JPH11235948A - Light distribution control device for automotive headlights - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To provide a light distribution control device for an automobile headlight so that a driver can recognize a deviation from the center of a traveling lane of an own vehicle and can be guided to travel along the traveling lane. To SOLUTION: The driving state of the own vehicle is detected by a driving state detecting means 30, and a traveling position of the own vehicle after a predetermined time is predicted by a vehicle traveling position prediction means 4 based on the detected driving state. The optical axis angle target value calculating means 5 calculates a vertical optical axis angle target value and a lateral optical axis angle target value based on the traveling position of the own vehicle predicted by the vehicle traveling position predicting means 4. The vertical optical axis angle and the horizontal optical axis angle of the headlight 9 are adjusted via the optical axis actuator 8 so as to become equal to the calculated vertical optical axis angle target value and horizontal optical axis angle target value.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling light distribution by controlling an optical axis angle of an automobile headlight, and more particularly to an automobile headlight which changes an optical axis in response to a driver's steering operation. And a light distribution control device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a headlight for an automobile is configured to be capable of switching between a high beam and a low beam. By switching between the high beam and the low beam, a driver can select an optical axis angle of the headlight according to road conditions. It has become. However, this switching of the high beam / low beam only switches the optical axis angle in the vertical direction, and does not change the optical axis angle in the horizontal direction.
The optical axis of the headlight is always fixed in the vehicle center line direction. For this reason, when the vehicle's center line deviates from the direction of the road ahead of the vehicle, such as a curved road, it is not possible to effectively illuminate the road surface ahead of the vehicle where the vehicle is going to travel. Also, the vertical optical axis angle can be adjusted only in two stages of high beam / low beam, and a finer adjustment of the optical axis angle is desired depending on the situation. On the other hand, the finer the adjustment of the optical axis angle becomes, the more troublesome the manual operation becomes and the more difficult it is to effectively use it.

In order to respond to such demands and problems, various proposals have been made on light distribution control of headlights for automobiles. In particular, as a technique for performing the lateral light distribution control, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-206491 (first prior art) discloses a technique for controlling a lateral optical axis angle of a headlight corresponding to a curve. ing. In this technique, a rotational angular velocity and a vehicle speed at the time of turning of a vehicle are detected by using an angular velocity sensor and a vehicle speed sensor, and a lateral optical axis of a headlight is calculated in accordance with a curve radius calculated based on the detected values. It changes the angle.

The technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-232589 (second prior art) similarly controls the horizontal optical axis angle of a headlight corresponding to a curve. In this technology, a lateral acceleration and a vehicle speed of a vehicle are detected using an acceleration sensor and a vehicle speed sensor, and a lateral optical axis angle is changed according to a curve radius calculated based on these detected values. It has become.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. Hei 8-192684 (third prior art) and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 7-32935 (fourth prior art) disclose navigation information, steering angle information, direction indicator information, and the like. There is disclosed a technique for controlling a lateral optical axis angle of a headlight so that a driver can irradiate a road on which the driver is going. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-278848 (fifth prior art) discloses an apparatus for performing vertical light distribution control. In this device, the vertical angle of the optical axis is controlled according to the distance to the preceding vehicle.

[0006]

By the way, in the light distribution control device which controls the lateral optical axis angle of the headlight corresponding to the curves as in the first and second prior arts, the optical axis of the headlight is controlled. Since the angle is controlled in accordance with the radius of the curve (or the curvature), it is possible to always illuminate the vehicle along the traveling lane even on a curved road, and in the third and fourth prior arts, the driver tries to travel also on the forked road. Road (lane)
There is an advantage that it can be illuminated along.

However, even on a curved road or a branch road, when the driver illuminates a road to be checked, there is a possibility that an illusion may be given to the driver. In other words, in the case of the conventional headlight that illuminates only the front of the vehicle without performing the lateral optical axis angle control, the irradiation direction of the headlight can be confirmed as the current direction of the own vehicle, When the lateral optical axis angle control is performed, it is possible to recognize the irradiation direction of the headlight as the direction that the own vehicle aims.

[0008] However, the driver changes the point where the headlight is illuminated (particularly, the position in the vehicle width direction) to the point where the host vehicle reaches the current traveling state (eg, the steering angle) (the vehicle width direction). Position).
For example, the headlights illuminate the center of the driving lane, but the vehicle may be running off the center of the driving lane, especially at night when the surrounding situation is not visible. When illuminating the center,
The driver is likely to have an illusion that the own vehicle is currently traveling in the center of the traveling lane.

That is, in the above-mentioned conventional light distribution control device,
Although the center of the driving lane can always be illuminated even on curved roads and branch roads, since the headlight optical axis angle is not controlled to which position in the road width direction, the vehicle deviates from the driving lane center. In such a case, there is a problem that it is not possible to irradiate the headlight so that this can be recognized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has been made to enable a driver to recognize a deviation of the own vehicle from the center of the traveling lane and to guide the driver to travel along the traveling lane. It is an object of the present invention to provide a light distribution control device for an automobile headlight.

[0011]

Therefore, in the light distribution control apparatus for a headlight for an automobile according to the present invention, the driving state of the own vehicle is detected by the driving state detecting means, and the vehicle travels based on the detected driving state. The traveling position of the own vehicle after a predetermined time is predicted by the position prediction means. The optical axis angle target value calculating means calculates a vertical optical axis angle target value and a horizontal optical axis angle target value based on the traveling position of the own vehicle predicted by the vehicle traveling position predicting means, and the control means is an optical axis actuator. Is adjusted so that the vertical optical axis angle and the horizontal optical axis angle of the headlight become equal to the calculated vertical optical axis angle target value and horizontal optical axis angle target value.

Thus, the driver recognizes the traveling position of the host vehicle after a predetermined time via the irradiation of the headlight, and is guided to travel along the traveling lane.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 4 show a light distribution control device for an automobile headlight as an embodiment of the present invention. . First, the overall configuration of the light distribution control device will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the light distribution control device includes a vehicle speed sensor 2 and a steering angle sensor 3 as driving state detection means 30. A road curvature calculating means 10 for calculating the road curvature of the traveling lane based on the detection information of these sensors 2 and 3 is provided. The vehicle further includes a radar 11 for detecting a preceding vehicle and a preceding vehicle position calculating means 12 for calculating a relative position of the preceding vehicle with respect to the own vehicle based on detection information of the radar 11.

Further, the present light distribution control device predicts the traveling position of the host vehicle based on the information detected or calculated by the vehicle speed sensor 2, the steering angle sensor 3, and the road curvature calculating means 10. light of calculating the unit 4, the vehicle traveling position prediction unit 4 and the preceding vehicle position calculating means 12 and the longitudinal optical axis angle target value theta ₁ and transverse optical axis angle target value theta ₂ based on the calculated information in Axis angle target value calculating means 5, optical axis actuator 8 for moving the optical axis of headlight 9, and vertical and horizontal optical axis angles of headlight 9 are calculated by this optical axis angle target value calculating means 5. Optical axis angle target values θ ₁ , θ
A control means (controller) 7 for controlling the optical axis actuator 8 so as to be equal to ₂ is provided.

The structure of the light distribution control device will be described in more detail. A vehicle speed sensor 2 and a steering angle sensor 3 are provided to detect the traveling direction of the host vehicle. The running speed (vehicle speed) V of the host vehicle and the steering angle φ of the steering wheel are detected. The detected vehicle speed V and steering angle φ are both input to the road curvature calculating means 10 and the vehicle traveling position predicting means 4.

The road curvature calculating means 10 calculates the road curvature ρ of the traveling lane on which the vehicle is traveling based on the detected vehicle speed V and steering angle φ.
The lateral acceleration G acting on the vehicle is calculated as shown in the equation, and the road curvature ρ is calculated from this lateral acceleration G as shown in equation (2). G = [φ / (n × g)] × (V ² / wb) / (1 + a × V ² ) (1) ρ = G / V ² . 2) Here, n, g, wb, and a are fixed values indicating a gear ratio, a gravitational acceleration, a wheelbase, and a stability factor, respectively. The calculated road curvature ρ is input to the vehicle traveling position prediction means 4.

The vehicle advancing position predicting means 4 calculates the vehicle speed V, the steering angle φ, and the road curvature ρ input from the vehicle speed sensor 2, the steering angle sensor 3, and the road curvature calculating means 10, respectively, after _a predetermined time ta. The traveling position of the own vehicle is predicted. In other words, the current vehicle has the code 1
When the vehicle travels while maintaining the steering angle φ at this time, the own vehicle travels along a locus indicated by a curve CL in FIG. Therefore, progress position of the vehicle 1 reaches after a time t _a when maintaining and current vehicle speed V while retaining the steering wheel to the steering angle φ is as shown by 1 '.
The 1 'predicts, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), the vehicle 1 after the prediction time t _a (code 1 with respect to the vehicle 1 at the present time' relative position indicated by) (relative distance L _a and the current vehicle 1 after prediction time t _a with respect to the vehicle center line '
It is to calculate the angle of deviation theta _a). Here, the own vehicle 1
Tip 'and the distance the distance L _a to the tip of the tip of the vehicle 1 and the own vehicle 1' vehicle 1 from the angle of polarization angle theta _a forming line that runs on the tip of relative vehicle center line And

[0018] The distance between the vehicle 1 L _a, declination theta _a with respect to the vehicle center line is the vehicle speed V, the steering angle phi, prediction time t _a
Is calculated based on the following. L _a = (2 / ρ) × sin (θ _a ) (3) θ _a = ρ × V × t _a / 2 (4) where ρ in equations (3) and (4) is the road curvature calculated from equations (1) and (2) based on vehicle speed V and steering angle φ.

Here, the estimated time t_aIs the road curvature calculator
It is set based on the road curvature ρ input from step 10.
Swelling. That is, as shown in FIG.
Corresponding to R (curve diameter, that is, the reciprocal of the road curvature ρ)
Predicted time t_aIs determined, for example,
Movement degree R₁(For example, 600), the estimated time t
₁(For example, 2.0 seconds). Also, the estimated time t_aIs
The larger the degree of curve R is, that is, the more the traveling lane becomes straight
The closer it is, the larger it becomes. This is a straight road
It is thought that the driver is more likely to be closer to
Time t_aTo increase the degree of driver guidance
It is to try. However, the estimated time t _aIs a curve
The degree R is a predetermined value R_Two(For example, 3000) or more
Fixed time t_Two(For example, 3.0 seconds).
This is because the effective irradiation distance of the headlight 9 was considered.
It is.

The vehicle traveling position prediction means 4 is adapted to input to the optical axis angle target value calculating means 5 calculates the vehicle 1 and the distance L _a between the vehicle 1 'and the deflection angle theta _a. Further, as described above, the present light distribution control device includes a radar (preceding vehicle detecting means) for detecting the presence of a preceding vehicle ahead of the own vehicle in order to recognize the relative position of the preceding vehicle with respect to the own vehicle. 11, appropriately treated to a relative position of the preceding vehicle with respect to the vehicle the radar information from the radar 11, i.e., a deflection angle theta _F of the preceding vehicle with respect to the distance L _F and the vehicle center line between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle A preceding vehicle position calculating means 12 for calculating is provided.

A plurality of radars 11 are provided on the front of the vehicle with the directions slightly shifted left and right, and energy (for example, laser, microwave, ultrasonic wave, etc.) having higher directivity than each radar 11 is transmitted to the vehicle. Transmission and reception are always performed at a predetermined cycle toward the front. The preceding vehicle position calculating means 12 measures the time from transmission of energy in the radar 11 to reception of reflected energy from the preceding vehicle as shown in FIG. to calculate the distance L _F, and calculates the deflection angle theta _F of the preceding vehicle 20 with respect to the vehicle center line based on the direction of the radar 21 which has received the reflected energy. Here, the distance from the tip of the vehicle 1 to the rear end of the preceding vehicle 20 and the distance L _F, a straight line connecting the rear end of the preceding vehicle 20 and the leading end of the vehicle 1 with respect to the vehicle center line the polarization angle is the angle of deviation θ _F.

The distance L _F between the host vehicle 1 and the preceding vehicle 20 calculated by the preceding vehicle position calculating means 12 and the declination θ _F of the preceding vehicle 20 with respect to the center line of the own vehicle are calculated by the optical axis angle target value calculating means 5. Is to be entered. Preceding vehicle optical axis angle target value calculating unit 5, a vehicle traveling position prediction unit 4, and the predicted traveling position of the vehicle 1 which is inputted from the preceding vehicle position calculating means 12. (distance L _a, the deflection angle theta _a) Based on the relative position (distance L _F , declination θ _F ) of 20, a vertical optical axis angle target value θ ₁ and a horizontal optical axis angle target value θ ₂ to be output to the headlight 9 are calculated. ing.

First, the optical axis angle target value calculating means 5 calculates
Time t from the line position prediction means 4_aPosition of own vehicle 1 behind
Position, that is, the distance L from the current position_a, Declination θ_aIs entered
Then, as shown in FIG._aLater
It illuminates the place where the vehicle 1 is located, that is, the vehicle 1 '.
Target optical axis angle θ₁, Θ_TwoIs set to
You. In other words, the declination θ with respect to the vehicle_aCorresponding to
Lateral optical axis angle target value θ _TwoAnd set the headlight 9
Range L is distance L_aSo that the vertical optical axis angle target value θ
₁Is set.

The optical axis angle target value calculating means 5 further comprises
The position information of the preceding vehicle from the vehicle position calculating means 27, that is,
Distance L between host vehicle 1 and preceding vehicle 20_FAnd on the vehicle's center line
Declination θ of the preceding vehicle 20 with respect to_FIs entered, this information
Optical axis angle target value θ based on the ₁, Θ_TwoI will make a correction
Swelling. This correction is performed by the optical axis angle target value calculating means 5.
This is performed by the optical axis angle target value correcting means 5A which is a functional element.
And the light of the headlights 9 of the own vehicle 1
Optical axis angle target value θ so that no rare occurs₁, Θ_TwoSuitable
It is adjusted accordingly.

First, the optical axis angle target value correction means 5A
Relative position of the own vehicle 1 'to the own vehicle 1 (distance L_a,
Declination θ_a) And the relative position of the preceding vehicle 20 (distance L_F,side
Angle θ _F) And compare. And the distance L_aIs the distance L_FYo
And the declination θ_aAnd declination θ_FIs within a certain range
Enclosure dθ_FIn the case of the inside, as shown in FIG.
The irradiation distance L of the light 9 is the distance L_FVertical light to be
Shaft angle target value θ₁Is corrected. this is,
Time t_aThe location where the vehicle 1 is located later, that is,
Optical axis angle target value θ so as to illuminate vehicle 1 ′₁, Θ_TwoThe set
Then, the light of the headlight 9 interferes with the preceding vehicle 20,
This is because glare occurs in the preceding vehicle 20. What
Here, the above-mentioned fixed range dθ_FHas glare on the preceding vehicle 20
This is a range in which the preceding vehicle 20 may be generated.
The closer to, the larger the area, so here
Is, for example, the distance L_FIs set in inverse proportion to
ing.

The optical axis angle target value calculating means 5 operates in this manner.
Optical axis angle target value θ₁, Θ _TwoTo controller 7
Controller 7, and the controller 7
The optical axis angle of the light 9 is calculated by the optical axis angle target value calculating means 5.
Optical axis angle target value θ₁, Θ_TwoOptical axis
The actuator 8 is controlled. In addition, light
Light is provided between the axis angle target value calculating means 5 and the controller 7.
Of the headlight 9 adjusted by the shaft actuator 8
The light is adjusted so that the optical axis angle continues smoothly without sudden changes.
Row for smoothing the output of shaft angle target value calculation information
A pass filter 6 is provided.

Since the light distribution control device for a vehicle headlight according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured as described above, the light distribution control process is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. First, the vehicle speed V and the steering angle φ are detected by the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the steering sensor 3, respectively. Then, the road curvature calculating means 10 calculates the road curvature ρ from the equations (1) and (2) based on the vehicle speed V and the steering angle φ, and the vehicle traveling position predicting means 4 calculates the calculated road curvature. Based on ρ, _a predicted time ta is set from a map as shown in FIG. 2 (step S10).

After the prediction time t _a is set, the vehicle traveling position prediction means 4 calculates the time t based on the vehicle speed V and the steering angle φ detected by the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the steering sensor 3, respectively.
The relative position of the vehicle after _a, i.e., the relative distance L _a and declination theta _a and a of the (3) of the vehicle 1 'in the vehicle 1 and the time t _a post at the present time equation (4) , And input to the optical axis angle target value calculating means 5 (step S20).

[0029] In the optical axis angle target value calculation means 5, based on the prediction of the vehicle traveling position prediction unit 4, where to the vehicle 1 is located after the time t _a, i.e., the optical axis angle to illuminate the vehicle 1 ' Set target values θ ₁ and θ ₂ . That is, setting the transverse optical axis angle target value theta ₂ in response to the deviation angle theta _a, sets the longitudinal optical axis angle target value theta ₁ so that the irradiation distance L of the headlight 9 is the distance L _a (Step S30).

Further, the optical axis angle target value calculating means 5 calculates
Optical axis angle target value θ set according to the position of vehicle 1 '₁, Θ
_TwoAccording to the relative position of the preceding vehicle 20 with respect to the host vehicle 1.
To correct. First, the preceding vehicle 20 is detected by the radar 11.
Out of the radar 11 by the preceding vehicle position calculating means 12.
Based on these information, the position of the preceding vehicle 20, that is, the preceding vehicle
Distance L between 20 and own vehicle 1_FAnd deviation from the vehicle center line
Angle θ_FIs calculated. Then, the optical axis angle target value correcting means 5
A, the position of the host vehicle 1 ′ with respect to the current position of the host vehicle 1
Relative position (distance L_a, Declination θ_a) And the phase of the preceding vehicle 20
Pair position (distance L _F, Declination θ_F) And the distance L_aBut
Distance L_FLarger and the declination θ_aAnd declination θ_FWith
Difference is within a certain range dθ_FIn the case of, irradiation of the headlight 9
Distance L is distance L_FSo that the vertical optical axis angle target value θ₁
Is corrected. (Step S40) The controller 7
The optical axis angle target value θ thus obtained₁, Θ_TwoBased on the optical axis
The actuator 8 is operated (Step S50).

[0031] Thus, according to this light distribution control device, the optical axis angle target value theta ₁ to illuminate the location to be predicted that the vehicle is positioned after the time t _a, since setting the theta _2,
The driver can easily grasp where the vehicle is traveling. As a result, if the location illuminated by the headlights 9 deviates from the original traveling position intended by the driver, for example, from the center of the driving lane, the driver attempts to shift the own vehicle from the center of the driving lane. It can be recognized that there is a shift or a shift, and it is expected to perform a steering operation to correct the shift.

That is, by operating the steering wheel so that the headlights 9 always illuminate the center of the traveling lane, the own vehicle naturally travels in the center of the traveling lane. In other words, the deviation from the center of the traveling lane at the place illuminated by the headlight 9 can guide the driver to travel in the center of the traveling lane.

Further, as the estimated time t _a is greater, with resulting to a distant road information, the deviation amount from the center of the traffic lane where they are illuminated by headlights 9, i.e., the degree of induction is also increased. However, in the case of a sharp curve, the perimeter road information is required rather than the distant road information. There is little room to operate the steering wheel.

[0034] In such a case, so that discomfort to the driver when the induction degree or have illuminated the distant or large, in the light distribution control unit, prediction time t _a
Is set so as to become smaller as the road curvature ρ becomes larger, that is, as the curve of the traveling lane becomes steeper, so that road information according to the curve situation is obtained, and the degree of guidance is also adjusted according to the curve situation. Thus, there is an advantage that the driver's discomfort can be reduced. Conversely, on a straight line with a high driver's margin, distant road information can be obtained and the degree of guidance increases, so that the driver can more accurately drive in the center of the driving lane.

Further, only when traveling in the center of the traveling lane
The driver is free to drive regardless of the lane
Headlights 9
Interval t _aBecause it illuminates the predicted location later,
The ba should accurately grasp the road conditions in the traveling direction of the vehicle.
There is also an advantage that can be. Also, ahead of your vehicle
If a vehicle is present, the optical axis angle target value θ₁, Θ_TwoTo the settings
Therefore, glare may occur in the preceding vehicle,
In this light distribution control device, the preceding vehicle is detected by the radar 11.
And the preceding vehicle position calculating means 12
Relative position to the vehicle (distance L_F, Declination θ_F)
And the optical axis angle target value θ according to the relative position.₁, Θ_TwoComplement
The glare of the preceding vehicle.
There is also the advantage that it can be prevented.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the prediction time t _a is a variable corresponding to the road curvature ρ, but it is of course possible to always use a fixed value regardless of the road curvature ρ. t _a may be selectable.

Furthermore, may also be irradiation distance L _a to set the estimated time t _a to be constant, this time,
The correction control of the optical axis angle target values θ ₁ and θ ₂ for preventing the occurrence of glare with respect to the preceding vehicle may be omitted. Predicted time t _a
Is a variable corresponding to the road curvature ρ, in the present embodiment, the road curvature ρ is calculated based on the vehicle speed V of the own vehicle and the steering wheel steering angle φ.
In order to obtain road image information, a camera for obtaining road image information ahead of the vehicle and image information processing means for processing the obtained image information are provided, and road white line information is extracted from road image information captured by the camera. Then, the road center line may be estimated based on the extracted road white line information, and the road curvature ρ may be calculated from the estimated road center line.

In this embodiment, the driving state detecting means is provided with the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the steering angle sensor 3. However, the driving state detecting means is further provided with an acceleration sensor and a steering angular velocity sensor so that the time t _{a can be} more accurately determined. The vehicle position at a later time may be predicted. That is, based on the acceleration α and the steering angular velocity ω detected by the acceleration sensor and the steering angular velocity sensor, respectively, the vehicle speed V (t) [V (t) = V +
α × t], the steering angle φ (t) [φ (t) = φ + ω × t], and the predicted vehicle speed V (t) and the lateral acceleration G (t) after the time t from the steering angle φ (t). t), the road curvature ρ (t) are calculated, and the vehicle speed V (t), the steering angle φ (t), and the lateral acceleration G are calculated.
(t), based on the road curvature [rho (t), the vehicle position after the time t _a, that is, the distance L _a to predict polarization angle theta _a.

[0039]

As described above in detail, according to the light distribution control device for a headlight of an automobile of the present invention, the headlight is arranged in a vertical direction so as to illuminate a place where the host vehicle is predicted to be located after a predetermined time. Since the target value of the optical axis angle and the target value of the lateral direction optical axis angle are set, the driver can easily know where the vehicle is traveling via the light of the headlights, and follow the traveling lane. Can be guided.
In other words, if the location illuminated by the headlights deviates from the original driving position intended by the driver, for example, from the center of the driving lane, the driver is trying to shift the own vehicle from the center of the driving lane, or The driver can naturally recognize that the vehicle is running in the center of the traveling lane by performing a steering operation that corrects the deviation, that is, a steering operation in which the headlights always illuminate the center of the traveling lane. Can be expected to be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a light distribution control device for a vehicle headlight as one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a map for setting a predicted time according to a light distribution control device for a vehicle headlight according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for describing calculation of an optical axis angle target value according to a light distribution control device for a vehicle headlight as one embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a case where there is no preceding vehicle, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a case where there is a preceding vehicle within the irradiation range of the headlight.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the light distribution control device for a vehicle headlight as one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Vehicle speed sensor 3 Steering angle sensor 4 Vehicle traveling position predicting means 5 Optical axis angle target value calculating means 5A Optical axis angle target value correcting means 6 Low pass filter 7 Controller (control means) 8 Optical axis actuator 9 Headlight 10 Road curvature calculating means 11 radar 12 preceding vehicle position calculating means 30 driving state detecting means

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A light distribution control device for a vehicle headlight capable of adjusting a vertical optical axis angle and a horizontal optical axis angle of a headlight via an optical axis actuator, and detects a driving state of a host vehicle. Driving state detecting means, vehicle traveling position predicting means for predicting a traveling position of the own vehicle after a predetermined time based on the driving state detected by the driving state detecting means, predicted by the vehicle traveling position predicting means An optical axis angle target value calculating means for calculating a vertical optical axis angle target value and a horizontal optical axis angle target value based on the traveling position of the host vehicle; and the vertical optical axis angle of the headlight and the horizontal optical axis angle. Control means for controlling the optical axis actuator so that the direction optical axis angle is equal to the vertical optical axis angle target value and the horizontal optical axis angle target value calculated by the optical axis angle target value calculating means. For automobiles, characterized by Light distribution control device of Doraito.