Abstract: A new wheel lighting device which operates in either an “ON” mode or a “RECHARGE” mode. In the “ON” mode rechargeable batteries mounted on a vehicles wheel supply power to LED's which illuminate a vehicles wheel, and the device is independent of the vehicles electrical system. In the “RECHARGE” mode the device is electrically connected, by means of a retractable connector and insulated conductive ring, to the vehicles fully charged battery, (when the vehicle engine is no longer in motion), and uses that battery to recharge the rechargeable batteries on the wheel. While this is happening the LED's are reverse biased to the current and are off, and a now forward biased diode allows the recharging. A voltage regulator is used to convert the voltage of the vehicles battery to a suitable voltage of the rechargeable batteries. Once the rechargeable batteries are disconnected from the vehicles electrical system, as when the vehicle is started, the device returns to the “ON” mode.

Abstract: An accessory attachable to a backup mirror provides safety features to reduce vehicular accidents and includes a high density light bar 22 extending in vertically; a halogen bulb 24 directed laterally of the vehicle to illuminate the region immediately adjacent the vehicle; a strobe bar 26; a series of red LED lights 28 extending about the periphery of accessory 20; a laser light 30 mounted by a spring 32 in vertically oblong slot 34; and a graphic depiction 36 of the narrowing distance between the rear bumper 13 of vehicle 11 and building 15.

Abstract: An adjustable light assembly is disclosed comprising, a light and an attachment bracket adapted to secure the light to the vehicle. As the vehicle leans the light pivots directly in response to the pull of gravity in a direction opposite the lean of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a headlamp apparatus comprising a sub-CPU integrally provided on a headlamp for controlling an optical axis direction changing operation and a main CPU for sending out to the sub-control circuit a control signal for changing the direction of the optical axis, the sub-CPU comprises a power-on resetting circuit of a simple configuration comprising a capacitor and a resistor. When the main CPU detects an abnormality in the sub-CPU, a power supply is temporarily cut off by a power supply control means, and the sub-CPU is reset by a power-on resetting circuit. An abnormality triggered by a runaway of the sub-CPU can be resolved so that the sub-CPU can be restored to a normal condition as quickly as possible.

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

Abstract: A motor vehicle lamp assembly (10) having a lamp bulb (12) for emitting light and a bulb housing (14) having a light transmissive portion (16) for transmitting light from the lamp bulb to an illumination zone. The housing is coated with a coating material (60), which covers a selected region (32, 34, 36) of the light transmissive portion of the housing. The coating material is electrically energized to alter an amount of light transmitted from the bulb to the illumination zone. A drive circuit (30) electrically coupled to the coating material energizes the coating material to control a light output from the lamp assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle light apparatus comprises a controller 10 for changing a lighting range of a lamp L for illuminating a forward part of a vehicle corresponding to a steering angle of the vehicle and for controlling the lighting range of lighting means corresponding to a steering angular velocity of the vehicle. Alternatively, there is provided lighting range control means for changing a lighting range of lighting means for illuminating a forward part of the vehicle corresponding to a steering angle of the vehicle and for controlling the lighting range of the lighting means based on an operation of a turn signal lamp of the vehicle. It is possible to decide a running condition of the vehicle from the steering angular velocity or the operation state of the turning signal lamp and a vehicle speed, thereby rapidly controlling a change in the lighting direction or the lighting area of the lamp L in a running direction.

Abstract: A projecting direction control system for a vehicle lighting device is provided with height detecting means for detecting variation in the height of a front-wheel or a rear-wheel axle portion, auxiliary detection means for accurately controlling the direction of an optical axis of projection light for a vehicle headlamp in response to vehicle load variation, and light projection control means for controlling the optical axis of light in response to variation in the vehicle posture according to the information obtained by the height detecting means and the auxiliary detection means. When the auxiliary detection means such as a seat sensor becomes in abnormal condition, the direction of the optical axis of light is controlled so as to be tilted downward from the direction of the optical axis of projection light with the auxiliary detection means remaining in a normal condition.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lamp assembly having a light source for emitting light and an enclosure having a two light transmissive portions for transmitting light from the light source to the illumination zones. The enclosure is affixed with a material which covers selected regions of the light transmissive portion. The material is electrically energized to alter an amount of light transmitted from the source to the illumination zones. A drive circuit electrically coupled to the material energizes the material to control a light output from the lamp assembly. The lamp assembly can simultaneously provide light in the direction of travel of the vehicle along with cornering lighting and turn signal function. The lamp assembly also includes a rear-projection lamp incorporating an optic lens. In addition, the assembly is configured to provide for various head-lamp functions including an advanced front lighting system.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a light assembly which provides additional light adjacent the main beam of a light. A shield within the light assembly is moved in response to a sensed condition so as to provide a first area of additional illumination at the edge of the light's main beam. In response to a second sensed condition, the shield is moved such that a second area of additional illumination is illuminated in addition to the first area.

Abstract: A auto-leveling system for vehicle headlamp comprises a headlamp an optical axis L of which is tilted vertically by a drive of a motor, a control unit 16 for controlling the drive of the motor 10, a vehicle pitch angle sensing means 14, and a headlamp lighting switch 11, whereby the control unit 16 controls the drive of the motor 10 based on a sensed pitch angle such that the optical axis of the headlamp is always set to a predetermined tilted state with respect to a road surface when the headlamp lighting switch is in an ON state, wherein the system has a daytime running light lighting deciding function, and the control unit 16 controls the drive of the motor 10 so as to fix the optical axis L of the headlamp at a frontal lower limit position when the headlamp lighting switch 11 is in an OFF state and a daytime running light is turned on. Thus, the drive of the motor 10 in a daytime running is eliminated and a load applied to the motor 10 is reduced.

Abstract: A first shade 32 is properly moved to vertically shift the position of a cutoff line, and furthermore, a lighting unit 20 is properly tilted in a vertical direction to displace a whole light distribution pattern in the vertical direction. Consequently, a light irradiation is carried out with a light distribution pattern at an irradiation angle corresponding to a vehicle traveling situation. In that case, a second shade 34 is properly moved to form a dark portion in a central part on the lower end of the light distribution pattern in a predetermined size if necessary. Consequently, the amount of a light irradiation on a short-distance region can be controlled finely, and a road surface on this side can be prevented from becoming too bright in a high-speed travel and a light reflected by the road surface which causes a glare can be prevented from being generated in a rain travel.

Abstract: A vehicular headlamp that forms a predetermined light distribution pattern in front of the lamp by light that is radiated from a projector-type lamp unit. The projector-type lamp unit includes a projection lens provided on the optical axis that extends in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle and passes through substantially the center of the projection lens, a light source bulb provided behind the rear focal point of the projection lens, and a reflector which condenses and reflects light from the light source bulb toward the optical axis in the forward direction; and the light source bulb is disposed in the reflector at a point which is at a distance from the optical axis in an obliquely downward direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for operation of a vehicle headlight as well as a vehicle headlight (1) with a housing and a light source (3) provided within the housing. In accordance with the invention the housing of the vehicle headlight (1) is designed to be pressure-tight and the headlight (1) is associated with a controller (7), which controls the headlight (1) depending upon the pressure within the housing. The controller (7) brings about that the headlight, depending upon the pressure within the housing, is switched off, is adapted in its light intensity and/or is changed in its emission characteristic. Thereby a headlight is produced characterized by being safe for the eyes.

Abstract: A digital lighting apparatus for a vehicle, which employs a reflection digital light deflector, includes a storage unit that stores digital data of a plurality of light distribution patterns and a controller. The controller selects digital data corresponding to a predetermined light distribution pattern from among the digital data stored in the storage unit and controls the reflection digital light deflector, and illuminates a road surface and the like with the predetermined light distribution pattern.

Abstract: A night vision system for a vehicle includes a pulsed light source for illuminating a region proximate the vehicle and a secondary trigger light source operating at a predetermined pulse timing and second wavelength. A light sensor detects light at the second wavelength. The trigger light pulses are used to indicate the pulse timing of each respective vehicle's primary NIR light source. Upon detecting another vehicle's trigger light source, the controller adjusts the pulse phase of the first light source to be exactly out-of-phase with that of the oncoming vehicle since the pulsed timing of the oncoming vehicle's NIR light source is known upon detection of the opposing vehicle's trigger light source. Each vehicle can then adjust its primary light source to be out-of-phase with the other vehicle and, hence, non-interfering.

Abstract: A proportional brake light system having an LED display carried on a motor vehicle and capable of instaneously warning motorists following from behind whether and how quickly the vehicle is likely to stop in response to an operator generated foot pressure being applied to the brake pedal shoe. The brake pedal shoe of the vehicle has a hollow interior, and an optical signal is transmitted along an optical transmission path extending therethrough. As the pressure applied by the operator to the pedal shoe is increased, more of the optical signal being transmitted along the optical transmission path is interrupted. A multi-stage comparator is responsive to an interruption of the optical signal so as to cause a corresponding number of LEDs from the display to be illuminated. The LEDs are arranged in a pair of linear arrays that arc aligned in oppositely extending illumination paths, such that an identical number of LEDs from each array is simultaneously illuminated to create a highly visible bar graph display.

Abstract: A meter unit includes pointer light sources, main mark light sources, and sub-mark light sources. The pointer light sources, the main mark light source, and the sub-mark light sources are turned on with time lags after an ignition (IG) switch is turned to an ON position. Therefore, pointers, main marks, sub-marks of the meter unit are illuminated with time lags. This makes outlines of the pointers, the main marks, and the sub-marks sharp. As a result, not only the pointers but also the marks and the sub-marks of the meter unit outstand from each other.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is a device for the automatic adjustment of the position of at least one headlight of a motor vehicle in relation to the bodywork by pivoting around at least one axis which is essentially parallel to the road surface, the said device comprising at least one actuator capable of making the said headlight(s) pivot, at least one sensor integral with the vehicle, and more particularly fixed to the chassis close to one of the vehicle wheels, and at least one electronic system to control the actuator with the aid of information provided by the sensor(s). The said electronic control system, or at least the essential part of its components, is fixed to or implanted in the actuator.

Abstract: An interior lighting system for a motor vehicle includes a lighting device configured to light a motor vehicle interior and a control unit configured to regulate the brightness and/or the color of the light emitted from the lighting device. The color of the light emitted from the lighting device may be automatically adjusted in accordance with at least one operating parameter and/or at least one parameter associated with the environment of the motor vehicle. Such parameters include, for example, a deviation of an actual temperature from a predetermined desired temperature of the motor vehicle interior and/or the driving speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus for eye tracking, including: an illuminator; reflection apparatus to reflect illumination from the illuminator onto a surface of a windshield of a vehicle in which the windshield is installed, such that the illumination is reflected onto at least an eye of a person in the vehicle, and to reflect an image of the at least an eye, and a sensor to receive a reflection of the image of the at least an eye reflected by the reflection apparatus and to produce an output signal representative thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp system with headlamps, each of which contains a lamp unit for emitting beams forward with a predetermined luminous intensity distribution. The system carries out beam emission with a luminous intensity distribution corresponding to the travel conditions of a vehicle. In an implementation, when the speed of one's own vehicle exceeds 25 km/h, a low-beam luminous intensity distribution P(L) is varied according to a vehicle-to-vehicle distance in relation to a preceding vehicle. Remote visibility is increased by positioning a cut-off line slightly upward when the vehicle-to-vehicle distance L is long, whereas when the vehicle-to-vehicle distance L is short the cut-off line is lowered slightly in order not to give a glare to the driver of the preceding vehicle.

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

Abstract: A motor vehicle has at its front end, a pair of passing or dipped beam headlights and a separate pair of cruising or main beam headlights. The passing headlights and cruising headlights produce, respectively, a regulation, short range, dipped passing beam and a regulation, long range, main or cruising beam. A control unit, when the vehicle is negotiating a bend in passing beam mode, causes at least one of the cruising main beam lights to emit an additional bend beam for lighting into the bend. This bend beam increases the light intensity generally in the direction of the bend.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a taillight assembly that includes a light source for emitting light and a light source enclosure having a light transmissive portion for transmitting light from the light source to an illumination zone. A portion of the enclosure includes a material that is affixed to selected regions of the light transmissive portion. By electrically energizing the material the light transmitting properties of the material can be altered for performing different taillight functions. A drive circuit is electrically coupled to the material in each region for selectively energizing the material and thereby controlling the functional light output of each region. All taillight functions can be accomplished by activating the bands on the light transmissive portion, including running light, brake light, reverse light, parking light and turning signal.

Abstract: An indicating instrument for a vehicle includes a dial plate, a light modulation member disposed on the dial plate and a controller for controlling the light transmissivity. The light modulation member has variable light transmissivity, and the controller changes the light transmissivity according to a condition of the vehicle when operated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for improving the view in vehicles, in particular at night, poor weather and fog, in which laser light is emitted at a wavelength outside the visible spectrum in a predetermined angular range, which is being observed with a camera, of which the images are provided to the vehicle operator. The laser light is emitted essentially continuously only when the headlights of the vehicle are in operation and/or when the vehicle is in motion. In this manner the vision of other traffic participants is ensured in a particularly simple manner.

Abstract: An optical axis adjusting system for a vehicle head lamp detects the inclination of the front part of a vehicle with respect to a road surface and controls an optical axis adjusting system by an ECU according to the detected inclination to adjust the optical axis of the head lamp. Therefore, the optical axis adjusting system is capable of finding the accurate inclination of the entire vehicle and properly adjusting the optical axis.

Abstract: In a vehicular lamp system for an automotive vehicle, a first reflector (11201) equipped with a light source, a second reflector (11202) enabled to deflect a reflection direction thereof toward a vehicular turn direction independently of the first reflector, and a driving section (2) that operatively performs a deflection drive for the first and second reflectors are provided. A controller (3) controls the driving section(s) on the basis of a vehicular velocity detected by a vehicular velocity detector (6) and a steering angle detected by a vehicular steering angle detector (5) in such a manner that the second reflector is deflected toward the vehicular turn direction according to the detected steering angle when the detected vehicular velocity falls in an extremely low vehicular velocity range and that the first reflector is deflected toward the vehicular turn direction according to the steering angle when the detected vehicular velocity falls in a high vehicular velocity range.

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

Abstract: A proportional brake light system having an LED display carried on a motor vehicle and capable of instantaneously warning motorists following from behind whether and how quickly the vehicle is likely to stop in response to an operator generated foot pressure being applied to the brake pedal shoe. The brake pedal shoe of the vehicle has a hollow interior, and an optical signal is transmitted along an optical transmission path extending therethrough. As the pressure applied by the operator to the brake pedal shoe is increased, more of the optical signal being transmitted along the optical transmission path is interrupted. A multi-stage comparator is responsive to an interruption of the optical signal so as to cause a corresponding number of LEDs from the display to be illuminated.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp that includes an integrated sensor for interacting with an operating environment of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle lamp includes a sensor and a light channel adapted to transmit data received by the sensor. The vehicle lamp can also include a flat wire that has a component integrally formed by the light channel. A vehicle illumination and data transmission system is also provided. The system includes vehicle lamps according to the present invention, and can include sensor processors located within each of a plurality of lamps, or sensor processors that are centrally located within the vehicle. A system processor is connected to the sensor processors and enables operating decisions based upon data received from the environment by the sensors.

Abstract: The lighting directions of a plurality of lamps RL and LL are controlled independently or integrally corresponding to a running condition. When a vehicle changes a running direction, the direction of the optical axis of one of the lamps is deflected earlier in the running direction and the direction of the optical axis of the other lamp is maintained in a straight running direction in a running condition in which other cars or obstacles might be present in the straight running direction of the vehicle, and the direction of the optical axis of the other lamp is deflected with a delay upon receipt of a further steering operation. It is possible to carry out an illumination in the running direction and the straight running direction of the vehicle. In particular, the invention is very effective for maintaining the safety running of the vehicle on an intersection road or at time of a lane change.

Abstract: A light-sensitive sensor unit, in particular for automatic switching of lighting devices, preferably in motor vehicles, including at least two light-sensitive sensors, at least one first sensor detecting the global lighting conditions, and at least one second sensor detecting the lighting conditions in predetermined directions. All light guide elements provided for the sensors are joined in one piece to form a light guide body.

Abstract: A headlamp that is installed at the front of an automobile, such headlamp including a light source, a main reflector, and a sub reflector. When the light source is turned on the headlamp reflects the light from the light source with the main reflector and the sub reflector to illuminate a road surface in a target luminous intensity distribution pattern, and chances the luminous intensity distribution pattern by moving the sub reflector. The main reflector and the sub reflector are prepared based on a composite combination of reflection surfaces of free curved surfaces. The sub reflector is movably disposed at a position where the light from the light source is directly incident to the sub reflectors and also at the position where the sub reflector does not interrupt a light path through which the light from the light source is incident to the main reflector.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp used for a vehicle, includes a semiconductor light emitting element for generating light to be emitted by the vehicular lamp and a current controlling unit for changing a current supplied to the semiconductor light emitting element based on the speed of the vehicle. The current controlling unit may reduce the current, if the speed of the vehicle is lower than a predetermined speed. The current controlling unit may reduce the current, if the vehicle is stopped.

Abstract: A wheel lighting device for illuminating a wheel of a vehicle to increase safety and enhance aesthetics. The device produces the appearance of a “ring of light” on a vehicle's wheels as the vehicle moves. The “ring of light” can automatically change in color and/or brightness according to a vehicle's speed, acceleration, jerk, selection of transmission gears, and/or engine speed. The device provides auxiliary indicator lights by producing light in conjunction with a vehicle's turn signals, hazard lights, alarm systems, and etc. The device comprises a combination of mechanical and electronic components and can be placed on the outer or inner surface of a wheel or made integral to a wheel or wheel cover. The device can be configured for all vehicle types, and is electrically powered by a vehicle's electrical system and/or battery.

Abstract: A safety sensing and/or release system for opening a closed compartment of a vehicle comprises a sensing element for sensing the presence of an occupant within the closed compartment of the vehicle, a control responsive to the sensing element, and a release system. The control is operable to provide an output signal in response to a detection of an occupant by the sensing element. The control may be selectably locked to limit providing an unintentional output signal. The release system is operable to open the closed compartment in response to the output signal of the control. The control may be selectably locked in response to an input signal indicative of at least one of the vehicle ignition being on and the vehicle moving, in order to prevent the compartment from unexpectedly opening while the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: A lamp's optical axis control system for a vehicle includes vehicle speed sensor, steering angle sensor, a circuit for calculating driver's viewpoint and a controller for controlling the optical axis according to the position of the driver's view point. The controller indicates the position of the driver's viewpoint a certain time in advance according to the vehicle speed signal and the steering angle signal. Therefore, the illumination range of the headlamps can timely provides a desirable driver's view point.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a light emission direction of a motor vehicle headlight has a unit for executing a pivoting movement of at least one part of the motor vehicle headlight that is held by a suspension and which effects the light emission direction, about an axis of rotation that is approximately parallel to a vertical axis of the motor vehicle, the unit for executing the pivotal movement having at least one electric motor selected from the group consisting of a direct current motor and an alternating current motor.

Abstract: An irradiating direction control apparatus 1 of a headlamp for a vehicle includes vehicle posture detecting means 2 for detecting a change in the posture of the vehicle, irradiation control means 3 for calculating a pitch angle indicative of a vertical inclined posture in a direction of advance of the vehicle based on detected information thereof and computing a control amount for correcting an optical axis of irradiation related to the headlamp 5, and setting a ground angle of the optical axis of the irradiation in a deceleration (or an acceleration) of the vehicle to be smaller (or greater) than a ground reference angle of the optical axis of the irradiation during stop or constant speed running of the vehicle, thereby carrying out a correcting calculation for maintaining a forward visible distance of the vehicle to be constant, and driving means 4 for changing a direction of the optical axis of the irradiation of the headlamp 5 upon receipt of a control command sent from the irradiation control means 3.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatic control of illumination devices (14), in particular of a motor vehicle, are proposed, having a brightness sensor (28) which delivers first signals (S1), the illumination devices (14) being switched off after a time interval (DeltaT) that begins at the point in time (T1) at which the first signals (S1) exceed or fall below a first threshold (SW1), the length of the time interval (DeltaT) being modifiable, in particular capable of being extended.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight system including a light source, digital beam forming optics optically coupled to the light source, and a memory storing a plurality of light illumination patterns. The memory is electrically coupled to the digital beam forming optics. The digital beam forming optics is adapted to output light from the light source in the form of at least one of the light illumination patterns in response to at least one vehicle operating condition.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for operation of a vehicle headlight as well as a vehicle headlight (1) with a housing and a light source (3) provided within the housing. In accordance with the invention the housing of the vehicle headlight (1) is designed to be pressure-tight and the headlight (1) is associated with a controller (7), which controls the headlight (1) depending upon the pressure within the housing. The controller (7) brings about that the headlight, depending upon the pressure within the housing, is switched off, is adapted in its light intensity and/or is changed in its emission characteristic. Thereby a headlight is produced characterized by being safe for the eyes.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for illuminating environments, including aircraft environments. The methods and systems include facilities for providing both white and non-white illumination, with color and color temperature control, in programmed response to inputs. Methods and systems are also provided for improving the addressing of light systems in a network lighting configuration.

Abstract: An oncoming headlight glare reduction system using a controlled shuttering of a shield and the strobing of the headlight.

Abstract: A wheel incorporating a flashing light feature includes a power source, a plurality of lighting elements and a flashing circuit to selectively provide lighting signals to the plurality of lighting elements. The wheel incorporating a flashing light feature further includes at least two motion switches to activate the flashing circuit. The at least two motion switches include a spring having a fixed end and a free end and a metal cap positioned proximate the free end of the spring for electrical engagement by the free end of the spring. Examples of articles with a wheel incorporating a flashing light feature include scooters, roller skates, in line skates, roller shoes and other types of wheeled footwear.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting apparatus includes means for controlling a deflection angle of a lamp which controls the deflection angle based on an output from a steering angle sensor for detecting the steering direction. The maximum deflection angle is controlled based on a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor. When the vehicle is almost in a state of coming to stop, the maximum deflection angle is set to 0°, and the direction of radiation of the lamp is fixed in the straight ahead direction of the vehicle. When the vehicle is in the state of cruising almost at a high speed, the maximum deflection angle is suppressed with increase in vehicle speed, and thus the deflection angle of the lamp is controlled within the angle range around the straight ahead direction, thereby preventing lateral fluctuation of the deflecting direction of the lamp.

Abstract: A sensor unit for automatic switching of lighting devices of motor vehicles is described. The sensor unit includes at least one light-sensitive sensor, a filter element being situated upstream from it, and the filter element filtering out infrared light. A coupling medium for improving the switching points of the sensor unit and the use of a coupling medium and a filter for improving the switching points of the sensor unit are also described.

Abstract: A vehicle cornering lamp capable of broadly irradiating a road surface ahead of and in an oblique direction of a vehicle while the vehicle is moving around a curve. The vehicle cornering lamp includes three reflector units 12A, 12B, and 12C, whose light emitting directions are respectively set to angles of 30°, 45°, and 60°, with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle. The vehicle cornering lamp also includes a control unit 20 for controlling light emission—from the reflector units 12A, 12B, and 12C—according to the travel conditions of the vehicle. When the vehicle turns to the left at an intersection, a traveling road onto which the vehicle will turn left, and a road shoulder, are sufficiently irradiated by switching on the reflector units 12A, 12B and 12C in the order of 12A→12B→12C→12B→12A, so that pedestrians can quickly be detected.