JP7442528B2 - Vehicle lighting system, vehicle lighting control device, and vehicle lighting control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle light system, a vehicle light control device, and a vehicle light control method, and more particularly to a vehicle light system, a vehicle light control device, and a vehicle light control method used in automobiles.

Conventionally, technology has been available to assist the driver in driving by emitting infrared light in front of the vehicle to detect objects such as obstacles and pedestrians in front of the vehicle, and emitting visible light to the detected objects. It has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-18726

In recent years, research and development has been progressing on advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technology as further technologies to support the driver's driving operations. ADAS and self-driving technology use cameras, which serve as mechanical eyes, to grasp the surroundings of the vehicle and control the vehicle according to the situation. The above-mentioned visibility support using infrared rays is also effective for mechanical eyes in ADAS and automatic driving technology. Under these circumstances, the inventors of the present invention have conducted intensive studies on visibility support using infrared rays, and have found that conventional visibility support has room to improve the safety of vehicle driving.

The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that increases the safety of vehicle driving.

In order to solve the above problems, an aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lighting system. This vehicle lighting system is based on image information obtained from at least one of an infrared irradiation unit that irradiates infrared light to the front of the vehicle, an infrared imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle, and a visible light imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle. The low gradation area detecting section detects a predetermined low gradation area using the low gradation area, and the irradiation control section controls the infrared ray irradiation section to irradiate the infrared rays toward the low gradation area.

Another aspect of the present invention is a control device for a vehicle lamp. This control device detects a predetermined low gradation area based on image information obtained from at least one of an infrared imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle and a visible light imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle. and an irradiation control section that controls an infrared irradiation section that irradiates infrared rays toward the front of the vehicle so as to irradiate infrared rays toward a low gradation area.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a vehicle lamp. This control method detects a predetermined low gradation area based on image information obtained from at least one of an infrared imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle and a visible light imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle, and This includes controlling an infrared ray irradiation unit that radiates infrared rays toward the front of the vehicle so as to radiate infrared rays toward the vehicle.

Note that arbitrary combinations of the above components and expressions of the present invention converted between methods, devices, systems, etc. are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

According to the present invention, vehicle driving safety can be improved.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle lamp system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2(A) is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the optical deflection device. FIG. 2(B) is a sectional view taken along line AA of the optical deflection device shown in FIG. 2(A). FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the situation in front of the vehicle. 5 is a timing chart showing the exposure timing of an infrared imaging section and the irradiation timing of an infrared irradiation section.

An embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle lighting system. This vehicle lighting system is based on image information obtained from at least one of an infrared irradiation unit that irradiates infrared light to the front of the vehicle, an infrared imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle, and a visible light imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle. The low gradation area detecting section detects a predetermined low gradation area using the low gradation area, and the irradiation control section controls the infrared ray irradiation section to irradiate the infrared rays toward the low gradation area.

In the above aspect, the vehicle lighting system includes a daytime determination unit that determines that the surroundings of the own vehicle are daytime, and the low gradation area detection unit detects the low gradation area based on image information captured in the daytime. may be detected. Further, in any of the above aspects, the vehicle lighting system includes a visible light irradiation unit that irradiates visible light in front of the vehicle, and the low gradation area detection unit captures an image while the visible light irradiation unit is turned off. A low gradation area may be detected based on image information. Further, in any of the above aspects, the vehicle lighting system includes an infrared imaging section that images the area in front of the vehicle, and an infrared irradiation section that captures images based on image information obtained from the infrared imaging section while the infrared irradiation section is controlled by the irradiation control section. , and a target object analysis unit that detects a predetermined target existing in the low gradation area. Further, in any of the above aspects, the vehicle lighting system includes a visible light imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle, and the low gradation area detection unit detects a low gray area based on the image information obtained from the visible light imaging unit. The key area may also be detected. Further, in any of the above aspects, the vehicle lighting system includes an infrared imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle, and the low gradation area detection unit detects the low gradation area based on the image information obtained from the infrared imaging unit. may be detected. Further, in any of the above aspects, the irradiation control section may control the infrared irradiation section to emit pulsed infrared rays in synchronization with the exposure timing of the infrared imaging section.

Another aspect of the present invention is a control device for a vehicle lamp. This control device detects a predetermined low gradation area based on image information obtained from at least one of an infrared imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle and a visible light imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle. and an irradiation control section that controls an infrared irradiation section that irradiates infrared rays toward the front of the vehicle so as to irradiate infrared rays toward a low gradation area.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a vehicle lamp. This control method detects a predetermined low gradation area based on image information obtained from at least one of an infrared imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle and a visible light imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle, and This includes controlling an infrared ray irradiation unit that radiates infrared rays toward the front of the vehicle so as to radiate infrared rays toward the vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting the invention, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention. Identical or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Further, the scale and shape of each part shown in each figure are set for convenience to facilitate explanation, and should not be interpreted in a limited manner unless specifically mentioned. Furthermore, when terms such as "first" and "second" are used in this specification or the claims, unless otherwise specified, these terms do not indicate any order or importance; This is to distinguish between this and other configurations. Further, in each drawing, some members that are not important for explaining the embodiments are omitted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle lamp system according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, some of the components of the vehicle lighting system 1 are depicted as functional blocks. These functional blocks are realized by elements and circuits such as a CPU and memory of a computer as a hardware configuration, and are realized by a computer program and the like as a software configuration. Those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be implemented in various ways by combining hardware and software.

The vehicular lamp system 1 is applied to a vehicular headlamp device having a pair of headlamp units disposed on the left and right sides in front of the vehicle. Since the pair of headlamp units have substantially the same configuration except for having a symmetrical structure, FIG. 1 shows the structure of one headlamp unit as the vehicle lamp 2.

The vehicular lamp 2 included in the vehicular lamp system 1 includes a lamp body 4 having an opening on the front side of the vehicle, and a transparent cover 6 attached to cover the opening of the lamp body 4. The light-transmitting cover 6 is made of resin, glass, or the like having light-transmitting properties. Inside the lamp chamber 8 formed by the lamp body 4 and the transparent cover 6, there are an infrared irradiation section 10, a visible light irradiation section 12, an infrared imaging section 14, a visible light imaging section 16, and a control device 18. , is accommodated.

The infrared irradiation unit 10 is a device that irradiates infrared IR toward the front of the vehicle. The infrared irradiation unit 10 of this embodiment can independently adjust the illuminance (intensity) of the infrared IR irradiated to each of a plurality of individual areas R (see FIG. 3) lined up in front of the own vehicle, and can create an infrared ray of a desired shape. A pattern can be formed in front of the vehicle. The infrared irradiation section 10 includes an infrared light source 22, a reflective optical member 24, a light deflection device 26, and a projection optical member 28. Each part is attached to the lamp body 4 by a support mechanism (not shown).

The infrared light source 22 may be a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED (Light emitting diode), an LD (Laser diode), or an EL (Electroluminescence) element, a light bulb, an incandescent lamp (halogen lamp), a discharge lamp (discharge lamp), or the like. I can do it. The infrared light source 22 emits near-infrared light or mid-infrared light with a wavelength of 0.4 μm to 4 μm, for example. The reflective optical member 24 is configured to guide the infrared IR emitted from the infrared light source 22 to the reflective surface of the optical deflector 26 . The reflective optical member 24 is composed of a reflective mirror whose inner surface serves as a predetermined reflective surface. Note that the reflective optical member 24 may be a solid light guide or the like. Further, if the infrared IR emitted from the infrared light source 22 can be directly guided to the optical deflection device 26, the reflective optical member 24 may not be provided.

The optical deflector 26 is arranged on the optical axis of the projection optical member 28 and is configured to selectively reflect the infrared IR emitted from the infrared light source 22 to the projection optical member 28. The optical deflection device 26 is composed of, for example, a DMD (Digital Mirror Device). That is, the optical deflection device 26 has a plurality of micromirrors arranged in an array (matrix). By controlling the angles of the reflecting surfaces of these plurality of micromirrors, the direction of reflection of infrared IR can be selectively changed. That is, the light deflection device 26 reflects a part of the infrared IR emitted from the infrared light source 22 toward the projection optical member 28, and directs the other infrared IR in a direction that is not effectively used by the projection optical member 28. It can be directed and reflected. Here, the direction that is not effectively used can be understood as, for example, a direction that is incident on the projection optical member 28 but hardly contributes to the formation of an infrared pattern, or a direction that is directed toward an infrared absorbing member (shielding member) not shown. .

FIG. 2(A) is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the optical deflection device. FIG. 2(B) is a sectional view taken along line AA of the optical deflection device shown in FIG. 2(A). The light deflection device 26 includes a micromirror array 32 in which a plurality of minute mirror elements 30 are arranged in a matrix, and a front side of the reflective surface 30a of the mirror element 30 (the right side of the light deflection device 26 shown in FIG. 2(B)). ). The cover member 34 is made of, for example, glass or plastic.

The mirror element 30 is approximately square, and has a rotation axis 30b that extends in the horizontal direction and divides the mirror element 30 into approximately equal parts. Each mirror element 30 of the micromirror array 32 is located at a first reflection position (indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2(B)) where the infrared IR is reflected toward the projection optical member 28 so as to be utilized as part of a desired infrared pattern. position) and a second reflection position (position indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 2B) where the infrared IR is reflected so as not to be used effectively. Each mirror element 30 rotates around a rotation axis 30b and is individually switched between a first reflection position and a second reflection position. Each mirror element 30 assumes a first reflective position when on, and a second reflective position when off.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the situation in front of the vehicle. As described above, the infrared irradiation section 10 includes a plurality of mirror elements 30 as individual irradiation sections that can irradiate infrared IR toward the front of the lamp independently of each other. The infrared irradiation unit 10 can irradiate infrared IR onto a plurality of individual regions R lined up in front of the host vehicle using the mirror element 30. Each individual region R is a region corresponding to one pixel or a set of a plurality of pixels of the infrared imaging section 14. In this embodiment, each individual region R and each mirror element 30 are in one-to-one correspondence. Note that in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), a part of the mirror element 30 is thinned out for convenience of illustration.

Furthermore, the number of mirror elements 30 and individual regions R is not particularly limited. For example, the resolution of the micromirror array 32 (in other words, the number of mirror elements 30 and individual regions R) is 1000 to 300,000 pixels. Further, the time required for the infrared ray irradiation unit 10 to form one infrared pattern is, for example, 0.1 to 5 ms. That is, the infrared ray irradiation unit 10 can change the infrared pattern every 0.1 to 5 ms.

As shown in FIG. 1, the projection optical member 28 is made of, for example, a free-form lens whose front side surface and rear side surface have a free-form surface shape. The projection optical member 28 projects the light source image formed on the rear focal plane including its rear focal point to the front of the lamp as an inverted image. The projection optical member 28 is arranged so that its rear focal point is located on the optical axis of the vehicle lamp 2 and near the reflective surface of the micromirror array 32. Note that the projection optical member 28 may be a reflector.

Infrared IR emitted from the infrared light source 22 is reflected by the reflective optical member 24 and irradiated onto the micromirror array 32 of the optical deflection device 26 . The light deflection device 26 reflects the infrared IR toward the projection optical member 28 by a predetermined mirror element 30 located at a first reflection position. This reflected infrared ray IR passes through the projection optical member 28 and travels forward of the lamp, and is irradiated onto each individual region R corresponding to each mirror element 30. As a result, an infrared pattern of a predetermined shape, which is made up of a plurality of partial irradiation areas, is formed in front of the lamp.

The visible light irradiation unit 12 is a device that irradiates visible light VL to the front of the own vehicle, and is a lighting unit that functions as a headlamp that forms a low beam, a high beam, etc., for example. Although not shown, the visible light irradiation unit 12 of this embodiment has a similar structure to the infrared ray irradiation unit 10. That is, the visible light irradiation unit 12 includes a visible light source, a reflective optical member 24, a light deflection device 26, and a projection optical member 28. Therefore, the visible light irradiation section 12 can independently adjust the illuminance (intensity) of the visible light VL irradiated to each of the plurality of individual regions R, and can form a visible light pattern of a desired shape in front of the vehicle. can.

The infrared imaging unit 14 is a device that images the area in front of the vehicle. The infrared imaging unit 14 includes an infrared camera or the like that is sensitive to the wavelength of the infrared IR emitted by the infrared irradiation unit 10. The infrared imaging unit 14 has a frame rate of, for example, 5 fps or more and 10,000 fps or less (0.1 to 200 ms per frame), and a resolution of, for example, 300,000 pixels or more and less than 5 million pixels. The infrared imaging unit 14 images all the individual regions R.

The visible light imaging unit 16 is a device that images the area in front of the vehicle. The visible light imaging unit 16 includes a visible light camera or the like that is sensitive to the wavelength of the visible light VL emitted by the visible light irradiation unit 12. The visible light imaging unit 16 has a frame rate of, for example, 200 fps or more and 10,000 fps or less (0.1 to 5 ms per frame), and a resolution of, for example, 5 million pixels or more. The visible light imaging unit 16 includes a high-speed camera having a relatively high frame rate of, for example, 200 fps or more and 10,000 fps or less, and a relatively low resolution of, for example, 300,000 pixels or more and less than 5 million pixels, and a high-speed camera that has a relatively high frame rate of, for example, 300,000 or more and less than 5,000,000 pixels, and a relatively high frame rate of, for example, 30 fps or more and 120 fps or less. It may be configured in combination with a low frame rate and a slow camera with a relatively large resolution, for example 5 million pixels or more. The visible light imaging unit 16 images all the individual regions R.

The control device 18 includes a low gradation area detection section 36, an irradiation control section 38, a target analysis section 40, and a daytime determination section 42. Each part can operate when its constituent integrated circuit executes a program stored in memory.

The image information generated by the visible light imaging section 16 is sent to the low gradation area detection section 36. The low gradation area detection unit 36 detects a predetermined low gradation area 44 (see FIG. 3) based on the image information obtained from the visible light imaging unit 16. The low gradation area 44 is, for example, a shaded area formed when sunlight SL is blocked by a building on the side of the road during the day.

For example, the low gradation area detection unit 36 holds in advance a first threshold value regarding the gradation (luminance) of visible light VL, and detects an area with a gradation lower than the first threshold value in the visible light image information. It is detected as a low gradation area 44. Further, the low gradation area detection unit 36 further holds a second threshold value regarding the size (area) of the low gradation area 44, and among the areas whose luminance is lower than the first threshold value, the size is A region equal to or higher than the second threshold value may be detected as the low gradation region 44. The detection result of the low gradation area detection section 36, that is, a signal indicating position information of the low gradation area 44, etc., is transmitted to the irradiation control section 38.

Note that the low gradation area detection unit 36 also acquires image information from the infrared imaging unit 14, and detects areas where the gradation (brightness) is less than the threshold value in each of the visible light image information and the infrared image information. The area may be tentatively determined as the gradation area 44, and the area determined to be the low gradation area 44 in both cases by integrating the respective preliminary determination results may be detected as the low gradation area 44. Further, the low gradation area detection unit 36 may combine the infrared image information and the visible light image information by known image processing, and detect the low gradation area 44 in the composite image. These controls can improve the detection accuracy of the low gradation area 44.

In addition, the low gradation area detection unit 36 stores in advance a learning model that has been subjected to machine learning to estimate objects that can create the low gradation area 44 from the shapes of objects around the own vehicle, and uses this learning model. The low gradation area 44 may be detected by inputting image information. This learning model can be generated using a known machine learning algorithm. That is, the low gradation area detection unit 36 may detect the low gradation area 44 using AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology such as deep learning.

The irradiation control section 38 controls the infrared irradiation section 10 to irradiate the low gradation area 44 with infrared IR. Specifically, the irradiation control unit 38 creates an infrared pattern in which the intensity of the infrared IR irradiated to the individual region R overlapping with the low gradation region 44 is higher than the intensity of the infrared IR IR irradiated to the other individual regions R. Determine. For example, this infrared pattern is an infrared pattern that irradiates infrared IR of a predetermined intensity to an individual region R that overlaps with the low gradation region 44, and does not irradiate infrared IR to other individual regions R (that is, blocks light). be.

The irradiation control unit 38 then controls the infrared ray irradiation unit 10 to form the determined infrared pattern in front of the vehicle. Specifically, the irradiation control unit 38 controls turning on/off of the infrared light source 22 and switching on/off of each mirror element 30. The irradiation control unit 38 adjusts the ON time ratio (width and density) of each mirror element 30 based on the intensity value of the infrared IR irradiated to each individual region R. Thereby, the infrared ray irradiation section 10 generates an infrared beam having an intensity distribution according to the determined infrared pattern.

The irradiation control unit 38 may irradiate infrared IR with the same intensity to each individual region R overlapping with the low gradation region 44, or may irradiate infrared rays with different intensities depending on the gradation of each individual region R in the image information. You may irradiate with IR. For example, the irradiation control unit 38 relatively weakens the intensity of the infrared IR irradiated to the individual regions R with a relatively high gradation in the low gradation region 44, and irradiates the individual regions R with a relatively low gradation. The intensity of the infrared IR may be relatively strengthened. That is, in the low gradation area 44, the infrared IR of the first intensity is irradiated to the individual area R that is the first gradation, and the infrared IR of the first intensity is irradiated to the individual area R that is the second gradation that is lower than the first gradation. Infrared IR with a second intensity stronger than the first intensity is irradiated. Thereby, visibility of the low gradation area 44 can be improved while suppressing power consumption due to infrared IR irradiation.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the exposure timing of the infrared imaging section and the irradiation timing of the infrared irradiation section. The irradiation control unit 38 of this embodiment controls the infrared irradiation unit 10 to emit pulsed infrared IR in synchronization with the exposure timing (imaging timing) of the infrared imaging unit 14. For example, when the infrared imaging unit 14 is exposed, the irradiation control unit 38 controls the infrared irradiation unit 10 to irradiate the infrared IR for a time shorter than one exposure time. The irradiation control section 38 holds in advance infrared IR irradiation timing information determined based on the exposure timing of the infrared imaging section 14, and controls the infrared irradiation section 10 based on this information.

The target analysis unit 40 detects a predetermined target 46 existing in the low gradation area 44 based on image information obtained from the infrared imaging unit 14 while the infrared irradiation unit 10 is controlled by the irradiation control unit 38. do. Since the low gradation area 44 is irradiated with infrared IR, the infrared imaging unit 14 can image the low gradation area 44 with high precision. Therefore, the target object analysis unit 40 can more reliably detect the target object 46 existing within the low gradation region 44 in the obtained infrared image information.

As a typical example, as shown in FIG. 3, the low gradation area 44 may be formed by a covered bus stop or the like provided on the side of the road. In this case, there is a possibility that traffic participants (target object 46) hidden in the low gradation area 44 may jump out onto the road side. For this reason, it is desirable to reliably recognize the target object 46 within the low gradation area 44.

The target analysis unit 40 transmits a signal indicating target information including the position of the detected target 46 to the irradiation control unit 38. The irradiation control unit 38 sends this target object information to a driving control unit 48 provided in the vehicle. The driving control unit 48 executes predetermined driving control in ADAS or automatic driving based on the received target information. Note that the target object information may be sent directly from the target object analysis section 40 to the operation control section 48. Further, the target object information may be sent to a display unit (not shown) provided in the vehicle, and information regarding the target object 46 may be displayed on the display unit to alert the driver.

Further, the target object analysis unit 40 may also perform the target object 46 detection process in areas other than the low gradation area 44. For example, the target object analysis section 40 detects a target object 46 in front of the host vehicle based on image information obtained from at least one of the infrared imaging section 14 and the visible light imaging section 16. Examples of the target object 46 to be detected include an oncoming vehicle, a preceding vehicle, a pedestrian, an obstacle that obstructs the travel of the own vehicle, a road sign, a road marking, a road shape, and the like.

The target object analysis unit 40 can detect the target object 46 using known methods including algorithm recognition, deep learning, and the like. For example, when the target object 46 is an oncoming vehicle, the target object analysis unit 40 holds in advance feature points indicating the oncoming vehicle. The "feature point indicating an oncoming vehicle" is, for example, a light point having a predetermined luminous intensity or more that appears in the estimated presence area of the headlight of an oncoming vehicle. In situations where headlights are not illuminated, such as during the day, the contour shape of an oncoming vehicle becomes a feature point. Then, the target object analysis unit 40 recognizes the position of the oncoming vehicle when data including feature points indicating the oncoming vehicle is present in the image information. Target objects 46 other than oncoming vehicles can also be detected by similar processing.

The low gradation area detection unit 36 of this embodiment detects the low gradation area 44 based on image information captured during the daytime. That is, the control for irradiating the low gradation area 44 with infrared IR is performed during the daytime. During the day, visible light and infrared rays contained in sunlight SL are irradiated around the host vehicle. Thereby, it is highly likely that the imaging contrast necessary for target object recognition in the infrared imaging section 14 and the visible light imaging section 16 will be secured. Therefore, in general, infrared irradiation from the infrared ray irradiation section 10 and visible light irradiation from the visible light irradiation section 12 are not performed. That is, in conventional visibility support, target object detection using infrared IR was performed at night, and infrared IR was not irradiated during the day. However, even in the daytime, in the low gradation area 44 formed by blocking sunlight SL, there is a possibility that the imaging contrast required for target object recognition in each imaging unit cannot be obtained.

For this reason, it is more effective to perform the control for irradiating the low gradation area 44 with infrared IR during the daytime. By receiving a signal indicating the determination result from the daytime determination unit 42, the low gradation area detection unit 36 determines that the current daytime is daytime and that the image information acquired from the imaging unit was captured during the daytime. can be judged.

The daytime determining unit 42 determines that the area around the host vehicle is daytime. The daytime determining unit 42 can determine that it is daytime by detecting the current time using, for example, a timer (not shown). The time zone that is determined to be daytime can be set as appropriate based on experiments and simulations by the designer. Note that daytime may include so-called twilight time. Further, the time zone determined to be daytime may be changed depending on the season.

Further, the daytime determining unit 42 can determine that it is daytime based on, for example, the illuminance around the vehicle (environmental illuminance). The environmental illuminance determined to be daytime can be appropriately set based on experiments and simulations by the designer. The environmental illuminance can be acquired from an illuminance sensor 50 provided in the vehicle. Alternatively, the environmental illuminance may be the gradation of each individual region R in the image information obtained from the infrared imaging section 14 or the visible light imaging section 16 (for example, the average value of the gradation of all individual regions R, or the individual region belonging to a predetermined upper region). It can be derived based on the average value of R gradation, etc.). Note that the illuminance sensor 50 may be provided within the lamp chamber 8.

Furthermore, the low gradation area detection unit 36 may detect the low gradation area 44 based on image information captured while the visible light irradiation unit 12 is turned off. During the day, it is highly likely that the visible light irradiation unit 12 is turned off. Therefore, the lighting state of the visible light irradiation unit 12 can be used as an indicator of whether or not it is daytime. This makes it easier to perform infrared irradiation control on the low gradation area 44 during the daytime. The low gradation area detection unit 36 receives, for example, a signal from the irradiation control unit 38 that instructs the visible light irradiation unit 12 to turn off, or enters a state in which it does not receive a signal instructing the visible light irradiation unit 12 to turn on. With this, it is possible to detect whether the visible light irradiation unit 12 is turned off. Note that although turning off the visible light irradiation unit 12 is explained here as an indicator that it is daytime, regardless of whether it is daytime or not, if the visible light irradiation unit 12 is turned off, it is low. It may also be possible to perform infrared irradiation control on the gradation area 44.

Further, the infrared irradiation control for the low gradation area 44 is not limited to being executed during the daytime. For example, there is a possibility that the low gradation area 44 may occur even in a situation where street lights and other lights are on at night. Therefore, even when the control is executed at night, it is possible to obtain the effect that the target object 46 existing in the low gradation area 44 can be detected quickly and reliably.

The irradiation control unit 38 may control the visible light irradiation unit 12 to irradiate the visible light VL to the low gradation area 44 or to the target object 46 existing in the low gradation area 44. . Thereby, the visibility of the target object 46 in the low gradation area 44 can be further improved. Further, the irradiation control unit 38 sets the illuminance value of the visible light VL to be irradiated to each individual region R based on the detection result of the target object 46 by the target object analysis unit 40, and forms a visible light pattern in front of the own vehicle. may be determined. For example, when the target object 46 is an oncoming vehicle, "0" is set as the specific illuminance value for the individual region R that overlaps with the oncoming vehicle, and predetermined illuminance values are determined for the other individual regions R. As a result, a visible light pattern is determined in which the individual region R that overlaps with the oncoming vehicle is shielded from light, and the other individual regions R are irradiated with visible light VL of a predetermined illuminance. The irradiation control unit 38 then controls the visible light irradiation unit 12 to form the determined visible light pattern in front of the host vehicle.

As described above, the vehicle lighting system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an infrared irradiation section 10 that irradiates infrared IR toward the front of the vehicle, and image information obtained from the visible light imaging section 16 or a visible light imaging section. 16 and an infrared ray irradiation unit to irradiate infrared IR toward the low gradation area 44; 10.

This realizes visual support for ADAS, an automatic driving system, and the driver of the own vehicle, and it becomes possible to more quickly and reliably detect the target object 46 hidden in the low gradation area 44. Therefore, it is possible to improve the safety of vehicle driving and, by extension, the safety of road traffic. Furthermore, by spot-irradiating the low gradation area 44 with infrared IR, power consumption can be reduced compared to the case where infrared IR is applied to all the individual areas R in front of the vehicle. Moreover, since infrared IR is irradiated, when the target object 46 is a person, it is possible to avoid giving glare to the person.

Further, the vehicle lighting system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a daytime determination unit 42 that determines whether the area around the host vehicle is daytime. Then, the low gradation area detection unit 36 detects the low gradation area 44 based on image information captured during the daytime. This makes it possible to provide visibility support during the daytime, when conventionally ADAS, autonomous driving systems, and driver visibility depended on solar SL.

Further, the vehicle lighting system 1 of the present embodiment includes a visible light irradiation unit 12 that irradiates visible light VL to the front of the host vehicle. Then, the low gradation area detection section 36 detects the low gradation area 44 based on image information captured while the visible light irradiation section 12 is turned off. Thereby, the execution timing of infrared irradiation control for the low gradation area 44 can be easily determined.

Further, the vehicle lamp system 1 of the present embodiment includes an infrared imaging section 14 and a target object analysis section 40. Based on the image information obtained from the infrared imaging unit 14 when the infrared irradiation unit 10 is controlled by the irradiation control unit 38, that is, the low gradation area 44 is irradiated with infrared IR, the target analysis unit 40 performs the following operations: A target object 46 existing in a low gradation area 44 is detected. This makes it possible to further improve the safety of vehicle driving and, by extension, the safety of road traffic.

Furthermore, the low gradation area detection section 36 of this embodiment detects the low gradation area 44 based on the image information obtained from the visible light imaging section 16. In the captured image generated by the infrared imaging section 14, the presence or absence of the low gradation region 44 changes by switching between irradiation and non-irradiation of the infrared IR from the infrared irradiation section 10. That is, under the control of irradiating infrared IR to the low gradation area 44, in the infrared image, the low gradation area 44 disappears due to irradiation with infrared IR, and the low gradation area 44 appears due to non-irradiation of infrared IR. are repeated alternately.

Therefore, when the low gradation area detection unit 36 detects the low gradation area 44 using an infrared image, the detection result of the low gradation area 44 changes repeatedly. For this reason, infrared irradiation control for the low gradation area 44 tends to become unstable. Furthermore, the intensity of the infrared IR irradiated to the low gradation area 44 is averaged to half, and there is a possibility that the visibility of the low gradation area 44 cannot be sufficiently improved. Alternatively, in order to ensure sufficient visibility, it may be necessary to further increase the intensity of the infrared IR. In contrast, by detecting the low gradation area 44 using a visible light image generated by the visible light imaging unit 16 that is not affected by infrared irradiation, detection of the low gradation area 44 and irradiation of infrared IR can be performed. can be executed stably. Furthermore, the visibility of the low gradation area 44 can be improved more reliably.

Note that the low gradation area detection unit 36 may detect the low gradation area 44 using only the image information obtained from the infrared imaging unit 14. In this case, infrared irradiation control for the low gradation area 44 can be realized without using the visible light imaging section 16. Thereby, the structure of the vehicle lamp system 1 can be simplified. That is, the low gradation area detection unit 36 included in the vehicle lighting system 1 of the present embodiment detects a predetermined low gradation area based on image information obtained from at least one of the infrared imaging unit 14 and the visible light imaging unit 16. 44 can be detected.

Further, the irradiation control unit 38 of this embodiment controls the infrared irradiation unit 10 to irradiate pulsed infrared IR in synchronization with the exposure timing of the infrared imaging unit 14. Thereby, highly accurate detection of the target object 46 in the low gradation area 44 can be realized while suppressing power consumption due to infrared IR irradiation.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail. The embodiments described above merely show specific examples for implementing the present invention. The content of the embodiments does not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and many design changes such as changes, additions, and deletions of constituent elements may be made without departing from the idea of the invention defined in the claims. is possible. A new embodiment with a design change has the effects of each of the combined embodiments and modifications. In the embodiments described above, contents that allow such design changes are emphasized by adding expressions such as "in this embodiment" or "in this embodiment"; Design changes are allowed even if there is no content. Any combination of the above components is also effective as an aspect of the present invention. The hatching added to the cross section of the drawing does not limit the material of the hatched object.

In the embodiment, an infrared imaging section 14, a visible light imaging section 16, a low gradation region detection section 36, an irradiation control section 38, a target object analysis section 40, and a daytime determination section 42 are provided in the light chamber 8. , each may be provided outside the lamp chamber 8 as appropriate. For example, the visible light imaging unit 16 can use an existing camera installed in the vehicle interior. Note that it is desirable that the infrared ray irradiation section 10, visible light irradiation section 12, infrared imaging section 14, and visible light imaging section 16 have the same angle of view.

The infrared irradiation unit 10 may include a scanning optical system that scans the front of the vehicle with light source light, or an LED array in which LEDs corresponding to each individual region R are arranged, instead of the light deflection device 26 that is a DMD. . Furthermore, the visible light irradiation section 12 may not have a lamp structure that can independently adjust the illuminance of the visible light VL irradiated to each individual region R.

The invention according to the embodiment described above may be specified by the items described below.
[Item 1]
A low gradation system that detects a predetermined low gradation area (44) based on image information obtained from at least one of an infrared imaging unit (14) that images the area in front of the vehicle and a visible light imaging unit (16) that images the area in front of the vehicle. a gradation area detection section (36);
an irradiation control section (38) that controls an infrared irradiation section (10) that irradiates infrared rays (IR) toward the front of the vehicle so as to irradiate infrared rays (IR) toward a low gradation region (44);
A control device (18) for a vehicle lamp (2).
[Item 2]
Detecting a predetermined low gradation area (44) based on image information obtained from at least one of an infrared imaging unit (14) that images the area in front of the vehicle and a visible light imaging unit (16) that images the area in front of the vehicle;
controlling an infrared irradiation unit (10) that irradiates infrared rays (IR) toward the front of the host vehicle so as to irradiate infrared rays (IR) toward the low gradation region (44);
A method for controlling a vehicle lamp (2) including:

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention can be utilized for a vehicle lamp system, a vehicle lamp control device, and a vehicle lamp control method.

1 vehicle lamp system, 2 vehicle lamp, 10 infrared irradiation unit, 12 visible light irradiation unit, 14 infrared imaging unit, 16 visible light imaging unit, 18 control device, 36 low gradation area detection unit, 38 irradiation control unit, 40 target analysis unit, 42 daytime determination unit, 44 low gradation area, 46 target.

Claims (9)

an infrared irradiation unit that irradiates infrared light to the front of the vehicle;
a low gradation area detection unit that detects a predetermined low gradation area based on image information obtained from at least one of an infrared imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle and a visible light imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle;
an irradiation control unit that controls the infrared irradiation unit to irradiate the infrared rays toward the low gradation area;
A vehicle lighting system comprising: The vehicle lighting system includes a daytime determination unit that determines that the area around the host vehicle is daytime,
The vehicular lamp system according to claim 1, wherein the low gradation area detection section detects the low gradation area based on the image information captured during the daytime. The vehicle lighting system includes a visible light irradiation unit that irradiates visible light in front of the vehicle,
3. The vehicle lamp system according to claim 1, wherein the low gradation area detection unit detects the low gradation area based on the image information captured while the visible light irradiation unit is turned off. The vehicle lighting system includes:
an infrared imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle;
a target object analysis unit that detects a predetermined target existing in the low gradation area based on image information obtained from the infrared imaging unit while the infrared irradiation unit is controlled by the irradiation control unit;
The vehicle lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: The vehicle lighting system includes a visible light imaging section that images the area in front of the vehicle,
5. The vehicle lamp system according to claim 1, wherein the low gradation area detection section detects the low gradation area based on image information obtained from the visible light imaging section. The vehicle lighting system includes an infrared imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle,
5. The vehicle lamp system according to claim 1, wherein the low gradation area detection section detects the low gradation area based on image information obtained from the infrared imaging section. 7. The vehicle lamp system according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation control section controls the infrared irradiation section to emit pulsed infrared rays in synchronization with the exposure timing of the infrared imaging section. a low gradation area detection unit that detects a predetermined low gradation area based on image information obtained from at least one of an infrared imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle and a visible light imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle;
an irradiation control section that controls an infrared irradiation section that irradiates infrared rays toward the front of the vehicle so as to irradiate infrared rays toward the low gradation region;
A control device for a vehicle lamp, comprising: detecting a predetermined low gradation area based on image information obtained from at least one of an infrared imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle and a visible light imaging unit that images the area in front of the vehicle;
controlling an infrared irradiation unit that irradiates infrared rays toward the front of the vehicle so as to irradiate infrared rays toward the low gradation region;
A method for controlling a vehicle lamp, the method comprising:

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