WO2020246483A1

WO2020246483A1 - Lamp system

Info

Publication number: WO2020246483A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/021833
Authority: WO
Inventors: 津田　俊明; 一嘉小澤
Original assignee: 株式会社小糸製作所
Priority date: 2019-06-04
Filing date: 2020-06-02
Publication date: 2020-12-10
Also published as: JP7496352B2; JPWO2020246483A1

Abstract

This lamp system comprises: an optical deflector including a plurality of optical elements; a visible light source; an invisible light source; an imaging unit sensitive to the wavelength range of light from the visible light source and the invisible light source; and a control unit that controls the optical deflector. The optical element tilted to a first reflection position reflects the light from the visible light source such that the light is effectively used, and reflects the light from the invisible light source such that the light is not effectively used, and the optical element tilted to a second reflection position reflects the light from the invisible light source such that the light is effectively used, and reflects the light from the visible light source such that the light is not effectively used. The control unit controls the light deflector, tilts some optical elements of the plurality of optical elements to the first reflection position to draw the figure F on a road surface with the visible light L1, and tilts the remaining optical elements of the plurality of optical elements to the second reflection position to irradiate the road surface with the invisible light L2.

Description

Lamp system

The present invention relates to a lamp system.

(1) Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which graphic characters are drawn on the road surface and various information is presented to the driver of the own vehicle or another vehicle and surrounding traffic participants.

(2) Light deflectors such as DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) are known. Since light deflectors generally have high resolution and can switch patterns at high speed, ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) systems that adaptively switch light distribution according to driving conditions and driving support on the road surface It is being considered for use in lighting system such as a road surface drawing system that draws a pattern for.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-165130 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-64964

(1) The lighting system or the vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may erroneously detect a figure drawn on the road surface as a road marking or the like. False positives can adversely affect control based on detection results, such as control over autonomous driving.

(2) There is known a technique for grasping the situation around the vehicle by irradiating invisible light such as infrared rays, capturing the reflected light of the invisible light by an object, and analyzing the image. The present inventors are considering controlling the light distribution of this invisible light in addition to the visible light by using a light deflector. As a result, the degree of freedom of light distribution of invisible light is also improved, for example, the invisible light is made into a light distribution pattern having a complicated shape.

By the way, although the invisible light does not give glare to the driver of the other vehicle, it can give glare to the image pickup unit of the other vehicle and having sensitivity in the wavelength range of the invisible light. If the glare given to the image pickup unit of another vehicle can be reduced, the other vehicle can grasp the surrounding situation more accurately, and as a result, the traffic safety is improved.

The present invention has been made in such a situation, and (1) one of the exemplary purposes of the embodiment is to provide a lamp system capable of suppressing false detection of a figure drawn on a road surface as a road marking or the like. There is.

(2) Further, another one of the exemplary purposes of one aspect is to provide a lamp system that contributes to traffic safety.

(1) In order to solve the above problems, the lighting system of a certain aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of optical elements, and each optical element can be tilted to a first reflection position and a second reflection position. A visible light source that irradiates the light deflector with visible light, an invisible light source that irradiates the light deflector with invisible light, an image pickup unit that is sensitive to the visible light source and the wavelength range of light from the invisible light source. It includes a control unit that controls an optical deflection device. The optical element tilted to the first reflection position reflected the light from the visible light source so as to be effectively used, reflected the light from the invisible light source so as not to be effectively used, and tilted to the second reflection position. The optical element reflects the light from the invisible light source so that it is effectively used, and reflects the light from the visible light source so that it is not effectively used, and the control unit controls the light deflector to control a plurality of optics. Some of the optics are tilted to the first reflection position to draw a figure on the road surface with visible light, and the remaining optics of the plurality of optics are tilted to the second reflection position to be invisible. Irradiate the road surface with light.

(2) The lighting system of an embodiment of the present invention includes a light deflector including a plurality of optical elements, a visible light source that irradiates the light deflector with visible light, and an invisible light source that irradiates the light deflector with invisible light. It also includes an imaging unit and a control unit that are sensitive to the wavelength range of light from an invisible light source. The control unit sets the optical element corresponding to the visible light irradiation region to the first reflection position and the optical element corresponding to the invisible light irradiation region to the second reflection position with respect to the light deflection device. When the first mode is executed and the visible light source is lit, the visible light irradiation area in front of the lamp is irradiated with visible light, and the second mode is executed. And when the invisible light source is lit, the invisible light irradiation area in front of the lamp is irradiated with invisible light, and the control unit is inspected at least one of the periods during which the invisible light is irradiated in front of the lamp. In the period of the unit, the imaging unit is exposed, and in at least a part of the period when the invisible light is not irradiated in front of the lamp, the imaging unit is in the non-exposed state.

It should be noted that any combination of the above components and those in which the components and expressions of the present invention are mutually replaced between methods, devices, systems, etc. are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

(1) According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of a figure drawn on a road surface as a road marking or the like. Alternatively, (2) according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lamp system that contributes to traffic safety.

It is a block diagram of the lamp system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the pattern formed by the light distribution variable lamp of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the light distribution variable lamp of FIG. 4 (a) and 4 (b) are views showing a light deflector. 5 (a) to 5 (c) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the lamp system of FIG. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the lamp system of FIG. 1 in chronological order. It is a block diagram of the lamp system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the lamp unit. 9 (a) and 9 (b) are views showing a light deflector. It is a figure explaining an example of the control of the light distribution of visible light and non-visible light. This is an example of a time chart explaining the operation of the lamp system. It is a block diagram of the lamp system which concerns on the modification of the 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining an example of control of light distribution of invisible light.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are not limited to the invention, but are exemplary, and all the features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the drawings shall be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the lamp system 100 according to the first embodiment. The lighting system 100 includes a variable light distribution lamp 110, an imaging unit 130, a low beam 140, a high beam 150, and a control unit 160. All of these may be built in the same housing, or some members may be provided outside the housing, in other words, on the vehicle side.

The variable light distribution lamp 110 receives the control signal _CTRL instructing the pattern PTN from the control unit 160, emits a beam BM corresponding to the control signal _CTRL, and emits an illuminance distribution (pattern) according to the control signal _CTRL in front of the vehicle. PTN) is formed.

The irradiation area by the variable light distribution lamp 110 is defined to cover at least the road surface. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the irradiation area by the variable light distribution lamp 110 overlaps with a part of the irradiation area of the low beam 140. Therefore, the variable light distribution lamp 110 may irradiate the pattern PTN with an illuminance brighter than that of the low beam.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern PTN formed by the variable light distribution lamp 110. In the traveling scene of FIG. 2, there are a preceding vehicle 3 and an oncoming vehicle 4. The broken line 10 indicates an area where the beam BM of the variable light distribution lamp 110 can be irradiated. More specifically, the variable light distribution lamp 110 irradiates (draws) the road surface with the figure F for driving support by visible light. Further, as will be described in detail later, in order to solve the problem that the pattern drawn on the road surface is erroneously detected as a road marking, the light distribution variable lamp 110 irradiates invisible light at the same time as visible light. As shown in the figure, the variable light distribution lamp 110 may irradiate a portion of the pattern PTN other than the figure F with invisible light, or irradiate only a portion of the road surface other than the figure F with invisible light, for example. May be good. The type of the figure F is not particularly limited, but may be a figure F indicating the direction in which the vehicle should travel, a legal speed, a road sign, or the like, or may be a figure F extending from the vehicle toward a pedestrian. ..

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the light distribution variable lamp 110. The variable light distribution lamp 110 includes a visible light source 112, an invisible light source 114, a projection optical system 116, and a light deflector 120.

The visible light source 112 is a light source that emits visible light L1. The visible light L1 of the present embodiment is white light. As the visible light source 112, semiconductor light emitting elements such as LED (Light emission diode), LD (Laser diode), and EL (Electroluminescence) elements, light bulbs, incandescent lamps (halogen lamps), discharge lamps (discharge lamps), and the like are used. Can be done.

The invisible light source 114 is a light source that emits invisible light L2. The invisible light L2 of the present embodiment is infrared light. The invisible light L2 may be near-infrared light or light having a longer wavelength. As the invisible light source 114, semiconductor light emitting elements such as LEDs, LDs, and EL elements, light bulbs, incandescent lamps, discharge lamps, and the like can be used.

The light deflector 120 is arranged on the optical axis X behind the projection optical system 116, and is configured to selectively reflect the light emitted from the visible light source 112 or the invisible light source 114 to the projection optical system 116. .. The light deflector 120 is composed of, for example, a DMD. That is, the light deflector 120 is an array of a plurality of minute mirror elements (optical elements) arranged in a matrix of m rows and n columns. By controlling the angles of the reflecting surfaces of the plurality of mirror elements, the reflection direction of the light emitted from the visible light source 112 or the invisible light source 114 can be selectively changed.

4 (a) and 4 (b) are views showing the light deflector 120. 4 (a) is a front view of the light deflector 120, and FIG. 4 (b) is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 4 (a).

As shown in FIG. 4A, the light deflector 120 includes a micromirror array 124 in which a plurality of minute mirror elements 122 are arranged in a matrix, and a front side (light fixture front side) of a reflection surface 122a of the mirror element 122. It has a transparent cover member 126 arranged on the right side in FIG. 4B). The cover member 126 is, for example, glass, plastic, or the like.

In FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, the number of mirror elements 122 is 80 (horizontal 10 × vertical 8), but the number of mirror elements 122 is not particularly limited. In reality, for example, the number of mirror elements 122 is 1,000 to 300,000.

The mirror element 122 is substantially square and has a rotation shaft 122b extending in the horizontal direction and substantially equally dividing the mirror element 122. The plurality of mirror elements 122 are not shown in the projection optical system 116 (not shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) so that the light emitted from the visible light source 112 can be effectively used as a part of the pattern PTN (that is, the figure F). ), And the first reflection position (solid line position shown in FIG. 4B) that reflects the light emitted from the invisible light source 114 so as not to be effectively used, and the light emitted from the invisible light source 114. The light is reflected toward the projection optical system 116 so that it can be effectively used as the remaining part of the pattern PTN (that is, the part other than the figure F), and the light emitted from the visible light source 112 is reflected so as not to be effectively used. It is configured to be tiltable at the second reflection position (dotted line position shown in FIG. 4B). Here, the directions that are not effectively used are, for example, a direction that does not enter the projection optical system 116 and is directed toward a light absorbing member (light-shielding member) (not shown), or a direction that is incident on the projection optical system 116 but forms a light distribution. It is a direction that makes little contribution.

Returning to FIG. 3, the projection optical system 116 is composed of, for example, a free-curved lens whose front surface and rear surface have a free curved shape. The projection optical system 116 is arranged so that its rear focus is located on the optical axis of the lamp system 100 and near the reflection surface of the micromirror array 124 of the light deflector 120. The projection optical system 116 may be a reflector.

The imaging unit 130 images the front of the vehicle. The imaging unit 130 has sensitivity in the wavelength region of visible light L1 and the wavelength region of invisible light L2. The control unit 160 may control the pattern PTN to be drawn on the road surface by the light distribution variable lamp 110 based on the image captured by the image pickup unit 130 (hereinafter referred to as image IMG). The vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 200 controls the vehicle and the lamp system 100 mounted on the vehicle in an integrated manner. Commands such as turning on / off of the light distribution variable lamp 110, the low beam 140, and the high beam 150 are transmitted from the vehicle ECU 200 to the lighting system 100. In addition, information necessary for light distribution control is transmitted. The vehicle ECU may perform automatic driving based on the image IMG.

Next, the operation of the lamp system 100 will be described.

5 (a) to 5 (c) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the lamp system 100 of FIG. In the traveling scenes of FIGS. 5A to 5C, the preceding vehicle 3 and the oncoming vehicle 4 exist. The broken line 10 indicates an area where the beam BM of the variable light distribution lamp 110 can be irradiated.

FIG. 5A shows a pattern PTN formed by the variable light distribution lamp 110. The figure F of the arrow by the visible light L1 is drawn on the road surface by the light distribution variable lamp 110. For example, the figure F of this arrow is a figure linked to the car navigation system, and indicates that the own vehicle should go straight (or keep the lane). Further, the variable light distribution lamp 110 irradiates the portion of the pattern PTN other than the figure F with invisible light L2.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of the field of view seen from the driver's seat. Since only the figure F drawn by visible light is recognized by the human eye, the driver can grasp the direction in which the vehicle should travel by visually recognizing the figure F. In addition, the direction in which the vehicle is traveling can be indicated to traffic participants and drivers of other vehicles.

FIG. 5C is a diagram showing an image IMG captured by the imaging unit 130. Since the difference (or contrast) in illuminance between the visible light L1 that draws the figure F and the invisible light that irradiates the other portion of the pattern PTN is low or not, the figure F is not recognized from the image IMG. In other words, the illuminance of the visible light L1 by the visible light source 112 and the illuminance of the invisible light L2 by the invisible light source 114 are controlled so that the figure F is not recognized from the image IMG. That is, the control unit 160 is configured to be able to individually control the brightness of the visible light source 112 and the brightness of the invisible light source 114. Since the figure F is not recognized from the image IMG, the problem that the control unit 160 or the vehicle ECU 200 erroneously detects the figure F drawn on the road surface as a road marking, for example, a lane boundary line (so-called lane mark) is solved.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the lamp system 100 in another driving scene. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the lamp system 100 of FIG. 1 in chronological order. In FIG. 6A, there are an oncoming vehicle 4 and a pedestrian 5. The variable light distribution lamp 110 irradiates the entire irradiation area with invisible light L2. The reflected light of the invisible light L2 by the pedestrian 5 is reflected in the image IMG. The control unit 160 analyzes the image IMG to detect the pedestrian 5. When the control unit 160 detects the pedestrian 5, it draws the figure F with visible light L1 as shown in FIG. 6B, and irradiates the other parts with invisible light L2. The figure F is a plurality of bars arranged in a direction extending from the own vehicle toward the pedestrian 5. As a result, the pedestrian 5 can be alerted without giving glare to the pedestrian 5. Since the figure F is not recognized from the image IMG as in the example of FIG. 5, the problem that the control unit 160 or the vehicle ECU 200 erroneously detects the figure F drawn on the road surface as a road marking, for example, a lane boundary line is solved. Will be done.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the lamp system 100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lamp unit. The lamp system 100 includes a lamp unit 110, an imaging unit 130, and a control unit 160. All of these may be built in the same housing, or some members may be provided outside the housing, in other words, on the vehicle side.

The lamp unit 110 includes a visible light source 112, an invisible light source 114, a projection optical system 116, and a light deflector 120.

The invisible light source 114 is a light source that emits invisible light L2. The invisible light L2 of the present embodiment is infrared light. The invisible light L2 may be near infrared light or light having a longer wavelength. As the invisible light source 114, semiconductor light emitting elements such as LEDs, LDs, and EL elements, light bulbs, incandescent lamps, discharge lamps, and the like can be used.

9 (a) and 9 (b) are views showing the light deflector 120. 9 (a) is a front view of the light deflector 120, and FIG. 9 (b) is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 9 (a).

As shown in FIG. 9A, the light deflector 120 includes a micromirror array 124 in which a plurality of minute mirror elements 122 are arranged in a matrix, and a front side (light fixture front side) of the reflection surface 122a of the mirror element 122. It has a transparent cover member 126 arranged on the right side in FIG. 9B). The cover member 126 is, for example, glass, plastic, or the like.

In FIG. 9, for convenience of explanation, the number of mirror elements 122 is 80 (horizontal 10 × vertical 8), but the number of mirror elements 122 is not particularly limited. In reality, for example, the number of mirror elements 122 is 1,000 to 300,000.

The mirror element 122 is substantially square and has a rotation shaft 122b extending in the horizontal direction and substantially equally dividing the mirror element 122. All or some of the mirror elements 122 are configured to be able to switch between the first reflection position (solid line position shown in FIG. 9B) and the second reflection position (dotted line position shown in FIG. 9B). .. At the first reflection position, the mirror element 122 uses the projection optical system 116 (FIGS. 9A and 9B) so that the light emitted from the visible light source 112 is effectively used as a part of the light distribution pattern by the visible light. ) Is reflected toward (not shown), and the light emitted from the invisible light source 114 is reflected so as not to be effectively used. Further, at the second reflection position, the mirror element 122 reflects the light emitted from the invisible light source 114 toward the projection optical system 116 so as to be effectively used as a part of the light distribution pattern by the invisible light. , The light emitted from the visible light source 112 is reflected so as not to be effectively used. Here, the directions that are not effectively used are, for example, a direction that does not enter the projection optical system 116 and is directed toward a light absorbing member (light-shielding member) (not shown), or a direction that is incident on the projection optical system 116 but forms a light distribution. It is a direction that makes little contribution.

When at least a part of the mirror elements 122 are set to the first reflection position and the visible light source 112 is lit, the visible light from the visible light source 112 is projected by the mirror element 122 set to the first reflection position. It is reflected toward the optical system 116, and a visible light pattern, which is a light distribution pattern by visible light, is irradiated to the front of the lamp. Further, when at least a part of the mirror elements 122 are set to the second reflection position and the invisible light source 114 is lit, the invisible light from the invisible light source 114 is set to the second reflection position. It is reflected by the mirror element 122 toward the projection optical system 116, and an invisible light pattern, which is a light distribution pattern by invisible light, is irradiated to the front of the lamp.

Returning to FIG. 7, the projection optical system 116 is, for example, a light source formed of a free curved lens whose front surface and rear surface have a free curved shape, and is formed on a rear focal plane including the rear focal point of the projection optical system 116. The image is projected as an inverted image on a virtual vertical screen in front of the lamp. The projection optical system 116 is arranged so that its rear focus is located on the optical axis of the lamp system 100 and near the reflection surface of the micromirror array 124 of the light deflector 120. The projection optical system 116 may be a reflector.

The imaging unit 130 captures the reflected light L3 of the invisible light L2 by the object in front of the vehicle. The imaging unit 130 may have sensitivity at least in the wavelength range of invisible light L2, and is preferably insensitive to visible light (has no sensitivity or has a sensitivity of a predetermined value or less). The imaging unit 130 includes an electronic or mechanical shutter (not shown) for adjusting the exposure time.

The control unit 160 includes a lamp control unit 162 that controls the lamp unit 110, an image pickup control unit 164 that controls the image pickup unit 130, and a pattern determination unit 166 that determines a light distribution pattern.

The lamp control unit 162 alternately turns on and off the visible light source 112 and the invisible light source 114.

Further, the lamp control unit 162 selectively executes the first mode, the second mode, the third mode, and the fourth mode as the control for the light deflection device 120. The lamp control unit 162 executes control in the first mode or the third mode when the visible light source 112 is lit, and executes control in the second mode or the fourth mode when the invisible light source 114 is lit. That is, the first mode and the third mode are modes for irradiating the visible light pattern, and the second mode and the fourth mode are modes for irradiating the invisible light pattern. It should be noted that the control in either the first mode or the third mode is executed when irradiating the visible light pattern, and the control in either the second mode or the fourth mode is performed when irradiating the invisible light pattern. The driver may choose whether to execute.

In the first mode, the mirror element 122 corresponding to the region to be irradiated with visible light (visible light irradiation region) is set at the first reflection position based on the visible light pattern determined by the pattern determination unit 166, for example. The mirror element 122, that is, the mirror element 122 corresponding to the region where visible light should not be irradiated (visible light shading region) is set at the second reflection position.

In the third mode, all the mirror elements 122 are set to the first reflection position. The third mode can also be regarded as a kind of the first mode.

When the first mode or the third mode is executed and the visible light source 112 is lit, the visible light L1 emitted from the visible light source 112 to the light deflector 120 is a mirror element set at the first reflection position. It is reflected by 122 and emitted in front of the lamp. As a result, a visible light pattern is formed in front of the lamp and thus the vehicle. At this time, since the invisible light source 114 is turned off, the light deflector 120 is not irradiated with the invisible light L2. Therefore, even if the mirror element 122 set at the second reflection position is present, the invisible light is not visible. L2 is not emitted in front of the lamp. In the third mode, all the mirror elements 122 are set to the first reflection position, so even if the invisible light source 114 is lit, the invisible light L2 is not emitted to the front of the lamp.

In the second mode, the mirror element 122 corresponding to the region to be irradiated with invisible light (invisible light irradiation region) is set at the second reflection position, and the other mirror element 122, that is, the invisible light should not be irradiated. The mirror element 122 corresponding to the region (invisible light shading region) is set at the first reflection position.

In the fourth mode, all the mirror elements 122 are set to the second reflection position. The fourth mode can also be regarded as a kind of the second mode.

When the second mode or the fourth mode is executed and the invisible light source 114 is lit, the invisible light L2 emitted from the invisible light source 114 to the light deflector 120 is set to the second reflection position. It is reflected by the mirror element 122 and emitted to the front of the lamp. As a result, an invisible light pattern is formed in front of the lamp and thus the vehicle. At this time, since the visible light source 112 is turned off, the visible light L1 is not irradiated to the light deflector 120. Therefore, even if the mirror element 122 set at the first reflection position exists, the visible light L1 is a lamp. It is not emitted forward. In the fourth mode, all the mirror elements 122 are set to the second reflection position, so even if the visible light source 112 is lit, the visible light L1 is not emitted to the front of the lamp.

The image pickup control unit 164 causes the image pickup unit 130 to take an image. The image pickup control unit 164 is at least one of a period during which the visible light pattern by the visible light L1 is irradiated to the front of the lamp, that is, a period during which the first mode or the third mode is executed and the visible light source 112 is lit. During the period of the unit, the shutter of the imaging unit 130 is closed to leave the imaging unit 130 in a non-exposed state. Further, the image pickup control unit 164 executes the second mode or the fourth mode during the period in which the invisible light pattern by the invisible light L2 is irradiated to the front of the lamp, that is, the invisible light source 114 is lit. During at least a part of the period, the shutter of the imaging unit 130 is opened to bring the imaging unit 130 into an exposed state.

The pattern determination unit 166 determines the light distribution pattern of visible light supplied to the lamp unit 110 based on the image captured by the image pickup unit 130. Based on the image obtained by the image pickup unit 130, the pattern determination unit 166 detects an object such as a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle that should not be given glare by image processing. The object detection algorithm is not particularly limited. The pattern determination unit 166 may detect an object based on a plurality of consecutive frames of the image. Then, the pattern determination unit 166 generates a light distribution pattern in which the portion corresponding to the object is shielded from light. That is, the lamp system 100 can execute so-called ADB control. In addition, "shading a certain part" includes not only the case where the brightness (illuminance) of the part is completely set to zero, but also the case where the brightness (illuminance) of the part is lowered.

The above is the basic configuration of the lamp system 100. Subsequently, the operation of the lamp system 100 will be described.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of controlling the light distribution of visible light L1 and invisible light L2. FIG. 10 shows a visible light pattern P1 by visible light L1 and a non-visible light pattern P2 by invisible light L2. In FIG. 10, the visible light pattern P1 and the invisible light pattern P2 are drawn in an overlapping manner, but in reality, these are alternately irradiated. In the example of FIG. 10, the control unit 160 executes the first mode as a mode for irradiating the visible light pattern P1 and executes the second mode as a mode for irradiating the invisible light pattern P2.

In the visible light pattern P1, the portion corresponding to the object (oncoming vehicle) is shielded from light. The invisible light pattern P2 illuminates a relatively wide area in front of the lamp. The invisible light pattern P2 may irradiate, for example, a range including the entire imaging range of the imaging unit 130. The invisible light pattern P2 does not give glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle or the preceding vehicle.

FIG. 11 is an example of a time chart for explaining the operation of the lamp system 100. Controller 160, at a predetermined period T _S, off point of visible light source 112, turns off the point of the non-visible light source 114, switching of the reflection position of the mirror element 122, and to execute the switching of the exposure state of the imaging unit 130.

In each period _{T S,} the period of the first period _{T 1} in which the visible light source 112 is lit, the non-visible light source 114 is a period of the second period _{T 2} which is turned, the first mode for the optical deflecting device 120 or runs the control according to the third mode, and the period in which the visible light source 112 is lit, namely the period during which the visible light pattern P1 is irradiated to the front of the lamp third period T _3, with respect to the optical deflecting device 120 first 2 mode or the control according to the fourth mode is performed, and non-visible light source 114 period is lit, i.e. non-visible light pattern P2 a period that is irradiated to the front of the lamp fourth period T _4, the imaging unit 130 There is referred to as a fifth time period T ₅ and the period is an exposure state.

The visible light source 112 and the invisible light source 114 are turned on at different timings, and the light deflector 120 switches the reflection position of the mirror element 122 accordingly, whereby the visible light pattern P1 or the invisible light pattern P2 is in front of the lamp. Is irradiated to. In each cycle, the imaging unit 130 is in an unexposed state of the imaging unit 130 during at least a part of the period during which the visible light pattern P1 is irradiated to the front of the lamp, and the invisible light pattern P2 is emitted to the front of the lamp. The imaging unit 130 is exposed during at least a part of the period.

In FIG. 11, the visible light source 112 is turned off, the invisible light source 114 is turned on, and the mirror element 122 is switched from the first reflection position to the second reflection position at substantially the same timing. In FIG. 11, the invisible light source 114 is turned off, the visible light source 112 is turned on, and the mirror element 122 is switched from the second reflection position to the first reflection position at substantially the same timing. Therefore, the second period T _{1 in} which the visible light source 112 is lit coincides with the third period T _{3 in} which the visible light pattern P1 is illuminated in front of the lamp, and the invisible light source 114 is lit. The period T ₂ coincides with the fourth period T _{4 in} which the invisible light pattern P2 is illuminated in front of the lamp. However, not limited to this, these timings may be slightly different.

For example, the invisible light source 114 may be turned on after a predetermined time has passed since the visible light source 112 was turned off, or the visible light source 112 may be turned on after a predetermined time has passed since the invisible light source 114 was turned off. You may. In other words, a rest period may be provided between the first period T ₁ and the second period T ₂ , or between the second period T ₂ and the first period T ₁ .

Third period T ₃ in which the visible light pattern P1 is _emitted, period T _S of the fourth period T ₄ and repeat them to non-visible light pattern P2 is irradiated, the length of a human can not feel uncomfortable, that human The length is set so that the human cannot perceive that the visible light pattern P1 is blinking, and the visible light pattern P1 is perceived as being continuously lit.

Further, in FIG. 11, the fourth period T ₄ in which the invisible light pattern P2 is irradiated to the front of the lamp is longer than the fifth period T ₅ in which the imaging unit 130 is in the exposed state (the state in which the shutter is open). It has become. That is, T ₅ / T ₄ = 1. The fourth period T ₄ and the fifth period T ₅ need only be in a relationship in which they satisfy T ₅ / T ₄ = 0.6 to 1.4, and preferably both are T ₅ / T ₄ = 0. It suffices if the relationship satisfies 8 to 1.2, and more preferably both of them satisfy T ₅ / T ₄ = 1. The smaller T ₅ / T ₄ is, the less noise is obtained, and the larger T ₅ / T ₄ is, the brighter the image is obtained. That is, as T ₅ / T ₄ is closer to 1, a clear image with a good balance between less noise and brightness can be obtained, and the situation in front of the vehicle can be grasped more accurately.

Next, the effects of the present embodiment described above will be described. According to the present embodiment, the visible light pattern P1 and the invisible light pattern P2 are alternately irradiated to the front of the vehicle, and the imaging unit 130 is basically in an unexposed state at the timing when the visible light pattern P1 is irradiated. At the timing when the invisible light pattern P2 is irradiated, the exposure state is set. Therefore, when a plurality of vehicles, for example, two opposing vehicles all include the lamp system 100 of the present embodiment, the timing at which the lamp unit 110 of the lamp system 100 of one vehicle irradiates the invisible light pattern P2. If the timing at which the imaging unit 130 of the lamp system 100 of the other vehicle is exposed is different, the invisible light pattern P2 emitted by the lamp system 100 of one vehicle captures the image of the lamp system 100 of the other vehicle. The glare given to the unit 130 can be reduced. As a result, the imaging unit 130 of the other vehicle can grasp the situation in front of the vehicle more accurately, and as a result, the traffic safety is enhanced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the imaging unit 130 is in an exposed state for at least a part of the period during which the invisible light pattern P2 is irradiated in front of the lamp, and the invisible light pattern P2 is in front of the lamp. Since the non-exposed state is set for at least a part of the non-irradiated period, an image with less noise can be obtained as compared with the case where the non-visible light pattern P2 is not emitted in front of the lamp and is exposed all the time. Therefore, the situation in front of the vehicle can be grasped more accurately. As a result, traffic safety is improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the mirror element corresponding to the time when the imaging unit 130 is in the exposed state (the state in which the shutter is open), the invisible light source 114 is lit, and the invisible light irradiation region is provided. The time that 122 is in the second reflection position is equal. In this case, since the imaging unit 130 is in the non-exposed state only when the invisible light pattern P2 is irradiated to the front of the vehicle, a clear image with a good balance between less noise and brightness can be obtained, and the accuracy is higher. You can grasp the situation in front of the vehicle well. As a result, traffic safety is improved.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are exemplary and that various modifications are possible for each of these components and combinations of processing processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. By the way.

(Modification example 1)
In the first embodiment, the variable light distribution lamp 110 was an additional light source for the low beam 140 and the high beam 150, but the function of at least one of the low beam 140 and the high beam 150 was integrated with the variable light distribution lamp 110. You may.

(Modification 2)
FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the lamp system 100 according to a modified example of the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described. In the following, a lamp system mounted on another vehicle, which is the same as the lamp system 100 of this modified example, and its constituent elements will be described with "'".

The lamp system 100 further includes a display device 180. The display device 180 may be a monitor installed in the vehicle interior or a head-up display (HUD: Head Up Display). The control unit 160 displays the image captured by the image pickup unit 130 on the display device 180. The driver can grasp the situation in front of the vehicle by looking at the image displayed on the display device 180, and for example, the safety at night when the visibility is poor is improved.

Further, the lighting equipment system 100 further includes a marking lamp 170 for indicating the position of the imaging unit 130, which is arranged adjacent to the imaging unit 130. In FIG. 12, the image pickup unit 130 and the marking lamp 170 are provided inside the housing, but may be provided outside the housing, in other words, on the vehicle side. The marking lamp 170 is configured to include an invisible light source and emits invisible light. The marking lamp 170 is arranged adjacent to the image pickup unit 130 and emits invisible light to notify the position of the image pickup unit 130 to other surrounding vehicles.

The control unit 160 determines the light distribution pattern of the invisible light supplied to the lamp unit 110 based on the image captured by the image pickup unit 130. The control unit 160 detects the image pickup unit 130'of the lamp system 100' mounted on another vehicle, for example, an oncoming vehicle, by image processing based on the image obtained by the image pickup unit 130. In this modification, the control unit 160 detects the range displayed by the marking lamp 170'as the range of the imaging unit 130'. The control unit 160 irradiates the irradiation pattern of invisible light L2 that blocks the area so as not to irradiate the area. That is, the control unit 160 executes the second mode as a mode for irradiating the invisible light pattern P2.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of controlling the light distribution of the invisible light L2. FIG. 13 shows an irradiation pattern of invisible light L2.

In FIG. 13, the imaging unit 130'is provided on the vehicle side, specifically on the front window. Further, two marking lamps 170'that shine in a dot shape are provided on the left and right sides of the image pickup unit 130' so as to sandwich the image pickup unit 130'on the left and right sides. The number and configuration of the marking lamps 170'are not particularly limited. For example, one marking lamp 170'that shines in a dot shape may be arranged adjacent to the imaging unit 130', or the marking lamp 170' with three or more lights in a dot shape surrounds the imaging unit 130'. It may be arranged around the', for example, at equal intervals. Further, the marking lamp 170'may have an annular light emitting surface surrounding the imaging unit 130'.

The invisible light L2 is in the range indicated by the marking lamp 170', and the portion corresponding to the imaging unit 130'is shielded from light. The method of specifying the light-shielding range from the marking of the marking lamp 170'is not particularly limited, and a predetermined range centered on each marking lamp 170' may be specified as the light-shielding range, or the marking lamp 170' may be specified. In the case of three or more, the range connecting the marking lamps 170'with a straight line may be specified as a light-shielding range, and when the marking lamp 170'has an annular light emitting surface, the inside of the light emitting surface is specified as a light-shielding range. You may.

The control unit 160'of the lamp system 100'preferably blinks the marking lamp 170'in a predetermined pattern. As a result, the control unit 160 of the lamp system 100 can distinguish the light emitted from the marking lamp 170'from the light emitted from a light source other than the marking lamp 170', and can suppress erroneous detection of the marking lamp 170'.

According to this modification, it is possible to prevent the lamp system 100 mounted on the own vehicle from giving glare to the image pickup unit 130'of the lamp system 100'mounted on another vehicle.

(Modification 3)
In the second embodiment and the second modification, the case where the visible light source 112 and the invisible light source 114 are turned on and off has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least one of the visible light source 112 and the invisible light source 114 is turned on. You can leave it alone.

The present invention has been described using specific terms and phrases based on the embodiments, but the embodiments show only one aspect of the principles and applications of the present invention, and the embodiments are claimed. Many modifications and arrangement changes are permitted within the range not departing from the idea of the present invention defined in the scope.

The present invention can be used for a lamp system.

100 lamp system, 112 visible light source, 114 invisible light source, 120 light deflector, 122 mirror element, 130 imaging unit, 160 control unit, L1 visible light, L2 invisible light, F figure.

Claims

An optical deflector that includes a plurality of optical elements, and each optical element can tilt to a first reflection position and a second reflection position.
A visible light source that irradiates the light deflector with visible light,
An invisible light source that irradiates the light deflector with invisible light,
An imaging unit that is sensitive to the wavelength range of light from the visible light source and the invisible light source.
A control unit that controls the light deflector is provided.
The optical element tilted to the first reflection position reflects the light from the visible light source so as to be effectively used, and reflects the light from the invisible light source so as not to be effectively used.
The optical element tilted to the second reflection position reflects the light from the invisible light source so as to be effectively used, and reflects the light from the visible light source so as not to be effectively used.
The control unit controls an optical deflection device, tilts some of the optical elements among the plurality of optical elements to the first reflection position, draws a figure on the road surface with visible light, and draws a figure on the road surface of the plurality of optical elements. A lighting system characterized by tilting the remaining optical elements to the second reflection position and irradiating the road surface with invisible light.
The lamp system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit can individually control the brightness of the visible light source and the invisible light source.
The lamp system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the figure extends from a vehicle equipped with the lamp system toward a pedestrian or a pedestrian's front position.
The lamp system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the figure extends in a direction in which the vehicle equipped with the lamp system should travel.
An optical deflector containing multiple optical elements and
A visible light source that irradiates the light deflector with visible light,
An invisible light source that irradiates the light deflector with invisible light,
An imaging unit that is sensitive to the wavelength range of light from the invisible light source,
With a control unit
The control unit sets the optical element corresponding to the visible light irradiation region to the first reflection position for the light deflector, and sets the optical element corresponding to the non-visible light irradiation region to the second reflection position. It is possible to execute the second mode, which is set to
When the first mode is executed and the visible light source is lit, the visible light irradiation region in front of the lamp is irradiated with visible light.
When the second mode is executed and the invisible light source is lit, the invisible light irradiation region in front of the lamp is irradiated with invisible light.
The control unit exposes the imaging unit to an exposed state during at least a part of the period during which the invisible light is radiated to the front of the lamp, and at least a part of the period during which the invisible light is not radiated to the front of the lamp. A lamp system characterized in that the imaging unit is in a non-exposed state during the period.
The first reflection position is a position where the light from the visible light source is reflected so as to be effectively used, and the light from the invisible light source is reflected so as not to be effectively used.
The second reflection position is a position that reflects the light from the invisible light source so as to be effectively used and reflects the light from the visible light source so as not to be effectively used. The lighting system according to 5.
The lamp system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the control unit alternately lights the visible light source and the invisible light source.
The lamp system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the imaging unit is insensitive to visible light.
According to any one of claims 5 to 8, the ratio of the exposure time of the imaging unit to the period during which the invisible light pattern is irradiated to the front of the lamp is in the range of 0.8 to 1.2. The lamp system described.
The lighting system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, further comprising a marking lamp arranged adjacent to the imaging unit, which irradiates invisible light to indicate the position of the imaging unit.
The control unit is a range corresponding to an imaging unit of another vehicle having sensitivity to invisible light, and the marking lamp of the other vehicle irradiates the invisible light so as not to irradiate the marked range. The lamp system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the light deflector is controlled.