WO2023073849A1 - Headlight light distribution control device and headlight light distribution control method - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a headlight light distribution control device (ZHS) comprising: a detection unit (KE) which detects the positions of other vehicles (ZS, TS) existing in front of an own vehicle (JS) on the basis of an image of the other vehicles (ZS, TS); a first determination unit (KE1) which determines shielded light areas (SZS, STS) which are areas to be shielded from the light on the basis of the positions of the detected other vehicles (ZS, TS); a second determination unit (KE2) which determines a plurality of dimmed light areas (GZS(H), GZS(M), GTS(H), GTS(M)) which are areas close to the determined shielded light areas (SZS, STS) and are to have light amounts larger than light amounts in the shielded light areas (SZS, STS); an estimation unit (SU) which estimates the positions of drivers (US) in the other vehicles (ZS, TS); and a control unit (SE) which controls emission of the headlight (ZT) such that light amounts (IZS(M), ITS(M)) in dimmed light areas (GZS(M), GTS(M)) in one part which are of the plurality of the dimmed light areas (GZS(H), GZS(M), GTS(H), GTS(M)) and are closer to the estimated positions of the drivers (US) are smaller than light amounts (IZS(H), ITS(H)) in dimmed light areas (GZS(H), GTS(H)) in a part other than the dimmed light areas in the one part.

Description

HEADLAMP LIGHT DISTRIBUTION CONTROL DEVICE AND HEADLAMP LIGHT DISTRIBUTION CONTROL METHOD

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

One of the purposes of the light distribution control method and light distribution control device for a vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1 is to prevent dazzling the forward vehicle. In order to achieve the above object, the method and apparatus of Patent Document 1 detect the vehicle position of the forward vehicle and selectively dim a plurality of illumination areas corresponding to the detected vehicle position of the forward vehicle. .

International Publication No. 2015-005377

However, the above-described method and apparatus detect the vehicle position of the preceding vehicle by analyzing the captured image of the preceding vehicle. Due to the time lag associated with the time required for the image analysis, the illumination area should be illuminated at the start of the image analysis, but should not be illuminated at the end of the image analysis. Since the illumination area is illuminated, it may not be possible to prevent dazzling the vehicle ahead. Alternatively, if there is a delay in the control system from the detection of the position of the vehicle in front to the illumination, there is a possibility that the illumination area that should not be illuminated will be illuminated.

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

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

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

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 2 shows the relationship between own vehicle JS and other vehicles in Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 shows the hardware configuration of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 shows the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 11 shows the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 10 shows the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 10 shows the operation (part 1) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 5. FIG. FIG. 10 shows the operation (part 2) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 12 shows the operation (part 3) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 12 shows the operation (part 4) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 shows the operation (part 1) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 6. FIG. FIG. 12 shows the operation (part 2) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 6. FIG. FIG. 11 shows the operation (part 1) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 7. FIG. FIG. 12 shows the operation (part 2) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the seventh embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 shows the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 8. FIG.

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

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

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

The headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment controls the illumination of the headlamps ZT in accordance with the conditions of a forward vehicle ZS and/or an oncoming vehicle TS as other vehicles present in front of the own vehicle. , includes an imaging unit SA, a detection unit KE, a first determination unit KE1, a second determination unit KE2, an estimation unit SU, and a control unit SE, as shown in FIG. Although the imaging unit SA is included in the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS in FIG. 1, the signal may be received from the imaging unit SA provided outside the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS.

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

FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the own vehicle JS of Embodiment 1 and other vehicles existing in front of the own vehicle.

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

In the following, for ease of explanation and understanding, the notation "other vehicles ZS, TS" may indicate both/or one of the preceding vehicle ZS and/or the oncoming vehicle TS.

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

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

Based on the positions of the other vehicles ZS, TS detected by the detection unit KE, the first determination unit KE1, as shown in FIG. A front vehicle light shielding area SZS and an oncoming vehicle light shielding area STS, which are areas to be shielded in order to prevent this, are determined. As shown in FIG. 2, the front vehicle light shielding area SZS is mainly an area ahead of the front vehicle ZS in the direction of travel and an area behind the vehicle ZS in the direction of travel. The oncoming vehicle light shielding area STS is, as shown in FIG. 2, mainly an area obliquely ahead of the traveling direction of the oncoming vehicle TS.

The second determining unit KE2 determines, as shown in FIG. 2, the forward vehicle left dimming area GZS(H) adjacent to the forward vehicle light blocking area SZS determined by the first determining unit KE1, and A front vehicle right dimming area GZS(M) is determined.

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

For the oncoming vehicle TS, the second determining unit KE2 determines the oncoming vehicle left dimming area adjacent to the oncoming vehicle shading area STS determined by the first determining unit KE1, as shown in FIG. 2, in the same manner as described above. A region GTS(H) and an oncoming vehicle right dimming region GTS(M) are determined.

The oncoming vehicle left light amount ITS(H), which is the light amount of the oncoming vehicle left dimming area GTS(H), and the oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS(M), which is the light amount of the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M), are controlled by the control unit SE. The control of the illumination of the headlamp ZT by , is large compared to the amount of light in the oncoming vehicle light shielding area STS (for example, 0 lumen second [lm·s] or a value close to 0 lumen second [lm·s]).

The estimating unit SU estimates the positions of the driver US in the other vehicles ZS and TS, for example, by analyzing the vehicle types of the other vehicles ZS and TS. The analysis of the vehicle type can be performed by estimating the vehicle type based on the information collected by the own vehicle, for example, the camera image. Alternatively, the vehicle type analysis may receive vehicle information using communication between the host vehicle JS and the other vehicles ZS and TS. For this communication, any communication such as inter-vehicle communication, road-to-vehicle communication, or cloud mediation can be adopted.
Alternatively, the position of the driver may be simply estimated to be a right-hand drive in countries and regions where the vehicle is driven on the left side, and may be estimated as a left-hand drive in countries and regions where the vehicle is driven on the right side, without analyzing the vehicle type.

The control unit SE determines the position of the driver US of the forward vehicle ZS estimated by the estimating unit SU in the forward vehicle left dimming area GZS(H) and the forward vehicle right dimming area GZS(M). The forward vehicle right light amount IZS(M) of the forward vehicle right dimming area GZS(M) closer to the forward vehicle left dimming area GZS(M) is farther from the position of the driver US of the forward vehicle ZS estimated by the estimation unit SU ( The illumination of the headlamp ZT is controlled so that the amount of light to the left of the forward vehicle IZS(H) is smaller than H).

Regarding the oncoming vehicle TS, in the same manner as described above, the control unit SE selects the oncoming vehicle TS estimated by the estimating unit SU from the oncoming vehicle left dimming area GTS(H) and the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M). The oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS(M) of the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M) closer to the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle is farther from the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS estimated by the estimating unit SU. The illumination of the headlamp ZT is controlled so that the left light amount ITS(H) of the oncoming vehicle in the left dimming area GTS(H) is smaller.

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

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

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

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

Regarding the relationship between the functions and the hardware configuration of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS, on the hardware, the processor PC executes the program PR stored in the storage medium KB on the memory MM, Accordingly, by controlling the operations of the input unit NY and the output unit SY, the functions of the imaging unit SA to the control unit SE are realized.

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

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

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

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

Step ST12: The first determining unit KE1 (shown in FIG. 1) determines the area to be shaded as shown in FIG. 2 based on the position of the forward vehicle ZS detected by the detecting unit KE. , that is, the forward vehicle light shielding regions SZS positioned forward and rearward in the traveling direction of the forward vehicle ZS.

Based on the position of the oncoming vehicle TS detected by the detection unit KE, the first determining unit KE1 determines the light shielding area, which is the area to be shielded, as shown in FIG. That is, the oncoming vehicle light shielding area STS located ahead of the traveling direction of the oncoming vehicle TS is determined.

Step ST13: The second determining unit KE2 (shown in FIG. 1) determines the front vehicle left dimming area GZS(H) and the adjacent front vehicle left dimming area GZS(H) based on the front vehicle light-shielding area SZS for the front vehicle ZS. A front vehicle right dimming area GZS(M) is determined. The forward vehicle left light amount IZS(H), which is the light amount of the forward vehicle left dimming area GZS(H), and the forward vehicle right light amount IZS(M), which is the light amount of the forward vehicle right dimming area GZS(M), It should be larger than the amount of light in the vehicle light shielding area SZS. IZS(H) > IZS(M). This reduces the amount of light on the side where the driver US is present compared to the other side, thereby suppressing the dazzling of the driver US. The control unit SE controls the illumination of the headlight ZT to adjust both the left light amount IZS(H) of the forward vehicle and the right amount IZS(M) of the forward vehicle light.

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

For the oncoming vehicle TS, the second determining unit KE2 determines the oncoming vehicle left dimming area GTS(H) and the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(H) adjacent to the oncoming vehicle shaded area STS based on the oncoming vehicle shaded area STS in the same manner as described above. Determine the optical domain GTS(M). The oncoming vehicle left light amount ITS(H), which is the light amount of the oncoming vehicle left dimming area GTS(H), and the oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS(M), which is the light amount of the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M), are It should be larger than the amount of light in the vehicle light shielding area STS. The adjustment of both the left light amount ITS(H) of the oncoming vehicle and the right light amount ITS(M) of the oncoming vehicle is performed by the controller SE controlling the illumination of the headlight ZT.

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

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

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

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit SE controls the estimating unit SU The forward vehicle right light amount IZS(M), which is the light amount of the forward vehicle right dimming area GZS(M) closer to the position of the driver US estimated by The illumination of the headlamp ZT is controlled so as to be smaller than the forward vehicle left light amount IZS(H), which is the light amount of the area GZS(H).

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

<Effect of Embodiment 1>
As described above, in the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment, the control unit SE causes the forward vehicle ZS to approach the forward vehicle light shielding area SZS of the forward vehicle ZS, as shown in FIG. and the front vehicle right light amount IZS (M), which is the light amount of the front vehicle right dimming area GZS (M) closer to the position of the driver US of the front vehicle ZS, approaches the front vehicle light blocking area SZS of the front vehicle ZS, In addition, the irradiation by the headlamp ZT is controlled so as to be smaller than the forward vehicle left light amount IZS(H), which is the light amount of the forward vehicle left dimming area GZS(H) farther from the position of the driver US of the forward vehicle ZS. .

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit SE controls the oncoming vehicle TS to be positioned closer to the oncoming vehicle light shielding area STS of the oncoming vehicle TS and closer to the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS in the same manner as described above. The oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS(M), which is the light amount of the vehicle right dimming area GTS(M), is close to the oncoming vehicle shading area STS of the oncoming vehicle TS and is farther from the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS. The illumination of the headlamp ZT is controlled so as to be smaller than the oncoming vehicle left light amount ITS(H), which is the light amount of the vehicle left dimming area GTS(H).

By controlling the illumination of the headlight ZT as described above, it is possible to avoid deteriorating the visibility of the drivers of the other vehicles ZS and TS while ensuring the visibility of the driver of the own vehicle JS.

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

<Functions and hardware configuration of the second embodiment>
The functions and hardware configuration of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the second embodiment are the same as the functions and hardware configuration of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3). is.

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

On the other hand, the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the second embodiment is different from the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment in that the irradiation angles of the headlamps ZT are different.

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

In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 2, the controller SE (illustrated in FIG. 1) controls the forward vehicle ZS in step ST15 of the flowchart (illustrated in FIG. 4) as illustrated in FIG. , the front vehicle right angle θZS (M), which is the irradiation angle of the headlight ZT for defining the front vehicle right dimming area GZS (M) closer to the position of the driver US of the front vehicle ZS, is the front vehicle ZS The front vehicle left angle θZS (H), which is the irradiation angle of the headlamp ZT for defining the front vehicle left dimming area GZS (H) farther from the position of the driver US in the headlight Controls irradiation of ZT.

As described above, the controller SE controls the oncoming vehicle TS at the irradiation angle of the headlamp ZT to define the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M) closer to the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS. A given oncoming vehicle right angle θTS(M) is the irradiation angle of the headlamp ZT for defining the oncoming vehicle left dimming region GTS(H) that is farther from the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS. The illumination of the headlamp ZT is controlled so that the angle θTS(H) is greater than the angle θTS(H).

<Effect of Embodiment 2>
As described above, in the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the second embodiment, the control unit SE causes the forward vehicle right angle θZS (M) to become larger than the forward vehicle left angle θZS (H) with respect to the forward vehicle ZS. , the illumination of the headlamp ZT is controlled. As for the oncoming vehicle TS, the illumination of the headlight ZT is controlled so that the right angle θTS(M) of the oncoming vehicle becomes larger than the left angle θTS(H) of the oncoming vehicle. As a result, even when the forward vehicle ZS and the oncoming vehicle TS change their driving conditions (eg, traveling speed, traveling lane), the driver of the forward vehicle ZS is positioned within the forward vehicle right dimming area GZS (M). The possibility that US is positioned is increased, and the possibility that the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS is positioned within the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M) is increased. As a result, even if the forward vehicle ZS and the oncoming vehicle TS change their driving conditions, the possibility of avoiding deterioration of the visibility of the driver US of the forward vehicle ZS and the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS is further increased. can be done.

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

<Functions and Hardware Configuration of Embodiment 3>
The functions and hardware configuration of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the third embodiment are the same as the functions and hardware configuration of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3). is.

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

On the other hand, the operation of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the third embodiment controls the light amount of the light source of the headlight ZT, unlike the operation of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment.

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

In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 3, the controller SE (illustrated in FIG. 1) controls the forward vehicle ZS in step ST15 of the flowchart (illustrated in FIG. 4) as illustrated in FIG. is the amount of light of the light source (not shown) of the headlight ZT for defining the forward vehicle right dimming area GZS (M) closer to the position of the driver US of the forward vehicle ZS. JZS (M) is the light quantity of the light source of the headlight ZT for defining the forward vehicle left dimming area GZS (H) farther from the position of the driver US of the forward vehicle ZS, the forward vehicle left light source light quantity JZS ( H) control the illumination of the headlamp ZT so that it is smaller than;

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

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

As shown in FIG. 6, for the oncoming vehicle TS, the controller SE controls the oncoming vehicle right light source light intensity JTS(M) to be smaller than the oncoming vehicle left light source intensity JTS(H) in the same manner as described above. Secondly, the illumination of the headlamp ZT is controlled. As a result, the oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS(M), which is the light amount of the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M), is greater than the oncoming vehicle left light amount ITS(H), which is the light amount of the oncoming vehicle left dimming area GTS(H). become smaller. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a glare phenomenon in which it becomes difficult for the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS to visually recognize pedestrians and the like due to the illumination of the headlights ZT of the own vehicle JS. .

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

<Functions and Hardware Configuration of Embodiment 4>
The functions and hardware configuration of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the fourth embodiment are the same as the functions and hardware configuration of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3). is.

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

The operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 4 differs from the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 1 on the other hand in that the amount of light in the dimming region causes the glare phenomenon. The light quantity of the light source of the headlamp ZT is controlled so as not to reach the level. Here, the maximum amount of light that does not reach the level at which the glare phenomenon occurs is referred to as the limit amount of light for generating glare.

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

In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 4, the controller SE (illustrated in FIG. 1) controls the forward vehicle ZS in step ST15 of the flowchart (illustrated in FIG. 4) as illustrated in FIG. , in the front vehicle proximity dimming area GZS (K), which is the area closest to the position of the driver US in the forward vehicle right dimming area GZS (M) closer to the position of the driver US of the forward vehicle ZS A light source (not shown) of a headlamp ZT for defining a forward vehicle right dimming area GZS(M) so that a certain forward vehicle proximity light amount IZS(K) does not reach a light amount that causes a glare phenomenon. The forward vehicle right light source light quantity JZS(M), which is the light quantity, is controlled.

As shown in FIG. 7, for the oncoming vehicle TS, the control unit SE controls, in the same manner as described above, the oncoming vehicle TS in the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M) that is closer to the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS. The oncoming vehicle proximity light amount ITS(K), which is the light amount of the oncoming vehicle proximity light reduction area GTS(K), which is the area closest to the US, does not reach the light amount that causes the glare phenomenon. Controls the oncoming vehicle right light source light quantity JTS(M), which is the light quantity of the light source of the headlamp ZT for defining GTS(M).

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

<Effect of Embodiment 4>
As described above, in the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fourth embodiment, the controller SE controls the forward vehicle proximity light amount IZS(K) to cause the glare phenomenon with respect to the forward vehicle ZS, as shown in FIG. The forward vehicle right light source light quantity JZS (M) of the headlamp ZT is controlled so as not to reach the light quantity generated. As a result, it is difficult for the driver US of the forward vehicle ZS to see the pedestrian or the like due to the illumination of the headlight ZT of the own vehicle JS. can be suppressed to a greater extent.

As for the oncoming vehicle TS, the control unit SE also adjusts the headlight ZT for the right side of the oncoming vehicle so that the oncoming vehicle proximity light amount ITS(K) does not reach the amount of light that causes the glare phenomenon, as shown in FIG. Control the light source light quantity JTS(M). As a result, it is difficult for the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS to see the pedestrian or the like due to the illumination of the headlight ZT of the own vehicle JS. can be suppressed to a greater extent.

Embodiment 5.
<Embodiment 5>
A headlamp light distribution control device of Embodiment 5 will be described.
The headlamp light distribution control device of Embodiment 5 reduces the light intensity in the dimming region when the distance, relative speed, or relative angle between the own vehicle JS and the other vehicles ZS, TS changes. control.

<Functions and Hardware Configuration of Embodiment 5>
The functions and hardware configuration of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment are the same as the functions and hardware configuration of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3). is.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<Relative angle>
(1) Relative angle SK1 (JZ) is, as shown in FIG. , and an imaginary straight line KT1 (JZ) passing through the center of the own vehicle JS and the center of the preceding vehicle ZS (not shown).

(2) As shown in FIG. 8, the relative angle SK1 (JT) is an imaginary angle that passes through the imaginary center line KC1 (J), the center of the host vehicle JS, and the center of the oncoming vehicle TS (not shown). It is the angle formed with the straight line KT1 (JT).

<Change in distance (forward vehicle ZS)>
In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 5, the controller SE (illustrated in FIG. 1), at step ST15 of the flowchart (illustrated in FIG. 4), as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, When the distance between the host vehicle JS and the forward vehicle ZS decreases from the distance K1 (JZ) (shown in FIG. 8) to the distance K2 (JZ) (shown in FIG. 9), the forward vehicle right dimming area GZS (M ) (shown in FIG. 2) is smaller than before the change in distance. In contrast to the above, when the distance between the host vehicle JS and the forward vehicle ZS increases from the distance K2 (JZ) to the distance K1 (JZ), the control unit SE controls the forward vehicle right dimming area GZS (M). The illumination of the headlamp ZT is controlled so that the forward vehicle right light amount IZS(M), which is the amount of light, becomes larger than before the change in distance.

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

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

<Change in relative speed (oncoming vehicle TS)>
In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 5, the control unit SE controls the host vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS in step ST15 of the flowchart (shown in FIG. 4), as shown in FIGS. When the relative speed between SV1 (ZT) (shown in FIG. 8) and SV2 (ZT) (shown in FIG. 10) increases, the amount of light in the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS (M) is equal to the oncoming vehicle right The illumination of the headlamp ZT is controlled so that the light quantity ITS (M) (shown in FIG. 2) becomes smaller than before the change in relative speed. In contrast to the above, when the relative speed between the host vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS decreases from SV2 (ZT) to SV1 (ZT), the control unit SE The illumination of the headlamp ZT is controlled so that the oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS(M), which is the following, becomes larger than before the change in the relative speed.

<Change in relative angle (forward vehicle ZS)>
In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 5, the control unit SE controls the host vehicle JS and the forward vehicle ZS in step ST15 of the flowchart (shown in FIG. 4), as shown in FIGS. When the relative angle between SK1 (JZ) (shown in FIG. 8) and SK2 (JZ) (shown in FIG. 11) increases, the forward vehicle right light amount corresponding to the forward vehicle right dimming area GZS (M) is increased. The irradiation of the headlamp ZT is controlled so that the light quantity IZS (M) (shown in FIG. 2) becomes smaller than before the change in the relative angle. In contrast to the above, when the relative angle between the host vehicle JS and the forward vehicle ZS decreases from SK2 (JZ) to SK1 (JZ), the control unit SE controls the light amount of the forward vehicle right dimming area GZS (M). The illumination of the headlamp ZT is controlled so that the forward vehicle right light amount IZS(M) becomes larger than before the change in the relative angle.

<Change in relative angle (oncoming vehicle TS)>
In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 5, the control unit SE controls the host vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS in step ST15 of the flowchart (shown in FIG. 4), as shown in FIGS. When the relative angle between SK1 (JT) (shown in FIG. 8) and SK2 ((JT) (shown in FIG. 11) increases, the amount of light in the right dimming area GTS (M) of the oncoming vehicle Controls the irradiation of the headlamp ZT so that the right light amount ITS (M) (shown in FIG. 2) becomes smaller than before the change in the relative angle. When the relative angle between the own vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS decreases from SK2(JT) to SK1((JT), the oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS(M), which is the light amount of the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M), The illumination of the headlamp ZT is controlled so that it becomes larger than before the relative angle is changed.

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

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

Embodiment 6.
<Embodiment 6>
A headlamp light distribution control device according to Embodiment 6 will be described.
Instead of estimating the position of the driver US of another vehicle based on the information obtained by the own vehicle or the information obtained by communication, the headlamp light distribution control device of Embodiment 6 estimates the position of the driver US of the other vehicle based on the traffic direction of the road. , the position of the driver US of the other vehicle is simply estimated.

<Functions and Hardware Configuration of Embodiment 6>
The functions and hardware configuration of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the sixth embodiment are the same as the functions and hardware configuration of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3). is.

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

On the other hand, the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the sixth embodiment differs from the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment in that the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS ( M) and the oncoming vehicle left dimming area GTS(H) is controlled according to the traffic direction of the road (left-hand traffic, right-hand traffic). Embodiment 6 uses the traffic direction of the road in analyzing the types of the forward vehicle ZS and the oncoming vehicle TS in a simple manner. That is, control is performed by assuming that the other vehicle is right-handed if the vehicle is left-handed, and that the other vehicle is left-handed if the vehicle is right-handed.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a left-hand traffic country and region, showing the operation (part 1) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a right-hand traffic country and region, showing the operation (part 2) of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the sixth embodiment.

In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 6, the detector KE (illustrated in FIG. 1) detects that the other vehicles ZS and TS are the oncoming vehicle TS in step ST11 of the flow chart (illustrated in FIG. 4). Detect whether or not there is.

<For left-hand traffic>
When it is detected in step ST11 that the other vehicles ZS and TS are the oncoming vehicle TS, in step ST15 of the above flowchart, the control section SE (shown in FIG. 1) controls the control unit as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS(M), which is the light amount of the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M) closer to the right side in the traveling direction of the oncoming vehicle TS on the left-hand traffic road DR2, is the left side in the traveling direction of the oncoming vehicle TS. The irradiation of the headlamp ZT is controlled so as to be smaller than the oncoming vehicle left light amount ITS(H), which is the light amount of the oncoming vehicle left dimming area GTS(H) which is closer.

〈When driving on the right side〉
In the same manner as described above, when it is detected in step ST11 that the other vehicles ZS and TS are the oncoming vehicle TS, in step ST15 of the above flow chart, the controller SE performs the operation shown in FIG. , the oncoming vehicle left light amount ITS(H), which is the light amount of the oncoming vehicle left dimming area GTS(H) closer to the left side of the traveling direction of the oncoming vehicle TS on the right-hand traffic road DR2, is the light amount of the oncoming vehicle TS. The illumination of the headlamp ZT is controlled so as to be smaller than the oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS(M), which is the light amount of the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M) closer to the right side in the traveling direction.

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

Therefore, in the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the sixth embodiment, the estimating unit SU of the first embodiment estimates the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS based on the information obtained by the own vehicle or the information obtained by communication. Instead of determining which of the oncoming vehicle left light amount ITS(H) and the oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS(M) should be relatively reduced by using the above-described method of identifying the driver US It can be done easily.

Embodiment 7.
<Embodiment 7>
A headlamp light distribution control device of Embodiment 7 will be described.
The headlamp light distribution control device of Embodiment 7 is designed to control the distance between the own vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS to be shorter than the threshold distance, the relative speed to be larger than the threshold relative speed, or the relative angle to be larger than the threshold relative angle. When the driver of the oncoming vehicle TS is assumed to be present, the amount of light in the dimming area on the side is made smaller than that on the other side.
Here, when the distance between the own vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS is shorter than the threshold distance, the relative speed is larger than the threshold relative speed, or the relative angle is larger than the threshold relative angle, the oncoming vehicle TS is in the light blocking area. When it is easy to deviate from

<Functions and Hardware Configuration of Embodiment 7>
The functions and hardware configuration of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the seventh embodiment are the same as the functions and hardware configuration of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3). is.

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

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

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

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

In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of Embodiment 7, the detection unit KE (illustrated in FIG. 1) is step ST11 of the flowchart (illustrated in FIG. 4), FIG. 14 (for left-hand traffic) and FIG. (In the case of right-hand traffic), it is detected whether or not the other vehicle ZS, TS is the oncoming vehicle TS.

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

(1A) when the distance K2 (JT) is shorter than the threshold distance KTH, (1B) when the relative speed SV2 (JT) is greater than the threshold relative speed SVTH, or (1C) the relative angle SK2 (JT) is greater than the threshold relative angle SKTH, the following actions are taken.

<For left-hand traffic>
As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit SE controls the oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS (M ) is smaller than the oncoming vehicle left light amount ITS(H), which is the light amount of the oncoming vehicle left dimming area GTS(H) closer to the left side of the traveling direction of the oncoming vehicle TS. .

〈When driving on the right side〉
As shown in FIG. 15, the controller SE controls the oncoming vehicle left light amount ITS (H ) is smaller than the oncoming vehicle right light amount ITS(M), which is the light amount of the oncoming vehicle right dimming area GTS(M) closer to the right side of the traveling direction of the oncoming vehicle TS. .

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

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

As a result, regardless of whether the road DR2 is left-hand traffic or right-hand traffic, the oncoming vehicle right dimming region GTS (M) (left-hand traffic (shown in FIG. 14) and the oncoming vehicle left dimming area GTS(H) (for right-hand traffic, shown in FIG. 15). As a result, similar to the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the fifth embodiment, the glare phenomenon that the visibility of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS is deteriorated due to the illumination of the headlamp ZT of the own vehicle JS. can be reduced according to changes in the distance, relative speed, and relative angle between the host vehicle JS and the oncoming vehicle TS.

In many cases, the position of the driver US of the oncoming vehicle TS (right side, left side in the traveling direction) is specified based on the traffic direction of the road (left-hand traffic, right-hand traffic). Therefore, by considering the traffic direction of the road (left-hand traffic, right-hand traffic), the oncoming vehicle left light intensity ITS (H) and the oncoming vehicle right light intensity ITS ( It is possible to easily determine which of M) should be relatively reduced.

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

<Functions and Hardware Configuration of Embodiment 8>
The functions and hardware configuration of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the eighth embodiment are the same as the functions and hardware configuration of the headlight light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3). is.

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

On the other hand, the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the eighth embodiment differs from the operation of the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the first embodiment. to control the illumination of the headlamp ZT.

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

In the headlamp light distribution control device ZHS of the eighth embodiment, the detector KE (shown in FIG. 1) detects that the other vehicle ZS, TS is the forward vehicle ZS in step ST11 of the flow chart (shown in FIG. 4). It detects whether or not there is, and whether or not it is turning.

As shown in FIG. 16, when it is detected that the other vehicle ZS, TS is the preceding vehicle ZS and is turning, the control unit SE (shown in FIG. 1) executes step ST15 of the above flow chart. The light amount of the front vehicle right dimming area GZS (M) closer to the inside of the front vehicle ZS in the turning direction, in other words, closer to the center (not shown) of the virtual arc drawn when the front vehicle ZS turns The front vehicle right light amount IZS (M) is outside the turning direction of the front vehicle ZS, in other words, the front vehicle left dimming area GZS is farther from the center of the virtual arc drawn when the front vehicle ZS turns. The illumination of the headlamp ZT is controlled so that the left vehicle front light amount IZS(H), which is the light amount of (H), becomes smaller.

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

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

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

DR1 road, DR2 road, GTS(M) oncoming vehicle right dimming area, GTS(H) oncoming vehicle left dimming area, GTS(K) oncoming vehicle close dimming area, GZS(M) forward vehicle right dimming area, GZS (H) Front vehicle left dimming area, GZS (K) Front vehicle proximity dimming area, ITS (M) Oncoming vehicle right light amount, ITS (H) Oncoming vehicle left light amount, ITS (K) Oncoming vehicle close light amount, IZS (M) Forward vehicle right light intensity, IZS (H) Forward vehicle left light intensity, IZS (K) Forward vehicle proximity light intensity, JS own vehicle, JTS (M) Light source light intensity for right of oncoming vehicle, JTS (H) Light source light intensity for left oncoming vehicle , JZS (M) Light source light intensity for the right vehicle ahead, JZS (H) Light source light intensity for the left vehicle ahead, KTH Threshold distance, K1 Distance, K2 Distance, KB Storage medium, KC1 Virtual center line, KE Detector, KE1 First determination section, KE2 second decision section, KT1 virtual straight line, MM memory, NY input section, PC processor, PR program, SA imaging section, SE control section, SK1 relative angle, SK2 relative angle, SKTH threshold relative angle, STS oncoming vehicle Light shielding area, SU Estimation unit, SV1 Relative speed, SV2 Relative speed, SVTH Threshold relative speed, SY Output unit, SZS Front vehicle light shielding area, TS Oncoming vehicle, US Driver, ZHS Headlight distribution control device, ZS Forward vehicle , ZT Headlight, θTS(H) Left angle of oncoming vehicle, θTS(M) Right angle of oncoming vehicle, θZS(H) Left angle of forward vehicle, θZS(M) Right angle of forward vehicle.

Claims (9)

1. a detection unit that detects the position of the other vehicle based on an image of the other vehicle existing in front of the own vehicle;
   a first determination unit that determines a light shielding area, which is an area to be shielded, based on the detected position of the other vehicle;
   a second determining unit that determines a plurality of dimming areas, which are areas that are adjacent to the determined light shielding area and that should have a larger amount of light than the amount of light in the light shielding area;
   an estimation unit that estimates the position of the driver in the other vehicle;
   The headlight is illuminated so that the amount of light in one of the plurality of dimming areas closer to the estimated position of the driver is smaller than the amount of light in other dimming areas other than the one dimming area. a control unit that controls the illumination of the lamp;
   Headlight light distribution control device including.
2. The control unit controls the irradiation of the headlamp so that the irradiation angle of the headlamp for defining the one dimming region is the headlamp for defining the other dimming region. 2. The headlamp light distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation angle is set to be larger than the irradiation angle of .
3. The control unit controls the illumination of the headlamp so that the amount of light from the light source of the headlamp for defining the one dimming region is controlled by the headlight for defining the other dimming region. 2. A headlamp light distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein the amount of light is smaller than that of the light source of the lamp.
4. The control unit controls the illumination of the headlamp, and the amount of light of the light source of the headlamp for defining the one dimming area causes the amount of light in the one dimming area to generate a glare phenomenon. 2. The headlamp light distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein the amount of light is controlled so that the amount of light is less than the critical amount of glare that does not reach the amount of light.
5. When the distance between the own vehicle and the other vehicle is shorter than when it is long, when the relative speed between the own vehicle and the other vehicle is greater than when it is small, or when the own vehicle When the relative angle defined by the first imaginary straight line parallel to the traveling direction of the own vehicle and the second imaginary straight line passing through the own vehicle and the other vehicle is larger than when the relative angle is small, 2. A headlamp light distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein the amount of light in said one dimming area is reduced.
6. The detecting unit detects whether the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle traveling in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the own vehicle,
   When it is detected that the other vehicle is the oncoming vehicle, the control unit reduces the amount of light in the one dimming area closer to the right side in the traveling direction of the oncoming vehicle on a left-hand traffic road so that the oncoming vehicle is traveling. The light intensity of the one dimming region closer to the left in the direction of travel of the oncoming vehicle on a right-hand traffic road is smaller than the light intensity of the other dimming region closer to the left in the direction of the oncoming vehicle. 2. The headlamp light distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein the headlamp is illuminated so that the amount of light is smaller than that of the other dimming area closer to the right side in the direction of travel.
7. The detecting unit detects whether the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle traveling in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the own vehicle,
   When the other vehicle is detected to be the oncoming vehicle, the control unit controls the distance between the own vehicle and the oncoming vehicle when the distance between the own vehicle and the oncoming vehicle is shorter than a predetermined threshold distance. is greater than a predetermined threshold relative speed, or a first virtual straight line passing through the vehicle and parallel to the traveling direction of the vehicle and a second virtual straight line passing through the vehicle and the oncoming vehicle When the relative angle defined by the straight line is larger than a predetermined threshold relative angle, the amount of light in the one dimming area closer to the right side in the traveling direction of the oncoming vehicle on a left-hand traffic road is reduced by the oncoming vehicle. or the light intensity of the one dimming region nearer to the left in the traveling direction of the oncoming vehicle on a right-hand traffic road is the oncoming vehicle. 2. The headlamp light distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein the headlamp is illuminated so that the amount of light is smaller than that of the other dimming area closer to the right side of the vehicle in the direction of travel.
8. The detection unit detects whether the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle traveling in the same direction as the own vehicle and whether the other vehicle is turning,
   When the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle and is turning, the control unit controls the illumination of the headlamps so that when the other vehicle is the vehicle ahead and is turning, the amount of light in the dimming area inside the turning direction is 2. A headlamp light distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein the light intensity is set to be smaller than that of the dimming area.
9. A detection unit detects the position of the other vehicle based on an image of the other vehicle existing in front of the host vehicle,
   A first determining unit determines a light shielding area, which is an area to be shielded, based on the detected position of the other vehicle;
   A second determining unit determines a plurality of dimming areas, which are areas close to the determined light shielding area and in which the amount of light should be greater than that of the light shielding area;
   an estimating unit estimating the position of the driver in the other vehicle;
   The control unit causes the amount of light in one of the plurality of dimming areas closer to the estimated position of the driver to become smaller than the amount of light in other dimming areas other than the one dimming area. to control the illumination of the headlights,
   Headlight light distribution control method.

Images