JP2001039210A - Lighting control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a comfortablness, convenience and safety by automatically switching on the light of a vehicle appropriately before the vehicle is entered in a dark place such as a tunnel. SOLUTION: This lighting control device 10 which automatically switches on or off the light 15 of an automobile corresponding to an illuminance measured value from a lux gauge 11 has a video camera 12 for photographing a forward traveling direction, a dark part detecting part 13 which calculates the rate of the dark part accounting for the image data of a forward view image obtained by the video camera 12 and outputs a notice of dark part detection in the case that the rate exceeds a previously determined first dark part threshold value, and a light control part 14 which automatically switches on the light 15 prior to switching on control based on the illuminance measured value from the lux gauge 11 in the case of receiving the notice of dark part detection from the dark part detecting part 13. Therefore, even though a vehicle travels in a light place in the daytime, the light 15 is automatically switched on sufficiently before the vehicle is entered in the dark place if there is the dark place such as a tunnel in the forward traveling direction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lighting control device for a vehicle, and more particularly to a lighting control device for automatically turning on or off a light of a vehicle in accordance with a measured illuminance.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a vehicle such as an automobile, various techniques have been proposed for automatically controlling the operation of a light, a wiper, and the like in accordance with the surrounding conditions of the vehicle. 13 and 14 show an example of a conventional vehicle lighting control device. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional light lighting control device. FIG. 14 shows a light lighting operation when a vehicle to which the light lighting control device of FIG. 13 is applied enters and passes through a tunnel. It is a figure for explaining.

[0003] This light lighting control device 90 includes an illuminometer 9
1, light control unit 92, light 93, light switch 9
4. The light control unit 92 keeps the light 93 on or off when the light switch 94 is set to the always on or always off position. However, when the light switch 94 is set to the position of automatic lighting, the light control unit 92 monitors the measured value of the illuminance around the vehicle measured by the illuminometer 91, and the measured value becomes equal to or less than the threshold value. When this happens, the light 93 is automatically turned on.

[0004] Therefore, when the light switch 94 is set to the position of automatic lighting, the light control unit 92 may be so dark that the sun is shadowed and the light needs to be turned on, or the car may enter a dark part such as a tunnel. Automatically turns on the light 93, and when the surroundings become bright,
The light 93 is automatically turned off again. However, when passing through a dark place of a short distance such as a shade, the light control unit 92 operates with a so-called hysteresis characteristic so as not to react sensitively to the illuminance measurement value so as not to perform unnecessary lighting and extinguishing. It is configured as follows.

Due to the lighting control operation having the hysteresis characteristic, the light 9 is required to pass for a while after entering the dark place.
3 does not light. Thus, for example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle 150 is located at the position P1 just before the tunnel.
When the vehicle is running, the light 93 is not turned on because the surroundings are bright. When the light reaches the position P2 at the entrance of the tunnel, the measured value of the illuminometer 91 becomes equal to or less than the threshold value. However, the light 93 is not immediately turned on due to the hysteresis characteristic.
Lights after reaching 3. Further, when reaching the position P4 of the exit of the tunnel, the measured value of the illuminometer 91 exceeds the threshold, but the light 93 is not turned off immediately due to the hysteresis characteristic, and turns off after reaching the position P5.

As described above, if the light switch 94 is set to the position for automatic lighting, the light 93 is automatically turned on when the light becomes dark enough to turn on the light, and when the surroundings become bright, the light 93 is turned on. Since the light is automatically turned off, the driver does not need to manually turn on or off the light 93 each time, which is convenient. In addition, when passing through a dark place of a short distance, unnecessary lighting and extinguishing are not performed, so that lighting operation of the light does not become complicated.

[0007]

The above-mentioned conventional light lighting control device automatically turns on the light when the light switch is set to the automatic lighting position and the light becomes dark enough to be turned on. In addition, since the light is automatically turned off again when the surroundings become bright, the driver does not need to manually turn the light on or off, which is convenient. However, when a car passes through a dark place such as a tunnel during the day, in consideration of the nature of human vision that a driver is not immediately accustomed to the dark place, it is not necessary for the car to enter the dark place, but at least in a dark place. There is a demand to turn on the light just before entering. Furthermore, when the lighting operation has a hysteresis characteristic, the driver does not immediately turn on the light when entering the tunnel, so it is difficult for the driver to see the front, and the vehicle entering the oncoming vehicle is also difficult. There was a risk that the situation could not be checked accurately on both sides, and the danger would increase due to the delay in the visual recognition.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when a vehicle enters a dark place such as a tunnel from a bright place in the daytime or the like and passes through, the vehicle is appropriately provided before entering the dark place. It is an object of the present invention to provide a light lighting control device that can automatically turn on the light of the vehicle and improve the usability, convenience, and safety when driving the vehicle.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light lighting control device for measuring an illuminance around a vehicle and a photographing device for photographing a traveling direction of the vehicle. A dark part detecting means for detecting a proportion occupied by a dark part in a front view image photographed by the photographing means; and an illuminance measurement obtained by the illuminance measuring means when the proportion occupied by the dark part exceeds a predetermined dark part threshold. Lighting control means for lighting the light based on the value.

Preferably, when the lighting control means performs the lighting control based on the illuminance measurement value or the lighting control based on the dark portion detection, the lighting control means is configured to perform lighting or extinguishing at least a set value. Alternatively, it has a hysteresis characteristic of maintaining the previous state without performing the lighting operation or the light-extinguishing operation for a certain period of time after the following.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a distance measuring means for measuring a distance to an object to be photographed by the photographing means, and the lighting control means is obtained by the distance measuring means. Only when the distance of the object changes so as to monotonously decrease, the lighting control based on the illuminance measurement value obtained by the illuminance measurement means, recognizing that the proportion occupied by the dark area has exceeded a predetermined dark area threshold value. The light is turned on with priority.

Preferably, the vehicle further comprises a speed measuring means for measuring a running speed of the vehicle, wherein the dark part detecting means is adapted to detect a running speed of the vehicle in accordance with the speed obtained by the speed measuring means. The dark area detection range for detecting the ratio of the dark area in the front view image is changed.

Preferably, as set forth in claim 5, a speed measuring means for measuring a running speed of the vehicle, and a focus of a photographing lens of the photographing means according to the speed obtained by the speed measuring means. A photographing control means for changing a photographing range of the front view image by changing a distance.

Preferably, the vehicle further comprises steering wheel turning angle detecting means for detecting a turning angle of the steering wheel of the vehicle, wherein the dark portion detecting means is obtained by the steering wheel turning angle detecting means. The dark area detection range for detecting the ratio of the dark area in the front view image is changed in accordance with the steering wheel turning angle.

Preferably, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a steering wheel turning angle detecting means for detecting a turning angle of a steering wheel of the vehicle, and a steering wheel turning angle obtained by the steering wheel turning angle detecting means, And a photographing control means for changing a photographing range of the front view image by changing an optical axis of a photographing lens of the photographing means.

Preferably, the vehicle further comprises a speed measuring means for measuring a running speed of the vehicle, and a steering wheel turning angle detecting means for detecting a turning angle of a steering wheel of the vehicle. The dark part detection means is a dark part detection range for detecting a ratio of a dark part in the front view image according to the speed obtained by the speed measurement means and the steering angle obtained by the steering angle detection means. Is to change.

Preferably, as set forth in claim 9, a speed measuring means for measuring a running speed of the vehicle, a steering wheel turning angle detecting means for detecting a turning angle of a steering wheel of the vehicle, and the speed measuring means The focal length and optical axis of the photographing lens of the photographing means are changed according to the speed obtained by the above and the steering angle obtained by the steering wheel angle detecting means to change the photographing range of the front view image. And a photographing control means.

In the above configuration, the dark part detecting means detects the proportion of the dark part occupied in the front view image in the traveling direction of the vehicle photographed by the photographing means. At this time, for example, when the proportion of the dark portion exceeds a predetermined dark portion threshold, a dark portion detection notification is output. The lighting control means can determine that there is a dark place ahead in the traveling direction when the proportion of the dark part exceeds a predetermined dark part threshold value by receiving the dark part detection notification or the like, so that the illuminance measurement obtained by the illuminance measurement means The execution of the lighting control based on the dark portion detection is started prior to the lighting control based on the value, and the light is turned on.

With this, when the vehicle enters and passes through a dark place such as a tunnel, even if the surroundings are still bright and the light is not turned on by the lighting control based on the measured illuminance, it is sufficient to enter the dark place. It is possible to automatically turn on the light at the position in front, improving the visibility for the driver and making it easy to check ahead, and the oncoming vehicle is also more easily recognized, so it can be easily checked. In addition, the usability, convenience and safety when driving the vehicle are improved.

When the lighting control means performs lighting control based on the illuminance measurement value or lighting control by detecting a dark part, the lighting operation or the turning-off operation is performed for a certain period of time after the light-on or light-off setting value becomes equal to or more than the set value. Provide a hysteresis characteristic that maintains the previous state without performing it. At this time, for example, a different value for lighting and turning off is set as a setting value (threshold for determination) for turning on or off, or an actual lighting operation or turning off operation is performed after the set value becomes equal to or more than the set value. Delay for a certain period of time. As a result, when the vehicle exits a dark place such as a tunnel, the light is maintained until the vehicle completely exits the dark place even if the front of the vehicle in the traveling direction becomes bright near the exit, preventing the visibility in the front from deteriorating. Is done.

[0021] The lighting control means may be arranged such that only when the distance of the object measured by the distance measuring means changes so as to decrease monotonously, a fixed dark place such as a tunnel to turn on a light is provided in front. Is determined to be in a state approaching and approaching this, the lighting control based on the dark part detection is started in priority to the lighting control based on the illuminance measurement value obtained by the illuminance measuring means, and the light is turned on. This allows
This prevents erroneous judgment when judging whether there is a tunnel or the like having a dark part where the light should be turned on in front, and can correctly detect the dark part, so that lighting control by dark part detection is performed only when there is a true dark place ahead. It is possible to operate, and it is possible to more reliably control the turning on and off of the light.

Further, the dark part detecting means changes a dark part detecting range for detecting the proportion of the dark part in the front view image according to the speed measured by the speed measuring means. At this time, for example, when the traveling speed of the vehicle is high,
Change so that the detection range becomes narrower. Alternatively, the photographing control unit changes the focal length of the photographing lens of the photographing unit according to the measured speed to change the photographing range of the front view image. At this time, for example, when the running speed of the vehicle is high, zooming is performed so as to increase the focal length of the photographing lens so as to reduce the photographing range, and substantially narrow the dark part detection range.

With this arrangement, when the traveling speed is high, the presence of a dark place such as a tunnel can be detected from a farther distance, and a dark portion ahead can be detected at an appropriate position in accordance with the traveling speed of the own vehicle. The light can be more reliably turned on just before the existing dark part.

Further, the dark part detecting means changes a dark part detection range for detecting the proportion of the dark part in the front view image according to the steering angle detected by the steering angle detecting means. At this time, in conjunction with the steering wheel turning angle, for example, when the steering wheel is turned to the right, the detection range is moved so that the dark part detection range becomes a partial area on the right side. Alternatively, the photographing control means changes the optical axis of the photographing lens of the photographing means to change the photographing range of the front view image according to the detected steering angle. At this time, for example, when the handle is turned to the right, the optical axis of the photographing lens is displaced to the right, and the photographing range is moved so that the dark part detection range is substantially the right partial area.

Thus, even when the steering wheel is turned while traveling on a curve and the traveling direction of the vehicle, that is, the direction of a dark place such as a tunnel is out of the center of the front view image, the steering wheel turning angle is obtained. Therefore, the light can be more reliably turned on in front of the dark part existing in front because the dark part in front can be accurately detected in accordance with.

The dark part detecting means is provided for detecting the proportion of the dark part in the front view image according to the speed obtained by the speed measuring means and the steering angle obtained by the steering angle detecting means. Change the size and position of the detection range. At this time, for example, when the traveling speed of the vehicle is high and the steering wheel is turned to the right, the detection range is moved so that the dark part detection range becomes a partial area on the right with a size corresponding to the traveling speed. Alternatively, the size and the position of the photographing range of the front view image are changed by changing the focal length and the optical axis of the photographing lens of the photographing means according to the measured speed and the steering wheel turning angle by the photographing control means. At this time, for example, when the running speed of the vehicle is fast and the steering wheel is turned to the right, zoom is performed so as to increase the focal length of the photographing lens, and the optical axis is displaced to the right to substantially reduce the running speed. The photographing range is moved so that the dark part detection range becomes a partial area on the right side with a size corresponding to.

Thus, the dark portion existing in the traveling direction of the vehicle determined by the turning angle of the steering wheel and the traveling speed can be accurately detected, so that the light can be more reliably turned on in front of the dark portion existing in front. become.

[0028]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, some configuration examples in which a light lighting control device that automatically turns on or off a light according to the surrounding illuminance is applied to an automobile will be described.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light lighting control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an automobile to which the light lighting control device of the present embodiment is applied. And FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an image captured by a video camera when the vehicle enters and passes through.

The lighting control device 10 includes an illuminometer 11 as illuminance measuring means for measuring the illuminance around the vehicle,
A video camera 12 as a photographing means for photographing the traveling direction of the car; a dark part detecting part 13 as a dark part detecting means for detecting a dark part from an output of the illuminometer 11 and image data outputted from the video camera 12; A light control unit 14 as lighting control means for performing lighting control;
And a light switch 16 for instructing a lighting mode of No. 5.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the illuminometer 11 measures the illuminance around the vehicle, and the video camera 12 captures an image of the front of the vehicle in the traveling direction.
The illuminance measurement value and the image data of the front view image are sent to the dark part detection unit 13. Based on these data, the dark part detection unit 13 determines whether or not the measured illuminance value of the output of the illuminometer 11 is equal to or less than the illuminance threshold value.
Calculates the ratio of the dark part DR (see FIG. 3) to the output image data, and determines whether this ratio exceeds a predetermined first dark part threshold, and when the ratio exceeds the first dark part threshold Outputs a dark area detection notification.

The light switch 16 can be set to a lighting mode of always on, always off, or automatic lighting. The light control unit 14 keeps the light 15 on or off when the light switch 16 is set to the always-on or always-off position. When the light switch 16 is set to the automatic lighting position, the light control unit 14 monitors the determination result of the dark part detection unit 13 and controls the turning on and off of the light 15 as described below. Do. That is, when the dark part detection unit 13 determines that the proportion of the dark part in the image data captured by the video camera 12 does not exceed the first dark part threshold,
The light control unit 14 automatically turns on the light 15 when it is determined that the illuminance measurement value is equal to or less than the illuminance threshold value based on the determination result of the illuminance measurement value of the dark part detection unit 13, and thereafter, the illuminance measurement value Is determined to have exceeded the illuminance threshold, the light 15 is automatically turned off.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the ratio of the dark portion in the image data captured by the video camera 12 exceeds the first dark portion threshold, a dark portion detection notification is output from the dark portion detection section 13, When receiving the dark part detection notification, the light control unit 14 turns on the light 15 in preference to the control based on the illuminance measurement value.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the surroundings of the daytime are bright and the car 110 set to the lighting mode of the automatic lighting reaches the position P1 just before the entrance of a dark place such as a tunnel, The front view image captured by the video camera 12 is, for example, as shown in FIG. Dark part detector 13
Determines the ratio of the dark area in the image data of the front view image. In this case, it is determined that the ratio of the dark part exceeds the first dark part threshold, and a dark part detection notification is output. Then, the light control unit 14 performs the illuminometer 1
The control based on the illuminance measurement value from 1 is stopped, and the light 15 is immediately turned on at the position P1. Therefore, when the vehicle arrives at the entrance of the tunnel at the position P2, the light 15 is already turned on before entering the dark place, so that the driver can visually recognize the front well and the oncoming vehicle traveling in the tunnel Can surely confirm the incoming car 110.

It is also assumed that the vehicle 110 approaches the exit of the tunnel at the position P4, and that the proportion of the dark portion in the image data of the front view image captured by the video camera 12 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined second dark portion threshold value. When the dark part detection unit 13 determines, the output of the dark part detection notification is stopped. In response, the light control unit 14 turns off the light 15 after a predetermined time has elapsed. Then, the light control unit 14 returns to the initial state which is the control based on the illuminance measurement value again. Accordingly, the light 15 is not turned off immediately at the position P4 of the exit of the tunnel, but is turned off at a position P5 which has been advanced for a while from the position P4. Thus, when exiting from a dark place such as a tunnel, even if the front of the vehicle in the traveling direction becomes bright near the exit, it is possible to keep the light on until the vehicle completely exits the tunnel, and it is possible to prevent the visibility of the front from being deteriorated. .

In the above-described example, the first and second dark-part thresholds may be different values (for example, the second dark-part threshold is smaller than the first dark-part threshold) to have a hysteresis characteristic. May be set to the same value. Further, in the control based on the illuminance measurement value by the illuminometer 11, the illuminance meter 11 has a hysteresis characteristic of maintaining the previous state without performing the illuminating operation or the extinction operation for a certain period of time after the value becomes equal to or more than the set value for performing the illumination or extinguishing. In this case, after entering the tunnel once, the light control unit 14 may switch the control operation from the control based on the dark part detection of the image data to the control based on the illuminance measurement value in the tunnel.

A predetermined period of time has elapsed when the dark part detector 13 determines that the ratio of the dark part in the image data picked up by the video camera 12 has become equal to or less than the second predetermined dark part threshold. Although the light 15 is turned off later, the second dark portion threshold is set to an extremely small value, and the light 15 is turned off immediately when the ratio of the dark portion in the image data becomes equal to or less than the second dark portion threshold. You may. In this case, substantially, the automobile 110
Reaches the position P4 in FIG.
5 is preferably set to be turned off.

The sensitivity of the video camera 12 can be adjusted by using a filter or the like so that the sensitivity is reduced in the illumination wavelength region of a tunnel, for example, a sodium lamp. By reducing the sensitivity of the imaging unit to the emission wavelength band such as a sodium lamp that is often used for lighting in tunnels, without being affected by the brightness of the lighting in tunnels,
It is possible to control the lighting of the light.

By configuring the light lighting control device in this way, for example, when the vehicle enters and passes through a dark tunnel from a bright place in the daytime, the vehicle light is automatically turned on sufficiently before entering the dark tunnel. Therefore, the visibility is improved for the driver and the driver can easily see the front, and the recognition of the oncoming vehicle is improved and the safety is improved.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light lighting control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The light-on control device 20 of the second embodiment differs from the light-on control device 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that a distance meter 21 as a distance measuring means is added (the video camera 12). The output of the distance measuring unit may be used.) However, except for the points related to this, it is substantially the same as the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Detailed description is omitted.

In the second embodiment, the distance to the object in the front view image photographed by the range finder 21 is measured, and the dark part detection unit 23 executes the dark part detection by adding this distance data as a determination parameter. The dark part detection unit 23
When determining whether or not the ratio of the dark portion to the image data captured by the video camera 12 exceeds the first dark portion threshold, referring to the distance data measured by the distance meter 21,
If the distance to the object does not change as predetermined, for example, so as to monotonously decrease, that is, if the object does not approach in response to the running of the car, the case where the first dark part threshold is exceeded is considered. However, it is determined that the light 15 should not be turned on, and the dark portion detection notification is not output.

For example, when a fixed object such as a tunnel for detecting a dark part is photographed, the distance to the object becomes shorter as the vehicle travels while traveling. Therefore, the dark part detection unit 23 determines whether an object in the image captured by the video camera 12 gradually approaches, and if not, the object is, for example, in front of the own vehicle in the same manner. Since it is considered that the object is a moving black object (such as luggage on a truck) and not a tunnel, it is determined that the light 15 should not be turned on, and no dark area detection notification is output. Therefore, when the light switch 16 is set to the position of automatic lighting, the light control unit 24 receives the determination of the dark part detection unit 23 in consideration of the change in the distance to the photographed object, and is not in a dark place such as a tunnel. In this case, lighting control can be performed so that the light 15 is not turned on.

According to the second embodiment, when it is determined whether there is a tunnel or the like having a dark portion where the light should be turned on, a black portion of the vehicle ahead is erroneously determined to be a dark portion. The determination can be prevented, and the turning on and off of the light can be more reliably controlled.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light lighting control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an image taken by a video camera. The light lighting control device 30 of the third embodiment is different from the light lighting control device 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that a speedometer 31 as a speed measuring means is added. However, it is substantially the same as the first embodiment except for the points related thereto, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description is omitted.

In the third embodiment, the traveling speed of the own vehicle is measured by the speedometer 31, and the dark area detection range in the captured front view image is changed according to this speed. That is,
The dark part detection is executed by adding the speed data as a determination parameter. When determining whether or not the proportion of the dark portion in the image data captured by the video camera 12 exceeds the first dark portion threshold, the dark portion detection unit 33 refers to the speed data measured by the speedometer 31 and automatically determines When the speed of the vehicle is high, the detection range used for detecting a dark portion in the captured front view image is changed from, for example, a wide range WR to a narrow range NR as shown in FIG. Thus, when the traveling speed is high, the presence of the tunnel can be detected from a greater distance.

When the ratio of the dark portion in the detection range exceeds the first dark portion threshold, a dark portion detection notification is output from the dark portion detection portion 33 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the light control portion 34 is accordingly responsive thereto. Turns on the light 15 in preference to the control based on the illuminance measurement value.

When the traveling speed of the automobile is high, the traveling distance from the detection of the dark part to the lighting of the light is long, so that the light may not be able to be lighted sufficiently in front of a dark place such as a tunnel. Thus, in the present embodiment, when the traveling speed is high, the dark part detection range is narrowed by the dark part detection unit 33, so that the dark part in the front view image can be detected from a distance. Therefore, when the light switch 16 is set to the position of automatic lighting, the light control unit 34 receives the determination of the dark part detection unit 33 that narrows the detection range of the dark part in proportion to the speed of the own vehicle, and determines the speed. The lighting of the light 15 can be performed earlier in proportion.

According to the third embodiment, when it is determined whether there is a tunnel or the like having a dark part to be lit, a dark part ahead can be detected at an appropriate position according to the traveling speed of the own vehicle. It is possible to more reliably control the turning on and off of the light, and the safety can be further improved.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light lighting control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The light lighting control device 40 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the light lighting control device 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that a speedometer 31 is provided and as a photographing control unit that controls the video camera 12. Is different from the first embodiment except that a video camera control unit 45 is added. Description is omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, the traveling speed of the own vehicle is measured by the speedometer 31, and the focal length of the photographic lens of the video camera 12 is changed by the video camera control unit 45 according to this speed. That is, the dark area detection is executed by adjusting the photographing range of the front view image according to the speed data. Based on the speed data measured by the speedometer 31, the video camera control unit 45 extends the focal length of the taking lens of the video camera 12 and zooms when the speed of the own vehicle is high, thereby, for example, The photographing range is controlled so as to be substantially the same as the narrow range NR shown in FIG. Accordingly, when the traveling speed is high, the dark part detection unit 43 can detect the presence of the tunnel from a farther distance.

When the ratio of the dark portion in the detection range exceeds the first dark portion threshold value, a dark portion detection notification is output from the dark portion detection portion 43 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Turns on the light 15 in preference to the control based on the illuminance measurement value.

According to the fourth embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, the front dark portion can be detected at an appropriate position in accordance with the traveling speed of the own vehicle. The light can be turned on in the foreground,
Lighting and extinguishing of the light can be controlled more reliably, and safety can be improved.

[Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light lighting control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an image captured by a video camera. The light-on control device 50 of the fifth embodiment is different from the light-on control device 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The difference is that an angle detection unit 52 is added. However, except for the points related to this, it is substantially the same as the first embodiment. Omitted.

In the fifth embodiment, the current steering angle of the steering wheel 51 is detected by the steering angle detecting section 52, and the dark area detection range in the front view image captured according to the steering angle is changed. That is, dark area detection is performed by adding steering wheel turning angle data as a determination parameter. When determining whether or not the proportion of the dark portion in the image data captured by the video camera 12 exceeds the first dark portion threshold, the dark portion detection unit 53 is linked to the steering wheel turning angle data detected by the turning angle detection unit 52. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the detection range used for detecting a dark part in the front view image is, for example, a range R where a tunnel corresponding to a direction in which the steering wheel is turned from the normal range WR (in this case, the right direction) should exist.
Change to R. This makes it possible to correctly detect the presence of the tunnel even when the steering wheel is turned while the vehicle turns a curve.

When the ratio of the dark part in the detection range exceeds the first dark part threshold value, a dark part detection notification is output from the dark part detection part 53 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the light control part 54 is accordingly responsive. Turns on the light 15 in preference to the control based on the illuminance measurement value.

When a dark place such as a tunnel in the front view image is out of the center of the image, such as when traveling on a curve,
The proportion of the dark portion in the entire image is reduced. Thus, in the present embodiment, the dark portion detection range is shifted from the center by the dark portion detection portion 33 in accordance with the steering wheel turning angle, so that the dark portion in the front view image can be detected without leaking.

According to the fifth embodiment, when it is determined whether there is a tunnel or the like having a dark portion where the light should be turned on, even if the traveling direction of the car is out of the center of the front view image. In addition, it is possible to accurately detect a dark portion ahead in accordance with the steering wheel turning angle, and it is possible to more reliably control the turning on and off of the light.

[Sixth Embodiment] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light lighting control device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The light lighting control device 60 of the sixth embodiment includes:
Compared with the light lighting control device 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a turning angle detection unit 52 for detecting a turning angle of a steering wheel 51 of an automobile is provided, and a video camera 1 is provided.
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a video camera control unit 65 for controlling the control unit 2 is added. Except for the related points, the second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment. And a detailed description is omitted.

In the sixth embodiment, the current steering angle of the steering wheel 51 is detected by the steering angle detector 52, and the optical axis of the photographic lens of the video camera 12 is displaced by the video camera controller 65 in accordance with the steering angle. Let it. That is, the dark area detection is executed by adjusting the photographing range of the front view image according to the steering wheel turning angle data. The video camera control unit 65 moves the optical axis of the photographic lens of the video camera 12 when the steering wheel is turned, in conjunction with the steering wheel turning angle data detected by the turning angle detection unit 52, for example, by tunneling. Is controlled so that the photographing range of the image is substantially changed from the normal range WR shown in FIG. 9 to the range RR where the tunnel should exist. Thereby, the dark part detection unit 63 can correctly detect the presence of the tunnel even when the vehicle is running on a curve and the steering wheel is turned.

When the ratio of the dark part in the detection range exceeds the first dark part threshold value, a dark part detection notification is output from the dark part detection part 63 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the light control part 64 is accordingly responsive thereto. Turns on the light 15 in preference to the control based on the illuminance measurement value.

According to the sixth embodiment, similarly to the fifth embodiment, the front dark portion can be appropriately detected in accordance with the steering angle of the steering wheel. Even if it ’s off center,
The front dark portion can be accurately detected, and the turning on and off of the light can be more reliably controlled.

[Seventh Embodiment] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light lighting control device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The light lighting control device 70 of the seventh embodiment includes:
The configuration is such that the function of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5 and the function of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 8 are combined. Each component is substantially the same as the above embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the seventh embodiment, the dark area detection range in the front view image photographed is changed according to the traveling speed of the own vehicle and the turning angle of the steering wheel. That is, the dark part detection is executed by adding the speed data and the steering wheel turning angle data as the determination parameters. The dark part detection unit 73, in conjunction with the speed data of the vehicle detected by the speedometer 31 and the steering wheel turning angle data detected by the turning angle detection unit 52, sets a detection range used for detecting a dark part in the front view image, for example, FIG.
Is changed from the normal wide range WR to the range RR in which the tunnel should exist. This makes it possible to correctly detect the presence of a tunnel at an appropriate position even when the vehicle is running on a curve and the steering wheel is turned, or even when the traveling speed is high.

When the ratio of the dark portion in the detection range exceeds the first dark portion threshold value, a dark portion detection notification is output from the dark portion detection portion 73 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the light control portion 74 is accordingly responsive to the notification. Turns on the light 15 in preference to the control based on the illuminance measurement value.

When a dark place such as a tunnel in the front view image is out of the center of the image, such as when traveling on a curve,
The proportion of the dark portion in the entire image is reduced. Also,
The relationship between the turning angle of the steering wheel and the traveling direction of the vehicle changes depending on the traveling speed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately detect the dark part in the front view image by setting the dark part detection range in the dark part detection unit 73 to be a part of the range shifted from the center in accordance with the traveling speed and the steering wheel turning angle. it can.

According to the seventh embodiment, when it is determined whether there is a tunnel or the like having a dark portion where the light should be turned on, even if the traveling direction of the vehicle is out of the center of the front view image. In addition, it is possible to accurately detect a dark portion ahead in accordance with the traveling speed and the steering wheel turning angle, and it is possible to more reliably control the turning on and off of the light.

[Eighth Embodiment] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light lighting control device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The light lighting control device 80 according to the eighth embodiment includes:
The function of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 7 and the sixth embodiment shown in FIG.
The configuration combines the functions of the embodiment. Each component is substantially the same as the above embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the eighth embodiment, the focal length and the optical axis of the taking lens of the video camera 12 are changed by the video camera control unit 85 according to the running speed of the vehicle and the turning angle of the steering wheel. That is, dark area detection is performed by adjusting the photographing range of the front view image according to the speed data and the steering wheel turning angle data. The video camera control unit 85 controls the speedometer 31
When the speed of the vehicle is high, the focal length of the photographic lens of the video camera 12 is extended and the zoom is performed in conjunction with the speed data of the own vehicle detected by the method and the steering angle data detected by the steering angle detection unit 52. When the handle is turned, the optical axis of the taking lens of the video camera 12 is displaced. In this case, for example, control is performed so that the photographing range of the image of the tunnel is substantially changed from the normal wide range WR shown in FIG. 9 to the range RR where the tunnel should exist. This makes it possible to correctly detect the presence of a tunnel at an appropriate position even when the vehicle is running on a curve and the steering wheel is turned, or even when the traveling speed is high.

When the ratio of the dark portion in the detection range exceeds the first dark portion threshold value, a dark portion detection notification is output from the dark portion detection portion 83 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the light control portion 84 is accordingly responsive to the notification. Turns on the light 15 in preference to the control based on the illuminance measurement value.

According to the eighth embodiment, similarly to the seventh embodiment, the front dark portion can be appropriately detected according to the traveling speed and the steering angle of the steering wheel. Even when the image is deviated from the center of the front view image, it is possible to accurately detect the front dark portion, and to control the turning on and off of the light more reliably.

[0071]

As described above, according to the present invention, when a vehicle enters a dark place such as a tunnel from a bright place in the daytime or the like and passes through it, the surroundings are still bright and the lighting control based on the measured illuminance is performed. Therefore, even when the light is not turned on, the light of the vehicle can be automatically turned on properly before entering the dark place. As a result, it is possible to improve the visibility of the driver and facilitate forward confirmation, and also to improve the recognition of the oncoming vehicle, thereby improving the usability, convenience, and safety when driving the vehicle. The effect that can be performed is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a light lighting control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a lighting operation of a light when a vehicle to which the light lighting control device of the present embodiment is applied passes through after entering a tunnel.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a captured image of a video camera.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a light lighting control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a light lighting control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a captured image of a video camera.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a light lighting control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a light lighting control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an image captured by a video camera.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a light lighting control device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light lighting control device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a light lighting control device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional example of a light lighting control device.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a lighting operation of a light when a vehicle to which a conventional light lighting control device is applied enters and passes through a tunnel.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 Lighting control device 11 Illuminance meter 12 Video camera 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83 Dark part detector 14, 24, 34, 44 , 54, 64, 74, 84 Light control unit 15 Light 16 Light switch 21 Distance meter 31 Speedometer 45, 65, 85 Video camera control unit 51 Handle 52 Cutting angle detection unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An illuminance measuring means for measuring illuminance around a vehicle, an imaging means for photographing the traveling direction of the vehicle, and a dark part detecting means for detecting a ratio of a dark part in a front view image photographed by the photographing means. And lighting control means for lighting the light based on the illuminance measurement value obtained by the illuminance measurement means when the proportion of the dark area exceeds a predetermined dark area threshold value, Lighting control device. 2. The lighting control means according to claim 1, wherein when performing lighting control based on the illuminance measurement value or lighting control based on the dark area detection, the lighting control means performs a lighting operation for a predetermined time after a lighting value or a set value for lighting or extinguishing is reduced. 2. The light-on control device according to claim 1, wherein the light-on control device has a hysteresis characteristic for maintaining a previous state without performing a light-off operation. 3. A lighting device, comprising: a distance measuring unit that measures a distance to an object to be photographed by the photographing unit; and the lighting control unit changes the distance of the object obtained by the distance measuring unit so as to decrease monotonically. Only in the case where the ratio of the dark portion exceeds the predetermined dark portion threshold, the light is turned on in preference to the lighting control based on the illuminance measurement value obtained by the illuminance measuring means. The light lighting control device according to claim 1. 4. A speed measuring means for measuring a running speed of the vehicle, wherein the dark part detecting means detects a ratio occupied by a dark part in the front view image according to a speed obtained by the speed measuring means. The light lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein a dark part detection range for changing the light intensity is changed. 5. A method for photographing said front view image by changing a focal length of a photographing lens of said photographing means in accordance with a speed obtained by said speed measuring means. 2. The light lighting control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a photographing control unit that changes a range. 6. A steering wheel turning angle detecting means for detecting a turning angle of a steering wheel of the vehicle, wherein the dark portion detecting means is arranged to detect the turning angle of the steering wheel obtained by the steering wheel turning angle detecting means. The light lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein a dark part detection range for detecting a ratio of a dark part in the image is changed. 7. A steering wheel turning angle detecting means for detecting a turning angle of a steering wheel of the vehicle, and an optical axis of a photographing lens of the photographing means is changed according to a steering wheel turning angle obtained by the steering wheel turning angle detecting means. 2. The light lighting control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a photographing control unit configured to change a photographing range of the front view image. 8. A vehicle comprising: a speed measuring means for measuring a running speed of the vehicle; and a steering wheel turning angle detecting means for detecting a turning angle of a steering wheel of the vehicle, wherein the dark part detecting means is obtained by the speed measuring means. 2. A dark area detection range for detecting a ratio of a dark area occupied in the front view image in accordance with a speed obtained and a steering angle obtained by the steering angle detection means. The light lighting control device according to item 1. 9. A speed measuring means for measuring a running speed of the vehicle; a steering angle detecting means for detecting a steering angle of the steering wheel of the vehicle; a speed obtained by the speed measuring means and the steering angle detection. A photographing control unit that changes a focal length and an optical axis of a photographing lens of the photographing unit to change a photographing range of the front view image according to the steering wheel turning angle obtained by the unit. The light lighting control device according to claim 1.