JP2002183239A - Method for designing reflecting surface of reflecting mirror for vehicular lamp, reflecting surface design system and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reflecting surface designing method for the reflecting mirror of vehicular lamp which improves the controllability of a luminous intensity distribution pattern and the efficiency of design work and to provide a reflecting surface design system and a recording medium. SOLUTION: The number of base points, the Y coordinate of each base point P and a reflection direction at each base point P are designated with respect to a plurality of base points P used to generate the reflecting surface RS, the respective positions of the plurality of base points P are decided on the basis of those designated parameters, an XY curve Q is generated and a plurality of XZ curves R are further generated. The surface shape of the reflecting surface RS is generated on the basis of the generated XY curve Q and the plurality of generated XZ curves R.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for designing a reflecting surface of a reflector of a vehicular lamp used in a vehicle such as an automobile, a reflecting surface designing system, and a computer for executing a reflecting surface design of a reflecting mirror of a vehicular lamp. The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a program to be executed is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A vehicular lamp includes a light source (light source bulb) arranged at a predetermined light source position, a reflecting mirror for reflecting light from the light source bulb in the direction of the optical axis, and a reflecting light from the reflecting mirror. And a lens that transmits the light to the outside of the lamp.

In a vehicle lamp having such a configuration, the light distribution pattern of light emitted from the lamp is set mainly by the shape of the reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror and the positional relationship with respect to the light from the light source bulb. That is, the light from the light source bulb that is incident on the reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror is reflected at each part of the reflecting surface according to the reflecting conditions such as the reflecting direction and the light diffusion condition determined by the surface shape of each reflecting surface, and the reflected light is reflected. It is emitted from the lamp. Further, a part of the reflection condition such as the light diffusion condition of the reflected light is also set by the lens through which the reflected light is transmitted.

As a reflecting surface of a reflecting mirror used for a vehicular lamp such as a headlight, there are those described in JP-B-45-7397 and JP-A-6-267302. For example, in the headlight disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 45-7397, the cross-sectional shape in the major axis direction of the reflecting surface is a hyperbola, and the envelope of the paraboloid of revolution having the same focal point as the hyperbola and in contact with the hyperbola The surface forms the surface shape of the reflection surface.

Further, in the headlight disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-267302, a paraboloid of revolution has a basic shape of a reflecting surface, and a rotation center axis perpendicular to the optical axis is set. . Then, each part of the paraboloid of revolution is rotated around the rotation center axis at a rotation angle that increases as the distance from the optical axis increases, thereby generating the surface shape of the reflection surface.

[0006]

With respect to the light emitted from the above-described vehicle lamp, the light distribution pattern obtained according to the type of lamp, the purpose of use, and the installation position in the vehicle is a reflecting mirror. It is required that certain conditions are satisfied with respect to the range in which reflected light from the light is emitted, the light intensity in each reflection direction, and the like. On the other hand, in the above-described configuration in which a simple combination such as a quadratic curve such as a parabola or a hyperbola or a paraboloid of revolution is used as the surface shape of the reflecting surface, the light distribution pattern required for each lamp is generally realized. Is difficult to do.

That is, in the vehicle lamp, since it is used in a state of being attached to a vehicle such as an automobile, in addition to the above-mentioned conditions related to the function (1) such as the light distribution pattern, the (2) shape From the aspect (shape constraint) and (3) the aspect from the aspect (appearance constraint). In particular, in recent years, various conditions have been imposed on lamps due to restrictions on the vehicle body configuration and increasing design of the vehicle.

[0008] Therefore, in a reflector of a lamp applied to a vehicle, a required light distribution pattern is satisfied after satisfying constraints on the shape and appearance imposed on the area and depth thereof. The resulting reflective surface shape must be realized. At this time, in the case of a reflecting surface having a surface shape using a paraboloid of revolution or a hyperbola, the degree of freedom in designing the reflecting surface is small, and the reflecting surface is created so as to satisfy all the above-mentioned functions, shapes, and appearance conditions. It is difficult.

Further, even in the case of a reflecting surface having a surface shape obtained by adding a deformation (rotation, fine adjustment of each part, etc.) to such a surface shape, the deformation of the reflecting surface shape and the change of the light distribution pattern are not affected. Since the correspondence is not always clear, sufficient control of the light distribution pattern due to the deformation cannot be obtained. For this reason, in the reflection surface design that realizes the required light distribution pattern,
There arises a problem that the efficiency of the design work is reduced and a long time is required for designing the reflection surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a method of designing a reflecting surface of a reflector of a vehicular lamp in which the controllability of a light distribution pattern and the efficiency of design work are improved. It is an object of the present invention to provide a surface design system and a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer to execute a reflection surface design of a reflector of a vehicle lamp is recorded.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, a method for designing a reflecting surface according to the present invention is a method for designing a reflecting surface of a reflecting mirror used in a vehicle lamp.
A reflecting mirror disposed on a first basic plane including an optical axis passing through a light source position where the light source is disposed and reflecting light from the light source by the reflecting mirror, and a first basic axis orthogonal to the optical axis; A plurality of base points for generating the reflection surface of the base point number specifying step of specifying the base point number of the plurality of base points;
(2) a base point position specifying step of specifying a position in the first basic axis direction for each of the plurality of base points; and (3) a direction in which light from the light source is reflected at each of the plurality of base points. (4) a reflection direction designation step of designating a reflection direction in the first basic axis direction; and (4) a plurality of base points each based on the number of base points with respect to the plurality of base points, the position in the first basic axis direction, and the reflection direction. A first basic curve generation step of determining a base point position and generating a first basic curve on a first basic plane based on the determined base point position; and (5) a first basic curve for the first basic curve. A second basic curve generating step of generating a plurality of second basic curves extending in a second basic axis direction orthogonal to the basic plane; and (6) a reflecting surface of the reflecting surface based on the first basic curve and the plurality of second basic curves. Surface shape that generates surface shape Characterized in that it comprises a forming step.

Further, the reflecting surface design system according to the present invention is a reflecting surface designing system for a reflector used in a vehicle lamp, wherein (1) light from the light source passes through a light source position where the light source is arranged. A plurality of base points for generating a reflecting surface of a reflecting mirror, which are arranged on a first basic plane including an optical axis which is a direction reflected by the optical axis and a first basic axis orthogonal to the optical axis. (2) a base position input means for inputting a position in the first basic axis direction for each of the plurality of base points; and (3) a base position input means for inputting the position in the first basic axis direction for each of the plurality of base points. Reflection direction input means for inputting a reflection direction in a first basic axis direction which is a direction in which light from the light source is reflected at the base point;
(4) The base position of each of the plurality of base points is determined based on the number of base points, the position in the first basic axis direction, and the reflection direction with respect to the plurality of base points, and the first basic plane is determined based on the determined base position. First to generate the first basic curve above
(5) a second basic curve generating means for generating a plurality of second basic curves extending in a second basic axis direction orthogonal to the first basic plane with respect to the first basic curve; )
Surface shape generating means for generating a surface shape of the reflection surface based on the first basic curve and the plurality of second basic curves.

Further, the recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer to execute a reflecting surface design of a reflecting mirror used in a vehicle lamp is recorded. Reflection of the reflecting mirror disposed on a first basic plane including an optical axis passing through the position of the arranged light source and having a direction in which light from the light source is reflected by the reflecting mirror, and a first basic axis orthogonal to the optical axis. A base point number specification process for specifying a base number of a plurality of base points for a plurality of base points for generating a surface, and (b) a base point position specification for specifying a position in a first basic axis direction for each of the plurality of base points (C) a reflection direction designation process for designating, for each of the plurality of base points, a reflection direction in a first basic axis direction that is a direction in which light from the light source is reflected at the base points;
(D) determining a base position of each of the plurality of base points based on the number of base points with respect to the plurality of base points, a position in the first basic axis direction, and a reflection direction; and a first basic plane based on the determined base point positions. First to generate the first basic curve above
(E) a second basic curve generation process for generating a plurality of second basic curves extending in a second basic axis direction orthogonal to the first basic plane with respect to the first basic curve; )
A program for causing a computer to execute a surface shape generation process for generating a surface shape of the reflection surface based on the first basic curve and the plurality of second basic curves is recorded.

The above-described method for designing a reflecting surface of a reflecting mirror of a vehicle lamp, a reflecting surface designing system, and a program recorded on a recording medium include an optical axis (X axis) and a first basic axis (Y axis). A single first basic curve (XY curve) on a first basic plane (XY plane, for example, a horizontal plane), and a plurality of second basic curves extending from a point on the first basic curve in a substantially second basic axis (Z-axis) direction A basic curve (XZ curve) is generated as a skeleton of a reflection surface shape, and a reflection surface shape is generated by forming a curved surface based on the skeleton. As described above, by using the first basic curve and the plurality of second basic curves serving as the skeleton for designing the reflection surface, the efficiency of the design work is improved.

A plurality of base points are set on the first basic plane as base points used for generating the first basic curve and the second basic curve. It is determined based on the axial position and the reflection direction. As a result, the designer can specify the position and the parameters of the reflection condition for each base point and instruct the generation of the reflection surface shape, and the controllability of the light distribution pattern is improved.

In particular, the surface shape at each base point is not specified by a curvature, a focal length, or the like, but the surface shape is specified by a reflection direction that is a light reflection condition at the base point. At this time, since the reflection direction specified by the designer as a parameter is a parameter directly corresponding to the obtained light distribution pattern, the design of the reflection surface shape corresponding to the required light distribution pattern is facilitated.

In a case where each parameter is inputted and designated at the time of designing the reflecting surface, for example, the position of each base point in the direction of the first basic axis is designated while changing the interval.
Optimal parameters can be specified in consideration of the specific conditions of each lamp. However, for each of the above parameters, an appropriate parameter specification method such as specifying the position of each base point in the first basic axis direction at equal intervals with respect to the first basic axis is determined in advance, and Can also be specified.

The reflecting surface designing method (program recorded on the recording medium) includes a second basic curve generating step (second
In the basic curve generation process), a plurality of second basic curves are
It is characterized by being generated from each of a plurality of base points. At this time, each of the plurality of second basic curves can be generated with reference to a parameter such as a reflection direction designated for each base point.

In the reflecting surface design system, the base number input means, the base position input means, and the reflection direction input means may include:
(7) design screen display means for displaying a design screen used for reflecting surface design; and (8) a design screen, the number of base points, the position in the first basic axis direction, and the reflection direction. And a screen display instructing unit for instructing the design screen display unit to display the created design screen.

Similarly, the recording medium allows the program to input the number of base points, the position in the direction of the first basic axis, and the reflection direction in each of the base number specification processing, the base position specification processing, and the reflection direction specification processing. Specify
(G) The design screen includes an input screen creation process for creating an input screen for instructing the input of the number of base points, the position in the first basic axis direction, and the reflection direction, and displays the created design screen on the design screen display means. It is characterized by further having a screen display process for causing the screen to be displayed.

Thus, the input of each parameter by the designer can be performed efficiently while referring to the input screen.

As the configuration of such an input screen, for example, an instruction to input the number of base points or an input of a base number display area for displaying the input base number and an input of a position in the first basic axis direction is provided. In addition, there is a configuration having a base position display area for displaying the input position in the first basic axis direction, and a reflection direction display area for instructing the input of the reflection direction and displaying the input reflection direction.

[0023]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; A preferred embodiment of a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded is described in detail. In the description of the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings do not always match those described.

First, an outline of a method for designing a reflecting surface of a reflecting mirror of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic view schematically showing a method for designing a reflecting surface of a reflecting mirror of a vehicular lamp according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference symbol RS denotes a reflection surface to be designed, reference symbol F denotes a light source position where a light source (light source bulb) for supplying light is arranged, and reference symbol Ax denotes a light source passing through the light source position F. The optical axes along which light from the bulb is reflected by the reflecting mirror are shown. The light source position F and the optical axis Ax are given in advance as basic conditions for designing the reflecting surface.

The reflecting surface RS designed using the reflecting surface designing method and the reflecting surface designing system described below is used in a vehicle lamp such as a headlight including a light source bulb, a reflecting mirror, and a lens. Is used as a reflecting surface of a reflecting mirror that reflects the light of the above and emits the light from the lamp through the lens.

FIG. 1 shows X, Y, Z
, The front-rear direction of the lamp, which is the direction of the optical axis Ax, is defined as the X-axis. An axis orthogonal to the X axis and serving as a first basic axis (for example, the horizontal direction of the lamp) is defined as a Y axis, and an axis orthogonal to the X axis and the Y axis and serving as a second basic axis (for example, the vertical direction of the lamp) is used. ) Is the Z axis.

In the reflecting surface designing method and the reflecting surface designing system according to the present invention, the surface shape of the reflecting surface RS is an XY curve on an XY plane which is a first basic plane including the X axis (optical axis Ax) and the Y axis. (First basic curve) Q and a plurality of XZs each extending substantially in the Z-axis direction from a plurality of points on the XY curve Q
The curved surface (the second basic curve) R is used as a skeleton, and a curved surface is formed based on the skeleton to generate a reflection surface shape.

An XY curve Q that is a single first basic curve is
It is composed of a curve generated based on the base positions of the plurality of base points P set on the XY plane. In FIG. 1, as an example, 12 base points P _{-5 to} P ₆ including a base point P ₀ on the X axis, and an XY curve generated by smoothly connecting the base points P _{-5 to} P _6. Q is shown.

An XZ curve R, which is a plurality of second basic curves, is obtained from each of a plurality of base points P on the XY curve Q.
It consists of a curve extending substantially in the Z-axis direction. In FIG.
As examples, twelve XZ curves R _{-5 to} R ₆ extending in the Z-axis direction from the base points P _{-5 to} P ₆ described above are shown.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of a reflection surface design method and a reflection surface design system for executing the design of the reflection surface RS including generation of the plurality of base points P, the XY curve Q, and the plurality of XZ curves R.

Here, the incident angle α of the light (incident light) supplied from the light source bulb disposed at the light source position F to the reflecting surface RS and the optical axis Ax of the reflected light reflected by the reflecting surface RS are viewed. The reflection angle β is defined using FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the incident angle α and the reflection angle β are defined on the XY plane with respect to the X axis, which is the optical axis Ax. The incident angle α is defined as 0 ° with the negative direction of the X-axis defined by the angle between the X-axis and the optical path of the incident light from the light source position F to the point A on the XY curve Q (reflection surface RS).
The reflection angle β is defined as 0 ° with the positive direction of the X axis defined by the angle between the optical path of the reflected light from the point A on the XY curve Q and the X axis. In FIG. 2, at points A ₁ and A ₂ on the XY curve Q, two optical paths l ₁ and l reflected at incident angles α ₁ and α ₂ and reflection angles β ₁ and β ₂ respectively.
₂ is shown as an example.

First, a description will be given of a reflection surface designing method for designing the reflection surface RS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of a method for designing a reflecting surface of a reflecting mirror of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention. In the following, the reflection surface R
The generation of the reflection surface shape of the surface portion (upper right portion in FIG. 1) in the first quadrant on the YZ plane of Y ≧ 0 and Z ≧ 0 of S will be described as an example. However, a surface shape can be generated in a similar manner for a surface portion in another quadrant.
For each of these surface portions, the surface shape obtained for the first quadrant may be used as it is, or it may be generated as a separate surface shape and combined to form the entire reflecting surface shape. .

In the reflecting surface designing method shown in FIG. 3, first, basic conditions (parameters) for designing the reflecting surface RS.
Is set (step S100). The basic parameters include the X coordinate of the light source position F and the focal length f ₀ at the start point. Also, if necessary, the reflection surface RS
The Z coordinate of the upper end and the lower end of is also set. However, the X coordinate of the light source position F is normally set to 0, and the origin of the coordinate system used for generating the reflection surface shape is set to the light source position F.

Subsequently, an XY curve Q, a plurality of XZ curves R,
Then, the number of base points of a plurality of base points P used to generate the surface shape of the reflection surface RS is specified (S101, base point number specifying step). The number of base points may be specified by the number of base points themselves, or may be specified by the number of divisions of the XY curve Q. When the number of base points is specified by the number of divisions of the XY curve Q, the number of base points = the number of divisions + 1. Here, it is assumed that the number of divisions of the XY curve Q is designated as n.

When the number of base points is specified, the base point is set on the XY plane.
A plurality of (n + 1) base points P ₀~ P_nAbout
Designate the respective positions in the Y-axis direction (S102, base position
Placement specification step). The position in the Y-axis direction is, for example,
It is preferable to specify by the Y coordinate of the base point. There
Depends on the incident angle α of light from the light source position F at each base point.
May be specified. Here, each base point P₀~ P_nY coordinate of
y₀~ Y_nAssume that the position in the Y-axis direction is specified by
You. However, the base point P which is the starting point of the whole₀Is the y coordinate of y₀
= 0. In addition, another base point P₁~ P_nIs the condition
y_i-1<Y_i(I = 1 to n), the optical axis Ax side
Are specified in order.

Next, with respect to the base points P _{0 to} P _n , the reflection directions at which the incident light from the light source position F is reflected at the respective base points P _i (i = _{0 to n} ) are designated (S 10).
3. Reflection direction designation step). The reflection direction specified here is a reflection direction in the Y-axis direction, and is preferably specified, for example, by a reflection angle β of the reflected light reflected at each base point as viewed from the optical axis Ax. Here, each base point P _{0 to} P _n
It is assumed that the reflection direction is specified by the reflection angles β _{0 to} β _n at.

[0038] Once the specification is finished Y-coordinate y ₀ ~y _n and the reflection angle β ₀ ~β _n for each base points P ₀ to P _n, a plurality of base points P
A base point position of each of _{0 to} P _n is determined, and an XY curve Q serving as a first basic curve on the XY plane is generated based on the determined base point position (S104, first basic curve generation step). Base position of each base point P _i is, Y-coordinate y _i specified for the base point P _i, the reflection angle beta _i,
Alternatively, it is determined with reference to the position of the base point of the adjacent base point _Pi-1 or _{Pi + 1} . Further, XY curve Q, for example, is generated by smoothly connecting the resulting base point P ₀ to P _n.

After the XY curve Q is generated, the XY curve
An XZ curve R that is a plurality of second basic curves extending substantially in the Z-axis direction is generated for the curve Q (S105, second basic curve generating step). This XZ curve R is based on base points P _{0 to} P _n
It is preferable to generate XZ curves R _{0 to} R _n from each of them. In this case, each XZ curve R _i is calculated using the corresponding base point P _i
Can be generated with reference to the reflection direction or the like designated for the. Further, each XZ curve R _i is generated by, for example, a curve of a predetermined shape passing through the corresponding base point P _i (for example, a parabola, a hyperbola, a cubic or higher-order curve).

An XY curve Q and a plurality of XZ curves R₀~ R_n
Are generated, those curves Q, R ₀~ R_nOn the basis of the,
Generate the surface shape of the reflection surface RS (S106, surface shape generation)
Steps). With the above, the design of the reflection surface RS is completed.
You.

In FIG. 1, the surface shape of the reflecting surface RS is shown as a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the direction of the optical axis Ax. Is determined based on various conditions such as shape constraints imposed from the vehicle body. In this case, after the generation of the above-described surface shape is finished, trimming for removing unnecessary portions is performed according to the actual outer shape (design shape) of the reflection surface RS.

In the above-described reflecting surface design method, a single XY curve Q on the XY plane including the X axis (optical axis Ax) and the Y axis, and a plurality of points extending from the point on the XY curve Q substantially in the Z axis direction. Is generated as a skeleton of the reflection surface RS, and a curved surface is formed based on the XZ curve R to generate the surface shape of the reflection surface RS. As described above, by using the XY curve serving as the skeleton and the plurality of XZ curves in the reflection surface design,
The efficiency of the design work is improved.

The XY curve Q and the XZ curve R
Are determined based on the specified number of base points, the Y coordinate (base position), and the reflection angle (reflection direction), so that the designer can determine the reflection conditions at the base point. It is possible to instruct generation of the reflection surface shape by designating parameters such as for each base point, thereby improving the controllability of the light distribution pattern.

In particular, the surface shape at each base point P is not specified by the curvature, the focal length, or the like, but the surface shape of the reflection surface RS is specified by the reflection direction that is the light reflection condition at the base point P. In other words, if the local surface shape at each base point P is specified by a curvature or the like, the correspondence between the specified surface shape and the obtained light distribution pattern is not clear, so that sufficient controllability of the light distribution pattern cannot be obtained. . On the other hand, if the surface shape is specified by the reflection direction such as the reflection angle, the designer can directly specify the parameter corresponding to the light distribution pattern. The design of the reflection surface shape corresponding to the light pattern is facilitated.

Here, the generation of the respective XZ curves R _i is performed in the second direction orthogonal to the XY plane which is the first basic plane and parallel to the reflection direction specified for each base point P _i .
It is preferable to generate on a basic plane (a plane in which the XZ plane is inclined in the reflection direction). At this time, the entire XZ curve R _i faces the designated reflection direction, and the reflected light from each point on the XZ curve R _i is emitted in substantially the same reflection direction in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the correspondence between each XZ curve R _i and each pattern portion in the obtained light distribution pattern is simplified, and the controllability of the light distribution pattern is further improved.

Next, a description will be given of a reflecting surface design system used for executing the reflecting surface designing method shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a reflecting surface design system for a reflecting mirror of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention.

The reflecting surface design system 1 shown in FIG. 4 includes a parameter input section 2 for allowing a designer to input parameters used for designing the reflecting surface RS, and a reflecting surface for generating the reflecting surface RS based on the input parameters. And a generation unit 3.

The parameter input unit 2 includes a base number input unit 21 for inputting the base number (the number of divisions), and each of the base points P ₀ to P ₀ .
P _n of the Y coordinate y ₀ base point to input ~y _n position input unit 22
When, and a reflection direction input section 23 for inputting the reflection angle β ₀ ~β _n at each base point P ₀ to P _n. These input units 21 to 23 correspond to the designated steps S101 to S103 in the flowchart of FIG. 3, respectively.

In the present embodiment, the input units 21 to 23 share a single parameter input unit 2, and parameters such as the number of base points, the Y coordinate, and the reflection angle are input from the parameter input unit 2. . Other parameters, such as the X coordinate of the light source position F and the focal length f ₀ at the start point,
Similarly, a configuration in which the parameter is input from the parameter input unit 2 may be used.

The reflection surface generation unit 3 determines an origin of each of the base points P _{0 to} P _n and generates an XY curve Q (first basic curve generation unit) 31, and an XZ curve R ₀ to R ₀ .
XZ curve generator for generating R _n (second basic curve generator)
32 and, based on the generated XY curve Q and XZ curve R ₀ to R _n to produce a surface shape of the reflection surface RS surface shape generator 3
And 3. These generating units 31 to 33 correspond to the respective generating steps S in the flowchart of FIG.
This corresponds to 104 to S106.

The reflecting surface design system 1 of the present embodiment
Further includes a design screen display unit 4 for displaying a design screen used for designing the reflection surface RS to a designer, and a screen display instructing unit 5 for creating a design screen and instructing the design screen display unit 4 to display the design screen. Have. The screen display instructing unit 5 includes, as screen creating units that create a design screen, an input screen creating unit 51 that creates an input screen as a design screen, and an evaluation screen creating unit 52 that creates an evaluation screen as a design screen. I have.

The input screen created by the input screen creating section 51 has a base point number n + 1 (division number n) input from each of the input sections 21 to 23 of the parameter input section 2 and a base point P _0.
To P _n of the Y-coordinate y ₀ ~y _n, and the reflection angle β ₀ ~β _n, is to instruct the designer their inputs. In addition, the evaluation screen created by the evaluation screen creation unit 52 provides the designer with the XY curve Q, the plurality of XZ curves R _{0 to} R _n , the surface shape of the reflection surface RS, and the like generated by the reflection surface generation unit 3. To display.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration used in the reflection surface design system 1 shown in FIG. In the reflective surface design system 1, parameter designation (designation process) by accepting parameter input from the parameter input unit 2 (input process) and the like, an XY curve, a plurality of XZ curves, and a reflective surface shape by the reflective surface generation unit 3 Are performed by the CPU 10, such as generation of an image (generation processing), creation of a design screen by the screen display instructing unit 5, and display instruction to the design screen display unit 4 (display processing).

The CPU 10 is connected to a ROM 11 storing various software programs required for the processing operation of the system 1 and a RAM 12 for temporarily storing data during execution of the programs. Also,
An external storage device 13 such as a hard disk is connected, and is used to hold data such as input parameters.

Then, for these CPUs 10 and the like,
An input device 14 used for inputting parameters and corresponding to the parameter input unit 2 in FIG. 4 and a display device 15 used for displaying a design screen and corresponding to the design screen display unit 4 in FIG. The present reflecting surface design system 1 is configured. As the input device 14, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse or a keyboard is used. Further, as the display device 15, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or the like is used.

Further, a program for designing a reflection surface for realizing each processing (such as the input processing, the designation processing, the generation processing, and the display processing) performed by the CPU 10 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and distributed. It is possible. Such recording media include, for example, magnetic media such as hard disks and floppy (registered trademark) disks, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs,
Magneto-optical media, such as a floptical disk, or hardware devices, such as RAM, ROM, and semiconductor non-volatile memory, specially arranged to execute or store program instructions, are included.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, for reading or executing a program from such a recording medium, a recording medium reading drive 16 (for example, a floppy disk drive or the like) for reading a program or the like from the recording medium as necessary, as shown in FIG. May be connected to the CPU 10.

In the above-described reflecting surface design system and the program recorded on the recording medium, the above-described reflecting surface designing method is applied, and the parameters of the number of base points, the Y coordinate, and the reflection angle are input to the designer. It is specified by letting. At this time, for example, it is possible to specify the optimal parameters in consideration of specific conditions of each lamp, such as specifying the position of each base point in the Y-axis direction while changing the intervals as appropriate. . However, for each of these parameters, an appropriate parameter specification method such as specifying the position of each base point in the Y-axis direction at equal intervals with respect to the Y-axis is determined in advance, and the parameters are automatically specified. It is also possible.

In this embodiment, the design screen display unit 4, the input screen creation unit 51, and the evaluation screen creation unit 52
And a screen display instructing unit 5 having the following. By displaying the input screen in this way, the input of each parameter by the designer can be performed efficiently with reference to the input screen. Also, by displaying the evaluation screen,
After the generation of the reflection surface RS is completed, the generated XY curve Q, XZ curve R, and surface shape of the reflection surface RS are evaluated with reference to an evaluation screen, and if necessary, the evaluation result is fed back. Thus, the reflection surface design can be executed again.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of an input screen created by the input screen creating section 51 and displayed on the design screen display section 4. The input screen 40 includes a base number display area 41 for instructing input of the number of base points or displaying the input base number for a plurality of base points P, and inputting parameters for the plurality of base points P and the XY curve Q. An XY curve parameter display area 42 for instructing and displaying input parameters, and an XZ curve parameter display area 43 for instructing input of parameters for the XZ curve R and displaying the input parameters. It is configured.

The input screen 40 also has display areas for the light source position (X direction), the upper end of the reflecting surface (Z direction), the lower end of the reflecting surface (Z direction), and the focal length. In the base point number display area 41, the base point number is designated by the number of divisions of the XY curve Q (see FIG. 6).
In the example, the number of divisions = 9 and the number of base points = 10).

The XY curve parameter display area 42 has an XY curve
Each parameter is designated for each of a plurality of base points P used for generating the curve Q.
Specifically, the display region 42, the number i of the base point P _i
(In the example shown in the figure, a base point number display area 42a for displaying i = 0 to 9) and an instruction to input a Y coordinate y _i of each base point P _i and input the Y coordinate (y _i = 0.00; ..., 55.
00)), each base point P
reflection angle inputted instructs the input reflection angle beta _i in _{i (β i = 0.00, ...} , 45.00) are constructed and a reflection direction display area 42c for displaying.

Similarly, the XZ curve parameter display area 43
Represents a plurality of base points P used for generating a plurality of XZ curves R.
Is configured to specify each parameter. Specifically, the display area 43 includes a base point number display area 43a for displaying a number i (i = 0~9) of the base point P _i, reflection at the upper end of the XZ curve R _i extending from the base point P _i reflection angle inputted instructs the input angle (0.00, ..., 1.00) and the upper end reflection angle display area 43b for displaying, it instructs the input of the reflection angle at the lower end of the XZ curve R _i Input reflection angle (0.5
0,... 5.00)
And 3c, the vertical adjustment coefficient input instructs the input of the upper and lower adjustment factor for XZ curve R _i (0.00,
.., 0.90)
If, before and after adjustment coefficient input instructs the input before and after the adjustment factors for the XZ curve R _i (0.900, ...,
0.990) is displayed.

In FIG. 6, the input screen 40 is shown in a state where an example of a parameter value to be input is displayed in each input column in each display area. In addition, each input field in these display areas is shown in a state in which a blank field or a default value is displayed before the designer inputs a parameter value. In addition, basic parameters such as the number of base points (the number of divisions), the light source position, and the focal length displayed in the base point number display area 41 are input beforehand by displaying another input screen before the input screen 40. The input screen 40 may be displayed only.

In the example of the parameter values displayed in FIG. 6, the Y coordinates y _{0 to} y _n specified for the base points P _{0 to} P _n
Interval has been sequentially reduced from the inside of the base point P ₀ to the base point P _n. This specifies that the intervals between the base points on the XY curve Q are substantially equal in consideration of the shape of the XY curve Q. Further, parameters such as the upper end reflection angle of the XZ curve R are used for fine adjustment of the XZ curve R.

The evaluation screen created by the evaluation screen creation section 52 and displayed on the design screen display section 4 includes:
For example, there is a screen that three-dimensionally displays the base point P, the XY curve Q, the XZ curve R, the surface shape of the reflection surface RS, and the like, along with the X, Y, and Z coordinate axes. It is preferable that the display of the evaluation screen and the evaluation of the surface shape can be performed as needed during each step of designing the reflection surface.

For example, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, after the generation of the XY curve (S104), the generation of the XZ curve (S105), the generation of the reflection surface shape (S106), etc., the evaluation on the evaluation screen is appropriately performed. Is preferred. In this case, if necessary at each time point, it is possible to return to the previous appropriate design step, re-designate each parameter while feeding back the evaluation result, and execute the reflecting surface design again. However, the display of the evaluation screen and the evaluation of the surface shape and the like of the reflection surface RS based on the evaluation screen may not be performed by the reflection surface design system.

The method of generating an XY curve (S104), the method of generating a plurality of XZ curves (S105), and the method of generating the surface shape of the reflective surface RS (S106) in the reflective surface design method shown in the flowchart of FIG. A description will be given together with specific examples.

First, a method of generating an XY curve will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for generating an XY curve. FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a method of generating the XY curve shown in FIG.

In the method of generating an XY curve shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the XY curve Q is converted into n XY curves Q _i (i = 1 to 1) according to the specified division number n (the number of base points n + 1).
XY curves are generated by dividing into n). Also,
The order of the determination of the base point P _i and the generation of the XY curve Q _i is as follows from the base point P ₀ on the X axis at the innermost side (on the optical axis Ax side).
The procedure is performed sequentially toward the outside.

First, assuming that i = 0, the position of the base point P ₀ (x ₀ , y ₀ ) = (x ₀ , 0) which is the starting point of the entire XY curve Q is determined (step S 200). The position of the base point P ₀ on the X-axis is the specified light source position F (normally (0,
0)) and the focal length f _{0 of the} initial condition.

When the position of the base point P ₀ is determined, i = 1 is set (S201), and the determination of the base point P _i and the generation of the XY curve Q _i obtained by dividing the XY curve Q (i = 1 to n) are started. (S202). Here, the parameters specified for the base point P _i and the XY curve Q _i include the Y coordinate y _i specifying the position of the base point P _{i in} the Y-axis direction and the light reflection direction at the base point P _i. There is a designated reflection angle β _i .

[0072] Figure 8 illustrates the method of determining the base point P _i at the base point number i, and a method of generating the XY curve Q _i. As shown in FIG. 8, the base point P _i-1 whose position has already been determined
Was the starting point P _s, and ending P _e a base point P _i to determine a future position (S203). At this time, the position of the starting point P _s (x
_s, y _s) are both known, the position of the end point _{P e (x e, y e} )
Is specified as y _e and x _e is unknown. Moreover, none of the incident angle alpha _s and the reflection angle beta _s at the start point P _s known, the end point P _e
Incidence angle alpha _e and the reflection angle beta _e is alpha _e is unknown, the reflection angle beta _e is already specified in. Then, XY between the base points P _{0 to} P _s
The curve Q ₁ ~Q _i-1, and extend toward the end point P _e so as to satisfy the conditions specified, and determines the position of the base point P _i = P _e, XY between the base point P _s to P _e to generate a curve Q _i (S204).

When the determination of the position of the base point P _i and the generation of the XY curve Q _i are completed, it is determined whether or not i = n (S205). If i <n, since there is a base point whose position has not been determined, i = i + 1 is set (S206), the next base point is determined, and an XY curve is generated. If i = n, determination of all base points P _i (i = 0 to n) and X
Since the generation of the Y curve Q _i (i = 1 to n) has been completed,
Obtained by generating the entire XY curve Q from the XY curve Q _i (S207), and terminates the generation of the determination and XY curve base point.

Next, a method of generating an XZ curve will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of an XZ curve generation method. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between X and Y shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method for generating a Z curve.

In the method of generating an XZ curve shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, a UZ plane that is parallel to the reflection direction specified for each base point P _i and that is orthogonal to the XY plane is set. I am doing the generation of the XZ curve R _i. The UZ plane is set for each base point P _i. Also, X
The order of generation of the Z-curve R _i is as follows: inside (optical axis Ax side)
Are sequentially performed outward from the XZ curve R ₀ on the XZ plane.

Assuming that i = 0 (step S301), XZ
The generation of the curve R _i (i = 0 to n) is started (S30)
2). Here, the parameters specified for the XZ curve R _i include the position (x _i , y _i ) of the base point P _i which has already been determined and the light of the light at the XZ curve R _i (base point P _i ). Y
There is a reflection angle β _i that specifies the direction of reflection in the axial direction. Alternatively, the upper reflection angle, the lower reflection angle, the vertical adjustment coefficient,
In some cases, a front-rear adjustment coefficient or the like is further specified (see FIG. 6).

First, a U _i Z plane used for generating the XZ curve R _i is set (S303). FIG. 10 shows a method of generating the XZ curve R _i at the base point number i. As shown in FIG. 10, with respect to XYZ coordinate axes, the U _i axis instead of the X-axis, and sets the V _i axis in place of the Y-axis. The U _i axis is parallel to the reflection direction specified by the reflection angle β _i at the base point P _i ,
It is set as an axis orthogonal to the Z axis. In addition, V _i axis,
It is set as an axis orthogonal to the U _i axis and the Z axis. Then, from this U _i axis and Z-axis, as a plane including the base point P _i, is U _i Z plane shown in FIG. 10 is set.

Next, the shape parameters required to generate the XZ curve R _i are determined (S 304). For example, XZ
When the curve R _i is generated by a parabola, the focal point of the parabola is used as a necessary shape parameter with reference to the positional relationship between the light source position F and the base point P _i , the reflection direction specified for the base point P _i , and the like. The distance f _{i and the} like are determined. Also,
The upper end of the XZ curve R _i, if it is like or adjustment factor specified (reflection angle in the Z-axis direction) reflection angle at the lower end, determination or adjustment of the shape Patameta is performed based on them. In this case, the curve is not limited to a parabola, but may be another two.
A secondary curve or a tertiary or higher curve may be used. In particular, a cubic or higher-order curve, such as a cubic curve, is suitable for performing fine adjustment of the curve shape. When the determination of the shape parameters is completed, an XZ curve R _i is generated on the U _i Z plane based on the shape parameters (S30).
5).

When the generation of the XZ curve R _i is completed, i = n
Is determined (S306). If i <n, since there is an XZ curve that has not been generated, i = i + 1
(S307), the next XZ curve is generated. i =
If n, all the XZ curves R _i (i = 0 to n) have been generated, and the surface shape of the reflection surface RS is generated from the obtained plurality of XZ curves R _i (S308). , XZ curve generation and reflection surface shape generation are completed.

As for the generation of the surface shape of the reflection surface RS, the generation of all the XZ curves may be completed before the generation of the surface shape as a whole, but the XY curve Q _i obtained by dividing the XY curve Q may be used. Similarly, the reflection surface RS is divided into n reflection surfaces RS _i.
(I = 1 to n), and the surface shape may be sequentially generated each time the generation of each XZ curve R _i is completed. For example, FIG.
In 0, the XZ curve R _i generated is finished, already produce the surface shape of the reflective surface RS _i between the XZ curve R _i-1 being generated is shown.

The reflecting surface designing method, the reflecting surface designing system, and the recording medium of the reflecting mirror of the vehicular lamp according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and various modifications are possible. For example, a method of determining a plurality of base points P and a method of generating an XY curve Q and a plurality of XZ curves R based on the designated (input) number of base points, the position in the first basic axis direction, and the reflection direction are described. However, the present invention is not limited to the method described above, and various generation methods may be used.

[0082]

As described above in detail, the reflecting surface designing method, the reflecting surface designing system and the recording medium of the reflecting mirror of the vehicular lamp according to the present invention have the following effects. That is, a first basic curve on the first basic plane and a plurality of second basic curves extending from a point on the first basic curve substantially in the direction of the second basic axis are designated as skeletons of the reflecting surface shape and designated. The controllability of the light distribution pattern and the efficiency of design work are improved by determining the base position and generating the first basic curve based on the number of base points, the position in the first basic axis direction, and the reflection direction at each base point. Surface design method, a reflection surface design system, and a recording medium of a reflector of a vehicular lamp to be used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view schematically showing a method of designing a reflecting surface of a reflecting mirror of a vehicle lamp.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an incident angle of incident light on a reflection surface and a reflection angle of reflected light.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of a method for designing a reflecting surface of a reflecting mirror of a vehicle lamp.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a reflecting surface design system for a reflector of a vehicle lamp.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration used in the reflection surface design system shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an input screen.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for generating an XY curve.

8 is a diagram illustrating a method for generating the XY curve shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of an XZ curve generation method.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method of generating the XZ curve shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Reflection surface design system, 10: CPU, 11: RO
M, 12 RAM, 13 storage device, 14 input device,
Reference numeral 15: display device, 16: drive, 2: parameter input section, 21: base point number input section, 22: base point position input section, 2
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... Reflection direction input part, 3 ... Reflection surface generation part, 31 ... XY curve generation part, 32 ... XZ curve generation part, 33 ... Surface shape generation part, 4 ... Design screen display part, 5 ... Screen display instruction part, 51 …
Input screen creation unit, 52 ... Evaluation screen creation unit, 40 ... Input screen, 41 ... Base point number display area, 42 ... XY curve parameter display area, 42a ... Base point number display area, 42b ... Base point position display area, 42c ... Reflection direction Display area, 43 ... XZ
Curve parameter display area, 43a ... base point number display area,
43b: Upper reflection angle display area, 43c: Lower reflection angle display area, 43d: Up / down adjustment coefficient display area, 43e: Front / rear adjustment coefficient display area, RS: Reflection surface, F: Light source position, A
x: optical axis, P: base point, Q: XY curve (first basic curve),
R: XZ curve (second basic curve).

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) F21W 101: 10

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A method for designing a reflecting surface of a reflecting mirror used in a vehicle lamp, comprising: an optical axis passing through a light source position where a light source is disposed and having a direction in which light from the light source is reflected by the reflecting mirror; Number of base points for designating the number of base points of the plurality of base points, which are arranged on a first basic plane including a first basic axis orthogonal to the optical axis and for generating a reflection surface of the reflecting mirror A specifying step; a base point position specifying step of specifying a position in the first basic axis direction for each of the plurality of base points; and for each of the plurality of base points, light from the light source is reflected at the base point. A reflection direction designation step of designating a reflection direction in the first basic axis direction that is a direction to be set, based on the number of base points with respect to the plurality of base points, a position in the first basic axis direction, and the reflection direction, And determines a serial plurality of base points each base point, based on the determined base position, first on the first base plane 1
A first basic curve generating step of generating a basic curve; and a second basic curve generating a plurality of second basic curves extending in a second basic axis direction orthogonal to the first basic plane with respect to the first basic curve. Generating a surface shape of the reflection surface based on the first basic curve and the plurality of second basic curves, wherein the reflection of the reflector of the vehicular lamp is provided. Surface design method. 2. The reflection surface designing method according to claim 1, wherein, in the second basic curve generation step, the plurality of second basic curves are generated from each of the plurality of base points. 3. A reflecting surface design system for a reflecting mirror used in a vehicle lighting device, comprising: an optical axis passing through a light source position where a light source is arranged and having a direction in which light from the light source is reflected by the reflecting mirror; Number of base points for inputting the number of base points of the plurality of base points, the plurality of base points being arranged on a first basic plane including a first basic axis orthogonal to the optical axis for generating a reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror Input means; base position input means for inputting the position in the first basic axis direction for each of the plurality of base points; light from the light source is reflected at the base points for each of the plurality of base points Reflection direction input means for inputting the reflection direction in the first basic axis direction, which is the direction of the first basic axis direction, based on the number of base points with respect to the plurality of base points, the position in the first basic axis direction, and the reflection direction. And determines a plurality of base points each base point, based on the determined base position, first on the first base plane 1
First basic curve generation means for generating a basic curve; and second basic curve for generating a plurality of second basic curves extending in a second basic axis direction orthogonal to the first basic plane with respect to the first basic curve. Generating means for generating a surface shape of the reflecting surface based on the first basic curve and the plurality of second basic curves; Surface design system. 4. A design screen display means for displaying a design screen used for reflecting surface design, wherein said base point number input means, said base point position input means, and said reflection direction input means comprise common parameter input means. An input screen creating means for creating an input screen for instructing the input of the number of base points, the position in the first basic axis direction, and the reflection direction as the design screen, and displays the created design screen. 4. A screen display instructing means for instructing the design screen displaying means, further comprising:
Reflection surface design system as described. 5. The input screen creating means, wherein: the input screen includes a base number display area for instructing input of the base number or displaying the input base number; and a position in the first basic axis direction. And input,
It is created by a configuration having a base position display area for displaying the input position in the first basic axis direction, and a reflection direction display area for instructing the input of the reflection direction and displaying the input reflection direction. 5. The reflecting surface design system according to claim 4, wherein: 6. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute a reflecting surface design of a reflecting mirror used in a vehicle lamp is recorded. A plurality of optical axes that are arranged on a first basic plane including an optical axis in which light is reflected by the reflecting mirror and a first basic axis orthogonal to the optical axis; A base point number specifying process of specifying a base number of the plurality of base points; a base position specifying process of specifying a position in the first basic axis direction for each of the plurality of base points; A reflection direction designation process for designating a reflection direction in the first basic axis direction, which is a direction in which light from the light source is reflected at the base point, for each of the base points; Based on the number of base points, the position in the first basic axis direction, and the reflection direction, determine the base position of each of the plurality of base points, and, based on the determined base position, on the first basic plane. First
A first basic curve generation process for generating a basic curve, and a second basic curve for generating a plurality of second basic curves extending from the first basic curve in a second basic axis direction orthogonal to the first basic plane. A computer-readable recording program for causing a computer to execute a generation process and a surface shape generation process of generating a surface shape of the reflection surface based on the first basic curve and the plurality of second basic curves. recoding media. 7. The program according to claim 6, wherein in the second basic curve generation processing, the plurality of second basic curves are generated from each of the plurality of base points.
The recording medium according to the above. 8. The program inputs the number of base points, the position in the first basic axis direction, and the reflection direction in each of the base number specification processing, the base position specification processing, and the reflection direction specification processing. The design screen includes an input screen creation process for creating an input screen for instructing the input of the number of base points, the position in the first basic axis direction, and the reflection direction as a design screen. 8. The recording medium according to claim 6, further comprising a screen display process for causing the design screen display means to display the following. 9. The program according to claim 1, wherein, in the input screen creating process, the input screen includes a base number display area for instructing input of the base number or displaying the input base number. Instruct the input of the axial position,
It is created by a configuration having a base position display area for displaying the input position in the first basic axis direction, and a reflection direction display area for instructing the input of the reflection direction and displaying the input reflection direction. The recording medium according to claim 8, wherein: