WO2021100510A1 - Vehicle lamp system, light distribution control device, and light distribution control method - Google Patents

Vehicle lamp system, light distribution control device, and light distribution control method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021100510A1
WO2021100510A1 PCT/JP2020/041678 JP2020041678W WO2021100510A1 WO 2021100510 A1 WO2021100510 A1 WO 2021100510A1 JP 2020041678 W JP2020041678 W JP 2020041678W WO 2021100510 A1 WO2021100510 A1 WO 2021100510A1
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Prior art keywords
luminous intensity
light distribution
light
lamp
distribution control
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PCT/JP2020/041678
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
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美紗子 神谷
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株式会社小糸製作所
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Priority to JP2021558297A priority Critical patent/JPWO2021100510A1/ja
Publication of WO2021100510A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021100510A1/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
    • 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 vehicle lamp system, a light distribution control device, and a light distribution control method.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing ADB control using an LED array.
  • the ADB control detects the presence or absence of a light-shielding target located in front of the vehicle to avoid high-intensity light irradiation with a camera, and dims or turns off the area corresponding to the light-shielding target. Therefore, according to the ADB control, it is possible to improve the visibility of the driver of the own vehicle while avoiding glare to the vehicle in front such as the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle.
  • the front area of the vehicle is divided into a plurality of individual areas, and each individual area is subjected to two gradations (two steps) of light irradiation and non-irradiation, or at most one step of dimming irradiation.
  • the brightness of each individual area was controlled by the added three gradations.
  • the luminosity of the light irradiating each individual region can be controlled with more multi-gradation, it becomes possible to irradiate various targets having different reflectances with light having a luminosity suitable for each target.
  • the visibility of the driver is further improved.
  • the driver becomes aware (visually visible) of the uneven brightness of the light distribution pattern. Brightness unevenness can hinder the improvement of driver's visibility.
  • the present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and one of the objects thereof is to provide a technique for improving the visibility of the driver.
  • one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lamp system.
  • This system includes a light distribution variable lamp that can independently adjust the luminous intensity of light irradiating each of a plurality of individual regions arranged in front of the vehicle, and a light distribution control device that controls the light distribution variable lamp.
  • the light distribution control device has a luminous intensity setting unit that determines the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each individual region with a gradation of 10 bits or more.
  • This device is a light distribution control device that controls a light distribution variable lamp that can independently adjust the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each of a plurality of individual regions lined up in front of the vehicle, and the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each individual region. It is provided with a luminous intensity setting unit for determining a gradation of 10 bits or more.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is a light distribution control method.
  • This method is a light distribution control method for controlling a light distribution variable lamp that can independently adjust the luminous intensity of light irradiating each of a plurality of individual regions lined up in front of the vehicle, and is a light distribution control method for irradiating each individual region. Includes determining with a gradation of 10 bits or more.
  • the visibility of the driver can be improved.
  • FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the relationship between the combination conditions of the lamp functions, the luminous intensity range required for the lamp under each condition, and the luminous intensity range required to suppress brightness unevenness under each condition.
  • FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the number of bits required to suppress brightness unevenness under each condition.
  • FIG. 2C is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of bits and the gamma value of gamma correction, which is necessary for suppressing brightness unevenness under each condition.
  • 3A to 3C are diagrams showing the luminous intensity contrast at a predetermined luminous intensity when the luminous intensity is set with a predetermined number of bits.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle lighting system according to the embodiment.
  • a part of the components of the vehicle lighting system 1 is drawn as a functional block.
  • These functional blocks are realized by elements and circuits such as a computer CPU and memory as a hardware configuration, and are realized by a computer program or the like as a software configuration. Those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software.
  • the vehicle lighting system 1 includes a light distribution variable lamp 2, a light distribution control device 4, and a lamp power supply 6. All of these may be built in the same housing, or some members may be provided on the outside of the housing, in other words, on the vehicle 100 side.
  • the light distribution variable lamp 2 can independently adjust the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each of the plurality of individual areas R arranged in front of the own vehicle. That is, the variable light distribution lamp 2 can irradiate the front region of the vehicle 100 with the visible light beam L1 having a variable intensity distribution.
  • the variable light distribution lamp 2 receives data indicating the light distribution pattern PTN from the light distribution control device 4, and emits a visible light beam L1 having an intensity distribution according to the light distribution pattern PTN. As a result, the light distribution pattern PTN is formed in front of the vehicle.
  • the light distribution pattern PTN is grasped as a two-dimensional illuminance distribution of the irradiation pattern 902 formed by the light distribution variable lamp 2 on the virtual vertical screen 900 in front of the own vehicle.
  • the variable light distribution lamp 2 includes, for example, a plurality of light sources arranged in a matrix and a lighting circuit that independently drives and lights each light source.
  • Preferred examples of the light source include semiconductor light sources such as LED (light emitting diode), LD (laser diode), and organic or inorganic EL (electroluminescence).
  • LED light emitting diode
  • LD laser diode
  • organic or inorganic EL electroluminescence
  • the light distribution variable lamp 2 uses a matrix-type pattern forming device such as a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) or a liquid crystal device, or a light source light in front of the vehicle. It may include a scanning optical pattern forming device that scans the light source.
  • the resolution of the variable light distribution lamp 2 is, for example, 10 to 1.3 million pixels.
  • the light distribution control device 4 is a light source driver that controls the light distribution variable lamp 2.
  • the light distribution control device 4 can be configured by a digital processor, for example, it may be configured by a combination of a microcomputer including a CPU and a software program, or by an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specified IC), or the like. It may be configured.
  • the light distribution control device 4 receives an instruction signal from the vehicle ECU 102 mounted on the vehicle 100 and executes control of the light distribution variable lamp 2. Further, the vehicle ECU 102 acquires various information from the visible light camera 104 mounted on the vehicle 100 and other sensors, and sends the acquired information to the light distribution control device 4.
  • the light distribution control device 4 When the light distribution control device 4 receives the instruction signal and various information from the vehicle ECU 102, it determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed and sends the control signal instructing the light distribution pattern PTN to the light distribution variable lamp 2. Further, the light distribution control device 4 transmits a drive signal to the lamp power supply 6. When the lamp power source 6 receives the drive signal, it supplies electric power to each light source via the lighting circuit of the light distribution variable lamp 2.
  • the light distribution control device 4 has a luminous intensity setting unit 8 and a correction unit 10. Each part operates by executing a program held in a memory by an integrated circuit constituting itself.
  • the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity of the light to irradiate each individual region R. That is, the luminous intensity setting unit 8 has a drawing function for determining the light distribution pattern PTN.
  • the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each individual region R with a gradation of 10 bits or more. That is, the luminous intensity setting unit 8 has a gradation resolution of 10 bits or more. As a result, it becomes easy to add a plurality of lamp functions to one variable light distribution lamp 2 and suppress brightness unevenness in a light distribution pattern corresponding to each function.
  • FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the relationship between the combination conditions of the lamp functions, the luminous intensity range required for the lamp under each condition, and the luminous intensity range required to suppress brightness unevenness under each condition.
  • FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the number of bits required to suppress brightness unevenness under each condition.
  • FIG. 2C is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of bits and the gamma value of gamma correction, which is necessary for suppressing brightness unevenness under each condition.
  • the lamps that meet the condition A include a lamp function (low beam function: Lo) that forms a low beam light distribution pattern and an overhead sign (OHS) pattern, and a lamp function (high beam function: Hi) that forms a high beam light distribution pattern. , It also has a lamp function (ADB function: ADB) for forming a light distribution pattern for ADB.
  • the ADB light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern based on the high beam light distribution pattern, in which the luminous intensity of the portion corresponding to the target in front of the vehicle is changed.
  • the lamp corresponding to the condition A has a high beam function of irradiating light having a luminous intensity higher than the maximum luminous intensity of the high beam stipulated by law.
  • the minimum required luminous intensity at the maximum luminous intensity point of the high beam specified in the regulations is 40,500 cd, but the maximum luminous intensity of the high beam under the condition A is set to 100,000 cd, which is much higher. Therefore, the luminous intensity range required for the lamp under the condition A is 0 cd or more and 100,000 cd or less.
  • the lamp corresponding to the condition A is required to form an OHS pattern having a lower luminous intensity than the low beam light distribution pattern.
  • the luminosity range of the OHS pattern is generally 50 cd or more and 625 cd or less. Therefore, the luminous intensity range in which the suppression of brightness unevenness is required under the condition A (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a target luminous intensity range) is set to 50 cd or more and 100,000 cd or less.
  • the lamp that meets condition B has both a high beam function and an ADB function.
  • the maximum luminous intensity of the high beam is set to 100,000 cd, which is the same as the condition A. Therefore, the luminous intensity range required for the lamp under the condition B is 0 cd or more and 100,000 cd or less.
  • the formation of an OHS pattern is not required.
  • the luminous intensity of the minimum luminous intensity point of the high beam stipulated by law is 5,100 cd.
  • the minimum luminous intensity in the region excluding the light-shielding portion is 5,100 cd. Therefore, the target luminous intensity range under the condition B is set to 5,100 cd or more and 100,000 cd or less.
  • the lamp corresponding to the condition C has a low beam function, a high beam function, and an ADB function.
  • the maximum luminous intensity of the high beam is set to 40,500 cd specified by law. Therefore, the luminous intensity range required for the lamp under the condition C is 0 cd or more and 40,500 cd or less. Further, the lamp corresponding to the condition C is required to form an OHS pattern. Therefore, the target luminous intensity range under the condition C is set to 50 cd or more and 40,500 cd or less.
  • the lamp corresponding to condition D has both a high beam function and an ADB function.
  • the maximum luminous intensity of the high beam is set to 40,500 cd, which is the same as the condition C. Therefore, the luminous intensity range required for the lamp under the condition D is 0 cd or more and 40,500 cd or less.
  • the formation of the OHS pattern is not required as in the condition B. Therefore, the target luminous intensity range under the condition D is set to 5,100 cd or more and 40,500 cd or less.
  • condition A having the low beam function, the high luminous intensity high beam function and the ADB function and the condition C having the low beam function, the low luminous intensity high beam function and the ADB function are more than the condition B and the condition D not having the low luminous intensity function. This is a condition that is desired to be achieved. Further, the condition A having a high luminous intensity high beam function is a condition that is further desired to be achieved as compared with the condition C having a low brightness high beam function.
  • the luminance contrast is calculated based on the following equation (1).
  • C is the luminance contrast
  • Bt is the luminance of the visual object
  • Bb is the luminance of the background.
  • C
  • the brightness contrast threshold value is about 0.032. That is, if the luminance contrast is 0.032 or less, the human cannot visually recognize the luminance unevenness.
  • the visual object size of 0.30 degrees is a value equivalent to the angular resolution of 0.25 degrees of a typical optical system currently used.
  • the adaptation brightness of 1.0 cd / m 2 is a general value as the adaptation brightness during night driving.
  • the luminance contrast is replaced with the luminous intensity contrast.
  • the luminous intensity contrast is calculated based on the equation (1') in which the background luminance Bb in the above equation (1) is replaced with the luminous intensity corresponding to the gradation value n and the visual target luminance Bt is replaced with the luminous intensity corresponding to the gradation value n + 1. Will be done. Therefore, in the case of the light distribution pattern, if the luminous intensity contrast is 0.032 or less, the driver cannot visually recognize the uneven brightness of the light distribution pattern.
  • the luminance contrast it is necessary to define the reflection characteristics of the object irradiated with light and the positional relationship between the object and the viewer.
  • the luminous intensity contrast it is possible to omit the definition of the reflection characteristic and the positional relationship on the assumption that the same sufficiently large object (virtual vertical screen 900) is irradiated with the light distribution pattern.
  • the luminous intensity contrast changes according to the luminous intensity corresponding to the gradation value n. Further, when gamma correction (brightness correction) is performed, the amount of light intensity per gradation also changes according to the gradation value n. Therefore, it was decided to set an arbitrary luminous intensity and calculate the luminous intensity contrast based on this luminous intensity.
  • Luminous intensity b (gradation value n + 1 / gradation number -1) ⁇ correction value ⁇ 100,000 cd
  • FIG. 3 (A) shows a calculation result when gamma correction is applied with a gamma value of 1.0 (in this case, the same result as when gamma correction is not applied), and FIG. 3 (B) shows. It is a calculation result when gamma correction is performed with a gamma value of 2.2, and FIG. 3 (C) is a calculation result when gamma correction is performed with a gamma value of 4.4.
  • the shaded area is a region where the luminous intensity contrast is 0.032 or less.
  • the luminous intensity contrast of 0.032 or less was not satisfied at any luminous intensity in the target luminous intensity range of 50 to 100,000 cd at any bit number.
  • the luminous intensity range satisfying the luminous intensity contrast of 0.032 or less expanded, and in 12 bits, the luminous intensity contrast of 0.032 or less was achieved in the entire target luminous intensity range. ..
  • the luminous intensity range satisfying the luminous intensity contrast of 0.032 or less is further expanded, and the luminous intensity contrast of 0.032 over the entire target luminous intensity range at 10 bits and 12 bits. The following was achieved.
  • the number of bits and the gamma value that can achieve a luminous intensity contrast of 0.032 or less over the entire target luminous intensity range were verified.
  • the number of bits to be verified was 6 to 20.
  • the number of bits is 10 or more when gamma correction is performed, and the number of bits is 16 or more when gamma correction is not performed, over the entire target luminous intensity range.
  • the luminosity contrast was 0.032 or less.
  • the luminous intensity contrast was 0.032 or less in the entire target luminous intensity range when the bit number was 10 or more when the gamma correction was performed and when the bit number was 15 or more when the gamma correction was not performed.
  • the luminous intensity setting unit 8 at least sets the luminous intensity of the light to irradiate each individual region R. It is necessary to determine the gradation of 10 bits or more. In other words, by setting the gradation resolution of the luminous intensity setting unit 8 to 10 bits or more, it is possible to easily realize both an increase in the lamp function and suppression of brightness unevenness.
  • the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 15 bits or more. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of brightness unevenness under condition C without performing gamma correction. Further, it is more preferable that the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 16 bits or more. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of brightness unevenness under condition A without performing gamma correction.
  • the luminous intensity contrast was 0.032 or less over the entire target luminous intensity range when the number of bits was 9 or more when gamma correction was performed and the number of bits was 10 or more when gamma correction was not performed. Further, under condition D, the luminous intensity contrast was 0.032 or less over the entire target luminous intensity range when the bit number was 8 or more regardless of the presence or absence of gamma correction.
  • the light distribution control device 4 of the present embodiment has a correction unit 10 that gamma-corrects the luminous intensity data defined by the luminous intensity setting unit 8.
  • the correction unit 10 performs gamma correction using a gamma curve having a predetermined gamma value.
  • the number of bits required for suppressing brightness unevenness can be reduced.
  • the load on the light distribution control device 4 can be reduced, and the control speed can be increased.
  • the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 10 bits, and the correction unit 10 performs gamma correction using a gamma value of 2.7 or more and 24.5 or less.
  • the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 10 bits, and the correction unit 10 performs gamma correction using a gamma value of 3.4 or more and 23.2 or less.
  • the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 10 bits, and the correction unit 10 performs gamma correction using a gamma value of 3.4 or more and 23.2 or less.
  • the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity of the light to be applied to each individual region R and determines the luminous intensity pattern PTN
  • the luminous intensity setting unit 8 converts the luminous intensity data of the light distribution pattern PTN into a control signal of the light distribution variable lamp 2 and distributes the light. It transmits to the variable lamp 2.
  • the lighting circuit of the light distribution variable lamp 2 receives the control signal, it lights the light source so as to emit the visible light beam L1 having an intensity distribution corresponding to the light distribution pattern PTN.
  • the light distribution pattern PTN is formed in the front region of the vehicle 100.
  • the light distribution control device 4 detects a target existing in the front region of the vehicle 100 based on the image obtained from the visible light camera 104, and dynamically and adaptively controls the light distribution pattern PTN according to the target. ADB control may be performed.
  • the target vehicle includes a vehicle in front including a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, an obstacle that hinders the running of the own vehicle, a road sign, a road marking, a road shape, and the like.
  • the luminous intensity setting unit 8 performs image analysis on the image obtained from the visible light camera 104 by using a known method including algorithm recognition, deep learning, and the like, and detects a target existing in the front region of the vehicle 100. Then, the light distribution variable lamp 2 is controlled by determining the light distribution pattern PTN in which the portion corresponding to the target is shaded, dimmed or brightened.
  • the vehicle lighting system 1 includes a light distribution variable lamp 2 that can independently adjust the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each of the plurality of individual regions R arranged in front of the own vehicle.
  • a light distribution control device 4 for controlling the light variable lamp 2 is provided.
  • the light distribution control device 4 has a luminous intensity setting unit 8 that determines the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each individual region R with a gradation of 10 bits or more. That is, the light distribution control device 4 controls the brightness of each optical element of the light distribution variable lamp 2 associated with each individual region R with a gradation of 10 bits or more.
  • the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 15 bits or more.
  • the low beam function, the low light intensity high beam function, and the ADB function are integrated without performing gamma correction on the light intensity data determined by the light intensity setting unit 8, and the brightness unevenness in the light distribution pattern formed by each function is affected. It is possible to achieve both suppression. Further, if the gamma correction becomes unnecessary, the correction unit 10 can be omitted, so that the configuration of the vehicle lamp system 1 or the formation control of the light distribution pattern PTN can be simplified.
  • the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 16 bits or more.
  • the low beam function, the high light intensity high beam function, and the ADB function are integrated without performing gamma correction on the light intensity data determined by the light intensity setting unit 8, and the brightness unevenness in the light distribution pattern formed by each function is affected. It is possible to achieve both suppression. Further, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the vehicle lighting system 1 or the formation control of the light distribution pattern PTN.
  • the light distribution control device 4 has a correction unit 10 that performs gamma correction on the luminous intensity data determined by the luminous intensity setting unit 8.
  • the gradation resolution (number of bits) of the luminous intensity setting unit 8 required for suppressing the brightness unevenness of the light distribution pattern can be reduced. That is, for condition C, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of brightness unevenness even if it is less than 15 bits, and for condition A, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of brightness unevenness even if it is less than 16 bits. Therefore, the amount of data handled by the light distribution control device 4 when forming the light distribution pattern PTN can be reduced, and the control load of the light distribution control device 4 can be reduced. Further, since the processing speed of the light distribution control device 4 can be increased, it is possible to more easily form a light distribution pattern suitable for various traffic scenes.
  • the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 10 bits, and the correction unit 10 performs gamma correction using a gamma value of 2.7 or more and 24.5 or less.
  • the correction unit 10 performs gamma correction using a gamma value of 2.7 or more and 24.5 or less.
  • the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 10 bits, and the correction unit 10 performs gamma correction using a gamma value of 3.4 or more and 23.2 or less.
  • the correction unit 10 performs gamma correction using a gamma value of 3.4 or more and 23.2 or less.
  • the correction unit 10 is provided in the light distribution control device 4, but the configuration is not particularly limited to this.
  • the correction unit 10 may be provided in the lighting circuit of the light distribution variable lamp 2.
  • a light distribution control device (4) that controls a light distribution variable lamp (2) that can independently adjust the luminous intensity of light irradiating each of a plurality of individual regions (R) arranged in front of the vehicle.
  • a light distribution control device (4) including a luminous intensity setting unit (8) that determines the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each individual region (R) with a gradation of 10 bits or more.
  • (Item 2) It is a light distribution control method that controls a light distribution variable lamp (2) that can independently adjust the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each of a plurality of individual regions (R) arranged in front of the vehicle.
  • a light distribution control method including determining the luminous intensity of light irradiating each individual region (R) with a gradation of 10 bits or more.
  • the present invention can be used in a vehicle lamp system, a light distribution control device, and a light distribution control method.

Abstract

A vehicle lamp system (1) comprises a variable light distribution lamp (2) capable of independently adjusting the intensity of light emitted to each of a plurality of individual regions R arranged in front of a host vehicle, and a light distribution control device (4) that controls the variable light distribution lamp (2). The light distribution control device (4) includes a light intensity setting unit (8) that sets the intensity of the light emitted to each individual region R in gradations of at least 10 bits.

Description

車両用灯具システム、配光制御装置および配光制御方法Vehicle lighting system, light distribution control device and light distribution control method
　本発明は、車両用灯具システム、配光制御装置および配光制御方法に関する。 The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp system, a light distribution control device, and a light distribution control method.
　近年、車両の周囲の状態に基づいて配光パターンを動的、適応的に制御するＡＤＢ（Adaptive Driving Beam）制御が提案されている。例えば、特許文献１には、ＬＥＤアレイを用いてＡＤＢ制御を実施する技術が開示されている。ＡＤＢ制御は、自車前方に位置する高輝度の光照射を避けるべき遮光対象の有無をカメラで検出し、遮光対象に対応する領域を減光や消灯するものである。したがって、ＡＤＢ制御によれば、先行車や対向車等の前方車両へのグレアを回避しつつ、自車両の運転者の視認性を向上させることができる。 In recent years, ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) control that dynamically and adaptively controls the light distribution pattern based on the surrounding conditions of the vehicle has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing ADB control using an LED array. The ADB control detects the presence or absence of a light-shielding target located in front of the vehicle to avoid high-intensity light irradiation with a camera, and dims or turns off the area corresponding to the light-shielding target. Therefore, according to the ADB control, it is possible to improve the visibility of the driver of the own vehicle while avoiding glare to the vehicle in front such as the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle.
特開２００８－０９４１２７号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-094127
　従来のＡＤＢ制御では、車両の前方領域を複数の個別領域に分け、各個別領域への光の照射と非照射との２階調（２段階）、あるいは多くても一段階の減光照射を加えた３階調で各個別領域の明るさを制御していた。これに対し、各個別領域に照射する光の光度をより多階調で制御できれば、反射率の異なる様々な物標に対して各物標に適した光度の光を照射できるようになるため、運転者の視認性がより向上する。しかしながら、配光パターンの多階調化が進むと、配光パターンの明るさムラが運転者に意識（視認）されるようになる。明るさムラは、運転者の視認性向上の妨げとなり得る。 In the conventional ADB control, the front area of the vehicle is divided into a plurality of individual areas, and each individual area is subjected to two gradations (two steps) of light irradiation and non-irradiation, or at most one step of dimming irradiation. The brightness of each individual area was controlled by the added three gradations. On the other hand, if the luminosity of the light irradiating each individual region can be controlled with more multi-gradation, it becomes possible to irradiate various targets having different reflectances with light having a luminosity suitable for each target. The visibility of the driver is further improved. However, as the number of gradations of the light distribution pattern increases, the driver becomes aware (visually visible) of the uneven brightness of the light distribution pattern. Brightness unevenness can hinder the improvement of driver's visibility.
　また、灯具の設置空間の制約等から、ロービーム機能、ハイビーム機能、ＡＤＢ機能等を１つの灯具に集約したいという要求がある。しかしながら、灯具の多機能化を図ると、１つの灯具が照射する光の光度範囲が広がる。このため、１つの灯具において明るさムラの抑制が求められる光度範囲も広がり、全光度範囲で明るさムラの発生を抑制することが難しくなっていく。このため、明るさムラが生じやすくなって、運転者の視認性向上を図りにくくなる。 In addition, there is a demand to consolidate the low beam function, high beam function, ADB function, etc. into one lamp due to restrictions on the installation space of the lamp. However, if the lamps are made multifunctional, the luminous intensity range of the light emitted by one lamp is widened. For this reason, the luminous intensity range required to suppress the brightness unevenness in one lamp is widened, and it becomes difficult to suppress the occurrence of the brightness unevenness in the entire luminous intensity range. Therefore, uneven brightness is likely to occur, and it becomes difficult to improve the visibility of the driver.
　本発明はこうした状況に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的の一つは、運転者の視認性向上を図る技術を提供することにある。 The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and one of the objects thereof is to provide a technique for improving the visibility of the driver.
　上記課題を解決するために、本発明のある態様は車両用灯具システムである。このシステムは、自車前方に並ぶ複数の個別領域それぞれに照射する光の光度を独立に調節可能な配光可変ランプと、配光可変ランプを制御する配光制御装置と、を備える。配光制御装置は、各個別領域に照射する光の光度を１０ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定める光度設定部を有する。 In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lamp system. This system includes a light distribution variable lamp that can independently adjust the luminous intensity of light irradiating each of a plurality of individual regions arranged in front of the vehicle, and a light distribution control device that controls the light distribution variable lamp. The light distribution control device has a luminous intensity setting unit that determines the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each individual region with a gradation of 10 bits or more.
　本発明の他の態様は、配光制御装置である。この装置は、自車前方に並ぶ複数の個別領域それぞれに照射する光の光度を独立に調節可能な配光可変ランプを制御する配光制御装置であって、各個別領域に照射する光の光度を１０ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定める光度設定部を備える。 Another aspect of the present invention is a light distribution control device. This device is a light distribution control device that controls a light distribution variable lamp that can independently adjust the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each of a plurality of individual regions lined up in front of the vehicle, and the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each individual region. It is provided with a luminous intensity setting unit for determining a gradation of 10 bits or more.
　また、本発明の他の態様は、配光制御方法である。この方法は、自車前方に並ぶ複数の個別領域それぞれに照射する光の光度を独立に調節可能な配光可変ランプを制御する配光制御方法であって、各個別領域に照射する光の光度を１０ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定めることを含む。 Another aspect of the present invention is a light distribution control method. This method is a light distribution control method for controlling a light distribution variable lamp that can independently adjust the luminous intensity of light irradiating each of a plurality of individual regions lined up in front of the vehicle, and is a light distribution control method for irradiating each individual region. Includes determining with a gradation of 10 bits or more.
　なお、以上の構成要素の任意の組合せ、本発明の表現を方法、装置、システム等の間で変換したものもまた、本発明の態様として有効である。 It should be noted that any combination of the above components and the conversion of the expression of the present invention between methods, devices, systems, etc. are also effective as aspects of the present invention.
　本発明によれば、運転者の視認性向上を図ることができる。 According to the present invention, the visibility of the driver can be improved.
実施の形態に係る車両用灯具システムのブロック図である。It is a block diagram of the vehicle lighting system which concerns on embodiment. 図２（Ａ）は、ランプ機能の組み合わせ条件と、各条件においてランプに必要な光度範囲と、各条件において明るさムラの抑制が要求される光度範囲との関係を示す図である。図２（Ｂ）は、各条件における明るさムラの抑制に必要なｂｉｔ数を示す図である。図２（Ｃ）は、各条件における明るさムラの抑制に必要な、ｂｉｔ数とガンマ補正のガンマ値との関係を示す図である。FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the relationship between the combination conditions of the lamp functions, the luminous intensity range required for the lamp under each condition, and the luminous intensity range required to suppress brightness unevenness under each condition. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the number of bits required to suppress brightness unevenness under each condition. FIG. 2C is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of bits and the gamma value of gamma correction, which is necessary for suppressing brightness unevenness under each condition. 図３（Ａ）～図３（Ｃ）は、所定ｂｉｔ数で光度設定する場合における所定光度での光度コントラストを示す図である。3A to 3C are diagrams showing the luminous intensity contrast at a predetermined luminous intensity when the luminous intensity is set with a predetermined number of bits.
　以下、本発明を好適な実施の形態をもとに図面を参照しながら説明する。実施の形態は、発明を限定するものではなく例示であって、実施の形態に記述されるすべての特徴やその組み合わせは、必ずしも発明の本質的なものであるとは限らない。各図面に示される同一または同等の構成要素、部材、処理には、同一の符号を付するものとし、適宜重複した説明は省略する。また、各図に示す各部の縮尺や形状は、説明を容易にするために便宜的に設定されており、特に言及がない限り限定的に解釈されるものではない。また、本明細書または請求項中に「第１」、「第２」等の用語が用いられる場合には、特に言及がない限りこの用語はいかなる順序や重要度を表すものでもなく、ある構成と他の構成とを区別するためのものである。また、各図面において実施の形態を説明する上で重要ではない部材の一部は省略して表示する。 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. In addition, the scale and shape of each part shown in each figure are set for convenience in order to facilitate explanation, and are not limitedly interpreted unless otherwise specified. In addition, when terms such as "first" and "second" are used in the present specification or claims, these terms do not represent any order or importance unless otherwise specified, and have a certain structure. Is to distinguish between and other configurations. In addition, some of the members that are not important for explaining the embodiment in each drawing are omitted and displayed.
　図１は、実施の形態に係る車両用灯具システムのブロック図である。図１では、車両用灯具システム１の構成要素の一部を機能ブロックとして描いている。これらの機能ブロックは、ハードウェア構成としてはコンピュータのＣＰＵやメモリをはじめとする素子や回路で実現され、ソフトウェア構成としてはコンピュータプログラム等によって実現される。これらの機能ブロックがハードウェア、ソフトウェアの組合せによっていろいろなかたちで実現できることは、当業者には理解されるところである。 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle lighting system according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, a part of the components of the vehicle lighting system 1 is drawn as a functional block. These functional blocks are realized by elements and circuits such as a computer CPU and memory as a hardware configuration, and are realized by a computer program or the like as a software configuration. Those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software.
　車両用灯具システム１は、配光可変ランプ２と、配光制御装置４と、ランプ電源６とを備える。これらは全て同じ筐体に内蔵されていてもよいし、いくつかの部材は筐体の外部、言い換えれば車両１００側に設けられてもよい。 The vehicle lighting system 1 includes a light distribution variable lamp 2, a light distribution control device 4, and a lamp power supply 6. All of these may be built in the same housing, or some members may be provided on the outside of the housing, in other words, on the vehicle 100 side.
　配光可変ランプ２は、自車前方に並ぶ複数の個別領域Ｒそれぞれに照射する光の光度を独立に調節可能である。つまり、配光可変ランプ２は、強度分布が可変である可視光ビームＬ１を車両１００の前方領域に照射することができる。配光可変ランプ２は、配光制御装置４から配光パターンＰＴＮを指示するデータを受け、配光パターンＰＴＮに応じた強度分布を有する可視光ビームＬ１を出射する。これにより、車両前方に配光パターンＰＴＮが形成される。配光パターンＰＴＮは、配光可変ランプ２が自車前方の仮想鉛直スクリーン９００上に形成する照射パターン９０２の２次元の照度分布と把握される。 The light distribution variable lamp 2 can independently adjust the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each of the plurality of individual areas R arranged in front of the own vehicle. That is, the variable light distribution lamp 2 can irradiate the front region of the vehicle 100 with the visible light beam L1 having a variable intensity distribution. The variable light distribution lamp 2 receives data indicating the light distribution pattern PTN from the light distribution control device 4, and emits a visible light beam L1 having an intensity distribution according to the light distribution pattern PTN. As a result, the light distribution pattern PTN is formed in front of the vehicle. The light distribution pattern PTN is grasped as a two-dimensional illuminance distribution of the irradiation pattern 902 formed by the light distribution variable lamp 2 on the virtual vertical screen 900 in front of the own vehicle.
　配光可変ランプ２は、例えばマトリクス状に配列された複数の光源と、各光源を独立に駆動して点灯させる点灯回路とを含む。光源の好ましい例としては、ＬＥＤ（発光ダイオード）、ＬＤ（レーザーダイオード）、有機または無機ＥＬ（エレクトロルミネセンス）等の半導体光源が挙げられる。各個別領域Ｒと各光源とが対応付けられて、各光源から各個別領域Ｒに対して個別に光が照射される。 The variable light distribution lamp 2 includes, for example, a plurality of light sources arranged in a matrix and a lighting circuit that independently drives and lights each light source. Preferred examples of the light source include semiconductor light sources such as LED (light emitting diode), LD (laser diode), and organic or inorganic EL (electroluminescence). Each individual region R and each light source are associated with each other, and each light source individually irradiates each individual region R with light.
　なお、配光可変ランプ２は、配光パターンＰＴＮに応じた照度分布を形成するために、たとえばＤＭＤ（Digital Mirror Device）や液晶デバイス等のマトリクス型のパターン形成デバイスや、光源光で自車前方を走査するスキャン光学型のパターン形成デバイスを含んでもよい。配光可変ランプ２の分解能（解像度）は、例えば１０００～１３０万ピクセルである。 In order to form an illuminance distribution according to the light distribution pattern PTN, the light distribution variable lamp 2 uses a matrix-type pattern forming device such as a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) or a liquid crystal device, or a light source light in front of the vehicle. It may include a scanning optical pattern forming device that scans the light source. The resolution of the variable light distribution lamp 2 is, for example, 10 to 1.3 million pixels.
　配光制御装置４は、配光可変ランプ２を制御する光源ドライバである。配光制御装置４は、デジタルプロセッサで構成することができ、例えばＣＰＵを含むマイコンとソフトウェアプログラムの組み合わせで構成してもよいし、ＦＰＧＡ（Field Programmable Gate Array）やＡＳＩＣ（Application Specified IC）などで構成してもよい。 The light distribution control device 4 is a light source driver that controls the light distribution variable lamp 2. The light distribution control device 4 can be configured by a digital processor, for example, it may be configured by a combination of a microcomputer including a CPU and a software program, or by an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specified IC), or the like. It may be configured.
　例えば、配光制御装置４は、車両１００に搭載される車両ＥＣＵ１０２から指示信号を受信して、配光可変ランプ２の制御を実行する。また、車両ＥＣＵ１０２は、車両１００に搭載される可視光カメラ１０４やその他のセンサから各種の情報を取得し、取得した情報を配光制御装置４に送る。 For example, the light distribution control device 4 receives an instruction signal from the vehicle ECU 102 mounted on the vehicle 100 and executes control of the light distribution variable lamp 2. Further, the vehicle ECU 102 acquires various information from the visible light camera 104 mounted on the vehicle 100 and other sensors, and sends the acquired information to the light distribution control device 4.
　配光制御装置４は、車両ＥＣＵ１０２から指示信号や各種の情報を受領すると、形成すべき配光パターンＰＴＮを決定して、配光パターンＰＴＮを指示する制御信号を配光可変ランプ２に送る。また、配光制御装置４は、ランプ電源６に駆動信号を送信する。ランプ電源６は、駆動信号を受信すると配光可変ランプ２の点灯回路を介して各光源に電力を供給する。 When the light distribution control device 4 receives the instruction signal and various information from the vehicle ECU 102, it determines the light distribution pattern PTN to be formed and sends the control signal instructing the light distribution pattern PTN to the light distribution variable lamp 2. Further, the light distribution control device 4 transmits a drive signal to the lamp power supply 6. When the lamp power source 6 receives the drive signal, it supplies electric power to each light source via the lighting circuit of the light distribution variable lamp 2.
　配光制御装置４は、光度設定部８と、補正部１０とを有する。各部は、自身を構成する集積回路が、メモリに保持されたプログラムを実行することで動作する。光度設定部８は、各個別領域Ｒに照射する光の光度を定める。つまり、光度設定部８は、配光パターンＰＴＮを決定する描画機能を有する。 The light distribution control device 4 has a luminous intensity setting unit 8 and a correction unit 10. Each part operates by executing a program held in a memory by an integrated circuit constituting itself. The luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity of the light to irradiate each individual region R. That is, the luminous intensity setting unit 8 has a drawing function for determining the light distribution pattern PTN.
　光度設定部８は、各個別領域Ｒに照射する光の光度を１０ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定める。つまり、光度設定部８は、１０ｂｉｔ以上の階調分解能を有する。これにより、１つの配光可変ランプ２への複数のランプ機能の付与と、各機能に応じた配光パターンにおける明るさムラの抑制とが実現しやすくなる。 The luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each individual region R with a gradation of 10 bits or more. That is, the luminous intensity setting unit 8 has a gradation resolution of 10 bits or more. As a result, it becomes easy to add a plurality of lamp functions to one variable light distribution lamp 2 and suppress brightness unevenness in a light distribution pattern corresponding to each function.
　図２（Ａ）は、ランプ機能の組み合わせ条件と、各条件においてランプに必要な光度範囲と、各条件において明るさムラの抑制が要求される光度範囲との関係を示す図である。図２（Ｂ）は、各条件における明るさムラの抑制に必要なｂｉｔ数を示す図である。図２（Ｃ）は、各条件における明るさムラの抑制に必要な、ｂｉｔ数とガンマ補正のガンマ値との関係を示す図である。 FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the relationship between the combination conditions of the lamp functions, the luminous intensity range required for the lamp under each condition, and the luminous intensity range required to suppress brightness unevenness under each condition. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the number of bits required to suppress brightness unevenness under each condition. FIG. 2C is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of bits and the gamma value of gamma correction, which is necessary for suppressing brightness unevenness under each condition.
　条件Ａに該当するランプは、ロービーム用配光パターンおよびオーバーヘッドサイン（ＯＨＳ）パターンを形成するランプ機能（ロービーム機能：Ｌｏ）と、ハイビーム用配光パターンを形成するランプ機能（ハイビーム機能：Ｈｉ）と、ＡＤＢ用配光パターンを形成するランプ機能（ＡＤＢ機能：ＡＤＢ）とを兼ね備える。ＡＤＢ用配光パターンは、ハイビーム用配光パターンをベースとして、自車前方の物標に対応する部分の光度を変化させた配光パターンである。 The lamps that meet the condition A include a lamp function (low beam function: Lo) that forms a low beam light distribution pattern and an overhead sign (OHS) pattern, and a lamp function (high beam function: Hi) that forms a high beam light distribution pattern. , It also has a lamp function (ADB function: ADB) for forming a light distribution pattern for ADB. The ADB light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern based on the high beam light distribution pattern, in which the luminous intensity of the portion corresponding to the target in front of the vehicle is changed.
　条件Ａに該当するランプは、法規に定められるハイビームの最大光度よりも高光度の光を照射するハイビーム機能を有する。具体的には、法規に定められるハイビームの最大光度ポイントにおける最低必要光度は４０，５００ｃｄであるが、条件Ａにおけるハイビームの最大光度は遥かに高く１００，０００ｃｄに設定される。したがって、条件Ａにおいてランプに要求される光度範囲は、０ｃｄ以上１００，０００ｃｄ以下となる。 The lamp corresponding to the condition A has a high beam function of irradiating light having a luminous intensity higher than the maximum luminous intensity of the high beam stipulated by law. Specifically, the minimum required luminous intensity at the maximum luminous intensity point of the high beam specified in the regulations is 40,500 cd, but the maximum luminous intensity of the high beam under the condition A is set to 100,000 cd, which is much higher. Therefore, the luminous intensity range required for the lamp under the condition A is 0 cd or more and 100,000 cd or less.
　また、条件Ａに該当するランプは、ロービーム用配光パターンよりも低光度のＯＨＳパターンを形成することが求められる。ＯＨＳパターンの光度範囲は、一般に５０ｃｄ以上６２５ｃｄ以下である。したがって、条件Ａにおいて明るさムラの抑制が求められる光度範囲（以下では適宜、対象光度範囲という）は、５０ｃｄ以上１００，０００ｃｄ以下に設定される。 Further, the lamp corresponding to the condition A is required to form an OHS pattern having a lower luminous intensity than the low beam light distribution pattern. The luminosity range of the OHS pattern is generally 50 cd or more and 625 cd or less. Therefore, the luminous intensity range in which the suppression of brightness unevenness is required under the condition A (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a target luminous intensity range) is set to 50 cd or more and 100,000 cd or less.
　条件Ｂに該当するランプは、ハイビーム機能とＡＤＢ機能とを兼ね備える。条件Ｂに該当するランプにおいて、ハイビームの最大光度は条件Ａと同じ１００，０００ｃｄに設定される。したがって、条件Ｂにおいてランプに要求される光度範囲は、０ｃｄ以上１００，０００ｃｄ以下となる。また、条件Ｂでは、ＯＨＳパターンの形成が求められない。また、法規に定められるハイビームの最小光度ポイントの光度は５，１００ｃｄである。ＡＤＢ用配光パターンにおいては、遮光部を除く領域における最小光度が５，１００ｃｄである。したがって、条件Ｂにおける対象光度範囲は、５，１００ｃｄ以上１００，０００ｃｄ以下に設定される。 The lamp that meets condition B has both a high beam function and an ADB function. In the lamp corresponding to the condition B, the maximum luminous intensity of the high beam is set to 100,000 cd, which is the same as the condition A. Therefore, the luminous intensity range required for the lamp under the condition B is 0 cd or more and 100,000 cd or less. Further, under condition B, the formation of an OHS pattern is not required. The luminous intensity of the minimum luminous intensity point of the high beam stipulated by law is 5,100 cd. In the light distribution pattern for ADB, the minimum luminous intensity in the region excluding the light-shielding portion is 5,100 cd. Therefore, the target luminous intensity range under the condition B is set to 5,100 cd or more and 100,000 cd or less.
　条件Ｃに該当するランプは、ロービーム機能と、ハイビーム機能と、ＡＤＢ機能とを兼ね備える。条件Ｃに該当するランプにおいて、ハイビームの最大光度は法規に定められる４０，５００ｃｄに設定される。したがって、条件Ｃにおいてランプに要求される光度範囲は、０ｃｄ以上４０，５００ｃｄ以下となる。また、条件Ｃに該当するランプはＯＨＳパターンの形成が求められる。したがって、条件Ｃにおける対象光度範囲は、５０ｃｄ以上４０，５００ｃｄ以下に設定される。 The lamp corresponding to the condition C has a low beam function, a high beam function, and an ADB function. In the lamp corresponding to the condition C, the maximum luminous intensity of the high beam is set to 40,500 cd specified by law. Therefore, the luminous intensity range required for the lamp under the condition C is 0 cd or more and 40,500 cd or less. Further, the lamp corresponding to the condition C is required to form an OHS pattern. Therefore, the target luminous intensity range under the condition C is set to 50 cd or more and 40,500 cd or less.
　条件Ｄに該当するランプは、ハイビーム機能とＡＤＢ機能とを兼ね備える。条件Ｄに該当するランプにおいて、ハイビームの最大光度は条件Ｃと同じ４０，５００ｃｄに設定される。したがって、条件Ｄにおいてランプに要求される光度範囲は、０ｃｄ以上４０，５００ｃｄ以下となる。また、条件Ｄでは、条件Ｂと同様にＯＨＳパターンの形成が求められない。したがって、条件Ｄにおける対象光度範囲は、５，１００ｃｄ以上４０，５００ｃｄ以下に設定される。 The lamp corresponding to condition D has both a high beam function and an ADB function. In the lamp corresponding to the condition D, the maximum luminous intensity of the high beam is set to 40,500 cd, which is the same as the condition C. Therefore, the luminous intensity range required for the lamp under the condition D is 0 cd or more and 40,500 cd or less. Further, under the condition D, the formation of the OHS pattern is not required as in the condition B. Therefore, the target luminous intensity range under the condition D is set to 5,100 cd or more and 40,500 cd or less.
　ロービーム機能、高光度のハイビーム機能およびＡＤＢ機能を兼ね備える条件Ａと、ロービーム機能、低光度のハイビーム機能およびＡＤＢ機能を兼ね備える条件Ｃとは、ロービーム機能を備えない条件Ｂや条件Ｄに比べて、より達成が望まれる条件である。また、高光度のハイビーム機能を備える条件Ａは、低輝度のハイビーム機能を備える条件Ｃに比べてより一層達成が望まれる条件である。 The condition A having the low beam function, the high luminous intensity high beam function and the ADB function and the condition C having the low beam function, the low luminous intensity high beam function and the ADB function are more than the condition B and the condition D not having the low luminous intensity function. This is a condition that is desired to be achieved. Further, the condition A having a high luminous intensity high beam function is a condition that is further desired to be achieved as compared with the condition C having a low brightness high beam function.
　配光パターンＰＴＮの明るさムラが運転者に視認されるか否かは、人間の視覚特性の１つである輝度コントラストしきい値を参考にして判断することができる。輝度コントラストは下式（１）に基づいて算出される。下式（１）において、Ｃは輝度コントラストであり、Ｂｔは視対象の輝度であり、Ｂｂは背景の輝度である。
　（１）Ｃ＝｜Ｂｔ－Ｂｂ｜／Ｂｂ Whether or not the brightness unevenness of the light distribution pattern PTN is visually recognized by the driver can be determined with reference to the luminance contrast threshold value, which is one of the human visual characteristics. The luminance contrast is calculated based on the following equation (1). In the following equation (1), C is the luminance contrast, Bt is the luminance of the visual object, and Bb is the luminance of the background.
(1) C = | Bt-Bb | / Bb
　視対象サイズを０．３０度、順応輝度を１．０ｃｄ／ｍ２としたとき、輝度コントラストしきい値は約０．０３２である。つまり、輝度コントラストが０．０３２以下であれば、人間は輝度ムラを視認することができない。視対象サイズ０．３０度は、現在用いられている代表的な光学系の角度分解能０．２５度に準ずる値である。順応輝度１．０ｃｄ／ｍ２は、夜間走行時の順応輝度として一般的な値である。 When the visual object size is 0.30 degrees and the adaptive brightness is 1.0 cd / m 2 , the brightness contrast threshold value is about 0.032. That is, if the luminance contrast is 0.032 or less, the human cannot visually recognize the luminance unevenness. The visual object size of 0.30 degrees is a value equivalent to the angular resolution of 0.25 degrees of a typical optical system currently used. The adaptation brightness of 1.0 cd / m 2 is a general value as the adaptation brightness during night driving.
　配光パターンの明るさムラの場合、輝度コントラストは光度コントラストに置き換えられる。光度コントラストは、上式（１）における背景輝度Ｂｂを階調値ｎに対応する光度に、視対象輝度Ｂｔを階調値ｎ＋１に対応する光度にそれぞれ置き換えた式（１’）に基づいて算出される。したがって、配光パターンの場合には、光度コントラストが０．０３２以下であれば、運転者が配光パターンの明るさムラを視認することができない。 In the case of uneven brightness of the light distribution pattern, the luminance contrast is replaced with the luminous intensity contrast. The luminous intensity contrast is calculated based on the equation (1') in which the background luminance Bb in the above equation (1) is replaced with the luminous intensity corresponding to the gradation value n and the visual target luminance Bt is replaced with the luminous intensity corresponding to the gradation value n + 1. Will be done. Therefore, in the case of the light distribution pattern, if the luminous intensity contrast is 0.032 or less, the driver cannot visually recognize the uneven brightness of the light distribution pattern.
　なお、輝度コントラストの算出においては、光が照射される物体の反射特性と、物体および視認者の位置関係とを定義する必要がある。しかしながら、光度コントラストの算出においては、充分に大きい同一の物体（仮想鉛直スクリーン９００）に配光パターンを照射することを想定して、反射特性および位置関係の定義を省略できる。 In calculating the luminance contrast, it is necessary to define the reflection characteristics of the object irradiated with light and the positional relationship between the object and the viewer. However, in the calculation of the luminous intensity contrast, it is possible to omit the definition of the reflection characteristic and the positional relationship on the assumption that the same sufficiently large object (virtual vertical screen 900) is irradiated with the light distribution pattern.
　光度コントラストは、階調値ｎに対応する光度に応じて変化する。また、ガンマ補正（明るさ補正）を行った場合、１階調あたりの光度量も階調値ｎに応じて変化する。そこで、任意の光度を設定し、この光度を基準として光度コントラストの計算を実施することとした。 The luminous intensity contrast changes according to the luminous intensity corresponding to the gradation value n. Further, when gamma correction (brightness correction) is performed, the amount of light intensity per gradation also changes according to the gradation value n. Therefore, it was decided to set an arbitrary luminous intensity and calculate the luminous intensity contrast based on this luminous intensity.
　すなわち、まず任意の光度ａを設定する。次に下式（２）に基づいて、光度ａにおける階調値ｎを算出する。なお、ここでは、条件Ａに該当するランプを例に挙げて説明する。したがって、光度の最大値は１００，０００ｃｄである。
　（２）階調値ｎ＝（光度ａ／１００，０００ｃｄ）１／γ補正値×（階調数－１） That is, first, an arbitrary luminosity a is set. Next, the gradation value n at the luminous intensity a is calculated based on the following equation (2). Here, a lamp corresponding to the condition A will be described as an example. Therefore, the maximum value of luminosity is 100,000 cd.
(2) Gradation value n = (luminous intensity a / 100,000 cd) 1 / γ correction value × (gradation number -1)
　続いて、階調値ｎの数値に整数１を加算して階調値ｎ＋１を算出する。そして、階調値ｎ＋１における光度ｂを下式（３）に基づいて算出する。
　（３）光度ｂ＝（階調値ｎ＋１／階調数－１）γ補正値×１００，０００ｃｄ Subsequently, the integer 1 is added to the numerical value of the gradation value n to calculate the gradation value n + 1. Then, the luminous intensity b at the gradation value n + 1 is calculated based on the following equation (3).
(3) Luminous intensity b = (gradation value n + 1 / gradation number -1) γ correction value × 100,000 cd
　光度ａおよび光度ｂが得られたら、上式（１’）（すなわち、光度コントラスト＝｜ｂ－ａ｜／ａ）に基づいて光度コントラストを算出する。これにより、隣り合う２つの画素の光度が階調値１つ分だけ異なるときに、人間がこの２つの画素を区別できるか判断することができる。図３（Ａ）～図３（Ｃ）は、所定ｂｉｔ数で光度設定する場合における所定光度での光度コントラストを示す図である。図３（Ａ）～図３（Ｃ）では、代表的なｂｉｔ数として６，８，１０および１２ｂｉｔを例示している。また、図３（Ａ）は、ガンマ値１．０でガンマ補正を施した場合の算出結果（この場合はガンマ補正を施さない場合と同じ結果となる）であり、図３（Ｂ）は、ガンマ値２．２でガンマ補正を施した場合の算出結果であり、図３（Ｃ）は、ガンマ値４．４でガンマ補正を施した場合の算出結果である。図３（Ａ）～図３（Ｃ）において、網掛けの範囲は光度コントラストが０．０３２以下となる領域である。 Once the luminous intensity a and the luminous intensity b are obtained, the luminous intensity contrast is calculated based on the above equation (1') (that is, the luminous intensity contrast = | ba | / a). Thereby, when the luminosities of two adjacent pixels differ by one gradation value, it is possible to determine whether a human can distinguish between the two pixels. 3A to 3C are diagrams showing the luminous intensity contrast at a predetermined luminous intensity when the luminous intensity is set with a predetermined number of bits. In FIGS. 3 (A) to 3 (C), 6, 8, 10 and 12 bits are exemplified as typical bit numbers. Further, FIG. 3 (A) shows a calculation result when gamma correction is applied with a gamma value of 1.0 (in this case, the same result as when gamma correction is not applied), and FIG. 3 (B) shows. It is a calculation result when gamma correction is performed with a gamma value of 2.2, and FIG. 3 (C) is a calculation result when gamma correction is performed with a gamma value of 4.4. In FIGS. 3A to 3C, the shaded area is a region where the luminous intensity contrast is 0.032 or less.
　図３（Ａ）に示すように、ガンマ値が１．０の場合、いずれのｂｉｔ数においても対象光度範囲５０～１００，０００ｃｄのいずれかの光度で光度コントラスト０．０３２以下を満たさなかった。ガンマ値を２．２に上げると、図３（Ｂ）に示すように、光度コントラスト０．０３２以下を満たす光度範囲が広がり、１２ｂｉｔでは対象光度範囲の全域で光度コントラスト０．０３２以下を達成した。さらにガンマ値を４．４に上げると、図３（Ｃ）に示すように、光度コントラスト０．０３２以下を満たす光度範囲がさらに広がり、１０ｂｉｔおよび１２ｂｉｔにおいて対象光度範囲の全域で光度コントラスト０．０３２以下を達成した。 As shown in FIG. 3A, when the gamma value was 1.0, the luminous intensity contrast of 0.032 or less was not satisfied at any luminous intensity in the target luminous intensity range of 50 to 100,000 cd at any bit number. When the gamma value was raised to 2.2, as shown in FIG. 3 (B), the luminous intensity range satisfying the luminous intensity contrast of 0.032 or less expanded, and in 12 bits, the luminous intensity contrast of 0.032 or less was achieved in the entire target luminous intensity range. .. When the gamma value is further increased to 4.4, as shown in FIG. 3C, the luminous intensity range satisfying the luminous intensity contrast of 0.032 or less is further expanded, and the luminous intensity contrast of 0.032 over the entire target luminous intensity range at 10 bits and 12 bits. The following was achieved.
　条件Ａ～Ｄについて、対象光度範囲の全域で光度コントラスト０．０３２以下を達成できるｂｉｔ数とガンマ値とを検証した。検証するｂｉｔ数は６～２０とした。図２（Ｂ）および図２（Ｃ）に示すように、条件Ａでは、ガンマ補正を行う場合はｂｉｔ数１０以上、ガンマ補正を行わない場合はｂｉｔ数１６以上において、対象光度範囲の全域で光度コントラストが０．０３２以下となった。また、条件Ｃでは、ガンマ補正を行う場合はｂｉｔ数１０以上、ガンマ補正を行わない場合はｂｉｔ数１５以上において、対象光度範囲の全域で光度コントラストが０．０３２以下となった。 For conditions A to D, the number of bits and the gamma value that can achieve a luminous intensity contrast of 0.032 or less over the entire target luminous intensity range were verified. The number of bits to be verified was 6 to 20. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, under condition A, the number of bits is 10 or more when gamma correction is performed, and the number of bits is 16 or more when gamma correction is not performed, over the entire target luminous intensity range. The luminosity contrast was 0.032 or less. Further, under the condition C, the luminous intensity contrast was 0.032 or less in the entire target luminous intensity range when the bit number was 10 or more when the gamma correction was performed and when the bit number was 15 or more when the gamma correction was not performed.
　したがって、配光可変ランプ２に付与するランプ機能を増やしながら、配光パターンに明るさムラが生じることを抑制するためには、光度設定部８が少なくとも各個別領域Ｒに照射する光の光度を１０ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定める必要がある。言い換えれば、光度設定部８の階調分解能を１０ｂｉｔ以上にすることで、ランプ機能の増加と明るさムラの抑制との両立を実現しやすくすることができる。 Therefore, in order to suppress the occurrence of brightness unevenness in the light distribution pattern while increasing the lamp function provided to the light distribution variable lamp 2, the luminous intensity setting unit 8 at least sets the luminous intensity of the light to irradiate each individual region R. It is necessary to determine the gradation of 10 bits or more. In other words, by setting the gradation resolution of the luminous intensity setting unit 8 to 10 bits or more, it is possible to easily realize both an increase in the lamp function and suppression of brightness unevenness.
　光度設定部８は、光度を１５ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定めることが好ましい。これにより、ガンマ補正を施すことなく、条件Ｃにおいて明るさムラの発生を抑制することができる。また、光度設定部８は、光度を１６ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定めることがより好ましい。これにより、ガンマ補正を施すことなく、条件Ａにおいて明るさムラの発生を抑制することができる。 It is preferable that the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 15 bits or more. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of brightness unevenness under condition C without performing gamma correction. Further, it is more preferable that the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 16 bits or more. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of brightness unevenness under condition A without performing gamma correction.
　なお、条件Ｂでは、ガンマ補正を行う場合はｂｉｔ数９以上、ガンマ補正を行わない場合はｂｉｔ数１０以上において、対象光度範囲の全域で光度コントラストが０．０３２以下となった。また、条件Ｄでは、ガンマ補正の有無にかかわらずｂｉｔ数８以上において、対象光度範囲の全域で光度コントラストが０．０３２以下となった。 Under condition B, the luminous intensity contrast was 0.032 or less over the entire target luminous intensity range when the number of bits was 9 or more when gamma correction was performed and the number of bits was 10 or more when gamma correction was not performed. Further, under condition D, the luminous intensity contrast was 0.032 or less over the entire target luminous intensity range when the bit number was 8 or more regardless of the presence or absence of gamma correction.
　本実施の形態の配光制御装置４は、光度設定部８が定めた光度データに対してガンマ補正を施す補正部１０を有する。補正部１０は、所定ガンマ値のガンマカーブを用いてガンマ補正を行う。補正部１０がガンマ補正を行うことで、明るさムラの抑制に要するｂｉｔ数を小さくすることができる。これにより、光度設定の多階調化によって配光制御装置４が取り扱うデータ量が膨大になることを抑制することができる。よって、配光制御装置４にかかる負荷を軽減することができ、制御の高速化を図ることができる。 The light distribution control device 4 of the present embodiment has a correction unit 10 that gamma-corrects the luminous intensity data defined by the luminous intensity setting unit 8. The correction unit 10 performs gamma correction using a gamma curve having a predetermined gamma value. By performing gamma correction by the correction unit 10, the number of bits required for suppressing brightness unevenness can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent the amount of data handled by the light distribution control device 4 from becoming enormous due to the increase in the number of gradations of the luminous intensity setting. Therefore, the load on the light distribution control device 4 can be reduced, and the control speed can be increased.
　好ましくは、光度設定部８は１０ｂｉｔの階調で光度を定め、補正部１０は２．７以上２４．５以下のガンマ値を用いてガンマ補正を施す。これにより、配光制御装置４にかかる負荷を軽減しながら、条件Ｃにおいて明るさムラの発生を抑制することができる。また、好ましくは、光度設定部８は１０ｂｉｔの階調で光度を定め、補正部１０は３．４以上２３．２以下のガンマ値を用いてガンマ補正を施す。これにより、配光制御装置４にかかる負荷を軽減しながら、条件Ａにおいて明るさムラの発生を抑制することができる。 Preferably, the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 10 bits, and the correction unit 10 performs gamma correction using a gamma value of 2.7 or more and 24.5 or less. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of brightness unevenness under the condition C while reducing the load applied to the light distribution control device 4. Further, preferably, the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 10 bits, and the correction unit 10 performs gamma correction using a gamma value of 3.4 or more and 23.2 or less. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of brightness unevenness under the condition A while reducing the load applied to the light distribution control device 4.
　光度設定部８は、各個別領域Ｒに照射する光の光度を定めて配光パターンＰＴＮを決定すると、配光パターンＰＴＮの光度データを配光可変ランプ２の制御信号に変換して、配光可変ランプ２に送信する。配光可変ランプ２の点灯回路は制御信号を受信すると、配光パターンＰＴＮに応じた強度分布を有する可視光ビームＬ１を出射するように光源を点灯する。これにより、車両１００の前方領域に配光パターンＰＴＮが形成される。 When the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity of the light to be applied to each individual region R and determines the luminous intensity pattern PTN, the luminous intensity setting unit 8 converts the luminous intensity data of the light distribution pattern PTN into a control signal of the light distribution variable lamp 2 and distributes the light. It transmits to the variable lamp 2. When the lighting circuit of the light distribution variable lamp 2 receives the control signal, it lights the light source so as to emit the visible light beam L1 having an intensity distribution corresponding to the light distribution pattern PTN. As a result, the light distribution pattern PTN is formed in the front region of the vehicle 100.
　配光制御装置４は、可視光カメラ１０４から得られる画像に基づいて車両１００の前方領域に存在する物標を検出し、物標に応じて配光パターンＰＴＮを動的、適応的に制御するＡＤＢ制御を実行してもよい。物標には、先行車および対向車を含む前方車両、歩行者、自車両の走行に支障を来す障害物、道路標識、道路標示、道路形状等が含まれる。例えば、光度設定部８は、アルゴリズム認識やディープラーニング等を含む公知の方法を用いて可視光カメラ１０４から得られる画像に画像解析を施し、車両１００の前方領域に存在する物標を検出する。そして、物標に対応する部分が遮光、減光あるいは増光された配光パターンＰＴＮを決定して、配光可変ランプ２を制御する。 The light distribution control device 4 detects a target existing in the front region of the vehicle 100 based on the image obtained from the visible light camera 104, and dynamically and adaptively controls the light distribution pattern PTN according to the target. ADB control may be performed. The target vehicle includes a vehicle in front including a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, an obstacle that hinders the running of the own vehicle, a road sign, a road marking, a road shape, and the like. For example, the luminous intensity setting unit 8 performs image analysis on the image obtained from the visible light camera 104 by using a known method including algorithm recognition, deep learning, and the like, and detects a target existing in the front region of the vehicle 100. Then, the light distribution variable lamp 2 is controlled by determining the light distribution pattern PTN in which the portion corresponding to the target is shaded, dimmed or brightened.
　以上説明したように、本実施の形態に係る車両用灯具システム１は、自車前方に並ぶ複数の個別領域Ｒそれぞれに照射する光の光度を独立に調節可能な配光可変ランプ２と、配光可変ランプ２を制御する配光制御装置４とを備える。配光制御装置４は、各個別領域Ｒに照射する光の光度を１０ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定める光度設定部８を有する。つまり、配光制御装置４は、各個別領域Ｒに対応付けられた配光可変ランプ２の各光学素子の明るさを１０ｂｉｔ以上の階調で制御する。 As described above, the vehicle lighting system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a light distribution variable lamp 2 that can independently adjust the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each of the plurality of individual regions R arranged in front of the own vehicle. A light distribution control device 4 for controlling the light variable lamp 2 is provided. The light distribution control device 4 has a luminous intensity setting unit 8 that determines the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each individual region R with a gradation of 10 bits or more. That is, the light distribution control device 4 controls the brightness of each optical element of the light distribution variable lamp 2 associated with each individual region R with a gradation of 10 bits or more.
　これにより、複数の灯具機能を１つのランプに付与しつつ、このランプが各機能に基づいて形成する配光パターンに明るさムラが生じることを抑制しやすくすることができる。よって、運転者の視認性の向上を図ることができる。 As a result, it is possible to easily suppress the occurrence of uneven brightness in the light distribution pattern formed by this lamp based on each function while imparting a plurality of lamp function to one lamp. Therefore, the visibility of the driver can be improved.
　好ましくは、光度設定部８は光度を１５ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定める。これにより、光度設定部８が定めた光度データに対してガンマ補正を施すことなく、ロービーム機能、低光度のハイビーム機能およびＡＤＢ機能の集約と、各機能で形成する配光パターンにおける明るさムラの抑制とを両立することができる。また、ガンマ補正が不要になれば補正部１０を省略できるため、車両用灯具システム１の構成あるいは配光パターンＰＴＮの形成制御の簡略化を図ることができる。 Preferably, the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 15 bits or more. As a result, the low beam function, the low light intensity high beam function, and the ADB function are integrated without performing gamma correction on the light intensity data determined by the light intensity setting unit 8, and the brightness unevenness in the light distribution pattern formed by each function is affected. It is possible to achieve both suppression. Further, if the gamma correction becomes unnecessary, the correction unit 10 can be omitted, so that the configuration of the vehicle lamp system 1 or the formation control of the light distribution pattern PTN can be simplified.
　より好ましくは、光度設定部８は光度を１６ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定める。これにより、光度設定部８が定めた光度データに対してガンマ補正を施すことなく、ロービーム機能、高光度のハイビーム機能およびＡＤＢ機能の集約と、各機能で形成する配光パターンにおける明るさムラの抑制とを両立することができる。また、車両用灯具システム１の構成あるいは配光パターンＰＴＮの形成制御の簡略化を図ることができる。 More preferably, the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 16 bits or more. As a result, the low beam function, the high light intensity high beam function, and the ADB function are integrated without performing gamma correction on the light intensity data determined by the light intensity setting unit 8, and the brightness unevenness in the light distribution pattern formed by each function is affected. It is possible to achieve both suppression. Further, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the vehicle lighting system 1 or the formation control of the light distribution pattern PTN.
　また、配光制御装置４は、光度設定部８が定めた光度データに対してガンマ補正を施す補正部１０を有する。これにより、配光パターンの明るさムラを抑制するために必要となる光度設定部８の階調分解能（ｂｉｔ数）を小さくすることができる。つまり、条件Ｃについては、１５ｂｉｔ未満でも明るさムラの発生を抑制することが可能となり、条件Ａについては、１６ｂｉｔ未満でも明るさムラの発生を抑制することが可能となる。このため、配光パターンＰＴＮの形成に際して配光制御装置４が取り扱うデータ量を低減でき、配光制御装置４の制御負荷を軽減することができる。また、配光制御装置４の処理速度を速めることができるため、種々の交通シーンに適した配光パターンの形成をより簡単に実現することができる。 Further, the light distribution control device 4 has a correction unit 10 that performs gamma correction on the luminous intensity data determined by the luminous intensity setting unit 8. As a result, the gradation resolution (number of bits) of the luminous intensity setting unit 8 required for suppressing the brightness unevenness of the light distribution pattern can be reduced. That is, for condition C, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of brightness unevenness even if it is less than 15 bits, and for condition A, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of brightness unevenness even if it is less than 16 bits. Therefore, the amount of data handled by the light distribution control device 4 when forming the light distribution pattern PTN can be reduced, and the control load of the light distribution control device 4 can be reduced. Further, since the processing speed of the light distribution control device 4 can be increased, it is possible to more easily form a light distribution pattern suitable for various traffic scenes.
　好ましくは、光度設定部８は１０ｂｉｔの階調で光度を定め、補正部１０は２．７以上２４．５以下のガンマ値を用いてガンマ補正を施す。これにより、光度設定部８に求められる階調分解能を小さくしながら、ランプの多機能化と明るさムラの発生抑制とを両立することができる。 Preferably, the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 10 bits, and the correction unit 10 performs gamma correction using a gamma value of 2.7 or more and 24.5 or less. As a result, it is possible to achieve both multifunctional lamps and suppression of brightness unevenness while reducing the gradation resolution required for the luminous intensity setting unit 8.
　より好ましくは、光度設定部８は１０ｂｉｔの階調で光度を定め、補正部１０は３．４以上２３．２以下のガンマ値を用いてガンマ補正を施す。これにより、光度設定部８に求められる階調分解能を小さくしながら、ランプの多機能化および高機能化と、明るさムラの発生抑制とを両立することができる。 More preferably, the luminous intensity setting unit 8 determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 10 bits, and the correction unit 10 performs gamma correction using a gamma value of 3.4 or more and 23.2 or less. As a result, while reducing the gradation resolution required for the luminous intensity setting unit 8, it is possible to achieve both multifunctional and high-performance lamps and suppression of occurrence of uneven brightness.
　以上、本発明の実施の形態について詳細に説明した。前述した実施の形態は、本発明を実施するにあたっての具体例を示したものにすぎない。実施の形態の内容は、本発明の技術的範囲を限定するものではなく、請求の範囲に規定された発明の思想を逸脱しない範囲において、構成要素の変更、追加、削除等の多くの設計変更が可能である。設計変更が加えられた新たな実施の形態は、組み合わされる実施の形態および変形それぞれの効果をあわせもつ。前述の実施の形態では、このような設計変更が可能な内容に関して、「本実施の形態の」、「本実施の形態では」等の表記を付して強調しているが、そのような表記のない内容でも設計変更が許容される。以上の構成要素の任意の組み合わせも、本発明の態様として有効である。図面の断面に付したハッチングは、ハッチングを付した対象の材質を限定するものではない。 The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. The above-described embodiment merely shows a specific example in carrying out the present invention. The content of the embodiment does not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and many design changes such as modification, addition, and deletion of components are made without departing from the idea of the invention defined in the claims. Is possible. The new embodiment with the design change has the effects of the combined embodiment and the modification. In the above-described embodiment, the contents that can be changed in design are emphasized by adding notations such as "in the present embodiment" and "in the present embodiment". Design changes are allowed even if there is no content. Any combination of the above components is also valid as an aspect of the present invention. The hatching attached to the cross section of the drawing does not limit the material of the object to which the hatching is attached.
　実施の形態に係る車両用灯具システム１においては、補正部１０は配光制御装置４に設けられているが、特にこの構成に限定されない。例えば、補正部１０は、配光可変ランプ２の点灯回路に設けられてもよい。 In the vehicle lighting system 1 according to the embodiment, the correction unit 10 is provided in the light distribution control device 4, but the configuration is not particularly limited to this. For example, the correction unit 10 may be provided in the lighting circuit of the light distribution variable lamp 2.
　上述した実施の形態に係る発明は、以下に記載する項目によって特定されてもよい。 The invention according to the above-described embodiment may be specified by the items described below.
（項目１）
　自車前方に並ぶ複数の個別領域（Ｒ）それぞれに照射する光の光度を独立に調節可能な配光可変ランプ（２）を制御する配光制御装置（４）であって、
　各個別領域（Ｒ）に照射する光の光度を１０ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定める光度設定部（８）を備える配光制御装置（４）。 (Item 1)
A light distribution control device (4) that controls a light distribution variable lamp (2) that can independently adjust the luminous intensity of light irradiating each of a plurality of individual regions (R) arranged in front of the vehicle.
A light distribution control device (4) including a luminous intensity setting unit (8) that determines the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each individual region (R) with a gradation of 10 bits or more.
（項目２）
　自車前方に並ぶ複数の個別領域（Ｒ）それぞれに照射する光の光度を独立に調節可能な配光可変ランプ（２）を制御する配光制御方法であって、
　各個別領域（Ｒ）に照射する光の光度を１０ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定めることを含む配光制御方法。 (Item 2)
It is a light distribution control method that controls a light distribution variable lamp (2) that can independently adjust the luminous intensity of the light irradiating each of a plurality of individual regions (R) arranged in front of the vehicle.
A light distribution control method including determining the luminous intensity of light irradiating each individual region (R) with a gradation of 10 bits or more.
　本発明は、車両用灯具システム、配光制御装置および配光制御方法に利用することができる。 The present invention can be used in a vehicle lamp system, a light distribution control device, and a light distribution control method.
　１　車両用灯具システム、　２　配光可変ランプ、　４　配光制御装置、　８　光度設定部、　１０　補正部。 1 Vehicle lighting system, 2 Variable light distribution lamp, 4 Light distribution control device, 8 Luminous intensity setting unit, 10 Correction unit.

Claims (8)

  1. 　自車前方に並ぶ複数の個別領域それぞれに照射する光の光度を独立に調節可能な配光可変ランプと、
    　前記配光可変ランプを制御する配光制御装置と、を備え、
    　前記配光制御装置は、各個別領域に照射する光の光度を１０ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定める光度設定部を有する車両用灯具システム。     A variable light distribution lamp that can independently adjust the luminous intensity of the light that irradiates each of multiple individual areas lined up in front of the vehicle.
    A light distribution control device for controlling the variable light distribution lamp is provided.
    The light distribution control device is a vehicle lighting system having a luminous intensity setting unit that determines the luminous intensity of light irradiating each individual region with a gradation of 10 bits or more.
  2. 　前記光度設定部は、前記光度を１５ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定める請求項１に記載の車両用灯具システム。 The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the luminous intensity setting unit defines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 15 bits or more.
  3. 　前記光度設定部は、前記光度を１６ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定める請求項１に記載の車両用灯具システム。 The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the luminous intensity setting unit defines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 16 bits or more.
  4. 　前記配光可変ランプまたは前記配光制御装置は、前記光度設定部が定めた光度データに対してガンマ補正を施す補正部を有する請求項１乃至３のいずれか１項に記載の車両用灯具システム。 The vehicle lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light distribution variable lamp or the light distribution control device has a correction unit that gamma-corrects the light intensity data determined by the light intensity setting unit. ..
  5. 　前記光度設定部は、１０ｂｉｔの階調で光度を定め、
    　前記補正部は、２．７以上２４．５以下のガンマ値を用いて前記ガンマ補正を施す請求項４に記載の車両用灯具システム。     The luminous intensity setting unit determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 10 bits.
    The vehicle lighting system according to claim 4, wherein the correction unit performs the gamma correction using a gamma value of 2.7 or more and 24.5 or less.
  6. 　前記光度設定部は、１０ｂｉｔの階調で光度を定め、
    　前記補正部は、３．４以上２３．２以下のガンマ値を用いて前記ガンマ補正を施す請求項４に記載の車両用灯具システム。     The luminous intensity setting unit determines the luminous intensity with a gradation of 10 bits.
    The vehicle lighting system according to claim 4, wherein the correction unit performs the gamma correction using a gamma value of 3.4 or more and 23.2 or less.
  7. 　自車前方に並ぶ複数の個別領域それぞれに照射する光の光度を独立に調節可能な配光可変ランプを制御する配光制御装置であって、
    　各個別領域に照射する光の光度を１０ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定める光度設定部を備える配光制御装置。     It is a light distribution control device that controls a light distribution variable lamp that can independently adjust the luminous intensity of the light that irradiates each of a plurality of individual areas lined up in front of the vehicle.
    A light distribution control device including a luminous intensity setting unit that determines the luminous intensity of light irradiating each individual region with a gradation of 10 bits or more.
  8. 　自車前方に並ぶ複数の個別領域それぞれに照射する光の光度を独立に調節可能な配光可変ランプを制御する配光制御方法であって、
    　各個別領域に照射する光の光度を１０ｂｉｔ以上の階調で定めることを含む配光制御方法。     It is a light distribution control method that controls a light distribution variable lamp that can independently adjust the luminous intensity of the light that irradiates each of a plurality of individual areas lined up in front of the vehicle.
    A light distribution control method including determining the luminous intensity of light irradiating each individual region with a gradation of 10 bits or more.
PCT/JP2020/041678 2019-11-19 2020-11-09 Vehicle lamp system, light distribution control device, and light distribution control method WO2021100510A1 (en)

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