Abstract: An infrared (IR) light device is provided comprising: a main casing filled with a gas to prevent condensation from forming on an interior surface of the visible light filter; and a plurality of IR light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted in the main casing, wherein the casing includes heat dissipating features.

Abstract: A control device (100) for controlling a vehicle lamp (210) provided in a vehicle is provided. The device includes: a receiver (102) configured to receive an acceleration signal representing an acceleration of the vehicle, from an acceleration sensor configured to detect the acceleration of the vehicle, wherein an inclination angle (?) of the vehicle with respect to a horizontal plane is calculated based on the acceleration signal; a controller (104) configured to: i) generate a first control signal instructing the vehicle lamp to adjust an optical axis of the vehicle lamp in response to a change of the acceleration signal, when the vehicle has already stopped; and ii) generate a second signal instructing the vehicle lamp to maintain the optical axis of the vehicle lamp, when the vehicle is traveling on a road surface.

Abstract: In order to provide a vehicle in which a side road area of the vehicle to be watched by a side area watching camera is illuminated by a side area illumination lamp for illuminating a foot area of a man climbing into the vehicle when the vehicle is parked or driven carefully on an alley or a mountain road in the darkness, the vehicle is equipped with the side area illumination lamp for illuminating a side road area, a side area watching camera for watching the side road area, a navigation display and an electronic control unit, whereby the side area illumination lamp is put on when a man approaches the vehicle as well as when the vehicle is being driven at a vehicle speed less than a certain low threshold speed with the side area watching camera being made on.

Abstract: A method to control a headlight of a vehicle having a dipping control system is provided. The dipping control system includes a position detector, a map, a luminous intensity measuring device, and a controller. The method recalls the information associated with a work site and, determines a position and a direction of travel of the vehicle. Further, a position and a direction of travel of an approaching vehicle is determined and as a result the headlight of the vehicle is set in a high beam state or a low beam state. The switching of the headlight is based on work site information, whether the vehicle is approaching the other vehicle, and the vehicle and the approaching vehicle are on a trajectory of substantial intersection.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle headlamp, the headlamp being equipped with an automatic switching unit between high beam and low beam lighting modes and with a bending light function (DBL). The method comprises a step of making the bending light function (DBL) change from a first active state to a second state for detecting a combination of conditions comprising an active state of the automatic switching unit between high beam and low beam lighting modes and an active state of the high beam lighting mode.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bicycle direction light control system which may be installed on a bicycle and a head fitting. The system includes a sensing module and a direction light module. The sensing module can be installed on the head fitting for sensing the movement speed, turning angle and turning direction of the user's head. The direction light module is installed on the bicycle and faces towards the rear side of the bicycle. During the moving of the bicycle, when the sensing module senses that the turning angle of the user's head changes to a preset angular range within a sensing period, the direction light module turns on a corresponding indicator light according to the turning direction of the user's head.

Abstract: A vehicle auxiliary lighting system (VALS) that is designed to have installed on the lower inner edge of a vehicle's rear-facing, upward-opening door a set of rear facing lights. When the rear door is lifted, the lights are manually or automatically activated and produce a light beam that can easily be viewed by oncoming vehicular traffic. The illuminated light provides an extra margin of safety to personnel attending to a disabled vehicle that has been parked adjacent a road.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling a room lamp of a vehicle. The present invention relates to collecting information associated with the vehicle and information associated with an ambient environment using a global positioning system (GPS) or a controller area network (CAN) and then controlling the room lamp using at least one of turn-off of the room lamp, change of an irradiation angle of the room lamp, and adjustment of illumination of the room lamp based on the collected information.

Abstract: This invention relates to mirror assemblies for vehicles and in particular to interior rearview mirror assemblies having touch screen inputs corresponding to elements representing a symbol. The symbols are located behind a reflective element and not visible until activated by selection of the corresponding input or other means.

Abstract: A detection method, system and device for a motor vehicle (V1). The method, system and device uses at least one camera which has a predetermined field of vision. The method includes the following steps: receiving information which is representative of a driving state associated with the vehicle; and modifying the field of vision of the camera, and in particular its orientation, according to the information.

Abstract: A method and a device for illuminating an edge region of a roadway by headlights of a vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle includes a camera. Activating takes place of at least one additional illuminating device or a masking of an headlight that is present on the vehicle. An additional illuminated region is generated which extends in the vertical and the lateral direction with respect to the vehicle. Activating the at least one additional illuminating device or headlight masking at least one headlight present in the vehicle takes place by a navigation system of the vehicle or in response to a decrease in the speed of the vehicle and/or by an object/traffic sign detection using the camera.

Abstract: A control panel including a cover which is provided with at least one tactile pressure detection zone forming a control button, in which a force sensor is arranged between the cover and a support, behind the detection zone, in which a spacer made of elastically compressible material is mounted between the force sensor and the cover so as to take up the mechanical plays between the force sensor and the cover, characterized by the fact that the spacer is at least partially translucent and by the fact that the control panel includes at least one main light source and a light collector which permits injection of the light produced by the said main light source into the thickness of the spacer so that the spacer produces a backlighting beam directed towards a zone to be illuminated of the detection zone.

Abstract: A light adjustable car threshold pedal contains at least one light-emitting pedal assembly, a controlling unit, and an input unit. Each includes a body, a first light penetrating element disposed on the body, a second light penetrating element fixed on the body, a first illuminating element for emitting lights to the first light penetrating element, and a second illuminating element for emitting lights to the second light penetrating element. The controlling unit is electrically connected with the first illuminating element and the second illuminating element so as to turn on/off the first illuminating element and the second illuminating element and to control luminance of the first illuminating element and the second illuminating element. The input unit is electrically connected with the controlling unit so as to control a varying illumination of the first illuminating element and the second illuminating element.

Abstract: A lighting and/or signalling device arranged so as to provide at least a first photometric function and a second photometric function, wherein the device comprises at least one moveable element on which at least the first photometric function is installed and the movement of which is subject to the operation of the second photometric function.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a head lamp for a vehicle are provided. The system includes a first head lamp that is configured to block a part of a first light emitted from a first light source to form a first shaded line on a front road of a vehicle. In addition, a second head lamp is configured to block a part of a second light emitted from a second light source to form a second shaded line on the front road of the vehicle.

Abstract: An extendable and/or retractable illuminating device comprises a luminaire atop a telescoping mast, which is selectively positionable between extended and retracted positions, suitable for use as a warning signal. The luminaire has a strobe feature and its intensity is capable of automatic adjustment in response to ambient light levels. The telescoping mast, and thus the luminaire, are driven by an electric motor within a manually portable case, which also houses a rechargeable electrical power supply and microcontroller unit for providing power and operating commands to the luminaire.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor-type light source 2, a lens 35, an optical control member 6, and a driving member 7. The light control member 6 is made of a light transmission portion 61 and a mount portion 62 that has an opening portion 66. The driving member 7 is configured to position the light control member 6 in such a manner as to be changeably movable between a first location and a second location. As a result, the present invention is capable of obtaining a light distribution pattern for low beam LP and a light distribution pattern for high beam HP, and in particular, there can hardly occur a case in which the amount of light becomes insufficient in a part of the light distribution pattern for high beam HP.

Abstract: A method for controlling a light emission of at least one headlight of a vehicle. The method includes receiving a change enabling signal for performing a change of the light emission of the at least one headlight from an input emission characteristic to an output emission characteristic during a debouncing period and/or debouncing distance which begin(s) in response to the change enabling signal. The method also includes changing the light emission of the at least one headlight from the input emission characteristic to an intermediate emission characteristic in response to the change enabling signal. The method also includes changing the light emission of the at least one headlight from the intermediate emission characteristic to the output emission characteristic after the debouncing period and/or the debouncing distance has/have elapsed.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor and a control. The control processes image data captured by the imaging sensor to determine the presence of an object of interest in the scene monitored by the imaging sensor. The control adjusts a vehicle accessory and/or headlamp of the vehicle at least in part responsive to determination of the presence of the object of interest in the monitored scene. The control receives vehicle data via a communication bus of the vehicle, with the vehicle data including at least one of (i) vehicle speed data and (ii) vehicle trajectory data. At least in part responsive to receiving vehicle data, the control inhibits adjustment of the vehicle accessory from a first state to a second state. The control is operable to process captured image data to determine the presence of lane markers in the monitored scene.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes, within a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body and a front cover, a light source, a columnar light guide having an incident portion at the end thereof in the vicinity of the light source, and an annular reflecting portion arranged in the vicinity of the light source side of the incident portion. The columnar light guide guides incident light from the light source, which enters via the incident portion, and irradiates the incident light from a light-emitting portion on a front side. The annular reflecting portion reflects light with a large emission angle, which has not been able to directly enter the incident portion from the light source, toward the incident portion. The light source is arranged on a central axis of the annular reflecting portion.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: obtaining a device state having a current location, a current speed, and a current heading for locating a device; identifying an anticipated maneuver point for estimating a future location of the device on a thoroughfare with the anticipated maneuver point calculated from the current location and the current heading; determining an expected maneuver at the anticipated maneuver point; and generating an accessory control for manipulating an accessory on the device for the expected maneuver at the anticipated maneuver point.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, techniques for operating vehicle lights are provided. A capacitive light sensor is configured to sense a presence and intensity of light over at least one wavelength, with each said wavelength being associated with a respective output channel of the light sensor. A buffer is filled with data from the at least one output channel, with the buffer being filled with a predetermined number of data points at a predetermined frequency. An edge change is detected in the data in the buffer. An on/off state of the vehicle lights is maintained when an edge change is not detected.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus having at least one set of light sources, a microprocessor, and an orientation sensor. The microprocessor and the orientation sensor are capable of maintaining the light source in a desired orientation. The lighting apparatus and devices having a lighting apparatus are capable of controlling the plurality of light sources to maintain the desired orientation of the lighting. The lighting apparatus may be connected to a device, such as a piece of wheeled luggage, stroller or hat, such that when the luggage is tilted the light source maintains an desired orientation relative to a fixed orientation, such as a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system in which a controller changes the intensity of a drive light and/or a work light as a function of a speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a plurality of lights, and a control mechanism configured to automatically adjust at least a first light of the plurality of lights based on one of a desired position and a desired direction. Each light of the plurality of lights is adjustable to project a light beam.

Abstract: A secondary lighting system for providing light to a motorcycle when the motorcycle tilts in a turn having a light base with a front and a back surface and an inner cavity, a light component in the front surface, a tilt sensor in the inner cavity adapted to detect a tilt angle of a motorcycle, a microprocessor in the inner cavity operatively connected to the tilt sensor and to the light component, wherein when the tilt sensor detects a tilt angle that is greater than a pre-programmed threshold the tilt sensor sends an input signal to the microprocessor whereupon the microprocessor sends an output command to the light component to activate the light component, the light component emits light at a lighting angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing adequate lighting and sighting for a bicycle are disclosed. A lighting system that includes an illumination ring configured to be coupled to a wheel is also disclosed. The illumination ring is configured to simultaneously project light forward and to the side of a front wheel and to project light rearward of and to the side of a rear wheel. The illumination ring may be mounted to or integrated with the bicycle wheel. Methods of controlling light sources on the illumination ring are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exterior mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly having an indicator having at least one light emitting diode. The indicator may include a light guiding element that guides light emitted by the at least one light emitting diode. The at least one light emitting diode may be associated with circuitry of the exterior mirror assembly. During low ambient lighting conditions at night, the intensity of light emitted by the at least one light emitting diode of the indicator is reduced under photosensor control to a nighttime intensity level. The nighttime intensity level is greater than about 0.3 candela and is less than about 200 candelas.

Abstract: Control system and method for automatically controlling headlights of a vehicle includes an optical system for imaging external sources of light within a predetermined field of view and an image processing system for processing images from the optical system and providing a control signal for controlling the headlights as a function of the processed images. Processing the images may entail identifying a source of radiation in the images, the control signal being provided to dim the headlights when a source of radiation in the images is identified as a headlight or taillight of another vehicle. To this end, the image processing system may include a trained pattern recognition system for processing the images to identify the source of radiation, e.g., a pattern recognition algorithm generated from data of possible sources of radiation including headlights and taillights of vehicles and patterns of received radiation from the possible sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various improvements relating to automatic vehicle equipment control systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating a predictive adaptive front lighting for a vehicle with headlamps and a controller. The method includes the steps of receiving a vehicle position; identifying a map location of the vehicle; determining a most likely path of the vehicle based on the map location; locating a target point on the most likely path of the vehicle; adaptively changing a distance between the vehicle and the target point; calculating a desired swivel angle for the vehicle headlamps based on the most likely path of the vehicle; and swiveling the headlamps according to the desired swivel angle.

Abstract: A communication unit (32) periodically transmits a request signal toward a prescribed range. When a transmitter (30) exists in the range where the request signal can be received, it sends identification information in a responsive manner. A comparison ECU (48) compares the identification information provided from the communication unit (32) with a predetermined value, and if both of them match with each other, notifies a matching notification to a power source management ECU (44). On receipt of the matching notification from the comparison ECU (48), the power source management ECU (44) notifies a lighting-up request for providing an instruction for lighting-up of a light-emitting unit (202) to a body ECU (46). Upon receipt of the lighting-up request, the body ECU (46) activates a lighting-up command LON. As a result, the light-emitting unit (202) is lit up and notifies a user of the position of a charging port.

Abstract: Provided is an Adaptive Front Lighting System and a control method thereof, which includes a motor driver which controls a beam irradiation direction of a headlamp by operating a motor coupled to the headlamp according to a motor control signal, and generates a motor fault signal when fail occurs in the motor, a power supply unit which controls a magnitude of electric power supplied to the headlamp according to a power control signal, and a controller which selectively outputs the power control signal to the power supply unit according to the motor fault signal of the motor driver.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight and control system for a bus or large vehicle includes a headlight fixture with a center or low beam light source and side illumination light source operated independently. The side illumination light source may be activated when the vehicle is turning, as detected by the vehicle speed and steering shaft turn angle, to provide supplemental illumination. Both right and left side illumination sources may be provided, and may comprise LED light elements. The system may also include an audible sound generator to alert pedestrians when the vehicle is turning.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating information to an operator of a vehicle without unnecessarily distracting the operator by illuminating an interior of the vehicle with different colors, includes an illumination control module monitoring an informational input and determining a lighting color command based upon the informational input. The apparatus further includes an illumination system communicating with the illumination control module and generating an illumination color upon the interior based upon the lighting color command.

Abstract: It is provided a lamp (12) for an automotive headlamp (10), comprising a filament coil (14) for emitting light (22) and a nominal alignment axis (32) for aligning the filament coil (14) such, that the filament coil (14) is positioned in the middle of an allowable tolerance box wherein the filament coil (14) is arranged shifted to the nominal alignment axis (32). Due to the shifted arrangement of the filament coil (14) the flexibility given by the allowable tolerance may be used for positioning the filament coil (14) such, that the projected image (18) of the filament coil (14) is projected nearer to the bright/dark-cutoff (40) without blinding oncoming traffic.

Abstract: An illumination controlling device for a vehicle includes a controlling portion to change a luminance phase of a meter based on operation of an operating portion and to maintain a luminance phase of a lighting while the lighting is extinguished. The controlling portion changes the luminance phase of the meter based on the operation of the operating portion and changes the luminance phase of the lighting to correspond to the luminance phase of the meter if the operating portion is operated in a state that the luminance phase is different between the meter and the lighting while the lighting is illuminated.

Abstract: A vehicle interior panel having a substrate with a receiving slot. A support lens is disposed in the receiving slot and includes a light source. A sensor is operably connected to the light source and disposed proximate the support lens. A connector operably links the sensor to the light source through the support lens. A decorative layer extends over the support lens and the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling diode lamps comprising a lighting module having at least one diode lamp, the diode lamp pertaining to a predefined range, at least one device for transmitting a unique signature representing the range, and an associated control module comprising reception means (for receiving a unique signature transmitted by the lighting module, and current adjustment means for adjusting and supplying, as a function of the transmitted signature, a current to said lighting module to cause the diode lamp to operate.

Abstract: A system, controller, and method for controlling a light distribution pattern. A light source and an electrowetting lens cooperate to vary a light distribution pattern of light from the light source. An object detector is used by a controller determine the location of an object and operate the electrowetting lens in order to control the light distribution pattern based on the location of the object. The electrowetting lens provides for faster redirecting of light toward an object when compared to mechanical based system. The light source may be an array of light emitting diodes to provide a reliable, energy efficient source of light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projection headlight arrangement for vehicles with a left projection headlight and a right projection headlight, each comprising: a reflector exhibiting two focal points, a light source arranged in a first focal point of the reflector, a lens upstream of the reflector in the direction of light emission whose focus is arranged in the proximity of the second focal point and a diaphragm shaft arranged between the lens and the reflector, which is displaceable in several rotary positions by means of a control unit around a horizontal rotary axis running transversely to the optical axis, wherein the rotary positions each have a diaphragm edge of the diaphragm shaft assigned for the creation of a light-dark boundary for a specified light distribution, wherein a sensor unit is provided for the detection of a traffic participant located in the far-field of the vehicle, the control unit distorts the diaphragm shaft in such a way in dependence on a sensor signal of the sensor unit that such a

Abstract: A transient voltage suppressor circuit is disclosed for a plurality (N) of LEDs connected in series. Only one zener diode is created for connection to each node between LEDs, and a pair of zener diodes (the “end” zener diodes) are connected to the two pins (anode and cathode pads) of the series string. Therefore, only N+1 zener diodes are used. The end zener diodes (Q1 and Qn+1) effectively create back-to-back zener diodes across the two pins since the zener diodes share a common p+ substrate. The n+ regions of the end zener diodes Q1 and Qn+1 have the highest breakdown voltage requirement and must be placed relatively far apart. Adjacent n+ regions of the intermediate zener diodes have a much lower breakdown voltage requirement so may be located close together. The zener diodes may be placed within a very small footprint or can be larger for better suppressor performance.

Abstract: A headlamp in an automobile, which is rotatable about a yaw axis when negotiating a bend, has a controller for controlling the rotary movement. In order to improve the illumination of a roadway lying in front of an automobile, the controller may take into account a driving profile.

Abstract: An illumination controller comprise at least one sensor configured to sense position and motion of an operator of a banking vehicle, an illumination adjustment actuator, and a controller configured to determine angular velocity and/or linear acceleration, and banking angle of the vehicle from the sensed position and motion signals. The controller controls the illumination adjustment actuator to direct the illumination in anticipation of and during a turn.

Abstract: A method for controlling a light emission of at least one headlight of a vehicle includes: reading in at least one danger warning signal from a receiving device, the at least one danger warning signal indicating a danger position; checking whether the danger position indicated by the at least one danger warning signal is within a tolerance range on a route currently being traveled by the vehicle; and changing the light emission of the at least one headlight from a first radiation characteristic to a second radiation characteristic, if the danger position lies within the tolerance range on the route being currently traveled by the vehicle, in order to control the light emission of the at least one headlight.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes an external rearview mirror support arm, an external rearview mirror housing, a mirror, a puddle light, a proximity sensor, and a switch. The external rearview mirror housing pivotally connects with the support arm. The mirror mounts to the housing. The puddle light connects with the housing. The proximity sensor includes a first component mounted to the support arm and a second component mounted to the housing. The second component rotates with respect to the first component when the housing is pivoted with respect to the support arm. The switch electrically connects with the puddle light, at least one of the components of the proximity sensor and a power source. The switch is closed when the second component is located in a first position with respect to the first component. The switch is open when the second component is located in a second position with respect to the first component. A method for controlling power to a puddle light is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bank angle detecting device includes a roll rate sensor for detecting a angular velocity ?r about a longitudinal axis of the motorcycle; a yaw rate sensor for detecting a angular velocity ?y about an vertical axis of the motorcycle; a bank angle detecting unit for detecting the motorcycle bank angle ? for calibration use based on the yaw rate ?y and a traveling velocity v; and a bank angle correcting unit for correcting the basic motorcycle bank angle ?r, determined from an output ?r of the yaw rate sensor, so as to approach the motorcycle bank angle ? that is detected by the bank angle detecting unit, to thereby determine the estimated bank angle ?0.

Abstract: An automatic headlamp control system for a vehicle which has an image sensor having a forward field of view that captures image data of a scene forward of the vehicle. The image processor processes the image data and detects objects of interest. A controller is responsive to the image processing to control a beam illumination state of the headlamps of the equipped vehicle. The controller is operable to detect at least a partial blocking condition at the image sensor and is operable to limit switching to a different beam illumination state in response to a signal indicative of an outside temperature at the equipped vehicle being below a threshold temperature level.

Abstract: A headlight for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of illuminants, wherein the illuminants are arranged in a matrix which has a first direction of extension and a second direction of extension which is perpendicular to the first direction of extension. In order to operate the headlight more efficiently a value of the luminance is individually adjustable for each of the illuminants, and the value of the luminance of the respective illuminants is adjustable in dependence on a position of the illuminants along the first direction of extension and/or the second direction of extension according to at least one predetermined distribution function.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp system including at least one headlamp switchable between at least a high beam mode and a low beam mode by a biased actuator movable by a driver of the vehicle, a headlamp arranged to emit a flash when the biased actuator is moved to a temporary-on position, and means for limiting the maximum duration of the flash to less than 2 seconds.