WO2019244340A1 - Headlight control device and headlight control method - Google Patents

Headlight control device and headlight control method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019244340A1
WO2019244340A1 PCT/JP2018/023805 JP2018023805W WO2019244340A1 WO 2019244340 A1 WO2019244340 A1 WO 2019244340A1 JP 2018023805 W JP2018023805 W JP 2018023805W WO 2019244340 A1 WO2019244340 A1 WO 2019244340A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
headlight
vehicle
shield
control device
specific range
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Application number
PCT/JP2018/023805
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
三浦　秀之
Original Assignee
三菱電機株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 三菱電機株式会社 filed Critical 三菱電機株式会社
Priority to JP2020525197A priority Critical patent/JP6968278B2/en
Priority to PCT/JP2018/023805 priority patent/WO2019244340A1/en
Publication of WO2019244340A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019244340A1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/14—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights having dimming means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a headlight control device and a headlight control method for controlling a headlight of a vehicle.
  • a headlight control device has been proposed that suppresses the headlight of a vehicle from obstructing driving of an oncoming vehicle. For example, in the technique of Patent Document 1, an image captured 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 a light of an oncoming vehicle obtained thereby.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a technique capable of accelerating the switching timing of headlights and increasing the switching accuracy.
  • a headlight control device is a headlight control device that controls a headlight of a vehicle, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires a position of the vehicle, and a shield attached to a road that shields light from the headlight.
  • the distance from the vehicle in the direction including the component of the traveling direction of the vehicle is less than or equal to the first distance based on the map data including the information of the headlight and the position acquired by the acquisition unit.
  • a predetermined specific range in which light travels toward the oncoming vehicle of the vehicle is determined, and it is determined whether or not the shielding completely blocks the specific range.
  • a control unit for controlling the light to a low beam is determined.
  • the present invention it is determined whether or not a shield completely blocks a specific range based on map data including information on a shield attached to a road, which blocks light from a headlight, and an acquired position. Is determined, and if it is determined that the obstacle does not completely cover the specific range, the headlight is controlled to the low beam. According to such a configuration, the headlight switching timing can be advanced and the switching accuracy can be increased.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a headlight control device according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a specific range according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the specific range according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the headlight control device according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the headlight control device according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the headlight control device according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the headlight control device according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the headlight control device according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the headlight control device according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the headlight control device according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a navigation device according to a second embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a navigation device according to Embodiment 2.
  • 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the navigation device according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the navigation device according to the third embodiment.
  • 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of the navigation device according to the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a navigation device according to a fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a navigation device according to a fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the navigation device according to the fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a navigation device according to another modification.
  • FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a navigation device according to another modification. It is a block diagram showing the composition of the server concerning other modifications.
  • FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication terminal according to another modification.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a headlight control device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the headlight control device 1 is a device that controls the headlights 42 of the vehicle.
  • a vehicle whose headlights 42 are 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 vehicle based on a signal from an artificial satellite, and an interface thereof.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the control unit 12 controls the headlight 42 using map data that shields the light of the headlight 42 and includes information on a shield attached to a road.
  • the shield is, for example, a feature such as a building along a road, and a shield such as a soundproof wall or a tree disposed on a divider such as a central divider.
  • the information on the shield includes, for example, the area of the shield on the map.
  • the map data used by the control unit 12 may be map data stored in the headlight control device 1 in advance, or may be obtained by the headlight control device 1 from a device external to the headlight control device 1 through communication or the like. Map data may be used.
  • the distance from the host vehicle in the direction including the traveling direction component of the host vehicle is within the first distance or less, and the light from the headlights 42 is directed to the oncoming vehicle of the host vehicle.
  • the specific range to advance is determined in advance.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the specific range 71
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another example of the specific range 71.
  • the specific range 71 in FIG. 2 is the entire range within which the light from the headlights 42 travels toward the oncoming vehicle 73 of the host vehicle 72, within the range of the first distance L or less.
  • 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. is there.
  • the first distance in FIGS. 2 and 3 is, for example, a distance (for example, 100 m) that the high beam of the headlight 42 reaches.
  • the distance between the part of the specific range 71 on the own vehicle side and the own vehicle 72 in FIG. 3 is, for example, a 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 host vehicle.
  • the control unit 12 determines whether or not the shield completely covers the specific range 71 based on the map data and the position acquired by the acquisition unit 11. That the shielding completely covers the specific range 71 is, for example, that the shielding straddles the end of the specific range 71 on the own vehicle 72 side and the end on the opposite side of the own vehicle 72, or the shielding is This includes overlapping with the left end or right end of the specific range 71.
  • FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 are diagrams for explaining the determination in the specific range 71 of FIG.
  • 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 determines that the shield 74 completely covers the specific range 71. Is determined to be shielded.
  • FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are diagrams for explaining the determination in the specific range 71 of FIG.
  • 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 determines that the shield 74 completely covers the specific range 71. Is determined to be shielded.
  • the control unit 12 controls the headlight 42 to a low beam when it is determined that the shielding object 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 under the control of the control unit 12.
  • the headlight control device 1 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, the above determination can be made in advance, so that the switching timing of the headlights 42 can be advanced. In addition, since there is no influence of image blur, the switching accuracy of the headlights 42 can be improved. As a result, it is possible to prevent the headlights 42 of the own vehicle from affecting the driving of the oncoming vehicle.
  • FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the navigation device 6.
  • the same or similar components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different components will be mainly described.
  • the navigation device 6 in 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
  • the shield information analysis unit 12a, the overall 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 for a destination from a map, link information and node information for searching for a desired route from a map, and is digitized. ing.
  • the shielding information analysis unit 12a is provided with a soundproof disposed on a divider such as a central divider. It is determined whether a shield such as a wall or a tree exists in front of the vehicle. Note that the front of the host vehicle here includes a range that is inclined laterally from the front of the host vehicle.
  • the overall control unit 12b performs various calculations in the navigation device 6 and controls the entire device.
  • the general control unit 12b determines that the block information exists in the occlusion information analysis unit 12a. It is determined whether or not the determined blocking object completely blocks the specific range 71. Then, the overall control unit 12b determines that the headlight 42 is to be switched to the high beam when the shielding object completely covers the specific range 71, and determines that the shielding object does not completely cover the specific range 71. Then, it is determined that the headlight 42 is switched to the low beam.
  • the overall control unit 12b determines the 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. , And control to guide the driver to the destination using the searched route is performed.
  • 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 overall 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 in FIG.
  • the GPS receiver 22 detects the position of the own vehicle based on a signal from an 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 overall control unit 12b, and the headlight switching control unit 12c in FIG.
  • the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 performs a route search and a process for realizing the functions of the shielding information analysis unit 12a, the overall 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 RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 a program developed in the course of the processing of the CPU 31, map data, calculation results, and the like are written.
  • 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 devices external to the control unit 30 (for example, a display device and a communication device (not shown)). A process for exchanging information with the device.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device 6 according to the second embodiment.
  • the current position detecting section 11a detects the current position of the own vehicle.
  • the shielding information analysis unit 12a acquires from the map data storage unit 13 map data around the current position detected in step S1.
  • step S3 the shielding information analysis unit 12a determines from the map data acquired in step S2 that a road divider exists in front of the current position (own vehicle) detected in step S1, and that the divider is It is determined whether or not an obstruction exists on the top. If it is determined that there is a separation zone in front of the current position (own vehicle) and there is a blocking object, the process proceeds to step S4; otherwise, the process returns to step S1.
  • step S4 the overall control unit 12b determines whether or not the obstacle determined in step S3 completely covers the specific range 71. If it is determined that the shielding object completely covers the specific range 71, the process proceeds to step S5. If it is determined that the shielding object does not completely cover the specific range 71, the process proceeds to step S6.
  • step S5 the overall control unit 12b determines that the headlight 42 is to be 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 the low beam. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 12 ends.
  • step S6 the overall control unit 12b determines that the headlight 42 is to be 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 the high beam. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 12 ends.
  • the headlight 42 is controlled to the high beam when it is determined that the obstruction completely covers the specific range 71. According to such a configuration, when switching to the high beam, the switching timing can be advanced, and the switching accuracy of the headlights 42 can be increased.
  • the shielding information analysis unit 12a determines each of the plurality of shielding objects 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 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 host vehicle. If the plurality of shields does not completely cover the specific range 71 and the distance between the plurality of shields is equal to or less than the second distance, the general control unit 12b determines that the head The light 42 is controlled to a high beam.
  • an initial value for example, 30 cm
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the determination by the overall control unit 12b. Although FIG. 13 shows the case of the specific range 71 in FIG. 2, the same applies to the case of the specific range 71 in FIG.
  • the overall control unit 12b performs the same determination as in the first and second embodiments on each of 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 equal to or less than the second distance, the general control unit 12b according to the third embodiment substantially covers the specific range 71 with the shields 74a and 74b as a whole. Therefore, the headlight 42 is controlled to the high beam.
  • FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device 6 according to the third embodiment.
  • steps S1 to S5 the same processing as in steps S1 to S5 in FIG. 12 is performed. However, if it is determined in step S4 that the obstacle does not completely cover the specific range 71, the process proceeds to step S11.
  • step S11 the shielding information analysis unit 12a determines from the map data acquired in step S2 whether a plurality of shielding objects are present in front of the current position (own vehicle) detected in step S1. Do. If it is determined that a plurality of shields exist, the process proceeds to step S12. If it is determined that the plurality of shields do not exist, the process proceeds to step S14.
  • step S12 the overall control unit 12b calculates a distance between the plurality of shields and determines whether the distance is equal to or less than a second distance. If it is determined that the calculated distance is equal to or smaller than the second distance, the process proceeds to step S13. If it is determined that the calculated distance is larger than the second distance, the process proceeds to step S14.
  • step S13 the overall control unit 12b determines to switch the headlight 42 to the high beam, and the headlight switching control unit 12c switches the headlight 42 to the high beam when the headlight 42 is the low beam. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 14 ends.
  • step S14 the overall control unit 12b determines to switch the headlight 42 to the low beam, and the headlight switching control unit 12c switches the headlight 42 to the low beam when the headlight 42 is the high beam. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 14 ends.
  • the distance between the plurality of shields is equal to the distance between the plurality of shields. If the distance is two or less, the headlight 42 is controlled to a high beam. According to such a configuration, 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, the high beam of the headlight 42 can be used.
  • FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the navigation device 6 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
  • the same or similar components as those described above are denoted 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 as 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 in FIG. 15 is mounted on, for example, the own vehicle in FIG. 16, and captures an image in front of the own vehicle, analyzes the image, and detects a blocking object or light. It is mounted and corresponds to a sensor 24 for detecting a shield or light in front of the host vehicle.
  • the overall control unit 12b in FIG. 15 complements the determination as to whether or not the shield completely covers the specific range 71 based on the detection result of the information detection unit 14. This complementation is performed in step S3 and step S4 in FIG. 12 or FIG.
  • the overall control unit 12b determines that the distance between the host vehicle and the shield is smaller than the first distance and that the detection accuracy of the information detection unit 14 can be obtained to some extent (hereinafter, “detection accuracy distance”). Note) It is determined whether: Then, it is determined that the distance between the host 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 are used. Are different, the overall control unit 12b adopts the detection result of the information detection unit 14.
  • FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the distance between the host vehicle and the shield, the detection result of the information detection unit 14, the determination result using the map data, and the overall determination result based on these. .
  • the detection result of the information detection unit 14 is “not completely shielded”, and the determination result using the map data is “completely”. “Shield”.
  • the overall control unit 12b adopts the detection result of the information detection unit 14 and the comprehensive determination result is “not completely shielded”. Is determined.
  • ⁇ Summary of Embodiment 4> For example, there is a case where the map data does not reflect that the soundproof wall has been removed and no shield exists, or that the tree has withered and the shield substantially does not exist. In such a case, if the headlights 42 are controlled based on the determination using only the map data, the headlights 42 may not be properly switched.
  • the determination of whether or not the obstacle completely covers the specific range 71 is complemented. According to such a configuration, switching of the headlights 42 can be performed more appropriately.
  • the overall control unit 12b complements the determination of whether or not the shield completely blocks the specific range 71 based on the detection result of the information detection unit 14.
  • the central 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 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. In the case where is different, the overall control unit 12b reflects the detection result of the information detection unit 14 on the map data in the map data storage unit 13.
  • a pole may be stored as a shield in map data.
  • the pole since the pole is relatively thin, it is conceivable that the high beam of the headlights 42 of the own vehicle affects the driving of the oncoming vehicle.
  • the map data is updated based on the detection result of the information detection unit 14.
  • a pole or the like can be excluded from the shield, so that the headlight 42 can be more appropriately switched the next time the host vehicle travels in the same place.
  • acquisition unit 11 and control unit 12 in FIG. 1 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 illustrated in FIG. That is, based on the acquisition unit 11 for acquiring the position of the vehicle, the map data including the information on the obstacle, and the position acquired by the acquisition unit 11, the processing circuit 81 completely blocks the specific range of the obstacle. And a control unit 12 that controls the headlight 42 to a low beam when it is determined that the shielding object does not completely cover the specific range.
  • the processing circuit 81 dedicated hardware may be applied, or a processor that executes a program stored in a memory may be applied.
  • 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.
  • the processing circuit 81 When the processing circuit 81 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 81 includes, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate). Array), or a combination of these.
  • the function of each unit such as the acquisition unit 11 may be realized by a circuit in which processing circuits are distributed, or the function of each unit may be realized by one processing circuit.
  • the processing circuit 81 When the processing circuit 81 is a processor, the functions of the acquisition unit 11 and the like are realized by combination with software and the like. Note that software and the like correspond to, for example, software, firmware, or software and firmware. Software and the like are described as programs and stored in a memory. As shown in FIG. 19, a processor 82 applied to the processing circuit 81 reads out and executes a program stored in a memory 83 to realize the function of each unit.
  • the headlight control device 1 when executed by the processing circuit 81, based on the step of acquiring the position of the vehicle, the map data including the information on the shielding object, and the acquired position, the shielding light Determining whether or not the specific area is completely occluded, and, if it is determined that the obstruction does not completely occlude the specific area, controlling the headlights 42 to a low beam.
  • a memory 83 for storing a program to be used. In other words, it can be said that this program causes a computer to execute the procedure and method of the acquisition unit 11 and the like.
  • the memory 83 is, for example, a nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and an HDD (Hard Disk). 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 to be used in the future.
  • a nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and an HDD (Hard Disk). 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 to be used in the future
  • each function of the acquisition unit 11 and the like is realized by one of hardware and software has been described above.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a part of the acquisition unit 11 and the like is realized by dedicated hardware and another part is realized by software and the like may be adopted.
  • the function of the acquisition unit 11 is realized by a processing circuit 81 as dedicated hardware, an interface and a receiver, and the processing circuit 81 as the processor 82 reads the program stored in the memory 83 in other cases. By executing the function, the function can be realized.
  • the processing circuit 81 can realize each function described above by hardware, software, or the like, or a combination thereof.
  • the headlight control device 1 described above includes a vehicle device such as a PND (Portable Navigation Device) and a navigation device, a communication terminal including a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, and a tablet, and a vehicle device and a communication terminal.
  • the present invention can also be applied to a headlight control system constructed as a system by appropriately combining at least one of the functions of an application installed in at least one and a server.
  • each function or each component of the headlight control device 1 described above may be dispersedly arranged in each device configuring the system, or may be concentratedly arranged in any one of the devices. Is also good.
  • FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server 91 according to the present modification.
  • the server 91 in 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 a function similar to that of the control unit 12 in FIG. 1 when a processor (not shown) of the server 91 executes 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 covers the specific range based on the map data including the information on the shield and the position received by the communication unit 91a. Generates a control signal for controlling the headlights of the vehicle 92 to a low beam when it is determined that the vehicle 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 as described above, the same effect as the headlight control device 1 described in the first embodiment can be obtained.
  • FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication terminal 96 according to the present modification.
  • the communication terminal 96 in 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, and a tablet carried by the driver of the vehicle 97. According to the communication terminal 96 configured as above, the same effect as the headlight control device 1 described in the first embodiment can be obtained.
  • each embodiment and each modified example can be freely combined, and each embodiment and each modified example can be appropriately modified or omitted within the scope of the 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.

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Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technique for making headlight switching timing earlier and improving switching accuracy. This headlight control device 1 comprises an acquisition unit 11 that acquires the position of a vehicle; and a control unit 12 that uses map data including information relating to a shield, which is attached to a road so as to shield light from the headlight, and the position acquired by the acquisition unit 11 to determine whether the shield is completely shielding a specific area, and adjusts the headlight 42 to low beams when determining that the shield is not shielding the specific area completely.

Description

ヘッドライト制御装置及びヘッドライト制御方法Headlight control device and headlight control method
　本発明は、車両のヘッドライトを制御するヘッドライト制御装置及びヘッドライト制御方法に関する。 The present invention relates to a headlight control device and a headlight control method for controlling a headlight of a vehicle.
　車両のヘッドライトが対向車両の運転の邪魔になってしまうことを抑制するヘッドライト制御装置が提案されている。例えば特許文献１の技術では、カメラで撮影した画像を解析し、それによって得られた対向車両のライトの有無に基づいて、車両のヘッドライトをロービームまたはハイビームに切り替える。 ヘ ッ ド A headlight control device has been proposed that suppresses the headlight of a vehicle from obstructing driving of an oncoming vehicle. For example, in the technique of Patent Document 1, an image captured 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 a light of an oncoming vehicle obtained thereby.
特表２０１６－５３１７８６号公報JP-T-2016-531786
　しかしながら、特許文献１の技術では、カメラが対向車両からのライトを受光してから車両のヘッドライトを切り替えるため、ヘッドライトの切り替えタイミングが遅くなってしまうという問題があった。さらに車両が高速道路や片側複数車線の道路を高速で走行しているときには画像のぶれが大きいので、ヘッドライトの切り替え精度が低いという問題があった。 However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since the camera switches the headlight of the vehicle after receiving the light from the oncoming vehicle, the timing of switching the headlight is delayed. Further, when the vehicle is traveling on a highway or a road with a plurality of lanes on one side at a high speed, there is a problem that image blur is large and headlight switching accuracy is low.
　そこで、本発明は、上記のような問題点を鑑みてなされたものであり、ヘッドライトの切り換えタイミングを早め、かつ、切り替え精度を高めることが可能な技術を提供することを目的とする。 Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a technique capable of accelerating the switching timing of headlights and increasing the switching accuracy.
　本発明に係るヘッドライト制御装置は、車両のヘッドライトを制御するヘッドライト制御装置であって、車両の位置を取得する取得部と、ヘッドライトの光を遮蔽する、道路に付設された遮蔽物の情報を含む地図データと、取得部で取得された位置とに基づいて、車両の進行方向の成分を含む方向の車両からの距離が第１距離以下である範囲であって、ヘッドライトからの光が車両の対向車両に向けて進む予め定められた特定範囲を、遮蔽物が完全に遮蔽するか否かの判定を行い、遮蔽物が特定範囲を完全に遮蔽しないと判定した場合に、ヘッドライトをロービームに制御する制御部とを備える。 A headlight control device according to the present invention is a headlight control device that controls a headlight of a vehicle, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires a position of the vehicle, and a shield attached to a road that shields light from the headlight. The distance from the vehicle in the direction including the component of the traveling direction of the vehicle is less than or equal to the first distance based on the map data including the information of the headlight and the position acquired by the acquisition unit. A predetermined specific range in which light travels toward the oncoming vehicle of the vehicle is determined, and it is determined whether or not the shielding completely blocks the specific range. A control unit for controlling the light to a low beam.
　本発明によれば、ヘッドライトの光を遮蔽する、道路に付設された遮蔽物の情報を含む地図データと、取得された位置とに基づいて、遮蔽物が特定範囲を完全に遮蔽するか否かの判定を行い、遮蔽物が特定範囲を完全に遮蔽しないと判定した場合に、ヘッドライトをロービームに制御する。このような構成によれば、ヘッドライトの切り換えタイミングを早め、かつ、切り替え精度を高めることができる。 According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not a shield completely blocks a specific range based on map data including information on a shield attached to a road, which blocks light from a headlight, and an acquired position. Is determined, and if it is determined that the obstacle does not completely cover the specific range, the headlight is controlled to the low beam. According to such a configuration, the headlight switching timing can be advanced and the switching accuracy can be increased.
　本発明の目的、特徴、態様及び利点は、以下の詳細な説明と添付図面とによって、より明白となる。 The objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
実施の形態１に係るヘッドライト制御装置の構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a headlight control device according to the first embodiment. 実施の形態１に係る特定範囲の一例を示す図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a specific range according to the first embodiment. 実施の形態１に係る特定範囲の別例を示す図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the specific range according to the first embodiment. 実施の形態１に係るヘッドライト制御装置の動作を説明するための図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the headlight control device according to the first embodiment. 実施の形態１に係るヘッドライト制御装置の動作を説明するための図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the headlight control device according to the first embodiment. 実施の形態１に係るヘッドライト制御装置の動作を説明するための図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the headlight control device according to the first embodiment. 実施の形態１に係るヘッドライト制御装置の動作を説明するための図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the headlight control device according to the first embodiment. 実施の形態１に係るヘッドライト制御装置の動作を説明するための図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the headlight control device according to the first embodiment. 実施の形態１に係るヘッドライト制御装置の動作を説明するための図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the headlight control device according to the first embodiment. 実施の形態２に係るナビゲーション装置の構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a navigation device according to a second embodiment. 実施の形態２に係るナビゲーション装置のハードウェア構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a navigation device according to Embodiment 2. 実施の形態２に係るナビゲーション装置の動作を示すフローチャートである。9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the navigation device according to the second embodiment. 実施の形態３に係るナビゲーション装置の動作を説明するための図である。FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the navigation device according to the third embodiment. 実施の形態３に係るナビゲーション装置の動作を示すフローチャートである。9 is a flowchart showing an operation of the navigation device according to the third embodiment. 実施の形態４に係るナビゲーション装置の構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a navigation device according to a fourth embodiment. 実施の形態４に係るナビゲーション装置のハードウェア構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a navigation device according to a fourth embodiment. 実施の形態４に係るナビゲーション装置の動作を説明するための図である。FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the navigation device according to the fourth embodiment. その他の変形例に係るナビゲーション装置のハードウェア構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a navigation device according to another modification. その他の変形例に係るナビゲーション装置のハードウェア構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a navigation device according to another modification. その他の変形例に係るサーバの構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram showing the composition of the server concerning other modifications. その他の変形例に係る通信端末の構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication terminal according to another modification.
　＜実施の形態１＞
　図１は、本発明の実施の形態１に係るヘッドライト制御装置１の構成を示すブロック図である。ヘッドライト制御装置１は車両のヘッドライト４２を制御する装置であり、以下の説明では、ヘッドライト制御装置１によってヘッドライト４２が制御される車両を「自車両」と記すこともある。 <Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a headlight control device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The headlight control device 1 is a device that controls the headlights 42 of the vehicle. In the following description, a vehicle whose headlights 42 are controlled by the headlight control device 1 may be referred to as “own vehicle”.
　ヘッドライト制御装置１は、取得部１１と制御部１２とを備える。取得部１１は、自車両の位置を取得する。取得部１１は、例えば人工衛星からの信号に基づいて自車両の位置を検出するＧＰＳ（Global Positioning System）受信機、及び、そのインターフェースなどである。 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 vehicle based on a signal from an artificial satellite, and an interface thereof.
　制御部１２は、ヘッドライト４２の光を遮蔽する、道路に付設された遮蔽物の情報を含む地図データを用いてヘッドライト４２を制御する。遮蔽物は、例えば、道路沿いの建物などの地物、及び、中央分離帯などの分離帯上に配設された防音壁や木などの遮蔽物である。遮蔽物の情報は、例えば、地図における遮蔽物の領域などを含む。なお、制御部１２が用いる地図データは、ヘッドライト制御装置１に予め記憶された地図データであってもよいし、ヘッドライト制御装置１がヘッドライト制御装置１の外部の装置から通信などによって取得した地図データであってもよい。 The control unit 12 controls the headlight 42 using map data that shields the light of the headlight 42 and includes information on a shield attached to a road. The shield is, for example, a feature such as a building along a road, and a shield such as a soundproof wall or a tree disposed on a divider such as a central divider. The information on the shield includes, for example, the area of the shield on the map. The map data used by the control unit 12 may be map data stored in the headlight control device 1 in advance, or may be obtained by the headlight control device 1 from a device external to the headlight control device 1 through communication or the like. Map data may be used.
　さて本実施の形態１では、自車両の進行方向の成分を含む方向の自車両からの距離が第１距離以下である範囲であって、ヘッドライト４２からの光が自車両の対向車両に向けて進む特定範囲が予め定められている。 In the first embodiment, the distance from the host vehicle in the direction including the traveling direction component of the host vehicle is within the first distance or less, and the light from the headlights 42 is directed to the oncoming vehicle of the host vehicle. The specific range to advance is determined in advance.
　図２は、特定範囲７１の一例を示す図であり、図３は特定範囲７１の別例を示す図である。図２の特定範囲７１は、上記第１距離Ｌ以下の範囲のうち、ヘッドライト４２からの光が自車両７２の対向車両７３に向けて進む全ての範囲である。図３の特定範囲７１は、上記第１距離Ｌ以下の範囲のうち、ヘッドライト４２のロービームが対向車両７３に向けて進まないが、ヘッドライト４２のハイビームが対向車両７３に向けて進む範囲である。図２及び図３の第１距離は、例えばヘッドライト４２のハイビームが届く距離（例えば１００ｍ）である。図３の特定範囲７１の自車両側の部分と自車両７２との間の距離は、例えばヘッドライト４２のロービームが届く距離である。この特定範囲７１は、固定ではなく、自車両の走行速度に応じて変更してもよい。 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the specific range 71, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another example of the specific range 71. The specific range 71 in FIG. 2 is the entire range within which the light from the headlights 42 travels toward the oncoming vehicle 73 of the host vehicle 72, within the range of the first distance L or less. 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. is there. The first distance in FIGS. 2 and 3 is, for example, a distance (for example, 100 m) that the high beam of the headlight 42 reaches. The distance between the part of the specific range 71 on the own vehicle side and the own vehicle 72 in FIG. 3 is, for example, a 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 host vehicle.
　制御部１２は、上記地図データと、取得部１１で取得された位置とに基づいて、遮蔽物が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽するか否かの判定を行う。遮蔽物が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽することは、例えば、遮蔽物が、特定範囲７１の自車両７２側の端と自車両７２と逆側の端とを跨ぐこと、または、遮蔽物が、特定範囲７１の左端または右端と重なることを含む。 The control unit 12 determines whether or not the shield completely covers the specific range 71 based on the map data and the position acquired by the acquisition unit 11. That the shielding completely covers the specific range 71 is, for example, that the shielding straddles the end of the specific range 71 on the own vehicle 72 side and the end on the opposite side of the own vehicle 72, or the shielding is This includes overlapping with the left end or right end of the specific range 71.
　図４、図５及び図６は、図２の特定範囲７１における判定を説明するための図である。図４及び図６の例では、制御部１２は、遮蔽物７４が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽しないと判定し、図５の例では、制御部１２は、遮蔽物７４が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽すると判定する。 FIGS. 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 determines that the shield 74 completely covers the specific range 71. Is determined to be shielded.
　図７、図８及び図９は、図３の特定範囲７１における判定を説明するための図である。図７及び図９の例では、制御部１２は、遮蔽物７４が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽しないと判定し、図８の例では、制御部１２は、遮蔽物７４が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽すると判定する。 FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are diagrams for explaining the determination in the specific range 71 of FIG. In the examples 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 determines that the shield 74 completely covers the specific range 71. Is determined to be shielded.
　制御部１２は、遮蔽物が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽しないと判定した場合に、ヘッドライト４２をロービームに制御する。例えば、図４、図６、図７及び図９の場合には、制御部１２の制御により、ヘッドライト４２はロービームに切り替えられる。 The control unit 12 controls the headlight 42 to a low beam when it is determined that the shielding object 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 under the control of the control unit 12.
　＜実施の形態１のまとめ＞
　以上のような本実施の形態１に係るヘッドライト制御装置１は、遮蔽物が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽しないと判定した場合にヘッドライト４２をロービームに制御する。このような構成によれば、上記判定を事前に行うことができるので、ヘッドライト４２の切り換えタイミングを早めることができる。また、画像のぶれの影響を受けないので、ヘッドライト４２の切り替え精度を高めることができる。以上の結果として、自車両のヘッドライト４２が対向車両の運転に影響してしまうことを抑制することができる。 <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, the above determination can be made in advance, so that the switching timing of the headlights 42 can be advanced. In addition, since there is no influence of image blur, the switching accuracy of the headlights 42 can be improved. As a result, it is possible to prevent the headlights 42 of the own vehicle from affecting the driving of the oncoming vehicle.
　＜実施の形態２＞
　本発明の実施の形態２に係るヘッドライト制御装置は、自車両に搭載されたナビゲーション装置に適用されているものとして以下説明する。図１０は、当該ナビゲーション装置６の構成を示すブロック図である。以下、本実施の形態２に係る構成要素のうち、上述の構成要素と同じまたは類似する構成要素については同じ参照符号を付し、異なる構成要素について主に説明する。 <Embodiment 2>
The headlight control device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below as being applied to a navigation device mounted on the host vehicle. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the navigation device 6. Hereinafter, among the components according to the second embodiment, the same or similar components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different components will be mainly described.
　図１０のナビゲーション装置６は、現在位置検出部１１ａと、遮蔽情報解析部１２ａと、統括制御部１２ｂと、ヘッドライト切替制御部１２ｃと、地図データ記憶部１３とを備える。なお、現在位置検出部１１ａは、図１の取得部１１に対応し、遮蔽情報解析部１２ａ、統括制御部１２ｂ及びヘッドライト切替制御部１２ｃは、図１の制御部１２に対応する。 The navigation device 6 in 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. Note that the current position detection unit 11a corresponds to the acquisition unit 11 in FIG. 1, and the shield information analysis unit 12a, the overall control unit 12b, and the headlight switching control unit 12c correspond to the control unit 12 in FIG.
　現在位置検出部１１ａは、自車両の現在位置を検出する。 The current position detection unit 11a detects the current position of the own vehicle.
　地図データ記憶部１３は、実施の形態１と同様の地図データを記憶している。ただし、本実施の形態２に係る地図データは、地図から目的地を検索するための検索情報、地図から所望の経路を探索するためのリンク情報及びノード情報などをさらに含んでおり、デジタル化されている。 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 for a destination from a map, link information and node information for searching for a desired route from a map, and is digitized. ing.
　遮蔽情報解析部１２ａは、地図データ記憶部１３に記憶された地図データと、現在位置検出部１１ａで検出された現在位置とに基づいて、中央分離帯などの分離帯上に配設された防音壁や木などの遮蔽物が自車両の前方に存在するか否かの判定を行う。なお、ここでいう自車両の前方には、自車両の前方から側方に傾斜する範囲も含まれる。 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, the shielding information analysis unit 12a is provided with a soundproof disposed on a divider such as a central divider. It is determined whether a shield such as a wall or a tree exists in front of the vehicle. Note that the front of the host vehicle here includes a range that is inclined laterally from the front of the host vehicle.
　統括制御部１２ｂは、ナビゲーション装置６における各種演算及び装置全体の制御を行う。本実施の形態２では、統括制御部１２ｂは、地図データ記憶部１３に記憶された地図データと、現在位置検出部１１ａで検出された現在位置とに基づいて、遮蔽情報解析部１２ａで存在すると判定された遮蔽物が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽するか否かを判定する。そして、統括制御部１２ｂは、遮蔽物が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽すると判定した場合に、ヘッドライト４２をハイビームに切り替えると判定し、遮蔽物が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽しないと判定した場合に、ヘッドライト４２をロービームに切り替えると判定する。 (4) The overall control unit 12b performs various calculations in the navigation device 6 and controls the entire device. In the second embodiment, 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, the general control unit 12b determines that the block information exists in the occlusion information analysis unit 12a. It is determined whether or not the determined blocking object completely blocks the specific range 71. Then, the overall control unit 12b determines that the headlight 42 is to be switched to the high beam when the shielding object completely covers the specific range 71, and determines that the shielding object does not completely cover the specific range 71. Then, it is determined that the headlight 42 is switched to the low beam.
　また本実施の形態２では、統括制御部１２ｂは、地図データ記憶部１３に記憶された地図データと、現在位置検出部１１ａで検出された現在位置とに基づいて現在位置から目的地までの経路を探索し、当該探索した経路を用いて目的地まで運転者を案内する制御などを行う。 In the second embodiment, the overall control unit 12b determines the 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. , And control to guide the driver to the destination using the searched route is performed.
　ヘッドライト切替制御部１２ｃは、統括制御部１２ｂによる切り替え判定結果に基づいて、ヘッドライト４２から出射される光の方向を切り替える。 (4) 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 overall control unit 12b.
　図１１は、本実施の形態２に係るナビゲーション装置６のハードウェア構成を示すブロック図である。 FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the navigation device 6 according to the second embodiment.
　地図データ管理装置２１は、デジタル化された地図データの記憶及び読み出しを行い、図１０の地図データ記憶部１３に対応する。ＧＰＳ受信機２２は、人工衛星からの信号に基づいて自車両の位置を検出し、図１０の現在位置検出部１１ａに対応する。 The map data management device 21 stores and reads out digitized map data, and corresponds to the map data storage unit 13 in FIG. The GPS receiver 22 detects the position of the own vehicle based on a signal from an artificial satellite, and corresponds to the current position detection unit 11a in FIG.
　コントロールユニット３０は、ナビゲーション装置６における各種演算及び装置全体の制御を行い、図１０の遮蔽情報解析部１２ａ、統括制御部１２ｂ及びヘッドライト切替制御部１２ｃに対応する。 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 overall control unit 12b, and the headlight switching control unit 12c in FIG.
　ＣＰＵ（Central Processing Unit）３１は、経路探索や、遮蔽情報解析部１２ａ、統括制御部１２ｂ及びヘッドライト切替制御部１２ｃの機能を実現するための処理を行う。ＲＯＭ（Read Only Memory）３２には、ＣＰＵ３１の処理の過程で用いるプログラム定数等が記憶される。ＲＡＭ（Random Access Memory）３３には、ＣＰＵ３１の処理の過程で展開されるプログラム、地図データ及び演算結果などが書き込まれる。 The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 performs a route search and a process for realizing the functions of the shielding information analysis unit 12a, the overall 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. In a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a program developed in the course of the processing of the CPU 31, map data, calculation results, and the like are written.
　Ｉ／Ｏ（入出力装置）３４は、コントロールユニット３０と、地図データ管理装置２１、ＧＰＳ受信機２２、ヘッドライト制御機器４１、並びに、コントロールユニット３０の外部の装置（例えば図示しない表示装置及び通信装置など）との間で情報をやり取りするための処理を行う。 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 devices external to the control unit 30 (for example, a display device and a communication device (not shown)). A process for exchanging information with the device.
　ヘッドライト制御機器４１は、ナビゲーション装置６からのヘッドライト４２のビームを切り替え要求に基づいて、ヘッドライト４２から出射される光の方向を切り替える。 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.
　＜動作＞
　図１２は、本実施の形態２に係るナビゲーション装置６の動作を示すフローチャートである。 <Operation>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device 6 according to the second embodiment.
　ステップＳ１にて、現在位置検出部１１ａは自車両の現在位置を検出する。ステップＳ２にて、遮蔽情報解析部１２ａは、ステップＳ１で検出された現在位置周辺の地図データを地図データ記憶部１３から取得する。 に て At step S1, the current position detecting section 11a detects the current position of the own vehicle. In step S2, the shielding information analysis unit 12a acquires from the map data storage unit 13 map data around the current position detected in step S1.
　ステップＳ３にて、遮蔽情報解析部１２ａは、ステップＳ２で取得された地図データから、ステップＳ１で検出された現在位置（自車両）の前方に道路の分離帯が存在し、かつ、当該分離帯上に遮蔽物が存在するか否かを判定する。現在位置（自車両）の前方に分離帯が存在し、かつ、遮蔽物が存在すると判定された場合には処理がステップＳ４に進み、それ以外の場合には処理がステップＳ１に戻る。 In step S3, the shielding information analysis unit 12a determines from the map data acquired in step S2 that a road divider exists in front of the current position (own vehicle) detected in step S1, and that the divider is It is determined whether or not an obstruction exists on the top. If it is determined that there is a separation zone in front of the current position (own vehicle) and there is a blocking object, the process proceeds to step S4; otherwise, the process returns to step S1.
　ステップＳ４にて、統括制御部１２ｂは、ステップＳ３で判定された遮蔽物が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽するか否かを判定する。遮蔽物が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽すると判定された場合には処理がステップＳ５に進み、遮蔽物が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽しないと判定された場合には処理がステップＳ６に進む。 In step S4, the overall control unit 12b determines whether or not the obstacle determined in step S3 completely covers the specific range 71. If it is determined that the shielding object completely covers the specific range 71, the process proceeds to step S5. If it is determined that the shielding object does not completely cover the specific range 71, the process proceeds to step S6.
　ステップＳ５にて、統括制御部１２ｂは、ヘッドライト４２をハイビームに切り替えると判定し、ヘッドライト切替制御部１２ｃは、ヘッドライト４２がロービームである場合にヘッドライト４２をハイビームに切り替える。その後、図１２の処理が終了する。 In step S5, the overall control unit 12b determines that the headlight 42 is to be 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 the low beam. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 12 ends.
　ステップＳ６にて、統括制御部１２ｂは、ヘッドライト４２をロービームに切り替えると判定し、ヘッドライト切替制御部１２ｃは、ヘッドライト４２がハイビームである場合にヘッドライト４２をロービームに切り替える。その後、図１２の処理が終了する。 In step S6, the overall control unit 12b determines that the headlight 42 is to be 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 the high beam. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 12 ends.
　＜実施の形態２のまとめ＞
　以上のような本実施の形態２に係るナビゲーション装置６によれば、遮蔽物が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽すると判定した場合にヘッドライト４２をハイビームに制御する。このような構成によれば、ハイビームへの切り替えについても、切り換えタイミングを早めることができ、かつ、ヘッドライト４２の切り替え精度を高めることができる。 <Summary of Embodiment 2>
According to the navigation device 6 according to the second embodiment as described above, the headlight 42 is controlled to the high beam when it is determined that the obstruction completely covers the specific range 71. According to such a configuration, when switching to the high beam, the switching timing can be advanced, and the switching accuracy of the headlights 42 can be increased.
　＜実施の形態３＞
　本発明の実施の形態３に係るナビゲーション装置の機能ブロックは、実施の形態２に係るナビゲーション装置６の機能ブロック（図１０）と同じである。以下、本実施の形態３に係る構成要素のうち、上述の構成要素と同じまたは類似する構成要素については同じ参照符号を付し、異なる構成要素について主に説明する。 <Embodiment 3>
The functional blocks of the navigation device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention are the same as the functional blocks (FIG. 10) of navigation device 6 according to Embodiment 2. Hereinafter, among the components according to the third embodiment, the same or similar components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different components will be mainly described.
　本実施の形態３では、遮蔽情報解析部１２ａが、地図データ記憶部１３に記憶された地図データと、現在位置検出部１１ａで検出された現在位置とに基づいて、複数の遮蔽物のそれぞれが特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽せず、かつ、複数の遮蔽物同士の間の距離が第２距離以下であるか否かの判定を行う。なお、第２距離には初期値（例えば３０ｃｍ）が予め定められているが、第２距離は固定ではなく、自車両の走行速度に応じて変更してもよい。そして、統括制御部１２ｂは、複数の遮蔽物のそれぞれが特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽せず、かつ、複数の遮蔽物同士の間の距離が第２距離以下であると判定した場合に、ヘッドライト４２をハイビームに制御する。 In the third embodiment, the shielding information analysis unit 12a determines each of the plurality of shielding objects 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 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 host vehicle. If the plurality of shields does not completely cover the specific range 71 and the distance between the plurality of shields is equal to or less than the second distance, the general control unit 12b determines that the head The light 42 is controlled to a high beam.
　図１３は、統括制御部１２ｂによる判定を説明するための図である。なお、図１３は、図２の特定範囲７１の場合を示しているが、図３の特定範囲７１の場合も同様である。 FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the determination by the overall control unit 12b. Although FIG. 13 shows the case of the specific range 71 in FIG. 2, the same applies to the case of the specific range 71 in FIG.
　統括制御部１２ｂは、図１３の遮蔽物７４ａ，７４ｂのそれぞれに対して実施の形態１及び２と同様の判定を行うことによって、遮蔽物７４ａ，７４ｂのそれぞれが特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽しないと判定する。ただし本実施の形態３に係る統括制御部１２ｂは、図１３の遮蔽物７４ａ，７４ｂ同士の間の距離が第２距離以下である場合、遮蔽物７４ａ，７４ｂの全体で特定範囲７１を概ね遮蔽しているため、ヘッドライト４２をハイビームに制御する。 The overall control unit 12b performs the same determination as in the first and second embodiments on each of 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 equal to or less than the second distance, the general control unit 12b according to the third embodiment substantially covers the specific range 71 with the shields 74a and 74b as a whole. Therefore, the headlight 42 is controlled to the high beam.
　＜動作＞
　図１４は、本実施の形態３に係るナビゲーション装置６の動作を示すフローチャートである。 <Operation>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device 6 according to the third embodiment.
　ステップＳ１～Ｓ５では、図１２のステップＳ１～Ｓ５と同様の処理が行われる。ただし、ステップＳ４にて、遮蔽物が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽しないと判定された場合には処理がステップＳ１１に進む。 In steps S1 to S5, the same processing as in steps S1 to S5 in FIG. 12 is performed. However, if it is determined in step S4 that the obstacle does not completely cover the specific range 71, the process proceeds to step S11.
　ステップＳ１１にて、遮蔽情報解析部１２ａは、ステップＳ２で取得された地図データから、ステップＳ１で検出された現在位置（自車両）の前方に複数の遮蔽物が存在するか否かの判定を行う。複数の遮蔽物が存在すると判定された場合には処理がステップＳ１２に進み、当該複数の遮蔽物が存在しないと判定された場合には処理がステップＳ１４に進む。 In step S11, the shielding information analysis unit 12a determines from the map data acquired in step S2 whether a plurality of shielding objects are present in front of the current position (own vehicle) detected in step S1. Do. If it is determined that a plurality of shields exist, the process proceeds to step S12. If it is determined that the plurality of shields do not exist, the process proceeds to step S14.
　ステップＳ１２にて、統括制御部１２ｂは、上記複数の遮蔽物同士の間の距離を算出し、当該距離が第２距離以下であるか否かを判定する。算出された距離が第２距離以下であると判定された場合には処理がステップＳ１３に進み、算出された距離が第２距離よりも大きいと判定された場合には処理がステップＳ１４に進む。 In step S12, the overall control unit 12b calculates a distance between the plurality of shields and determines whether the distance is equal to or less than a second distance. If it is determined that the calculated distance is equal to or smaller than the second distance, the process proceeds to step S13. If it is determined that the calculated distance is larger than the second distance, the process proceeds to step S14.
　ステップＳ１３にて、統括制御部１２ｂは、ヘッドライト４２をハイビームに切り替えると判定し、ヘッドライト切替制御部１２ｃは、ヘッドライト４２がロービームである場合にヘッドライト４２をハイビームに切り替える。その後、図１４の処理が終了する。 In step S13, the overall control unit 12b determines to switch the headlight 42 to the high beam, and the headlight switching control unit 12c switches the headlight 42 to the high beam when the headlight 42 is the low beam. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 14 ends.
　ステップＳ１４にて、統括制御部１２ｂは、ヘッドライト４２をロービームに切り替えると判定し、ヘッドライト切替制御部１２ｃは、ヘッドライト４２がハイビームである場合にヘッドライト４２をロービームに切り替える。その後、図１４の処理が終了する。 In step S14, the overall control unit 12b determines to switch the headlight 42 to the low beam, and the headlight switching control unit 12c switches the headlight 42 to the low beam when the headlight 42 is the high beam. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 14 ends.
　＜実施の形態３のまとめ＞
　以上のような本実施の形態３に係るナビゲーション装置６によれば、複数の遮蔽物のそれぞれが特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽しない場合であっても、複数の遮蔽物同士の間の距離が第２距離以下である場合には、ヘッドライト４２をハイビームに制御する。このような構成によれば、複数の遮蔽物同士の間の距離が小さくて、対向車両への自車両のヘッドライト４２の影響が小さい場合に、ヘッドライト４２のハイビームを使用することができる。 <Summary of Third Embodiment>
According to the navigation device 6 according to the third embodiment described above, even when each of the plurality of shields does not completely cover the specific range 71, the distance between the plurality of shields is equal to the distance between the plurality of shields. If the distance is two or less, the headlight 42 is controlled to a high beam. According to such a configuration, 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, the high beam of the headlight 42 can be used.
　＜実施の形態４＞
　図１５は、本発明の実施の形態４に係るナビゲーション装置６の構成を示すブロック図である。以下、本実施の形態４に係る構成要素のうち、上述の構成要素と同じまたは類似する構成要素については同じ参照符号を付し、異なる構成要素について主に説明する。 <Embodiment 4>
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the navigation device 6 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Hereinafter, among the components according to the fourth embodiment, the same or similar components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different components will be mainly described.
　本実施の形態４に係るナビゲーション装置６は、実施の形態２に係るナビゲーション装置６の構成（図１１）に加えて、検出部である情報検出部１４を備える。 The navigation device 6 according to the fourth embodiment includes an information detection unit 14 as a detection unit in addition to the configuration of the navigation device 6 according to the second embodiment (FIG. 11).
　情報検出部１４は、自車両の前方の地物を遮蔽物として検出すること、及び、自車両の対向車両からの光を検出すること、の少なくともいずれか１つを行う。 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.
　図１６は、本実施の形態４に係るナビゲーション装置のハードウェア構成を示すブロック図である。図１５の情報検出部１４は、例えば、図１６の自車両に搭載され、自車両前方の画像を撮影し、当該画像を解析して遮蔽物や光を検出するカメラ２３、及び、自車両に搭載され、自車両前方の遮蔽物や光を検出するセンサー２４に対応する。 FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the fourth embodiment. The information detection unit 14 in FIG. 15 is mounted on, for example, the own vehicle in FIG. 16, and captures an image in front of the own vehicle, analyzes the image, and detects a blocking object or light. It is mounted and corresponds to a sensor 24 for detecting a shield or light in front of the host vehicle.
　図１５の統括制御部１２ｂは、情報検出部１４の検出結果に基づいて、遮蔽物が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽する否かの判定を補完する。なお、この補完は、図１２または図１４のステップＳ３及びステップＳ４などにおいて行われる。 統 The overall control unit 12b in FIG. 15 complements the determination as to whether or not the shield completely covers the specific range 71 based on the detection result of the information detection unit 14. This complementation is performed in step S3 and step S4 in FIG. 12 or FIG.
　例えば、統括制御部１２ｂは、自車両と遮蔽物との間の距離が、上記第１距離よりも小さく、かつ、情報検出部１４の検出精度がある程度得られる距離（以下「検出精度距離」と記す）以下であるかを判定する。そして、自車両と遮蔽物との間の距離が検出精度距離以下であると判定され、かつ、情報検出部１４の検出結果と、実施の形態１などで説明した地図データを用いた判定結果とが異なる場合には、統括制御部１２ｂは、情報検出部１４の検出結果を採用する。 For example, the overall control unit 12b determines that the distance between the host vehicle and the shield is smaller than the first distance and that the detection accuracy of the information detection unit 14 can be obtained to some extent (hereinafter, “detection accuracy distance”). Note) It is determined whether: Then, it is determined that the distance between the host 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 are used. Are different, the overall control unit 12b adopts the detection result of the information detection unit 14.
　図１７は、自車両と遮蔽物との間の距離と、情報検出部１４の検出結果と、地図データを用いた判定結果と、これらに基づく総合的な判定結果との関係を示す図である。 FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the distance between the host vehicle and the shield, the detection result of the information detection unit 14, the determination result using the map data, and the overall determination result based on these. .
　例えば、ケースＣ６では、自車両と遮蔽物との間の距離が検出精度距離以下であり、情報検出部１４の検出結果が「完全に遮蔽しない」、地図データを用いた判定結果が「完全に遮蔽する」となっている。自車両と遮蔽物との間の距離が検出精度距離以下であるケースＣ６においては、統括制御部１２ｂは、情報検出部１４の検出結果を採用し、総合判定結果は、「完全に遮蔽しない」という判定する。 For example, in case C6, the distance between the host vehicle and the shield is equal to or less than 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”. "Shield". In case C6 in which the distance between the host vehicle and the shield is equal to or less than the detection accuracy distance, the overall control unit 12b adopts the detection result of the information detection unit 14 and the comprehensive determination result is “not completely shielded”. Is determined.
　＜実施の形態４のまとめ＞
　例えば、防音壁が除去されて遮蔽物が存在しない、木が枯れて遮蔽物が実質的に存在しないなどのことが地図データに反映されていない場合がある。このような場合に、地図データだけを用いた判定に基づいてヘッドライト４２の制御を行うと、ヘッドライト４２の切り替えを適切に行うことができないことがある。 <Summary of Embodiment 4>
For example, there is a case where the map data does not reflect that the soundproof wall has been removed and no shield exists, or that the tree has withered and the shield substantially does not exist. In such a case, if the headlights 42 are controlled based on the determination using only the map data, the headlights 42 may not be properly switched.
　これに対して本実施の形態４に係るナビゲーション装置６によれば、情報検出部１４の検出結果に基づいて、遮蔽物が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽する否かの判定を補完する。このような構成によれば、ヘッドライト４２の切り替えをより適切に行うことができる。 According to the navigation device 6 according to the fourth embodiment, on the other hand, based on the detection result of the information detection unit 14, the determination of whether or not the obstacle completely covers the specific range 71 is complemented. According to such a configuration, switching of the headlights 42 can be performed more appropriately.
　＜実施の形態５＞
　本発明の実施の形態５に係るナビゲーション装置の機能ブロックは、実施の形態４に係るナビゲーション装置６の機能ブロック（図１５）と同じである。以下、本実施の形態５に係る構成要素のうち、上述の構成要素と同じまたは類似する構成要素については同じ参照符号を付し、異なる構成要素について主に説明する。 <Embodiment 5>
The functional blocks of the navigation device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are the same as the functional blocks (FIG. 15) of navigation device 6 according to the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, among the components according to the fifth embodiment, the same or similar components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different components will be mainly described.
　実施の形態４では、統括制御部１２ｂは、情報検出部１４の検出結果に基づいて、遮蔽物が特定範囲７１を完全に遮蔽する否かの判定を補完した。本実施の形態５では、この補完と同様に、統括制御部１２ｂは、情報検出部１４の検出結果に基づいて、地図データを更新する。例えば、自車両と遮蔽物との間の距離が、検出精度距離以下であると判定され、かつ、情報検出部１４の検出結果と、実施の形態１などで説明した地図データを用いた判定結果とが異なる場合には、統括制御部１２ｂは、情報検出部１４の検出結果を、地図データ記憶部１３の地図データに反映させる。 In the fourth embodiment, the overall control unit 12b complements the determination of whether or not the shield completely blocks the specific range 71 based on the detection result of the information detection unit 14. In the fifth embodiment, similarly to this complementation, the central 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 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. In the case where is different, the overall control unit 12b reflects the detection result of the information detection unit 14 on the map data in the map data storage unit 13.
　＜実施の形態５のまとめ＞
　例えば、地図データに、ポールが遮蔽物として記憶されている場合がある。しかしながら、ポールは比較的細いことから、自車両のヘッドライト４２のハイビームが対向車両の運転に影響してしまうことが考えられる。 <Summary of Embodiment 5>
For example, a pole may be stored as a shield in map data. However, since the pole is relatively thin, it is conceivable that the high beam of the headlights 42 of the own vehicle affects the driving of the oncoming vehicle.
　これに対して本実施の形態５に係るナビゲーション装置６によれば、情報検出部１４の検出結果に基づいて、地図データを更新する。このような構成によれば、例えばポールなどを遮蔽物から除外することができるので、自車両が次回に同じ場所を走行する際にヘッドライト４２の切り替えをより適切に行うことができる。 に 対 し て On the other hand, according to the navigation device 6 of 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 more appropriately switched the next time the host vehicle travels in the same place.
　＜その他の変形例＞
　上述した図１の取得部１１及び制御部１２を、以下「取得部１１等」と記す。取得部１１等は、図１８に示す処理回路８１により実現される。すなわち、処理回路８１は、車両の位置を取得する取得部１１と、遮蔽物の情報を含む地図データと、取得部１１で取得された位置とに基づいて、遮蔽物が特定範囲を完全に遮蔽するか否かの判定を行い、遮蔽物が特定範囲を完全に遮蔽しないと判定した場合に、ヘッドライト４２をロービームに制御する制御部１２と、を備える。処理回路８１には、専用のハードウェアが適用されてもよいし、メモリに格納されるプログラムを実行するプロセッサが適用されてもよい。プロセッサには、例えば、中央処理装置、処理装置、演算装置、マイクロプロセッサ、マイクロコンピュータ、ＤＳＰ（Digital Signal Processor）などが該当する。 <Other modifications>
The above-described acquisition unit 11 and control unit 12 in FIG. 1 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 illustrated in FIG. That is, based on the acquisition unit 11 for acquiring the position of the vehicle, the map data including the information on the obstacle, and the position acquired by the acquisition unit 11, the processing circuit 81 completely blocks the specific range of the obstacle. And a control unit 12 that controls the headlight 42 to a low beam when it is determined that the shielding object does not completely cover the specific range. As the processing circuit 81, dedicated hardware may be applied, or a processor that executes a program stored in a memory may be applied. 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.
　処理回路８１が専用のハードウェアである場合、処理回路８１は、例えば、単一回路、複合回路、プログラム化したプロセッサ、並列プログラム化したプロセッサ、ＡＳＩＣ（Application Specific Integrated Circuit）、ＦＰＧＡ（Field Programmable Gate Array）、またはこれらを組み合わせたものが該当する。取得部１１等の各部の機能それぞれは、処理回路を分散させた回路で実現されてもよいし、各部の機能をまとめて一つの処理回路で実現されてもよい。 When the processing circuit 81 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 81 includes, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate). Array), or a combination of these. The function of each unit such as the acquisition unit 11 may be realized by a circuit in which processing circuits are distributed, or the function of each unit may be realized by one processing circuit.
　処理回路８１がプロセッサである場合、取得部１１等の機能は、ソフトウェア等との組み合わせにより実現される。なお、ソフトウェア等には、例えば、ソフトウェア、ファームウェア、または、ソフトウェア及びファームウェアが該当する。ソフトウェア等はプログラムとして記述され、メモリに格納される。図１９に示すように、処理回路８１に適用されるプロセッサ８２は、メモリ８３に記憶されたプログラムを読み出して実行することにより、各部の機能を実現する。すなわち、ヘッドライト制御装置１は、処理回路８１により実行されるときに、車両の位置を取得するステップと、遮蔽物の情報を含む地図データと、取得された位置とに基づいて、遮蔽物が特定範囲を完全に遮蔽するか否かの判定を行い、遮蔽物が特定範囲を完全に遮蔽しないと判定した場合に、ヘッドライト４２をロービームに制御するステップと、が結果的に実行されることになるプログラムを格納するためのメモリ８３を備える。換言すれば、このプログラムは、取得部１１等の手順や方法をコンピュータに実行させるものであるともいえる。ここで、メモリ８３は、例えば、ＲＡＭ、ＲＯＭ、フラッシュメモリ、ＥＰＲＯＭ（Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory）、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ（Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory）などの、不揮発性または揮発性の半導体メモリ、ＨＤＤ（Hard Disk Drive）、磁気ディスク、フレキシブルディスク、光ディスク、コンパクトディスク、ミニディスク、ＤＶＤ（Digital Versatile Disc）、そのドライブ装置等、または、今後使用されるあらゆる記憶媒体であってもよい。 When the processing circuit 81 is a processor, the functions of the acquisition unit 11 and the like are realized by combination with software and the like. Note that software and the like correspond to, for example, software, firmware, or software and firmware. Software and the like are described as programs and stored in a memory. As shown in FIG. 19, a processor 82 applied to the processing circuit 81 reads out and executes a program stored in a memory 83 to realize the function of each unit. That is, when the headlight control device 1 is executed by the processing circuit 81, based on the step of acquiring the position of the vehicle, the map data including the information on the shielding object, and the acquired position, the shielding light Determining whether or not the specific area is completely occluded, and, if it is determined that the obstruction does not completely occlude the specific area, controlling the headlights 42 to a low beam. And a memory 83 for storing a program to be used. In other words, it can be said that this program causes a computer to execute the procedure and method of the acquisition unit 11 and the like. Here, the memory 83 is, for example, a nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and an HDD (Hard Disk). 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 to be used in the future.
　以上、取得部１１等の各機能が、ハードウェア及びソフトウェア等のいずれか一方で実現される構成について説明した。しかしこれに限ったものではなく、取得部１１等の一部を専用のハードウェアで実現し、別の一部をソフトウェア等で実現する構成であってもよい。例えば、取得部１１については専用のハードウェアとしての処理回路８１、インターフェース及びレシーバなどでその機能を実現し、それ以外についてはプロセッサ８２としての処理回路８１がメモリ８３に格納されたプログラムを読み出して実行することによってその機能を実現することが可能である。 The configuration in which each function of the acquisition unit 11 and the like is realized by one of hardware and software has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a part of the acquisition unit 11 and the like is realized by dedicated hardware and another part is realized by software and the like may be adopted. For example, the function of the acquisition unit 11 is realized by a processing circuit 81 as dedicated hardware, an interface and a receiver, and the processing circuit 81 as the processor 82 reads the program stored in the memory 83 in other cases. By executing the function, the function can be realized.
　以上のように、処理回路８１は、ハードウェア、ソフトウェア等、またはこれらの組み合わせによって、上述の各機能を実現することができる。 As described above, the processing circuit 81 can realize each function described above by hardware, software, or the like, or a combination thereof.
　また、以上で説明したヘッドライト制御装置１は、ＰＮＤ（Portable Navigation Device）及びナビゲーション装置などの車両装置と、携帯電話、スマートフォン及びタブレットなどの携帯端末を含む通信端末と、車両装置及び通信端末の少なくともいずれか１つにインストールされるアプリケーションの機能と、サーバとを適宜に組み合わせてシステムとして構築されるヘッドライト制御システムにも適用することができる。この場合、以上で説明したヘッドライト制御装置１の各機能あるいは各構成要素は、前記システムを構築する各機器に分散して配置されてもよいし、いずれかの機器に集中して配置されてもよい。 The headlight control device 1 described above includes a vehicle device such as a PND (Portable Navigation Device) and a navigation device, a communication terminal including a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, and a tablet, and a vehicle device and a communication terminal. The present invention can also be applied to a headlight control system constructed as a system by appropriately combining at least one of the functions of an application installed in at least one and a server. In this case, each function or each component of the headlight control device 1 described above may be dispersedly arranged in each device configuring the system, or may be concentratedly arranged in any one of the devices. Is also good.
　図２０は、本変形例に係るサーバ９１の構成を示すブロック図である。図２０のサーバ９１は、通信部９１ａと制御部９１ｂとを備えており、車両９２のナビゲーション装置９３と無線通信を行うことが可能となっている。 FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server 91 according to the present modification. The server 91 in 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.
　取得部である通信部９１ａは、ナビゲーション装置９３と無線通信を行うことにより、ナビゲーション装置９３で取得された車両９２の位置を受信する。 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.
　制御部９１ｂは、サーバ９１の図示しないプロセッサなどが、サーバ９１の図示しないメモリに記憶されたプログラムを実行することにより、図１の制御部１２と同様の機能を有している。つまり、制御部９１ｂは、遮蔽物の情報を含む地図データと、通信部９１ａで受信された位置とに基づいて、遮蔽物が特定範囲を完全に遮蔽するか否かの判定を行い、遮蔽物が特定範囲を完全に遮蔽しないと判定した場合に、車両９２のヘッドライトをロービームに制御する制御信号を生成する。そして、通信部９１ａは、制御部９１ｂで生成された制御信号をナビゲーション装置９３に送信する。このように構成されたサーバ９１によれば、実施の形態１で説明したヘッドライト制御装置１と同様の効果を得ることができる。 The control unit 91b has a function similar to that of the control unit 12 in FIG. 1 when a processor (not shown) of the server 91 executes 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 covers the specific range based on the map data including the information on the shield and the position received by the communication unit 91a. Generates a control signal for controlling the headlights of the vehicle 92 to a low beam when it is determined that the vehicle 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 as described above, the same effect as the headlight control device 1 described in the first embodiment can be obtained.
　図２１は、本変形例に係る通信端末９６の構成を示すブロック図である。図２１の通信端末９６は、通信部９１ａと同様の通信部９６ａと、制御部９１ｂと同様の制御部９６ｂとを備えており、車両９７のナビゲーション装置９８と無線通信を行うことが可能となっている。なお、通信端末９６には、例えば車両９７の運転者が携帯する携帯電話、スマートフォン、及びタブレットなどの携帯端末が適用される。このように構成された通信端末９６によれば、実施の形態１で説明したヘッドライト制御装置１と同様の効果を得ることができる。 FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication terminal 96 according to the present modification. The communication terminal 96 in 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, and a tablet carried by the driver of the vehicle 97. According to the communication terminal 96 configured as above, the same effect as the headlight control device 1 described in the first embodiment can be obtained.
　なお、本発明は、その発明の範囲内において、各実施の形態及び各変形例を自由に組み合わせたり、各実施の形態及び各変形例を適宜、変形、省略したりすることが可能である。 In the present invention, each embodiment and each modified example can be freely combined, and each embodiment and each modified example can be appropriately modified or omitted within the scope of the invention.
　本発明は詳細に説明されたが、上記した説明は、すべての態様において、例示であって、本発明がそれに限定されるものではない。例示されていない無数の変形例が、本発明の範囲から外れることなく想定され得るものと解される。 Although the present invention has been described in detail, the above description is illustrative in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that innumerable modifications that are not illustrated can be assumed without departing from the scope of the present invention.
　１　ヘッドライト制御装置、６　ナビゲーション装置、１１　取得部、１２　制御部、１４　情報検出部、４２　ヘッドライト、７１　特定範囲、７２　自車両、７３　対向車両、７４，７４ａ，７４ｂ　遮蔽物。 {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 (7)

  1. 　車両のヘッドライトを制御するヘッドライト制御装置であって、
    　前記車両の位置を取得する取得部と、
    　前記ヘッドライトの光を遮蔽する、道路に付設された遮蔽物の情報を含む地図データと、前記取得部で取得された前記位置とに基づいて、前記車両の進行方向の成分を含む方向の前記車両からの距離が第１距離以下である範囲であって、前記ヘッドライトからの光が前記車両の対向車両に向けて進む予め定められた特定範囲を、前記遮蔽物が完全に遮蔽するか否かの判定を行い、前記遮蔽物が前記特定範囲を完全に遮蔽しないと判定した場合に、前記ヘッドライトをロービームに制御する制御部と
    を備える、ヘッドライト制御装置。     A headlight control device that controls a headlight of a vehicle,
    An acquisition unit that acquires the position of the vehicle,
    Based on the map data including information on a shield attached to a road and the position acquired by the acquisition unit, the light in the direction including the component of the traveling direction of the vehicle, which shields the light of the headlight. Whether or not the shield completely covers 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 headlight travels toward the oncoming vehicle of the vehicle. And a controller that controls the headlight to a low beam when it is determined that the shield does not completely cover the specific range.
  2. 　請求項１に記載のヘッドライト制御装置であって、
    　前記制御部は、
    　前記地図データと前記取得部で取得された前記位置とに基づいて、前記遮蔽物が前記特定範囲を完全に遮蔽すると判定した場合に、前記ヘッドライトをハイビームに制御する、ヘッドライト制御装置。     The headlight control device according to claim 1, wherein
    The control unit includes:
    A headlight control device that controls the headlight to a high beam when it is determined based on the map data and the position acquired by the acquisition unit that the shield completely covers the specific range.
  3. 　請求項１に記載のヘッドライト制御装置であって、
    　前記制御部は、
    　前記地図データと前記取得部で取得された前記位置とに基づいて、複数の前記遮蔽物のそれぞれが前記特定範囲を完全に遮蔽せず、かつ、前記複数の遮蔽物同士の間の距離が第２距離以下である場合に、前記ヘッドライトをハイビームに制御する、ヘッドライト制御装置。     The headlight control device according to claim 1, wherein
    The control unit includes:
    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 two distances or less.
  4. 　請求項１に記載のヘッドライト制御装置であって、
    　前記車両の前方の地物を前記遮蔽物として検出すること、及び、前記車両の対向車両からの光を検出すること、の少なくともいずれか１つを行う検出部をさらに備え、
    　前記制御部は、
    　前記検出部の検出結果に基づいて前記判定を補完する、ヘッドライト制御装置。     The headlight control device according to claim 1, wherein
    Detecting a feature in front of the vehicle as the shielding object, and detecting light from an oncoming vehicle of the vehicle, further comprising a detection unit that performs at least one of:
    The control unit includes:
    A headlight control device that complements the determination based on a detection result of the detection unit.
  5. 　請求項１に記載のヘッドライト制御装置であって、
    　前記車両の前方の地物を前記遮蔽物として検出すること、及び、前記車両の対向車両からの光を検出すること、の少なくともいずれか１つを行う検出部をさらに備え、
    　前記制御部は、
    　前記検出部の検出結果に基づいて前記地図データを更新する、ヘッドライト制御装置。     The headlight control device according to claim 1, wherein
    Detecting a feature in front of the vehicle as the shielding object, and detecting light from an oncoming vehicle of the vehicle, further comprising a detection unit that performs at least one of:
    The control unit includes:
    A headlight control device that updates the map data based on a detection result of the detection unit.
  6. 　請求項１に記載のヘッドライト制御装置であって、
    　前記遮蔽物は、前記道路の分離帯上に配設された遮蔽物を含む、ヘッドライト制御装置。     The headlight control device according to claim 1, wherein
    The headlight control device, wherein the shield includes a shield disposed on a divider of the road.
  7. 　車両のヘッドライトを制御するヘッドライト制御方法であって、
    　前記車両の位置を取得し、
    　前記ヘッドライトの光を遮蔽する、道路に付設された遮蔽物の情報を含む地図データと、取得された前記位置とに基づいて、前記車両の進行方向の成分を含む方向の前記車両からの距離が第１距離以下である範囲であって、前記ヘッドライトからの光が前記車両の対向車両に向けて進む予め定められた特定範囲を、前記遮蔽物が完全に遮蔽するか否かの判定を行い、前記遮蔽物が前記特定範囲を完全に遮蔽しないと判定した場合に、前記ヘッドライトをロービームに制御する、ヘッドライト制御方法。     A headlight control method for controlling a headlight of a vehicle,
    Obtaining the position of the vehicle,
    The distance from the vehicle in a direction including a component of the traveling direction of the vehicle, based on the map data including information on a shield attached to a road and the acquired position, which shields the light of the headlight. Is a range that is equal to or less than the first distance, and determines whether or not the shield completely blocks a predetermined specific range in which light from the headlights travels toward the oncoming vehicle of the vehicle. A headlight control method for controlling the headlight to a low beam when it is determined that the shield does not completely cover the specific range.
PCT/JP2018/023805 2018-06-22 2018-06-22 Headlight control device and headlight control method WO2019244340A1 (en)

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