Abstract: A driving device for driving a light source module (34) includes a power stage circuit (31), a transformer and resonance circuit (32), a current balancing circuit (33), a voltage sensing circuit (35) and a PWM controller (37). The power stage circuit converts a received direct current (DC) signal to an alternating current (AC) signal. The transformer and resonance circuit converts the AC signal to an appropriate signal to drive the light source module. The current balancing circuit is connected between the transformer and resonance circuit and the light source module, for balancing current flowing through the light source module. The voltage sensing circuit is connected to the transformer and resonance circuit, for sensing a voltage level of the appropriate signal provided to the light source module. The PWM controller is connected between the voltage sensing circuit and the power stage circuit, for controlling output thereof according to the sensed voltage level.

Abstract: The bonding light and dipped beam headlamp for a motor vehicle comprises at least two light sources with at least one first source having a cut-off of the dipped beam type and at least one second source having a cut-off of the flat type, which is placed outside the first source so as to illuminate into a turn to its side; means that are sensitive to the trajectory of the vehicle so as to supply a signal that depends on the nature of the route followed by the vehicle; and means for increasing the brightness of the flat cut-off source in the event of a turn to the side of this source, in response to the supplied signal.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vehicle includes at least one additional lamp provided on a left side of a front of the vehicle; at least one additional lamp provided on a right side of the front of the vehicle; a steering-angle sensor that detects a steering angle and a steering direction of a steering wheel, and outputs a steering-angle signal and a steering-direction signal; and a control device that controls the additional lamps based on the steering-angle signal and the steering-direction signal.

Abstract: In a light control device for a vehicle, a control portion determines whether an illuminance detected by an illuminance sensor reaches a first reference illuminance, and performs a turning on or off control of lights of the vehicle based on the determined result. When the control portion receives an external environment change signal from an environment change detecting means, the control portion uses a second reference illuminance higher than the first reference illuminance, instead of the first reference illuminance, and performs the turning on or off control when the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor reaches the second reference illuminance. Accordingly, vehicle lights can be suitably turned on or off in accordance with an external environment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge (HID) assembly comprises ballast circuits which includes a micro-controller, and an HID headlamp. In order to deter theft of the HID assembly from a vehicle, the micro-controller communicates with a vehicle computer, checks the VIN of the vehicle, and if the micro-controller does not recognize the VIN, causes the HID headlamp to operate in a flickering power output mode. The ballast circuits include a power control circuit, a lamp current regulator, a 400v regulator, a current sense circuit, a turn-on synchronization circuit, a shut down circuit, and a pulse width modulator.

Abstract: A vehicle imaging system includes an imaging array sensor having a field of view directed outwardly from the vehicle and toward an external scene, first and second optic elements, and a control responsive to an output of the imaging array sensor. The imaging array sensor has at least first and second portions, with the first optic element positioned along a first optic path between the first portion of the imaging array sensor and the external scene, and the second optic element positioned along a second optic path between the second portion of the imaging array sensor and the external scene. The control processes the output and distinguishes the first image and the second image in order to identify objects of interest in the external scene. The control generates a control output in response to the processing.

Abstract: A lighting device control apparatus used in a vehicle which includes a headlight for illuminating a running direction of the vehicle; a first lighting device provided at a side of an external mirror of the vehicle; a second lighting device provided at a front side of the external mirror; and a direction indicator operating device, operated by a driver of the vehicle, for indicating the running direction of the vehicle, wherein the direction indicator operating device controls at least the on/off state of the first lighting device. The apparatus has a lighting device control device for producing a daytime on-state of the second lighting device, according to an on state of the headlight and an operational position of an ignition switch of the vehicle. The second lighting device, conventionally used as a direction indicator, can be used as a daytime running light for improving the visibility in the daytime.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicular lamp that can reduce a high-frequency noise occurring between a primary side and a secondary side of an anode voltage applying coil at low cost. The vehicular lamp includes a cold cathode fluorescent lamp having a cathode, a gate, and an anode, and an anode voltage applying coil operable to apply an acceleration voltage between the cathode and the anode of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp, in which one end of a secondary side of the anode voltage applying coil is connected to a reference potential of a primary side. Moreover, the vehicular lamp further includes an anode current detecting unit operable to detect an electric current flowing between a connecting point to the reference potential in the secondary side of the anode voltage applying coil and the cold cathode fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: An arc discharge light source (10) for automotive headlight applications comprises an arc tube (12) having a hollow body (14) arrayed along a longitudinal axis (16) and provided with first and second ends (18, 20). The first and second ends have, respectively, first and second jointure areas (22, 24) with the hollow body (14). Electrodes (26, 28) are sealed respectively in each of the first and second ends (18, 20). An arc generating and sustaining medium is contained within the hollow body. a low-voltage-pulse starting aid (30) is associated with the arc tube and comprises an electrically conductive member (32) having an intermediate portion (34) and proximal and distal ends (36, 38). The intermediate portion (34) extends the length of the hollow body (14) and the proximal and distal ends (36, 38) each terminating in a loop (40, 42) comprised of a single turn of electrically conductive material.

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 multi-functional high intensity discharge automobile headlamp features a circuit board installed within a system control box. The circuit board comprise a circuit for automatic detection and protection so that the voltages of the near lights and far lights can be determined and correctly switched, a circuit for DC/DC conversion connected to a far/near light switch and a DC/AC voltage regulator so that the voltages necessary for the near or far lights can be supplied, a circuit for voltage regulation and high-voltage starting so that the high-voltage power can be suitably controlled, a circuit for near light high-voltage control, a circuit for far light high-voltage control and a DC/AC voltage regulator for providing a low-frequency, square-wave, AC signal for voltage regulation.

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: A headlamp apparatus for a vehicle accurately detects a straight steering position in a steering device of the vehicle, thereby controlling a light distribution characteristic of a headlamp of the vehicle. In a headlamp apparatus for a vehicle including a controller for controlling a light distribution of a headlamp based on a steering angle of a steering device of the vehicle, the controller detects a straight steering position based on an origin position signal obtained when each of wheel speeds SPDL and SPDR of left and right wheels (front wheels 3LF and 3RF) of the vehicle is at least a reference value ? and a difference in the speed is equal to or lower than a reference value ? on the basis of an origin position signal PZ to be output from the steering device for each rotation of a steering wheel and the difference in the speed.

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: The present invention relates to a headlight lamp (110) having a multifunction structure in which a lighting angle of a headlight of a vehicle is automatically and manually controlled based on a running speed of a vehicle, a brightness of a headlight of an opponent vehicle and a surrounding brightness of a vehicle. The headlight lamp (110) includes a plurality of high angle headlight filaments (115), capable of lighting for providing a high angle beam to a vehicle, a plurality of low angle headlight filaments (111) capable of lighting for providing a low angle beam to the vehicle, low angle headlight reflection covers (112) provided in the low angle headlight filaments (111) respectively, for thereby allowing the light from the low angle headlight filaments (111) to have a low beam pattern angle, and external connection terminals.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicular lamp that can prevent excess current from flowing between an anode and a cathode at the lighting-up start to prevent a damage and life shortening of a cold cathode fluorescent lamp at low cost. The vehicular lamp includes: a cold cathode fluorescent lamp having a cathode, a gate, and an anode; and a lighting controlling unit operable to pre-discharge electricity from the cathode to the gate prior to lighting of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp, in which the lighting controlling unit applies a voltage between the cathode and the anode after once lowering a voltage between the cathode and the gate and then again applies an extraction voltage between the cathode and the gate in order to begin to discharge electricity from the cathode to the anode. The lighting controlling unit may pre-discharge electricity from the cathode to the gate until the temperature of the cathode is substantially equal to that of lighting-up time.

Abstract: An auxiliary lighting systems for use with snow plows and like front-mounted vehicle accessories is disclosed which facilitates the interconnection of such auxiliary lighting systems to the lighting system of a vehicle upon which the vehicle accessory is mounted to provide power to and to control the auxiliary lights with the lighting system of the vehicle. The independent lighting system provides first and second harness portions for respective installation on the vehicle and the vehicle accessory, with the first harness portion having a first configuration when it is not connected to the second harness portion and a second configuration when it is connected to the second harness portion. The first configuration allow the headlights on the vehicle top operate, while the second configuration allows only the headlights on the vehicle accessory to operate, with changes between the first and second configurations being accomplished without the need for a switch or a relay.

Abstract: An automatic headlamp control system includes an image sensor and a control. The image sensor captures an image of a forward exterior scene and the control processes the image to determine if any light sources in the captured image are indicative of headlamps of oncoming vehicles or taillights of leading vehicles. The control adjusts the state of the headlamps between a high beam state and a lower beam state in response to such processing, and may adjust the beam illumination state of one headlamp independent of adjustment of the beam illumination state of the other headlamp. The control adjusts one headlamp to its lower beam state in response to a detection of a headlamp of an approaching vehicle in the forward field of view, and adjusts or maintains the beam illumination state of the other headlamp independent of the adjustment of the first headlamp in response to the detection.

Abstract: Flashlights having selectively controllable brightness levels, a preferred embodiment of which comprises in combination: a battery; a light emitter assembly; a switch in circuit with the battery and the light emitter assembly, the switch having a first OFF position and a second OFF position, the first ON position coupling the battery to the light emitter assembly for producing a first light output, and a second ON position coupling the battery to the light emitter assembly for producing a second light output; and a switch actuator adapted to be coupled to the switch alternatively in its first OFF position and its second OFF position, the switch actuator when coupled in its first OFF position is translatable by a first distance placing the switch in its first ON position and translatable by a second distance placing the switch in its second ON position, the switch actuator when coupled in its second OFF position is translatable by a third distance placing the switch in its first ON position.

Abstract: Lamp units for radiating a beam ahead of a vehicle in a light distribution pattern are housed in a lamp body. Illumination of the auxiliary lamp units is controlled based on driving conditions. Illumination control means extinguish light through dimming by gradually decreasing voltage applied to the light sources. When the applied voltage has dropped to a threshold value, the applied voltage is controlled to zero immediately. Compared to when the lamps remaining in an illuminated state are suddenly extinguished, a change in quantity of light is mild, and no uncertainty arises. Below a threshold value where the applied voltage gradually drops to the threshold value and a change may arise in the filament crystalline structure due to annealing at a transition temperature, the applied voltage approaches zero. Hence, the filament does not pass from the transition temperature while being rapidly cooled, thus avoiding filament crystalline structure change.

Abstract: A headlamp is used as an emergency light by removably mounting the headlamp and connecting the headlamp to a rechargeable battery source separate from and in addition to the connection to the vehicle electrical system, so that the headlamp is operated normally and when needed is removable and has a separate power source. Such a rechargeable lamp can be mounted in the trunk or elsewhere in the vehicle.

Abstract: A headlight adapter and an interior lighting adapter provide remote control operation of a filament in a headlight and of an interior light of a vehicle, respectively. The remote control of the headlight allows the use of a multifilament headlight which can replace a normal headlight and provide such additional lighting as fog lights and emergency flashing headlights. The remote control interior lighting adapter allows a person approaching a vehicle to turn on an interior light, such as a dome light, without unlocking the doors of the vehicle before entering the vehicle. The headlight adapter, with an additional wire carrying a constant battery voltage to the headlight adapter, provides temporary light from the headlights for security and convenience when a driver is approaching or leaving the vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicular lamp that can flow an electric current having a predetermined variation ratio into each of a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting element units and can individually illuminate each of the plurality of semiconductor light-emitting element units.

Abstract: An electronically controlled retractable landing light (100) for use with aircraft. A controller (106) compares the commanded position of a lighthead (108) by means of a contactless absolute position sensor (212). Operation of a brake (111), motor (110), and lamp (112) is controlled by a control unit (210). Electrical power to the brake (111), motor (110), and lamp (112) is slowly applied and removed to reduce electromagnetic emissions and extend the service life of a power stage (208), brake (111), motor (110), and lamp (112). The lighthead (108) may be manually stowed in the event of a fault.

Abstract: A lighting circuit for lighting a vehicular lamp including a plurality of light-emitting diodes, includes: a selection unit for selecting the number of light-emitting diodes to be connected in series in the vehicular lamp based on an instruction from the outside; a switching regulator for applying an output voltage based on a power-supply voltage output by an external DC power supply to the selected number of light-emitting diodes to be connected in series, so as to supply a supply current to the selected number of light-emitting diodes; and an output controlling unit for controlling the output voltage of the switching regulator based on the supply current.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp controlling device (1) is provided with a first driving circuit (11) for driving a lamp (L), a first control system (5) for turning the lamp (L) on by driving the first driving circuit (11) in accordance with the input of an ON-signal from the switch (SW), and a second control system (3, 9) for blinking the lamp (L) by intermittently controlling the driven state of the first driving circuit (11) in accordance with the ON-signal.

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: An irradiating direction control apparatus includes an identifier for determining a difference in a load state of the vehicle corresponding to a passenger or carrying capacity. In an initialization performed to eliminate influence of an installation error of a vehicle height detector, a storage device stores data indicative of the installation error, based on a difference between a reference vehicle height corresponding to a load state of the vehicle determined by the identifier, and an actual vehicle height. Then, an irradiation controller obtains the attitude of the vehicle from vehicle height data corrected by using data stored in the storage device for vehicle height detection data, and controls a direction of an optical axis of irradiation of a lighting unit. The reference vehicle height value is changed corresponding to the vehicle load state in initialization, thereby reducing a control error related to the correction of the optical axis of irradiation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatic control of illumination devices, in particular of a motor vehicle, include a brightness sensor which delivers first signals, the illumination devices are switched off after a time interval that begins at the point in time at which the first signals exceed or fall below a first threshold. The length of the time interval is modifiable, and in particular, is capable of being extended.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining whether the gas pedal, the brake pedal or neither pedal of a motor vehicle is being actuated, is described. Vehicle braking lights may be replaced with signal lights adapted to be observable by drivers of vehicles following a vehicle bearing the subject indicator lights, such that the status of the vehicle ahead can be determined. Additionally, other locations for the present signal lights on a vehicle may provide similar information to drivers and pedestrians viewing the vehicle from other directions.

Abstract: A daytime running light module for controlling the illumination of dual filament bulbs that act as vehicle parking lights and turn lights. The daytime running light module includes a pair of switches that are interconnected between the front vehicular lights and a power source to control the light emitted from the vehicular lights of the vehicle. The module operates to control when each filament of the two filament bulb or system is illuminated, such that the brighter filament of the bulb will be illuminated when the operator wishes to draw attention to the vehicle for safety purposes. The module may either automatically or manually control the light output as desired by the operator.

Abstract: A discharge lamp is supplied with electric power of a negative voltage boosted by a DC/DC converter and electric power of a positive voltage given from a DC source.

Abstract: A night vision system for a vehicle includes a first light source for illuminating a region proximate the vehicle, the light source generating a first night vision pulse signal. The system further includes a light sensor receiving a second night vision pulse signal from an approaching vehicle, wherein the second night vision pulse blinds the first night vision pulse signal. A controller shifts pulses from the first night vision pulse signal in a different direction than pulses from the second night vision pulse signal until an anti-blinding of the first night vision pulse signal by the second night vision pulse signal is achieved.

Abstract: A vehicular headlamp including a beam radiation unit that has a discharge bulb as a light source and is rotatably supported in a lamp body, an illumination circuit unit that illuminates the discharge bulb, and a cord that connects the illumination circuit unit and the discharge bulb, the cord being held at its middle portion so as to be prevented from being moved around with respect to the lamp body.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the in situ orientation of the headlamps of a vehicle, from a camera that is mounted in the headlamp, as a function of the attitude of the vehicle. A camera is secured to a reflector of the headlamp so as to film the road extending in front of the vehicle. An image processing unit processes at least two successive images in order to detennine a measured horizon line of the road scene in front of the vehicle. A setpoint horizon line has been determined beforehand during initial adjustment of the headlamp. The real horizon line is then brought closer to the setpoint horizon line by modifying the orientation of the headlamp, until the distance between the measured line and the setpoint line tends towards zero.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp used in a vehicle, includes: a light source for emitting light in accordance with power given thereto; a lamp body for accommodating the light source and protecting the light source from water; a first resistor provided in the outside of the lamp body and connected in series with the light source; and a current limiting circuit, provided in the inside of the lamp body, for preventing an excess current supplied to the light source in a case where dump surge occurs in a supplied voltage or current to be supplied to the light source.

Abstract: An auto-operated dip switching mechanism includes a strong-light detector, a strong-light signal circuit, and a switching control circuit. The strong-light detector is mounted to a front end of a car to detect light projected from an opposite coming car. The strong-light detector is induced when the light projected thereto has intensity exceeded a preset value, and causes the strong-light signal circuit to produce a strong-light signal, with which the switching control circuit is immediately enabled to switch headlights of the car from high beams to low beams. And, the switching control circuit automatically switches the car from low beams to high beams when the strong-light signal circuit stops sending the strong-light signal.

Abstract: A voltage booster of a headlight is connected between a power supply and a headlight and comprises a high frequency circuit, a voltage boost circuit, a rectified circuit, and a high frequency control circuit. The voltage booster comprises an over current sensing circuit connected in front of the headlight and a relay connected between the headlight and the power supply end. When the voltage booster is over circuit, power will supply to the headlight directly. By the voltage booster, the illumination of the headlight is increased and voltage can be stabilized.

Abstract: A lamp driving apparatus includes a controller, generating a control signal for lighting at least one of plural sets of lamps, each set having at least a first lamp and a second lamp, and generating a switching signal; and a lamp driver, supplying power to the at least one of sets of lamps in accordance with both of the control signal and the switching signal. The switching signal causes the lamp driver to apply voltage to the first lamp and the second lamp of each of the at least one of sets of lamps with a shift of a prescribed time.

Abstract: A vehicle light controller that facilitates recognition of a vehicle. The controller includes a portable device having a communication function. A lighting device is arranged in the vehicle and has a vehicle entering mode and a vehicle exiting mode with changeable lighting patterns. A first controller and a second controller are connected to the lighting device and communicate with the portable device. The first controller illuminates the lighting device in the vehicle entering mode when communication with the portable device is established and changes the lighting pattern of the lighting device in the vehicle entering mode when a first condition is satisfied. The second controller illuminates the lighting device in the vehicle exiting mode when communication with the portable device is established and a second condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling vehicle headlamps including an image sensor and a controller to generate headlamp control signals.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling exterior vehicle lights includes an image sensor and a controller to generate control signals. The control signals are derived based on information obtained from the image sensor as well as other detected parameters pertaining to the detected light source(s), the vehicle having the inventive control system, and the ambient environment. The control circuit may simply turn certain exterior lights on or off, or change the brightness, aim, focus, etc. to produce various beam patterns that maximize the illuminated area in front of the vehicle without causing excessive glare in the eyes of other drivers.

Abstract: A secondary headlight system for detecting and compensating for failure of an automotive vehicle's low beam headlight, includes: (a) at least one photoresistor; (b) fiberoptics connected to the photoresistor; (c) at least one potentiometer; (d) at least one NPN transistor operably connected to the photoresistor and the potentiometer; (e) at least one switching relay operably connected to the potentiometer and the NPN transistor; (f) at least one power resistor operably connected to the switching relay; and (g) an automatic reset subsystem comprising at least one capacitor and at least one light emitting diode, the light emitting diode being operably connected to the capacitor and the transistor; wherein the secondary headlight system is connected to a power supply of the vehicle, and a low beam headlight of the vehicle, the failure of which is to be detected and compensated for; and wherein when the low beam headlight of the vehicle fails, the secondary headlight system is automatically activated, resultin

Abstract: A switch assembly module for controlling operation of a vehicle lamp includes a photocell integrated within the module housing to allow a controller to automatically switch the lamp on or off depending on detected ambient level. A manual switch is provided on a faceplate of the housing to allow disabling of the automatic operation feature. A manual switch can also be provided to allow variable dimming of the lamp. Integration of the photocell into the switch assembly module eliminates the need for separate instrument panel wiring to the photocell, while reducing wiring harness complexity by allowing the same harness and connector to be used with a module not having the photocell integrated therein.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling exterior vehicle lights includes an image sensor and a controller to generate control signals. The control signals are derived based on information obtained from the image sensor as well as other detected parameters pertaining to the detected light source(s), the vehicle having the inventive control system, and the ambient environment. The control circuit may simply turn certain exterior lights on or off, or change the brightness, aim, focus, etc. to produce various beam patterns that maximize the illuminated area in front of the vehicle without causing excessive glare in the eyes of other drivers.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle headlamp dimming system which includes an optical system and an imaging processing system. The optical system is configured to discriminate between headlamps and tail lamps, and focus the light rays from the headlamps and tail lamps on different portions of a pixel sensor array. The optical system as well as the image processing system provides for relatively increased discrimination of headlamps and tail lamps of other vehicles and also enables the high beam headlamps of the control vehicle to be controlled as a function of the distance as well as horizontal angular position of other vehicles relative to the controlled vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light device comprising in particular a complementary module receiving a set of signals via a first electrical connection, and a light element comprising at least one element generating electromagnetic interference, each element generating electromagnetic interference being supplied via a distinct complementary electrical connection, the first electrical connection and each complementary electrical connection being connected to a single connector. The connector comprises a first set of contact areas of the first electrical connection and at least one set of complementary contact areas, each set of complementary contact areas being intended to receive one of the complementary electrical connections, only the set of complementary contact areas being surrounded separately by an electromagnetic shielding element. The invention also relates to the motor vehicle equipped with such a light device.

Abstract: An improved circuit supplies electrical power to a vehicle accessory load, such as a load that is powered through a vehicle accessory load connector or cigarette lighter plug. The circuit utilizes battery voltage comparator and timer switching circuitry to interrupt the supply of power to the accessory load if the engine-driven alternator fails to charge the storage battery for at least a predefined time interval (i.e., when the vehicle engine is not running), and to automatically re-establish electrical power supply to the load when battery charging resumes (i.e., when engine operation resumes).

Abstract: In a method for the automatic control of lighting devices, particularly of a motor vehicle, and a device for implementing the method, the brightness in a specific direction being detected by at least one directional sensor which emits direction signals to a control device, the control device switching on the lighting devices after a minimum time has elapsed. The minimum time begins when the direction signals exceed or drop below a switch-on threshold. The lighting devices are only switched on when the direction signals lie above or below the switch-on threshold during the entire minimum time. To that end, the control device is connected to a timer.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling continuously variable headlamps on a controlled vehicle includes an imaging system capable of determining lateral and elevational locations of headlamps from oncoming vehicles and tail lamps from leading vehicles. The system also includes a control unit that can acquire an image from in front of the controlled vehicle. The image covers a glare area including points at which drivers of oncoming and leading vehicles would perceive the headlamps to cause excessive glare. The image is processed to determine if at least one oncoming or leading vehicle is within the glare area. If at least one vehicle is within the glare area, the headlamp illumination range is reduced. Otherwise, the illumination range is set to full illumination range.