JP2013097885A - Headlight device and headlight system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a headlight device, a headlight system or the like, that can form more light distribution patterns without spoiling reliability.SOLUTION: The headlight device 110 includes a headlight 112, an LCD control part 114, and an LCD panel 116 as an optical modulation device. The headlight 112 is so structured to be enabled to irradiate light forward. The LCD panel 116 is arranged on a light path of irradiated light of the headlight 112, and is so structured to be enabled to control optical modulation ratios in accordance with irradiation positions of the irradiated light. The LCD control part 114 carries out driving control at pixel units of the LCD panel 116.

Description

  The present invention relates to a headlight device, a headlight system, and the like, for example, a vehicle headlight device, a headlight system, and the like.

  Conventionally, a headlight for a vehicle is configured to be able to switch between a high beam and a low beam by using irradiation light of a light source. The high light or low beam of the headlight is switched by a manual operation by a driver of the vehicle or automatically based on an image captured by a camera. Various techniques relating to such a headlight have been proposed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a movable shade that is configured to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the optical axis direction of a light source and that generates a light distribution pattern by blocking a part of the light source, and a rotary shade that generates a light distribution pattern by being driven to rotate A headlight device including the above is disclosed. According to this headlight device, it is possible to switch between a high beam and a low beam at high speed even in a configuration including a rotary shade.

JP 2009-295387 A

  However, the headlight device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the number of light distribution patterns that can be generated is small because a light distribution pattern is generated by a mechanical shade. In order to generate many types of light distribution patterns, it is necessary to provide multiple mechanical shades, each of which needs complicated control with solenoids, motors, etc., and the driver's field of view cannot be expanded so much .

  In addition, the headlight device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that a light distribution pattern is switched by a mechanical shade, so that a failure is likely to occur and reliability is reduced.

  Furthermore, in the headlight device disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to shield only a place where an object is present when there are people, animals, or the like as well as a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle in the headlight irradiation range. Therefore, there is a risk that the headlight becomes very dazzling from the person or animal that is the object to be irradiated and loses the field of view, and the person or animal performs an operation that is difficult for the driver to predict. Therefore, it is desirable that the headlight device can generate more light distribution patterns in consideration of not only the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle but also people and animals.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above technical problems. According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a headlight device, a headlight system, and the like that can generate more light distribution patterns without impairing reliability.

  (1) In the first aspect of the present invention, the headlight device is configured such that the headlight is configured to be able to irradiate light forward, and at least a part of the light modulation surface is irradiated with irradiation light of the headlight. And a light modulation device that is arranged on the optical path of the irradiation light and configured to be able to control the light modulation rate in accordance with the irradiation position of the irradiation light on the light modulation surface.

  According to this aspect, since the light distribution pattern is generated by irradiating the light modulation device with the light emitted from the headlight, the light distribution pattern can be switched without adopting a mechanical mechanism, Is less likely to occur and reliability can be improved. In addition, the number of light distribution patterns that can be generated can be increased by the very simple control of the light modulation device, and the driver's field of view is not narrowed. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent the high beam from being irradiated to the area where the irradiated object exists, it is possible to prevent glare from the preceding vehicle, oncoming vehicles, people, animals, etc. and to obtain a good field of view. , It will be able to greatly contribute to accident prevention.

  (2) In the headlight device according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the light modulation device reflects the irradiation light irradiated in the first irradiation direction in the second irradiation direction. This is a reflective liquid crystal display panel.

  According to this aspect, by using a reflective liquid crystal display panel, it is possible to provide a headlight device capable of generating more light distribution patterns with a very simple configuration and control without impairing reliability. Will be able to.

  (3) In the headlight device according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the light modulation device is a transmissive liquid crystal display panel.

  According to this aspect, by using a transmissive liquid crystal display panel, it is possible to provide a headlight device capable of generating more light distribution patterns without impairing reliability by a very simple configuration and control. Will be able to.

  (4) In the headlight device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the headlight includes a plurality of light sources in which the light amount of each light source is controlled.

  According to this aspect, the amount of light can be controlled even on the headlight side by combining with the light modulation device described above, so that even finer control is possible.

  (5) The headlight device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the headlight device according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein the high beam irradiation area of the headlight is divided into a plurality of irradiation areas. A light modulation control device for controlling the amount of light transmitted or reflected for each area of the light modulation surface of the light modulation device corresponding to the area;

  According to this aspect, it becomes possible to control the irradiation range very finely for each irradiation area obtained by dividing the high beam irradiation area, so that the high beam irradiation light is not irradiated on an area basis even within the high beam irradiation area. Can be.

  (6) In the headlight device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the plurality of irradiation areas are areas obtained by dividing the high beam irradiation area in the vertical direction.

  According to this aspect, for each irradiation area obtained by dividing the high beam irradiation area in the vertical direction, it is possible to switch the irradiation range very finely, and even within the high beam irradiation area, the high beam irradiation light can be controlled in units of areas. Irradiation can be avoided.

  (7) In the headlight device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the plurality of irradiation areas are areas obtained by dividing the high beam irradiation area in the horizontal direction.

  According to this aspect, for each irradiation area obtained by dividing the high beam irradiation area in the horizontal direction, it is possible to switch the irradiation range very finely, and even within the high beam irradiation area, the high beam irradiation light can be controlled in units of areas. Irradiation can be avoided.

  (8) In the headlight device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the plurality of irradiation areas are areas obtained by dividing the high beam irradiation area in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.

  According to this aspect, it becomes possible to control the irradiation range very finely for each irradiation area obtained by dividing the high beam irradiation area in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The irradiation light can be prevented from being irradiated.

  (9) According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the headlight system has a visible light camera that captures an irradiation range of the headlight, and a detection unit that detects an object to be detected based on an imaging result of the visible light camera. And the headlight device according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, wherein the light modulation control device is configured to detect the light modulation surface of the light modulation device based on a detection result of the detection unit. For each area, control is performed to switch the irradiation range of the headlight by controlling the amount of light transmitted or reflected by the light modulation device.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a headlight system including a headlight device that can generate more light distribution patterns using a visible light camera without impairing reliability.

  (10) According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the headlight system, an infrared camera that images the irradiation range of the headlight, a detection unit that detects a heat source based on an imaging result of the infrared camera, The light modulation control device includes, for each area of the light modulation surface of the light modulation device, based on a detection result of the detection unit. Control is performed to switch the irradiation range of the headlight by controlling the amount of light transmitted or reflected by the light modulation device.

  According to this aspect, since a heat source is detected using an infrared camera, more light distribution patterns can be generated in consideration of preceding vehicles, oncoming vehicles, people, animals, etc. without impairing reliability. It becomes possible to provide a headlight system having a possible headlight device. As a result, it is possible to provide a headlight system that can prevent glare from people, animals, and the like, obtain good visibility for the driver, and greatly contribute to accident prevention.

  (11) According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the headlight system detects an inclination in the irradiation direction of the headlight, and the headlight device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects. The irradiation range of the headlight is switched according to the detection result of the tilt detection unit.

  According to this aspect, since the light modulation device described above is provided and the irradiation range switching control is performed in accordance with the inclination of the irradiation direction of the headlight, more light distribution patterns can be obtained without impairing reliability. In addition to being able to be generated, it is possible to perform accurate irradiation according to the state of the vehicle body.

  (12) In a headlight system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect, a low beam irradiation area of the headlight, or at least a part of the low beam irradiation area and the high beam irradiation area are horizontally aligned. The light intensity is divided into a plurality of irradiation areas, and the amount of light transmitted or reflected is controlled for each area of the light modulation surface of the light modulation device corresponding to each irradiation area, according to the detection result of the tilt detection unit.

  According to this aspect, since the irradiation switching control is performed for the area corresponding to the inclination of the irradiation direction of the headlight among the low beam irradiation area and the high beam irradiation area, accurate irradiation according to the state of the vehicle body is performed. Will be able to.

1 is a block diagram of a configuration example of a headlight system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart of the operation example of the headlight system of FIG. The block diagram of the structural example of the headlight system in the comparative example of 1st Embodiment. The block diagram of the structural example of the headlight system in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart of the operation example of the headlight system of FIG. Operation | movement explanatory drawing of the headlight system in 3rd Embodiment. The block diagram of the structural example of the headlight system in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an operation example of the headlight system of FIG. 7. The block diagram of the structural example of the headlight system in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram of the structural example of the headlight system in the 6th Embodiment of this invention. Operation | movement explanatory drawing of the headlight system in the 7th Embodiment of this invention. Operation | movement explanatory drawing of the headlight system in the 8th Embodiment of this invention. Operation | movement explanatory drawing of the headlight system in the 9th Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram of the structural example of the headlight system in the 10th Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart of the operation example of the headlight system of FIG. Explanatory drawing of the irradiation range of a headlight when the inclination of a vehicle body rises forward. Explanatory drawing of the irradiation range of a headlight when the inclination of a vehicle body falls forward. Explanatory drawing of step S42 of FIG. Explanatory drawing of step S43 of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below do not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. In addition, all of the configurations described below are not necessarily indispensable configuration requirements for solving the problems of the present invention.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a headlight system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a vehicle headlight system using a visible light camera.

  The headlight system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a headlight device 110 and a headlight control device 120. The headlight device 110 includes a headlight 112, a liquid crystal display (hereinafter, LCD) control unit 114, and an LCD panel 116 as a light modulation device. The headlight control device 120 includes a visible light camera 122, a vehicle detection unit 124 that functions as a detection unit, a lighting switching unit 126, and a beam direction control unit 128. The vehicle detection unit 124 and the beam direction control unit 128 also function as an irradiation range switching unit. The LCD control unit 114 functions as a light modulation control device.

  The headlight 112 is a known headlight configured to be able to irradiate light ahead of a vehicle on which the headlight system 100 is mounted. The LCD panel 116 is arranged on the optical path of the irradiation light so that the panel light as the light modulation surface is irradiated with the irradiation light of the headlight 112, and according to the irradiation position of the irradiation light of the headlight 112 on the light modulation surface. Thus, the LCD panel is a reflective LCD panel that can control the reflectance (light modulation factor in a broad sense). The LCD panel 116 is disposed so as to reflect incident light in the first optical path direction in the second optical path direction. In the LCD panel 116, each pixel is controlled to be turned on or off, thereby determining whether or not the light emitted from the headlight 112 is reflected.

  The LCD control unit 114 performs drive control in units of pixels of the LCD panel 116 based on on / off information in units of pixels notified from the beam direction control unit 128. That is, the LCD control unit 114 performs drive control in units of pixels of the LCD panel 116 based on a control signal from the beam direction control unit 128, thereby performing blocking control of the irradiation light of the headlight 112, and performing high beam or Generate a low beam.

  A lighting operation signal TK1 corresponding to a lighting operation and a non-lighting operation by the driver is input to the lighting switching unit 126. The lighting switching unit 126 generates a lighting switching signal TC1 corresponding to the lighting operation signal TK1, and controls lighting and non-lighting of the headlight 112 by the lighting switching signal TC1. The lighting switching signal TC1 is also supplied to the beam direction control unit 128.

  The beam direction control unit 128 receives a switching operation signal BH1 corresponding to a beam direction switching operation by the driver. The beam direction control unit 128 performs switching control of the irradiation range of the headlight 112 based on the lighting switching signal TC1 and the switching operation signal BH1. Specifically, when lighting of the headlight 112 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC1, the beam direction control unit 128 determines on or off for each pixel of the LCD panel 316 based on the switching operation signal BH1. And notifies the LCD control unit 314. Further, a switching control signal BC1 is input from the vehicle detection unit 124 to the beam direction control unit 128. When lighting of the headlight 112 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC1, the beam direction control unit 128 determines on or off for each pixel of the LCD panel 116 based on the switching control signal BC1, and the LCD control unit 114 Notify

  The visible light camera 122 captures the front of the vehicle on which the headlight system 100 is mounted and acquires a front image. The vehicle detection unit 124 determines whether or not there is an area where a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle exists in the forward image captured by the visible light camera 122. When it is determined that there is an area where a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle exists, the vehicle detection unit 124 generates a switching control signal BC1 corresponding to the area where the preceding vehicle or the like exists. Here, as a method of determining whether there is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, there is a method of detecting the color and brightness of the stop lamp of the tail lamp of the preceding vehicle and the headlight of the oncoming vehicle.

  When the lighting of the headlight 112 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC1, the beam direction control unit 128 controls the irradiation range of the headlight 112 based on the switching control signal BC1. Specifically, the beam direction control unit 128 controls the driving of the LCD panel 116 by the LCD control unit 114 so that a high beam is not irradiated to an irradiation region corresponding to an area where a preceding vehicle or the like exists in the front image. . As described above, the LCD control unit 114 controls the amount of light reflected from the LCD panel 116 for each area of the light modulation surface of the LCD panel 116 based on the detection result of the vehicle detection unit 124, and the irradiation range of the headlight 112. The control which switches can be performed.

  In FIG. 1, the headlight 112 may be composed of a plurality of light sources that can control the light amount of each light source independently. At this time, by combining with the LCD panel 116 capable of controlling the amount of light for each pixel, it becomes possible to control the amount of light even on the headlight side, so that finer control is possible.

  FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of an operation example of the headlight system 100 of FIG.

  First, the visible light camera 122 captures the irradiation range of the headlight 112 and acquires a front image of the vehicle (step S10).

  Next, the vehicle detection unit 124 determines whether or not there is an area in which an object to be irradiated (detected object) such as a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle exists in the front image captured by the visible light camera 122 and the existing area. Determination is made (step S11). The vehicle detection unit 124 generates a switching control signal BC1 corresponding to the determination result in step S11.

  Assuming that lighting of the headlight 112 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC1, the beam direction control unit 128 performs drive control of the LCD panel 116 via the LCD control unit 114 based on the switching control signal BC1. Specifically, the beam direction control unit 128 turns off the high beam in the area of the panel surface of the LCD panel 116 corresponding to the area where the irradiated object determined in step S11 exists via the LCD control unit 114. Control is performed as follows (step S12). Thereafter, the process returns to step S10 (return).

  As described above, in the headlight system 100 according to the first embodiment, the LCD panel 116 is arranged on the optical path of the irradiation light of the headlight 112, and the pixel unit of the LCD panel 116 is determined according to the detection result of the vehicle detection unit 124. Control on or off. Thus, the high beam can be turned off by controlling the light modulation rate of the irradiation light of the headlight 112 irradiated to the area of the panel surface of the LCD panel 116 corresponding to the area where the irradiated object exists in the front image. become able to.

[Comparative Example]
Here, the headlight system 100 in the first embodiment will be described by comparing with the headlight system in the comparative example of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a configuration example of the headlight system in the comparative example of the first embodiment.

  The headlight system 1 in this comparative example includes a headlight 12, a lighting switching unit 14, a beam direction control unit 16, a beam direction switching unit 18, a visible light camera 20, and a car detection unit 22. .

  The headlight 12 is a known headlight configured to be able to emit light in front of the vehicle. A lighting operation signal TK0 corresponding to a lighting operation and a non-lighting operation by the driver is input to the lighting switching unit 14. The lighting switching unit 14 generates a lighting switching signal TC0 corresponding to the lighting operation signal TK0, and controls lighting and non-lighting of the headlight 12 by the lighting switching signal TC0. The lighting switching signal TC0 is also supplied to the beam direction control unit 16.

  The beam direction control unit 16 receives a switching operation signal BH0 corresponding to the switching operation of the beam direction by the driver. The beam direction control unit 16 performs control to irradiate a high beam or a low beam toward the irradiation range of the headlight 12 based on the lighting switching signal TC0 and the switching operation signal BH0. Specifically, when lighting of the headlight 12 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC0, the beam direction control unit 16 directs the high beam or the low beam toward the irradiation range of the headlight 12 based on the switching operation signal BH0. Control to irradiate. Further, a switching control signal BC 0 is input from the vehicle detection unit 22 to the beam direction control unit 16.

  The beam direction switching unit 18 generates a high beam or a low beam by performing blocking control of the irradiation light of the headlight 12 based on the control from the beam direction control unit 16. The beam direction switching unit 18 includes, for example, a solenoid or a motor controlled by the beam direction control unit 16, and performs blocking control of irradiation light of the headlight 12. When lighting of the headlight 12 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC0, the beam direction control unit 16 performs control to irradiate the high beam or the low beam toward the irradiation range of the headlight 12 based on the switching control signal BC0. be able to.

  The visible light camera 20 captures the front of the vehicle and acquires a front image. The vehicle detection unit 22 determines whether there is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle from the front image captured by the visible light camera 20. When it is determined that there is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, the vehicle detection unit 22 generates a switching control signal BC0 so that the headlight 12 is irradiated with a low beam. When it is determined that there is no preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle, the vehicle detection unit 22 generates a switching control signal BC0 so that the headlight 12 is irradiated with a high beam.

  In the comparative example having the above-described configuration, the beam direction switching unit 18 switches the light distribution pattern by a mechanical mechanism, so that a failure is likely to occur and the reliability is lowered. On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, since the light distribution pattern can be switched without adopting a mechanical mechanism, it becomes difficult for a failure to occur and the reliability can be improved. .

  In this comparative example, since the light distribution pattern is switched by a mechanical mechanism in the beam direction switching unit 18, the number of light distribution patterns that can be generated is reduced. If more types of light distribution patterns are to be generated, providing a plurality of mechanical shades and the like complicates the control in the beam direction switching unit 18 and narrows the driver's field of view. become. On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to increase the number of light distribution patterns that can be generated by the very simple drive control of the LCD panel 116, thereby narrowing the driver's field of view. There is no end.

  Furthermore, in this comparative example, it is difficult to shield only the place where the object is present, not only in the preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle, but also when there are people, animals, etc. as the irradiated object. Therefore, there is a risk that the headlight becomes very dazzling from the person or animal that is the object to be irradiated and loses the field of view, and the person or animal performs an operation that is difficult for the driver to predict. On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the high beam from being irradiated to the area where the irradiated object exists. Therefore, it is possible to prevent glare from the preceding vehicle, oncoming vehicle, person, animal, etc., and to obtain a good field of view, which can greatly contribute to accident prevention.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, very detailed beam control can be performed by blocking high beam irradiation light by the LCD panel 116. This makes it possible to generate a greater number of types of light distribution patterns than the case where the irradiation range of the headlight is determined by switching between a high beam or a low beam or by light shielding by a light shielding plate, and is clear to the driver. The field of view can be secured. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, a headlight device capable of generating more types of light distribution patterns in consideration of preceding vehicles, oncoming vehicles, people, animals, and the like without impairing reliability. , And a headlight system can be provided.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the irradiation range of the headlight is switched based on the front image captured by the visible light camera, but the embodiment according to the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a headlight system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of a headlight system using a thermal imaging type infrared camera. In FIG. 4, the same parts as those in FIG.

  The headlight system 200 according to the second embodiment includes a headlight device 210 and a headlight control device 220. The headlight device 210 includes a headlight 112, an LCD control unit 114, and an LCD panel 116. The headlight control device 220 includes an infrared camera 222, a heat determination unit 224 that functions as a detection unit, a lighting switching unit 126, and a beam direction control unit 226. The heat determination unit 224 and the beam direction control unit 226 also function as an irradiation range switching unit.

  Since the headlight device 210 is the same as the headlight device 110, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The beam direction control unit 226 receives a switching operation signal BH1 corresponding to a beam direction switching operation by the driver. The beam direction control unit 226 performs switching control of the irradiation range of the headlight 112 based on the lighting switching signal TC1 and the switching operation signal BH1. Specifically, when lighting of the headlight 112 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC1, the beam direction control unit 226 determines on or off for each pixel of the LCD panel 116 based on the switching operation signal BH1. And notifies the LCD control unit 114. Further, a switching control signal BC2 is input from the heat determination unit 224 to the beam direction control unit 226. When lighting of the headlight 112 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC1, the beam direction control unit 226 determines on or off for each pixel of the LCD panel 116 based on the switching control signal BC2, and the LCD control unit 114 Notify

  The LCD control unit 114 performs drive control in units of pixels of the LCD panel 116 based on on / off information in units of pixels notified from the beam direction control unit 226. That is, the LCD control unit 114 performs drive control in units of pixels of the LCD panel 116 based on the control signal from the beam direction control unit 226, thereby performing control of blocking the irradiation light of the headlight 112, and various types. A light distribution pattern beam is generated.

  The infrared camera 222 images the irradiation range of the headlight 112 in front of the vehicle on which the headlight system 200 is mounted, acquires a thermal image, and detects a heat source in the irradiation range. The thermal determination unit 224 determines the presence or absence of a heat source based on the thermal image captured by the infrared camera 222, and generates a switching control signal BC2 corresponding to the area where the heat source exists in the thermal image. In the second embodiment, the high beam irradiation area of the headlight is divided into a plurality of irradiation areas. The heat determination unit 224 and the beam direction control unit 226 are provided for each area of the panel surface (light modulation surface) of the LCD panel 116 based on the irradiation area where the heat source within the irradiation range specified by the switching control signal BC2 exists. Control to switch the irradiation range of the headlight 112 is performed. The LCD control unit 114 controls the amount of light reflected for each area of the panel surface of the LCD panel 116 corresponding to each irradiation area based on the control by the beam direction control unit 226.

  FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an operation example of the headlight system 200 of FIG.

  First, the infrared camera 222 captures an irradiation range of the headlight 112 to acquire a thermal image, and detects a heat source in the irradiation range (step S20).

  The heat determination unit 224 determines the presence or absence of a heat source in the thermal image based on the detection result of step S20. As a method of determining the presence / absence of a heat source in the heat determination unit 224, for example, determination based on an absolute temperature such as a body temperature of a constant temperature animal, or a temperature between the temperature of the heat source and the temperature of the road within the irradiation range (reference temperature) It can be determined based on the difference (relative temperature). Further, the preceding vehicle has a high temperature of exhaust from the engine and the ground contact surface of the tire, and can be determined as a heat source based on these. Furthermore, the oncoming vehicle has a high engine temperature, and can be determined as a heat source based on this.

  When the heat determination unit 224 determines that there is a heat source in the thermal image (step S21: Y), the heat determination unit 224 sends the switching control signal BC2 to prevent the area where the heat source exists from being irradiated. Generate. When lighting of the headlight 112 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC1, the headlight device 210 performs switching control of the irradiation range of the headlight 112 so that the detection target is not irradiated by the switching control signal BC2 ( Step S22). Thereafter, the process returns to step S20 (return).

  In step S21, when the heat determination unit 224 determines that there is no heat source in the thermal image (step S21: N), the heat determination unit 224 generates the switching control signal BC2 so as to emit a high beam. When the lighting of the headlight 112 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC1, the headlight device 210 irradiates the high beam toward the irradiation range of the headlight 112 by the switching control signal BC2 (step S23). Thereafter, the process returns to step S20 (return).

  As described above, the headlight system 200 according to the second embodiment uses the infrared camera 222 to detect the heat source within the irradiation range of the headlight 112, and sets the irradiation range of the headlight 112 according to the detection result. Switch. Specifically, the headlight system 200 switches the irradiation range so that the heat source is not irradiated when there is a heat source in the irradiation range of the headlight 112, and switches to the high beam when there is no heat source in the irradiation range of the headlight 112. .

  In the present comparative example described with reference to FIG. 3, the front image is captured by the visible light camera 20, so that the object that can be detected without irradiating the object with the irradiation light of the headlight 12 emits visible light directly. It is only the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle. Therefore, in this comparative example, only the irradiation range of the headlight 12 or a self-luminous object can be recognized during night driving, for example.

  In contrast, in the second embodiment, since the infrared camera 222 detects the heat source that emits infrared rays within the irradiation range, the following is detected without irradiating the irradiation light of the headlight 112. Will be able to. Since the headlight system 200 can detect, for example, an exhaust pipe, a tire, or the like as a heat source, it can detect a vehicle (a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle). Further, since the headlight system 200 can detect, for example, an engine, a tire, a driver (body temperature), and the like as a heat source, it can detect a motorcycle that travels in front or a motorcycle that faces the front. Furthermore, since the headlight system 200 can detect body temperature or the like as a heat source, for example, it can detect a pedestrian, a person riding a bicycle, an animal (a mammal such as a cat, a dog, or a deer). Note that the above can be detected even during night driving.

  Further, in this comparative example, it is necessary to analyze the front image captured by the visible light camera 20 and identify the type of the object from information such as the shape and color of the object. Therefore, in this comparative example, it is considered substantially impossible to recognize a car having an infinite number of shapes, and to recognize and identify a person whose clothes change in four seasons.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the thermal imaging type infrared camera 222 using infrared rays does not require any information such as the shape of the heat source, and the determination is based on the thermal information, so the heat source is reliably detected. be able to.

  Furthermore, in this comparative example, advanced image processing, detection processing, and recognition processing are required for the front image captured by the visible light camera 20, and the scale of hardware and software for executing these increases, resulting in complicated processing. , Increase in cost and decrease in processing speed.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, since the determination is based only on the heat information, the cost for determining the presence or absence of the heat source can be suppressed, and the heat source is detected at a high speed after the thermal image is taken. Can do. That is, in the second embodiment, since it is not necessary to identify the type of person (animal, animal, car, motorcycle, etc.), complicated image processing, detection processing, and recognition processing are not required. The time required for the determination can be made very short. Therefore, even if a person, an animal, or the like suddenly appears from a place hidden behind the shielding object, the high beam can be instantaneously switched to the low beam.

  Furthermore, in this comparative example, since it is necessary to recognize the shape of the object based on the front image picked up by the visible light camera 20, it is necessary to increase the number of pixels of the visible light camera 20. Further, in order to capture more objects outside the irradiation range of the headlight 12, it is necessary to increase the dark sensitivity of the visible light camera 20. High pixel count and dark sensitivity are contradictory characteristics in the visible light camera 20, so it is very difficult to improve both characteristics.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, it is only necessary to detect regardless of the size of the heat source, and it is not necessary to acquire a detailed heat distribution using the infrared camera 222. The number of pixels for capturing a simple image is not required. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the cost of the entire system can be reduced by reducing the cost of the infrared camera.

  Furthermore, the second embodiment can be applied as it is to an existing headlight device. Therefore, it can be mounted on a vehicle at a very low cost, and the driver of the vehicle will provide a bright view to the driver without worrying about the preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle, etc. Will be able to.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to irradiate a high beam in consideration of not only the front vehicle and the oncoming vehicle but also people and animals. . Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent glare from people, animals, and the like, to obtain a good field of view for the driver, and to greatly contribute to accident prevention.

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, in the configuration of the second embodiment, switching control of the irradiation range of the headlight 112 is performed for each irradiation area obtained by dividing the high beam irradiation area.

  The configuration of the headlight system in the third embodiment is the same as the configuration of the headlight system 200 in the second embodiment. Here, a pixel in the LCD panel 116 that reflects incident light is turned on, and a pixel that does not reflect incident light is turned off. The heat determination unit 224 generates a switching control signal BC2 that designates OFF for each pixel in an area where a heat source exists in the thermal image. The beam direction control unit 226 generates a control signal based on the switching control signal BC2, and the LCD control unit 114 performs control so that pixels in the area specified by the switching control signal BC2 do not reflect incident light.

  FIG. 6 shows an operation explanatory diagram of the headlight system in the third embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an example of a thermal image captured by the infrared camera 222.

  It is assumed that people P1, P2, P3, an oncoming vehicle C1, a road sign D1, and a traffic light E1 are present in the thermal image HIMG1 captured by the infrared camera 222. The headlight device 210 can irradiate a predetermined high beam irradiation area HB1 with a high beam, or can irradiate a predetermined low beam irradiation area LB1 with a low beam. The low beam irradiation area LB1 is set to irradiate a range from the host vehicle to approximately 40 meters ahead. The high beam irradiation area HB1 is set to irradiate so that it can be seen farther than 40 meters ahead.

  The high beam irradiation area HB1 is divided in the vertical direction, has 16 areas, and is composed of areas AR0 to AR15 from the left as viewed from the host vehicle. Here, it is assumed that the oncoming vehicle C <b> 1 that travels with the headlight turned on is detected from the thermal image captured by the infrared camera 222. At this time, the heat determination unit 224 sends a switching control signal BC2 including the pixel position (X, Y) in the infrared camera 222 where the oncoming vehicle C1 is located and the lateral width W of the headlight of the oncoming vehicle to the beam direction control unit 226. The beam direction control unit 226 specifies an area where the oncoming vehicle C1 exists among the areas AR0 to AR15 based on the switching control signal BC2.

  Similarly, the heat determination unit 224 sends a switching control signal BC2 including the pixel position (X, Y) in the infrared camera 222 where the persons P1 and P3 and the traffic light E1 are located to the beam direction control unit 226. Based on the switching control signal BC2, the beam direction control unit 226 specifies an area where the people P1 and P3 and the traffic light E1 are present among the areas AR0 to AR15. In FIG. 6, the heat of the engine of the oncoming vehicle C1 is imaged as a heat source through the hood in the areas AR9 and AR10. In FIG. 6, a person (male) P3 in the area AR6 and a person (female) P1 in the area AR3 are also detected as heat sources. Note that the traffic light E1 in the area AR7 may be detected as a heat source if an old type valve is used, and may not be detected as a heat source if it is an LED.

  The LCD control unit 114 controls the pixel position of the LCD panel 116 corresponding to the heat source information specified by the beam direction control unit 226 to be turned off. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the areas AR3, AR6, AR7, AR9, AR10 are not irradiated with the high beam, and the other areas remain irradiated with the high beam. At this time, the road sign D1 straddling the areas AR4 and AR5 that are not detected as heat sources is irradiated with a high beam, so that the driver can clearly recognize the road sign D1.

  Note that the number of pixels of the infrared camera 222 is desirably equal to or greater than the number of pixels of the LCD panel 116. By doing so, the detection accuracy of the heat source is improved, and fine switching control of the irradiation range can be performed.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the high beam irradiation area is divided into a plurality of irradiation areas. Then, the irradiation range of the headlight 112 is switched for each area of the panel surface of the LCD panel 116 corresponding to the irradiation area where the heat source detected from the thermal image captured by the infrared camera 222 exists. In this way, even within the high beam irradiation area, the high beam irradiation light can be prevented from being irradiated in units of areas, and the switching control of the irradiation range can be made very finely.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the second embodiment or the third embodiment, the irradiation range of the headlight 112 is switched based on the thermal image captured by the infrared camera 222, but the ambient temperature of the headlight system is taken into consideration. It may be.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a headlight system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a configuration example in which a temperature sensor is added to the configuration of FIG. 7, parts that are the same as those in FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The headlight system 300 according to the fourth embodiment includes a headlight device 310 and a headlight control device 320. The headlight device 310 includes a headlight 112, an LCD control unit 114, and an LCD panel 116. The headlight control device 320 includes an infrared camera 222, a temperature sensor 322, a heat determination unit 324 that functions as a detection unit, a lighting switching unit 126, and a beam direction control unit 226. The heat determination unit 324 and the beam direction control unit 226 also function as an irradiation range switching unit.

  Since the headlight device 410 is the same as the headlight device 310, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The heat determination unit 324 determines the presence / absence of a heat source based on the temperature difference between the environmental temperature detected by the temperature sensor 322 and the temperature of the heat source in the thermal image captured by the infrared camera 222, and corresponds to the determination result The switched control signal BC3 is generated.

  When the lighting of the headlight 112 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC1, the headlight device 310 switches the irradiation range of the headlight 112 based on the switching control signal BC3.

  Also in the fourth embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, the heat determination unit 324 generates the switching control signal BC3 that designates OFF in units of pixels in the area where the heat source exists in the thermal image. The beam direction control unit 226 generates a control signal based on the switching control signal BC3, and the LCD control unit 114 performs control so that pixels in the area specified by the switching control signal BC3 do not reflect incident light.

  FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an operation example of the headlight system 300 of FIG.

  First, the infrared camera 222 images the irradiation range of the headlight 112 to acquire a thermal image, and detects a heat source in the irradiation range (step S30).

  Subsequently, the temperature sensor 322 detects the environmental temperature of the headlight system 200 (step S31).

  The heat determination unit 324 determines the presence or absence of the heat source in the thermal image based on the temperature difference between the temperature of the heat source in the thermal image captured in step S30 and the environmental temperature detected in step S31 (step S32). ).

  When the heat determination unit 324 determines that there is a heat source in the thermal image (step S33: Y), the heat determination unit 324 generates the switching control signal BC3 so that the area where the detection object exists is not irradiated. To do. When lighting of the headlight 112 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC1, the headlight device 210 performs switching control of the irradiation range of the headlight 112 so that the detection target is not irradiated by the switching control signal BC3 ( Step S34). Thereafter, the process returns to step S30 (return).

  In step S32, when the heat determination unit 324 determines that there is no heat source in the thermal image (step S33: N), the heat determination unit 324 generates the switching control signal BC3 so as to emit a high beam. When the lighting of the headlight 112 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC1, the headlight device 210 irradiates the high beam toward the irradiation range of the headlight 112 by the switching control signal BC3 (step S35). Thereafter, the process returns to step S30 (return).

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, as in the second embodiment or the third embodiment, the panel surface of the LCD panel 116 corresponding to the irradiation area where the heat source detected from the thermal image is present. The irradiation range of the headlight 112 is switched for each area. At this time, in the fourth embodiment, the irradiation range of the headlight 112 is determined based on the temperature difference between the temperature of the heat source in the thermal image captured by the infrared camera 222 and the environmental temperature detected by the temperature sensor 322. Switch. This makes it possible to reliably detect an object even in midsummer where the difference between the body temperature of a person or animal and the ambient temperature is small. Therefore, as compared with the second embodiment or the third embodiment, it is possible to reliably irradiate a high beam in consideration of not only the front vehicle and the oncoming vehicle but also people and animals. For this reason, it is possible to prevent glare from people and animals, and to obtain a good field of view for the driver, which can greatly contribute to accident prevention.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the second or third embodiment, an example in which a reflective LCD panel is employed as the LCD panel 116 has been described. However, the embodiment according to the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a headlight system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 9, parts that are the same as those in FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The headlight system 400 according to the fifth embodiment includes a headlight device 410 and a headlight control device 420. The headlight device 410 includes a headlight 112, an LCD control unit 114, and an LCD panel 412. The headlight control device 420 includes an infrared camera 222, a heat determination unit 224, a lighting switching unit 126, and a beam direction control unit 226.

  The LCD panel 412 is arranged on the optical path of the irradiation light so that the irradiation light of the headlight 112 is irradiated on the panel surface as the light modulation surface, and corresponds to the irradiation position of the irradiation light of the headlight 112 on the light modulation surface. Thus, a transmissive LCD panel as a light modulation device configured to be able to control transmittance (light modulation rate in a broad sense). The LCD panel 412 determines whether or not to transmit the irradiation light of the headlight 112 by controlling each pixel to be on or off.

  In the fifth embodiment, as in the second or third embodiment, the panel surface of the LCD panel 412 corresponding to the irradiation area where the heat source detected from the thermal image captured by the infrared camera 222 exists. The irradiation range of the headlight 112 is switched for each area. That is, in the fifth embodiment, the high beam irradiation area of the headlight is divided into a plurality of irradiation areas. At this time, the heat determination unit 224 performs control to switch the irradiation range of the headlight 112 for each area of the panel surface (light modulation surface) of the LCD panel 412 based on the irradiation area where the heat source in the irradiation range exists. . The LCD control unit 114 controls the amount of light transmitted for each area of the panel surface of the LCD panel 412 corresponding to each irradiation area based on the control by the beam direction control unit 226. In this way, even within the high beam irradiation area, the high beam irradiation light can be prevented from being irradiated in units of areas, and the switching control of the irradiation range can be made very finely.

[Sixth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, an example in which a reflective LCD panel is employed as the LCD panel 116 has been described. However, the embodiment according to the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a headlight system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 10, parts that are the same as those in FIG. 7 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  A headlight system 500 according to the sixth embodiment includes a headlight device 510 and a headlight control device 520. The headlight device 510 includes a headlight 112, an LCD control unit 114, and an LCD panel 512. The headlight control device 520 includes an infrared camera 222, a temperature sensor 322, a heat determination unit 324, a lighting switching unit 126, and a beam direction control unit 226.

  The LCD panel 512 is a transmissive LCD panel similar to the LCD 412 that is disposed on the optical path of the irradiation light so that the irradiation light of the headlight 112 is irradiated onto the panel surface as the light modulation surface. The LCD panel 512 determines whether or not to transmit the irradiation light of the headlight 112 by controlling each pixel to be on or off.

  In the sixth embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, an LCD panel corresponding to an irradiation area where a heat source detected from a thermal image captured by the infrared camera 222 is present based on a temperature difference from the environmental temperature. The irradiation range of the headlight 112 is switched for each area of the 512 panel surface. By doing this, even within the high beam irradiation area, it is possible to ensure that the high beam irradiation light that considers not only the front car and the oncoming vehicle but also people and animals etc. is not irradiated on an area basis. It is possible to control the irradiation range very finely.

[Seventh Embodiment]
In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control for switching the irradiation range of the headlight 112 is performed for each area of the panel surface of the LCD panel corresponding to each irradiation area obtained by dividing the high beam irradiation area in the vertical direction. However, the embodiment according to the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the headlight system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows an example of a thermal image captured by the infrared camera 222 as in FIG. In FIG. 11, the same parts as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The configuration of the headlight system in the seventh embodiment is the same as the configuration of the headlight system in any one of the third to sixth embodiments. In the headlight system according to the seventh embodiment, it is assumed that people P1, P2, P3, an oncoming vehicle C1, a road sign D1, and a traffic light E1 exist in the thermal image HIMG2 captured by the infrared camera 222. . Here, the control of the LCD panel is controlled for each block of 4 × 16 blocks obtained by subdividing in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 11, for example.

  At this time, the oncoming vehicle C1 is detected across the areas (9, 2), (9, 3), (10, 2), (10, 3). Therefore, the LCD controller only applies the high beam to the area of the LCD panel corresponding to the areas (9, 2), (9, 3), (10, 2), (10, 3) in the high beam irradiation area HB1. It controls so that irradiation light is not irradiated. Similarly, the head of the person P1 is detected in the area (3, 3), the head of the person P3 is detected in the area (6, 2), and the traffic light E1 is detected in the area (7, 2). Therefore, the LCD control unit does not irradiate the high beam irradiation light only to the area of the panel surface of the LCD panel corresponding to the areas (3, 3), (6, 2), (7, 2) in the high beam irradiation area HB1. To control.

  As described above, in the seventh embodiment, the LCD panel is controlled in units of blocks in which a heat source is detected. In this way, since irradiation of high beam irradiation light can be controlled in units of blocks, in addition to the effects of the third to sixth embodiments, a clearer field of view is provided for the driver. Will be able to.

[Eighth Embodiment]
In the above embodiment, the high beam irradiation light of the headlight 112 is turned on or off for each area of the panel surface of the LCD panel corresponding to each irradiation area obtained by dividing the high beam irradiation area in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. Explained as a thing. However, the embodiment according to the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the headlight system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows an enlarged view of the portion of the person P3 in FIG.

  The configuration of the headlight system in the eighth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the headlight system in any one of the third to sixth embodiments. In such a headlight system according to the eighth embodiment, the high beam irradiation area in the thermal image captured by the infrared camera 222 is subdivided into a higher definition, and the LCD panel corresponds to each of the more finely divided blocks. Tone control the area. Specifically, the heat determination unit has a gradation corresponding to the absolute temperature of the heat source detected in the thermal image or the difference between the environmental temperature and the temperature of the heat source among a plurality of gradation control levels provided in advance. Determine the control level. Upon receiving this gradation control level, the beam direction control unit determines and notifies the gradation corresponding to the gradation control level to the LCD control unit. The LCD control unit performs gradation control by driving the LCD panel so that the determined gradation is obtained.

  As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, not only the on / off control of the pixels of the LCD panel but also the gradation control of each pixel can be performed to change the degree of shading of the high beam. It becomes like this. That is, it is possible to irradiate weak light such as through sunglasses instead of complete shielding. Thereby, in addition to the effects of the third to sixth embodiments, for example, the detected heat source can be kept slightly brighter, and a person is walking as viewed from the driver. Can be recognized with certainty. In addition, a gradation can be provided between the heat source and the portion that is not the heat source. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a headlight system that does not cause glare even when an object to be detected performs a sudden operation.

[Ninth Embodiment]
In the eighth embodiment, control is performed to switch the irradiation range of the headlight 112 for each area of the panel surface of the LCD panel corresponding to each irradiation area obtained by dividing the high beam irradiation area vertically and horizontally. As explained. However, the embodiment according to the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 13 is an operation explanatory diagram of the headlight system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 shows an example of a thermal image captured by the infrared camera 222 as in FIG. In FIG. 13, the same components as those in FIG.

  The configuration of the headlight system in the ninth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the headlight system in any one of the third to sixth embodiments. In the headlight system according to the ninth embodiment, it is assumed that people P1, P2, P3, an oncoming vehicle C1, a road sign D1, and a traffic light E1 are present in the thermal image HIMG3 captured by the infrared camera 222. . Here, it is assumed that the LCD panel is controlled for each area obtained by dividing into four in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG.

  At this time, the oncoming vehicle C1 is detected across the areas AR0 and AR1. Similarly, people P1 and P3 are detected in areas AR0 and AR1, and traffic light E1 is detected in area AR1. Therefore, the LCD control unit controls so that the high beam irradiation light is not irradiated only to the area of the LCD panel corresponding to the areas AR0 and AR1 in the high beam irradiation area HB1.

  As described above, in the ninth embodiment, the LCD panel is controlled in units of areas divided in the horizontal direction in which the heat source is detected. As described above, the irradiation of the high beam irradiation light can be controlled in units of areas, so that a clearer field of view can be provided to the driver without irradiating the detection object with the irradiation light. Become.

[Tenth embodiment]
In the first to ninth embodiments, examples of a headlight system using a visible light camera or an infrared camera have been described. However, embodiments according to the present invention are not limited to these.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a headlight system according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 14, the same parts as those in FIG.

  A headlight system 600 according to the tenth embodiment includes a headlight device 610 and a headlight control device 620. The headlight device 610 includes a headlight 112, an LCD control unit 114, and an LCD panel 116. The headlight control device 620 includes a lighting switching unit 126, a beam direction control unit 622, and a vehicle body tilt detection unit 624 that functions as a tilt detection unit. The vehicle body tilt detection unit 624 may be provided outside the headlight control device 620. The beam direction control unit 622 and the vehicle body tilt detection unit 624 also function as an irradiation range switching unit.

  Since the headlight device 610 is the same as the headlight device 110, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The beam direction control unit 622 receives a switching operation signal BH1 corresponding to a beam direction switching operation by the driver. The beam direction control unit 622 controls the irradiation range of the headlight 112 based on the lighting switching signal TC1 and the switching operation signal BH1. Specifically, when lighting of the headlight 112 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC1, the beam direction control unit 622 determines on or off for each pixel of the LCD panel 116 based on the switching operation signal BH1. And notifies the LCD control unit 114. Further, the tilt detection signal DD1 is input from the vehicle body direction detection unit 624 to the beam direction control unit 622. When lighting of the headlight 112 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC1, the beam direction control unit 622 determines on or off for each pixel of the LCD panel 116 based on the tilt detection signal DD1, and the LCD control unit 114 Notify

  The LCD control unit 114 performs drive control in units of pixels of the LCD panel 116 based on on / off information in units of pixels notified from the beam direction control unit 622. Specifically, the LCD control unit 114 performs the drive control for each pixel of the LCD panel 116 based on the control signal from the beam direction control unit 622, thereby performing the blocking control of the irradiation light of the headlight 112. The headlight irradiation range is switched.

  The inclination detection unit 624 detects the inclination of the irradiation direction of the headlight 112 by detecting the inclination of the vehicle on which the headlight system 600 is mounted with reference to the horizontal direction, and the inclination detection signal DD1 corresponding to the detected inclination. Is generated. As a result, the inclination detection unit 624 can detect whether the road on which the vehicle is traveling is forward-down or up-front, and can notify the beam direction control unit 622 of the detection result. The beam direction control unit 622 performs switching control of the irradiation range of the headlight 112 according to, for example, the degree of inclination of the vehicle with respect to the horizontal direction (inclination degree of the irradiation direction).

  In the tenth embodiment, the high beam irradiation area and the low beam irradiation area of the headlight are divided into a plurality of irradiation areas in the horizontal direction. The beam direction control unit 622 and the vehicle body direction detection unit 624 provide the headlight 112 for each area of the panel surface (light modulation surface) of the LCD panel 116 so that the irradiation area corresponding to the tilt detection signal DD1 is turned on or off. Control to switch the irradiation range. The LCD control unit 114 controls the amount of light reflected for each area of the panel surface of the LCD panel 116 corresponding to each irradiation area based on the control by the beam direction control unit 226.

  FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of an operation example of the headlight system 600 of FIG.

  First, the vehicle body direction detection unit 624 detects the inclination of the irradiation direction of the headlight 112 by detecting the inclination of the vehicle with reference to the horizontal direction (step S40). The vehicle body direction detection unit 624 generates a tilt detection signal DD1 corresponding to the detected tilt.

  When it is determined in step S40 that the vehicle body is tilted forward (step S41: Y), when the lighting of the headlight 112 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC1, the headlight device 610 is as follows. Irradiation range switching control is performed (step S42). That is, in step S42, the headlight device 610 controls the irradiation range of the headlight 112 by the beam direction control unit 622 so that a part of the low beam irradiation area is turned off in accordance with the degree of upward movement. . Specifically, the beam direction control unit 622 performs irradiation range switching control so that the irradiation area in the low beam irradiation area corresponding to the degree of forward ascent is turned off. Thereafter, the process returns to step S40 (return).

  When it is determined in step S40 that the vehicle body tilts forward (step S41: N, step S43: Y), when the lighting of the headlight 112 is instructed by the lighting switching signal TC1, the headlight device 610 is The irradiation range switching control is performed as follows (step S43). That is, in step S43, the headlight device 610 uses the beam direction control unit 622 to set the irradiation range of the headlight 112 so that a part of the low beam irradiation area and a part of the high beam irradiation area corresponding to the degree of forward drop are turned on. Perform switching control. Specifically, the beam direction control unit 622 performs irradiation range switching control so that the entire region of the low beam irradiation area and the irradiation area in the high beam irradiation area corresponding to the forward drop degree are turned on. Thereafter, the process returns to step S40 (return).

  When it is determined in step S40 that the inclination of the vehicle body is neither forwardly rising nor downward (step S41: N, step S43: N), the headlight device 610 detects the inclination of the vehicle body again (return).

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the irradiation range of the headlight when the vehicle body tilts forward.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when a vehicle CA1 equipped with a general headlight is traveling on an uphill, for example, the inclination of the vehicle body rises forward. At this time, even if the person PA1 on the flat ground, which is the end point of the uphill ahead of the vehicle, is irradiated with the low beam, the headlight irradiation light directly enters the eyes and the person PA1 May become dazzling and increase the risk.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the irradiation range of the headlight when the vehicle body tilts forward.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when a vehicle CA2 equipped with a general headlight is traveling on a downhill, for example, the inclination of the vehicle body is lowered forward. At this time, if the low beam is irradiated to the person PA2 who is on the flat ground that is the end point of the downhill in front of the vehicle, the irradiation light of the headlight cannot be irradiated. Therefore, there is a possibility that the discovery of the person PA2 from the vehicle CA2 is delayed and the danger increases.

  Therefore, in the tenth embodiment, the risk of the persons PA1, PA2 and the vehicles CA1, CA2 can be greatly reduced by performing the irradiation range switching control as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of step S42 in FIG. FIG. 18 shows an example of a low beam irradiation area when a pedestrian H1 is in front of the vehicle.

  A vehicle equipped with the headlight system 600 is traveling uphill. Here, it is assumed that the low beam irradiation area LB1 is divided into, for example, eight in the horizontal direction to provide irradiation areas (L, 0) to (L, 7). At this time, the vehicle controls the irradiation range in the irradiation areas (L, 0) to (L, 7) according to the degree of the uphill (the degree of the upward inclination), so that the vehicle travels on a flat ground. It is possible to ensure an irradiation range that is being performed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the irradiation to areas (L, 0) to (L, 2) is turned off. Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 16, since the pedestrian in the low beam irradiation area LB1 is completely irradiated, the pedestrian H1 is in an inevitable state of glare. On the other hand, in the tenth embodiment, since the areas (L, 0) to (L, 2) are turned off, the pedestrian H1 becomes dazzling without being directly irradiated to the pedestrian H1. Therefore, the danger can be greatly reduced.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of step S43 in FIG. FIG. 19 shows an example of a high beam irradiation area and a low beam irradiation area when a pedestrian H2 is in front of the vehicle.

  A vehicle equipped with the headlight system 600 is traveling downhill. Here, the low beam irradiation area LB1 is divided into, for example, eight in the horizontal direction to provide irradiation areas (L, 0) to (L, 7), and the high beam irradiation area HB1 is divided into, for example, eight in the horizontal direction. , 0) to (H, 7) are provided. At this time, the vehicle switches the irradiation range in the irradiation areas (L, 0) to (L, 7) and (H, 0) to (H, 7) according to the degree of the downhill (the degree of inclination of the previous downward). By performing the control, it is possible to ensure an irradiation range in which the vehicle is traveling on a flat ground. Specifically, the low beam irradiation area LB1 (areas (L, 0) to (L, 7)) is turned on, and a part of the high beam irradiation area HB1 corresponding to the downhill degree is turned on.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, areas (L, 0) to (L, 7) and (H, 4) to (H, 7) are turned on. Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 17, since a pedestrian in the low beam irradiation area LB1 cannot be completely irradiated and a pedestrian in the high beam irradiation area HB1 is completely irradiated, the pedestrian H2 is dazzled. It becomes an inevitable state. In contrast, in the tenth embodiment, not only the low beam irradiation area LB1 but also the areas (H, 0) to (H, 4) in the high beam irradiation area HB1 are turned on. By doing so, the driver can find the pedestrian H2 and can greatly reduce the danger.

  As described above, in the tenth embodiment, the low beam irradiation area of the headlight 112 or at least a part of the low beam irradiation area and the high beam irradiation area is divided into a plurality of irradiation areas in the horizontal direction. Then, the LCD control unit 114 (or the beam direction control unit 622) transmits or reflects each area of the light modulation surface of the LCD panel 116 corresponding to each irradiation area according to the detection result of the vehicle body tilt detection unit 624. The amount of light can be controlled. Specifically, when it is detected that the irradiation direction rises forward with respect to the horizontal direction, control is performed so that irradiation light is not irradiated to a part of the low beam irradiation area. Further, when it is detected that the irradiation direction is a forward drop with respect to the horizontal direction, control is performed so that irradiation light is irradiated to the entire low beam irradiation area and a part of the high beam irradiation area.

  As described above, according to the tenth embodiment, the irradiation switching control of the area corresponding to the inclination of the vehicle body among the low beam irradiation area and the high beam irradiation area is performed. Irradiation can be performed. In the tenth embodiment, a transmissive LCD panel may be employed as the LCD panel.

[Eleventh embodiment]
In the above embodiment, the LCD panel has been described as being arranged on the optical path of the irradiation light so that the entire panel surface as the light modulation surface is irradiated with the irradiation light of the headlight. Such an embodiment is not limited to these.

  In the eleventh embodiment, for example, in the first embodiment, the LCD panel is arranged on the optical path of the irradiation light so that the irradiation light of the headlight is irradiated to a part of the panel surface as the light modulation surface. The That is, the LCD panel as the light modulation device according to the present invention may be arranged on the optical path of the irradiation light so that the irradiation light of the headlight is irradiated onto at least a part of the panel surface as the light modulation surface. . In the eleventh embodiment, the LCD panel is arranged on the optical path of the irradiation light so that the irradiation light of the headlight is irradiated only to the panel surface of the LCD panel corresponding to the high beam irradiation area. As a result, the high beam irradiation area can be irradiated with the LCD without an LCD panel only by controlling the high beam irradiation area in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and the illuminance shortage of the low beam irradiation area can be easily performed. Will be able to avoid.

  As described above, according to the eleventh embodiment, the headlight device and the headlight system that can generate more light distribution patterns without increasing the illuminance of the headlight and without impairing the reliability. Etc. can be provided.

  The headlight control device, the headlight system, and the like according to the present invention have been described based on any one of the above embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to any one of the above embodiments. For example, the present invention can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof, and the following modifications are possible.

  (1) In any of the above embodiments, the reflection or transmission type LCD panel has been described as an example of the light modulation device according to the present invention. However, the light modulation device according to the present invention is not limited to these. is not. The light modulation device according to the present invention may be a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) structure device using a micromirror, and does not require a high number of pixels. Therefore, the light modulation device is excellent in reflectance and transmittance. Can contribute to the present invention.

  (2) In any of the above-described embodiments, a headlight using a single light source of a normal bulb such as a halogen bulb or an HID (High Intensity Discharge) bulb can be adopted as the headlight according to the present invention.

  (3) In any of the above embodiments, some or all of the components of the headlight control device are built into the headlight device, or some of the components of the headlight device are built into the headlight control device. Or you may.

  (4) In any of the above embodiments, the example in which the high beam irradiation area is divided only in the vertical direction, or only in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the horizontal direction has been described. However, the present invention is limited to the number of divisions. is not.

  (5) In the tenth embodiment, the example in which the inclination of the vehicle body is detected has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it detects the inclination of the vehicle body and, based on the map information of the navigation system, based on information about what road the vehicle is currently driving and what road it is going to travel from now on The headlight irradiation range may be switched.

  (6) It goes without saying that one of the embodiments described above can be applied to other embodiments as appropriate.

  (7) In any of the above embodiments, the present invention has been described as a headlight control device, a headlight system, and the like, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a program in which a processing procedure of the control method of the headlight system according to the present invention is described, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded may be used.

1,100,200,300,400,500,600 ... headlight system,
12, 112 ... headlights, 14, 126 ... lighting switching part,
16, 128, 226, 622 ... beam direction control unit, 18 ... beam direction switching unit,
20 ... Visible light camera 22,124 ... Car detector (detector),
110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 ... headlight device,
114 ... LCD control unit (light modulation control device),
116, 412, 512 ... LCD panel (light modulation device),
120, 220, 320, 420, 520 ... headlight control device,
122 ... Visible light camera, 222 ... Infrared camera,
224, 324 ... heat determination part (detection part), 322 ... temperature sensor,
624 ... body tilt detection unit, BC0, BC1, BC2, BC3 ... switching control signal,
BH0, BH1 ... switching operation signal, C1 ... oncoming vehicle, CA1, CA2 ... vehicle,
D1 ... road sign, E1 ... traffic light, H1, H2 ... pedestrian,
HB1 ... high beam irradiation area, HIMG1, HIMG2, HIMG3 ... thermal image,
LB1 ... low beam irradiation area, P1, P2, P3, PA1, PA2 ... person,
TC0, TC1 ... lighting switching signal, TK0, TK1 ... lighting operation signal

Claims (12)

A headlight configured to be able to irradiate light forward;
It is arranged on the optical path of the irradiation light so that at least a part of the light modulation surface is irradiated with the irradiation light of the headlight, and the light modulation rate is controlled according to the irradiation position of the irradiation light on the light modulation surface. A headlight device comprising: a light modulation device configured to be possible. In claim 1,
The light modulation device comprises:
A headlight device comprising a reflective liquid crystal display panel that reflects the irradiation light irradiated in a first irradiation direction in a second irradiation direction. In claim 1,
The light modulation device comprises:
A headlight device, which is a transmissive liquid crystal display panel. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The headlight is
A headlight device comprising a plurality of light sources in which the light amounts of the respective light sources are controlled. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
A light modulation control device that divides a high beam irradiation area of the headlight into a plurality of irradiation areas and controls the amount of light transmitted or reflected for each area of the light modulation surface of the light modulation device corresponding to each irradiation area. A headlight device comprising: In claim 5,
The plurality of irradiation areas are:
A headlight device, wherein the high beam irradiation area is an area divided in a vertical direction. In claim 5,
The plurality of irradiation areas are:
A headlight device, wherein the high beam irradiation area is an area divided in the horizontal direction. In claim 5,
The plurality of irradiation areas are:
A headlight device characterized in that the high beam irradiation area is an area obtained by dividing the high beam irradiation area in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. A visible light camera for imaging the irradiation range of the headlight;
A detection unit for detecting an object to be detected based on an imaging result of the visible light camera;
A headlight device according to any one of claims 5 to 8,
The light modulation control device comprises:
Based on the detection result of the detection unit, for each area of the light modulation surface of the light modulation device, control is performed to switch the irradiation range of the headlight by controlling the amount of light transmitted or reflected by the light modulation device. Headlight system characterized by An infrared camera for imaging the irradiation range of the headlight;
A detection unit for detecting a heat source based on the imaging result of the infrared camera;
A headlight device according to any one of claims 5 to 8,
The light modulation control device comprises:
Based on the detection result of the detection unit, for each area of the light modulation surface of the light modulation device, control is performed to switch the irradiation range of the headlight by controlling the amount of light transmitted or reflected by the light modulation device. Headlight system characterized by An inclination detector that detects an inclination of the irradiation direction of the headlight;
Including the headlight device according to claim 1,
A headlight system, wherein an irradiation range of the headlight is switched according to a detection result of the tilt detection unit. In claim 11,
A low beam irradiation area of the headlight, or at least a part of the low beam irradiation area and the high beam irradiation area is divided into a plurality of irradiation areas in the horizontal direction, and each irradiation area is determined according to the detection result of the tilt detection unit. A headlight system that controls the amount of light transmitted or reflected for each area of the light modulation surface of the light modulation device corresponding to the above.