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 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: An imaging system for use in a vehicle headlamp control system includes an opening, an image sensor, a red lens blocking red complement light between the opening and the image sensor, and a red complement lens blocking red light between the opening and the image sensor. Each lens focuses light onto a different subwindow of the image sensor. The imaging system allows processing and control logic to detect the presence of headlamps on oncoming vehicles and tail lights on vehicles approached from the rear for the purpose of controlling headlamps. A light sampling lens may be used to redirect light rays from an arc spanning above the vehicle to in front of the vehicle into substantially horizontal rays. The light sampling lens is imaged by the image sensor to produce an indication of light intensity at various elevations. The processing and control logic uses the light intensity to determine whether headlamps should be turned on or off.

Abstract: A pair of electrodes (3) are provided in an arc tube (1) I/S is 20 (A/mm2) or less on a condition that an area of a cross section at a tip of the electrodes (3) is S (mm2) and an operating current between the electrodes (3) is I (A). According to this constitution, a long lamp life can be obtained without causing a rise in the lamp voltage and the blackening of the arc tube (1) by the evaporation of the electrodes while operation time becomes longer.

Abstract: A vehicle head light or auxiliary light assembly (10) that includes an inner housing (12) and an outer housing (30), wherein located between the inner and outer housings (12,30) is a light passage channel (46). At the center of the inner housing (12) is attached a central light bulb (28), and to each side of the outer housing (30) is attached a side light bulb (52). To the front of the outer housing (30) is attached a front lens (56) having around its perimeter (60) a plurality of light refracting serrations (62). When the lights of the assembly (10) are turned on by an electrical control circuit (70), the central light (28) illuminates in combination with the side lights (52). The side lights produce a light beam that is applied through the light passage channel (46), is refracted along the serrations (62) and is visible along the inner perimeter (60) of the front lens (56).

Abstract: Circuit arrangement for operation of incandescent lamps in motor vehicles.

Abstract: Beam control over headlamps is performed with the arriving position, a predetermined time later from the present time, as a target position. At this time, the radius of curvature of a traveling road ahead of a vehicle is calculated on the basis of data from a navigation unit, and the arriving position of one's own vehicle is estimated on the basis of an advisable vehicle speed corresponding to the radius of curvature. Thus, the arriving position of one's own vehicle can accurately be estimated by taking into consideration variation in vehicle speed that is likely to occur in the near future.

Abstract: A secondary headlight system for detecting and compensating for failure of an automotive vehicle's low beam headlight, includes:

Abstract: A steering wheel is determined to be under a counter steering state when the following two conditions are both satisfied: (I) a steering angle measured with a steering angle sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle; and (II) a steering direction does not coincide with a turning direction of the vehicle. The vehicle is determined to be under a slipping state when the following two conditions are both satisfied: (I) the steering angle is equal to or greater than the predetermined angle; (II) an absolute value of a change per unit time of a difference between a left wheel speed and a right wheel speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Under both the counter steering state and the slipping state, adjustment of the optical axes of the swivel lights is stopped or modified.

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: A device for triggering a lighting device of a motor vehicle has a control arrangement (10) which generates at least one pulse width modulated control signal (16) for at least one switching means (18) via which at least one lighting device (20) may be supplied with electric power. The control arrangement (10) receives a measure of the power supply voltage (UB) supplied at least to the lighting device (20) in order to influence the control signal (16) as a function of the power supply voltage (UB). The control arrangement (10) determines the control signal (16) as a function of at least one additional operating parameter (v)—in addition to the power supply voltage (UB)—of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A mercury-free high-intensity discharge lamp operating apparatus includes a horizontally operated high-intensity discharge lamp including an arc tube in which a luminous material is enclosed and a pair of electrodes are arranged in the arc tube; a ballast including an alternating current generation means for supplying alternating current to the pair of electrodes; and a magnetic field application means for applying in substantially vertical direction a magnetic field having a component that is substantially perpendicular to a straight line connecting heads of the pair of electrodes; wherein mercury is not included as the luminous material in the arc tube.

Abstract: A solid state control switching and control system (200) for retractable landing lights. A control unit (208) uses an absolute position sensor (214) to monitor the position of the lighthead (210) of the retractable landing light, and actuates a motor (216), brake (217), and lamp (212) in response to command signals (220,221,223) from the flight crew. Actuation of the motor (216), brake (217), and lamp (212) with solid state switches (100) is gradual and synchronized to minimize electromagnetic interference and extend component life.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for shielding the lens and the field of view of an optical device, such as a camera or an image projector, from obstruction by unwanted contaminants such as dust, dirt, rain, and the like. The invention employs a transparent shield positioned to protect the lens from such contaminants. A wiper is positioned to be in contact with the shield but the wiper is also positioned to not obstruct the field of view. A rotation mechanism is used to cause rotation of the shield. Contaminants that may be deposited upon the shield may be wiped from the shield by the wiper yet the wiper does not obstruct the field of view. Rotation of the shield allows a portion of the shield that is obstructed by a contaminant to be rotated away from the field of view. Rotation of the shield allows a portion of the shield that has been wiped to be rotated into the field of view.

Abstract: A load drive (1) having a pulse converter (2) and a DC/DC converter (5). The pulse converter (2) is capable of converting a high DC voltage supplied from the power supply unit (10) of a vehicle to a pulse voltage and applies the pulse voltage to a first lamp (L1). The DC/DC converter (5) operates to convert the high DC voltage to a low DC voltage whose voltage value is lower than the voltage value of the high DC voltage and applies the low DC voltage to a second lamp (L2).

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a reflector, a discharge bulb, a lighting circuit for supplying electric power to the discharge bulb, a socket coupled to the discharge bulb to connect the discharge bulb to the lighting circuit, an opening portion formed in a portion of a lamp body disposed rearwardly of the discharge bulb, and a cover for covering the opening portion. A power source-side connector and a bulb-side connector are fixedly secured to a portion of the lamp body disposed in the vicinity of the opening portion. The lighting circuit and an output connector for connection to the bulb-side connector are integrally formed on the cover. When the cover is moved to open the opening portion, the connection between the power source-side connector and the input connector and the connection between the bulb-side connector and the output connector are simultaneously interrupted.

Abstract: A headlamp includes a chamber or body for holding a power source, lens, a lens material, and one or more light emitting diodes. The construction and arrangement of the present invention provides, in part, for a substantially lower angle of illumination that facilitates viewing objects up close, adjustment of the light beam from spot to flood, and adjustment of the light illumination from the headlamp without requiring physical movement of the body of the headlamp relative to the wearer.

Abstract: The universal fleet electrical system is an integrated system for supplying electrical power to aftermarket accessories, particularly to police vehicles and other emergency vehicles. The system includes a central power distribution panel, which includes a fuse panel and a lighting selector junction box, together with a universal wiring harness. A variety of custom wiring harnesses may also be used in the universal fleet electrical system. A dash mounted console is provided for operator control of the various accessory devices. The lighting selector junction box permits various lighting accessories to be connected to different light level circuits through push connectors, so that a plurality of lighting devices may be controlled by a single switch.

Abstract: The invention described herein represents a significant improvement in the art of headlights for vehicles. A first element is provided as a means for sensing the presence and location of other motor vehicles, said means for sensing connected to processing and light controlling circuitry such that the electrical current supplied to each element in an array of elements is individually controlled. The result is a headlight system which produces high beams in areas where no vehicle is present and concurrently produces low beams in areas where vehicles are present. In a first embodiment, individual light elements in array are individually controlled with regard to intensity to provide dim beam areas and high beam areas concurrently. In a second embodiment, individual electro-chromatic elements in array are individually controlled so as to provide a means to create dim beam areas and high beam areas concurrently.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for managing the supply to a discharge lamp of a motor vehicle headlight, wherein during the phase of starting up the discharge lamp, the strength of the current supplied to the lamp is controlled on the basis of a parameter representative of the environment of the vehicle so as to optimize the life of the discharge lamp. The invention also relates to a device for managing the supply to a discharge lamp.

Abstract: A discharge lamp device for a vehicle includes a lighting circuit for performing lighting controls of a discharge lamp for high beam and a discharge lamp for low beam, both lamps having the same rating. The lighting circuit controls the power supply such that the electrical power input when the discharge lamp for high beam is lighted is greater than the electrical power input when the discharge lamp for low beam is lighted.

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 circuit device for sustaining the illumination of a vehicle used high illumination discharged (HID) lamps is disclosed. The circuit device comprises: a high/low beam switching delay circuit, and an HID lamp set power supply circuit. The high/low beam lamp switching delay circuit includes a lamp switch; a polarity correction circuit; a time delay circuit; and an isolation circuit. The HID lamp set power supply circuit includes an isolation circuit; a large current conduction circuit; a battery; an HID lamp circuit. By above mentioned circuit device, when the lamp switch switches between high/low beam lamps of a vehicle, the low lamp beam is sustained to light up continuously, thereby, the lifetimes of the electronic ballasts and HIV lamp are prolonged.

Abstract: Beams from headlamps are controlled by a beam control ECU. The beam control ECU has a road-configuration-corresponding mode and a corresponding-turning-angle mode. In the road-configuration-corresponding mode, beam control is performed according to the detected results of a road configuration ahead of a vehicle. In the corresponding-turning-angle mode, beam control is performed according the detected results of the turning angle of the vehicle. One of these modes is selected in response to the vehicle speed. Thus, the beam emitting direction is prevented from being inadvertently changed-irrespective of the rise and fall of vehicle speed-through the actuation of a direction indicator or a steering operation.

Abstract: A system for controlling at least one exterior vehicle light of a controlled vehicle includes an array of sensors and a control unit. The array of sensors are capable of detecting light levels in front of the controlled vehicle. The control unit is in communication with the array of sensors and the at least one exterior vehicle light and determines a distance and an angle from the at least one exterior vehicle light of the controlled vehicle to a leading vehicle. The control unit is operable to control operation of the at least one exterior vehicle light as a function of the distance and angle, based on the output from the array of sensors, and prevent the at least one exterior vehicle light from providing a disruptive glare to a driver of the leading vehicle.

Abstract: A solid state control switching and control system (200) for retractable landing lights. A control unit (208) uses an absolute position sensor (214) to monitor the position of the lighthead (210) of the retractable landing light, and actuates a motor (216), brake (217), and lamp (212) in response to command signals (220, 221, 223) from the flight crew. Actuation of the motor (216), brake (217), and lamp (212) with solid state switches (100) is gradual and synchronized to minimize electromagnetic interference and extend component life.

Abstract: A plurality of lamps 21 to 28 inclusive are supplied with a voltage one after another in sequence. A time duration during which the voltage is supplied to each of the lamps 21 to 28 inclusive is controlled in PWM fashion to restrict an amount of voltage supplied thereto. A current detect circuit portion 36 solely detects all of the voltages supplied to the lamps 21 to 28 inclusive, respectively. Each of the voltages exceeds a threshold value, a dead band between two adjacent voltage supply durations. Thus, it is possible to restrict possible electromagnetic noises which are generated upon voltage supply to lamps 21 to 28 inclusive in a vehicular lamp control apparatus in which the lamps 21 to 28 inclusive are supplied with voltage from a high voltage battery 11.

Abstract: In a headlamp comprising low beam irradiating means 21a and 23, there are provided main beam irradiating means 31a and 33, light distribution switching means 50 for switching a low beam and a main beam, abnormality detecting means (a light distribution switching circuit) 50 for detecting an abnormal situation in which a proper low beam cannot be formed, and optical axis tilting means 40 for vertically tilting an optical axis L31 of at least a main beam, and in the case in which the abnormality detecting means (the light distribution switching circuit) 50 detects an abnormality, a light distribution is switched into a main beam by the light distribution switching circuit 50 and the optical axis L31 of the main beam is turned downward by the optical axis tilting means 40.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lamp assembly having a lamp bulb for emitting light and a bulb housing having a light transmissive portion for transmitting light from the lamp bulb to an illumination zone. The housing is coated with a coating material which covers a selected region of the light transmissive portion of the housing. The coating material is electrically energized to alter an amount of light transmitted from the bulb to the illumination zone. A drive circuit electrically coupled to the coating material energizes the coating material to control a light output from the lamp assembly.

Abstract: A headlamp control system for a motor vehicle includes an imaging array sensor operable to sense light in a field of view forward of the motor vehicle and a control that is responsive to the imaging array sensor. The control is operable to identify at least one object of interest in the field of view by a spectral signature and/or a geometric organization of the object. The control is operable to control a headlamp of the motor vehicle in response to identifying the object as being at least one of a headlamp of another vehicle, a taillight of another vehicle, a traffic sign, a lane marker and a traffic light. The control may be operable to identify a headlamp and/or taillight of another vehicle in response to light sensed by the imaging array sensor during different exposure periods of the imaging array sensor.

Abstract: An auto leveling apparatus which drives a motor only in case that a posture that has changed during stoppage becomes stable and the stable posture is different from the posture controlled at the last time thereby to reduce the number of operations of the motor.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lamp assembly having a lamp bulb for emitting light and a bulb housing having a light transmissive portion for transmitting light from the lamp bulb to an illumination zone. The housing is coated with a coating material which covers a selected region of the light transmissive portion of the housing. The coating material is electrically energized to alter an amount of light transmitted from the bulb to the illumination zone. A drive circuit electrically coupled to the coating material energizes the coating material to control a light output from the lamp assembly. Alternate materials are disclosed. One of the materials renders the material more light transmissive when activated with a current and a second of the materials renders the material less light transmissive when activated with a current.

Abstract: A high-low beam switching device for a headlight includes a housing, a base cap and an external layer constituted of a connection tube, and a seat body for the positioning of the inner layer of the solenoid module of a magnetic coil loop, and for the positioning of the sliding light tube support seat and the inner layer sliding structure of the tube. The solenoid module is provided with a through hole containing a securing seat and a sliding rod, and the outer ring of the sliding rod is provided with an elastic body and is in combination with the sliding-light tube support seat.

Abstract: A metal halide discharge lamp can include a light emitting tube having a discharge chamber formed in the light emitting tube and containing no mercury. A pair of electrodes can be provided with a portion, which projects into the discharge chamber. The discharge chamber can include a buffer gas, which also acts as a starter gas, of xenon (Xe) in an amount of 7-20 atmospheres at room temperature, and at least one kind of metal halide. The light emitting tube can have a positive resistance range in current-voltage characteristics relative to a varying input electric power. In the positive resistance range, the light emitting tube can be driven by an electric power which is less than or equal to a rated power supplied during steady lighting. In the metal halide lamp of the invention, even if the input electric power to the light emitting tube is varied, sudden unintentional extinguishment does not occur, and varying range of light color can be narrowed.

Abstract: A control system for daytime running lights (DRLs) is provided that includes a controller for controlling DRLs according to whether the ignition switch is ON and information from the dimmer switch signal of a combination switch, and a plurality of switches that undergo switching according to signals of the controller. Accordingly, if the combination switch is set to activate the DRL system when the ignition switch is ON, a closed loop is formed with both headlights, and the current available to each headlight from the battery is reduced to one half of what it would be if loops were made independently for each of the headlights. When the dimmer switch is selected to high beam, a separate loop is made for each headlight so that a normal amount of current is available to the headlights.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting circuit 1 has a DC power supply section 4 for receiving power supply from a DC power supply 2, a DC-AC conversion section 5 for converting an output voltage of the DC power supply section 4 into an AC voltage and then applying the AC voltage to a discharge lamp 8, and a starter circuit 6 for applying a high-voltage pulse to the discharge lamp 8 for starting the lamp. A control circuit 7 detects an anomaly occurring in the discharge lamp or the lighting circuit and stops supplying power to the discharge lamp 8 and also lights another light source as an alternative light source to the discharge lamp 8 or notifies a driver of occurrence of the anomaly. An internal state monitoring circuit 26 is provided for monitoring the operation state of the control circuit itself and when an anomaly about the control circuit 7 is detected, the alternative light source is lighted or the driver is notified of occurrence of the anomaly.

Abstract: Flickering phenomena in gas discharge lamps are undesired in projection technology, in particular. According to the invention, the problem is solved by setting a lamp operation which does not form a focal spot. A specific control structure which includes a cascade structure and feedforward control is proposed for implementing this operation.

Abstract: A device for checking the evaluation circuit for automatic switching operations of the illumination devices in vehicles. A sensor device contains a global sensor for detecting the light conditions in the environment of the vehicle and a directional sensor for the directed detection of the light conditions in the direction of travel in front of the vehicle. The signals of the sensor device are supplied to the evaluation circuit, to determine whether a change in the switching state of the illumination devices is necessary. In order to check the evaluation circuit which is designed using analog technology, in the operating state, the voltage supply to the sensor unit is briefly interrupted at predetermined intervals, as a result of which the condition “night” is simulated. When the evaluation circuit is functioning correctly, this is detected by it as such.

Abstract: A high-low beam switching device for a headlight includes a housing, a base cap and an external layer constituted of a connection tube, and a seat body for the positioning of the inner layer of the solenoid module of a magnetic coil loop, and for the positioning of the sliding light tube support seat and the inner layer sliding structure of the tube. The solenoid module is provided with a through hole containing a securing seat and a sliding rod, and the outer ring of the sliding rod is provided with an elastic body and is in combination with the sliding-light tube support seat.

Abstract: A vehicle light apparatus 1 includes a discharge lamp 7 as a dipped (low)-beam light source and a high-beam light source or a light source of an auxiliary light (incandescent lamp) 3 as a substitutional light source of the discharge lamp. If the apparatus detects an input voltage from a power supply becoming equal to or greater than a threshold value in a state that only the discharge lamp is lit, the incandescent lamp is automatically lit on. To use the high-beam light source in place of the discharge lamp, light extinction lighting is performed or the light application direction is directed downward from the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A method and device to automatically switch on and off the lights of a motor vehicle. The driving speed of the vehicle and the brightness readings from three light sensor cones of different sizes and directed in different directions are determined. The lights are switched either on or off based upon comparing the speed and three brightness readings to a set of possible conditions for each of the variables as the vehicle operates. The driving distance and time interval are also variables considered in determining whether to switch the lights on or off. Unnecessary on and off switching is avoided.

Abstract: An LED driver circuit and method are disclosed where an array of light emitting diodes have a transistor connected to each respective array of light emitting diodes. A PWM controller has an input for receiving a voltage reference and an output connected to selected transistors for driving selected transistors and setting a PWM duty cycle for the selected arrays of light emitting diodes to determine the brightness of selected light emitting diodes. An oscillator is connected to the PWM controller for driving the PWM controller.

Abstract: An anti-glare system for motor vehicle headlights is effective to illuminate the headlights at reduced intensity when the vehicle is not in motion and the headlight switch is on thereby promoting better visibility for the driver of an oncoming vehicle. This system is believed particularly useful in service vehicles, such as pick-up and delivery trucks and school buses.

Abstract: The headlight, especially for a motor vehicle, includes at least two separately adjustable reflectors and a reflector height adjusting mechanism for adjusting the reflector heights separately or synchronously. The reflectors include a first reflector for high beam light and/or fog light and a second reflector associated with a low beam light module. The reflector height adjusting device includes separate adjusting devices for individually adjusting the respective heights for the at least two separately adjustable reflectors and a coupling member for the separate adjusting devices. When the separate adjusting devices are put in a coupled state by the coupling member the heights of the at least two reflectors are synchronously adjusted by operation of only one of the separate coupling devices. The method for adjusting light radiated from the headlight includes performing a pre-adjustment in which each of the reflectors is separately adjusted by the separate adjusting devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas discharge lamp, in particular a high-pressure discharge lamp for use in automobiles. The invention further relates to a lighting system with at least one light source, at least one light coupling system, at least one optical waveguide, and at least one light delivery system. Such lighting systems with a central light source and a distribution of the light over optical waveguides (i.e. suitable optical fiber systems) in remote locations are particularly suitable for applications in the automobile branch. For this application, a high brightness must be available already after a short run-up time of the lamp. To provide a gas discharge lamp with a high brightness, which makes available a sufficient brightness after a short period, a gas discharge lamp is proposed with a bulb which has an ellipsoidal discharge chamber in a central location, which chamber has a surface area with a maximum value of below 2.5 cm.sup.

Abstract: According to the system and the method of the present invention, a display's visibility is maintained depending on lighting conditions that are sensed by an ambient light sensor (16). Logic (10) is applied to the output of the light sensor (16) and in conjunction with a headlight status indicator (14) to determine whether daytime (D) or nighttime (N) lighting condition exists and to determine a brightness level (18) to be commanded to the display. The logic (10) of the present invention maintains a visible display even in situations where a vehicle's headlights are active during daylight lighting conditions.

Abstract: In a discharge lamp apparatus, a casing of an electronic controller unit for a discharge lamp is comprised of a resin casing and a metal casing and accommodates therein circuit components for generating a voltage supplied to the discharge lamp. The resin casing couples with and contacts with the connector part of the discharge lamp. A power MOS transistor is attached to the metal casing through a plate member made of an insulating material. With this arrangement, heat generated by the discharge lamp is less likely to transfer from the resin casing to the metal casing, and heat generated by the power MOS transistor is efficiently radiated from the metal casing to the outside.

Abstract: A one-piece headlight adapter, and a two-piece headlight adapter system, is used to connect the existing vehicle headlight controls and power supply with a snowplow wiring harness. An adapter only connects the controls and power supply for one headlight to the wiring harness. Two adapters, one for each headlight, create an adapter system. The adapter system allows the vehicle operator to control the snowplow headlights from the inside of the vehicle. One version of an adapter is a three-component adapter that includes one connection to the vehicle headlight, one connection to the headlight controls, and one connection to the wiring harness. Another version of the adapter is a five-component adapter that includes high and low beam connections to the vehicle headlight, high and low beam connections to the headlight controls, and one connection to the wiring harness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for managing the supply to a discharge lamp (12) of a motor vehicle headlight, characterized in that, during the phase of starting up the discharge lamp (12), the strength of the current supplied to the lamp (12) is controlled on the basis of a parameter representative of the environment of the vehicle so as to optimize the life of the discharge lamp (12).