JP6968278B2 - Headlight control device and headlight control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a headlight control device for controlling a vehicle headlight and a headlight control method.

A headlight control device has been proposed that suppresses the headlights of a vehicle from interfering with the driving of an oncoming vehicle. For example, in the technique of Patent Document 1, an image taken by a camera is analyzed, and the headlight of the vehicle is switched to a low beam or a high beam based on the presence or absence of the oncoming vehicle light obtained by the analysis.

Special Table 2016-531786

However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since the camera receives the light from the oncoming vehicle and then switches the headlight of the vehicle, there is a problem that the switching timing of the headlight is delayed. Further, when the vehicle is traveling on a highway or a road having a plurality of lanes on each side at high speed, the image blurring is large, so that there is a problem that the headlight switching accuracy is low.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of accelerating the switching timing of headlights and improving the switching accuracy.

The headlight control device according to the present invention is a headlight control device that controls the headlights of a vehicle, and is an acquisition unit that acquires the position of the vehicle and a shield attached to a road that shields the light of the headlights. Based on the map data including the information of the above and the position acquired by the acquisition unit, the distance from the vehicle in the direction including the component of the traveling direction of the vehicle is within the range of the first distance or less, and is from the headlight. When it is determined whether or not the shield completely shields the predetermined specific range in which the light travels toward the oncoming vehicle of the vehicle, and when it is determined that the shield does not completely cover the specific range, the head It is equipped with a control unit that controls the light to a low beam, and the control unit does not completely shield a specific range from each of the plurality of shields based on the map data and the position acquired by the acquisition unit. If the distance between the shield each other is a second distance or less, that controls the headlights to the high beam.

According to the present invention, whether or not the shield completely shields a specific range based on the map data including the information of the shield attached to the road that shields the light of the headlight and the acquired position. When it is determined that the shield does not completely cover the specific range, the headlight is controlled to the low beam. According to such a configuration, it is possible to advance the switching timing of the headlights and improve the switching accuracy.

The objects, features, embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be made clearer by the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the headlight control device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the specific range which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the specific range which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of the headlight control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of the headlight control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of the headlight control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of the headlight control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of the headlight control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of the headlight control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the navigation device which concerns on Embodiment 2. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware composition of the navigation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the navigation device which concerns on Embodiment 2. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of the navigation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the navigation device which concerns on Embodiment 3. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the navigation device which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware composition of the navigation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of the navigation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware composition of the navigation device which concerns on other modification. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware composition of the navigation device which concerns on other modification. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server which concerns on other modification. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication terminal which concerns on other modification.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a headlight control device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The headlight control device 1 is a device that controls the headlight 42 of the vehicle, and in the following description, the vehicle in which the headlight 42 is controlled by the headlight control device 1 may be referred to as "own vehicle".

The headlight control device 1 includes an acquisition unit 11 and a control unit 12. The acquisition unit 11 acquires the position of the own vehicle. The acquisition unit 11 is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver that detects the position of the own vehicle based on a signal from an artificial satellite, an interface thereof, and the like.

The control unit 12 controls the headlight 42 by using map data including information on a shield attached to the road, which shields the light of the headlight 42. The shield is, for example, a feature such as a building along a road, or a shield such as a soundproof wall or a tree arranged on a median strip. The shield information includes, for example, the area of the shield in the map. The map data used by the control unit 12 may be map data stored in advance in the headlight control device 1, or the headlight control device 1 acquires it from an external device of the headlight control device 1 by communication or the like. It may be the map data.

By the way, in the first embodiment, the distance from the own vehicle in the direction including the component in the traveling direction of the own vehicle is within the range of the first distance or less, and the light from the headlight 42 is directed to the oncoming vehicle of the own vehicle. The specific range to proceed is predetermined.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the specific range 71, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the specific range 71. The specific range 71 in FIG. 2 is the entire range in which the light from the headlight 42 travels toward the oncoming vehicle 73 of the own vehicle 72 in the range of the first distance L or less. The specific range 71 of FIG. 3 is a range in which the low beam of the headlight 42 does not advance toward the oncoming vehicle 73, but the high beam of the headlight 42 advances toward the oncoming vehicle 73 in the range of the first distance L or less. be. The first distance in FIGS. 2 and 3 is, for example, the distance that the high beam of the headlight 42 can reach (for example, 100 m). The distance between the portion of the specific range 71 of FIG. 3 on the own vehicle side and the own vehicle 72 is, for example, the distance that the low beam of the headlight 42 can reach. The specific range 71 is not fixed and may be changed according to the traveling speed of the own vehicle.

The control unit 12 determines whether or not the shield completely shields the specific range 71 based on the map data and the position acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The shield completely shields the specific range 71, for example, the shield straddles the end of the specific range 71 on the own vehicle 72 side and the end opposite to the own vehicle 72, or the shield is a shield. Includes overlapping with the left or right edge of the specific range 71.

4, 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the determination in the specific range 71 of FIG. In the examples of FIGS. 4 and 6, the control unit 12 determines that the shield 74 does not completely cover the specific range 71, and in the example of FIG. 5, the control unit 12 completely blocks the specific range 71 of the shield 74. Judged to be shielded.

7, 8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining the determination in the specific range 71 of FIG. In the example of FIGS. 7 and 9, the control unit 12 determines that the shield 74 does not completely cover the specific range 71, and in the example of FIG. 8, the control unit 12 completely blocks the specific range 71 of the shield 74. Judged to be shielded.

The control unit 12 controls the headlight 42 to a low beam when it is determined that the shield does not completely cover the specific range 71. For example, in the case of FIGS. 4, 6, 7, and 9, the headlight 42 is switched to the low beam by the control of the control unit 12.

<Summary of Embodiment 1>
The headlight control device 1 according to the first embodiment as described above controls the headlight 42 to a low beam when it is determined that the shield does not completely cover the specific range 71. According to such a configuration, since the above determination can be performed in advance, the switching timing of the headlight 42 can be accelerated. Further, since it is not affected by the blurring of the image, the switching accuracy of the headlight 42 can be improved. As a result of the above, it is possible to prevent the headlight 42 of the own vehicle from affecting the driving of the oncoming vehicle.

<Embodiment 2>
The headlight control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below assuming that it is applied to a navigation device mounted on the own vehicle. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the navigation device 6. Hereinafter, among the components according to the second embodiment, the components that are the same as or similar to the above-mentioned components are designated by the same reference numerals, and different components will be mainly described.

The navigation device 6 of FIG. 10 includes a current position detection unit 11a, a shielding information analysis unit 12a, a general control unit 12b, a headlight switching control unit 12c, and a map data storage unit 13. The current position detection unit 11a corresponds to the acquisition unit 11 in FIG. 1, and the shielding information analysis unit 12a, the integrated control unit 12b, and the headlight switching control unit 12c correspond to the control unit 12 in FIG.

The current position detection unit 11a detects the current position of the own vehicle.

The map data storage unit 13 stores the same map data as in the first embodiment. However, the map data according to the second embodiment further includes search information for searching the destination from the map, link information for searching the desired route from the map, node information, and the like, and is digitized. ing.

The shielding information analysis unit 12a is soundproof arranged on a median strip or the like based on the map data stored in the map data storage unit 13 and the current position detected by the current position detection unit 11a. It is determined whether or not a shield such as a wall or a tree exists in front of the own vehicle. It should be noted that the front of the own vehicle referred to here includes a range in which the vehicle inclines laterally from the front of the own vehicle.

The integrated control unit 12b performs various calculations in the navigation device 6 and controls the entire device. In the second embodiment, the integrated control unit 12b is assumed to exist in the shielding information analysis unit 12a based on the map data stored in the map data storage unit 13 and the current position detected by the current position detection unit 11a. It is determined whether or not the determined shield completely shields the specific range 71. Then, when the integrated control unit 12b determines that the shield completely shields the specific range 71, it determines that the headlight 42 is switched to the high beam, and determines that the shield does not completely shield the specific range 71. It is determined that the headlight 42 is switched to the low beam.

Further, in the second embodiment, the integrated control unit 12b has a route from the current position to the destination based on the map data stored in the map data storage unit 13 and the current position detected by the current position detection unit 11a. Is searched, and control is performed to guide the driver to the destination using the searched route.

The headlight switching control unit 12c switches the direction of the light emitted from the headlight 42 based on the switching determination result by the integrated control unit 12b.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the navigation device 6 according to the second embodiment.

The map data management device 21 stores and reads out digitized map data, and corresponds to the map data storage unit 13 of FIG. The GPS receiver 22 detects the position of the own vehicle based on the signal from the artificial satellite, and corresponds to the current position detection unit 11a in FIG.

The control unit 30 performs various calculations in the navigation device 6 and controls the entire device, and corresponds to the shielding information analysis unit 12a, the integrated control unit 12b, and the headlight switching control unit 12c in FIG.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 performs path search and processing for realizing the functions of the shielding information analysis unit 12a, the integrated control unit 12b, and the headlight switching control unit 12c. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 32 stores program constants and the like used in the process of the CPU 31. A program, map data, calculation results, and the like developed in the process of the CPU 31 are written in the RAM (Random Access Memory) 33.

The I / O (input / output device) 34 includes a control unit 30, a map data management device 21, a GPS receiver 22, a headlight control device 41, and an external device of the control unit 30 (for example, a display device and communication (not shown)). Performs processing for exchanging information with (device, etc.).

The headlight control device 41 switches the direction of the light emitted from the headlight 42 based on the request for switching the beam of the headlight 42 from the navigation device 6.

<Operation>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device 6 according to the second embodiment.

In step S1, the current position detection unit 11a detects the current position of the own vehicle. In step S2, the shielding information analysis unit 12a acquires the map data around the current position detected in step S1 from the map data storage unit 13.

In step S3, the shielding information analysis unit 12a has a road separation zone in front of the current position (own vehicle) detected in step S1 from the map data acquired in step S2, and the separation zone is concerned. Determine if there is a shield on top. If it is determined that the separation zone exists in front of the current position (own vehicle) and the shield exists, the process proceeds to step S4, and in other cases, the process returns to step S1.

In step S4, the overall control unit 12b determines whether or not the shield determined in step S3 completely shields the specific range 71. If it is determined that the shield completely shields the specific range 71, the process proceeds to step S5, and if it is determined that the shield does not completely cover the specific range 71, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S5, the overall control unit 12b determines that the headlight 42 is switched to the high beam, and the headlight switching control unit 12c switches the headlight 42 to the high beam when the headlight 42 is a low beam. After that, the process of FIG. 12 is completed.

In step S6, the integrated control unit 12b determines that the headlight 42 is switched to the low beam, and the headlight switching control unit 12c switches the headlight 42 to the low beam when the headlight 42 is a high beam. After that, the process of FIG. 12 is completed.

<Summary of Embodiment 2>
According to the navigation device 6 according to the second embodiment as described above, the headlight 42 is controlled to a high beam when it is determined that the shield completely shields the specific range 71. According to such a configuration, the switching timing can be accelerated and the switching accuracy of the headlight 42 can be improved even when switching to the high beam.

<Embodiment 3>
The functional block of the navigation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the functional block of the navigation device 6 according to the second embodiment (FIG. 10). Hereinafter, among the components according to the third embodiment, the same or similar components as those described above will be designated by the same reference numerals, and different components will be mainly described.

In the third embodiment, the shielding information analysis unit 12a determines that each of the plurality of shielding objects is based on the map data stored in the map data storage unit 13 and the current position detected by the current position detecting unit 11a. It is determined whether or not the specific range 71 is not completely shielded and the distance between the plurality of shields is equal to or less than the second distance. Although an initial value (for example, 30 cm) is predetermined for the second distance, the second distance is not fixed and may be changed according to the traveling speed of the own vehicle. Then, when the integrated control unit 12b determines that each of the plurality of shields does not completely shield the specific range 71 and the distance between the plurality of shields is the second distance or less, the head The light 42 is controlled to a high beam.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the determination by the integrated control unit 12b. Note that FIG. 13 shows the case of the specific range 71 of FIG. 2, but the same applies to the case of the specific range 71 of FIG.

The overall control unit 12b makes the same determination as in the first and second embodiments for the shields 74a and 74b in FIG. 13, so that each of the shields 74a and 74b does not completely shield the specific range 71. Is determined. However, when the distance between the shields 74a and 74b in FIG. 13 is the second distance or less, the integrated control unit 12b according to the third embodiment largely shields the specific range 71 with the shields 74a and 74b as a whole. Therefore, the headlight 42 is controlled to a high beam.

<Operation>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device 6 according to the third embodiment.

In steps S1 to S5, the same processing as in steps S1 to S5 of FIG. 12 is performed. However, if it is determined in step S4 that the shield does not completely cover the specific range 71, the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, the obstruction information analysis unit 12a determines from the map data acquired in step S2 whether or not a plurality of obstructions exist in front of the current position (own vehicle) detected in step S1. conduct. If it is determined that a plurality of shields exist, the process proceeds to step S12, and if it is determined that the plurality of shields do not exist, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S12, the integrated control unit 12b calculates the distance between the plurality of shields and determines whether or not the distance is equal to or less than the second distance. If it is determined that the calculated distance is equal to or less than the second distance, the process proceeds to step S13, and if it is determined that the calculated distance is larger than the second distance, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S13, the overall control unit 12b determines that the headlight 42 is switched to the high beam, and the headlight switching control unit 12c switches the headlight 42 to the high beam when the headlight 42 is a low beam. After that, the process of FIG. 14 is completed.

In step S14, the integrated control unit 12b determines that the headlight 42 is switched to the low beam, and the headlight switching control unit 12c switches the headlight 42 to the low beam when the headlight 42 is a high beam. After that, the process of FIG. 14 is completed.

<Summary of Embodiment 3>
According to the navigation device 6 according to the third embodiment as described above, even if each of the plurality of shields does not completely shield the specific range 71, the distance between the plurality of shields is the second. When the distance is 2 or less, the headlight 42 is controlled to a high beam. According to such a configuration, the high beam of the headlight 42 can be used when the distance between the plurality of shields is small and the influence of the headlight 42 of the own vehicle on the oncoming vehicle is small.

<Embodiment 4>
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the navigation device 6 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, among the components according to the fourth embodiment, the same or similar components as those described above will be designated by the same reference numerals, and different components will be mainly described.

The navigation device 6 according to the fourth embodiment includes an information detection unit 14 which is a detection unit in addition to the configuration of the navigation device 6 according to the second embodiment (FIG. 11).

The information detection unit 14 performs at least one of detecting a feature in front of the own vehicle as a shield and detecting light from an oncoming vehicle of the own vehicle.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the fourth embodiment. The information detection unit 14 of FIG. 15 is mounted on the own vehicle of FIG. 16, for example, a camera 23 that captures an image in front of the own vehicle and analyzes the image to detect a shield or light, and the own vehicle. It is mounted and corresponds to the sensor 24 that detects obstacles and light in front of the own vehicle.

The integrated control unit 12b of FIG. 15 complements the determination of whether or not the shield completely shields the specific range 71 based on the detection result of the information detection unit 14. In addition, this complement is performed in step S3 and step S4 of FIG. 12 or FIG.

For example, in the integrated control unit 12b, the distance between the own vehicle and the shield is smaller than the first distance, and the detection accuracy of the information detection unit 14 can be obtained to some extent (hereinafter referred to as “detection accuracy distance”). (Note) Judge whether it is the following. Then, it is determined that the distance between the own vehicle and the shield is equal to or less than the detection accuracy distance, and the detection result of the information detection unit 14 and the determination result using the map data described in the first embodiment and the like. If they are different, the integrated control unit 12b adopts the detection result of the information detection unit 14.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance between the own vehicle and the shield, the detection result of the information detection unit 14, the determination result using the map data, and the comprehensive determination result based on these. ..

For example, in case C6, the distance between the own vehicle and the shield is less than or equal to the detection accuracy distance, the detection result of the information detection unit 14 is "not completely shielded", and the determination result using the map data is "completely". It says "to shield". In case C6 where the distance between the own vehicle and the shield is less than or equal to the detection accuracy distance, the integrated control unit 12b adopts the detection result of the information detection unit 14, and the comprehensive judgment result is "not completely shielded". It is judged that.

<Summary of Embodiment 4>
For example, the map data may not reflect that the soundproof wall has been removed and there is no shield, or that the tree has died and there is virtually no shield. In such a case, if the headlight 42 is controlled based on the determination using only the map data, it may not be possible to properly switch the headlight 42.

On the other hand, according to the navigation device 6 according to the fourth embodiment, the determination of whether or not the shield completely shields the specific range 71 is complemented based on the detection result of the information detection unit 14. According to such a configuration, the headlight 42 can be switched more appropriately.

<Embodiment 5>
The functional block of the navigation device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the functional block of the navigation device 6 according to the fourth embodiment (FIG. 15). Hereinafter, among the components according to the fifth embodiment, the same or similar components as those described above will be designated by the same reference numerals, and different components will be mainly described.

In the fourth embodiment, the integrated control unit 12b complements the determination of whether or not the shield completely shields the specific range 71 based on the detection result of the information detection unit 14. In the fifth embodiment, similarly to this complement, the integrated control unit 12b updates the map data based on the detection result of the information detection unit 14. For example, it is determined that the distance between the own vehicle and the obstruction is equal to or less than the detection accuracy distance, and the detection result of the information detection unit 14 and the determination result using the map data described in the first embodiment or the like are used. If the above is different, the integrated control unit 12b reflects the detection result of the information detection unit 14 in the map data of the map data storage unit 13.

<Summary of Embodiment 5>
For example, the map data may store the pole as a shield. However, since the pole is relatively thin, it is conceivable that the high beam of the headlight 42 of the own vehicle affects the driving of the oncoming vehicle.

On the other hand, according to the navigation device 6 according to the fifth embodiment, the map data is updated based on the detection result of the information detection unit 14. According to such a configuration, for example, a pole or the like can be excluded from the shield, so that the headlight 42 can be switched more appropriately the next time the own vehicle travels in the same place.

<Other variants>
The acquisition unit 11 and the control unit 12 of FIG. 1 described above are hereinafter referred to as “acquisition unit 11 and the like”. The acquisition unit 11 and the like are realized by the processing circuit 81 shown in FIG. That is, in the processing circuit 81, the shield completely shields the specific range based on the acquisition unit 11 that acquires the position of the vehicle, the map data including the information of the shield, and the position acquired by the acquisition unit 11. It is provided with a control unit 12 that controls the headlight 42 to a low beam when it is determined whether or not to do so and it is determined that the shield does not completely shield the specific range. Dedicated hardware may be applied to the processing circuit 81, or a processor that executes a program stored in the memory may be applied to the processing circuit 81. The processor corresponds to, for example, a central processing unit, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and the like.

When the processing circuit 81 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 81 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate). Array), or a combination of these. Each of the functions of each part such as the acquisition unit 11 may be realized by a circuit in which processing circuits are dispersed, or the functions of each part may be collectively realized by one processing circuit.

When the processing circuit 81 is a processor, the functions of the acquisition unit 11 and the like are realized by combining with software and the like. The software or the like corresponds to, for example, software, firmware, or software and firmware. Software and the like are described as programs and stored in memory. As shown in FIG. 19, the processor 82 applied to the processing circuit 81 realizes the functions of each part by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 83. That is, when the headlight control device 1 is executed by the processing circuit 81, the headlight control device 1 produces a shield based on the step of acquiring the position of the vehicle, the map data including the information of the shield, and the acquired position. The step of controlling the headlight 42 to a low beam when it is determined whether or not the specific range is completely shielded and the shield does not completely shield the specific range is executed as a result. A memory 83 for storing a program to be used is provided. In other words, it can be said that this program causes the computer to execute the procedure or method of the acquisition unit 11 or the like. Here, the memory 83 is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk). It may be a Drive), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a drive device thereof, or any storage medium used in the future.

The configuration in which each function of the acquisition unit 11 and the like is realized by either hardware or software has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be configured in which a part of the acquisition unit 11 or the like is realized by dedicated hardware and another part is realized by software or the like. For example, the acquisition unit 11 realizes its function by a processing circuit 81 as dedicated hardware, an interface, a receiver, and the like, and other than that, the processing circuit 81 as a processor 82 reads a program stored in the memory 83. It is possible to realize the function by executing it.

As described above, the processing circuit 81 can realize each of the above-mentioned functions by hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

Further, the headlight control device 1 described above includes vehicle devices such as PNDs (Portable Navigation Devices) and navigation devices, communication terminals including mobile terminals such as mobile phones, smartphones and tablets, and vehicle devices and communication terminals. It can also be applied to a headlight control system constructed as a system by appropriately combining the functions of an application installed in at least one of them with a server. In this case, each function or each component of the headlight control device 1 described above may be distributed and arranged in each device for constructing the system, or may be centrally arranged in any device. May be good.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 91 according to this modification. The server 91 of FIG. 20 includes a communication unit 91a and a control unit 91b, and can perform wireless communication with the navigation device 93 of the vehicle 92.

The communication unit 91a, which is an acquisition unit, receives the position of the vehicle 92 acquired by the navigation device 93 by performing wireless communication with the navigation device 93.

The control unit 91b has the same function as the control unit 12 of FIG. 1 by having a processor (not shown) of the server 91 or the like execute a program stored in a memory (not shown) of the server 91. That is, the control unit 91b determines whether or not the shield completely shields the specific range based on the map data including the information of the shield and the position received by the communication unit 91a, and the shield unit 91b determines whether or not the shield completely shields the specific range. Generates a control signal that controls the headlights of the vehicle 92 to a low beam when it is determined that the vehicle 92 does not completely block the specific range. Then, the communication unit 91a transmits the control signal generated by the control unit 91b to the navigation device 93. According to the server 91 configured in this way, the same effect as that of the headlight control device 1 described in the first embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication terminal 96 according to this modification. The communication terminal 96 of FIG. 21 includes a communication unit 96a similar to the communication unit 91a and a control unit 96b similar to the control unit 91b, and can perform wireless communication with the navigation device 98 of the vehicle 97. ing. The communication terminal 96 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet carried by the driver of the vehicle 97. According to the communication terminal 96 configured in this way, the same effect as that of the headlight control device 1 described in the first embodiment can be obtained.

In the present invention, each embodiment and each modification can be freely combined, and each embodiment and each modification can be appropriately modified or omitted within the scope of the invention.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, the above description is exemplary in all embodiments and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that innumerable variations not illustrated can be assumed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1 headlight control device, 6 navigation device, 11 acquisition unit, 12 control unit, 14 information detection unit, 42 headlight, 71 specific range, 72 own vehicle, 73 oncoming vehicle, 74, 74a, 74b shield.

Claims (4)

A headlight control device that controls the headlights of a vehicle.
The acquisition unit that acquires the position of the vehicle and
Based on the map data including the information of the shield attached to the road that shields the light of the headlight and the position acquired by the acquisition unit, the direction including the component in the traveling direction of the vehicle. Whether or not the shield completely shields a predetermined specific range in which the distance from the vehicle is equal to or less than the first distance and the light from the headlights travels toward the oncoming vehicle of the vehicle. It is provided with a control unit for controlling the headlight to a low beam when it is determined that the shield does not completely shield the specific range.
The control unit
Based on the map data and the position acquired by the acquisition unit, each of the plurality of shields does not completely shield the specific range, and the distance between the plurality of shields is the second. A headlight control device that controls the headlight to a high beam when the distance is 2 or less. A headlight control device that controls the headlights of a vehicle.
The acquisition unit that acquires the position of the vehicle and
Based on the map data including the information of the shield attached to the road that shields the light of the headlight and the position acquired by the acquisition unit, the direction including the component in the traveling direction of the vehicle. Whether or not the shield completely shields a predetermined specific range in which the distance from the vehicle is equal to or less than the first distance and the light from the headlights travels toward the oncoming vehicle of the vehicle. When it is determined that the shield does not completely cover the specific range, a control unit that controls the headlight to a low beam and a control unit.
It is provided with a detection unit that performs at least one of detecting a feature in front of the vehicle as the shield and detecting light from an oncoming vehicle of the vehicle.
The control unit
A headlight control device that updates the map data based on the detection result of the detection unit. It is a headlight control method that controls the headlights of a vehicle.
Obtain the position of the vehicle and
Based on the map data including the information of the shield attached to the road that shields the light of the headlight and the acquired position, the distance from the vehicle in the direction including the component in the traveling direction of the vehicle. Is a range equal to or less than the first distance, and it is determined whether or not the shield completely shields a predetermined specific range in which the light from the headlight travels toward the oncoming vehicle of the vehicle. When it is determined that the shield does not completely cover the specific range, the headlight is controlled to a low beam.
Based on the map data and the acquired position, each of the plurality of shields does not completely shield the specific range, and the distance between the plurality of shields is the second distance or less. A headlight control method for controlling the headlight to a high beam in a certain case. It is a headlight control method that controls the headlights of a vehicle.
Obtain the position of the vehicle and
Based on the map data including the information of the shield attached to the road that shields the light of the headlight and the acquired position, the distance from the vehicle in the direction including the component in the traveling direction of the vehicle. Is a range equal to or less than the first distance, and it is determined whether or not the shield completely shields a predetermined specific range in which the light from the headlight travels toward the oncoming vehicle of the vehicle. When it is determined that the shield does not completely cover the specific range, the headlight is controlled to a low beam.
The map data is obtained based on the detection result obtained by at least one of detecting the feature in front of the vehicle as the shield and detecting the light from the oncoming vehicle of the vehicle. Headlight control method to update.

Images