Abstract: A vehicle headlamp system includes a headlamp having multiple control devices and an ECU. Each of the control devices controls a light irradiation condition of the headlamp. The ECU stores vehicle constants, error code information and initialization information corresponding to different types of vehicle, and controls the control devices. When a vehicle type is changed, the ECU selects at least one of the vehicle constants corresponding to the changed vehicle type, clears the stored error code information and the initialization information after selecting the at least one of the vehicle constants, stores initialization information corresponding to the changed vehicle type, and initializes the control devices. The ECU recognizes dependencies between the control devices and, if the control devices include a first control device that is independent, executes normal control by the first control device directly after initializing the first control device.

Abstract: A lamp unit may be provided that includes: a first substrate; a second substrate disposed on the first substrate; and a plurality of light sources disposed on the second substrate, wherein at least two light source arrays are provided, in each of which a plurality of the light sources are disposed in a row, and wherein at least a first light source array and a second light source array among the light source arrays are individually driven.

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 control circuit for an indicator light includes a power source, a switch unit, a ground resistor, and a first adjusting unit. The power source supplies a voltage. The switch unit is connected between the power source and the indicator light and turns on or turns off the indicator light. The ground resistor is connected between the power source and the ground via the indicator light and the switch unit. The first adjusting unit includes a first adjusting resistor and a first control switch. The adjusting resistor is connected between the indicator light and the ground via the first control switch. The first control switch is capable of connecting the first adjusting resistor with the ground resistor in parallel.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight can form a variable light distribution pattern with a simple structure including a favorable fail-safe. The headlight can include a movable mirror facing a light source unit, a static mirror between the movable mirror and the light source unit and a controller to emit light from the light source unit and to scan the light toward the static mirror using the movable mirror having a default position, where receives the light at a position substantially perpendicular thereto. The controller can enable the headlight to provide various light distribution patterns by varying a scanning method and the movable mirror is configured to return the light toward the light source unit even if it fails to operate properly. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can provide a vehicle headlight that can form various light distribution patterns in accordance with surroundings and can have the simple structure including the favorable fail-safe.

Abstract: A light distribution controller includes a pedestrian detection unit, a determination unit, and an illumination controller. The pedestrian detection unit detects a pedestrian in a predetermined area ahead of a vehicle on the basis of an image captured by an infrared camera. The determination unit determines whether a driver notices the pedestrian when the pedestrian detection unit has detected the pedestrian in the predetermined area, on the basis of whether a predetermined condition is satisfied. The illumination controller causes the headlight to be lit with a light distribution pattern without a restriction on illumination of the pedestrian until the determination unit determines that the driver notices the pedestrian, and causes the headlight to be lit with a light distribution pattern having a restriction on illumination of a body member including at least the eyes of the pedestrian after the determination unit determines that the driver notices the pedestrian.

Abstract: A method for operating a headlamp for a motor vehicle, which can be operated in at least two illumination states, comprises: detecting at least one influencing variable, which can influence a future change of mode of the headlamp from one of the illumination states to another of the illumination states; detecting a time profile of the influencing variable; detecting a control signal that is intended to cause a change of mode of the headlamp from a current illumination state to another of the illumination states; and controlling the mode of the headlamp depending on the control signal, wherein the change of mode of the headlamp is delayed depending on the time profile of the influencing variable.

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 method for the adjustment of at least one light device, particularly of a motor vehicle, wherein the light device serves to generate a first light distribution, wherein the first light distribution has a bright/dark boundary (which has defined coordinates on a measurement wall when the light device is optimally adjusted. According to the invention, for this purpose, the camera detects at least one feature of the bright/dark boundary on an arbitrary measurement wall, and the light device is adjusted according to the detected feature.

Abstract: A control unit 20 controls a lighting state of each of radiating portions 11 to 13 in accordance with the determined light distribution pattern, based on data indicative of a state forward of a vehicle. When a light distribution pattern for ADB being selected, the control unit 20 controls a driving portion 15 based on data indicative of a state forward of the vehicle to adjust a rotation angle of the radiating portion 12 for a beam for ADB. In a case of determining to switch a light distribution pattern for ADB to a light distribution pattern for driving, the control unit 20 enables lighting of the radiating portion 13 for a beam for driving on the condition that a rotation angle of the radiating portion 12 for a beam for ADB is confined to an angle in a predetermined range from the front side of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a headlight assembly for a vehicle (10) with a right and a left headlight unit (1, 2), for a dipped-beam function, the optical axes (L1, L2) of the headlight units (1, 2) are tilted away from one another horizontally relative to a parallel direction. According to the method for a main-beam function, the optical axes (L1, L2) of the headlight units (1, 2) are tilted toward one another horizontally relative to a parallel direction. A respective headlight assembly can be particularly suitable for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A control system for vehicle headlights includes a navigation device and a control unit which controls the illumination characteristics of the headlights depending on geographic location information received by the navigation device. The illumination characteristics are adapted in compliance with predefined illumination settings if the acquired geographic location information shows that the vehicle headlights are being operated on public roads. The illumination characteristics are adapted with further consideration of illumination settings specified by the driver if the location information shows that the vehicle headlights are being operated on non-public roads.

Abstract: A head lamp for a vehicle is provided, which includes a reflector for reflecting light emitted from a light source, a reflection plate for collecting the light reflected from the reflector in an upward direction, a micro-reflection module provided over the reflector to tilt and reflect the light collected by the reflection plate at a desired angle, and an optical lens for irradiating the light reflected from the micro-reflector onto a road surface. The head lamp can implement various beam patterns in accordance with road and surrounding circumferences, and irradiate vehicle information onto a road surface, thereby reducing the dazzle of other drivers of opposite vehicles and improving the field of vision of the driver to improve the safety and convenience.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A device for determining control parameters to adjust the light distribution of a vehicle headlight when driving through a curve, from a first or second angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the first angle determined from first information, namely measurements and/or parameters to be adjusted via actuators of the vehicle, such as speed, steering angle, yaw rate, steering angle of the front wheels, distance from a second vehicle, or road progression ahead of the vehicle, with a control means to determine the first angle the second angle, with an interface to connect the device with actuators to adjust the light distribution of the headlights, where control parameter-signals can be provided.

Abstract: A control device for vehicle headlights with adjustable light distributions and with an adjustable vertical cut-offline in at least one light distribution, with access to the programming of information about the location of objects located in front of the vehicle with glare needing to be reduced, with a processing medium, operable for generating variables to set an adjustable light distribution on at least one main headlight and/or operable for generating variables to set a vertical cut-off line on a light distribution installed on the main right headlight and a vertical cut-off line installed on the main left headlight, with an outlet on which variables for setting up a light distribution and/or the vertical cut-off lines can be deployed, whereby the control device has a memory to store the light strengths of locations in front of the main headlights for the adjustable light distributions.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a headlamp system for a vehicle, the headlamp system having two headlamps, set apart from each other, road users are detected in front of the vehicle in the driving direction, and a first total light pattern is able to be produced, in which the illumination range on a first side of a center axis is greater than on the other, second side of this center axis, and a second total light pattern is able to be produced, in which the total light pattern is controllable such that it has 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 has an illumination range in another direction that is greater than the distance to the detected road user.

Abstract: A headlamp aiming system is configured to include: a lamp unit; an actuator configured to displace the light axis of the lamp unit; an imaging apparatus configured to acquire the information necessary for adjustment of the light axis; and an ECU configured to control the actuator. By imaging a light distribution pattern formed by lighting the lamp unit with the imaging apparatus, and by controlling the actuator by the ECU such that the deviation between the position of an attention point in a light distribution pattern, obtained from the imaged image information, and the position of a reference point that has been set beforehand becomes the minimum or zero, an attitude of the lamp unit is adjusted such that aiming of the lamp unit can be automatically performed in a self-contained manner.

Abstract: A vehicle light can form a synthetic light distribution pattern with an area where a surrounding vehicle exists being made darker than an area(s) surrounding that area. The synthetic light distribution pattern can allow a sufficient illumination range and a center light intensity required for a running beam to be compatible. The vehicle light can also form a light distribution pattern with only an area where a farther surrounding vehicle exists is made dark. The vehicle light can form the light distribution pattern by overlaying a plurality of first nearby illumination areas, a plurality of first farther illumination areas, a plurality of second nearby illumination areas, and a plurality of second farther illumination areas with the respective illumination areas being divided in a horizontal direction and individually controlled in terms of light intensity so that respective vertical division lines of the illumination areas appear in predetermined order in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A vehicle light distribution control apparatus includes a camera configured to capture a scene in a forward direction of the vehicle; a lighting apparatus configured to illuminate a forward direction of the vehicle with illumination light; and a controller configured to detect 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 control a light distribution of the illumination light based on a detection result, wherein if 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 if 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 reg

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

Abstract: An automatic headlight switching procedure for motor vehicles, designed to emit a beam of light from one lighting mode to another lighting mode. The process features the steps of when the headlights are in a first lighting mode, detecting the backscatter of the headlight beam onto a phenomenon of visibility disturbance; increasing the lighting range of the headlight beam in relation to a maximum authorized range in accordance with the detected backscatter; and switching the headlights to a second lighting mode when the backscatter is below a first determined threshold.

Abstract: A method for controlling a light emission from at least one headlight of a vehicle combines lane information with respect to a course of a road and position information with regard to at least one other vehicle located in the course of the road, in order to ascertain an envelope area not to be illuminated around the at least one other vehicle. The method also includes setting, based on the envelope area, a safety distance between (i) light able to be emitted by the at least one headlight of the vehicle, and (ii) the at least one other vehicle, in order to control the light emission.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and a method for controlling a headlamp, and more particularly, an apparatus and a method for controlling a headlamp to perform a flashing function more efficiently while a vehicle is being driven. The apparatus includes, a rotating shield including a first shield protrusion portion which includes a plurality of protrusions formed in a direction of a rotation axis of a rotatable body and a second shield protrusion portion disposed on a side of the first shield protrusion portion; a sensor detecting a light distribution pattern of a vehicle based on a rotation angle of the rotating shield; and a rotating unit rotating the rotating shield at a predetermined angle toward the first or second shield protrusion portion, which forms the detected light distribution pattern, in order to perform a flashing function.

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: An adaptive forward lighting system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor having a field of view forward of the direction of travel of the controlled vehicle. A control processes image data to determine, at least in part, at least one of (i) the presence of an object of interest in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor, (ii) the location of an object of interest in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor, and (iii) a characteristic of an object of interest in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor. A beam pattern of a vehicle headlamp of the controlled vehicle is adjusted responsive, at least in part, to the processing of the image data. The control receives vehicle data via a vehicle communication bus. The control, responsive to processing of image data, is operable to provide at least one other function.

Abstract: A headlamp control device is provided. The device includes a visual object luminance unit, an adapted state unit, a recognition limit unit, a visual object recognition unit, and a light distribution control unit. The visual object luminance unit estimates a visual object luminance based on information about a vehicle forward captured image. The adapted state unit estimates an adaptation luminance based on the information about the vehicle forward captured image. The recognition limit unit estimates a recognition limit luminance, in the visual object range, based on at least the adaptation luminance. The visual object recognition unit determines whether the visual object luminance is less than the recognition limit luminance. The light distribution control unit controls a light distribution of a headlamp unit such that the visual object luminance is included in a range of the recognition limit luminance, if the visual object luminance is less than the recognition limit luminance.

Abstract: A projection apparatus including an illumination unit, a brightness detection circuit, a signal conversion circuit, and a control unit is provided. The illumination unit generates a light source according to a plurality of driving signals and provides a temperature sensing signal according to the temperature of the light source. The brightness detection circuit generates a plurality of brightness sensing signals. The signal conversion circuit converts the temperature sensing signal and the brightness sensing signals into temperature information and a plurality of brightness information. The control unit comprises a setting table for storing a predetermined temperature information and a plurality of predetermined brightness information, and the control unit adjusts the driving signals in order to identify the converted temperature information and the converted brightness information conform to the stored information in the setting table.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a headlamp apparatus for vehicles. The headlamp apparatus includes a light emitting diode (LED) light source located at a first focal point and emitting light, a reflecting member surrounding the LED light source and reflecting light emitted from the LED light source, a lens unit disposed in front of the LED light source and allowing light to pass therethrough, a cooler disposed under the LED light source to cool the LED light source and having a leading end located behind a second focal point, a shielding part rotatably disposed at the second focal point between the LED light source and the lens unit within a lamp housing, and a drive unit connected to the shielding part to rotate the shielding part.

Abstract: A lighting device comprising a support for optical modules able to make a rotation movement, comprising a first optical module able to generate a light beam exhibiting a cutoff of the dipped beam type; a second optical module able to generate a light beam exhibiting a substantially L-shaped cutoff; the first optical module and the second optical module of the first lighting device being disposed on the optical module support able to make a rotation movement.

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

Abstract: A power on-demand 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 closed, 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 open the switch and disconnect the power supply.

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

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

Abstract: A method for adjusting a light emission of at least one headlight of a vehicle includes: a step for detecting an unstable travel condition of the vehicle defined as having a direction of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle differing by more than a tolerance range from a direction of motion of the vehicle; a step for providing a control signal for changing the light emission of the headlight of the vehicle in response to the detected unstable driving condition, the control signal being developed to effect a change in the light radiation characteristic of the at least one headlight of the vehicle, for adjusting the light emission.

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

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

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

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle lamp includes a receiver to receive an acceleration signal indicative of an acceleration detected by an acceleration sensor, and a controller to derive an inclination angle of a vehicle relative to a horizontal plane from the acceleration signal. While the vehicle is stopped and if a change in the acceleration exceeds a threshold, the controller outputs an adjustment signal indicative of an instruction to adjust an optical axis of the vehicle lamp in accordance with a difference in the inclination angle before and after the change in the acceleration.

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

Abstract: 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 automotive headlamp apparatus includes a light source for producing a high beam and a headlamp apparatus controller for controlling illumination from a light source. The headlamp apparatus controller divides a light distribution pattern of a high beam formed by illumination from the light source into a plurality of regions and controls illumination from each of the individual regions as divided so as to supplement a light distribution pattern of a low beam.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for determining roll angle of a motorcycle (1) as when taking a curve or bend in a road. The apparatus includes a first gyro sensor (11) that provides a roll rate signal, a second gyro sensor (12) that provides a yaw rate signal, and a velocity sensor (36). The apparatus is configured to integrate the roll rate signal to obtain a first intermediate roll angle value and to determine a second intermediate roll angle value from the yaw rate and the vehicle velocity. The apparatus combines the two intermediate roll angle values into an output value for the roll angle that can be used by a servo (50) to adjust the orientation of the headlamp so that the beam pattern remains leveled with the horizon when the motorcycle (1) rolls when taking a curve.

Abstract: A saddle riding type vehicle includes a balancer beam rotatably mounted on a vehicle body to cause a right wheel and a left wheel to move up and down in opposite directions, and is capable of making turns by leaning the vehicle body. The saddle riding type vehicle also includes a headlight, a drive mechanism arranged to rotate the headlight, a front detector arranged to detect a rotation angle of the balancer beam relative to the vehicle body, and a controller programmed to control the drive mechanism based on a result of detection by the front detector. The rotation angle detected by the front detector corresponds to an angle of the vehicle body leaning sideways relative to a traveling surface (relative lean angle). The controller controls the drive mechanism based on such result of detection by the front detector. The headlight can therefore illuminate directions of movement properly.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides, as one aspect, a light control apparatus for controlling directions of optical axes of headlights mounted in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a position detecting section that detects positions of the headlights with respect to a road surface, an optical axis direction calculating section that calculates the directions of the optical axes of the headlights, individually, so that the optical axes are directed to illumination targets positioned at predetermined distances from the positions of the headlights detected by the position detecting section, a leveling control section that controls the directions of the optical axes of the headlights in the vertical direction, individually, and a leveling output section that outputs a control command based on a calculation result of the optical axis direction calculating section to the leveling control section.