Abstract: The present invention relates to an automotive turn signal lamp and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to an automotive turn signal lamp allowing other drivers or pedestrians to easily detect a change in the traveling direction of a vehicle or a turning direction of a vehicle at an intersection even where it is difficult to see the turn signal lamp, and a method for controlling the same. The automotive turn signal lamp includes a detection unit which detects a change in a traveling direction of a vehicle, and a control unit which operates a turn signal lamp to irradiate light of a road pattern indicating the traveling direction to be changed.

Abstract: A voice acquisition system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly attached at an inner portion of the windshield of a vehicle equipped with the interior rearview mirror assembly. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes at least two microphones for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generating an output indicative of the audio signals. A control is in the vehicle and is responsive to the output from the at least one microphone. The control at least partially distinguishes vocal signals from non-vocal signals present in the output. The at least two microphones provide sound capture for at least one of a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and a wireless communication system.

Abstract: A headlamp having a selectable beam is provided. The headlamp having the selectable beam is configured such that a low beam and a high beam are selectable, and the headlamp includes a first lamp section which forms a low-beam light distribution pattern if the low beam is selected; a second lamp section which forms a high-beam light distribution pattern if the high beam is selected; and a control unit which controls the second lamp section based on an inclination angle of a body on which the headlamp is mounted.

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: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an adaptable vehicle cabin light, with which in all seating positions of a vehicle seat, reading conditions are optimal. The vehicle seat is adjustable. Each position of the vehicle seat has a corresponding reading area. The vehicle cabin light includes one or more light sources that align with the different reading areas. As the vehicle seat moves, the illumination moves with it. In some embodiments, the one or more light sources are controlled by a control unit which selectively turns on a group of the one or more light sources to illuminate the corresponding reading area of the position of the vehicle seat. In some embodiments, the one or more light sources are enclosed in an adjustable optics, wherein movements of the adjustable optics are controlled by the control unit.

Abstract: The vehicular headlight apparatus includes a changing means for changing a light illumination area of a headlight, a recognition means for recognizing an object present ahead of the vehicle, an analyzing means for detecting a target object belonging to one of predetermined categories, and calculating positions of a detected target in vertical direction and lateral directions, a control means for controlling the changing means such that, when a target object is detected by the analyzing means, a present light illumination area is changed to a first light illumination area predetermined depending on a category to which the detected target belongs. The control means makes a change from the first light illumination area to a second light illumination area, if the pitch angle of the vehicle is larger than a predetermined value, or a variation amount of the pitch angle per unit time is larger than a predetermined value.

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 unstable driving situations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light arrangement, comprising a motor vehicle light which can be operated in at least two operating modes, as well as further comprising a control mechanism for the motor vehicle light. The invention further relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle light and a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method, data processing system, and computer program product for managing a headlight on a vehicle are presented. An image of an area in front of the vehicle is received. A first set of features is identified in the received image. The first set of features in the received image is compared with a number of sets of features from a plurality of previous images. Each image in the plurality of previous images is associated with a headlight setting. A second set of features from a previous image in the plurality of previous images matching the first set of features in the received image is identified. A determination is made whether to change a setting for the headlight on the vehicle based on the headlight setting associated with the previous image.

Abstract: An integrated side-view mirror and LED spotlight wherein under electronic control the light output can be changed in type, angle, direction, intensity, pattern, focus, and other properties and can include other inputs and outputs such as traffic preemption and data interfaces, sensors, cameras, sirens, and speakers. The device includes a side-view mirror assembly that may be attached to a vehicle, a spotlight integrated therein, and a controller unit that transmits and receives electronic data to and from the spotlight. A heat-dissipation surface or mechanism may be further integrated with the LEDs. A method of operating the device includes providing a side-view mirror assembly, integrating a spotlight capable of emitting light within the side-view mirror assembly; and providing a controller unit that transmits and receives electronic data to and from the spotlight.

Abstract: A vehicle illumination system (and method) that facilitates remote adjustment is provided. The system includes an illumination system and an adjustment system. The adjustment system facilitates remote adjustment of an illumination direction and/or at least one illumination characteristic of the illumination system.

Abstract: A cover for use in connection with a vehicle light having a light source and a light reflector is provided. A lens of the cover has an electrically activatable material switchable between a light inhibiting state and a light transmissive state. The electrically activatable material prevents the transmission of visible light from entering into and reflecting out from the vehicle light when the electrically activatable material is set to the light inhibiting state. The lens has an area without having the electrically activatable material such that visible light from the light source is also to pass through the area. A baffle having the electrically activatable material extends from the body of the lens. The baffle blocks a portion of the visible light that passes through the area of the lens from traveling in certain directions when the electrically activatable material is in the light inhibiting state.

Abstract: A light control system identifies in the processing that discriminates light sources in the acquired image as either luminous objects or reflective objects, each pixel obtained that constitutes the acquired image being classified into a plurality of groups according to the brightness of each pixel, and generates a histogram showing the relation of the brightness and the number of pixels of each group that are matched with each group. Then, when the number of pixels corresponding to the brightest group is less than the number of pixels corresponding to the other groups, the existence of the luminous object in the acquired image is determined, and when the number of pixels corresponding to the brighter group is more than the number of pixels corresponding to the other groups, the existence of the reflective object in the acquired image is determined.

Abstract: A multi view display comprising a light emitting element having an optical cavity formed by a first and a second reflecting layer, at least said second reflecting layer being semi-transparent, and a light emitting layer arranged between said reflecting layers, wherein said optical cavity is designed so that light emitted in at least two preferred viewing directions has a higher intensity than light emitted in other directions. The invention is based on interference phenomena in the optical cavity, making it possible to realize a light emitting element that intrinsically emits more light in the preferential viewing directions than in other directions. This emission profile makes the light emitting element very useful in a multi view display, reducing the problems of cross talk.

Abstract: The present invention aims to perform optical axis adjustment while a vehicle is stopped only in necessary situations and to avoid unnecessary adjustment, and to further enhance durability. A headlight optical axis adjustment device for adjusting an optical axis of a headlight based on a pitch angle of the vehicle includes an opened/closed state detection section for detecting an open/closed state of an open/close unit where the opened state is when a passenger gets on/out or when a baggage is being loaded/unloaded to and from the vehicle; and an optical axis adjustment permitting section for permitting optical axis adjustment of the headlight based on the pitch angle of the vehicle when the opened state of the open/close unit is detected by the opened/closed state detection section.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a head lamp for vehicles which includes an image providing unit which acquires image information in front of a subject vehicle through a camera module and an information processing unit which detects a position of a vehicle in front of the subject vehicle based on the image information to determine a high beam avoidance area. In particular, a light source unit irradiates a high beam and a low beam in the head lamp based on the driving information acquired. In particular, the high beam avoidance area is represented by an angular range, and is within a range of 90 degrees with respect to a forward direction of the subject vehicle, and the angular range of the high beam avoidance area is determined based on outermost vehicles on left and right sides in the image information.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided. The vehicle headlamp includes a light source which is configured to form an additional light distribution pattern which is formed above a cut-off line of a low-beam mode light distribution pattern; a vehicle detection device which is configured to detect a presence of a front running vehicle; a road position detection device which is configured to detect an existing area of a road ahead; and a control unit. The control unit acquires information from the vehicle detection device and the road position detection device and, when the existing area includes a non-detectable area which is outside of a detectable area of the vehicle detection device, controls the light source to reduce an illuminance of the additional light distribution pattern.

Abstract: A method and headlight adapted to supply power to a dual-mode automobile headlight light source able to provide either main beam mode lighting or dipped beam mode lighting, wherein the light source is supplied with electrical power at a first voltage when it is in main beam mode and at a second voltage when it is in dipped beam mode, the second voltage being lower than the first voltage.

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

Abstract: A 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: An automatic lighting system for a vehicle includes a control and an imaging device having a forward field of view. The control is operable to process image data captured by the imaging device to determine if an object imaged by the imaging device is an object of interest present generally forwardly and/or sidewardly of the vehicle as the vehicle travels along the road. An illumination source is operable to illuminate generally forwardly and/or sidewardly of the vehicle. The illumination source includes an array of light emitting diodes and illumination emanating from the illumination source is adjustable via selectively activating at least some individual light emitting diodes of the array of light emitting diodes. Adjustment of the illumination source is responsive to determination by the control that an imaged object is an object of interest to the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A headlamp controller includes: a headlamp unit configured to illuminate a front area of a vehicle with a light distribution pattern; an image capturing camera configured to capture an image of the front area; and a light distribution controller including: a road shape detecting unit configured to detect a road shape based on the captured image; a reference optical flow generating unit configured to generate a reference optical flow for a target object belonging to one of attributes based on the road shape; a bright point optical flow measuring unit configured to measure an optical flow of a bright point defined as a target in the captured image; and an attribute determining unit configured to compare the reference optical flow with the optical flow of the bright point and determine which one of the attributes the optical flow of the bright point belongs.

Abstract: A side-view mirror assembly for a vehicle, comprising a housing for securement to a side of a vehicle, the housing defining an internal cavity opening toward a rear of the housing, the internal cavity having a mirror disposed therein, and the housing having an exterior surface at least partially formed from a light-transmissive material all but a portion of which has been covered with an opaque material. At least one light source is disposed within the housing and is operable to illuminate the uncovered, light-transmissive portion of the housing. The at least one light source is operatively connectable to a controller programmed so as to selectively illuminate the at least one light source in response to the occurrence of one or more predefined activities.

Abstract: There is provided a control device for controlling a vehicle lamp provided in a vehicle. The device includes: a receiver configured to receive an inclination angle of the vehicle with respect to a horizontal plane from an inclination detector; a controller 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 inclination angle, when the vehicle has already stopped; and ii) generate a second control signal instructing the vehicle lamp to maintain the optical axis of the vehicle lamp, when the vehicle is traveling on a road surface; and a transmitter configured to transmit the first control signal or the second control signal to an optical axis adjuster provided in the vehicle lamp.

Abstract: A system and method for communication between an emitting motor vehicle (Ve) and at least one target, the emitting vehicle (Ve) including at least one light device, the method comprising the step of automatically modulating a light signal (S) emitted by the light device for a communication between the vehicle (Ve) and the target; and the light device being chosen from: a lighting device, a daytime running light (DRL), a position light.

Abstract: An illuminating system having an electronic shield illuminating apparatus comprises a semiconductor light-emitting source, a reflector, an electronic shield, a shield driving control circuit, and a projection lens. The reflector is intended for reflecting a portion of the light reflected by the semiconductor light-emitting source, and has a reflecting surface facing the semiconductor light-emitting source. The electronic shield is intended for generating different shield patterns to mask the light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting source, and the light reflected by the reflector, and has a main surface facing the semiconductor light-emitting source and the reflecting surface of the reflector. The shield driving control circuit drives the electronic shield to generate different shield patterns in response to a signal information. The projection lens projects the light passing through the electronic shield.

Abstract: An automobile wheel rim light decoration device includes a light emitting module, an adjustable rod and a pair of sensing elements. The light emitting module includes a retaining base disposed at the wheel rim and a light emitting unit fixed to the retaining base. The adjustable rod includes a fixed rod installed at the retaining base and a movable rod coupled to the fixed rod. The sensing element includes a first sensing elements fixed to an automobile brake component and a second sensing element corresponding to the first sensing element and fixed to the movable rod for detecting signals of the first sensing element. The fixed rod is moved horizontally in a through slot of the retaining base, and the movable rod is moved vertically with respect to the fixed rod, such that relative positions of the first and second sensing elements can be changed to achieve the desired sensitivity.

Abstract: A combined vehicle and associated rear-lighting system includes a vehicle provided with a steering system having a first sensor coupled thereto, and a propulsion system having a second sensor coupled thereto. Such first and second sensors detect a plurality of vehicle operating parameters associated with the steering and propulsion systems during driving conditions respectively. A rear-lighting system coupled to a rear bumper of the vehicle and emits a plurality of light rays along the rear pathway extending rearwardly away from the rear bumper of the vehicle. Notably, the rear-lighting system may be communicatively coupled to the steering and propulsion systems respectively. In this manner, the rear-lighting system is responsive to the vehicle operating parameters such that the light rays are synchronously and uniformly oscillated in a direction corresponding to a travel route and a travel speed of the vehicle respectively.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus 100 lights a light source 2 of a headlamp, and includes: a connection terminal 113 to which a abnormality notification apparatus 200 is connected; a notification signal output unit for outputting a notification signal relating to a condition of the light source 2 and/or a condition of the light source lighting apparatus 100 to the abnormality notification apparatus 200 via the connection terminal 113; and a communication signal output unit for outputting a communication signal having a different signal form to the notification signal to an external communication apparatus 300, from the connection terminal 113. Therefore the notification of an abnormality relating to the light source 2 and/or the light source lighting apparatus 100 and the communication with an external communication apparatus 300 can be performed using a single connection terminal 113.

Abstract: A lamp system and method are provided. The system includes a swivel control section which is configured to control an irradiating direction of a lamp so as to follow a steering angle of a steering wheel of a vehicle, a filter section which is configured to change a following response of a change of the irradiating direction with respect to a change of the steering angle, and a filter control section which is configured to control the filter section to decrease the following response when an angular acceleration of the steering angle is greater than or equal to a reference value.

Abstract: A vehicle head light includes a lighting casing; a lamp unit disposed in the lighting casing; a support member that supports the lamp unit so as to be rotatable at least in two directions; and an actuator that rotates the lamp unit with respect to the support member. The lighting casing includes a lamp housing opened on one side and a cover that closes the opening of the lamp housing. The lamp unit includes a light source and a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light source. The actuator is disposed under the lamp unit. A lower end of the lamp unit is coupled to the actuator. The actuator includes a support portion attached to the support member; and a main unit being supported by the support portion so as to be movable in a front-rear direction. The support portion includes a shaft holding portion on a lower surface thereof. The main unit includes a bearing portion on an upper surface thereof. A driving mechanism is provided in the main unit.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp is arranged to switch between a low beam and a high beam. The high beam illuminates a first illumination area, which lies ahead of and square to a center of a vehicle, and a second illumination area, which includes portions lying horizontally further leftwards and right wards and vertically further upwards than the first illumination area. When switching from the low beam to the high beam, the luminous intensity of the second illumination area is increased and thereafter the luminous intensity of the first illumination area is increased. When switching from the high beam to the low beam, the luminance intensity of the first illumination area is decreased and thereafter the luminance intensity of the second illumination area is decreased.

Abstract: A voice acquisition system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly. The mirror assembly may include a microphone for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generating an output indicative of these audio signals. The microphone may provide sound capture for a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and/or an emergency communication system. The system may include a control that is responsive to the output from the microphone and that distinguishes vocal signals from non-vocal signals present in the output. The microphone may provide sound capture for at least one accessory of the equipped vehicle, and the accessory may be responsive to a vocal signal captured by the microphone. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include at least one accessory, such as an antenna, a video device, a security system status indicator, a tire pressure indicator display and/or a loudspeaker.

Abstract: A self-contained battery powered high visibility safety lighting system is integrated within portions of a vehicle or article's frame, such as a handlebar or body assembly of a motorcycle, bicycle, scooter or toy cycle, stroller, wheel chair, baby carriage, cane or ski pole. The system comprises at least one illumination segment having at least one light source located therein. The light source may comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes integrated within a plurality of apertures located within each of the illumination segments. In another embodiment the illumination segments may be composed of a transparent material to yield transparent illumination segments with an inlay cavity therein for accommodating an electroluminescent light strip. Light may further be emitted from illuminated streamers located on the handlebar grips. Multifaceted emission of light from illumination segments integrated within the frame of the vehicle is highly visible from virtually all directions.

Abstract: A vehicular headlamp is provided. The vehicular headlamp includes a headlamp which emits light; an indication lamp comprising semiconductor light-emitting elements as light sources; and an electric circuit which supplies a current to the indication lamp. The indication lamp is divided into at least two light source sections comprising respective sets of light sources, and at least one of the light source sections is disposed in a high-temperature region whose temperature is made higher than in a remainder of the light source sections while the headlamp unit is lit. The electric circuit controls the light source sections individually so that a current supplied to the light source section disposed in the high-temperature region is made smaller than a current supplied to the remainder of the light source sections.

Abstract: An automobile wheel rim light decoration device includes a light emitting module, an adjustable rod and a pair of sensing elements. The light emitting module includes a retaining base disposed at the wheel rim and a light emitting unit fixed to the retaining base. The adjustable rod includes a fixed rod installed at the retaining base and a movable rod coupled to the fixed rod. The sensing element includes a first sensing elements fixed to an automobile brake component and a second sensing element corresponding to the first sensing element and fixed to the movable rod for detecting signals of the first sensing element. The fixed rod is moved horizontally in a through slot of the retaining base, and the movable rod is moved vertically with respect to the fixed rod, such that relative positions of the first and second sensing elements can be changed to achieve the desired sensitivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle light system comprising a laser device for generating a laser beam, further comprising a light output module provided with a phosphor element for emitting a light beam upon incidence of the generated laser beam and provided with an optical element associated with the phosphor element for producing a light output beam. Furthermore, the light system comprises a further light output module provided with a corresponding further phosphor element and a second optical element. The laser device is arranged to switch between a first state, in which the generated laser beam is directed to the phosphor element, and a second state in which the generated laser beam is directed to the further phosphor element.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a first light source configured to emit first light that is projected to form a first irradiation region, a second light source configured to emit second light that is projected to form a second irradiation region joined to the first irradiation region to extend in a transverse direction with respect to an optical axis, a movable shade configured to move between a position at which light irradiation to a joined region of the first irradiation region and the second irradiation region is shielded, and a position at which the light irradiation to the joined region is permitted, and a controller configured to select one of light distribution patterns that are determined by combinations of turning on and off of the first light source, turning on and off of the second light source, and the positions of the movable shade.

Abstract: A system for mounting a headlight on a motor vehicle comprising a rigid housing closed by a protective glass. The system comprising: a first connecting element fixed to the headlight, a second connecting element fixed to the motor vehicle, the first and second connecting elements being assembled so as to slide one in the other. The first and second connecting elements are curved and mounted at least partially about a center of rotation of the headlight providing rotational movement of the headlight.

Abstract: A device and a method for automatically setting the luminance of a light beam emitted from a lighting device of a vehicle as a function of the range of vision. The device includes a device for ascertaining a current range of vision based on at least one first parameter, which represents a dimension of the current range of vision, an evaluation device for evaluating the ascertained current range of vision (SI) based on at least one second parameter as the evaluation criterion and outputting a corresponding evaluation variable, and a setting device for assigning a required luminance as a function of the ascertained current range of vision (SI) and the corresponding evaluation variable and setting the required luminance.

Abstract: An automotive headlamp apparatus is provided with a light source for producing a high beam and a controller for controlling illumination from the light source. Given that at least a portion of a high beam illumination area illuminated by the light source is vertically divided into a plurality of blocks, the controller controls illumination from the light source such that a plurality of first regions having a predetermined horizontal width are formed at least in some of the blocks toward the bottom, and that a second region having a greater horizontal width than the first regions is formed in the block toward the top.

Abstract: A unified lighting system including a plurality of light emitting devices, wherein each light emitting device generates a color output in response to a plurality of light settings and a modification to the light settings of one light emitting device is automatically propagated to the other light emitting devices, thereby providing a substantially uniform color output of the lighting system.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for adjusting a headlight associated with a vehicle, based on a distance of an object from the vehicle. In operation, a signal is transmitted from a transmitter positioned on a vehicle. Further, a reflected signal is received from an object positioned in front of the vehicle. Additionally, a distance of the object from the vehicle is determined. Still yet, at least one headlight associated with the vehicle is adjusted based on the determined distance.

Abstract: A bicycle illumination apparatus is provided with a plurality of light sources and a controller. The light sources include at least one light-emitting diode that emits light in accordance with an electrical output of a generator. The controller is configured to selectively control an electrical connection between the power generator and the light sources in accordance with a rotating state of the generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light module (23) for a motor vehicle headlight (2), for generating an adaptive light distribution. The light module (23) comprises a light source (30, 70, 71) for emitting light, a primary optical element (31, 73, 74) for focusing the emitted light, and a diaphragm arrangement (32, 32?) for implementing a variable effective upper edge (36, 36?), which can be introduced into a beam path of the emitted and/or focused light.

Abstract: A hand-held manipulator is an independent device and has a motor actuated circuit functioned to supply a 12-volt DC power and a motor speed adjustable actuated circuit provided with voltage adjustable function to regulate the motor actuated circuit to supply a regulated voltage smaller or greater than 12-volt DC power, and then the hand-held manipulator is particularly adapted to connect with a 12-volt DC power source for wireless or manual remotely controlling a remote-controlled spotlight by way of constant speed, slower speed or faster speed to adjust its lighting direction.

Abstract: A bi-color illuminated wheel emblem includes a rotating part that rotates together with the wheel, a stationary part that remains stationary when the automobile is moving, a bi-color illuminated display that is attached to the stationary part and an electric power supply. The rotating part comprises a mounting device that mounts the emblem to the wheel and a shaft that holds the stationary part rotatably. The stationary part comprises a hollow shell that is held by the shaft and a weight that is attached to the shell. The bi-color illuminated display comprises a metal look layer, illuminating elements and a light diffusion layer that diffuses light from the illuminating elements. The electric power supply comprises a stator that is attached to the stationary part and a rotor that is attached to the rotating part.

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: An automotive vehicle capable of receiving power from a remote power source includes an exterior lamp assembly integrated with the vehicle. The lamp assembly includes an illumination source, and an electrical port configured to be electrically connected with the remote power source.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight apparatus receives road data from a navigation system. The apparatus has a first and a second swivel devices for adjusting an optical axis directions of a main light and a sub-light corresponding to one and the other headlights of a right and a left headlights, respectively. The apparatus also has a control unit, which separately controls the first and the second swivel devices, so that a one-eye navigation-cooperated control operation can be carried out which adjusts only the optical axis direction of the main light to be coincident with a road direction calculated based upon the road data.