JP2020044867A - Vehicular lighting fixture - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture that has improved safety.SOLUTION: A light distribution variable lamp 110 can generate a white beam L1 of which intensity distribution is variable. An infrared illumination 120 radiates infrared probe light L2. A controller 140 controls the infrared illumination 120 so as to lower at least part of the intensity of infrared probe light L2 when an object 3 comes close to a vehicular lighting fixture 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp.

  Vehicle lights play an important role in driving safely at night or in tunnels. If the driver's visibility is given priority and the front of the vehicle is brightly illuminated over a wide area, glare will be given to the driver or pedestrian of the preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the front vehicle) existing in front of the own vehicle. There's a problem.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) technology for dynamically and adaptively controlling a light distribution pattern based on a surrounding state of a vehicle has been proposed. The ADB technology detects the presence or absence of a preceding vehicle or a pedestrian (hereinafter, also referred to as a target) and dims or turns off an area corresponding to the preceding vehicle or a pedestrian, thereby driving or driving the preceding vehicle. This is to reduce the glare given to the person.

  When the ADB control is performed, glare given to a preceding vehicle or a pedestrian can be reduced, but visibility of a light-shielded portion of a driver of the own vehicle decreases. Alternatively, in the case of performing automatic driving, it becomes difficult to detect a target existing in the light-shielded portion by the camera.

  As a sensing technology for automatic driving, a system using infrared light has been proposed. When infrared light is used, it is possible to detect a target existing in a light-shielded portion of a white beam.

JP-A-2005-064964 JP 2012-227102 A JP 2008-094127 A

  The present inventors have considered incorporating an infrared light source into a vehicle lamp, and have come to recognize the following problem.

  Since the infrared light cannot be visually recognized by human eyes, there is a problem that a pedestrian or the like around the infrared light cannot notice the infrared light. In particular, when a person looks into the lamp, strong infrared light is emitted to the eyes, and since the person does not feel glare, they cannot take evasive action, and the infrared light is A situation can occur where the eye is irradiated. This problem should not be taken as a general perception of those skilled in the art.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and one of exemplary purposes of one embodiment thereof is to provide a vehicle lamp with improved safety.

  One embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicular lamp. The vehicle lamp has a variable light distribution lamp capable of generating a white beam having a variable intensity distribution, an infrared illumination for irradiating infrared probe light, and when an object approaches the vehicle lamp, at least the infrared probe light. A controller that controls infrared illumination so that a part of the intensity is reduced.

  By monitoring the proximity of an object with a proximity sensor such as a sonar and suppressing the infrared probe light in the proximity state, it is possible to avoid the situation where the infrared probe light is directly radiated to the human eye, and safety Can be increased.

  The proximity sensor can be built into the vehicle lamp. The controller may control the infrared illumination according to the output of the proximity sensor. Alternatively, the proximity sensor may be provided outside the vehicle lamp, that is, on the vehicle side. In this case, the controller may control the infrared illumination based on the information on the proximity received from the vehicle.

  The controller may turn off the infrared illumination when the object approaches. In this case, infrared illumination can be simplified.

  The controller may uniformly reduce the intensity of the infrared probe light when the object approaches. By continuously irradiating the infrared probe light weakly, the function of target detection can be maintained.

  The controller may turn off only a portion of the infrared probe light irradiated to the object when the object approaches. As a result, the portion other than the object whose proximity has been detected can be continuously irradiated with the infrared probe light.

  The controller may switch the light distribution pattern of the infrared illumination when the object approaches.

  The controller may reduce the intensity of the infrared probe light even when the approach of the object is detected in the opposite vehicle lamp.

  Note that any combination of the above-described components and any conversion of the expression of the present invention between a method, an apparatus, a system, and the like are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, safety can be improved.

It is a block diagram of the vehicular lamp concerning an embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the vehicle lamp of FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an automobile according to a first modification. FIGS. 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating control of a vehicle lamp according to a third modification. FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an operation of an automobile according to a fourth modification.

(Embodiment)
The above is the outline of the vehicular lamp. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the invention, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the repeated description will be omitted as appropriate. Further, the scale and shape of each part shown in each figure are set for convenience in order to facilitate the description, and are not to be construed as being limited unless otherwise noted. In addition, when terms such as “first” and “second” are used in the present specification or the claims, the terms do not represent any order or importance, and a certain configuration may be different from another configuration. It is for distinguishing.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment. The vehicular lamp 100 includes a variable light distribution lamp 110, an infrared light 120, a camera 130, a light distribution controller 140, and a proximity sensor 150. These may all be incorporated in the same housing, or some members may be provided outside the housing, in other words, on the vehicle side.

  The variable light distribution lamp 110 is a headlamp that is a low beam, a high beam, or a combination thereof, and includes a white light source. The variable light distribution lamp 110 receives the data indicating the light distribution pattern PTN_W from the light distribution controller 140, emits a white beam L1 having an intensity distribution according to the light distribution pattern PTN_W, and responds to the light distribution pattern PTN_W in front of the vehicle. Illuminance distribution. The configuration of the variable light distribution lamp 110 is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, a semiconductor light source such as an LD (laser diode) or an LED (light emitting diode), and a lighting circuit that drives and lights the semiconductor light source. The variable light distribution lamp 110 may include a matrix type pattern forming device such as a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) or a liquid crystal device for forming an illuminance distribution according to the light distribution pattern PTN_W.

  The term “variable light distribution lamp” in this specification includes a lamp equipped with an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) system, as well as a lamp that can be switched only between a high beam and a low beam.

  The infrared illumination 120 includes an infrared light source that emits infrared probe light L2 forward of the vehicle. The infrared probe light L2 may be near-infrared light or light having a longer wavelength. The infrared probe light L2 is reflected by the object 2. The camera 130 has sensitivity in the wavelength range of the infrared probe light L2, and captures the reflected light L4 of the infrared probe light L2 from the object 2.

  In the present embodiment, the camera 130 also has sensitivity in the visible region, and captures the reflected light L4 and the reflected light L3 of the white beam L1 from the object 2 together with the reflected light L4. Note that the camera 130 may include a camera having sensitivity only in the visible region and a camera having sensitivity only in the infrared region.

  The image of the camera 130 is supplied to the light distribution controller 140 or a processor (not shown). For example, the light distribution controller 140 dynamically and adaptively controls the intensity distribution of the white beam L1, that is, the light distribution pattern PTN_W, based on the camera image IMG. For example, the vehicular lamp 100 is equipped with an ADB system, detects a target (a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, etc.) ahead of the vehicle based on the camera image IMG, and shields the target portion from light. Or a light distribution pattern PTN_W whose intensity is increased in a spot manner.

  The light distribution pattern PTN_W defines a two-dimensional illuminance distribution of a white light irradiation pattern 902 formed by the variable light distribution lamp 110 on the virtual vertical screen 900 in front of the vehicle. The light distribution controller 140 can be constituted by a digital processor, and may be constituted by, for example, a combination of a microcomputer including a CPU and a software program, or constituted by an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specified IC). You may.

  Proximity sensor 150 detects object 3 approaching vehicular lamp 100. The type of the proximity sensor 150 is not particularly limited, and a sonar using ultrasonic waves, an optical sensor, or a capacitance-type proximity sensor can be used. When the distance to the object 3 detected by the proximity sensor 150 falls below a predetermined threshold x or when the object 3 is detected within the detection range x of the proximity sensor 150, the light distribution controller 140 To reduce the intensity of at least a portion of the infrared probe light L2. This is referred to herein as a proximity protection function. "Reducing the intensity" refers to reducing the intensity to such an extent that the infrared probe light does not adversely affect the human eyes when the infrared probe light is applied to the human eyes located closer than the distance x.

  In the present embodiment, when the proximity of the object 3 is detected, the light distribution controller 140 turns off the infrared illumination 120 and sets the intensity of the infrared probe light L2 to zero. In this case, the infrared illumination 120 can be configured as a light source that can only be turned on and off.

  The vehicle is equipped with vehicle lamps 100 on both the left and right sides. In the present embodiment, the left and right vehicle lamps 100 may independently control the intensity of the infrared probe light L2. That is, when the proximity of the object 3 is detected in one of the lamps, the intensity of the infrared probe light L2 is reduced only in the lamp, and the intensity of the infrared probe light L2 is maintained in the other lamp.

The basic configuration of the vehicular lamp 100 has been described above. Subsequently, the operation will be described.
2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the vehicular lamp 100 of FIG. The automobile 200 includes a left lamp 210L and a right lamp 210R. The left lamp 210L and the right lamp 210R respectively correspond to the vehicle lamp 100 of FIG.

  FIG. 2A shows a situation where the object 3 is not close to any of the lamps. In this case, each of the left lamp 210L and the right lamp 210R emits infrared probe light L2 having a normal intensity distribution.

  FIG. 2B shows a situation in which the object 3 approaches the left lamp 210L. In this case, the proximity of the object 3 is detected by the proximity sensor 150 of the left lamp 210L. Then, the light distribution controller 140 of the left lamp 210L responds to the proximity of the object 3 to turn off the infrared illumination 120 so that the intensity of the infrared probe light L2 becomes zero. The right lamp 210R emits infrared probe light L2 having a normal intensity distribution.

  The object 3 may typically be a pedestrian or a maintenance worker. If a nearby person looks into the headlamp, the proximity sensor 150 reacts and the irradiation of the infrared probe light L2 stops. Thus, human eyes around the vehicle 200 can be protected, and safety can be improved.

  When the turning on and off of the variable light distribution lamp 110 and the infrared light 120 are completely linked, a white beam is dazzling while the variable light distribution lamp 110 is lit, so that a surrounding person looks into the headlamp. The situation may be less likely. However, when the on / off of the variable light distribution lamp 110 and the infrared illumination 120 is individually controlled, or when the turning on and off of the variable light distribution lamp 110 are controlled in a complementary manner, the variable light distribution lamp 110 is turned off even though it is off. A situation in which the external lighting 120 is lit may occur. In this case, since the surrounding people do not feel the glare, a situation may occur in which they look into the headlamp. In such a lamp, the control of the infrared probe light L2 using the proximity sensor 150 can be said to be particularly effective.

  The protection target according to the present technology is not limited to adult pedestrians and workers. Adults rarely have eyes located at the height of the lamp unless they intend. On the other hand, an animal such as an infant or a dog with a short height may have an eye level corresponding to the height of the headlamp. According to the vehicular lamp 100, even when an infant, a dog, or the like approaches, it is detected as the object 3 by the proximity sensor 150, so that their eyes can be protected.

  The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each processing process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. is there. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described.

(First Modification)
When the object 3 is an operator, the user may look into one lamp and then look into the other lamp. Alternatively, the object 3 may be a pedestrian such as an infant crossing the front of the vehicle. Therefore, in the first modification, the left and right vehicle lamps 100 control the intensity of the infrared probe light L2 in a coordinated manner. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the automobile 200A according to the first modification. When the proximity of the object 3 is detected in one of the lamps (the left lamp 210L in FIG. 3), the intensity of the infrared probe light L2 is reduced not only in the lamp 210L but also in the right lamp 210R on the opposite side. According to the first modification, the safety can be further improved.

(Second Modification)
FIGS. 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating control of the vehicle lamp 100 according to the third modification. 4A to 4C show the relationship between the distance to the object 3 and the intensity of the infrared probe light L2.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the proximity of the object 3 is detected, the light distribution controller 140 reduces the intensity of the infrared probe light L2 generated by the infrared illumination 120 to a non-zero predetermined level. You may. In this case, the infrared illumination 120 may be configured to be able to adjust the intensity of the infrared probe light L2 in addition to ON and OFF.

  As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the distance to the object 3 may be reflected in the reduced strength. That is, as the detected distance to the object 3 decreases, the strength after the decrease may be reduced.

(Third Modification)
The infrared illumination 120 may be configured to change the intensity distribution of the infrared probe light L2. In this case, when the proximity of the object 3 is detected, the light distribution controller 140 may reduce the intensity of the infrared probe light L2 in a portion irradiated with the object 3. Thereby, the irradiation of the infrared probe light L2 can be maintained for the portion other than the object 3.

(Fourth modification)
FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an operation of an automobile 200B according to a fourth modification. As shown in FIG. 5A, in the non-proximity state of the object 3, the irradiation pattern 300 of the infrared probe light L <b> 2 diffuses the part irradiating far away (distant irradiation area) 302 and the left and right sides of the vehicle diffusely. (Diffused irradiation region) 304. When the object 3 approaches, as shown in FIG. 5B, the far irradiation region 302 may be turned off or its intensity may be reduced to a non-zero small value while maintaining the intensity of the diffuse irradiation region 304. .

(Fifth Modification)
When the object 3 is detected by the proximity sensor 150, the vehicle 200 may warn the surroundings that the infrared probe light L2 is being irradiated. For example, when the distance to the object 3 is shorter than the threshold value x, when decreasing the intensity of the infrared probe light L2, a threshold value y longer than the threshold value x is determined, and the distance to the object is threshold. If the value falls below the value y, the surroundings may be warned. Thereby, safety can be further enhanced.

(Sixth modification)
When the vehicle 200 is traveling at a relatively high speed, it can be said that a situation in which a human looks into the lamp is unlikely to occur. Therefore, the intensity control of the infrared probe light L2 based on the proximity sensor 150 may be effective only when the vehicle speed is lower than a predetermined value.

(Seventh modification)
Some vehicles have a corner sensor or the like to assist the driver when passing in a narrow alley or turning back in a parking lot. In this case, the corner sensor can be used as the proximity sensor 150.

(Eighth Modification)
Whether the infrared probe light L2 has a normal irradiation pattern is an important inspection item. When performing this inspection, the work vehicle works in close proximity to the lamp. However, even if it is desired to inspect the irradiation pattern of the infrared probe light L2 in the non-adjacent state, if the proximity protection is applied, the inspection is performed. become unable. Thus, the proximity protection function may be disabled.

  Although the present invention has been described using specific words and phrases based on the embodiments, the embodiments are merely illustrative of one aspect of the principles and applications of the present invention. Many modifications and changes in arrangement are permitted without departing from the spirit of the present invention defined in the scope.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Vehicle lamp 110 Variable light distribution lamp 120 Infrared illumination 130 Camera 140 Light distribution controller L1 White beam L2 Infrared probe light L3, L4 Reflected light

Claims (7)

A vehicle lamp,
A variable light distribution lamp capable of generating a white beam having a variable intensity distribution,
Infrared illumination for irradiating infrared probe light,
When an object approaches the vehicle lamp, a controller that controls the infrared illumination so that at least a part of the intensity of the infrared probe light is reduced,
A vehicle lighting device comprising: Further comprising a proximity sensor for detecting the distance to the object,
The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the infrared illumination according to an output of the proximity sensor.   The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the controller turns off the infrared illumination when the object approaches.   The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the controller uniformly reduces the intensity of the infrared probe light when the object approaches.   The vehicular lamp according to claim 3, wherein the controller turns off only a portion of the infrared probe light irradiated to the object when the object approaches.   The vehicular lamp according to claim 3, wherein the controller switches the light distribution pattern of the infrared illumination when the object approaches.   The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller reduces the intensity of the infrared probe light even when the approach of an object is detected in the vehicle lamp on the opposite side. Lights.

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