Abstract: A vehicle headlight including a common light distribution unit and a variable light distribution unit and a headlight system including the headlight can form a common light distribution pattern and a variable light distribution pattern using the common and the variable light distribution units. The variable distribution unit can include a light source, a phosphor panel, a mirror reflecting/scanning light emitted from the light source onto the phosphor panel and a projector lens projecting the scanning light adjacent the common light distribution pattern. The headlight system can include a front sensor detecting a surrounding condition, and can control the common and the variable light distribution units to form an optimum light distribution pattern in accordance with surrounding conditions. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can provide a headlight system including a headlight that can form an optimum light distribution pattern in accordance with surrounding conditions and can have a simple structure.

Abstract: A headlamp for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle is disclosed. The headlamp includes a first light source designed to illuminate a central area with a first light spectrum, and a second light source designed to illuminate an edge area with a second light spectrum. The light spectrum of the first light source differs from the light spectrum of the second light source.

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

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp apparatus is provided. The vehicle headlamp apparatus includes a lamp unit, a first additional lamp unit which forms a first light distribution pattern, a second additional lamp unit which forms a second light distribution pattern overlapping with the first light distribution pattern, and a controller. The first light distribution pattern includes at least one first partial region, and the first additional lamp unit adjusts a luminous intensity of a light to be irradiated toward the first partial region. The second light distribution pattern includes at least one second partial region which partially overlaps with the first partial region, and the second additional lamp unit adjusts a luminous intensity of a light to be irradiated toward the second partial region. The controller controls the first additional lamp unit and the second additional lamp unit to adjust the luminous intensity of the partial regions.

Abstract: A headlight system is provided for a motor vehicle and includes, but is not limited to at least one light source and beam-forming apparatus for generating the main light beam with an essentially horizontal cut-off line and a marker light beam within a limited azimuth angle range above the cut-off line of the main light beam. The beam-forming apparatus are switchable between at least two stationary states that differ from each other in the progression of an upper cut-off line of the marker light beam.

Abstract: A light distribution control apparatus for the headlights of a vehicle acquires positional information of a forward vehicle from a forward position sensor detects a turn angle of the own vehicle after a time point at which the forward position sensor detects conditions ahead of the own vehicle, based on signals acquired from a behavior sensor that detects the behavior of the own vehicle corrects the positional information of the forward vehicle based on the detected turn angle, and controls the light distribution of the headlights of the own vehicle based on the corrected positional information of the forward vehicle. The light distribution control apparatus is capable of reducing tracking delays in light distribution.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a change in speed of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the change in speed. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated as the vehicle reduces speed and/or is decelerating as it approaches an intersection. Additionally, the headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated as the vehicle accelerates from a stopped position or reaches a certain traveling speed. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a change in speed of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the change in speed. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated as the vehicle reduces speed and/or is decelerating as it approaches an intersection. Additionally, the headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated as the vehicle accelerates from a stopped position or reaches a certain traveling speed. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.

Abstract: A headlight controller and a vehicle headlight system including an ADB and AFS can include a headlight controller and an optical unit. The headlight controller can include a system controller and a camera photographing vehicles located in a travelling direction of a subject vehicle, and the system controller can be configured to output a control signal to provide favorable light distribution patterns by using image data output from the camera in accordance with traffic conditions. The optical unit can be configured to emit beam lights using lights emitted from a first and second light-emitting device via a projector lens so that the beam lights can be used as a high/low beam without movable parts. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can include providing vehicle headlight systems that can form various favorable light distribution patterns by utilizing the characteristics of the controller and the optical unit in accordance with the traffic conditions.

Abstract: A current controlling apparatus for an automotive lamp is provided that adjusts a current applied to the automotive lamp that uses laser light as a light source to adjust the intensity of the laser light. The automotive lamp includes a light source that generates laser light and a phosphor excited by the generated laser light to generate light of a predetermined color. A minor is configured to transmit therethrough a first portion of the generated laser light while reflecting a second portion of the generated laser light. A light receiver is configured to receive reflected laser light from the minor and output an output signal based on an intensity of the received laser light. In addition, a controller is configured to detect an intensity of the generated laser light based on the output signal and adjust a current applied to the light source based on results of the detection.

Abstract: There is provided a lighting device arranged to produce a controllable light beam for illuminating a scene. The device comprises an addressable spatial light modulator arranged to provide a selectable phase delay distribution to a beam of incident light. The device further comprises Fourier optics arranged to receive phase-modulated light from the spatial light modulator and form a light distribution. The device further comprises projection optics arranged to project the light distribution to form a pattern of illumination as said controllable light beam.

Abstract: To provide a technique capable of achieving AFS control without using mechanical means. A vehicle headlamp for forming a low beam that illuminates a relatively lower region of a space in front of a vehicle, including a first light source apparatus for forming a first irradiating light, a second light source apparatus for forming a second irradiating light with a width in the up-down direction that is smaller than that of the first irradiating light on an upper end side of the first irradiating light, and a lens that projects the light emitted from the first light source apparatus and the second light source apparatus, respectively, wherein the second light source apparatus includes a first light-emitting device array that extends in a first direction, and the first light-emitting device array includes a plurality of light-emitting devices capable of being individually turned on and off, arranged along the first direction.

Abstract: The vehicular headlight apparatus includes a control means configured to change a light illumination area following a position of a detected target object until a shift angle between a reference direction and a direction to the target object with respect to a headlight is calculated to exceed a maximum limit shift angle, and configured to, when a vehicle speed is detected to exceed a predetermined threshold value, set the maximum limit shift angle to a small deflection angle, and change the present light illumination area to a low-beam light illumination area covered by the headlight in a low-beam state if the shift angle is calculated to exceed the maximum limit shift angle set to the small deflection angle.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight includes: a first illuminator that illuminates a predetermined region ahead of a vehicle with a first light distribution pattern having a cutoff line at an upper end; a second illuminator that illuminates, with a second light distribution pattern, a region near the vehicle on a lower side of the cutoff line of the first light distribution pattern and further toward an outer side in a width direction than a side end of the first light distribution pattern; a target detector that detects a target adjacent to a driving lane ahead of the vehicle with a possibility of movement; and an illumination controller that performs illumination with the second illuminator over a predetermined time after the target has been detected and then terminates the illumination by the second illuminator.

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: A method is described for ascertaining a group of at least two adjacently situated illumination units during the travel of a vehicle. The method includes a step of recognizing at least one first illumination unit and at least one second illumination unit in a detection range of a sensor and recognizing a subsequent departure of the first illumination unit from the detection range of the sensor. The method also includes a step of detecting a distance and/or a time which the vehicle travels after a departure of the first illumination unit from the detection range of the sensor up to a departure of the second illumination unit from the detection range of the sensor.

Abstract: A system for powering a steering angle sensor coupled to a steering wheel and a controller comprising a switch, coupled to the sensor and the controller. The switch is activated upon motion of the steering wheel or steering shaft. The switch, when activated, connects a power supply, such as a vehicle battery, to the sensor and the controller so that a new steering angle may be sensed and stored. After a predetermined period of time, the controller sends a signal to deactivate the switch and disconnect the power supply.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp control apparatus is provided with: a receiving portion for receiving output values of an acceleration sensor; a control portion for deriving a variation in an inclination angle of a vehicle based on the output values of the acceleration sensor and generating a control signal for instructing an optical axis adjustment of a vehicle lamp; and a transmitting portion for transmitting the control signal to an optical axis adjusting portion of the vehicle lamp. The control portion is configured to detect an error factor of the output values occurring in the acceleration sensor based on the output values of the acceleration sensor and to correct an optical axis position of the vehicle lamp.

Abstract: A method for recognizing an illuminated roadway ahead of a vehicle, having a step of recognizing a first light object as a first roadway illumination unit. The method also includes a step of ascertaining a distance covered by the vehicle. The method also includes a step of recognizing a second light object as a second roadway illumination unit. The method also includes a step of providing a signal when the first roadway illumination unit and the second illumination unit have been recognized. The signal is provided using the distance covered, the signal representing a recognition of an illuminated roadway ahead of a vehicle.

Abstract: A head lamp apparatus of an automobile and a method of controlling the same light a curved road by rotating one of a left DBL and a right DBL to the left or right according to a relative distance reflecting a driving speed of the automobile, not an absolute distance from a driving position of the automobile before the automobile enters the curved road on a driving path.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a head lamp of a vehicle are disclosed. The apparatus includes one or more processors configured to: determine whether at least one of a low beam and a high beam is turned on; select at least one of a plurality of pieces of control information for controlling an illumination pattern according to the determination result; and control the illumination pattern according to the selected control information.

Abstract: A method for activating at least one headlight of a vehicle has: a step of ascertaining a traffic density from an item of information about road users in the surroundings of the vehicle; a step of determining a control parameter for controlling an emission characteristic of the headlight using the ascertained traffic density; and a step of providing the control command for controlling an emission characteristic of the headlight using the control parameter.

Abstract: Provided is a light distribution control system for vehicle in which each of left and right head lamp housings is provided with camera that picks up image of the forward area of vehicle, main lamp unit that forms basic light distribution pattern which is symmetric at the forward area of the vehicle, first sub lamp unit that forms first additional light distribution pattern at lateral side of the vehicle as compared to the basic light distribution pattern, second sub lamp unit that forms second additional light distribution pattern at lateral side of the vehicle, and control unit that controls the turning-ON/OFF of the first and second sub lamp units based on the image data of the camera. The control unit may form non-symmetric light distribution pattern as a whole at the forward area of the vehicle according to road environment.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a headlamp system of a vehicle, road users are detected in front of the vehicle in the driving direction, and a total light pattern produced by the headlamp system is controlled such that it provides an illumination range in the direction of at least one detected road user that is less than the distance to the detected road user, and which provides an illumination range in another direction that is greater than the distance to the detected road user. The illumination range in the other direction is controlled as a function of the horizontal angle between the driving direction of the vehicle and the connecting line from the vehicle to the detected road user or to another detected road user.

Abstract: Device for the control of vertical cut-off lines for headlamps of a motor vehicle within a swivel range, wherein the control device (10) has a first input (12) for a first signal, which indicates the direction referring to a longitudinal axis (1) of the motor vehicle, in which the motor vehicle (F1) meets the oncoming light source of a motor vehicle (F2) or in which it moves in front of the motor vehicle (F1) in the same direction of travel, wherein the control device is suitable and equipped for the generation of a control signal for the right-hand headlamp (50) and a control signal for the left-hand headlamp (40) of the motor vehicle (F1) for the adjustment of a vertical cut-off line depending on the first signal, with which a right-hand vertical cut-off line and a left-hand vertical cut-off line can be adjusted to eliminate the dazzling effect on an oncoming motor vehicle (F2) or a motor vehicle (F2) driving ahead, wherein the control device (10) is suitable and equipped for the adjustment of the right

Abstract: A control apparatus of a vehicle lamp is provided with a reception section (228L1, 228R1), a control section (228, 228L, 228R) and a transmission section (228L3, 228R3). The reception section (228L1, 228R1) receives a tilt angle of a vehicle relative to a horizontal plane from a tilt detection device (316). The control section (228, 228L, 228R) corrects the tilt angle obtained from the tilt detection device (316) based on correction information obtained from a first pre-recorded reference acceleration vector information (S1) of the vehicle being in a first state and a second pre-recorded reference acceleration vector information (S2) of the vehicle being in a second state different from the first state only in a pitch angle, and also determines an optical axis position of the vehicle lamp. The transmission section (228L3, 228R3) transmits the determined optical axis position to an optical axis adjustment section (236).

Abstract: A method for setting a headlight range of a headlight of a vehicle. The method includes a step of provision a signal which represents a pitch angle of the vehicle and a step of changing the headlight range of the headlight in response to the provided signal.

Abstract: A transparent member 2 defines part of a lamp compartment 4. A light source 5a is accommodated within the lamp compartment 4 and shines light to the front through the transparent member 2. A detection device 6 is accommodated within the lamp compartment 4 and obtains information on what exists ahead. A stepped portion 7 is formed on an external surface of the transparent member 2 and guides drops of water which adhere to the external surface so as to avoid a detection enabled area of the detection device 6.

Abstract: An absolute pitch is outputted from an inclination sensor. A gradient related quantity is outputted from a gradient related quantity detection sensor for detecting a gradient related quantity that can specify a gradient of a road surface. The absolute pitch angle and the gradient related quantity are acquired by a vehicle headlight control apparatus. Based on the absolute pitch angle and the gradient related quantity, a pitch angle of a vehicle with respect to a road surface is calculated by the vehicle headlight control apparatus. Based on the pitch angle, an optical axis direction of the head lamp is controlled by the vehicle headlight control apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle light distribution control apparatus includes a camera and lighting apparatus. A controller detects an image portion in an image captured by the camera as an object estimated as another vehicle when the image portion meets a predetermined criterion, and controls a light distribution of the illumination light based on a detection result. When the controller detects the object estimated as another vehicle within an illumination region of the illumination light, it limits the illumination region of the illumination light such that the object estimated as another vehicle is not illuminated by the illumination light, and then when it does not detect an object estimated as another vehicle within a non-illumination region of the illumination light due to the limitation, it restricts a cancellation of the limitation of the illumination region of the illumination light until a predetermined cancellation criteria is met.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the lighting range of a headlamp in a motor vehicle, is performed with the following steps. A first coordinateis acquired that corresponds to a position of the motor vehicle. At least one image of a camera connected with the motor vehicle is evaluated so as to acquire a second coordinate that corresponds to the position of an object on a roadway in the zone ahead of the motor vehicle. A reference angle is calculated for the motor vehicle from the first coordinate, the second coordinate and a height of the camera over the roadway. The lighting range of the headlamp is adjusted based on the reference angle.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of controlling a step motor system includes operating the step motor system in a normal mode. In the normal mode, the step motor is advanced upon receipt of a step pulse. If a failure event is detected, the step motor is operated in a failure mode. In the failure mode, a failure counter is incremented upon receipt of the step pulse, and the step motor is not advanced.

Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an imaging device and a control operable to process image data captured by the imaging device. The control is operable to process the captured image data to detect at least one of (i) a sign ahead of the equipped vehicle, (ii) an animal ahead of the equipped vehicle and (iii) a pedestrian ahead of the equipped vehicle. The control is operable to process the captured image data to detect an oncoming headlight or a leading taillight of another vehicle ahead of the equipped vehicle. An illumination source is operable to illuminate generally forwardly and/or generally sidewardly of the equipped vehicle, and wherein illumination emanating from the illumination source is adjustable.

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

Abstract: An on-vehicle apparatus detects other vehicle lights from an image picked up outside the vehicle. The apparatus acquires an image around the vehicle and extracts light sources from the image. The apparatus calculates a target area probability that is a probability of a light source in a target area being different vehicle light, in accordance with a probability that light-source feature quantities at least including either of a color of light source and a shape of light source coincide with target-area feature quantities, the target area indicating a preset site that is a part of an area indicating each of the light sources. The target-area feature quantities are prepared as feature quantities of vehicle light, being correlated to the position of a target area. The apparatus outputs information that a light source having the target area probability of not less than a preset threshold is different vehicle light.

Abstract: A traveling direction assistance guidance system mounted on a vehicle which compromising at least a light source, a sensing module for sensing the vehicle traveling direction and a light control apparatus. Based on the vehicle traveling direction sensed by the sensing module and other external control signals, the light control apparatus adjusts the light beams of the light source as the light beams associated with the vehicle traveling directions. When the vehicle travels straight, the light beam is adjusted as a straight line guide light beam. When the vehicle turns, the light beam is adjusted as a curved guide light beam, and the direction and curve of the guide light beams changes over the rotational angle of the steering wheel. Hence, allows the driver to know the expected traveling trajectories when the vehicle is traveling straight or turning, and thus effectively protecting the driving safety.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing the robustness of a vehicle headlight comprising a cylindrical prism that can rotate about a rotary axis in a plurality of rotary positions and comprising a Hall effect sensor by means of the output signals of which the rotary position of the cylindrical prism can be determined. According to the method, a check is made as to whether a defect of the Hall effect sensor is present. In the event of a defect of the Hall effect sensor, a stop is temporarily provided and the rotary position of the prism is verified by being blocked at the provided stop.

Abstract: In an undazzled-area map product stored in a computer-readable storage unit, information indicative of a relationship between a boundary distance and each of a plurality of divided sections of a rectangular area to be picked up by a pickup unit is included. The pickup unit is provided in a reference vehicle with a headlight and working to pick up an image of the rectangular area ahead of the reference vehicle. The boundary distance is defined as a maximum distance between the reference vehicle and a target person such that, when a distance between the reference vehicle and the target person is within the maximum distance, the target person is estimated to be undazzled by the headlight of the reference vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a head lamp of a vehicle. In particular, road information is analyzed which is collected in the vicinity of the vehicle through a sensor to identify a road state. Additionally, information relating a rear vehicle positioned behind the vehicle from the information collected in the vicinity of the vehicle or information obtained through communication between vehicles is analyzed to determine a driving situation of the rear vehicle. Based on this information, a head lamp setting unit sets a control length and a control width of the head lamp based on the road state and the driving situation of the rear vehicle. As a result, a head lamp driving unit drives the head lamp based on the set control length and control width of the head lamp.

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

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

Abstract: A method and system for adjustment of headlamps for motor vehicles, comprising a step for calculating a headlamp angle. The method furthermore comprises the steps of detecting a target vehicle, calculating a lateral position of the target vehicle with respect to the motor vehicle, calculating a lateral angular offset with respect to the said lateral position of the target vehicle and adjusting the headlamps as a function of the headlamp angle and of the lateral angular offset.

Abstract: A goal-based control system may be provided that controls lighting based on high-level management goals for the operation of a lighting system. The system may include a lighting system model. The system may convert the high-level management goals into low-level device control parameters that include a power level for each respective one of the light fixtures, where the system determines that a modeled operation of each respective one the light fixtures at the power level meets the management goals based on the lighting system model. The system may cause each respective one of the light fixtures to operate at the power level. The system may determine a likelihood of satisfying the management goals.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp system having a headlamp module and a processor. The headlamp module may include a light source and a reflector. The light source may include a plurality of light emitters which are individually controllable by the processor. The reflector may include a plurality of facets for reflecting the light received from the light source. The headlamp module is capable of switching between high and low beam light without mechanically movable components.

Abstract: A method for influencing a lighting scene ahead of a vehicle is described, the method including a step of reading in information regarding a position of at least one recognized object and regarding a class of the recognized object. Furthermore, the method includes a step of assigning a lighting area, related to the position of the object, having a lighting intensity related to the class of the object for the lighting area. The method also includes a step of adapting the lighting scene, taking into account the lighting area and the associated lighting intensity.

Abstract: A lamp control system includes: a lamp configured to form a light distribution pattern ahead of a vehicle using a non-illumination region forming unit, wherein the light distribution pattern includes a non-illumination region, and the illumination region includes at least one longitudinal cutoff line; a detector configured to detect a front vehicle in front of the vehicle; an information acquiring unit configured to acquire a displacement direction and a displacement speed of the front vehicle; and a light distribution controller configured to control the light distribution pattern using the non-illumination region forming unit such that the front vehicle is positioned in the non-illumination region. When the front vehicle is approaching the longitudinal cutoff line, the light distribution controller controls the light distribution pattern based on the displacement direction and the displacement speed to increase an interval between the longitudinal cutoff line and the front vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lamp unit for low beam, a lamp unit for high beam, and a lamp unit for shoulder edge beam. The lamp units each are made of a semiconductor-type light source and a reflector that has reflection surfaces configured to illuminate the light from the semiconductor-type light source forward of a vehicle, as a predetermined light distribution pattern. As a result, the present invention is capable of fully utilizing the light from the semiconductor-type light source, making it possible to facilitate a light distribution design configured to form the light in a predetermined light distribution pattern.

Abstract: In a vehicle lamp control apparatus, a control unit controls sub lamps in a first condition based on a main information signal including a turn signal or a steering angle signal, and in a second condition based on a sub information signal. A noticeability of the second condition is lower than a noticeability of the first condition.

Abstract: A vehicle light source detection device in a light beam control system detects a position of a light source appeared and detected in captured image data The device calculates a gradient of a road on which the own vehicle is running. The vehicle light source detection device estimates a vanishing point in the captured image data on the basis of the detected gradient of the road. The device further increases a reliability value of the detected light source when the point of the detected light source more approaches the vanishing point. When the reliability value of the detected light source is not less than a predetermined reference value, the device determines that the detected light source is a head lamp of an oncoming vehicle, and adjusts an irradiation range of the light beam of the head lamps of the own vehicle to avoid the oncoming vehicle.

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