicle can visually recognize the irradiation area of the light formed on the road surface without moving the line of sight, and can immediately recognize that there is another vehicle behind the own vehicle. .

以下、本発明の好ましい実施例を、添付図面を参照しながら説明する。
図１は、実施例に係る車両用前照灯装置の構成を示すブロック図である。
車両用前照灯装置は、点灯状態検出部１０、他車両検知部２０と、距離・相対速度算出部３０と、照射制御部４０と、前照灯５０とを備える。 Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle headlamp device according to an embodiment.
The vehicle headlamp device includes a lighting state detection unit 10, another vehicle detection unit 20, a distance / relative speed calculation unit 30, an irradiation control unit 40, and a headlamp 50.

点灯状態検出部１０は、前照灯５０の各光源（光源５１、左側光源５２、右側光源５３）の点灯／消灯を示すオン／オフ信号に基づいて、前照灯５０の点灯状態を検出する。
他車両検知部２０は、自車両の両側のサイドミラーの各々に設置したカメラ（ステレオカメラ）が取得する撮像画像に基づいて、自車両の後側方に存在する他車両を検知する。 The lighting state detection unit 10 detects the lighting state of the headlamp 50 based on an on / off signal indicating lighting / extinguishing of each light source (the light source 51, the left light source 52, and the right light source 53) of the headlamp 50. .
The other vehicle detection unit 20 detects another vehicle existing behind the host vehicle based on the captured images acquired by the cameras (stereo cameras) installed on the side mirrors on both sides of the host vehicle.

距離・相対速度算出部３０は、ＦＰＧＡやＡＳＩＣ、ＤＳＰ等を備え、他車両検知部２０が検知した他車両との距離および相対速度を算出する。
照射制御部４０は、距離・相対速度算出部３０で算出した他車両との距離および相対速度に基づいて、前照灯５０の各光源１、５２、５３の点灯・消灯を制御して、前照灯５０から照射される光の照射形態を制御する。 The distance / relative speed calculation unit 30 includes an FPGA, an ASIC, a DSP, and the like, and calculates the distance and relative speed with respect to the other vehicle detected by the other vehicle detection unit 20.
The irradiation control unit 40 controls the turning on / off of each of the light sources 1, 52, 53 of the headlamp 50 based on the distance and relative speed with the other vehicle calculated by the distance / relative speed calculating unit 30. The irradiation mode of the light irradiated from the headlamp 50 is controlled.

図２は、前照灯の各光源の配置と、各光源が照射する光により車両前方の路面に形成される光の照射領域を説明する図である。
前照灯５０は、自車両Ｖの前方に光を照射する一対の光源５１と、自車両Ｖの前方左側に向けて光を照射する左側光源５２と、自車両Ｖの前方右側に向けて光を照射する右側光源５３とを備える。 FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the light sources of the headlamps and the light irradiation area formed on the road surface in front of the vehicle by the light emitted by each light source.
The headlamp 50 includes a pair of light sources 51 that irradiate light in front of the host vehicle V, a left light source 52 that irradiates light toward the front left side of the host vehicle V, and light toward the front right side of the host vehicle V. And a right light source 53 for irradiating.

図２の（ｂ）に示すように、光源５１、５１は、自車両Ｖの前部に設置されており、光源５１、５１から照射される光により、自車両Ｖの前方正面側に、図中符号Ｃ２で示す光の照射領域を形成する。
左側光源５２は、自車両Ｖの幅方向における左側であって光源５１よりも外側の位置に、自車両Ｖの高さ方向に沿って複数設けられており、これら左側光源５２から照射される光により、自車両Ｖの前方左側に、図中符号Ｃ１で示す照射領域を形成する。
右側光源５３は、自車両Ｖの幅方向における右側であって光源５１よりも外側の位置に、自車両Ｖの高さ方向に沿って複数設けられており、これら右側光源５３から照射される光により、自車両Ｖの前方右側に、図中符号Ｃ３で示す照射領域を形成する。
光源５１、左側光源５２、そして右側光源５３が照射する光は、適切な光学設計により他の照射領域を形成する光との干渉が生じないようにされている。
このように、各光源が照射する光により、自車両Ｖの前方には、全体として図２の（ｂ）に示すような形状となる光の照射領域Ｃが形成される。 As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the light sources 51 and 51 are installed in the front part of the host vehicle V, and the light emitted from the light sources 51 and 51 is placed on the front front side of the host vehicle V. A light irradiation region indicated by a middle code C2 is formed.
The left light source 52 is provided in a plurality along the height direction of the host vehicle V at a position on the left side in the width direction of the host vehicle V and outside the light source 51, and light emitted from the left light source 52. As a result, an irradiation region indicated by reference sign C1 in the figure is formed on the front left side of the host vehicle V.
A plurality of right light sources 53 are provided on the right side in the width direction of the host vehicle V and outside the light sources 51 along the height direction of the host vehicle V, and light emitted from the right light sources 53 is provided. As a result, an irradiation area indicated by reference numeral C3 in the figure is formed on the right front side of the host vehicle V.
The light emitted from the light source 51, the left light source 52, and the right light source 53 is prevented from interfering with light forming other irradiation regions by an appropriate optical design.
Thus, the light irradiation region C having a shape as shown in FIG. 2B as a whole is formed in front of the host vehicle V by the light emitted from each light source.

実施例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の動作を説明する。
図３は、実施例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の動作を説明するフローチャートである。
ステップ１０１において、点灯状態検出部１０は、前照灯５０の各光源５１、５２、５３の点灯／消灯を示すオン／オフ信号に基づいて、前照灯５０が点灯状態であるか否かを確認する。 The operation of the vehicle headlamp apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the vehicle headlamp apparatus according to the embodiment.
In step 101, the lighting state detection unit 10 determines whether or not the headlamp 50 is in a lighting state based on an on / off signal indicating lighting / extinguishing of each light source 51, 52, 53 of the headlamp 50. Check.

ステップ１０１において前照灯５０が点灯状態であると確認された場合、ステップ１０２において、他車両検知部２０は、自車両Ｖの両サイドミラーに設置した図示しないカメラがそれぞれ取得した撮像画像に基づいて、自車両Ｖの後側方に他車両が存在するか否かを確認する。
他車両が存在するか否かの確認は、例えばカメラが取得した撮像画像の時系列処理により撮像画像内に存在する移動体の抽出・認識などを行う従来公知の手法により行われる。
なお、自車両の後側方とは、車両の運転者から見て死角となる自車両の後方の左右の所定領域のみならず、自車両が走行している車線に隣接する車線上の自車両のドアミラーよりも後方側の領域を含む範囲を意味する。 When it is confirmed in step 101 that the headlamp 50 is in the lighting state, in step 102, the other vehicle detection unit 20 is based on captured images respectively acquired by cameras (not shown) installed on both side mirrors of the host vehicle V. Thus, it is confirmed whether or not another vehicle exists behind the host vehicle V.
The confirmation of whether or not another vehicle exists is performed by a conventionally known method of performing extraction / recognition of a moving body existing in the captured image by time-series processing of the captured image acquired by the camera, for example.
The rear side of the host vehicle is not only a predetermined area on the left and right behind the host vehicle that is a blind spot when viewed from the driver of the vehicle, but also the host vehicle on the lane adjacent to the lane in which the host vehicle is traveling. This means a range including an area on the rear side of the door mirror.

ステップ１０２において他車両の存在が確認された場合、ステップ１０３において、距離・相対速度算出部３０は、確認された他車両との距離および相対速度を算出する。
他車両との距離は、撮像画像の時系列処理の結果に基づき算出され、相対速度は、算出した他車両までの距離の経時的な変化に基づき算出される。 When the presence of the other vehicle is confirmed in step 102, in step 103, the distance / relative speed calculation unit 30 calculates the distance and relative speed with the confirmed other vehicle.
The distance to the other vehicle is calculated based on the result of time-series processing of the captured image, and the relative speed is calculated based on the change over time of the calculated distance to the other vehicle.

ステップ１０４において、照射制御部４０は、距離・相対速度算出部３０で求めた他車両との距離および相対距離に基づいて、検知した他車両の自車両に対する注目度を判定し、判定した注目度に基づいて前照灯５０の照射形態を決定する。   In step 104, the irradiation control unit 40 determines the degree of attention of the detected other vehicle to the own vehicle based on the distance and relative distance from the other vehicle obtained by the distance / relative speed calculation unit 30, and the determined degree of attention is determined. Based on the above, the irradiation form of the headlamp 50 is determined.

図４の（ａ）は、他車両との距離および相対速度と、注目度との関係を規定する注目度判定マップであり、（ｂ）は、判定した注目度に基づき決定される前照灯５０の光源の点灯周波数を規定する点灯制御マップである。
照射制御部４０は、自車両の後側方に他車両が検知され、検知した他車両との距離および相対距離が算出されると、注目度判定マップを参照して、検知された他車両の注目度を判定する。
注目度判定マップでは、注目度が、「無」、「小」、「中」、「大」の４段階に分けて規定されており、図中において、それぞれ符号「Ｘ」、「Ａ」、「Ｂ」、「Ｃ」で示されている。
例えば、他車両との距離が２０ｍ未満であり、かつ相対速度が１０ｋｍ／ｈ未満である場合は、符号「Ａ」が割り当てられているので、照射制御部４０は、注目度が「小」であると判定する。 4A is an attention level determination map that defines the relationship between the distance and relative speed with other vehicles and the attention level, and FIG. 4B is a headlamp determined based on the determined attention level. It is a lighting control map which prescribes | regulates the lighting frequency of 50 light sources.
When the other vehicle is detected on the rear side of the host vehicle, and the distance and relative distance from the detected other vehicle are calculated, the irradiation control unit 40 refers to the attention degree determination map and determines the detected other vehicle. Determine the degree of attention.
In the attention level determination map, the attention level is defined in four stages of “none”, “small”, “medium”, and “large”, and in the figure, reference signs “X”, “A”, “B” and “C” are shown.
For example, when the distance to the other vehicle is less than 20 m and the relative speed is less than 10 km / h, since the code “A” is assigned, the irradiation control unit 40 has the attention degree of “small”. Judge that there is.

注目度が判定されると、照射制御部４０は、点灯制御マップを参照して、前照灯５０の光源（左側光源５２、右側光源５３）のうち、検知された他車両が位置する側の光源の点灯周波数を決定する。
例えば、自車両Ｖの後方左側に他車両が検知されており、検知された他車両の注目度が、図中符号「Ａ」で示す「小」であると判定された場合は、自車両Ｖの前方左側に光の照射領域Ｃ１（図２参照）を形成する左側光源５２の点灯周波数を「１０Ｈｚ点滅」に決定する。 When the degree of attention is determined, the irradiation control unit 40 refers to the lighting control map, and among the light sources (the left light source 52 and the right light source 53) of the headlamp 50, the irradiation control unit 40 is on the side where the detected other vehicle is located. Determine the lighting frequency of the light source.
For example, when another vehicle is detected on the rear left side of the host vehicle V and the degree of attention of the detected other vehicle is determined to be “small” indicated by a symbol “A” in the figure, the host vehicle V The lighting frequency of the left light source 52 that forms the light irradiation area C1 (see FIG. 2) on the front left side of is determined to be “10 Hz blinking”.

ステップ１０５において、照射制御部４０は、決定した照射形態が現在の照射形態と異なるか否かを確認する。
すなわち、左側光源５２の点灯周波数を「１０Ｈｚ点滅」にすると決定された場合には、左側光源５２の現在の点灯周波数が「１０Ｈｚ点滅」以外の点灯周波数であるか否かを確認する。
既に左側光源５２の現在の点灯周波数が「１０Ｈｚ点滅」である場合には左側光源５２の点灯周波数を変更して、照射形態を変更する必要がないからである。 In step 105, the irradiation control unit 40 checks whether or not the determined irradiation form is different from the current irradiation form.
That is, when it is determined that the lighting frequency of the left light source 52 is “10 Hz blinking”, it is confirmed whether or not the current lighting frequency of the left light source 52 is a lighting frequency other than “10 Hz blinking”.
This is because when the current lighting frequency of the left light source 52 is already “10 Hz blinking”, it is not necessary to change the lighting mode by changing the lighting frequency of the left light source 52.

ステップ１０５において決定した照射形態が、現在の照射形態と異なる照射形態である場合には、ステップ１０６において、照射制御部４０は、決定した照射形態で前照灯５０を制御する点灯制御信号を新たに設定する。そして、現在設定されている点灯制御信号に代えて、新たに設定した点灯制御信号を前照灯５０に出力する。これにより、照射形態が変更されることになる。
例えば、「１００Ｈｚ点灯」に設定されていた左側光源５２の点灯周波数が、「１０Ｈｚ点滅」に変更された場合、左側光源５２から照射される光の照射形態は、連続点灯状態から、点滅点灯状態に変更される。 When the irradiation form determined in step 105 is a different irradiation form from the current irradiation form, in step 106, the irradiation control unit 40 newly generates a lighting control signal for controlling the headlamp 50 with the determined irradiation form. Set to. Then, instead of the currently set lighting control signal, the newly set lighting control signal is output to the headlamp 50. Thereby, an irradiation form will be changed.
For example, when the lighting frequency of the left light source 52 set to “100 Hz lighting” is changed to “10 Hz blinking”, the irradiation mode of the light emitted from the left light source 52 is changed from the continuous lighting state to the blinking lighting state. Changed to

ちなみに、ステップ１０５において決定した照射形態が、現在の照射形態と異ならない（同じである）場合には、点灯制御信号は変更されない。よって、現在設定されている点灯制御信号が引き続き前照灯５０に出力される。   Incidentally, when the irradiation form determined in step 105 is not different from the current irradiation form (the same), the lighting control signal is not changed. Therefore, the currently set lighting control signal is continuously output to the headlamp 50.

図５は、点灯制御信号の波形を説明する図である。
図６は、自車両の後方左側に他車両を検知した場合の、前照灯の照射形態の変化を説明する説明図であり、（ａ）は注目度が「無」と判定された場合の、（ｂ）は注目度が「小」と判定された場合の、（ｃ）は注目度が「中」と判定された場合の、（ｄ）は注目度が「大」と判定された場合の照射形態を示している。 FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the waveform of the lighting control signal.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a change in the illumination pattern of the headlamp when another vehicle is detected on the left rear side of the host vehicle. FIG. 6A is a case where the degree of attention is determined to be “none”. , (B) when the degree of attention is determined to be “small”, (c) when the degree of attention is determined to be “medium”, and (d) when the degree of attention is determined to be “large” The irradiation form is shown.

例えば、自車両Ｖの後側方に他車両が検知されない場合や、他車両が検知されていても注目度が「無」である場合には、図５の（ａ）に示すように、前照灯５０の光源５１に入力される点灯制御信号の波形と、左側光源５２および右側光源５３に入力される点灯制御信号の波形は同じである。
この場合、図６の（ａ）に示すように、自車両Ｖの前方には、通常の光の照射領域Ｃが形成され、照射領域Ｃは全体に亘って同じ明るさとなる。 For example, when no other vehicle is detected behind the host vehicle V, or when the attention level is “None” even if another vehicle is detected, as shown in FIG. The waveform of the lighting control signal input to the light source 51 of the illumination lamp 50 and the waveform of the lighting control signal input to the left light source 52 and the right light source 53 are the same.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 6A, a normal light irradiation region C is formed in front of the host vehicle V, and the irradiation region C has the same brightness throughout.

自車両Ｖの後側方に他車両Ｏが検知され、注目度が「小」であると判定されると、照射制御部４０は、他車両Ｏが検知された側に位置する光源（右側光源５３または左側光源５２）の点灯周波数を１０Ｈｚで点滅する旨規定する。
図６の（ｂ）に示すように、例えば自車両Ｖの後方左側に他車両Ｏが検知された場合、左側光源５２に入力される点灯制御信号が、図５の（ｂ）の下段に示す波形の点灯制御信号に変更される。その結果、図６の（ｂ）に示すように、照射領域Ｃ１に照射される光のみが、１０Ｈｚの周期で点滅する。 When the other vehicle O is detected on the rear side of the host vehicle V and the degree of attention is determined to be “small”, the irradiation control unit 40 uses a light source (right light source) located on the side where the other vehicle O is detected. 53 or the lighting frequency of the left light source 52) is specified to blink at 10 Hz.
As shown in FIG. 6B, for example, when another vehicle O is detected on the rear left side of the host vehicle V, the lighting control signal input to the left light source 52 is shown in the lower part of FIG. It is changed to the lighting control signal of the waveform. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, only the light irradiated to the irradiation region C1 blinks at a cycle of 10 Hz.

同様に、検知された他車両Ｏの注目度が「中」であると判定されると、照射制御部４０は、左側光源５２に入力される点灯制御信号が、図５の（ｃ）の下段に示す波形の点灯制御信号に変更される。その結果、図６の（ｃ）に示すように、照射領域Ｃ１に照射される光のみが、２０Ｈｚの周期で点滅する。   Similarly, when it is determined that the degree of attention of the detected other vehicle O is “medium”, the irradiation control unit 40 indicates that the lighting control signal input to the left light source 52 is lower in FIG. The lighting control signal is changed to the waveform shown in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6C, only the light irradiated to the irradiation region C1 blinks at a cycle of 20 Hz.

さらに、検知された他車両Ｏの注目度が「大」であると判定されると、照射制御部４０は、左側光源５２に入力される点灯制御信号が、図５の（ｄ）の下段に示す波形の点灯制御信号に変更される。その結果、図６の（ｄ）に示すように、照射領域Ｃ１に照射される光のみが、３０Ｈｚの周期で点滅する。   Further, when it is determined that the degree of attention of the detected other vehicle O is “high”, the irradiation control unit 40 indicates that the lighting control signal input to the left light source 52 is in the lower part of FIG. It changes to the lighting control signal of the waveform shown. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6D, only the light irradiated to the irradiation area C1 blinks at a cycle of 30 Hz.

このように、自車両Ｖの後側方に他車両Ｏが検知されると、検知された他車両Ｏが位置する側の光源（右側光源５３または左側光源５２）の点灯周波数が、検知された他車両Ｏとの距離および相対速度に基づいて判定される他車両Ｏの注目度に応じて変更される。そして、自車両Ｖの前照灯５０の照射領域Ｃの幅方向における左側に位置する照射領域Ｃ１と右側に位置する照射領域Ｃ３のうちの、検知された他車両Ｏが位置する側の照射領域の照射形態が変更されて点滅する。
この際、検知された他車両Ｏの自車両Ｖに対する注目度が大きいほど、検知された他車両Ｏが位置する側の光源（右側光源５３または左側光源５２）の点灯周波数が短い周期に設定され、照射領域の点滅速度が速くなる。
よって、自車両Ｖの運転者は、自車両Ｖの前方の路面に形成される光の照射領域の点滅により他車両Ｏの存在とその方向を認識し、点滅周期によりその注目度を認識できる。 As described above, when the other vehicle O is detected behind the host vehicle V, the lighting frequency of the light source (the right light source 53 or the left light source 52) on the side where the detected other vehicle O is located is detected. It changes according to the attention degree of the other vehicle O determined based on the distance and relative speed with the other vehicle O. And the irradiation area | region where the detected other vehicle O is located among the irradiation area | region C1 located in the left side in the width direction of the irradiation area | region C of the headlamp 50 of the own vehicle V, and the irradiation area | region C3 located in the right side. Flashes when the irradiation mode is changed.
At this time, the greater the degree of attention of the detected other vehicle O to the host vehicle V, the shorter the lighting frequency of the light source (the right light source 53 or the left light source 52) on the side where the detected other vehicle O is located. , The blinking speed of the irradiation area becomes faster.
Therefore, the driver of the host vehicle V can recognize the presence and direction of the other vehicle O by flashing the light irradiation area formed on the road surface ahead of the host vehicle V, and can recognize the degree of attention by the flashing cycle.

図３の車両用前照灯装置の動作を説明するフローチャートに戻って、ステップ１０２において、自車両Ｖの後側方に他車両Ｏが存在しない場合、ステップ１０７において、照射制御部４０は、前照灯５０の照射形態が現在変更中であるか否かを確認する。検知されていた他車両が検知されなくなった場合には、変更されている照射形態を通常の照射形態に戻す必要があるからである。   Returning to the flowchart for explaining the operation of the vehicle headlamp device in FIG. 3, when there is no other vehicle O on the rear side of the host vehicle V in step 102, the irradiation controller 40 It is confirmed whether or not the illumination form of the illumination lamp 50 is currently being changed. This is because when the detected other vehicle is no longer detected, the changed irradiation form needs to be returned to the normal irradiation form.

ステップ１０７において前照灯の照射形態が変更されている場合、ステップ１０８において、照射制御部４０は、前照灯５０の照射状態を、通常の照射形態に変更する。
例えば、自車両Ｖの前方左側に照射領域Ｃ１を形成する左側光源５２の点灯周波数が、図５の（ｂ）の下段に示す点灯周波数とされている場合には、図５の（ａ）の下段に示す通常時の点灯周波数に戻すことで、前照灯の照射形態を通常の照射形態に戻す。 When the irradiation form of the headlamp is changed in step 107, in step 108, the irradiation control unit 40 changes the irradiation state of the headlamp 50 to the normal irradiation form.
For example, when the lighting frequency of the left light source 52 that forms the irradiation area C1 on the front left side of the host vehicle V is the lighting frequency shown in the lower part of FIG. 5B, the lighting frequency shown in FIG. By returning to the normal lighting frequency shown in the lower part, the irradiation form of the headlamp is returned to the normal irradiation form.

上記したステップ１０２およびステップ１０３の処理、そして他車両検知部２０および距離・相対速度算出部３０が、発明における他車両検知部に相当し、ステップ１０４〜ステップ１０８の処理、そして照射制御部４０が、発明における照射制御部に相当し、光源５２、５３が発明における照射部に相当する。   The processing in step 102 and step 103 described above, and the other vehicle detection unit 20 and the distance / relative speed calculation unit 30 correspond to the other vehicle detection unit in the invention. The light sources 52 and 53 correspond to the irradiation control unit in the invention.

以上の通り、自車両Ｖに設けられて自車両Ｖの前方に向けて光を照射する前照灯５０と、自車両Ｖの後側方に存在する他車両Ｏを検知する他車両検知部２０と、他車両Ｏを検知した場合に、前照灯５０から自車両Ｖの前方の路面に向けて光を照射する照射制御部４０とを備える車両用前照灯装置とした。
これにより、自車両の後側方に他車両が検知されると、光の照射に応じた光の照射領域が、自車両前方の路面上に形成される。
よって、車両の走行時に自車両の後側方に他車両が検知された場合、運転者は、自車両の前方に向けていた視線をそのままで大きく動かすこと無しに、検知された自車両Ｖの後側方に存在する他車両を認識できる。
この際、照射制御部４０が、前照灯５０の光源（左側光源５２、右側光源５３）からの光の照射を制御する構成とすると、自車両前方の路面に形成される光の照射領域の照射形態が変化する。例えば、前照灯５０が点灯中の場合は、自車両前方の路面上に形成される照射領域Ｃ１、Ｃ３の照射形態が変更されて照射領域が点滅する。よって、運転中の自車両Ｖの運転者は、路面上に形成された光の照射領域Ｃ１、Ｃ３の変化を視覚的に捉えて、自車両Ｖの後側方に他車両Ｏが存在することを即座に認識できる。 As described above, the headlamp 50 that is provided in the host vehicle V and emits light toward the front of the host vehicle V, and the other vehicle detection unit 20 that detects the other vehicle O existing behind the host vehicle V. When the other vehicle O is detected, the vehicle headlamp device is provided with an irradiation control unit 40 that emits light from the headlamp 50 toward the road surface ahead of the host vehicle V.
Thus, when another vehicle is detected on the rear side of the host vehicle, a light irradiation region corresponding to the light irradiation is formed on the road surface in front of the host vehicle.
Therefore, when another vehicle is detected on the rear side of the host vehicle while the vehicle is traveling, the driver does not move the line of sight toward the front of the host vehicle as it is and moves the detected vehicle V Recognize other vehicles on the rear side.
At this time, when the irradiation control unit 40 is configured to control the light irradiation from the light source (the left light source 52 and the right light source 53) of the headlamp 50, the irradiation region of the light formed on the road surface ahead of the host vehicle is determined. The irradiation form changes. For example, when the headlamp 50 is lit, the irradiation form of the irradiation areas C1 and C3 formed on the road surface ahead of the host vehicle is changed and the irradiation area blinks. Therefore, the driver of the own vehicle V who is driving visually recognizes the change in the light irradiation areas C1 and C3 formed on the road surface, and the other vehicle O exists on the rear side of the own vehicle V. Can be recognized immediately.

また、光源（左側光源５２、右側光源５３）から照射される光の照射領域として、自車両Ｖの前照灯５０の照射領域Ｃの幅方向における一端側を含む範囲Ｃ１と、他端側を含む範囲Ｃ３とが設定されており、照射制御部４０は、自車両の後側方に他車両を検知した場合に、検知した他車両Ｏが位置する側の照射範囲（Ｃ１またはＣ３）に向けて光を照射させる構成とした。
よって、自車両Ｖの運転者は、自車両Ｖの後方右側と後方左側のどちら側に他車両Ｏが存在するのかを、視線を前に向けたまま動かすこと無しに認識できる。 Further, as an irradiation area of light emitted from the light source (left light source 52, right light source 53), a range C1 including one end side in the width direction of the irradiation area C of the headlamp 50 of the host vehicle V and the other end side are set. The range C3 is set, and when the irradiation control unit 40 detects another vehicle on the rear side of the host vehicle, the irradiation control unit 40 is directed to the irradiation range (C1 or C3) on the side where the detected other vehicle O is located. The light is irradiated.
Therefore, the driver of the host vehicle V can recognize whether the other vehicle O exists on the rear right side or the rear left side of the host vehicle V without moving the line of sight forward.

さらに、距離・相対速度算出部３０は、検知した他車両Ｏとの距離および相対速度を算出し、照射制御部４０は、算出した他車両Ｏとの距離と相対速度に応じて決まる他車両Ｏの自車両Ｖに対する注目度に基づいて、左側光源５２、右側光源５３から照射される光の照射形態を変更する構成とした。
よって、自車両Ｖの運転者は、視線を大きく動かすこと無しに、光の照射形態の変化を捉えて、検知した他車両Ｏの自車両Ｖに対する注目度を認識できる。 Further, the distance / relative speed calculation unit 30 calculates the distance and relative speed with the detected other vehicle O, and the irradiation control unit 40 determines the other vehicle O determined according to the calculated distance and relative speed with the other vehicle O. Based on the degree of attention to the vehicle V, the configuration of changing the irradiation mode of the light emitted from the left light source 52 and the right light source 53 is adopted.
Therefore, the driver of the host vehicle V can recognize the degree of attention of the detected other vehicle O with respect to the host vehicle V by capturing the change in the light irradiation mode without largely moving the line of sight.

ここで、照射制御部４０が、左側光源５２、右側光源５３から照射される光の照射周期を変更することで光の照射形態を変更し、検知した他車両との距離が短くなるほど、または検知した他車両との相対速度が大きくなるほど、他車両の自車両に対する注目度が大きいと判定して、前記照射周期を短くする構成とした。
よって、自車両Ｖの運転者は、前方の路面上に形成される光の照射領域Ｃ１、Ｃ３の点滅により、自車両Ｖの後側方に位置する他車両Ｏの存在を認識でき、点滅周期の長短により、検知した他車両Ｏの自車両Ｖに対する注目度を認識できる。 Here, the irradiation control unit 40 changes the irradiation mode of the light by changing the irradiation period of the light irradiated from the left light source 52 and the right light source 53, and the detection is performed as the distance from the detected other vehicle is shortened or detected. The higher the relative speed with the other vehicle, the higher the degree of attention of the other vehicle to the host vehicle, and the shorter the irradiation cycle.
Therefore, the driver of the host vehicle V can recognize the presence of the other vehicle O located on the rear side of the host vehicle V by flashing the light irradiation areas C1 and C3 formed on the road surface ahead, and the flashing cycle. The degree of attention of the detected other vehicle O to the host vehicle V can be recognized by the length of

さらに、左側光源５２、右側光源５３から照射される光の照射範囲Ｃ１、Ｃ３の前後方向の範囲が、自車両Ｖの前照灯５０の照射範囲Ｃの前後方向の範囲とほぼ整合するように設定されている構成とした。よって、自車両の前方の十分に広い範囲が照射されるので、自車両Ｖの運転者は、前方の路面上に形成される光の照射領域を確実に捉えることができる。   Further, the front and rear ranges of the light irradiation ranges C1 and C3 irradiated from the left light source 52 and the right light source 53 are substantially matched with the front and rear ranges of the irradiation range C of the headlamp 50 of the host vehicle V. The configuration is set. Therefore, since a sufficiently wide range in front of the host vehicle is irradiated, the driver of the host vehicle V can surely grasp the light irradiation area formed on the road surface in front.

実施例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の第１の変形例を説明する。
図７は、変形例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の前照灯５０に入力される点灯制御信号を説明する図である。 The 1st modification of the vehicle headlamp apparatus concerning an Example is demonstrated.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a lighting control signal input to the headlamp 50 of the vehicle headlamp apparatus according to the modification.

第１の変形例にかかる車両用前照灯装置では、他車両の存在とその注目度を、自車両の前方の路面に形成される照射領域の色を変えることで報知する。
第１の変形例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の前照灯５０では、左側光源５２と右側光源５３とが、それぞれ、赤色の光を照射する光源と、白色の光（前照灯の光源が通常照射する光）を照射する光源とを、１：１の割合で備える。 In the vehicle headlamp device according to the first modification, the presence of other vehicles and the degree of attention thereof are notified by changing the color of the irradiation area formed on the road surface ahead of the host vehicle.
In the headlamp 50 of the vehicle headlamp apparatus according to the first modification, the left light source 52 and the right light source 53 are respectively a light source that emits red light and a white light (light source of the headlamp). The light source that normally irradiates is provided at a ratio of 1: 1.

自車両Ｖの後側方に他車両が検知されない場合や、他車両が検知されていても注目度が「無」の場合のような通常時には、左側光源５２と右側光源５３は、白色の光を照射する光源のみから光を照射する。
そして、自車両Ｖの後側方に他車両が検出された場合は、他車両が位置する側の光源（左側光源５２または右側光源５３）から照射される光の色が赤色となるようにする。 When the other vehicle is not detected on the rear side of the host vehicle V, or when the attention level is “None” even when the other vehicle is detected, the left light source 52 and the right light source 53 are white light. Irradiate light only from the light source that irradiates.
When another vehicle is detected behind the host vehicle V, the color of light emitted from the light source (the left light source 52 or the right light source 53) on the side where the other vehicle is located is set to be red. .

具体的には、検知した他車両の注目度に応じて、赤色の光を照射する光源と白色の光を照射する光源のオン／オフのデューティー比を、図７の（ｂ）〜（ｄ）の範囲で変化させて、注目度が高いほど自車両の前方に照射される光の赤味が強くなるようにする。
これにより、例えば自車両の後方左側に他車両が検知されている場合、自車両の前方左側に、赤色の照射領域が形成され、検知された他車両の自車両に対する注目度が高くなるほど、照射範囲の赤色が濃くなる。 Specifically, the on / off duty ratios of the light source that emits red light and the light source that emits white light according to the degree of attention of the detected other vehicle are shown in FIGS. 7B to 7D. In this range, the redness of the light emitted in front of the host vehicle becomes stronger as the degree of attention is higher.
Thereby, for example, when another vehicle is detected on the rear left side of the host vehicle, a red irradiation area is formed on the front left side of the host vehicle, and the higher the degree of attention of the detected other vehicle to the host vehicle becomes, The red color of the range becomes darker.

このように、左側光源５２、右側光源５３から照射される光の色を変えることで、光の照射形態を変更し、さらに、検知した他車両との距離が短くなるほど、または検知した他車両との相対速度が大きくなるほど、他車両の自車両に対する注目度が大きいと判定して、照射される光の色の赤味を強くする構成とした。
よって、自車両の運転者は、前照灯の照射光が形成する照射領域の色とは異なる色の照射領域の出現を即座に捉えて、他車両の存在を認識し、色味の強さ（色の濃さ）により他車両の自車両に対する注目度を認識できる。 In this way, by changing the color of the light emitted from the left light source 52 and the right light source 53, the light irradiation mode is changed, and further, the distance from the detected other vehicle becomes shorter, or the detected other vehicle and As the relative speed of the vehicle increases, the degree of attention of the other vehicle to the host vehicle is determined to be greater, and the redness of the color of the emitted light is increased.
Therefore, the driver of the own vehicle immediately recognizes the appearance of an irradiation area of a color different from the color of the irradiation area formed by the irradiation light of the headlamp, recognizes the presence of another vehicle, and increases the intensity of the color. The degree of attention of the other vehicle to the host vehicle can be recognized from the (color density).

実施例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の第２の変形例を説明する。
図８は、第２の変形例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の前照灯と、この前照灯の各光源が照射する光により車両前方に形成される照射領域を説明する図である。 The 2nd modification of the vehicle headlamp apparatus concerning an Example is demonstrated.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a headlamp of a vehicle headlamp apparatus according to a second modification and an irradiation area formed in front of the vehicle by light emitted from each light source of the headlamp.

第２の変形例にかかる車両の前照灯装置の前照灯５０Ａは、ＲＧＢ色内蔵のＬＥＤからなる光源５４を複数備えて構成される。
この前照灯５０Ａの光源５４から照射される光は、自車両Ｖの前方の路面に略円形の照射領域Ｃ１’を形成する。そして、各光源５４から照射された光が形成する照射領域Ｃ１’の集合により、前記した図２の前照灯５０の照射領域Ｃと略同じ形状および面積の照射領域Ｃ’を形成する。
かかる構成の前照灯５０Ａの場合、各光源５４の点灯／消灯を制御することで、照射領域Ｃ’内に、所望の大きさの照射形態が変更された領域を、所望の位置に形成できる。
また、各照射領域Ｃ１の色を白色も含めて様々な色に変化させることができる。 A headlamp 50A of a vehicle headlamp apparatus according to a second modification is configured by including a plurality of light sources 54 each including an RGB color built-in LED.
The light emitted from the light source 54 of the headlamp 50A forms a substantially circular irradiation area C1 ′ on the road surface in front of the host vehicle V. Then, an irradiation region C ′ having substantially the same shape and area as the irradiation region C of the headlamp 50 shown in FIG. 2 is formed by a set of irradiation regions C1 ′ formed by the light irradiated from each light source 54.
In the case of the headlamp 50A having such a configuration, by controlling the turning on / off of each light source 54, a region in which the irradiation form having a desired size is changed can be formed in a desired position in the irradiation region C ′. .
Moreover, the color of each irradiation area | region C1 can be changed into various colors including white.

図９は、自車両の後方左側に他車両を検知した場合の、第２の変形例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の前照灯５０Ａの照射形態の変化を説明する図である。
例えば、自車両Ｖの後側方に他車両が検知されない場合や、他車両が検知されていても注目度が「無」である場合のような通常時には、図９の（ａ）に示すように、自車両Ｖの前方には、通常形状の照射領域Ｃ’が形成される。 FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a change in the irradiation form of the headlamp 50A of the vehicle headlamp device according to the second modification when another vehicle is detected on the left rear side of the host vehicle.
For example, as shown in (a) of FIG. 9, in a normal time, such as when no other vehicle is detected behind the host vehicle V, or when the degree of attention is “none” even if another vehicle is detected. In addition, an irradiation area C ′ having a normal shape is formed in front of the host vehicle V.

自車両Ｖの後側方に他車両Ｏが検知された場合は、照射流域Ｃ’内の他車両が位置する側にある一部の領域の照射形態が変更される（図中符号Ｃ１参照）。
具体的には、注目度が「小」の場合は、照射領域Ｃ’の検知された他車両Ｏが位置する側であって、自車両Ｖの近傍の領域Ｃ１の照射形態が変更されるように、各光源５１のオン／オフが制御される（図９の（ｂ）参照）。
そして、注目度が大きくなるにつれて、照射形態が変更された領域Ｃ１の前端までの距離Ｘが、照射領域Ｃ’の前端までの距離Ｌに近づくように、各光源５１のオン／オフが制御されて、照射形態が変更された領域Ｃ１が自車両Ｖの前方側に拡大する。
よって、注目度が「中」の場合には、距離Ｘが、距離Ｌの前後方向における略中間まで及ぶ長さとなり、注目度が「大」の場合には、照射範囲Ｃ’の前端近傍に及ぶ長さとなる。 When the other vehicle O is detected on the rear side of the host vehicle V, the irradiation form of a part of the region on the side where the other vehicle is located in the irradiation basin C ′ is changed (see reference numeral C1 in the figure). .
Specifically, when the degree of attention is “small”, the irradiation mode of the area C1 in the vicinity of the host vehicle V on the side where the other vehicle O in which the irradiation area C ′ is detected is located is changed. Further, on / off of each light source 51 is controlled (see FIG. 9B).
Then, as the degree of attention increases, on / off of each light source 51 is controlled so that the distance X to the front end of the region C1 in which the irradiation form is changed approaches the distance L to the front end of the irradiation region C ′. Thus, the region C <b> 1 in which the irradiation form is changed expands to the front side of the host vehicle V.
Therefore, when the degree of attention is “medium”, the distance X has a length that extends to approximately the middle of the distance L in the front-rear direction. When the degree of attention is “large”, the distance X is near the front end of the irradiation range C ′. It becomes the length to reach.

このように、光源５４から照射される光が路面上に形成する照射領域Ｃ’のうちの自車両Ｖ側の領域を含む一部の領域の照射形態を変更し、検知した他車両との距離が短くなるほど、または検知した他車両との相対速度が大きくなるほど、他車両の自車両に対する注目度が大きいと判定して、自車両Ｖの前端から照射形態が変更された領域の前端までの長さＸが長くなるようにして、照射形態が変更された領域を広げる構成とした。
これにより、自車両の運転者は、照射形態が変更された領域の出現を即座に捉えて、他車両の存在を認識し、照射形態が変更された領域の出現位置により検知された他車両の位置を認識し、さらに自車両Ｖの前端から照射形態が変更された領域の前端までの長さＸにより、検知された他車両の自車両に対する注目度を認識できる。 In this way, the irradiation form of a part of the area including the area on the own vehicle V side in the irradiation area C ′ formed on the road surface by the light emitted from the light source 54 is changed, and the detected distance to the other vehicle The shorter the vehicle speed is, or the higher the relative speed with the detected other vehicle is, the greater the degree of attention of the other vehicle to the host vehicle is, and the length from the front end of the host vehicle V to the front end of the region where the irradiation form is changed It was set as the structure which extended the area | region where the irradiation form was changed so that length X might become long.
As a result, the driver of the own vehicle immediately captures the appearance of the area where the irradiation form is changed, recognizes the presence of the other vehicle, and detects the other vehicle detected by the appearance position of the area where the irradiation form is changed. Recognizing the position, and the length X from the front end of the host vehicle V to the front end of the region where the irradiation form is changed, the detected degree of attention of the other vehicle to the host vehicle can be recognized.

なお、照射形態の変更とは、光源５４からの光の照射周期を変更することにより、照射領域Ｃ’内の所定領域を点滅させることや、光源５４が照射する光の色を変えて、照射領域Ｃ’内の所定領域を赤色などで着色表示することなどを意味する。
何れの場合にも、車両前方に視線を向けている運転者が、照射形態が変化された領域の出現と、変化の度合いを捉えやすくなる。 Note that the change in the irradiation mode means that the irradiation period of the light from the light source 54 is changed, thereby blinking a predetermined area in the irradiation area C ′ or changing the color of the light irradiated by the light source 54. This means that a predetermined area in the area C ′ is displayed in red or the like.
In any case, it becomes easy for the driver who is looking toward the front of the vehicle to grasp the appearance of the region where the irradiation form is changed and the degree of change.

上記した実施例、第１の変形例、第２の変形例では、照射された光により自車両の前方の路面に形成される照射領域の形状が、全体として図２の（ａ）に示す照射領域Ｃのような形状となる場合を例に挙げて説明をしたが、照射領域の形状およびその大きさは、車両用前照灯装置が搭載される車両の種別や、当該車両の使用地域などに応じて適宜適切な形状及び大きさに変更可能である。   In the above-described embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example, the shape of the irradiation region formed on the road surface in front of the host vehicle by the irradiated light is the irradiation shown in FIG. The case where the shape is like the region C has been described as an example, but the shape and size of the irradiation region are the type of vehicle on which the vehicle headlamp device is mounted, the area where the vehicle is used, etc. It can be changed to an appropriate shape and size as appropriate.

実施例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の第３の変形例を説明する。
図１０は、第３の変形例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の構成を示すブロック図である。 A third modification of the vehicle headlamp device according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle headlamp device according to a third modification.

第３の変形例にかかる車両用前照灯装置は、自車両前方に向けて光を照射して自車両前方の路面に光の照射範囲を形成する光源が、自車両の前照灯とは別に設けられている構成を有する。   In the vehicle headlamp device according to the third modification, a light source that irradiates light toward the front of the host vehicle and forms a light irradiation range on the road surface in front of the host vehicle is a headlight of the host vehicle. It has a configuration provided separately.

第３の変形例にかかる車両用前照灯装置は、他車両検知部１２０と、距離・相対速度算出部１３０と、照射制御部１４０と、照射部１５０とを備える。
なお、他車両検知部１２０と、距離・相対速度算出部１３０と、照射制御部１４０とは、その機能および構成が、前記実施例の他車両検知部２０と、距離・相対速度算出部３０と、照射制御部４０とそれぞれ同じであるので、ここではその詳細な説明を省略する。 The vehicle headlamp device according to the third modification includes an other vehicle detection unit 120, a distance / relative speed calculation unit 130, an irradiation control unit 140, and an irradiation unit 150.
The other vehicle detection unit 120, the distance / relative speed calculation unit 130, and the irradiation control unit 140 have the same functions and configurations as those of the other vehicle detection unit 20, the distance / relative speed calculation unit 30, and the embodiment. Since it is the same as the irradiation control unit 40, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

照射部１５０は、自車両の前方左側の所定領域に向けて光を照射する左側光源１５１と、自車両の前方右側の所定領域に向けて光を照射する右側光源１５２とを備える。
左側光源１５１および右側光源１５２は、それぞれ、例えば、自車両Ｖの前方の路面に略円形の照射領域を形成する光源を複数備えて構成される。
ここで、自車両の運転者が、日中であっても路面に形成される光の照射領域を視認できようにするために、高輝度の光を照射する光源が、左側光源１５１と右側光源１５２として採用されている。これにより、前照灯が点灯状態でないとき、すなわち昼間のような車両の周囲が明るいときにも、他車両の存在とその注目度とを自車両の運転者に報知できるようになる。 The irradiation unit 150 includes a left light source 151 that emits light toward a predetermined area on the front left side of the host vehicle, and a right light source 152 that emits light toward a predetermined area on the front right side of the host vehicle.
Each of the left light source 151 and the right light source 152 includes, for example, a plurality of light sources that form a substantially circular irradiation area on the road surface in front of the host vehicle V.
Here, in order for the driver of the own vehicle to be able to visually recognize the light irradiation area formed on the road surface even during the daytime, the light source that emits the high-intensity light is the left light source 151 and the right light source. 152 is adopted. Accordingly, even when the headlamp is not in a lighting state, that is, when the surroundings of the vehicle are bright such as during the daytime, it is possible to notify the driver of the own vehicle of the presence of other vehicles and the degree of attention.

図１１は、自車両の後方左後側に他車両を検知した場合の、第３の変形例にかかる車両用前照灯装置から照射される光により形成される照射領域の変化を説明する図である。
例えば、自車両Ｖの後側方に他車両が検知されない場合や、他車両が検知されていても注目度が「無」である場合のような通常時には、図１１の（ａ）に示すように、自車両Ｖの前方には光が照射されない。 FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a change in an irradiation area formed by light emitted from the vehicle headlamp device according to the third modification when another vehicle is detected on the rear left rear side of the host vehicle. It is.
For example, as shown in (a) of FIG. 11, in a normal time such as when no other vehicle is detected behind the host vehicle V, or when the degree of attention is “none” even if another vehicle is detected. In addition, no light is irradiated in front of the host vehicle V.

自車両Ｖの後側方に他車両Ｏが検知され、検知された他車両Ｏの注目度が「小」よりも大きい場合は、自車両Ｖの前方の路面であって、検知された他車両が位置する側の路面の所定領域に向けて、照射部１５０から光が照射される。
例えば、自車両Ｖの後方左側に他車両Ｏが検知され、検知された他車両Ｏの注目度が「小」である場合は、照射部１５０の左側光源１５１から光が照射されて、図１１の（ｂ）に示すような光の照射領域Ｃ１が、自車両の前方左側の路面上に形成される。
そして、注目度が大きくなるにつれて、光の照射範囲の数を増加させ、注目度が「中」の場合には、図１１の（ｃ）に示すように２つの照射範囲Ｃ１、Ｃ２が、注目度が「大」の場合には、図１１の（ｄ）に示すように３つの照射範囲Ｃ１、Ｃ２、Ｃ３が、自車両Ｖの前方左側の路面上に形成される。 When the other vehicle O is detected on the rear side of the host vehicle V and the degree of attention of the detected other vehicle O is greater than “small”, the other vehicle O is detected on the road surface in front of the host vehicle V. The light is irradiated from the irradiation unit 150 toward a predetermined region on the road surface on the side where is located.
For example, when the other vehicle O is detected on the rear left side of the host vehicle V and the attention level of the detected other vehicle O is “low”, light is emitted from the left light source 151 of the irradiating unit 150, and FIG. The light irradiation area C1 as shown in (b) is formed on the road surface on the left front side of the host vehicle.
Then, as the degree of attention increases, the number of light irradiation ranges is increased. When the degree of attention is “medium”, two irradiation ranges C1 and C2 are noticed as shown in FIG. When the degree is “large”, three irradiation ranges C1, C2, and C3 are formed on the road surface on the front left side of the host vehicle V as shown in FIG.

このように、車両に設けられて自車両Ｖの前方に向けて光を照射する照射部１５０と、自車両Ｖの後側方に存在する他車両Ｏを検知する他車両検知部１２０とを備え、他車両を検知した場合に、自車両Ｖの前方の検知した他車両が位置する側の路面に向けて光を照射して、路面上にほぼ円形の照射領域を形成し、検知した他車両との距離および相対速度に応じて照射領域の数を変更する構成とし、特に検知した他車両との距離が短くなるほど、または検知した他車両との相対速度が大きくなるほど、他車両の自車両に対する注目度が大きいと判定して、照射領域の数が増加する構成とした。
これにより、自車両Ｖの運転者は、自車両の前方左側の路面上への照射領域の出現により他車両の存在を認識し、照射範囲の出現位置により他車両が存在する方向を認識し、照射範囲の出現数により検知された他車両の自車両に対する注目度を認識することができる。
とくに、照射部１５０の光源（左側光源１５１、右側光源１５２）として高輝度の光を照射する光源を採用する構成としたので、自車両の運転者は、前照灯を点灯していない日中であっても路面に形成される光の照射領域を視認できる。 Thus, the irradiation part 150 which is provided in a vehicle and irradiates light ahead of the own vehicle V, and the other vehicle detection part 120 which detects the other vehicle O which exists in the back side of the own vehicle V are provided. When another vehicle is detected, light is irradiated toward the road surface on the side where the detected other vehicle is located in front of the host vehicle V to form a substantially circular irradiation area on the road surface. The number of irradiation areas is changed according to the distance and relative speed of the vehicle, and the shorter the distance from the detected other vehicle or the higher the detected relative speed, the greater the relative speed of the other vehicle to the host vehicle. It was determined that the degree of attention was high and the number of irradiation areas increased.
Thereby, the driver of the own vehicle V recognizes the presence of the other vehicle by the appearance of the irradiation area on the road surface on the left front side of the own vehicle, recognizes the direction in which the other vehicle exists by the appearance position of the irradiation range, It is possible to recognize the degree of attention of the other vehicle detected with respect to the own vehicle detected from the number of appearances of the irradiation range.
In particular, since the light source that emits high-luminance light is employed as the light source of the irradiation unit 150 (the left light source 151 and the right light source 152), the driver of the own vehicle does not turn on the headlamp during the daytime. Even so, the light irradiation area formed on the road surface can be visually recognized.

なお、第３の変形例にかかる車両用前照灯装置では、他車両の自車両に対する注目度が大きいほど照射領域の数が増加する構成としたが、上記他の実施例のように、注目度に応じて、照射領域を点滅させて表示することや、赤色などで着色表示するようにしても良い。   In the vehicle headlamp device according to the third modified example, the number of irradiation areas increases as the degree of attention of the other vehicle with respect to the host vehicle increases. However, as in the other embodiments described above, attention is focused on. Depending on the degree, the irradiation area may be displayed blinking, or colored in red or the like.

実施例に係る車両用前照灯装置の構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle headlamp apparatus which concerns on an Example. 前照灯の各光源の配置と、車両前方に形成される光の照射領域を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining arrangement | positioning of each light source of a headlamp, and the irradiation area | region of the light formed in front of a vehicle. 実施例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の動作を説明するフローチャートである。It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the vehicle headlamp apparatus concerning an Example. 注目度判定マップと、点灯制御マップを説明する図である。It is a figure explaining an attention degree determination map and a lighting control map. 点灯制御信号の波形を説明する図であるIt is a figure explaining the waveform of a lighting control signal 自車両の後方左側に他車両を検知した場合の前照灯の照射形態を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the irradiation form of the headlamp at the time of detecting another vehicle on the back left side of the own vehicle. 第１の変形例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の前照灯に入力される点灯制御信号を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the lighting control signal input into the headlamp of the vehicle headlamp apparatus concerning a 1st modification. 第２の変形例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の前照灯と、この前照灯により車両前方に形成される光の照射領域を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the irradiation area | region of the headlamp of the vehicle headlamp apparatus concerning a 2nd modification, and the light formed in front of a vehicle by this headlamp. 自車両の後方左側に他車両を検知した場合の第２の変形例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の前照灯の照射形態を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the irradiation form of the headlamp of the vehicle headlamp apparatus concerning the 2nd modification when another vehicle is detected in the back left side of the own vehicle. 第３の変形例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle headlamp apparatus concerning a 3rd modification. 自車両の後方左側に他車両を検知した場合の第３の変形例にかかる車両用前照灯装置の照射部の照射形態を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the irradiation form of the irradiation part of the vehicle headlamp apparatus concerning the 3rd modification at the time of detecting another vehicle on the back left side of the own vehicle.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１０ 点灯状態検出部
２０ 他車両検出部
３０ 距離・相対速度算出部
４０ 照射制御部
５０ 前照灯
５１ 光源
５２ 左側光源
５３ 右側光源
１２０ 他車両検出部
１３０ 距離・相対速度算出部
１４０ 照射制御部
１５０ 照射部
１５１ 左側光源
１５２ 右側光源 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Lighting state detection part 20 Other vehicle detection part 30 Distance / relative speed calculation part 40 Irradiation control part 50 Headlamp 51 Light source 52 Left light source 53 Right light source 120 Other vehicle detection part 130 Distance / relative speed calculation part 140 Irradiation control part 150 Irradiation unit 151 Left light source 152 Right light source

Claims (13)

車両に設けられて自車両前方に向けて光を照射する照射部と、
前記自車両の後側方に存在する他車両を検知する他車両検知部と、
他車両を検知した場合に、前記照射部により光を照射する照射制御部とを備える
ことを特徴とする車両用前照灯装置。 An irradiating unit that is provided in the vehicle and emits light toward the front of the host vehicle;
An other vehicle detection unit for detecting another vehicle present on the rear side of the own vehicle;
A vehicle headlamp device comprising: an irradiation control unit that emits light by the irradiation unit when another vehicle is detected. 前記照射部から照射される光の照射領域として、前記車両の前照灯の照射領域の幅方向における一端側を含む領域と、他端側を含む領域とが設定されており、
前記照射制御部は、検知した他車両が位置する側の照射領域に向けて、前記照射部から光を照射させる
ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の車両用前照灯装置。 As an irradiation area of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit, an area including one end side in the width direction of the irradiation area of the headlight of the vehicle, and an area including the other end side are set,
The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation control unit irradiates light from the irradiation unit toward an irradiation region on the side where the detected other vehicle is located. 前記他車両検知部は、検知した他車両との距離および相対速度を算出し、
前記照射制御部は、算出した他車両との距離と相対速度に応じて、前記照射部から照射される光の照射形態を変更する
ことを特徴とする請求項１または請求項２に記載の車両用前照灯装置。 The other vehicle detection unit calculates a distance and relative speed with the detected other vehicle,
The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation control unit changes an irradiation mode of light emitted from the irradiation unit according to the calculated distance and relative speed with respect to another vehicle. Headlamp device. 前記照射制御部は、前記照射部から照射される光の照射周期を変更することで、光の照射形態を変更する
ことを特徴とする請求項３に記載の車両用前照灯装置。 The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 3, wherein the irradiation control unit changes a light irradiation mode by changing an irradiation cycle of light irradiated from the irradiation unit. 前記照射制御部は、検知した他車両との距離が短くなるほど、または検知した他車両との相対速度が大きくなるほど、前記照射周期を短くする
ことを特徴とする請求項４に記載の車両用前照灯装置。 The vehicle irradiation front according to claim 4, wherein the irradiation control unit shortens the irradiation cycle as the distance to the detected other vehicle becomes shorter or as the relative speed with the detected other vehicle increases. Lighting device. 前記照射制御部は、前記照射部から照射される光の色を変えることで、光の照射形態を変更する
ことを特徴とする請求項３に記載の車両用前照灯装置。 The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 3, wherein the irradiation control unit changes a light irradiation mode by changing a color of light irradiated from the irradiation unit. 前記照射制御部は、検知した他車両との距離が短くなるほど、または検知した他車両との相対速度が大きくなるほど、前記照射部から照射される光の色の赤味を強くする
ことを特徴とする請求項６に記載の車両用前照灯装置。 The irradiation control unit increases the redness of the color of light emitted from the irradiation unit as the distance to the detected other vehicle decreases or the relative speed with the detected other vehicle increases. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 6. 前記照射部から照射される光の照射領域の前後方向の範囲は、前記車両の前照灯の照射領域の前後方向の範囲とほぼ整合するように設定されている
ことを特徴とする請求項２乃至請求項７のうちの何れか一項に記載の車両用前照灯装置。 The range in the front-rear direction of the irradiation region of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit is set so as to substantially match the range in the front-rear direction of the irradiation region of the headlamp of the vehicle. The vehicle headlamp device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 前記照射部から照射される光の照射領域は、前記車両の前照灯の照射領域の前記自車両側の領域を含む領域に設定されている
ことを特徴とする請求項２乃至請求項７のうちの何れか一項に記載の車両用前照灯装置。 The irradiation area of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit is set to an area including the area on the own vehicle side of the irradiation area of the headlamp of the vehicle. The vehicle headlamp device according to any one of the above. 前記照射制御部は、検知した他車両との距離が短くなるほど、または検知した他車両との相対速度が大きくなるほど、前記照射部から照射される光の照射領域を広げる
ことを特徴とする請求項９に記載の車両用前照灯装置。 The irradiation control unit expands an irradiation region of light emitted from the irradiation unit as the distance to the detected other vehicle is shortened or the relative speed with the detected other vehicle is increased. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 9. 前記照射部から照射された光は、前記自車両前方の路面に略円形の照射領域を形成する
ことを特徴とする請求項１乃至請求項７のうちの何れか一項に記載の車両用前照灯装置。 The vehicle front according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the light emitted from the irradiation unit forms a substantially circular irradiation region on a road surface in front of the host vehicle. Lighting device. 前記照射部から照射された光は、前記自車両前方の路面に略円形の照射領域を形成すると共に、
前記照射制御部は、算出した他車両との距離と相対速度に応じて、前記略円形の照射領域の数を変更する
ことを特徴とする請求項３に記載の車両用前照灯装置。 The light emitted from the irradiation unit forms a substantially circular irradiation region on the road surface in front of the host vehicle,
The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 3, wherein the irradiation control unit changes the number of the substantially circular irradiation areas according to the calculated distance and relative speed with respect to another vehicle. 自車両の後側方に存在する他車両の有無を判断し、
他車両を検知した場合に、自車両の前方の路面に向けて光を照射する
ことを特徴とする車両用前照灯装置の制御方法。 Determine if there is another vehicle behind the vehicle,
A control method for a vehicle headlamp device, characterized in that, when another vehicle is detected, light is emitted toward a road surface ahead of the host vehicle.
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