JP7403725B2 - Headlight distribution control device and headlight distribution control method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a headlamp light distribution control device and a headlamp light distribution control method.

One of the purposes of the light distribution control method and light distribution control device for a vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1 is to prevent dazzling of a vehicle ahead. In order to achieve the above object, the method and device of Patent Document 1 described above detects the vehicle position of the preceding vehicle and selectively dims a plurality of illumination areas in accordance with the detected vehicle position of the preceding vehicle. .

International Publication No. 2015-005377

However, the method and device described above detect the vehicle position of the vehicle ahead by analyzing the captured image of the vehicle ahead. Due to the time lag associated with the time required to analyze the image, the illumination area was the one that should be illuminated when the image analysis started, but should not be illuminated when the image analysis was finished. Since the illumination area is illuminated, it may not be possible to prevent the vehicle ahead from being dazzled. Alternatively, if there is a delay in the control system from detection of the forward vehicle position to irradiation, there is a possibility that an illumination area that should no longer be irradiated may be irradiated.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a headlamp light distribution control device and a headlamp light distribution control method that can avoid deteriorating the visibility of other vehicles while ensuring the visibility of one's own vehicle. It is in.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a headlamp light distribution control device according to the present disclosure includes a detection unit that detects the position of another vehicle based on an image of the other vehicle existing in front of the own vehicle; a first determining unit that determines a light-shielding area that is an area to be light-shielded based on the position of another vehicle; a second determining unit that determines a plurality of dimming areas that are regions; an estimating unit that estimates the position of the driver in the other vehicle; and a second determining unit that estimates the position of the driver in the other vehicle; and a control unit that controls the irradiation of the headlamp so that the amount of light in one dimming region that is closer to the one is smaller than the amount of light in other dimming regions other than the one dimming region.

According to the headlamp light distribution control device according to the present disclosure, it is possible to avoid deteriorating the visibility of other vehicles while ensuring the visibility of the own vehicle.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a headlamp light distribution control device ZHS according to the first embodiment. 3 shows the relationship between the host vehicle JS and other vehicles in the first embodiment. 1 shows a hardware configuration of a headlamp light distribution control device ZHS according to a first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment. 7 shows the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 2. The operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 3 is shown. The operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 4 is shown. The operation (part 1) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 5 is shown. The operation (part 2) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment is shown. The operation (Part 3) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 5 is shown. The operation (Part 4) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 5 is shown. The operation (part 1) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS according to the sixth embodiment is shown. The operation (part 2) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS according to the sixth embodiment is shown. The operation (Part 1) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 7 is shown. The operation (part 2) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS according to the seventh embodiment is shown. The operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 8 is shown.

An embodiment of a headlamp light distribution control device according to the present disclosure will be described.

Embodiment 1.
<Embodiment 1>
A headlamp light distribution control device according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

<Functions of Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a headlamp light distribution control device ZHS according to the first embodiment. The functions of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

The headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 1 is designed to control the irradiation of the headlamp ZT according to the situation of the front vehicle ZS and/or the oncoming vehicle TS as other vehicles existing in front of the host vehicle. , as shown in FIG. 1, includes an imaging section SA, a detection section KE, a first determination section KE1, a second determination section KE2, an estimation section SU, and a control section SE. In FIG. 1, the imaging section SA is included in the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS, but the signal may be received from the imaging section SA provided outside the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS.

The detection unit KE corresponds to a “detection unit”, the first determination unit KE1 corresponds to a “first determination unit”, and the second determination unit KE2 corresponds to a “second determination unit”. , the estimating unit SU corresponds to the “estimating unit”, and the control unit SE corresponds to the “control unit SE”.

FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the own vehicle JS of the first embodiment and other vehicles existing in front of the own vehicle.

"Other vehicles" refers to vehicles other than the own vehicle JS. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the other vehicle is located in front of the host vehicle JS and travels along the same road DR1 as the road DR1 on which the host vehicle JS travels, in the same direction as the travel direction of the host vehicle JS. A vehicle ahead of the vehicle ZS and/or a road DR2 that is located in front of the vehicle JS and is opposite to the road DR1 on which the vehicle JS is traveling in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the vehicle JS. This is the oncoming vehicle TS.

Below, in order to facilitate explanation and understanding, the notation "other vehicles ZS, TS" may refer to both/or one of the forward vehicle ZS and/or the oncoming vehicle TS.

Returning to FIG. 1, the imaging unit SA captures images of other vehicles ZS and TS. The imaging unit SA is composed of, for example, a camera.

The detection unit KE detects the positions of the other vehicles ZS and TS based on the images of the other vehicles ZS and TS captured by the imaging unit SA.

Based on the positions of the other vehicles ZS and TS detected by the detection unit KE, the first determination unit KE1 determines, for example, that the driver's visibility of the other vehicles ZS and TS is deteriorated, as shown in FIG. A forward vehicle light shielding region SZS and an oncoming vehicle light shielding region STS, which are regions to be shielded from light in order to prevent this, are determined. As shown in FIG. 2, the front vehicle light-shielding region SZS is mainly a region in front of the forward vehicle ZS in the traveling direction and a region behind the forward vehicle ZS in the traveling direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the oncoming vehicle light shielding region STS is mainly a region diagonally in front of the oncoming vehicle TS in the traveling direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second determination unit KE2 determines, for the front vehicle ZS, a front vehicle left light attenuation area GZS(H) and Determine the front vehicle right light attenuation area GZS(M).

The front vehicle left light amount IZS(H), which is the light amount of the front vehicle left light attenuation area GZS(H), and the front vehicle right light amount IZS(M), which is the light amount of the front vehicle right light attenuation area GZS(M), are controlled by the control unit SE. Due to the control of the irradiation of the headlight ZT, the amount of light is large compared to the light intensity of the front vehicle light shielding area SZS (for example, 0 lumen seconds [lm·s] or a value close to 0 lumens seconds [lm·s]).

Regarding the oncoming vehicle TS, the second determining unit KE2 determines, in the same way as described above, as shown in FIG. The area GTS(H) and the oncoming vehicle right light attenuation area GTS(M) are determined.

The oncoming vehicle left light intensity ITS (H), which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle left light attenuation area GTS (H), and the oncoming vehicle right light intensity ITS (M), which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle right light attenuation area GTS (M), are controlled by the control unit SE. Due to the control of the irradiation of the headlight ZT, the light intensity is large compared to the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle light-blocking area STS (for example, 0 lumen seconds [lm·s] or a value close to 0 lumens seconds [lm·s]).

The estimation unit SU estimates the position of the driver US in the other vehicles ZS and TS, for example, by analyzing the vehicle types of the other vehicles ZS and TS. In analyzing the vehicle type, the vehicle type may be estimated based on information collected by the own vehicle, such as camera images. Alternatively, the vehicle type analysis may be performed by receiving vehicle information using communication between the own vehicle JS and other vehicles ZS and TS. Note that this communication can be any type of communication such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication, road-to-vehicle communication, or via a cloud.
Alternatively, the driver's position may be simply estimated to be right-hand drive in countries and regions where the driver drives on the left-hand side, and left-hand drive in countries and regions where the driver drives on the right-hand side, without analyzing the vehicle type.

The control unit SE determines the position of the driver US of the front vehicle ZS estimated by the estimation unit SU among the front vehicle left light attenuation area GZS (H) and the front vehicle right light attenuation area GZS (M) for the front vehicle ZS. The front vehicle right light intensity IZS(M) of the front vehicle right light attenuation area GZS(M) which is closer to the front vehicle right light attenuation area GZS(M) which is farther from the position of the driver US of the front vehicle ZS estimated by the estimation unit SU The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that it is smaller than the front vehicle left light amount IZS(H) of H).

Regarding the oncoming vehicle TS, the control unit SE selects the oncoming vehicle TS estimated by the estimation unit SU from the oncoming vehicle left dimming area GTS(H) and the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M), as described above. The oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS(M) in the right light attenuation area GTS(M) is closer to the driver US's position than the oncoming vehicle TS estimated by the estimation unit SU. The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the left light intensity of the oncoming vehicle in the left dimming area GTS(H) is smaller than the left light intensity ITS(H) of the oncoming vehicle.

<Hardware configuration of embodiment 1>
FIG. 3 shows the hardware configuration of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment.

The headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the embodiment includes a processor PC, a memory MM, and a storage medium KB, as shown in FIG. 3, in order to perform the above-mentioned functions. It further includes a section NY and an output section SY.

Processor PC is the core of a well-known computer that operates hardware according to software. The memory MM includes, for example, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The storage medium KB includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage medium KB stores the program PR. The program PR is a group of instructions that defines the content of processing to be executed by the processor PC.

The input unit NY receives information and signals from the outside, and is, for example, an interface that receives information from devices such as a camera, microphone, keyboard, mouse, touch panel, or other ECU (Electronic Control Unit) in the own vehicle. It consists of The output unit SY is composed of, for example, an interface that outputs information to devices such as a liquid crystal monitor, printer, touch panel, or other ECU (Electronic Control Unit) in the host vehicle.

Regarding the relationship between the functions and hardware configuration of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS, on the hardware, the processor PC executes the program PR stored in the storage medium KB on the memory MM, and also executes the program as necessary. By controlling the operations of the input section NY and output section SY accordingly, the functions of each section from the imaging section SA to the control section SE are realized.

<Operation of Embodiment 1>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment. The operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4.

Below, in order to facilitate explanation and understanding, both the operation regarding the forward vehicle ZS and the operation regarding the oncoming vehicle TS will be described in parallel. Instead of performing both of the operations described above, the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 1 may perform only the operation related to the vehicle in front ZS, or may perform only the operation related to the oncoming vehicle TS. However, operations regarding both the forward vehicle ZS and the oncoming vehicle TS may be performed.

Step ST11: The imaging unit SA (shown in FIG. 1) takes images of other vehicles ZS and TS (shown in FIG. 2), that is, an image including both the forward vehicle ZS and the oncoming vehicle TS. Instead of capturing an image that includes both the forward vehicle ZS and the oncoming vehicle TS, the imaging unit SA separately captures an image that mainly includes the forward vehicle ZS and an image that mainly includes the oncoming vehicle TS. Good too.

When images of the forward vehicle ZS and oncoming vehicle TS are photographed by the imaging section SA, the detection section KE (shown in FIG. 1) detects the forward vehicle ZS based on the photographed images of the forward vehicle ZS and the oncoming vehicle TS. The position and the position of the oncoming vehicle TS are detected. The position of the forward vehicle ZS and the position of the oncoming vehicle TS are represented by, for example, XY coordinates. Here, the X axis refers to the longitudinal direction of the host vehicle JS, and the Y axis refers to the vehicle width direction of the host vehicle JS.

Step ST12: The first determining unit KE1 (shown in FIG. 1) determines the area to be shaded based on the position of the preceding vehicle ZS detected by the detecting unit KE, as shown in FIG. , that is, the front vehicle light shielding regions SZS located in front and behind the forward vehicle ZS in the traveling direction are determined.

As for the oncoming vehicle TS, the first determination unit KE1 determines a light-shielding area that is a region to be light-shielded based on the position of the oncoming vehicle TS detected by the detection unit KE, as described above. That is, the oncoming vehicle light shielding area STS located in front of the oncoming vehicle TS in the traveling direction is determined.

Step ST13: The second determination unit KE2 (shown in FIG. 1) determines the front vehicle left light attenuation region GZS(H) and Determine the front vehicle right light attenuation area GZS(M). The front vehicle left light amount IZS(H), which is the light amount of the front vehicle left light attenuation area GZS(H), and the front vehicle right light amount IZS(M), which is the light amount of the front vehicle right light attenuation area GZS(M), are The amount of light should be larger than the amount of light in the vehicle light shielding area SZS. IZS(H)>IZS(M). This is to suppress the dazzling of the driver US by reducing the amount of light on the side where the driver US is present compared to the other side. The magnitudes of both the front vehicle left light amount IZS(H) and the front vehicle right light amount IZS(M) are adjusted by the control unit SE controlling the irradiation of the headlight ZT.

As shown in FIG. 2, the forward vehicle left angle θZS(H), which is the irradiation angle of the headlamp ZT that defines the forward vehicle left dimming region GZS(H), and the forward vehicle right dimming region GZS(M As shown in FIG. 2, the forward vehicle right angle θZS(M), which is the irradiation angle of the headlight ZT that defines the angle θZS(M), is approximately the same.

Regarding the oncoming vehicle TS, the second determination unit KE2 determines, based on the oncoming vehicle light blocking area STS, the oncoming vehicle left light reduction area GTS(H) adjacent to the oncoming vehicle light blocking area STS and the oncoming vehicle right light reduction area GTS (H) adjacent to the oncoming vehicle light blocking area STS, as described above. Determine the optical region GTS (M). The oncoming vehicle left light intensity ITS (H), which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle left light attenuation area GTS (H), and the oncoming vehicle right light intensity ITS (M), which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle right light attenuation area GTS (M), are The amount of light should be larger than the amount of light in the vehicle light shielding area STS. The magnitudes of both the oncoming vehicle left light amount ITS (H) and the oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS (M) are adjusted by the control unit SE controlling the irradiation of the headlight ZT.

As shown in FIG. 2, the oncoming vehicle left angle θTS(H), which is the irradiation angle of the headlamp ZT, defines the oncoming vehicle left dimming region GTS(H), and the oncoming vehicle right dimming region GTS( The oncoming vehicle right angle θTS(M), which is the irradiation angle of the headlight ZT that defines M), is approximately the same.

Step ST14: The estimation unit SU (shown in FIG. 1) estimates the position of the driver US in the forward vehicle ZS and the position of the driver US in the oncoming vehicle TS, as shown in FIG. The estimation unit SU estimates the positions of the driver US of the forward vehicle ZS and the oncoming vehicle TS, based on the vehicle types of the forward vehicle ZS and the oncoming vehicle TS, for example.

Step ST15: The control unit SE (shown in FIG. 1) selects one of the plurality of light reduction areas determined by the second determination unit KE2 that is closer to the position of the driver US estimated by the estimation unit SU. The light amount of the light area is smaller than the light amount of other light reduction areas other than the first light reduction area, for example, the light amount of other light reduction areas farther from the driver's position estimated by the estimation unit SU. , controls the operation of illumination by the headlight ZT.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit SE selects the estimation unit SU of the forward vehicle left dimming region GZS(H) and the forward vehicle right dimming region GZS(M) for the preceding vehicle ZS. The forward vehicle right light intensity IZS (M), which is the light intensity of the front vehicle right light attenuation area GZS (M) which is closer to the driver US position estimated by The irradiation of the headlamp ZT is controlled so that the light amount IZS(H) on the left side of the vehicle ahead is smaller than the light amount IZS(H) in the region GZS(H).

As shown in FIG. 2, for the oncoming vehicle TS, the control unit SE selects the estimating unit of the oncoming vehicle left dimming area GTS(H) and the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M) in the same way as described above. The oncoming vehicle right light intensity ITS (M), which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle right light attenuation area GTS (M) which is closer to the driver US position estimated by SU, is different from the oncoming vehicle left light intensity ITS (M) which is closer to the driver US position. The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that it is smaller than the oncoming vehicle left light intensity ITS(H), which is the light intensity of the light area GZS(H).

<Effects of Embodiment 1>
As described above, in the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment, the control unit SE controls the forward vehicle ZS to be close to the forward vehicle light shielding area SZS of the forward vehicle ZS, as shown in FIG. , and the front vehicle right light intensity IZS(M), which is the light amount of the front vehicle right light attenuation area GZS(M) which is closer to the position of the driver US of the front vehicle ZS, is close to the front vehicle light blocking area SZS of the front vehicle ZS, Also, the irradiation by the headlight ZT is controlled so that it is smaller than the front vehicle left light intensity IZS(H), which is the light intensity of the front vehicle left light attenuation area GZS(H) which is farther from the position of the driver US of the front vehicle ZS. .

As shown in FIG. 2, with respect to the oncoming vehicle TS, the control unit SE controls, as described above, an oncoming vehicle that is close to the oncoming vehicle light shielding area STS of the oncoming vehicle TS and closer to the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS. The oncoming vehicle right light intensity ITS(M), which is the light intensity of the vehicle right light attenuation area GTS(M), is closer to the oncoming vehicle light blocking area STS of the oncoming vehicle TS and is further away from the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS. The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that it is smaller than the oncoming vehicle left light amount ITS(H), which is the light amount of the vehicle left light attenuation area GTS(H).

By controlling the illumination of the headlight ZT described above, it is possible to ensure the visibility of the driver of the own vehicle JS while avoiding deterioration of the visibility of the drivers of the other vehicles ZS and TS.

Embodiment 2.
<Embodiment 2>
A headlamp light distribution control device according to a second embodiment will be described.
The headlamp light distribution control device of Embodiment 2 widens the dimming area on the side where the driver US is estimated to be present compared to the other side.

<Functions and hardware configuration of Embodiment 2>
The functions and hardware configuration of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 2 are the same as those of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 1 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). It is.

<Operation of Embodiment 2>
The operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the second embodiment is basically the same as the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment (shown in FIG. 4).

On the other hand, the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the second embodiment is different from the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment, and the irradiation angle of the headlamp ZT is different.

FIG. 5 shows the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the second embodiment.

In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the second embodiment, the control unit SE (shown in FIG. 1) controls the forward vehicle ZS in step ST15 of the flowchart (shown in FIG. 4) as shown in FIG. , the forward vehicle right angle θZS (M), which is the irradiation angle of the headlight ZT for defining the forward vehicle right dimming region GZS (M) closer to the position of the driver US of the forward vehicle ZS, is The headlights are set so that the left angle θZS(H) of the front vehicle is larger than the irradiation angle θZS(H) of the front vehicle left, which is the irradiation angle of the headlight ZT for defining the front vehicle left dimming area GZS(H) which is farther from the position of the driver US. Controls ZT irradiation.

Regarding the oncoming vehicle TS, in the same manner as described above, the control unit SE controls the irradiation angle of the headlight ZT to define the oncoming vehicle right dimming region GTS (M) that is closer to the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS. A certain oncoming vehicle right angle θTS(M) is the irradiation angle of the headlight ZT for defining the oncoming vehicle left dimming area GTS(H) which is farther from the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS. The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the angle θTS(H) is greater than the angle θTS(H).

<Effects of Embodiment 2>
As described above, in the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the second embodiment, the control unit SE controls the front vehicle right angle θZS(M) to be larger than the front vehicle left angle θZS(H) for the front vehicle ZS. The illumination of the headlamp ZT is controlled as follows. Regarding the oncoming vehicle TS, the irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the oncoming vehicle right angle θTS(M) is larger than the oncoming vehicle left angle θTS(H). As a result, even if the preceding vehicle ZS and the oncoming vehicle TS change their driving conditions (e.g., traveling speed, traveling lane), the driver of the preceding vehicle ZS is located within the right dimming region GZS(M) of the preceding vehicle. The possibility that the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS is located is increased, and the possibility that the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS is located within the oncoming vehicle right light attenuation area GTS (M) is increased. Thereby, even if the driving situation of the front vehicle ZS and the oncoming vehicle TS changes, the possibility of avoiding deterioration of the visibility of the driver US of the front vehicle ZS and the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS is further increased. Can be done.

Embodiment 3.
<Embodiment 3>
A headlamp light distribution control device according to a third embodiment will be described.
The headlamp light distribution control device of Embodiment 3 adjusts the light amount in the dimming region by the light amount of the light source.

<Functions and hardware configuration of Embodiment 3>
The functions and hardware configuration of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 3 are the same as those of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 1 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). It is.

<Operation of Embodiment 3>
The operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the third embodiment is basically the same as the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment (shown in FIG. 4).

On the other hand, the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the third embodiment is different from the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment, in that it controls the light amount of the light source of the headlamp ZT.

FIG. 6 shows the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the third embodiment.

In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the third embodiment, the control unit SE (shown in FIG. 1) controls the forward vehicle ZS in step ST15 of the flowchart (shown in FIG. 4) as shown in FIG. , the light intensity of the front vehicle right light source is the light intensity of the light source (not shown) of the headlamp ZT for defining the front vehicle right dimming area GZS(M) which is closer to the position of the driver US of the front vehicle ZS. JZS(M) is the light source light intensity for the left side of the front vehicle JZS( H) Control the irradiation of the headlight ZT so that it becomes smaller.

As shown in FIG. 6, for the oncoming vehicle TS, the control unit SE controls the oncoming vehicle right light reduction area GTS(M) to define the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M) which is closer to the driver's position of the oncoming vehicle TS, in the same manner as described above. A headlight for defining an oncoming vehicle left dimming region GTS(H) where the oncoming vehicle right light source light amount JTS (M), which is the light amount of the light source of the headlight ZT, is farther from the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS. The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that it is smaller than the oncoming vehicle left light source light intensity JTS(H), which is the light intensity of the light source of the lamp ZT.

<Effects of Embodiment 3>
As described above, in the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the third embodiment, the control unit SE determines, as shown in FIG. The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the amount of light from the light source for the left side of the vehicle ahead is smaller than JZS(H). As a result, the front vehicle right light amount IZS(M), which is the light amount of the front vehicle right light attenuation area GZS(M), is smaller than the front vehicle left light amount IZS(H), which is the light amount of the front vehicle left light attenuation area GZS(H). becomes smaller. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a glare phenomenon in which it becomes difficult for the driver US of the vehicle in front ZS to visually recognize pedestrians, etc. due to the illumination of the headlight ZT of the own vehicle JS. .

As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit SE controls the oncoming vehicle TS so that the light source light amount JTS(M) for the right side of the oncoming vehicle is smaller than the light source light amount JTS(H) for the left side of the oncoming vehicle, in the same manner as described above. Then, the irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled. As a result, the oncoming vehicle right light intensity ITS(M), which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle right light attenuation area GTS(M), is greater than the oncoming vehicle left light intensity ITS(H), which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle left light attenuation area GTS(H). becomes smaller. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a glare phenomenon in which it becomes difficult for the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS to visually recognize pedestrians etc. due to the irradiation of the headlight ZT of the own vehicle JS. .

Embodiment 4.
<Embodiment 4>
A headlamp light distribution control device according to a fourth embodiment will be described.
The headlamp light distribution control device of Embodiment 4 controls the amount of light in the vicinity of the driver of the forward vehicle ZS and oncoming vehicle TS to be less than the glare generation limit light amount.

<Functions and hardware configuration of Embodiment 4>
The functions and hardware configuration of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 4 are the same as those of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 1 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). It is.

<Operation of Embodiment 4>
The operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fourth embodiment is basically the same as the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment (shown in FIG. 4).

On the other hand, the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 4 is different from the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 1, in that the amount of light in the dimming region causes a glare phenomenon. The amount of light from the light source of the headlamp ZT is controlled so as not to reach the extent that Here, the maximum amount of light among the amounts of light that does not reach the level that causes the glare phenomenon is referred to as the limit amount of light for generating glare.

FIG. 7 shows the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fourth embodiment.

In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fourth embodiment, the control unit SE (shown in FIG. 1) controls the forward vehicle ZS in step ST15 of the flowchart (shown in FIG. 4) as shown in FIG. is the light intensity of the forward vehicle proximity attenuation area GZS (K), which is the area closest to the position of the driver US, within the forward vehicle right attenuation area GZS (M) which is closer to the position of the driver US of the forward vehicle ZS. The light source of the headlamp ZT (not shown) is used to define the front vehicle right light attenuation area GZS (M) so that a certain front vehicle proximity light amount IZS (K) does not reach a light amount that causes a glare phenomenon. The light intensity JZS(M) of the light source for the right side of the vehicle ahead is controlled.

As shown in FIG. 7, with respect to the oncoming vehicle TS, the control unit SE controls the driver in the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M) which is closer to the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS, in the same manner as described above. In order to prevent the oncoming vehicle proximity light intensity ITS (K), which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle proximity light reduction area GTS (K), which is the area closest to the position of US, from reaching the light intensity that would cause a glare phenomenon, the oncoming vehicle right light reduction area is set. The oncoming vehicle right light source light intensity JTS(M), which is the light intensity of the light source of the headlamp ZT, for defining GTS(M) is controlled.

The control unit SE controls the light amount of the light source of the headlamp ZT described above based on the relationship that the forward vehicle proximity light amount IZS (K) is approximately inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the host vehicle JS and the forward vehicle ZS, and the oncoming vehicle. This is performed using a relationship in which the vehicle proximity light amount ITS(K) is approximately inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the host vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS.

<Effects of Embodiment 4>
As described above, in the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fourth embodiment, the control unit SE controls the front vehicle proximity light amount IZS(K) to suppress the glare phenomenon for the front vehicle ZS, as shown in FIG. The light source light amount JZS(M) for the right side of the vehicle ahead of the headlamp ZT is controlled so as not to reach the amount of light that occurs. According to the first embodiment, this causes a glare phenomenon in which it becomes difficult for the driver US of the vehicle ahead ZS to visually recognize pedestrians etc. due to the illumination of the headlight ZT of the own vehicle JS. It can be suppressed to a greater extent than in comparison.

As shown in FIG. 7, for the oncoming vehicle TS, the control unit SE also controls the headlight ZT for the right side of the oncoming vehicle so that the oncoming vehicle proximity light amount ITS(K) does not reach a light amount that would cause a glare phenomenon. Controls the light source light intensity JTS(M). According to the first embodiment, this causes a glare phenomenon that makes it difficult for the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS to visually recognize pedestrians etc. due to the irradiation of the headlight ZT of the own vehicle JS. It can be suppressed to a greater extent than in comparison.

Embodiment 5.
<Embodiment 5>
A headlamp light distribution control device according to a fifth embodiment will be described.
The headlamp light distribution control device of the fifth embodiment, when the distance, relative speed, or relative angle between the own vehicle JS and other vehicles ZS and TS changes, reduces the light amount in the dimming region compared to before these changes. It is something to control.

<Functions and hardware configuration of Embodiment 5>
The functions and hardware configuration of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 5 are the same as those of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 1 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). It is.

<Operation of Embodiment 5>
The operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment is basically the same as the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment (shown in FIG. 4).

On the other hand, the operation of the headlight distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment is different from the operation of the headlight distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment, in that the relationship between the own vehicle JS and other vehicles ZS and TS is different from the operation of the headlight distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment. Specifically, the forward vehicle right light amount IZS(M) and the oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS(M) (both shown in FIG. 2) are controlled according to the distance, relative speed, and relative angle.

FIG. 8 shows the operation (part 1) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows the operation (part 2) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows the operation (part 3) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows the operation (part 4) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment.

<distance>
(1) As shown in FIG. 8, the distance K1 (JZ) is, for example, the distance between the front part of the own vehicle JS (eg, front bumper) and the rear part (eg, rear bumper) of the vehicle in front ZS.
(2) As shown in FIG. 8, the distance K1 (JT) is, for example, the distance between the front part (eg, front bumper) of the own vehicle JS and the front part (eg, front bumper) of the oncoming vehicle TS.

<Relative speed>
The relative velocity is defined as follows, as shown in FIG.
(1) Relative speed SV1 (JZ) between the speed V1 (J) of own vehicle JS and the speed V1 (Z) of the preceding vehicle ZS = |V1 (J) - V1 (Z) |
(2) Relative speed SV1 (JT) between speed V1 (J) of host vehicle JS and speed V1 (T) of oncoming vehicle TS = | V1 (J) + V1 (T) |
The velocities V1(J), V1(Z), and V1(T) of the own vehicle JS, the preceding vehicle ZS, and the oncoming vehicle TS are determined to be positive or negative in consideration of the traveling direction.

<Relative angle>
(1) As shown in FIG. 8, the relative angle SK1 (JZ) is defined by a virtual center line KC1 (J) that passes through the center of the host vehicle JS (not shown) and is parallel to the traveling direction of the host vehicle JS. , is the angle formed by the virtual straight line KT1 (JZ) passing through the center of the host vehicle JS and the center (not shown) of the preceding vehicle ZS.

(2) As shown in FIG. 8, the relative angle SK1 (JT) is a virtual center line that passes through the virtual center line KC1 (J), the center of the own vehicle JS, and the center of the oncoming vehicle TS (not shown). This is the angle formed by the straight line KT1 (JT).

<Change in distance (front vehicle ZS)>
In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment, the control unit SE (shown in FIG. 1), in step ST15 of the flowchart (shown in FIG. 4), as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, When the distance between own vehicle JS and the preceding vehicle ZS becomes shorter from distance K1 (JZ) (illustrated in FIG. 8) to distance K2 (JZ) (illustrated in FIG. 9), the front vehicle right dimming area GZS(M The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the light amount IZS(M) (shown in FIG. 2) to the right of the vehicle ahead (shown in FIG. 2), which is the light amount of the vehicle, becomes smaller than before the distance change. In contrast to the above, when the distance between the own vehicle JS and the preceding vehicle ZS increases from the distance K2 (JZ) to the distance K1 (JZ), the control unit SE controls the forward vehicle right dimming area GZS(M). The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the light amount IZS(M) to the right of the vehicle ahead becomes larger than before the distance change.

<Change in distance (oncoming vehicle TS)>
In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 5, in step ST15 of the flowchart (shown in FIG. 4), the control unit SE controls the own vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. When the distance between K1 (JT) (shown in Figure 8) decreases to K2 (JT) (shown in Figure 9), the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle right light reduction area GTS (M) decreases. The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the light amount ITS(M) (shown in FIG. 2) is smaller than before the distance change. In contrast to the above, when the distance between the host vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS increases from K2 (JT) to distance K1 (JT), the control unit SE changes the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle right dimming region GTS (M). The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the light amount ITS(M) to the right of the oncoming vehicle becomes larger than before the distance change.

<Change in relative speed (front vehicle ZS)>
In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 5, in step ST15 of the flowchart (shown in FIG. 4), the control unit SE controls the self-vehicle JS and the preceding vehicle ZS, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. When the relative speed between The irradiation of the headlamp ZT is controlled so that the light amount IZS(M) (shown in FIG. 2) is smaller than before the change in relative speed. In contrast to the above, when the relative speed between the own vehicle JS and the preceding vehicle ZS decreases from SV2 (JZ) to SV1 (JZ), the control unit SE controls the light intensity of the preceding vehicle right dimming region GZS (M). The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the amount of light IZS(M) to the right of the vehicle ahead becomes larger than before the change in relative speed.

<Change in relative speed (oncoming vehicle TS)>
In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment, the control unit SE controls the host vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS in step ST15 of the flowchart (shown in FIG. 4), as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. When the relative speed between SV1 (ZT) (shown in Figure 8) increases to SV2 (ZT) (shown in Figure 10), the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle right light reduction area GTS (M) increases. The irradiation of the headlamp ZT is controlled so that the light amount ITS(M) (shown in FIG. 2) is smaller than before the change in relative speed. In contrast to the above, when the relative speed between the host vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS decreases from SV2 (ZT) to SV1 (ZT), the control unit SE changes the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle right dimming region GTS (M). The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the light amount ITS(M) to the right of the oncoming vehicle becomes larger than before the change in relative speed.

<Change in relative angle (front vehicle ZS)>
In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 5, in step ST15 of the flowchart (shown in FIG. 4), the control unit SE controls the self-vehicle JS and the preceding vehicle ZS, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11. As the relative angle between The irradiation of the headlamp ZT is controlled so that the light amount IZS(M) (shown in FIG. 2) is smaller than before the change in relative angle. In contrast to the above, when the relative angle between the own vehicle JS and the preceding vehicle ZS decreases from SK2 (JZ) to SK1 (JZ), the control unit SE adjusts the amount of light in the forward vehicle right dimming region GZS (M). The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the amount of light IZS(M) to the right of the vehicle ahead becomes larger than before the change in the relative angle.

<Change in relative angle (oncoming vehicle TS)>
In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment, the control unit SE controls the own vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS in step ST15 of the flowchart (shown in FIG. 4), as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11. When the relative angle between SK1 (JT) (shown in Fig. 8) increases from SK2 ((JT) (shown in Fig. 11)), the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle right attenuation area GTS (M) increases. The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the right light amount ITS(M) (shown in FIG. 2) is smaller than before the change in relative angle.In contrast to the above, the control unit SE controls the irradiation of the headlight ZT. When the relative angle between own vehicle JS and oncoming vehicle TS decreases from SK2(JT) to SK1((JT), oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS(M), which is the light amount of oncoming vehicle right light reduction area GTS(M), decreases. The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that it becomes larger than before the change in relative angle.

<Effects of Embodiment 5>
As described above, in the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment, the control unit SE controls the forward vehicle ZS according to the distance, relative speed, and relative angle between the own vehicle JS and the forward vehicle ZS. , the irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the front vehicle right light amount IZS(M), which is the light amount of the front vehicle right light attenuation area GZS(M), changes. As a result, the occurrence of a glare phenomenon in which the driver US's visibility of the preceding vehicle ZS is deteriorated due to the illumination of the own vehicle JS's headlight ZT can be prevented by reducing the distance between the own vehicle JS and the preceding vehicle ZS, the relative It can be reduced depending on the change in speed and relative angle.

Regarding the oncoming vehicle TS, the control unit SE also determines the amount of light in the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS (M) according to the distance, relative speed, and relative angle between the host vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS. The headlamp ZT irradiation is controlled so that the right light amount ITS(M) changes. As a result, the occurrence of a glare phenomenon that deteriorates the visibility of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS due to the illumination of the headlight ZT of the own vehicle JS can be prevented between the own vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS. It can be reduced depending on changes in distance, relative velocity, and relative angle.

Embodiment 6.
<Embodiment 6>
A headlamp light distribution control device according to a sixth embodiment will be described.
Instead of estimating the position of the driver US of another vehicle based on information obtained by the own vehicle or information obtained through communication, the headlight distribution control device of the sixth embodiment estimates the position of the driver US of the other vehicle based on the direction of travel on the road. This method simply estimates the position of the driver US of the other vehicle.

<Functions and hardware configuration of Embodiment 6>
The functions and hardware configuration of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). It is.

<Operation of Embodiment 6>
The operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the sixth embodiment is basically the same as the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment (shown in FIG. 4).

On the other hand, the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the sixth embodiment is different from the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment, in that the oncoming vehicle right dimming region GTS ( M) and the oncoming vehicle left light attenuation area GTS(H) are controlled depending on the road traffic direction (left-hand traffic, right-hand traffic). In the sixth embodiment, the vehicle types of the forward vehicle ZS and the oncoming vehicle TS are simply analyzed using the direction of travel on the road. In other words, if the vehicle is driving on the left, the other vehicle is assumed to be driving on the right, and if driving on the right, the other vehicle is assumed to be driving on the left.

FIG. 12 is an example of countries and regions where vehicles drive on the left, and shows the operation (part 1) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows an example of countries and regions where drivers drive on the right side, and shows the operation (Part 2) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the sixth embodiment.

In the headlight distribution control device ZHS of the sixth embodiment, the detection unit KE (shown in FIG. 1) detects whether the other vehicles ZS and TS are the oncoming vehicle TS in step ST11 of the flowchart (shown in FIG. 4). Detect whether it exists or not.

<When driving on the left side>
In step ST11 described above, when it is detected that the other vehicle ZS, TS is an oncoming vehicle TS, in step ST15 of the flowchart described above, the control unit SE (shown in FIG. 1), as shown in FIG. On the left-hand road DR2, the oncoming vehicle right light intensity ITS(M), which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M) which is closer to the right side of the oncoming vehicle TS in the direction of travel, is on the left side of the oncoming vehicle TS in the direction of travel. The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that it is smaller than the oncoming vehicle left light intensity ITS(H) which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle left light attenuation area GTS(H) which is closer.

<When driving on the right side>
Similarly to the above, when it is detected in step ST11 that the other vehicle ZS, TS is the oncoming vehicle TS, in step ST15 of the above flowchart, the control unit SE, unlike the above, As shown in , the oncoming vehicle left light intensity ITS(H), which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle left light attenuation area GTS(H) which is closer to the left side in the traveling direction of the oncoming vehicle TS on the right-hand traffic road DR2, is smaller than that of the oncoming vehicle TS. The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that it is smaller than the oncoming vehicle right light intensity ITS(M), which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle right light attenuation area GTS(M) closer to the right side in the direction of travel.

<Effects of Embodiment 6>
As described above, in the headlight distribution control device ZHS of the sixth embodiment, for the oncoming vehicle TS, the control unit SE controls the oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS (M) when driving on the left, as shown in FIG. The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the left light amount ITS(H) of the oncoming vehicle becomes smaller than the left light amount ITS(H). In contrast to the above, as shown in FIG. 13, in the case of right-hand traffic, the control unit SE controls the headlights so that the left light amount ITS (H) of the oncoming vehicle is smaller than the right light amount ITS (M) of the oncoming vehicle. Controls the irradiation of the lamp ZT. Here, in many cases, the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS (right side, left side in the direction of travel) is specified based on the traffic direction of the road (left side traffic, right side traffic).

Therefore, in the headlight distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 6, the estimation unit SU of Embodiment 1 estimates the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS based on the information obtained by the own vehicle or the information obtained through communication. Instead, by using the method of identifying the driver US described above, it is possible to determine which of the oncoming vehicle left light intensity ITS (H) and the oncoming vehicle right light intensity ITS (M) should be relatively reduced. It can be done easily.

Embodiment 7.
<Embodiment 7>
A headlamp light distribution control device according to a seventh embodiment will be described.
The headlight distribution control device of Embodiment 7 is configured such that the distance between the host vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS is shorter than the threshold distance, the relative speed is greater than the threshold relative speed, or the relative angle is greater than the threshold relative angle. In this case, the amount of light in the dimming region on the side where the driver of the oncoming vehicle TS is estimated to be present is made smaller than that on the other side.
Here, when the distance between the host vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS is shorter than the threshold distance, the relative speed is larger than the threshold relative speed, or the relative angle is larger than the threshold relative angle, it means that the oncoming vehicle TS is in the light-shielding area. This is the time when it is easy to deviate from the

<Functions and hardware configuration of Embodiment 7>
The functions and hardware configuration of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 7 are the same as those of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 1 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). It is.

<Operation of Embodiment 7>
The operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the seventh embodiment is basically the same as the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment (shown in FIG. 4).

On the other hand, the operation of the headlight distribution control device ZHS of the seventh embodiment is different from the operation of the headlight distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment, in that the distance between the own vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS, The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled according to the relative speed and relative angle.

FIG. 14 shows the operation (part 1) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows the operation (part 2) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS according to the seventh embodiment.

In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 7, the detection unit KE (shown in FIG. 1) performs the following steps in step ST11 of the flowchart (shown in FIG. 4): FIGS. As shown in (in the case of right-hand traffic), it is detected whether the other vehicles ZS and TS are the oncoming vehicle TS.

When it is detected that the other vehicles ZS and TS are the oncoming vehicle TS, the control unit SE (shown in FIG. 1), in step ST15 of the above flowchart, (1A) detects the distance between the host vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS. Compare the distance K2 (JT) and a predetermined threshold distance KTH, (1B) compare the relative speed SV2 (JT) between the own vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS and the predetermined threshold relative speed SVTH, (1C) Compare the relative angle SK2 (JT) between the host vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS with a predetermined threshold relative angle SKTH.

The control unit SE controls (1A) when distance K2 (JT) is shorter than threshold distance KTH, (1B) when relative velocity SV2 (JT) is greater than threshold relative velocity SVTH, or (1C) relative angle SK2 (JT). is larger than the threshold relative angle SKTH, the following operations are performed.

<When driving on the left side>
As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit SE controls the oncoming vehicle right light intensity ITS(M), which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle right light attenuation area GTS(M) which is closer to the right side in the traveling direction of the oncoming vehicle TS on the left-hand road DR2. ) is smaller than the oncoming vehicle left light intensity ITS(H), which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle left light attenuation area GTS(H), which is closer to the left side in the direction of travel of the oncoming vehicle TS. .

<When driving on the right side>
As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit SE controls the oncoming vehicle left light intensity ITS(H), which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle left light attenuation area GTS(H), which is closer to the left side in the traveling direction of the oncoming vehicle TS on the right-hand road DR2. ) is smaller than the oncoming vehicle right light intensity ITS(M), which is the light intensity of the oncoming vehicle right light reduction area GTS(M) which is closer to the right side in the direction of movement of the oncoming vehicle TS. .

In contrast to the above, the control unit SE controls (1A) when the distance K2 (JT) is longer than the threshold distance KTH, (1B) when the relative speed SV2 (JT) is smaller than the threshold relative speed SVTH, or (1C). ) When the relative angle SK2 (JT) is smaller than the threshold relative angle SKTH, the above-described control of the irradiation of the headlight ZT is not performed.

<Effects of Embodiment 7>
As described above, in the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the seventh embodiment, when it is detected that the other vehicle ZS, TS is the oncoming vehicle TS, the control unit SE, as shown in FIG. In the case of left-hand traffic, the illumination of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the left light intensity ITS (H) of the oncoming vehicle is smaller than the right light intensity ITS (M) of the oncoming vehicle, and as shown in FIG. 15, in the case of right-hand traffic. , the irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the light amount ITS (M) on the right side of the oncoming vehicle becomes smaller than the light amount ITS (H) on the left side of the oncoming vehicle.

As a result, regardless of whether road DR2 is for left-hand traffic or right-hand traffic, the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS (M) (left-hand traffic) is a dimming area closer to the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS. (in the case of driving on the right, shown in FIG. 14), and the left dimming area GTS(H) of the oncoming vehicle (in the case of right-hand traffic, shown in FIG. 15). As a result, similar to the headlight distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment, a glare phenomenon occurs in which the visibility of the oncoming vehicle TS to the driver US is deteriorated due to the irradiation of the headlight ZT of the host vehicle JS. The occurrence of this can be reduced according to changes in the distance, relative speed, and relative angle between the host vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS.

In many cases, the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS (right side, left side in the direction of travel) is specified based on the direction of travel on the road (left side traffic, right side traffic). Therefore, by considering the traffic direction of the road (left-hand traffic, right-hand traffic), similarly to the headlight distribution control device ZHS of the sixth embodiment, the oncoming vehicle left light amount ITS (H) and the oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS ( It is possible to easily determine which of M) should be relatively reduced.

Embodiment 8.
<Embodiment 8>
A headlamp light distribution control device according to an eighth embodiment will be described.
The headlamp light distribution control device of Embodiment 8 reduces the amount of light on the inner side of the turn when the preceding vehicle ZS is turning.

<Functions and hardware configuration of Embodiment 8>
The functions and hardware configuration of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 8 are the same as those of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 1 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). It is.

<Operation of Embodiment 8>
The operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the eighth embodiment is basically the same as the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment (shown in FIG. 4).

On the other hand, the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the eighth embodiment differs from the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment, in that the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the eighth embodiment is different from the operation of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the embodiment 1 depending on whether the front vehicle ZS is turning. to control the irradiation of the headlight ZT.

FIG. 16 shows the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the eighth embodiment.

In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 8, the detection unit KE (shown in FIG. 1) detects that the other vehicles ZS and TS are in front of the vehicle ZS in step ST11 of the flowchart (shown in FIG. 4). It detects whether there is one or not, and whether or not it is turning.

As shown in FIG. 16, when it is detected that the other vehicles ZS and TS are the preceding vehicle ZS and are turning, the control unit SE (shown in FIG. 1) executes step ST15 of the above flowchart. In other words, the light intensity of the front vehicle right dimming area GZS(M) which is closer to the center (not shown) of the virtual arc drawn when the front vehicle ZS turns, is inside the turning direction of the front vehicle ZS. The front vehicle right light amount IZS(M) is located outside the front vehicle ZS's turning direction, in other words, the front vehicle left light attenuation area GZS is farther from the center of the virtual arc drawn when the front vehicle ZS turns. The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the light amount IZS(H) to the left of the vehicle ahead is smaller than the light amount IZS(H).

<Effects of Embodiment 8>
As described above, in the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 8, when the other vehicle ZS, TS is the front vehicle ZS and is turning, the control unit SE controls the turning direction of the front vehicle ZS. The irradiation of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the light amount IZS(M) on the right side of the front vehicle, which is on the inside, is smaller than the light amount IZS(H) on the left side of the front vehicle, which is the outside in the turning direction of the front vehicle ZS. As a result, against the background that the line of sight of the driver US of the forward vehicle ZS is concentrated on the inside in the turning direction, the driver's visibility of the forward vehicle ZS is reduced due to the illumination by the headlight ZT of the own vehicle JS. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of the glare phenomenon that would worsen.

The embodiments described above may be combined with each other without departing from the gist of the present disclosure, and components in each embodiment may be deleted or changed, or other components may be added as appropriate. good.

The headlamp light distribution control device according to the present disclosure can be used to avoid deteriorating the visibility of other vehicles while ensuring the visibility of the own vehicle.

DR1 Road, DR2 Road, GTS (M) Oncoming vehicle right light reduction area, GTS (H) Oncoming vehicle left light reduction area, GTS (K) Oncoming vehicle proximity light reduction area, GZS (M) Right light reduction area of front vehicle, GZS (H) Front vehicle left light attenuation area, GZS (K) Front vehicle proximity attenuation area, ITS (M) Oncoming vehicle right light intensity, ITS (H) Oncoming vehicle left light intensity, ITS (K) Oncoming vehicle proximity light intensity, IZS (M) Right light intensity of the vehicle ahead, IZS (H) Light intensity of the left vehicle ahead, IZS (K) Proximity light intensity of the vehicle ahead, JS Own vehicle, JTS (M) Light intensity of the light source for the right side of the oncoming vehicle, JTS (H) Light intensity of the light source for the left side of the oncoming vehicle , JZS(M) Light source light intensity for the right side of the vehicle ahead, JZS(H) Light intensity of the light source for the left side of the front vehicle, KTH Threshold distance, K1 distance, K2 distance, KB Storage medium, KC1 Virtual center line, KE Detection unit, KE1 First determination section, KE2 second determining section, KT1 virtual straight line, MM memory, NY input section, PC processor, PR program, SA imaging section, SE control section, SK1 relative angle, SK2 relative angle, SKTH threshold relative angle, STS oncoming vehicle Shading area, SU estimation section, SV1 relative speed, SV2 relative speed, SVTH threshold relative speed, SY output section, SZS forward vehicle shading area, TS oncoming vehicle, US driver, ZHS headlamp light distribution control device, ZS forward vehicle , ZT Headlight, θTS (H) Left angle of the oncoming vehicle, θTS (M) Right angle of the oncoming vehicle, θZS (H) Left angle of the vehicle ahead, θZS (M) Right angle of the vehicle ahead.

Claims (9)

a detection unit that detects the position of the other vehicle based on an image of the other vehicle existing in front of the own vehicle;
a first determination unit that determines a light-shielding area that is a region to be light-shielded based on the detected position of the other vehicle;
a second determining unit that determines a plurality of light attenuation areas that are close to the determined light blocking area and where the amount of light should be greater than the amount of light in the light blocking area;
an estimation unit that estimates the position of the driver in the other vehicle;
Out of the plurality of light reduction areas, the headlight is configured such that the light amount of one light reduction area closer to the estimated driver's position is smaller than the light amount of other light reduction areas other than the one light reduction area. a control unit that controls irradiation of the light;
Headlamp light distribution control device including. The control unit controls the illumination angle of the headlight to define the one dimming region, and the headlight's illumination angle to define the other dimming region. 2. The headlamp light distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation angle is greater than the irradiation angle. The control unit controls the illumination of the headlamp such that the amount of light from the light source of the headlamp for defining the one dimming region is equal to the amount of light of the headlamp for defining the other dimming region. The headlamp light distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein the headlamp light distribution control device controls the light intensity to be smaller than the light intensity of the light source of the lamp. The control unit controls the illumination of the headlamp such that the amount of light from the light source of the headlamp for defining the first dimming region is such that the amount of light in the first dimming region causes a glare phenomenon. 2. The headlamp light distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein the headlamp light distribution control device controls the light amount so that the amount of light is below a glare generation limit light amount that does not reach the amount of light. When the distance between the own vehicle and the other vehicle is shorter than when it is long, when the relative speed between the own vehicle and the other vehicle is greater than when it is small, or when the relative speed between the own vehicle and the other vehicle is large than when it is small, When the relative angle, which is the angle defined by the first imaginary straight line parallel to the traveling direction of the own vehicle and the second imaginary straight line passing through the own vehicle and the other vehicle, is larger than when it is small, The headlamp light distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein the amount of light in the one dimming area is reduced. The detection unit detects whether the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle traveling in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the host vehicle,
When it is detected that the other vehicle is the oncoming vehicle, the control unit is configured such that when the other vehicle is detected to be the oncoming vehicle, the amount of light in the first dimming area closer to the right side of the oncoming vehicle in the direction of travel of the oncoming vehicle on the left-hand road is adjusted to The light intensity of the first light reduction area closer to the left side of the oncoming vehicle on a right-hand road is smaller than the light intensity of the other light reduction area closer to the left side of the direction, or the light intensity of the first light reduction area closer to the left side of the oncoming vehicle on a right-hand road The headlamp light distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein the headlamp is irradiated with a light intensity smaller than that of the other dimming area closer to the right side in the direction of travel. The detection unit detects whether the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle traveling in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the host vehicle,
When it is detected that the other vehicle is the oncoming vehicle, and when the distance between the own vehicle and the oncoming vehicle is shorter than a predetermined threshold distance, the control unit controls the distance between the own vehicle and the oncoming vehicle. is greater than a predetermined threshold relative speed, or a first virtual straight line passing through the own vehicle and parallel to the traveling direction of the own vehicle and a second virtual straight line passing through the own vehicle and the oncoming vehicle. When the relative angle, which is the angle defined by the straight line and such that the light intensity of the first light attenuation area closer to the left side of the oncoming vehicle on a right-hand road is smaller than the light intensity of the other light attenuation area closer to the left side of the oncoming vehicle in the direction of travel of the oncoming vehicle. The headlamp light distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein the headlamp is emitted such that the amount of light is smaller than that of the other dimming area closer to the right side in the direction of travel of the vehicle. The detection unit detects whether the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle traveling in the same direction as the own vehicle, and whether the other vehicle is turning.
The control unit controls the illumination of the headlights such that when the other vehicle is the vehicle ahead and is turning, the amount of light in a dimming area on the inside of the turning direction is different from the amount of light on the outside of the turning direction. The headlamp light distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein the headlamp light distribution control device performs the control so that the light amount is smaller than the light amount in the dimming region. a detection unit detects the position of the other vehicle based on an image of the other vehicle existing in front of the own vehicle;
a first determination unit determines a light-shielding area that is a region to be light-shielded based on the detected position of the other vehicle;
a second determining unit determines a plurality of light-attenuating regions that are close to the determined light-blocking region and whose light amount should be larger than the light amount of the light-blocking region;
the estimation unit estimates the position of the driver in the other vehicle;
The control unit may cause a light intensity of one light reduction area closer to the estimated driver's position to be smaller than a light amount of other light reduction areas other than the one light reduction area among the plurality of light reduction areas. Control the headlight irradiation like this,
Headlamp light distribution control method.

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