Abstract: A rotatable vehicular lamp assembly includes a support frame adapted to be connected to a vehicle and having a horizontal support plate with a through hole, a lighting unit including a lamp body, a pivot rod having a thick part connected to the lamp body and disposed above the support plate, a neck part extending downwardly from the thick part and extending rotatably through the through hole, and a shoulder part disposed between the thick part and the neck part above the support plate, and an annular retaining element sleeved on the neck part below the support plate. A drive unit is disposed below the support plate, and engages the neck part. An annular non-flat plate spring is disposed around the neck part between the shoulder part and the support plate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vehicular tilt-sensing method and an automatic headlight leveling system using the same. The method of the present invention comprises steps: using an image capture device to capture an image of the road and obtain at least one instantaneous lane marking line from the image; extending the instantaneous lane marking lines afar to obtain an instantaneous vanishing point; establishing an instantaneous horizontal line passing through the instantaneous vanishing point; calculating from the image the displacement between a datum horizontal line and the instantaneous horizontal line; and calculating the tilt angle with the displacement and the focal length of the image; using the tilt angle to generate a control signal to control level adjusting controllers to adjust headlights, whereby the headlights can provide optimized illumination to enhance night driving safety on a rugged road or in the case that the vehicle is unevenly loaded.

Abstract: A system controls an auxiliary light for a vehicle. The system includes a cockpit button to activate the auxiliary light, a Hall sensor operable to detect the installation and removal of a magnetized cover for the auxiliary light; a warning indicator; and a controller. The controller activates the warning indicator in response to the output of the sensor and the on/off state of the cockpit button.

Abstract: In the vehicle lighting control apparatus and method, it is determined that the user's steering wheel is returned from a steering angle existing in a saturated steering angle region toward a neutral steering angle region at a given speed or more. If such a steering condition is found, a swivel angle is calculated based on a swivel-angle control characteristic showing a monotonic decrease in the swivel angle when the steering angle decreases from the steering angle existing in the saturated steering angle range to a third preset angle. The third preset angle is an angle from which the swivel angle decreasing from the steering angle existing in the saturated steering range becomes zero. This calculated swivel angle is used to control the swivel angle of light irradiated from on-vehicle headlights.

Abstract: Techniques for providing a method and system for light sensing vehicle light modulator are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method, comprising detecting incoming light utilizing a plurality of light sensors operatively connected to an vehicle, measuring the incoming light intensity, and decreasing a intensity of light output by one or more lights of the vehicle based at least in pan on a measurement of the incoming light intensity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an adaptive external vehicle lighting system includes a vehicle communication network, a memory including program instructions for generating a model of a vehicle and the environment outside of the vehicle, identifying an object of interest based upon the generated model, analyzing rendering criteria associated with the identified object of interest, and rendering object of interest data based upon the analysis, a processor operably connected to the vehicle communication network and to the memory for executing the program instructions, and at least one rendering system operably connected to the processor through the vehicle communication network for rendering the object of interest data using an associated external lighting system of the vehicle.

Abstract: An illumination control unit includes an automatic control function for automatically controlling the turning on and off of vehicle head lights depending on brightness of an environment around a vehicle. A sensitivity adjuster is installed on a lever extending from a steering column in a vehicle compartment. The sensitivity to the brightness of the environment around the vehicle at the time when the auto-on and auto-off state of the vehicle lights is changed can be adjusted with the sensitivity adjuster.

Abstract: A bicycle control device includes a speed sensing unit, a light sensing unit, a microprocessor, at least one lamp, a lock module and a warning module. When a bicycle is moving, the speed sensing unit detects the speed of the bicycle and generates a speed signal transmitted to the microprocessor, and the light sensing unit detects lightness around the bicycle and generates a lightness signal transmitted to the microprocessor. According to the signals, the microprocessor of the control device sends a command signal to turn on the lamp and adjusts the luminance of the lamp in accordance with the lightness signal and the speed signal respectively. Once the bicycle is being parked and the bicycle control device is being removed, the microprocessor generates a lock control signal to lock the bicycle. Meanwhile, it also generates a trigger signal to turn on the warning module.

Abstract: An exterior auxiliary lighting system is provided including a light source for generating a beam of visible light, the light source having an aperture through which the beam of light is projected. A cover can be detachably connected to the light source to overlay at least a portion of the aperture. A sensor is provided for detecting whether the cover is attached to the light source. A switch responsive to an output signal from the sensor is adapted to selectively decouple the light source from a power supply when the sensor detects that the cover is attached to the light source.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp. The headlamp comprises a light source and a reflector to direct light received from the light source out of the headlamp. A movable shade is positionable to control the light received by the reflector. A shade driver is coupled to the movable shade to position the shade. A first shade position configures the headlamp for high beam lighting. A second shade position configures the headlamp for low beam lighting. A third shade position configures the headlamp for daytime running lights.

Abstract: A proposed method to illuminate optimally, or at least in an improved fashion compared with existing solutions, a road taken by a vehicle in question implementing the method whilst ensuring that other vehicles are not dazzled. To this end, it is not proposed in the invention to detect the distance between the vehicle in question and the first vehicle liable to be dazzled by the vehicle in question, and to generate accordingly a light beam optimized in terms of range on the road, and advantageously light intensity; according to the invention, the optimization of the light beam produced is achieved by the use of the motorway function available on the vehicle in question. The use of this function in this context also ensures a gradual transition between the function of the dipped type and the function of the main-beam type in the context of automatic switching operations between these functions.

Abstract: A vehicular illumination system includes a vehicular illumination unit whose light distribution is changeable, a detection unit that detects an illumination target, and an acquisition unit that acquires load information representing a processing load when processing is performed to controls the light distribution of the vehicular illumination unit based on the relative displacement between the subject vehicle and the illumination target detected by the detection unit. Further, the vehicular illumination system includes a control unit that is capable of plural types of light distribution control, in each of which the processing load is different, and that controls the light distribution of the vehicular illumination unit by the light distribution control of a load corresponding to the processing load that is represented by the load information acquired by the acquisition unit.

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: The fixed light for bends for a motor vehicle comprises at least two light sources, means sensitive to the path of the vehicle for supplying a signal dependent on the nature of the road followed by the vehicle, and means for controlling successive switching on the sources according to the signal delivered and providing an effect of light sweeping towards the inside of the bend. Each light source consists of one or more modules with light-emitting diodes.

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 present invention relates to a method for the production of a combined piezo/luminescent film for use as actuating element, especially in vehicles, comprising the steps: provision of a film-type base material (1); application of a piezoelectric varnish (2) onto the base material at least in a first partial area (A1, A2) so as to form a piezoelectric switch surface in the first partial area; application of a luminescent varnish (3) onto the base material in at least a second partial area (B1, B2) so as to be able to illuminate the switch surface in the second partial area; covering at least of the first and second partial area with a top layer (4) that is bonded to the base material. In addition, the present invention describes an actuating element with a combined piezo/luminescent film produced in such a manner.

Abstract: An automotive headlamp bulb provides the two light or three filament sources in a single bulb. One source may be used to generate a standard headlamp beam, while the second source may be used to generate an augmenting side beam in response to a turning signal. A similar third filament may provide an augmenting beam to the opposite side, or farther to the same side. The single bulb eliminates the need for a second bulb, or a second reflector in an advanced headlamp system with turning light augmentation.

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: A bicycle reflector has a case and an electric module. The case has an internal space. The electric module is mounted in the internal space and has a rolling ball switch, a light sensor, multiple light sources, a battery contact and a control board. The control board electronically connects to the rolling ball switch, the light sensor, the light sources and the battery contact. The light sources is controlled by the control board to emit light when the rolling ball switch is moved to electrically short and the light sensor detects a low brightness of environment.

Abstract: The present invention features an emergency lighting system for vehicles. In some embodiments, the system comprises a light pod and a microprocessor. The lights are turned on when an air bag is activated, the vehicle battery is cut off and/or the vehicle is rolled over.

Abstract: In order to adjust the luminance of indicator lights of a piece of monitoring and control equipment for an airplane, the control for regulating luminous intensity of legends and displays is used to act on the luminance value of the indicator lights. When the indicator lights are illuminated in a “day” mode, the luminance of the indicator lights is independent from the regulation of the luminous intensity of legends and displays. When the indicator lights are illuminated in a “night” mode corresponding to a reduced luminance of the indicator lights relative to the “day” mode, the luminance of the indicator lights can take at least two values according to the luminous intensity regulation value of the legends and displays.

Abstract: A method is provided for actuating the headlights of a motor vehicle with a manual mode, in which the headlights can be transferred into a first illuminating state by manually actuating a selector lever in a first actuating direction and by actuating the selector lever in a second actuating direction can be transferred into a second illuminating state, and with an automatic mode, in which an external lighting situation is detected by sensors and evaluated by an evaluation device so that, according to the results of the evaluation, the headlights are automatically displaced into the first or into the second illuminating state. In the automatic mode, an override possibility is provided so that, independently of the results of the evaluation, the headlights can be transferred into the respective illuminating state by manually actuating the selector lever in the first or the second actuating direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp unit (501) for an adaptive front lighting system (AFS) (500) for a vehicle (100). The lamp unit (501) comprises a liquid crystal element (200/200?) arranged to receive light emitted by a light source (502), which liquid crystal element (200/200?) has a first state in which it is adapted to transmit incoming light without substantially refracting said incoming light, and a second state in which it is adapted to refract said incoming light when the light passes through said liquid crystal element. This allows light to be altered without any mechanical movements in or of the lamp unit (501). The present invention also relates to an AFS (500) comprising such a lamp unit (501), and a vehicle (100) comprising such an AFS (500).

Abstract: A light source along the mirror mounting arm of a school bus or other passenger vehicle to reduce the risk of people or other objects being injured by the school bus. The light source may be mounted directly on the mirror mounting arm or embedded within a mirror mount. The light source may be focused downward to illuminate the ground and may provide vehicle status information and guiding information. Additionally the light source may sweep the ground back and forth or be directed under the control of the driver. The light source may be activated automatically when movement is detected near the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for predictive front lighting of a vehicle. The system includes a first and second headlamps, a first and second swivel mechanisms and a controller. The first and second headlamps project a beam pattern for illumination of the vehicle path. The controller receives vehicle position data, for example from a GPS system, and accesses a map database to identify a map location of the vehicle. The controller further analyzes the map to determine a most likely path of the vehicle based on the map location and other vehicle heading parameters. The controller then calculates the desired swivel angle of the first and second headlamps based on the most likely path of the vehicle, and the first and second swivel mechanisms manipulate the first and second headlamps to accordingly change the swivel angle of the headlamps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety light having an easily recognizable and illumination pattern. The safety light consists of a housing containing at least one group of secondary lighting elements arranged substantially around a primary lighting element. The lighting elements are covered by a translucent face having a central portion overlying the primary lighting element. Circuit means power the lighting elements such that the secondary lighting elements are illuminated in a rotating, flickering or pulsing sequence producing a distinct light pattern. The safety light is suitable for use in a wide variety of applications, including vehicles and recreational and service activities.

Abstract: In response to a left turn operation of a turn signal lever when left and right headlights provided on the left and right sides of a front part of a vehicle are turned on, a left turn signal light is turned on, and, at the same time, a left main light is made into a turned-off state corresponding to left turn indication. When a right turn operation of the turn signal lever is performed, a right turn signal light is turned on, and, at the same time, a right main light is made into a turned-off state corresponding to right turn indication in response to this operation. In a dark environment such as nighttime, oncoming vehicles and pedestrians can surely know the left or right turning of the vehicle based on the change in the main lights from a normal lighting state to the turned-off state.

Abstract: A system for providing warning lights for emergency vehicles in which the warning lights are incorporated into standard appearing accessories of the vehicle. A hood mounted deflector includes warning lights and takedown lights. Side window vent visors include warning lights, alley lights, and a convenience light. A rear spoiler includes warning lights. The warning lights are connected to at least one controller that provides various patterns of warning lights involving at least one color. In one embodiment, the takedown lights are connected to a controller that provides for flashing the takedown lights in addition to operating them continuously. The convenience light is connected to the interior lights of the vehicle. An operator panel in the vehicle is connected to the controllers and the alley lights.

Abstract: The invention concerns a lighting device (10) for motor vehicle comprising means (12) for ambient lighting of the vehicle passenger compartment. It comprises means (14) for measuring brightness, and means (16) for automatically controlling the ambient lighting means (12) based on the measured brightness.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sensor that detects external ambient light energy for automatically controlling vehicle headlights while also detecting solar loading within a vehicle passenger compartment for automatically controlling interior climate. The integrated circuit comprises a signal amplifier and a photodetector adapted for receiving ambient light energy. The integrated circuit produces a solar output signal having a first gain and a twilight output signal having a second gain, such that the spectral response of the sensor is dictated primarily by the spectral response of the photodetector. A transmissive layer covers the sensor, and the neutral density diffuser is disposed between the transmissive layer and the integrated circuit and lacks any pigments that would prevent light energy from reaching the photodetector at an undiminished level of intensity.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp device that includes a forward vehicle detecting device and a projection state changing device for switching a projection state of the headlamp between a first and second projection state. The device also includes a specific state determining device that determines whether a specific state exists in which switching between the first and second projection states should be prohibited. The projection state changing device maintains the headlamp in a current state of projection when the specific state determining device determines that the specific state exists.

Abstract: A system for predictive front lighting of a vehicle. The system includes at least two headlamps, at least two swivel mechanisms and a controller. The first and second headlamps project a beam pattern for illumination of the vehicle path. The controller receives vehicle position data, as well as, data regarding a most likely path and a secondary path of the vehicle. The controller then calculates the desired swivel angle of the headlamps based on the most likely path of the vehicle and the secondary path of the vehicle, and the swivel mechanisms respectively manipulate each of the headlamps to accordingly change alignment of the headlamps based on the swivel angle for each of the of the headlamps.

Abstract: A vehicle light control apparatus includes an illumination control unit for executing illumination control on the mode of illumination of a subject vehicle based on signal transmission of a vehicle ID signal unique to the subject vehicle and signal reception of the vehicle ID signal unique to the subject vehicle. The control unit identifies a vehicle having brightness exceeding a predetermined threshold from an image of other vehicles acquired through an image recognition MPU as a vehicle having an illumination adjustment failure, and returns the same vehicle identification signal transmitted from the other vehicle thus identified to vehicles other than the subject vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic warning light control device is applicable to an automobile and includes a controller electrically coupled to directional signal lights of the automobile. The controller is electrically coupled to a warning light system, a windshield wiper system, at least one door of the automobile, and a trunk lid. When the windshield is activated in a rain condition, or when the door or the trunk lid is not properly closed, the controller automatically activates the warning light system, wherein both directional signal lights blink simultaneously. When the directional signal lights are used for indication of direction, the directional signal lights are automatically switched from the warning mode to a direction indication mode where only the designated directional signal light blinks. Once the direction indication operation is completed, the directional signal lights automatically go back to the warning mode to blink simultaneously.

Abstract: An optical axis regulating device of a lighting device for a vehicle, which serves to vertically and transversely tilt a lamp unit supported on one fulcrum in a lamp housing formed by a lamp body having a concave portion and a transparent cover for covering an opening portion of the lamp body, includes a case, a slider movable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the case, an output portion rotatably supported on the slider and coupled to the lamp unit, a vertical regulating device for moving the slider in a longitudinal direction, and a transverse regulating device for rotating the output portion.

Abstract: A vehicle auxiliary lighting system is used for controlling traveling lighting according to traveling information. The vehicle auxiliary lighting system includes a plurality of light sources disposed on a rear view mirror, a traveling information acquisition device, and a controller. The light sources respectively emit light rays towards different directions, the traveling information acquisition device obtains traveling speed, steering angle, and other information, so as to turn on the light source with a specific angle to emit the light rays according to practical traveling state, thereby further assuring traveling safety.

Abstract: A circuit apparatus of an LED vehicle lamp is disclosed. The circuit apparatus includes an input unit, an LED unit and a current limiting unit. The LED unit includes at least one light-emitting device. Each light-emitting device includes at least one LED and a protection device. The protection device and each one LED are connected in parallel. The circuit apparatus of an LED vehicle lamp protects the element of the LEDs from being damaged, increases traveling safety and simplifies maintenance.

Abstract: A vehicle is equipped with a slide door, a seat provided near an ingress-egress opening, and an ingress-action detector to detect a passenger's ingress action through the ingress-egress opening. The vehicle is further equipped with an illumination device which comprises lower illuminators which are configured to illuminate lower areas which are located below a beltline of the vehicle such that a passenger's upper body is not illuminated, vehicle-inside upper illuminators which are configured to illuminate an upper-specified area in the vehicle compartment which is located above the beltline, and an illumination controller to control the illuminators. When the ingress action is detected by the ingress-action detector, the illumination controller prohibits the illuminations of the illuminators and starts the illuminations of the illuminators.

Abstract: A switching device for switching between low beam mode and high beam mode of a xenon headlight, comprises an electromagnetic valve fixed on a fixing piece, two light-shield pieces pivotally coupled to the fixing piece, and moveable piece. The movable piece is moved by the electromagnetic valve and then drives the light-shield pieces to rotate to the gap of the fixing piece to obstruct the light beam of the xenon lamp tube, and thus the headlight is switched to the low beam mode. When the light-shield pieces are rotated away from the gap of the fixing piece by the movable piece, the headlight is switched to the high beam mode.

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 headlight control apparatus and method controls an irradiation direction of a headlight. This apparatus uses a navigation-based swivel angle calculated based upon the shape of a road in a navigation-based control period, and a steering-based swivel angle calculated based upon a steering angle in a steering-based control period. When the control period changes from the navigation-based control period to the steering-based control period, this apparatus uses a value between the navigation-based swivel angle and the steering-based swivel angle as a present control swivel angle for controlling the irradiation direction of the headlight.

Abstract: A vehicular signal mirror includes a reflective mirror element comprising a mirror reflector on a light-transmitting substrate. The visible light reflectance is at least about 40% for visible light incident upon the front side of the reflective mirror element. A turn signal light display and/or a blind-spot indicator light display is disposed to the rear of the reflective mirror element and configured so that the light emitted by the light display passes through the reflective mirror element to be viewed by a viewer viewing from the front of the reflective mirror element. The light display exhibits, when electrically powered and when operated in the vehicle during day time driving conditions, a display luminance of at least about 60 foot lamberts as measured with the light display placed behind, and emitting light through, the reflective mirror element.

Abstract: A vehicular room illuminating lamp includes: a plurality of illumination units applying voltages through courtesy wires thereof to lamps which irradiate positions in a vehicle cabin, the positions corresponding to four doors; a mode switch capable of selecting an all-lights-on mode, a door mode and a light-off mode; and a controller that individually receives a mode selection signal of the mode switch and respective door open/close signals of the four doors. The controller applies the voltages to all of the courtesy wires in the all-lights-on mode, applies the voltage only to the courtesy wire of the illumination unit corresponding to the door indicated to be open by the door open/close signal in the door mode, and doe not apply the voltage to any of the courtesy wires irrespective of states of the door open/close signals in the light-off mode.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to control an angle of a light axis of light from headlights mounted on a vehicle. In the apparatus, images of a field of view in front of the vehicle are captured, and the captured images are used to detect taillights of a preceding vehicle. A illumination target position is set by using, as a positional reference, a position of the detected taillights in the captured images, and the angle of the light axis so that the light axis is directed to the illumination target position. The command is provided to an angle changing device, where the provided command depends on the angle calculated. The angle changing device changes the direction of the light axis of the light at an angle commanded by the command.

Abstract: A front lighting device for a vehicle includes a speed detection unit for detecting a vehicle speed, a steering angle detection unit for detecting a steering angle, and a swivel angle determination unit. The swivel angle determination unit determines a swivel angle based only on the detected steering angle when the detected speed is within a first speed range, and based on both the detected steering angle and the detected speed when the detected speed is within a second speed range which is higher than the first speed range. An actuator controls a direction of light from a head light of the vehicle, so that the direction of the light changes in accordance with the determined swivel angle.

Abstract: A rearview mirror for a vehicle. The rearview mirror comprises a mirror housing having a bottom opening. A reflective element is located within the mirror housing, with the reflective element being configured to reflect an image having a reflecting component in a first direction out of the mirror housing. A light source is also located within the mirror housing. The light source emits light along a beam axis, with the beam axis having a directional component in a second direction. A deviator is configured to redirect the light emitted from the light source through the bottom opening of the housing. The first direction and the second direction are parallel and opposite.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly includes a transmission axle coupled to a lamp unit, and a drive unit for driving the transmission axle to rotate such that the lamp unit is movable to a selected one of a default position, where the illuminating direction of the lamp unit is parallel to a vehicle axis, and left and right limit positions, where the illuminating direction forms left and right limit angles with the vehicle axis, respectively. A detecting device generates a default position signal when the lamp unit is at the default position. A control device is operable to control the drive unit for restoring the lamp unit to the default position with reference to the default position signal, and for moving the lamp unit according to angular displacement of a vehicle steering linkage system.

Abstract: An automatic warning light control device is applicable to an automobile and includes a controller electrically coupled to directional signal lights of the automobile. The controller is electrically coupled to a warning light system, a windshield wiper system, at least one door of the automobile, and a trunk lid. When the windshield is activated in a rain condition, or when the door or the trunk lid is not properly closed, the controller automatically activates the warning light system, wherein both directional signal lights blink simultaneously. When the directional signal lights are used for indication of direction, the directional signal lights are automatically switched from the warning mode to a direction indication mode where only the designated directional signal light blinks. Once the direction indication operation is completed, the directional signal lights automatically go back to the warning mode to blink simultaneously.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp includes a semiconductor light source and a switching means arranged to switch between a first lighting mode, in which the semiconductor light source stays on, and a second lighting mode, in which the semiconductor light source repeatedly turns on and off. The lamp is arranged so that a peak current flowing through the semiconductor light source in the second lighting mode is smaller than that in the first lighting mode. The arrangement can help suppress overshooting and undershooting in the light source current.