Abstract: In a vehicle lamp control apparatus, a control unit controls sub lamps in a first condition based on a main information signal including a turn signal or a steering angle signal, and in a second condition based on a sub information signal. A noticeability of the second condition is lower than a noticeability of the first condition.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for providing a fail-safe in a head lamp apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power-driven vehicle having at least one camera and at least one lamp, wherein the camera is provided to photograph at least part of the surrounding area of the power-driven vehicle, the lamp is used to illuminate at least sections of part of the surrounding area of the power-driven vehicle, and the lamp can be supplied by a power supply medium of the power-driven vehicle with power having a first frequency to generate the light.

Abstract: A multimode controller for LED light sources, especially sources in warning lights, such as light bars, provides for a temporary increase in brightness from the LEDs by providing a burst mode, in addition to a flashing mode and a continuous mode. The modes are carried out by programming a microprocessor which receives signals from control switches, which may be pressed and released. The programming precludes the burst mode to continue for longer than a predetermined time thereby ensuring that the power does not exceed the LEDs damage threshold characteristic. The controller thereby provides for temporary bursting to make visible the region in front of or around an emergency vehicle for a short period of time without the need for light sources dedicated solely to the high intensity brightness mode of operation of a warning light system.

Abstract: A multi-function vehicle light assembly (MVLA) that incorporates in a single enclosure a plurality of LED modules. Each module produces a white light that indicates that a vehicle is in reverse, an amber light that indicates that a vehicle is making a right or a left turn, and a red light that functions as a vehicle tail-light and to indicate that the brakes are being applied. Two embodiments are disclosed, in the first embodiment the plurality of LED modules directly produce a set of white, amber and red lights. In the second embodiment an LED module is utilized that includes blue, green and red LEDs that are selectively combined by an LED control circuit to produce the white, amber and red lights. Each embodiment also includes a set of control units for selecting which of the input signal lines are to be activated.

Abstract: A trailer light adapter that is adapted to supply signals to operate the lights of a towed vehicle from modulated signals of a lighting circuit of a towing vehicle, includes at least one input that is adapted to receive a modulated signal from the lighting circuit of the towing vehicle and at least one output that is adapted to supply an output signal to operate a light of the towed vehicle. The adapter further includes a decoder that is adapted to decode a modulated signal and to provide a decoded signal indicative of a desired state of the light of the towed vehicle. The adapter further includes a power circuit that is responsive to the decoded signal and is adapted to supply the output signal to operate the light of the towed vehicle. The adapter may be responsive to a variable voltage modulated signal, a pulse-width modulated signal, or the like.

Abstract: An automotive illumination device includes a dome lamp bulb, a transistor switch, an in-vehicle unit, a door status detection unit, and a microcontroller. When user's access to an automobile has been detected by the in-vehicle unit, the microcontroller controls ON/OFF operation of the transistor switch at duty ratio of 60 percent to turn on the dome lamp bulb at brightness of 60 percent (welcome illumination state or mode). When opening of a door of the automobile has been detected by the door status detection unit during the welcome illumination, the microcontroller controls the ON/OFF operation of the transistor switch to always close the transistor switch (at duty ratio of 100 percent) to illuminate the dome lamp bulb at brightness of 100 percent.

Abstract: A control circuit for adjusting a backlight color is provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the control circuit comprises an input device, a control unit, a backlight, and a plurality of pulse-width modulation units. The input device receives a plurality of external messages to generate a corresponding plurality of control signals. The control unit has a plurality of pins, implements a plurality of calculations based on the plurality of control signals, and generates a plurality of light-adjusting signals, each of which has a respective pulse width. The backlight has a plurality of light sources for a color mixing. Each of the pulse-width modulation units is correspondingly coupled to each of the pins and to each of the light sources, and adjusts a light of the each light source based on the respective pulse width.

Abstract: A variable lighting system (“VLS”) for optimizing object visibility at night by setting a base level of lighting, adding a variable light to that base level of lighting, and a synchronizing the timing and sequence of the base level of lighting and the variable lighting. The VLS varies the illumination by intensity, color, direction, or a combination thereof and optionally includes a detector for detecting motion, noise, and other occurrences. The VLS can be implemented as a fixed lighting source, a movable lighting source, or a vehicle mounted lighting source. The VLS improves visibility at night for viewers or motorists thereby reducing accidents and damage costs, saves energy, and improves the environment and enhances quality of life by reducing light pollution and light trespass.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp control system includes a target irradiating direction setting unit which sets, in accordance with a running condition of a vehicle, a target irradiating direction of the lamp. An actuator controls an irradiating direction of the lamp to be directed in the target irradiating direction based on a reference direction. The actuator includes a reference setting section which executes a reference setting operation to set the irradiating direction of the lamp to be directed in the reference direction. The target irradiating direction setting unit includes a condition determining section which determines whether the reference setting section has executed the reference setting operation, and a reference setting command section which, when the condition determining section determines that the reference setting section has not yet executed the reference setting operation, instructs the reference setting section to execute the reference setting operation.

Abstract: A rotation angle detecting device includes a rotating body rotating according to rotation of a vehicle pedal; a magnet attached to the rotating body; a magnetism detection element disposed facing the magnet at a predetermined interval from the magnet; and a first control circuit connected to the magnetism detection element. The center of the magnet is placed at the rotation center of the rotating body. The magnetism detection element detects magnetism of the magnet to output a detection signal. The first control circuit outputs an angle signal corresponding to a rotation angle of the rotating body according to the detection signal, and outputs a switching signal according to the rotation angle of the rotating body. The rotation angle detecting device reliably detects a rotation angle and turns a stop lamp on and off for example with a simple structure.

Abstract: A current-regulated light emitting device for vehicle use includes a light emitting unit and a current limiting unit. The current limiting unit includes first and second switches and first and second bias units. The first switch is for making and breaking an electrical circuit between the light emitting unit and an electric power source. The first bias unit is for causing the first switch to conduct so as to activate the light emitting unit when the first bias unit receives a drive voltage from the electric power source. The second bias unit is for causing the second switch to conduct when amount of current flowing through the first switch exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby turning off the first switch to interrupt current flow through the light emitting unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a power aggregation system. In one implementation, a service establishes individual Internet connections to numerous electric resources intermittently connected to the power grid, such as electric vehicles. The Internet connection may be made over the same wire that connects the resource to the power grid. The service optimizes power flows to suit the needs of each resource and each resource owner, while aggregating flows across numerous resources to suit the needs of the power grid. The service can bring vast numbers of electric vehicle batteries online as a new, dynamically aggregated power resource for the power grid. Electric vehicle owners can participate in an electricity trading economy regardless of where they plug into the power grid.

Abstract: If a beam state of headlight is manually switched over in a manual control mode, threshold values of vehicle speed, steering angle or the like, are learned for determining the switching over to the low-beam state or to the high-beam state based on the results detected by a speed sensor, illumination sensor, steering angle sensor and weather sensor, and are stored in a nonvolatile memory. In an automatic control mode, a CPU determines the switching over to the low-beam state or to the high-beam state based on the traveling condition detected by the illumination sensor by using the threshold values for determining the switching over learned in the manual control mode. The CPU automatically switches over the state of the beam of the headlight based upon the determination result.

Abstract: A lighting control device for a vehicle lighting device is arranged so that loads applied to switching regulators are about equal when driving multiple semiconductor light sources (e.g., LEDs) as multifunctional lamps through the switching regulators. The LEDs are divided into two groups. The LEDs belonging to the first group are driven to be turned ON through a first switching regulator and the LEDs belonging to the second group are driven to be turned ON through a second switching regulator. Maximum values of power to be supplied to the LEDs are set to be about equal to each other, and loads to be applied to the switching regulators are about equal to each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a power aggregation system. In one implementation, a service establishes individual Internet connections to numerous electric resources intermittently connected to the power grid, such as electric vehicles. The Internet connection may be made over the same wire that connects the resource to the power grid. The service optimizes power flows to suit the needs of each resource and each resource owner, while aggregating flows across numerous resources to suit the needs of the power grid. The service can bring vast numbers of electric vehicle batteries online as a new, dynamically aggregated power resource for the power grid. Electric vehicle owners can participate in an electricity trading economy regardless of where they plug into the power grid.

Abstract: Wiper Lights Device described in the present patent application is a system which automatically turns on the automobile's headlights and tail lights upon the activation of windshield wipers

Abstract: The automated switching of a vehicle lighting system is to be made more reliable. To this end, it is provided that the entire data flow from the sensors to a lighting device, which receives the control signals from a transmission module, is implemented in dual-track fashion throughout. This provides the corresponding redundancy and increases the required reliability. It is provided, in particular, to transmit to the lighting device a control signal and a correspondingly negated signal, so that the lighting device is able to check whether the data processing and data transmission are free of faults.

Abstract: A lighting control device of a lighting device for a vehicle includes a switching regulator for supplying a driving current to a semiconductor light source. The lighting control device also includes control means having a current detecting portion for detecting the driving current and serving to control dimming of the semiconductor light source in order to reduce a mean current of the driving current by repeating driving and stopping operations of the switching regulator at a high speed upon receipt of a dimming control signal. The current detecting portion has a current holding portion for holding the driving current, detected for a driving period of the switching regulator, for a stopping period after a passage of the driving period.

Abstract: A lighting device for lighting a high-pressure discharge lamp 2 having an outer tube, an interior of which is substantially under vacuum. The lighting device includes a ballast 3 having at least a current limiting element and a high-voltage pulse generating circuit 4 for generating a high-voltage pulse, and also includes a lighting discriminating means 8 for discriminating between lighting and non-lighting of the discharge lamp 2, a timer circuit 9 for setting a predetermined period of time, and a pulse-stop control means 10 for stopping generation of the high-voltage pulse. When the lighting discriminating means 8 discriminates non-lighting after lighting has been discriminated, generation of the high-voltage pulse is stopped within the predetermined period of time set by the timer circuit 9.

Abstract: A method of manually overriding automatic activation of an automatic headlight control system for a motor vehicle, headlamps operable in a high beam state and a low beam state, a high/low beam switch movable from a neutral position to a latched position and from a neutral position to a non-latched position for controlling the state of the headlamps and a headlamp on/off switch comprising a multi-position switch with at least a selectively automatic headlamp position is disclosed. The system includes forward-facing sensor for collecting light emanating from for instance a second vehicle, and a controller for controlling, when the headlamp switch is detected as being in the automatic headlamp position, the headlamp states as a function of the sensed intensity of the beam of light emanating from said second vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conveying information. One or more information signals representing scalar or numeric information that is not associated with color is/are received from a data base, a network, the World Wide Web, or a software program. The information signal(s) is/are converted into one or more illumination control signals representing at least color information, and a color of illumination generated by one or more LED-based light sources is controlled in response to the illumination control signal(s) so as to convey the scalar or numeric information via at least the color of the generated illumination.

Abstract: In a process in which a current is supplied from a switching regulator to multi-chip LEDs, the forward voltages of the LEDs are respectively detected in forward detecting circuits. The detected values are sent to a microcomputer. In the microcomputer, detected values when the multi-chip LEDs are initially turned on are stored as initial values. A first abnormality deciding value is set from the initial value. The detected values are sequentially stored as updated values. Second abnormality deciding values having conditions stricter than those of the first abnormality deciding value are sequentially set in accordance with the stored updated value. A read value is compared with the first abnormality deciding value or the read value is compared with the second abnormality deciding value to decide whether or not the abnormality of the LEDs is present. When it is decided that the LEDs are abnormal, an LED is turned on to inform a driver of the presence of the abnormality.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp control system includes a target irradiating direction setting unit which sets, in accordance with a running condition of a vehicle, a target irradiating direction of the lamp. An actuator controls an irradiating direction of the lamp to be directed in the target irradiating direction based on a reference direction. The actuator includes a reference setting section which executes a reference setting operation to set the irradiating direction of the lamp to be directed in the reference direction. The target irradiating direction setting unit includes a condition determining section which determines whether the reference setting section has executed the reference setting operation, and a reference setting command section which, when the condition determining section determines that the reference setting section has not yet executed the reference setting operation, instructs the reference setting section to execute the reference setting operation.

Abstract: There are provided a display apparatus and a display method, with which compressed image data that is to be decompressed can be transmitted to the display apparatus in an environment in which a transmission capacity is not always secured, and good image display is realized. An example of the display apparatus is an active matrix display apparatus formed by using thin-film transistors formed on an insulating substrate. In the active matrix display apparatus, a circuit that receives an image data signal from an external system via a non-contact transmission path and amplifies the image data signal, a circuit that processes the image data signal, and a memory circuit that stores the processed image data are integrated on the insulating substrate.

Abstract: An embodiment of this invention relates to an intelligent lighting device that can receive signals and change the illumination conditions as a result of the received signals. The lighting device can change hue, saturation, and brightness as a response to received signals. One example of using such a lighting device is to display particular colors as a response to certain events. Among others, embodiments may include vehicle lighting systems, an information cube, a back lighting system for a display panel, and an indicator of a condition of a package.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system has primary and auxiliary systems, which operate exclusively depending upon the selected operational mode. The problem addressed is availability of civilian vehicles for alternative operations including military operations, where the conventional lighting system cannot be used. The control arrangement mimics contemporary military systems, while meeting all military requirements.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling driving forces supplied to left and right wheels of a vehicle, for effectively inhibiting oversteer and understeer states, includes driving force adjusting device for adjusting driving forces supplied to the left and the right rear wheels, first controlling device for controlling the driving force adjusting device such that a wheel speed difference between the left and the right rear wheels coincides with a target wheel speed difference, and second controlling device for controlling the driving force adjusting device such that a yaw momentum of the vehicle coincides with a target yaw momentum. If the vehicle is in an understeer state, the contribution of the second controlling device is increased relative to that the first controlling device and if the vehicle is in an oversteer state, the contribution of the first controlling device is increased relative to that of the second controlling device.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp has light source units connected in parallel, an output controlling switch operable to intermittently carry an electric current by repeating on and off, an output coil operable to output electric power according to current flowing into said output controlling switch in synchronization when said output switch switches, a selection controlling unit operable to select at least one said light source unit in synchronization when said output controlling switch switches and cause said at least one selected light source to receive the power output from said output coil, and a malfunction detecting unit operable to detect malfunction of each of said light source units, wherein said selection controlling unit selects at least one said light source unit among said light source units from which malfunction is not detected when said malfunction detecting unit detects malfunction of either of said light source units.

Abstract: A light emitting device includes an input node set, a light emitting unit including at least one light emitting element connected across first and second nodes of the input node set, an impedance matching element having a first end connected to the first node, a switch unit connected between a second end of the impedance matching element and the second node, and a control unit connected in parallel to the light emitting unit and connected to the switch unit. The control unit is operable so as to control the switch unit to operate in an ON-state, where the switch unit makes connection between the impedance matching element and the second node when the first node is applied with an AC input power signal, or an OFF-state, where the switch unit interrupts connection between the impedance matching element and the second node when the first node is applied with a DC input power signal for a predetermined period.

Abstract: An integrated circuit has an input connection for connecting an external signal conductor that passes signals to execute functions in the device. The external signal conductor can pick up strong interfering signals with high frequency content, for example when the device is used in a car. To protect against unintended execution of functions the device contains a timer circuit comprising a capacitance and a current supplying circuit coupled to an integration node. A discharge diode is coupled between the input connection and the integration node, with a polarity such that the discharge diode, when in forward bias, is capable of draining current from the current supplying circuit. A detector is coupled to the integration node for generating a signal to be supplied to the integrated circuit device to respond to a signal transition on the conductor. The diode serves to reset integration on the integration node before the detector detects the transition in case of short pulses.

Abstract: Lighting or indicating apparatus for a motor vehicle comprises in particular a light emitting element which includes a reflector, a light source, and a casing which defines a set of faces, comprising side, lower and upper faces. There is, optionally, at least one opening formed in at least one of the said faces and having removable obturating means. The lighting or indicating apparatus is adapted to be combined with at least one complementary module with the aid of at least one pair of assembly elements comprising a guiding slide and a projecting element. The projecting element is adapted to be inserted at least into one end of the guiding slide with which it is associated, and to slide in the said guiding slide. Each of the assembly elements of one pair of assembly elements is disposed either on the headlight element or on the module. The two assembly elements in one assembly pair are not both disposed on the light emitting element; nor are they both disposed on the module.

Abstract: In an illumination control apparatus which drives headlamps in a PWM mode and automatically lights them at low power in a vehicle when the DRL executing condition is held, failure in a PWM-drive switching device and break failure in the lamp are detected as well as the arrangement of control units is optimized and meeting models is facilitated. A relay which switches between lamps and a power source, a CPU which is connected to a CAN and drive-controls the relay for manual lighting, and an integrator circuit which integrates voltage of drive side terminals of the lamps are disposed in a main control unit. An FET which switches between the lamps and the power source, a CPU which drive-controls the FET for automatic lighting, and a power source connecting resister having a resistance value greater enough than that of the lamp that drive side terminals of the lamps are connected to the power source through an ignition switch contact of the vehicle are disposed in a DRL control unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a high-pressure metal-vapor discharge lamp lighting apparatus comprising control circuit constituted to supply a lamp power larger than a rated lamp power from lighting circuit and light a high-pressure metal-vapor discharge lamp and to subsequently control the lighting circuit in such a manner that the lamp power is successively reduced in accordance with predetermined reduction ratio characteristics to settle at the rated lamp power and to be capable of varying the reduction ratio characteristics in accordance with fluctuations of rising characteristics of a quantity of light in the high-pressure metal-vapor discharge lamp.

Abstract: A lighting circuit for lighting a vehicular lamp including a light-emitting diode, includes: a switching regulator for applying an output voltage based on a power-supply voltage received from a DC power supply provided in the outside thereof to the light-emitting diode so as to supply a supply current to the light-emitting diode; an abnormal state detector for detecting an abnormal state of the lighting circuit based on at least one of the output voltage of the switching regulator, the supply current and the power-supply voltage; and an output controlling unit for controlling the output voltage of the switching regulator based on the supply current or the output voltage of the switching regulator and lowering the output voltage of the switching regulator in a case where the abnormal state detector detected the abnormal state.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp, including: a plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices connected in parallel; a plurality of current limiting units provided corresponding to the plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices, wherein the plurality of current limiting units connect with the corresponding semiconductor light emitting devices respectively in series, and limit electric current flowing through the corresponding semiconductor light emitting devices respectively; and a current control unit for changing electric current to be supplied to at least one of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp used for a vehicle includes a semiconductor light emitting element for emitting light, a resistor for current detection for causing a current detection voltage in response to a current flowing through the semiconductor light emitting element, the resistor being coupled in series to the semiconductor light emitting element, a serial diode being coupled in series to the resistor for current detection and the semiconductor light emitting element in a forward direction, and an open circuit detecting unit for detecting an open circuit of the semiconductor light emitting element based on a sum voltage, which is a sum of a forward voltage of the serial diode and the current detection voltage.

Abstract: A vehicle marker light assembly including a plurality of preferably serially-connected, programmable light unit modules, each module having a microcontroller and a plurality of LEDs.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp used for a vehicle, includes a semiconductor light emitting element for generating light to be emitted by the vehicular lamp and a current controlling unit for changing a current supplied to the semiconductor light emitting element based on the speed of the vehicle. The current controlling unit may reduce the current, if the speed of the vehicle is lower than a predetermined speed. The current controlling unit may reduce the current, if the vehicle is stopped.

Abstract: A dimmer for vehicle use of the present invention has a circuitry in which an output part of an amplifier in an oscillating circuit is grounded through a diode and a ground resistor in series, an anode of the diode is coupled to the output part, and a junction point between a cathode of the diode and the ground resistor is coupled to a non-inversion input part through a feedback resistor. The dimmer can subject stable brightness prevented from changing in response to ambient temperature in the simple and inexpensive circuitry.

Abstract: An embodiment of this invention relates to an intelligent lighting device that can receive signals and change the illumination conditions as a result of the received signals. The lighting device can change hue, saturation, and brightness as a response to received signals. One example of using such a lighting device is to display particular colors as a response to certain events. Among others, embodiments may include vehicle lighting systems, an information cube, a back lighting system for a display panel, and an indicator of a condition of a package.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle, a filament lamp is mounted in a connecting device. A vehicle electrical system has a system or network voltage which is higher than a nominal lamp voltage. The device incorporates a voltage reduction circuit which reduces a voltage from its network value to approximately the nominal lamp voltage, while also retaining the lamp itself and connecting it electrically.

Abstract: A method of monitoring faults in a vehicle bulb circuit including bulb and a fuse. The method includes detecting acceleration of the vehicle and comparing the acceleration of the vehicle to a limit. Based on the relationship of the acceleration to the limit, it is determined whether a fault exists in the bulb circuit. An indicator is activated in response to detecting a fault in the bulb circuit. A system for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to circuits for operation over a range of voltages, more particularly for a vehicle lamp circuit that provides lighting over a range of voltages. The invention provides a circuit that allows the operation of an LED array lamp over a range of voltage. This is achieved by making use of three-terminal adjustable regulators. One of the three-terminal regulators is configured as a voltage regulator. It regulates the voltage by a connection to a voltage divider. A second three-terminal regulator is connected to the voltage regulator. The second regulator is configured to be a current regulator with the current set by one resistor. This circuit can be further modified with additional adjustable three-terminal regulators to increase in functionality.

Abstract: A device enables automatic switching of color of a luminescent dashboard in response to changes in driving speed of a car. The device also includes a luminance sensor and a commutating circuit that enable both automatic and manual actuating of a dashboard lamp when a reduced luminance in surrounding environment is sensed by the device.

Abstract: An electrical control circuit for an automotive lamp module having an integrated ON/OFF switch to activate and deactivate the driver circuit associated with the lamp such that the driver circuit is only turned on when either the primary ON/OFF switch or a remote, door-ajar switch is closed. A microprocessor is used to respond to low-level current conditions indicative of a closed switch. A timer turns the driver OFF after a predetermined duration of continuous operation.

Abstract: A light-controlling device of this invention includes a controlling circuit having a function for turning an incandescent lamp and an LED off simultaneously, which have different minimum voltages each other at predetermined illumination. When illumination of the lamp and the LED decrease to the predetermined illumination by rotating an operating section of a variable resistor, the controlling circuit turns the lamp and the LED off based on a signal from a detecting switch linked with rotating operation of the operating section. As a result, an operator does not feel strange.

Abstract: An illuminating speaker assembly for use in the passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a flat panel speaker for converting electrical audio signals into sound waves. The flat panel speaker utilizes a light-permeable, sound-producing panel. A light source is positioned within the flat panel speaker for generating light that passes through the light-permeable, sound-producing panel.

Abstract: A switching mechanism for controlling vehicle headlights, turn signals, and emergency flashers includes a housing mounted on a control stock rigidly mounted to the vehicle steering column. The housing includes depressions for each of the functions, and light source and optical responsive switch on opposite sides of each depression, the light source being aimed at the optical switch whereby a light beam traverses the depression. A controller is responsive to interruption of the beam by the vehicle operator placing a finger in the depression to control the corresponding vehicle function. The mechanism includes an algorithm executable on a microprocessor for controlling the turn signal switching function. The microprocessor receives input signals from switches activated by the vehicle operator and a vehicle speed sensor, and based on the algorithm, the turn signal function is controlled.

Abstract: The headlamp system of the present invention provides a reduced amount of illumination adjacent a driver's line of sight while providing a maintained or increased level of illumination from a source that is offset from the driver's line of sight.