WO2025018158A1 - Control device for lamp unit, program, and headlight for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

In the present invention, in a first state in which an angle (θ) between a first direction (D1) from a vehicle (100) toward a predetermined object (OB1) which overlaps one of a pair of adjacent first regions (61a, 61b) and a second direction (D2) from the vehicle (100) toward a predetermined object (OB2) which overlaps the other of the pair of first regions (61a, 61b) is equal to or less than a first threshold value, a control device (CO) controls a lamp unit (10) so as to increase the light amount in a third region (63a) that includes a connected region (64b) which is connected to respective second regions (62a, 62b) surrounding the pair of first regions (61a, 61b) and which is sandwiched between the pair of first regions (61a, 61b). In a second state in which the angle (θ) between the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) with respect to the pair of first regions (61a, 61b) is greater than a second threshold value equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the control device (CO) controls the lamp unit (10) so as not to increase the light amount in the third region (63a).

Description

Lighting unit control device, program, and vehicle headlamp

The present invention relates to a lighting unit control device, a program, and a vehicle headlamp.

Vehicle headlamps, such as automobile headlights, are known that change the light distribution pattern of the emitted light, and the following Patent Document 1 discloses such a vehicle headlamp.

The vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1 below includes a lighting unit capable of changing the light distribution pattern of the emitted light, and a control device. The control device controls the lighting unit based on information from a detection device that detects other vehicles located in front of the vehicle, suppressing the illumination of light onto the other vehicles while illuminating light around the other vehicles. For this reason, Patent Document 1 below claims that the vehicle headlamp can suppress glare for drivers of other vehicles located in front of the vehicle.

JP 2011-031807 A

A first aspect of the present invention is a lighting unit control device that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of a vehicle and is capable of changing the light distribution pattern of the emitted light, and when a plurality of the predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle, the light distribution pattern reduces the amount of light in a plurality of first regions that overlap at least a portion of the predetermined objects and increases the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, and changes the amount of light directed from the vehicle to the predetermined object that overlaps one of a pair of adjacent first regions, compared to when the predetermined objects are not located in front of the vehicle. In a first state in which an angle between a first direction and a second direction from the vehicle toward the specified object that overlaps with the other of the pair of first regions is less than or equal to a first threshold, a signal that can control the lamp unit is output so as to increase the amount of light in a third region that is connected to each of the second regions that surround the pair of first regions and includes a connection region that is sandwiched between the pair of first regions, and in a second state in which an angle between the first direction and the second direction with respect to the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold that is greater than or equal to the first threshold, a signal that can control the lamp unit is output so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region.

In addition, a program of a second aspect of the present invention receives a signal from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle, and controls a control device of a lighting unit that is capable of changing the light distribution pattern of the emitted light, and when a plurality of the predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle, reduces the amount of light in a plurality of first regions of the light distribution pattern that overlap at least a portion of the predetermined objects and increases the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, compared to when the predetermined objects are not located in front of the vehicle, and controls a first direction from the vehicle toward the predetermined object that overlaps one of a pair of adjacent first regions and a second direction from the vehicle toward the predetermined object that overlaps one of the pair of adjacent first regions. In a first state in which an angle between the second direction from the vehicle and the predetermined object overlapping the other of the first regions is equal to or less than a first threshold, a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit is output to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding the pair of first regions and is sandwiched between the pair of first regions; and in a second state in which an angle between the first direction and the second direction relative to the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold that is equal to or greater than the first threshold, a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit is output to not increase the amount of light in the third region.

Furthermore, a vehicle headlamp according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a lighting unit capable of changing the light distribution pattern of emitted light, and a control device that controls the lighting unit in response to a signal input from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle, and the control device controls the lighting unit in a state in which a plurality of the predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle, and reduces the amount of light in a plurality of first regions of the light distribution pattern that overlap at least a portion of the predetermined objects, and increases the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, and increases the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that overlap one of a pair of adjacent first regions, compared to a state in which the predetermined objects are not located in front of the vehicle. In a first state in which an angle between a first direction from the vehicle toward the specified object overlapping the other of the pair of first regions is less than or equal to a first threshold, the lighting unit is controlled to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding the pair of first regions and is sandwiched between the pair of first regions, and in a second state in which an angle between the first direction and the second direction relative to the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold that is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the lighting unit is controlled so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region.

According to the control device for a lighting unit of the first aspect, the program of the second aspect, and the vehicle headlamp of the third aspect, the amount of light in the first areas of the light distribution pattern that overlap with the plurality of predetermined objects is reduced, and the amount of light in the second areas and the third area that individually surround the first areas is increased. Therefore, the amount of light irradiated to the plurality of predetermined objects can be reduced, and the surroundings of the plurality of first areas that are darkened areas can be suppressed from appearing dark, thereby suppressing a decrease in visibility ahead of the vehicle. In addition, the third area includes a connection area that is sandwiched between a pair of adjacent first areas and connects to each of the second areas that surround the pair of first areas. In the first state in which the angle between the first direction and the second direction is equal to or less than a first threshold, the amount of light in this third area is increased, and in the second state in which the angle between the first direction and the second direction is greater than a second threshold that is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the amount of light is not increased. The larger the angle between the first direction and the second direction, the farther the distance between the two first areas is. Therefore, when the distance between the pair of first regions is short, the amount of light in the third region increases, and the area between the pair of first regions can be prevented from appearing dark. In addition, since the connection region of the third region connects to the second region, the second region and the third region that are increased in light are integrated, and compared to when the third region is separated from the second region, the driver can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable. The connection region tends to become larger as the distance between the adjacent first regions increases, and the amount of light increased in the third region tends to increase as the connection region becomes larger. In the control device for the lighting unit of the first aspect, the program of the second aspect, and the vehicle headlamp of the third aspect, in the second state, that is, when the distance between the pair of first regions is long, the amount of light in the third region is not increased. Therefore, compared to when the third region is increased regardless of the angle between the first direction and the second direction, the amount of light increased in the third region can be prevented from becoming too large, and an increase in energy consumption can be suppressed.

In the lighting unit control device of the first embodiment, the program of the second embodiment, and the vehicle headlamp of the third embodiment, the second threshold value may be greater than the first threshold value.

With this configuration, compared to when the second threshold value is the same as the first threshold value, it is possible to reduce the frequency of switching between a state in which the amount of light in the third area is increased and a state in which the amount of light in the third area is not increased, and it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

In the lighting unit control device of the first embodiment, the program of the second embodiment, and the vehicle headlamp of the third embodiment, the third region may include everything other than the first region and the second region within the smallest rectangular frame that encloses the pair of first regions.

This configuration can prevent the vicinity of the pair of first regions from appearing darker than when the third region is part of the rectangular frame.

In the lighting unit control device of the first embodiment, the program of the second embodiment, and the vehicle headlamp of the third embodiment, the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions may be the same as the total amount of light that increases in the second regions and the third region.

With this configuration, the increase in energy consumption can be suppressed compared to when the total amount of light that increases in the multiple second regions and the third region is greater than the total amount of light that decreases in the multiple first regions.

The control device of the lighting unit in the first aspect described above may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so as not to increase the amount of light in the third area until a first period has elapsed since the first state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third area is not increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle, and, when the first state is entered after the first period has elapsed, to increase the amount of light in the third area compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle.

The angle between the first direction and the second direction when the first threshold is exceeded and the first state is entered is a value close to the first threshold. Therefore, even if the first state is entered, the first state may soon be changed. With the above configuration, the amount of light in the third region remains unincreased until the first period has elapsed since the first state is entered, compared to when the specified object is not located, and if the first period has elapsed and the first state is entered, the amount of light in the third region is increased. Therefore, the frequency with which the amount of light in the third region changes can be reduced, compared to when the amount of light in the third region is increased when the first state is entered. This can prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

The control device of the lighting unit of the first aspect described above may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit to increase the amount of light in the third area in a state in which the amount of light in the third area is increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle until a second period has elapsed since the second state is entered, and not to increase the amount of light in the third area when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle if the second state is entered after the second period has elapsed.

Even if the second threshold is exceeded and the second state is entered, the second state may soon be discontinued. With the above configuration, the amount of light in the third region remains increased compared to when the specified object is not located until the second period has elapsed since the second state is entered, and if the second state is entered after the second period has elapsed, the amount of light in the third region is not increased. This makes it possible to reduce the frequency with which the amount of light in the third region changes compared to when the amount of light in the third region is not increased when the second state is entered. This makes it possible to suppress the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

The detection device can detect other vehicles as the specified object, and the control device of the lighting unit of the first aspect described above may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so that the specified object, where the pair of first regions overlap, is a pair of other vehicles in the second state, and when a vertical plane passing through the vehicle and one of the pair of other vehicles intersects with the other of the pair of other vehicles, the amount of light in the third region is increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle, and when the vertical plane does not intersect with the other of the pair of other vehicles, the amount of light in the third region is not increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle.

When the specified object is another vehicle, and a vertical plane passing through the vehicle and one of the other vehicles intersects with the other other vehicle, the two other vehicles tend to be on the same road. For this reason, for example, the two other vehicles are a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle. And, for example, one may be located just before entering an uphill slope from flat ground and the other is located on an uphill slope, or one may be located just before entering flat ground from a downhill slope and the other is located on flat ground. In such a situation, for example, when both are located on an uphill slope after a certain amount of time has passed, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is difficult to change, and when the vehicle is located on an uphill slope, the angle between the first direction and the second direction tends to become smaller. Also, when both are located on flat ground after a certain amount of time has passed, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is difficult to change, and when the vehicle is located on flat ground, the angle between the first direction and the second direction tends to become smaller. In other words, in these situations, even if the angle between the first direction and the second direction is large, the angle is likely to become small. With the above configuration, in such situations, the amount of light in the third region can be increased compared to when the specified object is not located, and the decrease in visibility can be suppressed while suppressing an increase in energy consumption.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a lighting unit control device that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle located in front of the vehicle and is capable of changing the light distribution pattern of the emitted light, and when a plurality of the preceding vehicles and a plurality of the oncoming vehicles are located in front of the vehicle, the light distribution pattern reduces the amount of light in a plurality of first regions that overlap at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, increases the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, and changes the amount of light from a plurality of the first regions that overlap with a plurality of the preceding vehicles when the preceding vehicles and the oncoming vehicles are not located in front of the vehicle. In at least one of a preceding vehicle set consisting of a plurality of first regions overlapping a plurality of oncoming vehicles, a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit is output to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding the adjacent first regions and is sandwiched between the adjacent first regions, and a non-specific region in which the amount of light does not change when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle is located between the second region surrounding the first region overlapping the preceding vehicle and the second region surrounding the first region overlapping the oncoming vehicle.

Furthermore, a fifth aspect of the program of the present invention receives a signal from a detection device that detects a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle located in front of the vehicle, and controls a control device of a lighting unit that can change the light distribution pattern of the emitted light, and when a plurality of preceding vehicles and a plurality of oncoming vehicles are located in front of the vehicle, the control device reduces the amount of light in a plurality of first regions that overlap at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, and increases the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, of the light distribution pattern, compared to when the preceding vehicles and the oncoming vehicles are not located in front of the vehicle. , and in at least one of the oncoming vehicle groups consisting of a plurality of the first regions overlapping a plurality of the oncoming vehicles, a step of outputting a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit is executed so as to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding the adjacent first regions and is sandwiched between the adjacent first regions, and a non-specific region in which the amount of light does not change when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle is located between the second region surrounding the first region overlapping the preceding vehicle and the second region surrounding the first region overlapping the oncoming vehicle.

Furthermore, a sixth aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp comprising a lighting unit capable of changing the light distribution pattern of the emitted light, and a control device that controls the lighting unit in response to a signal input from a detection device that detects a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle located in front of the vehicle, and the control device controls the lighting unit in response to a signal input from a detection device that detects a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle located in front of the vehicle, and when a plurality of the preceding vehicles and a plurality of the oncoming vehicles are located in front of the vehicle, the control device reduces the amount of light in a plurality of first regions of the light distribution pattern that overlap with at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, and increases the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, and controls the light distribution pattern to overlap with the plurality of the preceding vehicles and the oncoming vehicles, compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle. In at least one of a set for a preceding vehicle consisting of a plurality of overlapping first regions and a set for an oncoming vehicle consisting of a plurality of first regions overlapping a plurality of oncoming vehicles, the lighting unit is controlled to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding the adjacent first regions and is sandwiched between the adjacent first regions, and a non-specific region in which the amount of light does not change when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle is located between the second region surrounding the first region overlapping with the preceding vehicle and the second region surrounding the first region overlapping with the oncoming vehicle.

According to the fourth aspect of the control device for the lighting unit, the fifth aspect of the program, and the sixth aspect of the vehicle headlamp, the amount of light in the first regions of the light distribution pattern that overlap at least a portion of the first regions of the preceding vehicles and the oncoming vehicles is reduced, and the amount of light in the second regions and the third regions that individually surround the first regions is increased. This can reduce the amount of light irradiated to the preceding vehicles and the oncoming vehicles, and can suppress the periphery of each of the first regions that are darkened from appearing dark, thereby suppressing a decrease in visibility ahead of the vehicle. In addition, the third region is an area that includes a connection area that is sandwiched between adjacent first regions and is connected to each of the second regions that surround the adjacent first regions in at least one of the preceding vehicle group consisting of the first regions that overlap the preceding vehicles and the oncoming vehicle group consisting of the first regions that overlap the oncoming vehicles. This can suppress the area between adjacent first regions from appearing dark in at least one of the preceding vehicle group and the oncoming vehicle group. In addition, since the connection area included in the third area is connected to the second area, the second area and the third area that are increased in light are integrated, and compared to the case where the third area is separated from the second area, the driver may feel less uncomfortable. In general, the traveling direction of the preceding vehicles and the traveling direction of the oncoming vehicles are generally the same, so the relative movement amount tends to be small. In the control device, program, and vehicle headlamp of this lighting unit, the third area where the light amount increases is an area including the above-mentioned connection area in at least one of the pair for the preceding vehicle and the pair for the oncoming vehicle, and this connection area tends to be difficult to change. In addition, since the traveling direction of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are generally opposite, the relative movement amount tends to be large. For this reason, the shape of the area sandwiched between the first area overlapping the preceding vehicle and the first area overlapping the oncoming vehicle and connected to each second area surrounding these first areas tends to change easily. In the fourth aspect of the control device for the lamp unit, the fifth aspect of the program, and the sixth aspect of the vehicle headlamp, between the second area surrounding the first area overlapping the preceding vehicle and the second area surrounding the first area overlapping the oncoming vehicle, there is a non-specific area in which the amount of light does not change even when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle. Therefore, the amount of light in the area sandwiched between the first area overlapping the preceding vehicle and the first area overlapping the oncoming vehicle and connected to each of the second areas surrounding these first areas does not increase. Therefore, compared to when the amount of light in this area increases, the change in the shape of the third area can be suppressed. Therefore, compared to this case, the change in the light distribution pattern can be suppressed, and the driver's annoyance caused by the change in the light distribution pattern can be suppressed.

In the lighting unit control device of the fourth aspect, the program of the fifth aspect, and the vehicle headlamp of the sixth aspect, the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions may be the same as the total amount of light that increases in the second regions and the third region.

With this configuration, the increase in energy consumption can be suppressed compared to when the total amount of light that increases in the multiple second regions and the third region is greater than the total amount of light that decreases in the multiple first regions.

The control device of the lamp unit in the fourth aspect described above may output a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit to increase the amount of light in the third region in one of the pair for the preceding vehicle and the pair for the oncoming vehicle, and not to increase the amount of light in the third region in the other pair.

In this case, the control device of the lamp unit of the fourth aspect described above may output a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit to increase the amount of light in the third region in the pair for the preceding vehicle and not to increase the amount of light in the third region in the pair for the oncoming vehicle.

A preceding vehicle tends to be less likely to move relative to the vehicle, while an oncoming vehicle tends to move more easily relative to the vehicle. For this reason, the first area that overlaps with the oncoming vehicle tends to move easily, and the shape of the third area in the oncoming vehicle pair tends to change easily. For this reason, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress changes in the shape of the third area, and to suppress the driver from feeling annoyed by changes in the light distribution pattern.

The control device of the lamp unit of the fourth aspect described above may output a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so as to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions in a first state in which an angle between a first direction from the vehicle toward the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle that overlaps with one of the pair of adjacent first regions and a second direction from the vehicle toward the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle that overlaps with the other of the pair of first regions is equal to or less than a first threshold value in the pair in which the amount of light in the third region is increased, compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and may output a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions in a second state in which an angle between the first direction and the second direction in the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold value that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

The greater the angle between the first direction and the second direction, the greater the distance between the pair of adjacent first regions. Because the connection region is connected to the second region as described above, it tends to become larger as the distance between the pair of first regions increases. If the connection region becomes larger and the third region including the connection region becomes brighter, the amount of light increased in the third region tends to increase. In this lighting unit control device, program, and vehicle headlamp, in the second state, that is, when the distance between the pair of first regions is large, the amount of light increased in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions does not increase. Therefore, compared to when the amount of light increased in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions increases regardless of the angle between the first direction and the second direction, it is possible to prevent the amount of light increased in the third region from becoming too large, and to prevent an increase in energy consumption.

In this case, the control device of the lighting unit of the fourth aspect described above may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle until a first period has elapsed since the first state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle when the first state is entered after the first period has elapsed.

The angle between the first direction and the second direction when the first threshold is exceeded and the first state is reached is a value close to the first threshold. Therefore, even if the first state is reached, the first state may soon be lost. With the above configuration, the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions does not increase until the first period has elapsed since the first state is reached, and if the second state is reached after the first period has elapsed, the amount of light in the third region including the connection region increases. Therefore, the frequency with which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region changes can be reduced compared to when the amount of light in the third region including the connection region increases when the first state is reached. This can prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

In addition, when changing the signal to be output according to the angle between the first direction and the second direction, the control device of the lighting unit of the fourth aspect may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit to increase the third region including the connection region with respect to the pair of first regions compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle until a second period has elapsed since the second state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with respect to the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and to not increase the amount of light in the third region with respect to the pair of first regions when the second state is entered after the second period has elapsed compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle.

Even if the second threshold is exceeded and the second state is entered, the second state may soon be discontinued. With the above configuration, the light amount of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions remains increased until the second period has elapsed since the second state is entered, and if the second state is entered after the second period has elapsed, the light amount of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions has not increased. Therefore, the frequency with which the light amount of the connection region changes can be reduced compared to when the light amount of the third region including the connection region is not increased when the second state is entered. This can therefore suppress the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

The control device of the lamp unit of the fourth aspect described above may output a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so as to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions in a third state in which the relative speed between the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle overlapping one of the pair of adjacent first regions and the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle overlapping the other of the pair of first regions is equal to or less than a first speed, compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and output a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions in a fourth state in which the relative speed with respect to the pair of first regions is greater than a second speed that is equal to or greater than the first speed, compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle.

The greater the relative speed, the easier it is for the distance between a pair of adjacent first regions to change. Because the connection region is connected to the second region as described above, when the distance between the pair of first regions changes, the shape of the third region including this connection region changes. In this lighting unit control device, program, and vehicle headlamp, in the fourth state, that is, when the distance between the pair of first regions is easy to change, the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is not increased. Therefore, compared to when the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is increased regardless of the relative speed, it is possible to suppress changes in the shape of the third region, and suppress the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in light distribution pattern.

In this case, the control device of the lighting unit of the fourth aspect described above may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle until a third period has elapsed since the third state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle when the third state is entered after the third period has elapsed.

The relative speed when the first speed is exceeded and the third state is reached is a value close to the first speed. Therefore, even if the third state is reached, the third state may soon be lost. With the above configuration, the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions does not increase until the third period has elapsed since the third state is reached, and if the third state is reached after the third period has elapsed, the amount of light in the third region including this connection region increases. Therefore, the frequency with which the third region including the connection region changes can be reduced compared to when the amount of light in the third region including the connection region increases when the third state is reached. This can prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

Furthermore, when changing the signal to be output according to the relative speed, the control device of the lighting unit of the fourth aspect may output a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so that the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is increased in light amount compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle until a fourth period has elapsed since the fourth state is entered in a state in which the light amount of the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and so that when the fourth state is entered after the fourth period has elapsed, the light amount of the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle.

Even if the second speed is exceeded and the fourth state is entered, the fourth state may soon be discontinued. With the above configuration, the light amount of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions remains increased until the fourth period has elapsed since the fourth state is entered, and if the fourth state is entered when the fourth period has elapsed, the light amount of the third region including this connection region has not increased. Therefore, the frequency with which the third region including the connection region changes can be reduced compared to when the light amount of the third region including the connection region has not increased when the fourth state is entered. This can therefore suppress the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

Furthermore, a seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a lighting unit control device that receives a signal from a detection device that detects other vehicles, such as a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle, located in front of the vehicle and is capable of changing the light distribution pattern of the emitted light, and when a plurality of other vehicles, including the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, are located in front of the vehicle and one of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle is multiple and the other is one, the light amount of a plurality of first regions of the light distribution pattern that overlap at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle is reduced, and the light amount of a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first region is increased, compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle. The lighting unit outputs a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so as to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding the adjacent first regions and is sandwiched between the adjacent first regions in a set consisting of a plurality of the first regions that overlap with one of the plurality of other vehicles among the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, and is characterized in that a non-specific region in which the amount of light does not change when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle is located between the second region surrounding the first region overlapping with the preceding vehicle and the second region surrounding the first region overlapping with the oncoming vehicle.

In addition, an eighth aspect of the program of the present invention receives a signal from a detection device that detects other vehicles, such as a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle, located in front of the vehicle, and a control device of a lighting unit that can change the light distribution pattern of the emitted light is configured to, in a state in which a plurality of other vehicles, including the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, are located in front of the vehicle and one of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle is multiple and the other is only one, reduce the amount of light in a plurality of first regions of the light distribution pattern that overlap with at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, and increase the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first region, compared to a case in which the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and , in a set of a plurality of first regions overlapping one of the plurality of other vehicles among the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, a step of outputting a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit is executed so as to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding the adjacent first regions and is sandwiched between the adjacent first regions, and is characterized in that a non-specific region in which the amount of light does not change when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle is located between the second region surrounding the first region overlapping the preceding vehicle and the second region surrounding the first region overlapping the oncoming vehicle.

Furthermore, a ninth aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp comprising a lighting unit capable of changing a light distribution pattern of emitted light, and a control device that receives a signal from a detection device that detects other vehicles, including a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle, located in front of the vehicle and controls the lighting unit, and when a plurality of other vehicles, including the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, are located in front of the vehicle and one of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle is multiple and the other is only one, the control device reduces the amount of light in a plurality of first regions of the light distribution pattern that overlap at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and controls the first regions to be individually illuminated. The lighting unit is controlled to increase the amount of light in a plurality of second regions surrounding the preceding vehicle and a third region including a connecting region connected to each of the second regions surrounding the adjacent first regions and sandwiched between the adjacent first regions in a set of a plurality of first regions overlapping one of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, and is characterized in that a non-specific region in which the amount of light does not change when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle is located between the second region surrounding the first region overlapping the preceding vehicle and the second region surrounding the first region overlapping the oncoming vehicle.

The seventh aspect of the control device for a lighting unit, the eighth aspect of the program, and the ninth aspect of the vehicle headlamp can reduce the amount of light irradiated to a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle, as with the fourth aspect of the control device for a lighting unit, the fifth aspect of the program, and the sixth aspect of the vehicle headlamp, and can suppress the periphery of each of the multiple first areas, which are the darkened areas, from appearing dark, thereby suppressing a decrease in visibility ahead of the vehicle. Also, in a group consisting of multiple first areas that overlap with one of the multiple other vehicles, which is the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, it can suppress the area between a pair of adjacent first areas from appearing dark. Also, the second and third areas that are brightened are integrated, and compared to a case in which the third area is separated from the second area, it can suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable. In addition, in the control device, program, and vehicle headlamp of this lighting unit, between the second region surrounding the first region overlapping the preceding vehicle and the second region surrounding the first region overlapping the oncoming vehicle, there is a non-specific region in which the amount of light does not change even when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle. Therefore, the amount of light in the region sandwiched between the first region overlapping the preceding vehicle and the first region overlapping the oncoming vehicle and connected to each of the second regions surrounding these first regions does not increase. Therefore, compared to when the amount of light in this region increases, the change in the shape of the third region can be suppressed. Therefore, compared to this case, the change in the light distribution pattern can be suppressed, and the driver's annoyance caused by the change in the light distribution pattern can be suppressed.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention as first to third aspects. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of a lighting unit. 3 is a front view showing the light source unit shown in FIG. 2; 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the control device in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a high beam light distribution pattern in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in the first embodiment, similar to FIG. 5 . FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the situation shown in FIG. 6 . FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of another ADB light distribution pattern in the first embodiment, similar to FIG. 6 . 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of a process for changing the amount of light in a third region in the control device of the first embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation of a process for changing the amount of light in a third region in a control device according to a second embodiment as the first to third aspects of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in a second state according to the second embodiment, similar to FIG. 6 . FIG. 7 is a diagram similar to FIG. 5 showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in a third embodiment as fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of another ADB light distribution pattern in the third embodiment, similar to FIG. 12 . FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the situation shown in FIG. 12 . FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of still another ADB light distribution pattern in the third embodiment, similar to FIG. 12 . FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in a fourth embodiment as the fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention, similar to FIG. 12 . FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ADB light distribution pattern according to a fifth embodiment as fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention, similar to FIG. 12 . 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of a process for changing the light amount of a third region in a control device according to a sixth embodiment as fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention.

Below, preferred embodiments of the lighting unit control device, program, and vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments exemplified below are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit thereof. The present invention may also be combined as appropriate with the components in the embodiments exemplified below. Note that in the drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each component may be changed to facilitate understanding. Also, in the drawings, for ease of viewing, reference symbols are assigned to only some of the similar components, and some reference symbols may be omitted.

First Embodiment
A first embodiment as the first to third aspects of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, a vehicle 100 includes a pair of left and right vehicle headlamp 1, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 101, a light switch 110, and a detection device 120. In this specification, "right" means the right side in the forward direction of the vehicle 100, "left" means the left side in the forward direction, and a driver means the driver of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 of this embodiment is an automobile.

Each vehicle headlamp 1 comprises a lamp unit 5, a memory ME, a control device CO, and a power supply circuit 50. Generally, the lamp unit 5 of one vehicle headlamp 1 is disposed on the left side of the front portion of the vehicle 100, and the lamp unit 5 of the other vehicle headlamp 1 is disposed on the right side of the same front portion. The configuration of one vehicle headlamp 1 is the same as the configuration of the other vehicle headlamp 1, except that the shape of the lamp unit 5 is roughly symmetrical. For this reason, the following will describe one vehicle headlamp 1, and a description of the other vehicle headlamp 1 will be omitted.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the lamp section 5. The lamp section 5 mainly comprises a housing 16 and a lamp unit 10.

The case 16 mainly comprises a housing 17 and a front cover 18. The front cover 18 transmits light emitted from the lighting unit 10. The housing 17 is configured in a box shape with an opening at the front, and the front cover 18 is fixed to the housing 17 so as to cover the opening. In this way, an accommodation space surrounded by the housing 17 and the front cover 18 is formed in the case 16, and the lighting unit 10 is arranged in the accommodation space.

The lighting unit 10 is capable of changing the light distribution pattern of the emitted light. The light distribution pattern is, for example, a light pattern drawn by the light irradiated onto a vertical surface located in front of the vehicle 100, and includes the light intensity distribution as well as the outline of the light. The lighting unit 10 of this embodiment mainly comprises a light source section 12 that emits light forward, and a projection lens 15 that is positioned in front of the light source section 12.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the light source unit 12 shown in FIG. 2 in a simplified manner. As shown in FIG. 3, the light source unit 12 of this embodiment has a plurality of light-emitting elements 13 as a light-emitting unit that emits light, and a circuit board 14 on which the plurality of light-emitting elements 13 are mounted. The plurality of light-emitting elements 13 are arranged in a matrix to form rows in the vertical and horizontal directions, and emit light forward. The amount of light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements 13 can be individually changed. In this embodiment, the light-emitting elements 13 are micro LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and the light source unit 12 is a so-called micro LED array. Note that the number of light-emitting elements 13 arranged in the horizontal direction and the number of light-emitting elements 13 arranged in the vertical direction are not particularly limited.

The projection lens 15 is disposed in front of the light source unit 12, and the light emitted from the light source unit 12 is incident on it, and the divergence angle of this light is adjusted by the projection lens 15. Therefore, the light whose divergence angle has been adjusted by the projection lens 15 is emitted from the lamp unit 10, and the light is irradiated forward of the vehicle 100 from the lamp unit 5 via the front cover 18. The projection lens 15 in this embodiment is a lens with a light entrance surface and an exit surface formed in a convex shape, and the rear focal point of the projection lens 15 is located on or near the light exit surface of any of the light-emitting elements 13 in the light source unit 12. Therefore, the light distribution pattern of the light irradiated forward of the vehicle 100 is a light distribution pattern that is the light distribution pattern of the light emitted by the light source unit 12 inverted vertically and horizontally.

Next, the control device CO shown in FIG. 1 is composed of an integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, an IC (Integrated Circuit), an LSI (Large-scale Integrated Circuit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an NC (Numerical Control) device. Furthermore, when an NC device is used, the control device CO may or may not use a machine learning device. The control device CO is electrically connected to the memory ME, the power supply circuit 50, and the ECU 101.

The memory ME is configured to store information and to be able to read out the stored information. The memory ME is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and is preferably a semiconductor recording medium such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), but may include any type of recording medium, such as an optical recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that "non-transitory" recording media includes all computer-readable recording media except for transient, propagating signals, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Programs for controlling the lighting unit 10 and information necessary for such control are stored in this memory ME, and the control device CO reads out the programs and information stored in the memory ME.

The control device CO of this embodiment reads out a program for controlling the lighting unit 10 from the memory ME, and controls the lighting unit 10 by outputting a signal to the power supply circuit 50 and controlling the power supply circuit 50.

The power supply circuit 50 includes a driver, and when a control signal is input from the control device CO, the driver adjusts the power supplied from a power supply (not shown) to each light-emitting element 13 of the light source section 12. In this way, the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 13 is adjusted, and light having a light distribution pattern according to the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 13 is emitted from the lighting unit 10.

The light switch 110 in this embodiment is a switch that selects whether or not to emit light. When the light switch 110 is on, it outputs a signal indicating the emission of light to the control device CO via the ECU 101, and when it is off, it does not output a signal.

The detection device 120 of this embodiment detects a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle 100. Examples of the predetermined object include other vehicles such as a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, a retroreflective object, a human being such as a pedestrian, an obstacle, etc. A retroreflective object in this embodiment is an object that does not emit light itself but retroreflects irradiated light at a predetermined spread angle, and examples of such retroreflective objects include road signs and delineators. The detection device 120 of this embodiment includes an image acquisition unit 121 and a detection unit 122.

The image acquisition unit 121 acquires an image of the area ahead of the vehicle 100, and this image includes at least a portion of the area onto which light emitted from the pair of vehicle headlights 1 can be irradiated. Examples of the image acquisition unit 121 include a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) camera, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) camera, a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), a stereo camera, etc. The image acquisition unit 121 outputs a signal related to the acquired image to the detection unit 122.

The detection unit 122 has the same configuration as the control device CO, for example. The detection unit 122 detects the presence of a specific object, the position coordinates of the specific object, the type of the specific object, etc. by applying a specific image processing to the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 121. When the detection device 120 detects a specific object, it outputs a signal indicating information such as the presence of the specific object, the position of the specific object, and the type of the specific object to the control device CO via the ECU 101. When the detection device 120 does not detect a specific object, it outputs a signal indicating that the specific object does not exist to the control device CO via the ECU 101, but it is not necessary to output this signal.

In this embodiment, the detection device 120 calculates a vector from the image acquisition unit 121 toward the specified object and the distance from the image acquisition unit 121 to the specified object as the position coordinates of the specified object. This vector is a three-dimensional vector, and is, for example, a vector in a coordinate system based on a first axis that passes through the center of the image acquisition unit 121 and extends along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 100, a second axis that passes through the center of the image acquisition unit 121, is perpendicular to the first axis, and extends along the left-to-right direction of the vehicle 100, and a third axis that passes through the center of the image acquisition unit 121 and is perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis. Note that the position coordinates of the specified object are not limited.

Furthermore, the predetermined object detected by the detection device 120, the number of types of the predetermined object, and the configuration of the detection device 120 are not particularly limited. For example, the image acquisition unit 121 may be a CCD camera and LiDAR, or may be a CCD camera and a millimeter wave radar. Furthermore, the detection device 120 may be configured to include a millimeter wave radar and the detection unit 122. Furthermore, the method of detecting the predetermined object by the detection unit 122 is not limited. For example, when the detection unit 122 receives image information from the image acquisition unit 121 in which a pair of white light points or a pair of red light points with a luminance higher than a predetermined luminance are present at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction, the detection unit 122 detects the presence and position coordinates of another vehicle as a predetermined object from the light points. For example, when the detection unit 122 receives image information from the image acquisition unit 121 in which the above-mentioned pair of white light points are present, the detection unit 122 identifies the other vehicle as an oncoming vehicle. Furthermore, when image information in which the above-mentioned pair of red light spots is present is input from the image acquisition unit 121, the detection unit 122 identifies the other vehicle as a preceding vehicle. For example, a pair of white light spots are the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, and a pair of red light spots are the taillights of a preceding vehicle.

Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the operation of the pair of vehicle headlamp 1 is the same and synchronized with each other. For this reason, the operation of one vehicle headlamp 1 will be described below, and the operation of the other vehicle headlamp 1 will be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device CO in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the operation of the control device CO comprises steps SP11 to SP15, and the program that the control device CO reads from the memory ME causes the control device CO to execute these steps SP11 to SP15. In the start state shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that a signal from the detection device 120 is input to the control device CO.

(Step SP11)
This step is a step in which the next step is different depending on whether or not a signal is input from the light switch 110. In this step, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP12 if no signal is input from the light switch 110, and advances the control flow to step SP13 if this signal is input.

(Step SP12)
This step is a step of making the vehicle headlamp 1 not emit light. In this step, the control device CO outputs a signal to the power supply circuit 50 to control the power supply circuit 50 to control the lamp unit 10, and makes the lamp unit 10 not emit light. As a result, the vehicle headlamp 1 does not emit light. The signal output from the control device CO is not particularly limited as long as it is a signal that can control the lamp unit 10 to not emit light. As a result, it is sufficient that the light from the lamp unit 10 is not emitted. For example, if light is not emitted from the lamp unit 10 when proceeding from step SP11 to this step, the control device CO may maintain that state, and in this case, the control device CO may not output any signal to the power supply circuit 50. After this step, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

(Step SP13)
This step is a step in which the next step is changed depending on the signal from the detection device 120. In this step, when the control device CO receives a signal from the detection device 120 indicating that a predetermined object does not exist, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP14, and when the control device CO receives a signal from the detection device 120 indicating information related to the predetermined object, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP15. Note that, when the detection device 120 is configured not to output a signal when a predetermined object does not exist, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP14 when no signal is input from the detection device 120.

(Step SP14)
This step is a step of emitting a high beam from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this step, the control device CO outputs a signal to the power supply circuit 50 to control the power supply circuit 50, thereby controlling the lamp unit 10 and emitting a high beam from the lamp unit 10. In this way, when there is no predetermined object in front of the vehicle 100, the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Note that the signal output from the control device CO is not particularly limited as long as it is a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit 10 to emit a high beam. For example, if a high beam is emitted from the lamp unit 10 when proceeding from step SP13 to this step, the control device CO may maintain that state, and in this case, the control device CO may not output any signal to the power supply circuit 50. After this step, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a high beam light distribution pattern in this embodiment. In FIG. 5, V indicates a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and the high beam light distribution pattern PH formed on a virtual vertical screen located 25 m in front of the vehicle 100 is shown by a thick line. The situation shown in FIG. 5 is one in which the vehicle 100 is traveling in the lane opposite the shoulder of a two-lane road, and the vehicle 100 is located just before starting uphill from flat ground. In this embodiment, when emitting a high beam, light is emitted from all of the light-emitting elements 13, and the outline of the high beam light distribution pattern is a roughly horizontally long rectangle.

(Step SP15)
This step is a step of emitting light having an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle 100 detected by the detection device 120 from the vehicle headlamp 1. The ADB light distribution pattern in this embodiment is a light distribution pattern in which the amount of light is changed in at least a first region and a second region of the high beam light distribution pattern PH. The first region overlaps with at least a portion of the predetermined object, and the second region surrounds the first region. The change in the amount of light in the first region is a decrease compared to when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. The change in the amount of light in the second region is an increase compared to when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100.

In this step, the control device CO outputs a signal to the power supply circuit 50 based on information related to the specified object input from the detection device 120, thereby controlling the power supply circuit 50 and controlling the lighting unit 10 to emit light having an ADB light distribution pattern from the lighting unit 10. In this way, when a specified object is present in front of the vehicle 100, light having an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the specified object is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Note that the signal output from the control device CO is not particularly limited as long as it is a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit 10 to emit light having an ADB light distribution pattern corresponding to the specified object. After this step, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

Next, the ADB light distribution pattern of this embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 6 is a diagram similar to FIG. 5 showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in this embodiment, and shows the ADB light distribution pattern when three predetermined objects OB1, OB2, and OB3 are located in front of the vehicle 100. In FIG. 6, the three predetermined objects OB1, OB2, and OB3 are other vehicles, which are preceding vehicles traveling in roughly the same direction as the vehicle 100. The situation shown in FIG. 6 is a situation in which the vehicle 100 is located just before entering an uphill road from flat ground, the preceding vehicles, which are the two predetermined objects OB1 and OB2, are located on flat ground, and the preceding vehicle, which is the one predetermined object OB3, is located on an uphill road.

In the ADB light distribution pattern P1, the light amount of the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c that overlap at least a portion of the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, and OB3 is less than the light amount of the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the amount of light irradiated to the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, and OB3 can be reduced, thereby suppressing glare to the drivers of other vehicles that are the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, and OB3. Note that the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c of this embodiment are light-shielding regions that are not irradiated with light, but are not limited thereto. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c are rectangular and overlap above the license plates of the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, and OB3. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing glare to the driver of the other vehicle, the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c only need to overlap at least a part of the viewing area through which the driver of the other vehicle can see outside the vehicle. For example, the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c may overlap the entire other vehicle, and the shape and size of the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c are not limited. Note that the viewing area is, for example, the front windshield when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, and is, for example, the side mirror, rear windshield, or an imaging device that captures an image of the rear of the vehicle when the other vehicle is a leading vehicle, and these generally tend to be located above the license plate.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, first region 61a and first region 61b are adjacent to each other, and first region 61b and first region 61c are adjacent to each other. In this specification, a pair of adjacent first regions refers to a pair of a specific first region and another first region that is closest to the specific first region among the multiple first regions.

In the ADB light distribution pattern P1, the second region 62a is a region surrounding the first region 61a, the second region 62b is a region surrounding the first region 61b, and the second region 62c is a region surrounding the first region 61c. The light amounts of the second regions 62a, 62b, and 62c are greater than the light amounts of the second regions 62a, 62b, and 62c in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the surroundings of the darkened first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c from appearing dark, and to prevent a decrease in visibility ahead of the vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the widths of the second regions 62a, 62b, and 62c are generally constant, but do not have to be constant.

In addition, in the ADB light distribution pattern P1, the light amount of the third regions 63a, 63b is greater than the light amount of the third regions 63a, 63b in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. In FIG. 6, the third region 63a is hatched with diagonal lines, and the third region 63b is hatched with dots. The third region 63a is a region that includes a connection region 64a for a pair of adjacent first regions 61a, 61b, and the third region 63a is a region that includes a connection region 64b for a pair of adjacent first regions 61a, 61c.

The connection region 64a is sandwiched between a pair of first regions 61a, 61b and is connected to the second regions 62a, 62b surrounding the pair of first regions 61a, 61b. The connection region 64b is sandwiched between a pair of first regions 61a, 61c and is connected to the second regions 62a, 62c surrounding the pair of first regions 61a, 61c. In this embodiment, the third region 63a includes everything except the first regions 61a, 61b and the second regions 62a, 62b within the smallest rectangular frame 70a surrounding the pair of first regions 61a, 61b. The third region 63b includes everything except the first regions 61a, 61c and the second regions 62a, 62c within the smallest rectangular frame 70b surrounding the pair of first regions 61a, 61c. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the third region 63a is all the region other than the first regions 61a, 61b and the second regions 62a, 62b within the smallest rectangular frame that surrounds the second regions 62a, 62b for the pair of first regions 61a, 61b. The third region 63b is all the region other than the first regions 61a, 61c and the second regions 62a, 62c within the smallest rectangular frame that surrounds the second regions 62a, 62c for the pair of first regions 61a, 61c. The shapes of the third regions 63a, 63b are not limited.

In addition, in the ADB light distribution pattern P1, the light amount of the non-specific region 66, which is the region other than the first region 61a-61c, the second region 62a-62c, and the third region 63a, 63b, is the same as the light amount of the non-specific region 66 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH, and the light intensity distribution of the non-specific region 66 in the ADB light distribution pattern P1 is the same as the light intensity distribution of the non-specific region 66 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. In other words, the non-specific region 66 is a region in which the light amount does not change from when the specified objects OB1, OB2, OB3 are not located in front of the vehicle 100.

In this embodiment, the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c is the same as the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a, 62b, and 62c and the third regions 63a and 63b. The total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c may be different from the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a, 62b, and 62c and the third regions 63a and 63b. In this embodiment, the light increase rate is constant throughout the second regions 62a, 62b, and 62c and the third regions 63a and 63b. This light increase rate is the rate (%) of the light increase based on the amount of light when a specified object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. For example, when the amount of light before the light increase is 100 and the amount of light after the light increase is 120, the light increase rate is 20%. The light increase rate does not have to be constant throughout the second regions 62a, 62b, 62c and the third regions 63a, 63b. For example, the light increase amount per unit area may be constant throughout the second regions 62a, 62b, 62c and the third regions 63a, 63b. The brightness of the second regions 62a, 62b, 62c and the third regions 63a, 63b may be the same. With this configuration, it is possible to make it difficult to recognize the boundaries between the second regions 62a, 62b, 62c and the third regions 63a, 63b.

The light intensity of the third regions 63a, 63b of such an ADB light distribution pattern P1 is no longer increased depending on the relative positions of the vehicle 100 and the specified objects OB1, OB2, OB3, and becomes the same as the light intensity when the specified objects OB1, OB2, OB3 are not located in front of the vehicle 100.

7 is a schematic diagram showing the situation shown in FIG. 6, and is a schematic diagram showing the vehicle 100 and the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, and OB3 viewed from above. In this embodiment, in a first state in which the angle θ between a first direction D1 from the vehicle 100 toward a predetermined object overlapping one of a pair of adjacent first regions and a second direction D2 from the vehicle 100 toward a predetermined object overlapping the other of the pair of first regions is less than or equal to a first threshold, the amount of light in the third region relative to the pair of first regions increases. In a second state in which the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is greater than a second threshold that is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the amount of light in the third region does not increase and becomes the same as the amount of light when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. In the following, a state in which the amount of light in the third region is increased compared to when the predetermined object is not located is referred to as a first emission state, and a state in which the amount of light in the third region is not increased compared to when the predetermined object is not located and is the same as when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100 is referred to as a second emission state. In addition, FIG. 7 shows a first direction D1 from the vehicle 100 toward a predetermined object OB1 that overlaps with one of the adjacent first regions 61a, 61b, and a second direction D2 toward a predetermined object OB2 that overlaps with the other. In the situation shown in FIG. 6, the angle θ between the pair of first regions 61a, 61b and the angle θ between the pair of first regions 61a, 61c are equal to or less than the first threshold value, which is a first state.

In this embodiment, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold. The first threshold is, for example, 2 degrees or more and 3 degrees or less, and the second threshold is, for example, 5 degrees or more and 6 degrees or less, but the first threshold and the second threshold are not limited.

FIG. 8 is a diagram similar to FIG. 6 showing an example of another ADB light distribution pattern in this embodiment. The situation shown in FIG. 8 is a situation in which, in the situation shown in FIG. 6, only the angle θ between the adjacent first regions 61a and 61b is greater than the second threshold value, resulting in a second state. As shown in FIG. 9, in ADB light distribution pattern P2, the amount of light in the third region 63a relative to the adjacent first regions 61a and 61b does not increase and is the same as the amount of light when no specified object is located, and the amount of light in the third region 63b relative to the adjacent first regions 61a and 61c increases.

Furthermore, in the ADB light distribution pattern P2, similarly to the ADB light distribution pattern P1 shown in FIG. 6, the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61c is the same as the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62c and the third region 63b. The total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61c may be different from the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62c and the third region 63b. In this embodiment, the light increase rate is constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62c and the third region 63b, but it does not have to be constant. For example, the amount of light increase per unit area may be constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62c and the third region 63b. The brightness of the second regions 62a, 62c may be the same as that of the third region 63b.

In addition, when the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is greater than the first threshold value and equal to or less than the second threshold value, the amount of light in the third region is kept in the first emission state where it is increased, or in the second emission state where it is not increased.

Next, we will explain the operation of the light distribution change process of the control device CO, which changes the ADB light distribution pattern according to the angle θ. Specifically, we will explain the operation of changing the amount of light in the third area relative to the pair of adjacent first areas when the number of specified objects increases and new first areas are formed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the process of changing the amount of light in the third region in the control device CO of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the operation of the control device CO to change the amount of light in the third region includes steps SP21 to SP32, and a program read by the control device CO from the memory ME causes the control device CO to execute these steps SP21 to SP32. In the start state shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle headlamp 1 emits light of the ADB light distribution pattern, and a signal related to a predetermined object previously detected by the detection device 120 and a signal related to a new predetermined object are input to the control device CO.

(Step SP21)
This step is a step of decreasing the amount of light in a first region that overlaps with at least a part of a new predetermined object in the emitted ADB light distribution pattern, and increasing the amount of light in a second region that surrounds the first region. In this step, the control device CO controls the lamp unit 10 based on the information related to the predetermined object input from the detection device 120, and changes the emitted ADB light distribution pattern as described above.

(Step SP22)
This step is a step of acquiring an angle θ between a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 for a first region overlapping with a new predetermined object and a first region adjacent to the first region. In this embodiment, in this step, the control device CO calculates the angle θ for the pair of adjacent first regions based on information related to the predetermined object input from the detection device 120. Note that the detection device 120 may calculate the angle θ and output a signal indicating the angle θ to the control device CO, in which case the control device CO acquires the angle θ from the signal.

(Step SP23)
This step is a step in which the next step is changed depending on the angle θ acquired in step SP22. In this step, when the acquired angle θ is equal to or smaller than the first threshold, that is, when the control device CO is in the first state, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP24. Also, when the acquired angle θ is greater than the first threshold, that is, when the control device CO is not in the first state, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP25. When the control device CO is not in the first state, this includes when the control device CO is in the second state, and when the control device CO is neither in the first nor second state and the angle θ is greater than the first threshold and equal to or smaller than the second threshold.

(Step SP24)
This step is a step of increasing the amount of light in the third region relative to a pair of adjacent first regions, compared to when a specified object is not located. In this step, the control device CO controls the lighting unit 10 to increase the amount of light in this third region. In other words, the state of the third region relative to the pair of first regions is set to the first emission state. "1", which indicates the first emission state, is stored in the memory ME as a reference value for the pair of first regions. Note that the reference value indicating the first emission state is not limited. After this step, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP26.

(Step SP25)
This step is a step in which the amount of light in the third region relative to the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the specified object is not located. In this step, the control device CO controls the lighting unit 10 so as not to increase the amount of light in this third region. In other words, the state of the third region relative to the pair of first regions is set to the second emission state. "2", which indicates the second emission state, is stored in the memory ME as a reference value for the pair of first regions. Note that the reference value indicating the second emission state is not limited. After this step, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP26.

(Step SP26)
In this step, similar to step SP22, the control device CO calculates the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 for the pair of first regions based on information related to a predetermined object input from the detection device 120.

(Step SP27)
This step is a step in which the next step is changed depending on the angle θ acquired in step SP26 and the reference value for the pair of first regions stored in the memory ME. In this step, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP28 when the reference value is "1" and the angle θ is greater than the second threshold value, that is, when the first emission state changes to the second state. In addition, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP30 when the reference value is "1" and the angle θ is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value, or when the reference value is "2".

(Step SP28)
This step is a step of acquiring the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 for the pair of first regions after the first period has elapsed since step SP26, and changing the next step depending on the angle θ. The first period is, for example, 0.5 seconds or more and 1.0 seconds or less, but is not limited to this. In this embodiment, in this step, the control device CO calculates the angle θ in the same manner as in step SP26. Then, if the acquired angle θ is greater than the second threshold, that is, if the state is the second state even after the first period has elapsed since step SP26, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP29. Also, if the acquired angle θ is equal to or less than the second threshold, that is, if the state is not the second state, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP26. Therefore, the light amount of the third region relative to the pair of first regions is maintained in an increased state.

(Step SP29)
This step is a step of changing the third region to the second emission state. In this step, the control device CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light amount of the third region returns to the light amount of the third region when a predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. In this way, when the second state is reached after the first period has elapsed since the first emission state was changed to the second state, the third region for the pair of first regions is in the second emission state. Furthermore, until the first period has elapsed since the first emission state was changed to the second state, the third region is maintained in the first emission state, and the light amount of the third region remains increased. Furthermore, the control device CO rewrites the reference value stored in the memory ME to "2", which indicates the second emission state. After this step, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP26.

(Step SP30)
This step is a step in which the next step is made different depending on the angle θ acquired in step SP26 and the reference value stored in the memory ME. In this step, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP31 when the reference value is "2" and the angle θ is equal to or less than the first threshold value, that is, when the state changes to the first state in the second emission state. In addition, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP26 when the reference value is "1" and the angle θ is equal to or less than the second threshold value, and when the reference value is "2" and the angle θ is greater than the first threshold value. Therefore, when the state is not the second state in the first emission state, the third region for the pair of first regions is maintained as increased. In addition, when the state is not the first state in the second emission state, the light amount of the third region for the pair of first regions is maintained in an unincreased state.

(Step SP31)
This step is a step of acquiring the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 after the second period has elapsed since step SP26, and changing the next step depending on the angle θ. The second period is, for example, 0.5 seconds or more and 1.0 seconds or less, but is not limited thereto. The second period may be the same as or different from the first period. In this embodiment, in this step, the control device CO calculates the angle θ in the same manner as in step SP26. Then, if the acquired angle θ is equal to or less than the first threshold, that is, if the state is the first state even after the second period has elapsed since step SP26, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP32. Also, if the acquired angle θ is greater than the first threshold, that is, if the state is not the first state, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP26. Therefore, the light amount of the third region relative to the pair of first regions is maintained in a state in which it has not increased.

(Step SP32)
This step is a step of changing the third region to the first emission state. In this step, the lamp unit 10 is controlled so that the amount of light in the third region is increased compared to when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. In this way, when the first state is reached after the second period has elapsed since the second emission state was changed to the first state, the third region for the pair of first regions is in the first emission state. Furthermore, until the second period has elapsed since the second emission state was changed to the first state, the third region is maintained in the second emission state, and the amount of light in the third region remains unincreased. Furthermore, the control device CO rewrites the reference value stored in the memory ME to "1", which indicates the first emission state. After this step, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP26.

In this way, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the ADB light distribution pattern changes depending on the angle θ between the first direction and the second direction for a pair of adjacent first regions.

There are no limitations on the manner in which the third region is put into the first emission state in which the amount of light is increased, and the manner in which the third region is put into the second emission state in which the amount of light is not increased. For example, when putting the third region into the second emission state, the amount of light in the third region may decrease over time to become the amount of light in the third region in the high beam light distribution pattern PH, or the amount of light in the third region may decrease instantaneously to become the amount of light in the third region in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Also, when putting the third region into the first emission state, the amount of light in the third region may increase over time to a predetermined amount, or the amount of light in the third region may increase instantaneously to a predetermined amount.

However, when an area where the amount of light is reduced is formed as in the vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 1, the driver of the vehicle tends to see this area and the surrounding area as dark, which may reduce visibility ahead of the vehicle. Also, in the vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 1, when multiple other vehicles are positioned ahead of the vehicle, the amount of light in one area overlapping these other vehicles is reduced. As a result, the area between the adjacent other vehicles also becomes dark, reducing visibility ahead of the vehicle. There is a demand to suppress such a decrease in visibility ahead of the vehicle. To meet this demand, for example, it is conceivable to increase the amount of light irradiated around the area where the amount of light is reduced and to the area between the adjacent other vehicles. However, in controlling such a lighting unit, if the area where the amount of light is increased is wide, energy consumption tends to increase.

The vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as a third aspect includes a lamp unit 10 and a control device CO, and the program of the present embodiment as a second aspect causes the control device CO to execute steps SP21 to SP32. The control device CO of the present embodiment as a first aspect controls the lamp unit 10 to reduce the amount of light in the multiple first regions 61a, 61b, 61c that overlap at least a portion of the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, OB3 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH and to increase the amount of light in the multiple second regions 62a, 62b, 62c that individually surround the first regions 61a, 61b, 61c when the multiple predetermined objects OB1, OB2, OB3 are located in front of the vehicle 100, compared to when the predetermined objects OB1, OB2, OB3 are not located in front of the vehicle 100. In addition, the control device CO of the present embodiment as the first aspect controls the lamp unit 10 to increase the amount of light in the third area 63a in a first state in which the angle θ between the first direction D1 from the vehicle 100 toward a predetermined object OB1 that overlaps one of the pair of adjacent first areas 61a, 61b and the second direction D2 from the vehicle 100 toward a predetermined object OB2 that overlaps the other of the pair of first areas 61a, 61b is less than or equal to a first threshold value. In addition, the control device CO of the present embodiment as the first aspect controls the lamp unit 10 not to increase the amount of light in the third area 63a in a second state in which the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 toward the pair of first areas 61a, 61b is greater than a second threshold value that is greater than or equal to the first threshold value.

The third region 63a includes a connection region 64a that is connected to each of the second regions 62a, 62b surrounding the pair of adjacent first regions 61a, 61b and is sandwiched between the pair of first regions 61a, 61b. In the first state in which the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is equal to or less than a first threshold, the amount of light increases in the third region 63a, and in the second state in which the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is greater than a second threshold, the amount of light does not increase. The larger the angle between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the greater the distance between the pair of first regions 61a, 61b. Therefore, when the distance between the pair of first regions 61a, 61b is short, the amount of light in the third region 63a increases, and the area between the pair of first regions 61a, 61b can be prevented from appearing dark. In addition, the connection region 64a of the third region 63a is connected to the second region 62a, 62b, so that the second region 62a, 62b and the third region 63a that are increased in light are integrated, and the driver's discomfort can be suppressed compared to when the third region 63a is separated from the second region 62a, 62b. The connection region 64a tends to become larger as the distance between the adjacent first regions 61a, 61b increases, and the larger the connection region 64a, the larger the amount of increased light in the third region 63a tends to be. In the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the lighting unit according to the present embodiment as the first to third aspects, in the second state, that is, when the distance between the pair of first regions 61a, 61b is large, the third region 63a is not increased in light. Therefore, compared to when the third region 63a is brightened regardless of the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, it is possible to prevent the amount of brightening in the third region 63a from becoming too large, and it is possible to prevent an increase in energy consumption.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment as the first to third aspects, the second threshold value is greater than the first threshold value. Therefore, according to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the first to third aspects, compared to when the second threshold value is the same as the first threshold value, it is possible to reduce the frequency of switching between a state in which the light amount of the third region 63a is increased and a state in which the light amount of the third region 63a is not increased, and it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

The third region 63a includes everything within the smallest rectangular frame 70a that surrounds the pair of first regions 61a, 61b except for the first regions 61a, 61b and the second regions 62a, 62b. Therefore, according to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the first to third aspects, it is possible to prevent the vicinity of the pair of first regions 61a, 61b from appearing dark, compared to when the third region 63a is a part of the rectangular frame 70a.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment as the first to third aspects, the total amount of light that decreases in the multiple first regions 61a, 61b, 61c is the same as the total amount of light that increases in the multiple second regions 62a, 62b, 62c and the third regions 63a, 63b. Therefore, according to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the first to third aspects, the increase in energy consumption can be suppressed compared to the case where the total amount of light that increases in the multiple second regions 62a, 62b, 62c and the third regions 63a, 63b is greater than the total amount of light that decreases in the multiple first regions 61a, 61b, 61c.

The control device CO of this embodiment as the first aspect controls the lamp unit 10 so as not to increase the amount of light in the third area 63a until the first period has elapsed since the first state is reached in a state in which the amount of light in the third area 63a is not increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. The control device CO of this embodiment as the first aspect controls the lamp unit 10 so as to increase the amount of light in the third area 63a compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle 100 when the first period has elapsed and the lamp unit is in the first state.

The angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 when the first threshold is exceeded and the first state is reached is a value close to the first threshold. Therefore, even if the first state is reached, the first state may soon be lost. According to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the first to third aspects, the light amount of the third region 63a remains unincreased until the first period has elapsed since the first state is reached, and if the first state is reached after the first period has elapsed, the light amount of the third region 63a increases. Therefore, the frequency with which the light amount of the third region 63a changes can be reduced compared to when the light amount of the third region 63a increases when the first state is reached. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

The control device CO of this embodiment as a first aspect controls the lighting unit 10 to increase the amount of light in the third area 63a until the second period has elapsed since the second state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third area 63a is increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the control device CO of this embodiment as a first aspect controls the lighting unit 10 to not increase the amount of light in the third area 63a compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle 100 when the second state is entered after the second period has elapsed.

Even if the second threshold is exceeded and the second state is entered, the second state may soon be discontinued. According to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the first to third aspects, the light amount of the third region 63a remains increased until the second period has elapsed since the second state is entered, and if the second state is entered when the second period has elapsed, the light amount of the third region 63a is not increased. Therefore, the frequency with which the light amount of the third region 63a changes can be reduced compared to when the light amount of the third region 63a is not increased when the second state is entered. This can therefore suppress the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail as the first to third aspects. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the same or equivalent components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions are omitted.

In this embodiment, the detection device 120 can detect other vehicles as a predetermined object. Also, the operation of the process of changing the amount of light in the third region in the control device CO differs from that in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the process of changing the amount of light in the third region in the control device CO of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the operation of the light distribution change process of the control device CO of this embodiment differs from the operation of the light distribution change process of the control device CO of the first embodiment in that it further includes step SP35. For this reason, only step SP35 will be described, and a description of steps SP21 to SP32 will be omitted.

(Step SP35)
This step is performed when the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 for a pair of adjacent first regions is in the second state even after the first period has elapsed since step SP26 in step SP28. This step is performed when the next step is changed depending on information related to a predetermined object input from the detection device 120.

In this step, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP29 if the specified object for the pair of first regions is not another vehicle, or if the specified object is another vehicle but the vertical plane passing through the vehicle 100 and one of the specified objects does not intersect with the other specified object. Therefore, if the state is still the second state when the first period has elapsed since the change to the second state, the third region for the pair of first regions changes to a second emission state in which the amount of light is not increased.

In addition, if the specified object for the pair of first regions is another vehicle and a vertical plane passing through the vehicle 100 and one of the specified objects intersects with the other specified object, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP26. Therefore, despite the change to the second state, the third region for the pair of first regions is maintained in the first emission state with the increased light amount.

11 is a diagram similar to FIG. 6 showing an example of the ADB light distribution pattern P1 in the second state of this embodiment. In FIG. 11, the predetermined objects OB1 and OB3 corresponding to the pair of first regions 61a and 61c are other vehicles, and are preceding vehicles traveling in roughly the same direction as the vehicle 100. Also, in FIG. 11, a vertical plane 75 passing through the vehicle 100 and one of the predetermined objects OB1 is shown by a dashed line. As shown in FIG. 11, the vertical plane 75 intersects with the other predetermined object OB3. And even in the second state in which the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is greater than the two thresholds, the light amount of the third region 63b is maintained in an increased state compared to when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. In other words, the control device CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light amount of the third region 63b is maintained in such a state.

When the predetermined objects OB1 and OB3 are other vehicles and the vertical plane 75 passing through the vehicle 100 and one of the predetermined objects OB1 intersects with the other predetermined object OB3, the two predetermined objects OB1 and OB3 tend to be other vehicles on the same road. For this reason, for example, the two predetermined objects OB1 and OB3 are either preceding vehicles or oncoming vehicles as shown in FIG. 11. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, one of the objects is located just before entering an uphill slope from flat ground and the other is located on an uphill slope. Or, one of the objects is located just before entering flat ground from a downhill slope and the other is located on flat ground. In such a situation, for example, when both are located on an uphill slope after a certain amount of time has passed, the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 becomes difficult to change, and when the vehicle 100 is located on an uphill slope, the angle θ tends to become smaller. Furthermore, when a certain amount of time has passed and both are on flat ground, the angle θ is less likely to change, and when the vehicle 100 is on flat ground, the angle θ tends to become smaller. In other words, in these situations, even if the angle θ is large, the angle θ tends to become smaller. Therefore, according to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, in such situations, the amount of light in the third region 63b can be increased, and a decrease in visibility can be suppressed while suppressing an increase in energy consumption.

Note that the first to third aspects of the present invention have been described using the first and second embodiments as examples, but the first to third aspects of the present invention are not limited to these.

For example, in the first and second embodiments, the operation of the process of changing the light amount of the third region in the control device CO included steps SP21 to SP32 or steps SP21 to SP32 and step SP35. However, this operation is not limited to this. For example, this operation does not have to include steps SP28 and SP31. In this case, for example, in step SP27 in the first embodiment, if the control device CO changes to the second state in the first emission state, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP25. Also, in step SP30 in the second embodiment, if the control device CO changes to the first state in the second emission state, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP32. Also, in step SP30 in the first and second embodiments, if the control device CO changes to the first state in the second emission state, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP32. Also, in step SP23, the control device CO may advance the control flow to step SP24 if the state is not the second state, and advance the control flow to step SP25 if the state is the second state. Also, in the first and second embodiments, the second emission state is a state in which the amount of light in the third region is not increased compared to when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100, and the amount of light in the third region is the same as when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100. However, the second emission state may be a state in which the amount of light in the third region is not increased compared to when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100, and may be, for example, a state in which the amount of light in at least a part of the third region is reduced compared to when the predetermined object is not located.

Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, a case where there are multiple predetermined objects located in front of the vehicle 100 has been described as an example. For example, when one predetermined object is located in front of the vehicle 100, the control device CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the amount of light in a first region of the high beam light distribution pattern PH that overlaps with at least a portion of the predetermined object is reduced and the amount of light in a second region surrounding the first region is increased, compared to when the predetermined object is not located in front of the vehicle 100.

In the first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which the light amount of the first region 61a, 61b, 61c, the second region 62a, 62b, 62c, and the third region 63a, 63b is changed in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. However, the light distribution pattern in which the light amount of the first region 61a, 61b, 61c, the second region 62a, 62b, 62c, and the third region 63a, 63b is changed is not limited. For example, this light distribution pattern may be an additional light distribution pattern that is added to the low beam light distribution pattern to form the high beam light distribution pattern. In this case, for example, the low beam is emitted from a lamp unit other than the lamp unit 10, and the lamp unit 10 emits light of the additional light distribution pattern.

Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the light source unit 12 having a plurality of light-emitting elements 13 capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted has been described as an example. However, the light source unit 12 is not limited to this. For example, the light source unit 12 may have a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) including a plurality of reflective elements arranged in a matrix, and a light-emitting unit that irradiates light onto the DMD. The DMD is capable of adjusting the amount of light emitted in a specified direction from the reflective surface of each reflective element, and can form a light distribution pattern according to the amount of light emitted in a specified direction from each reflective element.

Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the vehicle 100 including a pair of vehicle headlights 1 each having a control device CO and a memory ME has been described as an example. However, at least one of the control device CO and the memory ME may be shared by the pair of vehicle headlights 1. Furthermore, the signal output from the detection device 120 may be input to the control device CO without passing through the ECU 101 of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlight 1 may be, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle. Furthermore, the number of vehicle headlights 1 equipped on the vehicle is not limited and may be, for example, one.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described as a fourth to ninth aspect. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the same or equivalent components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the duplicated description will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the detection device 120 can detect other vehicles as a predetermined object. Also, in this embodiment, the ADB light distribution pattern is mainly different from the ADB light distribution pattern in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram similar to FIG. 5 showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in this embodiment, and shows the ADB light distribution pattern when three preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3 and two oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2, which are predetermined objects, are located in front of the vehicle 100. The situation shown in FIG. 12 is a situation in which the vehicle 100 is located just before entering an uphill slope from flat ground, the two preceding vehicles LV1, LV2 and the two oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2 are located on flat ground, and one preceding vehicle LV3 is located on an uphill slope.

In the ADB light distribution pattern P3, the light amount of the first regions 61a, 61b, 61c that overlap at least a portion of the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3 is less than the light amount of the first regions 61a, 61b, 61c in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Also, the light amount of the first regions 61d, 61e that overlap at least a portion of the oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2 is less than the light amount of the first regions 61d, 61e in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the amount of light irradiated to the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3 and the oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2 can be reduced, thereby suppressing glare to the drivers of the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3 and the oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2. Note that the first regions 61a to 61e in this embodiment are light-shielded regions where light is not irradiated, but are not limited thereto.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the first regions 61a, 61b, 61c are rectangular and overlap the license plates of the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3, and the first regions 61d, 61e are rectangular and overlap the license plates of the oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2. However, from the perspective of suppressing glare, it is sufficient that the first regions 61a, 61b, 61c overlap at least a portion of the viewing area through which the drivers of the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3 view outside the vehicle, and the first regions 61d, 61e overlap at least a portion of the viewing area through which the drivers of the oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2 view outside the vehicle.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, in the preceding vehicle group LVS consisting of first regions 61a, 61b, and 61c that overlap with the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3, the first region 61a and the first region 61b are adjacent to each other, and the first region 61b and the first region 61c are adjacent to each other. In the oncoming vehicle group OVS consisting of first regions 61d and 61e that overlap with the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2, the first region 61b and the first region 61c are adjacent to each other.

In the ADB light distribution pattern P3, the second region 62a is a region surrounding the first region 61a, the second region 62b is a region surrounding the first region 61b, the second region 62c is a region surrounding the first region 61c, the second region 62d is a region surrounding the first region 61d, and the second region 62e is a region surrounding the first region 61e. The light amount of the second regions 62a to 62e is greater than the light amount of the second regions 62a to 62e in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the surroundings of the darkened first regions 61a to 61e from appearing dark, and to prevent a decrease in visibility ahead of the vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the width of the second regions 62a to 62e is roughly constant, but it does not have to be constant.

In addition, in the ADB light distribution pattern P3, the light amount of the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c is greater than the light amount of the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. In FIG. 12, the third regions 63a and 63c are hatched with diagonal lines, and the third region 63b is hatched with dots.

The third region 63a is connected to the second regions 62a, 62b surrounding the pair of first regions 61a, 61b in the preceding vehicle group LVS, and is a region including a connection region 64a sandwiched between the pair of first regions 61a, 61b. The third region 63b is connected to the second regions 62a, 62c surrounding the pair of first regions 61a, 61c in the preceding vehicle group LVS, and is a region including a connection region 64a sandwiched between the pair of first regions 61a, 61c. In this embodiment, the third region 63a includes everything except the first regions 61a, 61b and the second regions 62a, 62b within the smallest rectangular frame 70La surrounding the pair of first regions 61a, 61b. The third region 63b includes everything in the smallest rectangular frame 70Lb that surrounds the pair of first regions 61a, 61c, except for the first regions 61a, 61c and the second regions 62a, 62c. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the third region 63a is everything in the smallest rectangular frame that surrounds the second regions 62a, 62b, except for the first regions 61a, 61b and the second regions 62a, 62b. The third region 63b is everything in the smallest rectangular frame that surrounds the second regions 62a, 62c, except for the first regions 61a, 61c and the second regions 62a, 62c. The shapes of the third regions 63a, 63b are not limited.

The third region 63c is connected to the second regions 62a, 62b surrounding the pair of first regions 61d, 61e in the pair OVS for oncoming vehicles, and includes a connection region 64c sandwiched between the pair of first regions 61d, 61e. In this embodiment, the third region 63c includes everything other than the first regions 61d, 61e and the second regions 62d, 62e within the smallest rectangular frame 70O surrounding the pair of first regions 61d, 61e. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the third region 63c is everything other than the first regions 61d, 61e and the second regions 62d, 62e within the smallest rectangular frame surrounding the second regions 62d, 62e. The shape of the third region 63c is not limited.

In addition, in the ADB light distribution pattern P3, the light amount of a non-specific region 66, which is a region other than the first region 61a-61e, the second region 62a-62e, and the third region 63a, 63b, 63c, is the same as the light amount of the non-specific region 66 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH, and the light intensity distribution of the non-specific region 66 in the ADB light distribution pattern P1 is the same as the light intensity distribution of the non-specific region 66 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. In other words, the non-specific region 66 is a region in which the light amount does not change from when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle 100. The non-specific area 66 is located between the second areas 62a, 62b, 62c that surround the first areas 61a, 61b, 61c that overlap the preceding vehicles LV1 to LV3, and the second areas 62d, 62e that surround the first areas 61d, 61e that overlap the oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2. In other words, the non-specific area 66 crosses between the second areas 62a, 62b, 62c and the second areas 62d, 62e, and the second areas 62a, 62b, 62c and the second areas 62d, 62e are not connected by the area where the amount of light is increased.

In this embodiment, the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61d is the same as the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c. The total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61d may be different from the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c. In this embodiment, the light increase rate is constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c. The light increase rate does not have to be constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c. For example, the amount of light increase per unit area may be constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c. The second regions 62a-62c and the third regions 63a and 63b may also have the same brightness, and with this configuration, the boundaries between the second regions 62a-62c and the third regions 63a and 63b may be difficult to see. The second regions 62d and 62e and the third region 63c may also have the same brightness, and with this configuration, the boundaries between the second regions 62d and 62e and the third region 63c may be difficult to see.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, there are multiple preceding and oncoming vehicles. However, when there are multiple preceding and oncoming vehicles and only one other, the third region is an area that includes a connection area for each pair of adjacent first regions in a group of multiple first regions that overlap with one of the multiple preceding and oncoming vehicles.

Figure 13 is a diagram similar to Figure 12, showing an example of another ADB light distribution pattern in this embodiment. The situation shown in Figure 13 is a situation in which, in the situation shown in Figure 12, the oncoming vehicle OV2 is not located in front of the vehicle 100, and three preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3 and one oncoming vehicle OV1 are located in front of the vehicle 100. In the ADB light distribution pattern P4 in this situation, the light amount of the first regions 61a-61c that overlap with at least a portion of the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3 is less than the light amount of the first regions 61a-61c in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Also, the light amount of the first region 61d that overlaps with at least a portion of the oncoming vehicle OV1 is less than the light amount of the first region 61d in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. In addition, the amount of light in the second regions 62a-62d that individually surround the first regions 61a-61d is greater than the amount of light in the second regions 62a-62d in the high beam light distribution pattern PH.

In addition, in the ADB light distribution pattern P4, the non-specific region 66 is located between the second regions 62a-62c that surround the first regions 61a-61c that overlap the preceding vehicles LV1-LV3, and the second region 62d that surrounds the first region 61d that overlaps the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2.

In the ADB light distribution pattern P4, similarly to the ADB light distribution pattern P3 shown in FIG. 12, the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61d is the same as the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a and 63b. The total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61d may be different from the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a and 63b. In the present embodiment, the light increase rate is constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a and 63b, but it does not have to be constant. For example, the amount of light increase per unit area may be constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63a and 63b. The brightness of the second regions 62a and 62c may be the same as that of the third region 63b.

The light intensity of the third regions 63a, 63b of such ADB light distribution patterns P3, P4 increases when certain requirements are met, and does not increase when certain requirements are not met, resulting in the same light intensity as when the preceding vehicle and oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the light intensity of the third regions 63a, 63b does not increase depending on the relative positions of the vehicle 100 and the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3. Also, the light intensity of the third region 63c of the ADB light distribution pattern P1 does not increase depending on the relative positions of the vehicle 100 and the oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2.

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the situation shown in Figure 12, and is a schematic diagram showing vehicle 100, preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3, and oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2 from above. In this embodiment, the light amount of a third region including a connection region for a pair of adjacent first regions in the preceding vehicle set LVS increases in a first state in which an angle θ between a first direction D1 from vehicle 100 toward a preceding vehicle overlapping one of the pair of first regions and a second direction D2 from vehicle 100 toward a preceding vehicle overlapping the other of the pair of first regions is less than or equal to a first threshold. The light amount of the third region does not increase in a second state in which the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is greater than a second threshold that is greater than or equal to the first threshold. 14 shows a first direction D1 from the vehicle 100 toward the preceding vehicle LV1 overlapping one of the pair of first regions 61a, 61b, and a second direction D2 from the vehicle 100 toward the preceding vehicle LV2 overlapping the other. Similarly to the connection region for the preceding vehicle set LVS, the light amount of a third region including the connection region for a pair of adjacent first regions in the oncoming vehicle set OVS increases in a first state in which the angle θ between the first direction D1 from the vehicle 100 toward the oncoming vehicle overlapping one of the pair of first regions and the second direction D2 toward the oncoming vehicle overlapping the other is equal to or smaller than a first threshold. The light amount of the third region does not increase in a second state in which the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is greater than a second threshold, which is equal to or larger than the first threshold. In the following, as in the first embodiment, a state in which the amount of light in the third region is increased compared to when there is no preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle is referred to as a first emission state, and a state in which the amount of light in the third region is not increased compared to when there is no preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle and the amount of light in the third region is the same as when there is no preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle is referred to as a second emission state. In the situation shown in FIG. 12, the angle θ between the pair of adjacent first regions in the preceding vehicle group LVS and the angle θ between the pair of adjacent first regions in the oncoming vehicle group OVS are in a first state that is equal to or less than a first threshold value.

In this embodiment, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold. The first threshold is, for example, 2 degrees or more and 3 degrees or less, and the second threshold is, for example, 5 degrees or more and 6 degrees or less, but the first threshold and the second threshold are not limited.

FIG. 15 is a diagram similar to FIG. 12 showing another example of an ADB light distribution pattern in this embodiment. The situation shown in FIG. 15 is a situation in which, in the situation shown in FIG. 12, only the state of the angle θ between the adjacent first regions 61a, 61b is in the second state, which is greater than the second threshold value. As shown in FIG. 15, in the ADB light distribution pattern P5, the light amount of the third region 63a including the connection region 64a between the pair of first regions 61a, 61b does not increase.

Furthermore, in the ADB light distribution pattern P5, similarly to the ADB light distribution pattern P3 shown in FIG. 12, the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61d is the same as the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63b, 63c. Note that the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61d may be different from the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63b, 63c. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light increase rate is constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63b, 63c, but it does not have to be constant. For example, the amount of light increase per unit area may be constant throughout the second regions 62a to 62d and the third regions 63b, 63c. In addition, the second regions 62a and 62c may have the same brightness as the third region 63b, and the second regions 62d and 62e may have the same brightness as the third region 63c.

In addition, when the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is greater than the first threshold value and is equal to or less than the second threshold value, the amount of light in the third region, which includes the connection region to the pair of first regions, is kept in the increased first emission state, or in the unincreased second emission state.

The operation of the light distribution change process of the control device CO, which changes the ADB light distribution pattern according to the angle θ, is the same as that in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9, and a description of this operation will be omitted.

As mentioned above, there are cases where the amount of light irradiated around the area where the amount of light is reduced and in the area between adjacent vehicles is increased. However, when controlling the lamp unit in this way, if the change in the light distribution pattern is large, the driver may find the change in the light distribution pattern annoying.

The vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as a sixth aspect includes a lamp unit 10 and a control device CO, and the program of the present embodiment as the fifth aspect causes the control device CO to execute steps SP21 to SP32. The control device CO of the present embodiment as a third aspect controls the lamp unit 10 to reduce the amount of light in the first regions 61a to 61e and to increase the amount of light in the second regions 62a to 62e and the third regions 63a, 63b, 63c of the high beam light distribution pattern PH when multiple preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3 and multiple oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2 are located in front of the vehicle 100, compared to when the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3 and oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2 are not located in front of the vehicle 100. The first regions 61a-61c overlap at least partially with the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3, and the first regions 61d and 61e overlap at least partially with the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2, respectively. The second regions 62a-62e surround the first regions 61a-61e individually.

The third regions 63a, 63b are regions including connection regions 64a, 64b that are connected to second regions surrounding adjacent first regions and sandwiched between the adjacent first regions in the preceding vehicle group LVS consisting of first regions 61a-61c that overlap with the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3. The third region 63c is a region including connection region 64c that is connected to second regions surrounding adjacent first regions and sandwiched between the adjacent first regions in the preceding vehicle group LVS consisting of first regions 61d, 61e that overlap with the oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2. This makes it possible to prevent the space between adjacent first regions from appearing dark in both the preceding vehicle group LVS and the oncoming vehicle group OVS. In addition, because the connection regions 64a-64c are connected to the second regions 62a-62e, the brightened second regions 62a-62c and the third regions 63a, 63b are integrated, which can reduce the driver's sense of discomfort compared to when the third regions 63a, 63b are separated from the second regions 62a-62c.

Generally, the traveling directions of preceding vehicles and oncoming vehicles are generally the same, so the amount of relative movement tends to be small. In the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the fourth to sixth aspects, the light intensity is increased in the third region 63a, 63b including the connection regions 64a, 64b in the group LVS for preceding vehicles, and in the third region 63c including the connection region 64c in the group OVS for oncoming vehicles. The connection regions 64a to 64c tend to be difficult to change. In addition, the traveling directions of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are generally opposite, so the amount of relative movement tends to be large. For this reason, the shape of the region sandwiched between the first region overlapping with the preceding vehicle and the first region overlapping with the oncoming vehicle and connected to the second region surrounding these first regions tends to change easily. In the control device CO, the program, and the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the fourth to sixth aspects, a non-specific area 66 is located between the second areas 62a to 62c surrounding the first areas 61a to 61c overlapping the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3 and the second areas 62d, 62e surrounding the first areas 61d, 61e overlapping the oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2. The non-specific area 66 is an area in which the amount of light does not change even when the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3 and the oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2 are not located in front of the vehicle 100. Therefore, the area between the first area overlapping the preceding vehicle and the first area overlapping the oncoming vehicle and connected to each of the second areas surrounding these first areas does not increase. Therefore, the change in the shape of the third areas 63a, 63b, 63c can be suppressed compared to the case in which the amount of light in this area increases. Therefore, compared to this case, changes in the light distribution pattern can be suppressed, and the driver's annoyance caused by the changes in the light distribution pattern can be suppressed.

Furthermore, in the control device CO of this embodiment as a seventh aspect, the program as an eighth aspect, and the vehicle headlamp 1 as a ninth aspect, the third area when there are multiple preceding vehicles and one oncoming vehicle, is an area including a connection area that is sandwiched between adjacent first areas and connected to each of the second areas surrounding the adjacent first areas in a set of multiple first areas that overlap with one of the preceding vehicles and the oncoming vehicles. Therefore, in a set of multiple first areas that overlap with one of the preceding vehicles and the oncoming vehicles, the area between adjacent first areas can be prevented from appearing dark. Also, the increased second area and third area are integrated, and the driver can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable compared to when the third area is separated from the second area. In the seventh to ninth aspects of the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when there are multiple preceding vehicles and multiple oncoming vehicles and only one preceding vehicle, a non-specific area 66 is located between the second area surrounding the first area overlapping the preceding vehicle and the second area surrounding the first area overlapping the oncoming vehicle. Therefore, the amount of light in the area sandwiched between the first area overlapping the preceding vehicle and the first area overlapping the oncoming vehicle and connected to each of the second areas surrounding these two first areas does not increase. Therefore, compared to when the amount of light in this area is increased, the change in the shape of the third area can be suppressed. Therefore, compared to this case, the change in the light distribution pattern can be suppressed, and the driver's annoyance caused by the change in the light distribution pattern can be suppressed.

Furthermore, in the fourth to ninth aspects of this embodiment, the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a to 61e is the same as the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62e and the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c. Therefore, according to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment as the fourth to ninth aspects, the increase in energy consumption can be suppressed compared to when the total amount of light that increases in the second regions 62a to 62e and the third regions 63a, 63b, and 63c is greater than the total amount of light that decreases in the first regions 61a and 61b.

The control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lamp unit 10 to increase the amount of light in the third area including the connection area to the pair of first areas in a first state in which the angle θ between the first direction D1 from the vehicle 100 toward a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle that overlaps with one of the pair of adjacent first areas in the preceding vehicle group LVS and the oncoming vehicle group OVS is less than or equal to a first threshold value. The control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lamp unit 10 to not increase the amount of light in the third area to the pair of first areas in a second state in which the angle θ between the pair of first areas is greater than a second threshold value that is greater than or equal to the first threshold value.

The larger the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the greater the distance between the pair of adjacent first regions. Since the connection region is connected to the second region as described above, the greater the distance between the pair of first regions, the greater the tendency for the connection region to become larger. If the connection region becomes larger and the third region including the connection region becomes brighter, the amount of light increase in the third region tends to increase. In the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the fourth to ninth aspects, in the second state, that is, when the distance between the pair of first regions is far, the amount of light increase in the third region including the connection region for the pair of first regions does not increase. Therefore, compared to the case where the amount of light increase in the third region including the connection region for the pair of first regions increases regardless of the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, it is possible to prevent the amount of light increase in the third region from becoming too large, and to prevent an increase in energy consumption.

Furthermore, in the fourth to ninth aspects of this embodiment, the second threshold value is greater than the first threshold value. Therefore, according to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the fourth to ninth aspects, the frequency with which the light amount of the connection area to the pair of first areas changes can be reduced compared to when the second threshold value is the same as the first threshold value. This can therefore prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by changes in the light distribution pattern. Note that the second threshold value may be the same as the first threshold value.

The control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lighting unit 10 so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region, including the connection region to the pair of first regions, until the first period has elapsed since the first state has been reached without increasing the amount of light in the third region, including the connection region to the pair of first regions. The control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lighting unit 10 so as to increase the amount of light in the third region, including the connection region to the pair of first regions, if the first state has been reached after the first period has elapsed.

The angle between the first direction and the second direction when the first threshold is exceeded and the first state is reached is a value close to the first threshold. Therefore, even if the first state is reached, the first state may soon be lost. According to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the fourth to ninth aspects, the amount of light in the connection area for the pair of first areas remains unincreased until the first period has elapsed since the first state is reached, and if the second state is reached after the first period has elapsed, the amount of light in this connection area increases. Therefore, the frequency with which the amount of light in the connection area changes can be reduced compared to when the amount of light in the connection area increases when the first state is reached. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

The control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lighting unit 10 to increase the amount of light in the third region, including the connection region to the pair of first regions, until the second period has elapsed since the second state is reached with the amount of light increased in the third region, which includes the connection region to the pair of first regions. The control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lighting unit 10 not to increase the amount of light in the connection region to the pair of first regions if the second state is reached after the second period has elapsed.

Even if the second threshold is exceeded and the second state is entered, the second state may soon be discontinued. According to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the fourth to ninth aspects, the light amount of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions remains increased until the second period has elapsed since the second state is entered, and if the second state is entered when the second period has elapsed, the light amount of the third region is not increased. Therefore, the frequency with which the light amount of the third region changes can be reduced compared to when the light amount of the third region is not increased when the second state is entered. This can prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail as the fourth to ninth aspects. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the same or equivalent components as those in the third embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the duplicated description will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the ADB light distribution pattern in a situation where multiple preceding vehicles and multiple oncoming vehicles are located in front of the vehicle 100 differs from the ADB light distribution pattern in the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram similar to FIG. 12, showing an example of an ADB light distribution pattern in this embodiment. The situation shown in FIG. 16 is similar to the situation shown in FIG. 12, in which three preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3 and two oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2 are located in front of the vehicle 100. In addition, the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 for the adjacent first regions in the preceding vehicle group LVS, and the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 for the adjacent first regions in the oncoming vehicle group OVS are in a first state that is equal to or less than a first threshold value.

In the third embodiment, in the ADB light distribution pattern P3, the light intensity is increased in the third regions 63a and 63b in the group LVS for preceding vehicles and in the third region 63c in the group OVS for oncoming vehicles. However, as shown in FIG. 16, in the ADB light distribution pattern P6 of this embodiment, the third region in which the light intensity is increased is the third regions 63a and 63b in the group LVS for preceding vehicles, and does not include the third region 63c in the group OVS for oncoming vehicles. In other words, the control device CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light intensity of the third regions 63a and 63b in the group LVS for preceding vehicles is increased and the light intensity of the third region 63c in the group OVS for oncoming vehicles does not change from the case in which the preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, and LV3 and the oncoming vehicles OV1 and OV2 are not located in front of the vehicle 100.

The preceding vehicles LV1, LV2, LV3 tend to be difficult to move relative to the vehicle 100, while the oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2 tend to be easy to move relative to the vehicle 100. For this reason, the first regions 61d, 61e that overlap with the oncoming vehicles OV1, OV2 tend to be easy to move, and the shape of the above-mentioned third region 63c in the oncoming vehicle set OVS tends to change easily. For this reason, according to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress changes in the shape of the third region 63c, and to suppress the driver from feeling annoyed by changes in the light distribution pattern.

In addition, in the ADB light distribution pattern P6, the light intensity of at least one of the third regions 63a, 63b in the group LVS for the preceding vehicle and the third region 63c in the group OVS for the oncoming vehicle may be increased. Therefore, the light intensity of the third region 63c in the group OVS for the oncoming vehicle may be increased, and the light intensity of the third regions 63a, 63b in the group LVS for the preceding vehicle may not be increased. In other words, the control device CO may control the lamp unit 10 to increase the light intensity of the third region in one of the group LVS for the preceding vehicle and the group OVS for the oncoming vehicle, and to keep the light intensity of the third region in the other group unchanged from when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle 100.

Fifth Embodiment
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail as the fourth to ninth aspects. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the same or equivalent components as those in the third embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the duplicated description will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the operation of the process of changing the light amount in the third region in the control device CO is the same as that in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10, and a description of that operation will be omitted.

17 is a diagram similar to FIG. 12 showing an example of the ADB light distribution pattern of this embodiment. The situation shown in FIG. 17 is a situation in which only the state of the angle θ corresponding to the pair of adjacent first regions 61a, 61c is in the second state greater than the second threshold value. Also, in FIG. 17, a vertical plane 75 passing through one of the two preceding vehicles LV1, LV3 where the pair of first regions 61a, 61c overlap and the vehicle 100 is shown by a dashed line. As shown in FIG. 17, the vertical plane 75 intersects with the other preceding vehicle LV3. And even if the angle θ corresponding to the pair of first regions 61a, 61c is in the second state, the light amount of the third region 63b in the preceding vehicle group LVS is maintained in an increased state. In other words, the control device CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light amount of the third region 63b is maintained.

When a vertical plane 75 passing through one of two vehicles and vehicle 100, whose specific adjacent first regions overlap, intersects with the other vehicle, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, one vehicle is located just before entering an uphill slope from flat ground and the other vehicle is located on an uphill slope. Alternatively, one vehicle is located just before entering flat ground from a downhill slope and the other vehicle is located on flat ground. In such a situation, for example, when a certain amount of time has passed and both vehicles are located on an uphill slope, the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 becomes difficult to change, and when vehicle 100 is located on an uphill slope, the angle θ tends to become smaller. Also, when a certain amount of time has passed and both vehicles are located on flat ground, the angle θ becomes difficult to change, and when vehicle 100 is located on flat ground, the angle θ tends to become smaller. In other words, in these situations, even if the angle θ is large, the angle θ tends to become small. Therefore, according to the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, in such a situation, the amount of light in the third region 63b can be increased, and the decrease in visibility can be suppressed while suppressing the increase in energy consumption.

Sixth Embodiment
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail as the fourth to ninth aspects. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the same or equivalent components as those in the third embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the duplicated description will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the operation of the process of changing the light amount in the third region in the control device CO differs from that in the first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the process of changing the light amount in the third region in the control device CO of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, in this embodiment, the operation of changing the light amount in the third region of the control device CO differs from that of the third embodiment in that it includes steps SP42, SP43, SP46 to SP52 instead of SP22, SP23, SP26 to SP32. For this reason, steps SP42, SP43, SP46 to SP52 will be explained, and an explanation of steps SP21, SP24, and SP25 will be omitted.

(Step SP42)
This step is a step of acquiring the relative speed between the new vehicle and another vehicle overlapping a first area adjacent to the first area overlapping the new vehicle. In this embodiment, in this step, the control device CO calculates the above-mentioned relative speed with respect to the pair of adjacent first areas based on information related to the other vehicle input from the detection device 120. Note that the detection device 120 may calculate the relative speed and output a signal indicating the relative speed to the control device CO, and in this case, the control device CO acquires the relative speed from the signal.

(Step SP43)
This step is a step in which the next step is different depending on the relative speed acquired in step SP42. In this step, if the acquired relative speed is equal to or less than the first speed, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP24. In the following, the state in which the relative speed is equal to or less than the first speed is referred to as the third state. In addition, if the acquired relative speed is greater than the first speed, that is, if the state is not the third state, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP25. If the state is not the third state, it includes a fourth state in which the relative speed is greater than the second speed, which is equal to or greater than the first speed, and a case in which the relative speed is greater than the first speed and equal to or less than the second speed, rather than the third and fourth states. In this embodiment, the first speed is greater than the second speed. The first speed is, for example, equal to or less than 5 km per hour, and the second speed is, for example, equal to or more than 10 km per hour, but the first speed and the second speed are not limited.

(Step SP46)
In this step, similar to step SP42, the control device CO calculates the relative speed with respect to the pair of first regions based on the information related to the other vehicle input from the detection device 120.

(Step SP47)
This step is a step in which the next step is changed depending on the relative velocity acquired in step SP46 and the reference value for the pair of first regions stored in the memory ME. In this step, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP48 when the reference value is "1" and the relative velocity is in the fourth state greater than the second velocity, that is, when the first emission state changes to the fourth state. In addition, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP50 when the reference value is "1" and the relative velocity is equal to or less than the second velocity, or when the reference value is "2".

(Step SP48)
This step is a step of acquiring the relative speed for the pair of first regions after the third period has elapsed since step SP46, and changing the next step depending on the relative speed. The third period is, for example, 0.5 seconds or more and 1.0 seconds or less, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, in this step, the control device CO calculates the relative speed in the same manner as in step SP46. Then, if the relative speed is greater than the second speed, that is, if the fourth state is still in place after the first period has elapsed since step SP46, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP49. Also, if the relative speed is equal to or less than the second speed, that is, if the fourth state is not in place, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP46. Therefore, the light amount of the third region relative to the pair of first regions is maintained in an increased state.

(Step SP49)
This step is a step of changing the third region to the second emission state. In this step, the control device CO controls the lamp unit 10 so that the light amount of the third region returns to the light amount of the third region when another vehicle is not located in front of the vehicle 100. In this way, when the fourth state is reached after the third period has elapsed since the first emission state was changed to the fourth state, the third region for the pair of first regions is in the second emission state. Furthermore, until the first period has elapsed since the first emission state was changed to the fourth state, the third region is maintained in the first emission state, and the light amount of the third region remains increased. Furthermore, the control device CO rewrites the reference value stored in the memory ME to "2", which indicates the second emission state. After this step, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP46.

(Step SP50)
This step is a step in which the next step is made different depending on the relative speed acquired in step SP46 and the reference value stored in the memory ME. In this step, when the reference value is "2" and the relative speed is equal to or less than the first speed, that is, when the second emission state changes to the third state, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP51. Also, when the reference value is "1" and the relative speed is equal to or less than the second speed, and when the reference value is "2" and the relative speed is greater than the first speed, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP46. Therefore, when the first emission state is not the fourth state, the third region relative to the pair of first regions is maintained as increased. Also, when the second emission state is not the third state, the light amount of the third region relative to the pair of first regions is maintained in an unincreased state.

(Step SP51)
This step is a step of acquiring the relative speed after the fourth period has elapsed since step SP46, and changing the next step depending on the relative speed. The fourth period is, for example, 0.5 seconds or more and 1.0 seconds or less, but is not limited thereto. The fourth period may be the same as or different from the third period. In this embodiment, in this step, the control device CO calculates the relative speed in the same manner as in step SP46. Then, if the acquired relative speed is equal to or less than the first speed, that is, if the state is the third state even after the fourth period has elapsed since step SP46, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP52. Also, if the acquired relative speed is greater than the first speed, that is, if the state is not the third state, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP46. Therefore, the light amount of the third region relative to the pair of first regions is maintained in a state in which it is not increased.

(Step SP52)
This step is a step of changing the third region to the first emission state. In this step, the lamp unit 10 is controlled so that the amount of light in the third region is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle 100. In this way, when the third state is reached after the third period has elapsed since the second emission state was changed to the third state, the third region for the pair of first regions is in the first emission state. Furthermore, until the third period has elapsed since the second emission state was changed to the third state, the third region is maintained in the second emission state, and the amount of light in the third region remains unincreased. Furthermore, the control device CO rewrites the reference value stored in the memory ME to "1", which indicates the first emission state. After this step, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP46.

In this way, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the ADB light distribution pattern changes depending on the relative speed with respect to a pair of adjacent first regions.

There are no limitations on the manner in which the third region is put into the first emission state in which the amount of light is increased, and the manner in which the third region is put into the second emission state in which the amount of light is not increased. For example, when putting the third region into the second emission state, the amount of light in the third region may decrease over time to become the amount of light in the third region in the high beam light distribution pattern PH, or the amount of light in the third region may decrease instantaneously to become the amount of light in the third region in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Also, when putting the third region into the first emission state, the amount of light in the third region may increase over time to a predetermined amount, or the amount of light in the third region may increase instantaneously to a predetermined amount.

The control device CO of this embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lamp unit 10 to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions in a third state in which the relative speed between a preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle overlapping one of a pair of adjacent first regions and a preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle overlapping the other of the pair of first regions is equal to or less than a first speed in the preceding vehicle set LVS and the oncoming vehicle set OVS. Also, the control device CO of this embodiment controls the lamp unit 10 not to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions in a fourth state in which the relative speed to the pair of first regions is greater than a second speed that is equal to or greater than the first speed.

The greater the relative speed, the easier it is for the distance between a pair of adjacent first regions to change. Because the connection region is connected to the second region as described above, when the distance between the pair of first regions changes, the shape of the third region including this connection region changes. In the control device CO, program, and vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment as the fourth to ninth aspects, in the fourth state, that is, when the distance between the pair of first regions is easy to change, the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is not increased. Therefore, compared to when the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is increased regardless of the relative speed, it is possible to suppress changes in the shape of the third region, and to suppress the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

The control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lighting unit 10 so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions until the third period has elapsed since the third state was entered without increasing the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions. The control device CO of the present embodiment also controls the lighting unit 10 to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions if the third state is reached after the third period has elapsed.

The relative speed when the first speed is exceeded and the third state is reached is a value close to the first speed. Therefore, even if the third state is reached, the third state may soon be lost. With the above configuration, the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions does not increase until the third period has elapsed since the third state is reached, and if the third state is reached after the third period has elapsed, the amount of light in the third region including this connection region increases. Therefore, the frequency with which the amount of light in the third region changes can be reduced compared to when the amount of light in the third region including the connection region increases when the third state is reached. This can prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

The control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects controls the lighting unit to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions until the fourth period has elapsed since the fourth state is reached in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is increasing. The control device CO of the present embodiment also controls the lighting unit 10 not to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions if the fourth state is reached after the fourth period has elapsed.

Even if the second speed is exceeded and the fourth state is entered, the fourth state may soon be discontinued. With the above configuration, the light amount of the third region, including the connection region to the pair of first regions, remains increased until the fourth period has elapsed since the fourth state is entered, and if the fourth state is entered when the fourth period has elapsed, the light amount of this third region is not increased. Therefore, the frequency with which the light amount of the third region changes can be reduced compared to when the light amount of the third region is not increased when the fourth state is entered. This can therefore suppress the driver from feeling annoyed by the change in the light distribution pattern.

The operation of the process of changing the light amount of the third region in the control device CO of the present embodiment as the fourth and seventh aspects may further include step SP35 in the fifth embodiment. In this case, step SP35 is performed if, in step SP48, the relative speed corresponding to a specific adjacent first region is still in the fourth state even after the third period has elapsed since step SP46. Then, if the vertical plane 75 passing through one of the other vehicles and vehicle 100 of the pair of adjacent first regions overlapping does not intersect with the other other vehicle, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP49. Also, if the vertical plane 75 passing through one of the other vehicles and vehicle 100 of the pair of adjacent first regions overlapping intersects with the other other vehicle, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP46.

Note that while the fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention have been described using the third to sixth embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to these.

For example, the operation of the process of changing the light amount of the third region in the control device CO is not limited. For example, steps SP28, SP31, SP48, and SP51 may not be included. In the above embodiment, the angle θ between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and the relative speed are given as the predetermined requirements. However, the light amount of the third region may be increased regardless of the predetermined requirements. In the third to sixth embodiments, the second emission state is a state in which the light amount of the third region is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle 100, and the light amount of the third region is the same as when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle 100. However, the second emission state may be a state in which the light amount of the third region is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle 100, and may be a state in which the light amount of at least a part of the third region is reduced compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle 100.

Furthermore, in the third to sixth embodiments, an example has been described in which the amount of light in the first, second, and third regions is changed in the high beam light distribution pattern PH. However, the light distribution pattern in which the amount of light in the first, second, and third regions is changed is not limited. For example, this light distribution pattern may be an additional light distribution pattern that forms a high beam light distribution pattern by being added to a low beam light distribution pattern. In this case, for example, the low beam is emitted from a lamp unit separate from the lamp unit 10, and the lamp unit 10 emits light of the additional light distribution pattern.

Furthermore, in the third to sixth embodiments, the light source unit 12 has a plurality of light-emitting elements 13 that can individually change the amount of light emitted. However, the light source unit 12 is not limited to this. For example, the light source unit 12 may have a DMD that includes a plurality of reflecting elements arranged in a matrix and a light-emitting unit that irradiates light onto the DMD.

Furthermore, in the third to sixth embodiments, the vehicle 100 including a pair of vehicle headlights 1 each having a control device CO and a memory ME has been described as an example. However, at least one of the control device CO and the memory ME may be shared by the pair of vehicle headlights 1. Furthermore, the signal output from the detection device 120 may be input to the control device CO without passing through the ECU 101 of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlight 1 may be, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle. Furthermore, the number of vehicle headlights 1 equipped on the vehicle is not limited and may be, for example, one.

According to the first to third aspects of the present invention, a lighting unit control device, program, and vehicle headlamp are provided that can suppress a decrease in visibility while suppressing an increase in energy consumption, and can be used in fields such as vehicle headlamp for automobiles, etc. Furthermore, according to the fourth to ninth aspects of the present invention, a lighting unit control device, program, and vehicle headlamp are provided that can suppress a decrease in visibility while suppressing annoyance felt by the driver due to changes in the light distribution pattern, and can be used in fields such as vehicle headlamp for automobiles, etc.

Claims (21)

A control device for a lighting unit that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of a vehicle and can change a light distribution pattern of emitted light,
In a state where a plurality of the predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle, the light amount of a plurality of first regions that overlap at least a portion of the predetermined objects in the light distribution pattern is reduced, and the light amount of a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions is increased, compared to a case where the predetermined objects are not located in front of the vehicle.
In a first state in which an angle between a first direction from the vehicle toward the predetermined object overlapping one of a pair of adjacent first regions and a second direction from the vehicle toward the predetermined object overlapping the other of the pair of first regions is equal to or smaller than a first threshold value, a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit is output so as to increase the amount of light of a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding the pair of first regions and is sandwiched between the pair of first regions;
A control device for a lighting unit, characterized in that in a second state in which the angle between the first direction and the second direction for the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold value that is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region is output. The control device for a lighting unit according to claim 1 , wherein the second threshold value is greater than the first threshold value. 2. The lighting unit control device according to claim 1, wherein the third region includes everything other than the first region and the second region within a minimum rectangular frame that surrounds the pair of first regions. 2. The lighting unit control device according to claim 1, wherein a total of the amounts of light that decrease in the first regions is equal to a total of the amounts of light that increase in the second regions and the third regions. The control device for a lighting unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that the amount of light in the third area is not increased until a first period has elapsed since the first state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third area is not increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle, and a signal is output that can control the lighting unit so that, when the first state is entered after the first period has elapsed, the amount of light in the third area is increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle. The control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that the control device outputs a signal that can control the lamp unit so that the amount of light in the third area is increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle until a second period has elapsed since the second state is entered and the amount of light in the third area is increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle, and when the second state is entered after the second period has elapsed, the control device for a lamp unit outputs a signal that can control the lamp unit so that the amount of light in the third area is not increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle. the detection device is capable of detecting another vehicle as the predetermined object,
A control device for a lighting unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when the specified object with which the pair of first regions overlap is a pair of other vehicles in the second state, and a vertical plane passing through the vehicle and one of the pair of other vehicles intersects with the other of the pair of other vehicles, a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit is output so that the amount of light in the third region is increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle, and when the vertical plane does not intersect with the other of the pair of other vehicles, the amount of light in the third region is not increased compared to when the specified object is not located in front of the vehicle. A control device for a lighting unit that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of a vehicle and can change the light distribution pattern of emitted light.
In a state where a plurality of the predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle, the light amount of a plurality of first regions that overlap at least a portion of the predetermined objects in the light distribution pattern is reduced, and the light amount of a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions is increased, compared to a case where the predetermined objects are not located in front of the vehicle.
outputting a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so as to increase the amount of light in a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding the pair of first regions and is sandwiched between the pair of first regions, in a first state in which an angle formed between a first direction from the vehicle toward the predetermined object overlapping one of the pair of first regions adjacent to each other and a second direction from the vehicle toward the predetermined object overlapping the other of the pair of first regions is equal to or smaller than a first threshold value;
outputting a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region in a second state in which an angle between the first direction and the second direction for the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold value that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value;
A program characterized by executing the above. A lighting unit capable of changing the light distribution pattern of emitted light;
a control device that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a predetermined object located in front of the vehicle and controls the lamp unit;
Equipped with
The control device includes:
In a state where a plurality of the predetermined objects are located in front of the vehicle, the light amount of a plurality of first regions that overlap at least a portion of the predetermined objects in the light distribution pattern is reduced, and the light amount of a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions is increased, compared to a case where the predetermined objects are not located in front of the vehicle.
in a first state in which an angle between a first direction from the vehicle toward the predetermined object overlapping one of a pair of adjacent first regions and a second direction from the vehicle toward the predetermined object overlapping the other of the pair of first regions is equal to or smaller than a first threshold value, the lighting unit is controlled to increase the amount of light of a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions surrounding the pair of first regions and is sandwiched between the pair of first regions;
A vehicle headlamp characterized in that, in a second state in which the angle between the first direction and the second direction for the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold value that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the lighting unit is controlled so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region. A control device for a lighting unit that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle located in front of a vehicle and can change a light distribution pattern of emitted light,
outputting a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so that, in a state in which the preceding vehicles and the oncoming vehicles are positioned in front of the vehicle, the amount of light in a plurality of first regions that overlap at least a portion of the preceding vehicles and the oncoming vehicles in the light distribution pattern is reduced and the amount of light in a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions is increased, compared to a state in which the preceding vehicles and the oncoming vehicles are not positioned in front of the vehicle; and, in at least one of a preceding vehicle set consisting of the plurality of first regions that overlap the plurality of preceding vehicles and a oncoming vehicle set consisting of the plurality of first regions that overlap the plurality of oncoming vehicles, the amount of light in a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions that surround adjacent first regions and is sandwiched between the adjacent first regions;
A control device for a lighting unit, characterized in that between the second area surrounding the first area overlapping with the preceding vehicle and the second area surrounding the first area overlapping with the oncoming vehicle, there is a non-specific area in which the amount of light does not change even when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle. The control device for a lighting unit according to claim 10, characterized in that a total amount of light that decreases in the plurality of first regions is equal to a total amount of light that increases in the plurality of second regions and the plurality of third regions. The control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it outputs a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so as to increase the amount of light in the third area in one of the pair for the preceding vehicle and the pair for the oncoming vehicle, and not to increase the amount of light in the third area in the other pair. The control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 12, characterized in that it outputs a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so as to increase the amount of light in the third area in the pair for the preceding vehicle and not to increase the amount of light in the third area in the pair for the oncoming vehicle. in a first state in which an angle formed between a first direction from the vehicle toward the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle that overlaps with one of a pair of adjacent first regions and a second direction from the vehicle toward the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle that overlaps with the other of the pair of first regions is equal to or smaller than a first threshold value, a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit is output to increase the amount of light of the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions, compared to a case in which the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle;
The control device for a lighting unit as described in claim 10, characterized in that in a second state in which the angle between the first direction and the second direction for the pair of first regions is greater than a second threshold value that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, a signal is output that can control the lighting unit so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region for the pair of first regions, compared to a case in which the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle. The control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 14, characterized in that until a first period has elapsed since the first state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, the control device outputs a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so that the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and when the first state is entered after the first period has elapsed, the control device outputs a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so that the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle. The control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that until a second period has elapsed since the second state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, a signal is output that can control the lamp unit so that the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and when the second state is entered after the second period has elapsed, the amount of light in the third region to the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle. in a third state in which the relative speed between the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle overlapping one of the pair of adjacent first regions and the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle overlapping the other of the pair of first regions is equal to or less than a first speed, among the pair for the preceding vehicle and the pair for the oncoming vehicle, a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit is output so as to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions, compared to a case in which the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle,
The control device for a lighting unit as described in claim 10, characterized in that in a fourth state in which the relative speed with respect to the pair of first regions is greater than a second speed which is equal to or greater than the first speed, a signal capable of controlling the lighting unit is output so as not to increase the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with respect to the pair of first regions, compared to a case in which the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle. The control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 17, characterized in that until a third period has elapsed since the third state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, the control device outputs a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so that the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and when the third state is entered after the third period has elapsed, the control device outputs a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so that the amount of light in the third region including the connection region with the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle. The control device for a lamp unit as described in claim 17 or 18, characterized in that until a fourth period has elapsed since the fourth state is entered in a state in which the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle, and a signal is output that can control the lamp unit so that, when the fourth state is entered after the fourth period has elapsed, the amount of light in the third region including the connection region to the pair of first regions is not increased compared to when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle. A control device for a lighting unit that receives a signal from a detection device that detects a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle located in front of the vehicle and changes a light distribution pattern of emitted light.
executes a step of outputting a signal capable of controlling the lamp unit so that, in a state in which the plurality of preceding vehicles and the plurality of oncoming vehicles are positioned in front of the vehicle, the amount of light of a plurality of first regions in the light distribution pattern that overlap at least a portion of the preceding vehicles and the oncoming vehicles is reduced and the amount of light of a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions is increased, and the amount of light of a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions that surround adjacent first regions and is sandwiched between the adjacent first regions in at least one of a preceding vehicle set consisting of the plurality of first regions that overlap the plurality of preceding vehicles and an oncoming vehicle set consisting of the plurality of first regions that overlap the plurality of oncoming vehicles, compared to a state in which the preceding vehicles and the oncoming vehicles are not positioned in front of the vehicle;
A program characterized in that a non-specific area in which the amount of light does not change when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle is located between the second area surrounding the first area overlapping with the preceding vehicle and the second area surrounding the first area overlapping with the oncoming vehicle. A lighting unit capable of changing the light distribution pattern of emitted light;
a control device that receives signals from a detection device that detects a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle located in front of the vehicle and controls the lighting unit;
Equipped with
the control device, when the plurality of preceding vehicles and the plurality of oncoming vehicles are located in front of the vehicle, controls the lamp unit to reduce the amount of light of a plurality of first regions in the light distribution pattern that overlap at least a portion of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, and to increase the amount of light of a plurality of second regions that individually surround the first regions, in at least one of a preceding vehicle set consisting of the plurality of first regions that overlap the plurality of preceding vehicles, and an oncoming vehicle set consisting of the plurality of first regions that overlap the plurality of oncoming vehicles, so as to increase the amount of light of a third region including a connection region that is connected to each of the second regions that surround adjacent first regions and is sandwiched between the adjacent first regions, in comparison with a case in which the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not located in front of the vehicle;
a non-specific area in which the amount of light does not change even when the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are not positioned in front of the vehicle is located between the second area that surrounds the first area that overlaps with the preceding vehicle and the second area that surrounds the first area that overlaps with the oncoming vehicle.

Images