Abstract: Future motor vehicles will require additional lighting means. Additional lighting means are required, above all, in conjunction with environmental sensors, especially sensors which are used in night vision systems. As a result of the generally increasing number of electric and electronic systems in motor vehicles, such systems must be easy to operate for the driver. The invention thus relates to a switching arrangement which enables a plurality of lighting systems to be ergonomically operated on one motor vehicle. Said switching arrangement comprises a single switch having a plurality of switching stages. In this way, all switching stages pertaining to different lighting systems are located in the same switching region, enabling the lighting systems to be operated in a simple and intuitive manner.

Abstract: An illuminator assembly is provided for supplying night vision illumination. The assembly includes a support housing and an infrared illumination source. An infrared reflector receives the radiation emitted from the infrared illumination source and reflects the infrared radiation in a first substantially collimated field of view and transmits visible light therethrough. A visible light reflector is located behind the infrared reflective mirror for receiving visible light transmitted through the infrared reflector and reflecting scattering the visible light in a second field of view.

Abstract: An infrared lighting device for motor vehicles, for example a headlight, has a radiation source and a filter, whereby the device emits white and infrared radiation at a certain intensity in a wavelength range between 800 and 1200 nm on one axis, and the filter at a first angle may transmit a first visible part and at a second angle different from the first may transmit a second visible part of the radiation source, and both parts transmitted form white light.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a headlight for a motor vehicle comprising a reflector of the ellipsoidal type; a light source placed at a first focus of the reflector; a convergent optical means whose object focus is situated close to the second focus of the reflector; a first shield situated close to the second focus of the reflector and oriented transversely to the optical axis of the headlight with a substantially horizontal top edge; and a second shield substantially parallel to the first shield but offset along the optical axis in order to be situated closer to the optical means. The second shield is fixed to the first in order to form a single-piece assembly with a transverse section substantially in a V or U shape, the two arms of which correspond to the two shields.

Abstract: An infrared headlight useful in a night vision system may be made with an infrared emitter positioned in a reflector. The radiation source is associated with a filter body which has a first filter layer part and a second uncoated part. The two parts are designed so the radiation transmitted through the uncoated part strikes a different area of the reflector than the infrared radiation transmitted through the filter layer. The two regions of the reflector may have differing reflective characteristics.

Abstract: An infrared light irradiating lamp for a vehicle includes a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a light source bulb disposed behind a rear side focal point of the projection lens that includes a filament for emitting a light; a reflector for reflecting the light emitted from the light source bulb in a forward direction close to the optical axis; and an infrared light transmitting filter disposed between the reflector and the projection lens. The infrared light transmitting filter includes an infrared light transmitting film and a diffusing portion for diffusing a light transmitted from the reflector. The infrared light transmitting filter is movable between a transmitting position in which the infrared light transmitting film intercepts light reflected by the reflector and a retreating position in which infrared light transmitting film does not intercept the reflected light.

Abstract: A headlamp assembly that utilizes a modified bulb shield and a lower heat deflection temperature plastic material for the construction of one or more components of the headlamp assembly. The components of the headlamp assembly that may be formed from the lower HDT plastic material include the reflector substrate, the housing, or a combination thereof. The modified bulb shield reduces the maximum temperature requirements of headlamp assemblies thereby enabling lower HDT plastic materials to be used in the headlamp assembly. The bulb shields are modified to reflect and/or transmit infrared (IR) energy that, if absorbed (at the bulb shield surface) would lead to localized heating of the headlamp reflector and the requirement that higher HDT plastic materials be used for the reflector substrate and/or housing of the headlamp assembly. The bulb shields may reflect and/or transmit IR energy using a reflective coating, an additive, and/or surface structures.

Abstract: An infrared light irradiating lamp for a vehicle includes a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a light source bulb disposed behind the projection lens, the light source bulb including a filament for emitting light; a reflector for reflecting light emitted from the light source bulb in a forward direction; and an infrared light transmitting film provided between the reflector and the projection lens. The light source bulb is disposed such that a longitudinal direction of the filament is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis.

Abstract: An infrared light irradiating lamp for a vehicle includes a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a light source bulb disposed behind a rear focal point of the projection lens such that a longitudinal direction of a filament is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis; a reflector for reflecting light emitted from the light source bulb in a forward direction close to the optical axis by setting the light source bulb as a first focal point of the reflector; and a filter driving unit disposed between the projection lens and the light source bulb. The filter driving unit comprising a movable shaft to be driven in a vertical direction. The infrared light irradiating lamp also includes a bracket comprising a tip portion and a base end; and a rotating shaft linking the movable shaft to the base end of the bracket, wherein a distance from the rotating shaft to the base end is less than a distance from the rotating shaft to the tip portion.

Abstract: A description is given of a method of producing an infrared lamp (1) for a vehicle night vision system (12), in which a tube (2) which surrounds a radiation source (3) that emits infrared radiation and light radiation is provided with an infrared-transmitting coating (10). It is ensured, by setting specific process parameters in the coating process and/or by post-treating the coated tube (2), that holes (11) form in an irregular arrangement in the coating (10), which holes have at least in some areas a defined average size and a defined average surface density. A description is furthermore given of a corresponding infrared lamp (1) and of a headlamp comprising such an infrared lamp (1) for a vehicle night vision system (12).

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a passenger compartment with an interior covering formed with a display region. The display regions is configured to emit visible light upon irradiation thereof with light in an invisible range or an at least virtually invisible range. There is also provided a projection assembly for displaying information or images in the display region by irradiating the display region with such light in the invisible range or the at least virtually invisible range.

Abstract: A beam radiator that radiates visible light beams having a predetermined wavelength onto a road surface to inform drivers of other vehicles of the existence of a self-owned vehicle or to let a driver of the self-owned vehicle confirm a traveling path thereof is disposed in a front portion of a body of the self-owned vehicle. An optical filter is disposed substantially all over a windshield in front of a driver seat. The filter is designed to have a characteristic of being more permeable to light having wavelengths close to a wavelength of visible light beams radiated from the beam radiator 24 than to light having a wavelength different from those wavelengths. In this construction, the driver is prevented from finding it difficult to visually recognize a visible light pattern resulting from visible light beams radiated from the self-owned vehicle or another vehicle owing to sunlight or the like, and visual recognizability of the visible light pattern is enhanced.

Abstract: A vehicular light assembly including a dichroic lamp, a socket, a cradle and an optional support to mount the assembly to a vehicle. The dichroic lamp includes a reflector which reflects light emitted by the bulb forward but allows radiant heat to pass rearwardly through the reflector. The dichroic lamp also includes an electrode electrically coupled with a socket which defines at least one of a recess and an aperture, the socket including an electrical connector. The cradle defines a chamber, and the socket and dichroic lamp both are positioned in the chamber. The cradle includes a locating pin that registers with the at least one of a recess and an aperture to selectively locate the dichroic lamp within the cradle. A related installation method includes: joining the light assembly cradle with a vehicle, and aligning the lamp assembly so that it focuses light on a pathway of the vehicle.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus has light sources that can be controlled to produce decorative or informational effects. Each light source is controlled by the combination of an enable signal from a 1-bit port of a controller and a PWM signal from a PWM signal from the controller. Each PWM signal is used to control a plurality of light sources in parallel whereas each 1-bit enabled signal controls, generally, only one. The light sources are preferably arranged to shine through soft structures on the apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp can include a light source and a reflector whose first focal position lies in the vicinity of the light source, the reflector preferably includes a concave spheroidal surface that reflects light from the light source frontward. A projection lens can be disposed so that its focal point lies in the vicinity of a second focal position of the reflector in front of the light source, the projection lens including an aspherical convex lens that focuses light from the reflector and that irradiates the light frontward. A shutter can be disposed in the vicinity of the second focal position of the reflector, the shutter forming a cutoff for low light distribution. The shutter can be thickly formed so that it is positioned in front of the focal position of the projection lens, and the shutter can be slanted at an end edge that forms the cutoff so that the shutter becomes lower towards the projection lens in relation to the optical axis direction.

Abstract: In a headlight for vehicles that emits light in the near-infrared range and that has both a light source, which projects not only in the infrared range but also in the visible range, and an infrared range-transmissive filter, a transition range of the filter extends from the infrared range into the red spectral range of the visible range, and further spectral components in the visible range are emitted in attenuated form.

Abstract: An improved structure of the automobile lamp includes a base, a fixing pipe having two longitudinal grooves, and a lamp seat fixedly connected on the base inside the fixing pipe for combining with an automobile lamp body. An outer pipe is provided with a driving gear at its bottom end for engaging with a DC reduction motor and two staggered threads at its inner call. A colored inner pipe is provided between the fixing pipe and the lamp seat. Two guiding rods extend from the inner pipe and penetrate through the two longitudinal grooves of the fixing pipe to be received in the staggered threads of the outer pipe. When the output shaft of the DC reduction motor rotates, it drives the outer pipe to rotate and move the inner pipe forwardly to cover the automobile lamp body to change its light into another color.

Abstract: A lamp for night sight applications includes a bulb that transmits both visible and infrared light. The lamp also includes a coating that reflects middle infrared radiation and is transparent to near infrared radiation to increase output efficiency in the near infrared spectral range. There may be a second coating that blocks visible light on part of the lamp—and the second coating may be on an external bulb, while the first coating is on an internal bulb. The lamp is preferably used as a vehicle headlamp with a reflector that reflects near infrared radiation and is transparent to visible light. The second coating and reflector may be on the lower part of the lamp.

Abstract: Lenses for lamps can improve the quality of the light emitted through lens by interacting with the light bulb. Photoluminescent dyes as well as non-photoluminescent dyes may be incorporated into a polycarbonate lens in order to shift the chromaticity of the light source. Further, design features such as grooves or protrusions may be incorporated into the lens to allow light produced by the photoluminescent material to escape the lens and be added to the emitted beam to further shift the chromaticity. The emitted beam is of a legal color and intensity as defined per the SAE J578 and SAE J1383 standards. The lighting performance may also be improved in such manner as reducing discomfort glare, increasing brightness or producing a beam that enhances road visibility at night to the human eye.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp that irradiates amber light includes: a light emitting diode operable to emit blue light; a long-wavelength phosphor operable to emit light of which a peak wavelength is substantially equal to or longer than a wavelength of the umber light based on the blue light emitting from the light emitting diode; and an optical filter operable to block the bulk of light emitting from the light emitting diode and also to transmit the bulk of light, which has a wavelength similar to the peak wavelength, among light emitting from the long-wavelength phosphor to generate the amber light depending to light emitting from the light emitting diode and the long-wavelength phosphor.

Abstract: A light blocking apparatus is applied in an illuminating module of a projector. The light blocking apparatus includes a light shield and a support rod securing the light shield. The light shield is positioned in front of a bulb of the illuminating module. The support rod connects the light shield and another apparatus, such as a lamp reflector, so as to position the light shield in front of the bulb. The light shield is employed to block the light reflected from a UV-IR wheel and a color wheel so that the bulb won't be heated again.

Abstract: A vehicle light arrangement, provided for producing a coloring effect on a vehicle body, wherein the vehicle light arrangement, incorporated with a light housing and a light source, comprises a plurality of polarizing segments provided for filtering lights at a predetermined wavelength to produce the coloring effect when the light source is switched on. When the light source is switched off, the vehicle light arrangement acts as a light screen to invisibly hide the light source. The polarizing segments can be formed on a polarizing filter layer, which is coated on an inner side of a lens body mounting at an opening of the light housing. A light reflective layer is also formed at a surrounding wall of the light housing.

Abstract: An automotive lamp having an excellent outer design along with a simple structure and easy production. The automotive lamp can comprise a light source (21), a housing (22), a light-emitting opening and a light-transmissive lamp cover (23), in which a non-light-emitting area of the lamp cover, which does not substantially concern the emission of the light generated from the light source (21), is provided with a light transmissive colored member (10) through which, under unlit conditions, outer light is transmitted to the housing (22), to thereby reflect the transmitted light at the inner wall of the housing (22) and emit the colored and reflected light out of the housing (22).

Abstract: A light projector includes a polarized light splitter 3 that splits unpolarized light irradiated from a light source 1 into p-polarized light and s-polarized light, and the p-polarized light and/or the s-polarized light are irradiated as vertical polarized light and/or horizontal polarized light, providing a driver with considerably improved forward visibility in comparison with a conventional headlight.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp has at least one headlamp having a headlamp reflector and a light source provided within a focal area of said headlamp reflector. In order to darken the appearance of the vehicular lamp the inner surface of the headlamp reflector is at least partially darkened.

Abstract: An infrared light radiating lamp in which red light emitted from a front lens is diluted so as to become inconspicuous by emitting a small amount of visible light from a rim portion of a convex lens so that the lamp will not be mistaken for a tail lamp or a stop lamp and without causing glare. A vehicular infrared light radiating lamp is provided with a light source unit including a convex lens mounted via a lens holder forward of a reflector in which a light source is mounted. An infrared light transmitting film is provided on the rear surface of the convex lens. An infrared light transmitting film-free region is provided on the outer periphery of the infrared light transmitting film such that white visible light for diluting the red light emitted from the convex lens is emitted from the rim portion of the convex lens.

Abstract: A light fixture cover system and method is disclosed in which the selectively detachable cover is also a unitary structure including a body having a peripheral sealing lip that fits over any corresponding industry standard outside light fixture. The sealing lip of the cover has at least one laterally extending tab member to assist in removing the cover from the fixture. The cover portion is preferably made from a resilient polymeric material suitable for both winter and summer weather conditions in addition to being impervious to the heat generated by the electrical bulb or bulbs contained it the light fixture.

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: An infrared ray irradiation apparatus for a night vision system which is operated easily and selectively in a visible and infrared ray irradiation mode and an infrared ray irradiation mode, and irradiates infrared rays emitted from a lamp toward an area in front of a car by means of one transmission step (by a tube) and one reflection step (by a reflector), thus irradiating the infrared rays without deterioration in brightness.

Abstract: A lamp assembly with a peripheral auxiliary function is described for use with automobile lamps. A moveable shield and a fixed shield are positioned about a light source inside a housing. A first reflective surface and a second reflective surface are formed on the inside of the housing. The moveable shield is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the moveable shield blocks light from striking the second reflective surface, and a main beam is projected from the lamp assembly. In the second position, the moveable shield blocks light from striking the first reflective surface, and a peripheral beam is projected from the assembly. Thus, the moveable shield may be moved to switch between the main beam and the peripheral beam, creating the ability to alter the functionality of the lamp assembly.

Abstract: A pole light has a substantially tubular pole having two ends, a navigation light mounted at one end of the pole, and an ultraviolet light source positioned within the pole. The pole light is operable to emit ultraviolet light in an outward direction from the pole.

Abstract: A light collection system comprises a light source with a bulbous section for emitting radiant energy in the direction of first and second portions of the bulbous section. A reflecting surface directs visible light from the light source to the first portion. Another reflecting surface directs UV energy from the light source to the second portion. A first angle-to-area converter receives visible light in the first portion and decreases the angle of the visible light to a desired angle. A second angle-to-area converter receives UV energy in the second portion and decreases the angle of the UV energy to a desired angle. A phosphor layer receives UV energy downstream of the second angle-to-area converter and converts the UV energy to visible light. A third angle-to-area converter receives visible light from the phosphor and reducing the angle of such light to an angle optimized for entering a fiber optic cable.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a dual-function lamp device for a motor vehicle, comprising in particular a light source emitting light signals towards an output surface of the lamp in order to produce a light beam, and a filtering means which can move between a passive position and an active position in which it allows passage of only some of the light signals corresponding to non-visible wavelengths, the filtering means being used in association with an intermediate lens for modifying the dispersion of the light beam. The driver thus has a direct illumination and an indirect illumination for obtaining, from a single lamp, two different fields of vision.

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: To provide a camera built-in type rearview mirror device with illumination, wherein rigidity of the mirror housing can be raised, the camera main body part can photo a clear picture by extensive photographing feasible viewing angle through a transparent cover, and built-in of the camera module is simple. Mirror housing 2 includes concave part 2C formed in an opening manner downwardly which is arranged in the vicinity of photographing window 2B where lens 5B of the camera main body part 5A is faced, and capable of accommodating an illumination light source. For this reason, opening area of the photographing window 2B is decreased. Also, the circumference of the photographing window 2B is reinforced by the cross-sectional box type form of the concave part 2C. Especially a bulge part with circular curved section is formed so that the lens of the camera main body part may rush in, to thereby decrease the opening area of the photographing window further. Then rigidity of the mirror housing 2 is further raised.

Abstract: Headlamp assemblies utilize a solid optical body made of glass or another heat resistant, light transmissive material. The solid optical body has an axially positioned cavity therethrough which receives a bulb that injects light through a cylindrical wall of the cavity into the optical body. In order to reflect light from the bulb, the optical body has a rear surface which is coated with a reflecting material, such as aluminize or a dichroic material. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention in which a plastic lens is used, the optical body is made of glass with a dichroic coating configured so that the infrared component of light from the bulb is transmitted through the dichroic coating and emitted through the rear of the optical body. This reduces transmission of heat from the bulb to the plastic lens so that the lens can be positioned closer to the optical body, which decreases the fore/aft extent of the headlamp assemblies.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp has a red bulb which is made by coating its exterior surface with a red paint including iron oxide as a red pigment. A mean particle size of the iron oxide is controlled to a range of approximately 10 to 100 nm, and a PWC concentration of the iron oxide is controlled to a range of approximately 60 to 90%. As a result, a red marker lamp can have an appropriate luminous flux (120±20% lm) and desirable chromaticity (y<0.335 and z<0.008) and satisfactory heat resistance (350° C. or higher).

Abstract: A method of locating the position of a vehicle (5) for the driver thereof, characterized in that use is made of the surface area around the vehicle by projecting a light beam (10) from the vehicle or vehicle part to be located substantially downwards on to the surface, such that at uninhibited projection thereof, a lighted spot (6) is created on the surface, at least substantially outside the circumference of the relevant vehicle part as seen in plan view. The invention specifically supports safe overtaking manoeuvres of large vehicles like trucks. The invention further includes a device, a vehicle and an adapted road for performing the method, and based thereupon.

Abstract: An infrared radiating lamp which dilutes the red light emitted from the front lens of the lamp by causing a peripheral portion of the lens to emit white light or causing a small amount of white light to pass through a generally central portion of the lens so that the lamp will not be mistakenly recognized as a tail lamp or a stop lamp. The lamp includes a lamp body, a lens attached to a front opening portion of the lamp body and which cooperates with the lamp body to define a lamp chamber, a reflector provided at an inner side of the lamp body, a light source provided forward of the reflector, and an infrared transmitting film that reflects a visible light component and transmits an infrared component. A region having no infrared transmitting film is provided at an outer periphery of the infrared transmitting film.

Abstract: Lenses and bezels for lamps provide an appealing aesthetic look in the form of a colored glow at the edges of the lens or bezel by incorportation of an photoluminescent material in a molded polycarbonate body. The lenses are particularly suitable for use as an automotive outer lens, and can also improve the quality of the light emitted through this outer lens by interacting with the light bulb. The emitted beam is of a legal color and intensity as defined per the SAE J578 standard. The lighting performance may also be improved in such manner as reducing glare, increasing brightness or producing a beam that enhances road visibility at night to the human eye.

Abstract: A headlight for a motor vehicle includes a clear, front cover plate (12), at least one light source (14), and at least one reflector (16) associated with the light source (14). A beam shield (14) for avoidance of glare produced by headlights of oncoming vehicles is provided, with the beam shield (18) being disposed between the light source (14) and the cover plate (12). The beam shield (18) has a structured surface (26) with an arbitrary or selected geometric pattern on an inner side facing said light source (14).

Abstract: Filtered lights reduce the blinding effect of vehicle headlights on oncoming traffic. A reflector has a bulb socket protruding from its rear and a filter housing attached to its front. A plurality of hollow, opaque tubes are arranged so that light cannot penetrate between them, and their sidewalls are attached to one another and to the sidewall of the filter housing. One end of the tubes, and one end of the filter housing, is attached to a transparent shield. Light beams emitted from a light bulb inserted into the bulb socket are reflected by the reflector through the tubes and shield to focus them on an illuminated area.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory color-changing illumination assembly includes a control box, a plurality of vehicle accessories and a plurality of light sources. The control box is provided with a control button and a control circuit. Each of the vehicle accessories is assembled on a vehicle body and includes a transparent casing. The light sources are respectively mounted inside the vehicle accessories. The control circuit of the control box is electrically connected to control circuits of the light sources to control simultaneous color changes of the light sources. The vehicle accessories include a external right and left rearview mirrors, a liquid jet nozzle, a gear lever and a interior rearview mirror that simultaneously change their color under the control of the control box to increase warning performance and therefore driving safety. Additionally, it also improves the pleasure of driving.

Abstract: The invention relates to an outside element for a motor vehicle, the element being designed to be fitted to the vehicle, e.g. on its bodywork, and comprising an essentially non-conductive protective screen (3), the element being characterized in that behind said protective screen if further comprises an electrically insulating film having two faces, each of which is covered at least in part in an electrically conductive material. The invention also provides a piece of bodywork provided with such a conductive element.

Abstract: A peripheral beam lamp is described for use with automobile lamps. A light source is positioned within a housing, and the inner surface of the housing has a non-reflective surface and a partially reflective section. Light emitted from the light source may either strike the non-reflective surface or the partially reflective section, or may not strike any part of the inner surface of the housing before being emitted from the lamp assembly. Light striking the non-reflective surface is absorbed, and light striking the partially reflective section is partially reflected, depending on the color of the light and the color of the partially reflective section. Light emitted from the lamp assembly without striking the inner surface of the housing forms a main beam, and the light striking the partially reflective section imparts a color to the lens and lamp assembly, rendering a stylized appearance.

Abstract: A pole light has a substantially tubular pole having two ends, a navigation light mounted at one end of the pole, and an ultraviolet light source positioned within the pole. The pole light is operable to emit ultraviolet light in an outward direction from the pole.

Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly that is adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes a reflectance element that is moveably mounted on an actuator for providing remote positioning of the reflectance element. The mirror system further includes a turn signal light assembly, which is fixedly mounted in the exterior mirror assembly separate from the reflectance element whereby movement of the reflectance element is independent of the turn signal light assembly. The turn signal light assembly comprises a light source and radiates light from the light source at least along a light-radiating axis that extends generally rearwardly away from the passenger compartment of the vehicle when operated on the vehicle. In one form, the turn signal assembly includes at least one louver, which is configured to shield the driver from light radiated by the light source.

Abstract: A projection-type headlamp serving also as an infrared light-emitting lamp assuring a sufficient intensity of infrared light irradiation ahead of a vehicle while preventing glare to oncoming vehicles in the adjacent lane. The headlamp is provided with an ellipsoidal reflector, a light source, a shade in the form of an infrared light-transmitting film for reflecting visible light and while allowing infrared light to pass through, and a projection lens for forming simultaneously a predetermined visible light beam pattern and a predetermined infrared light beam pattern, in which an upper edge portion of the shade is positioned above the optical axis of the reflector. A cut line and a hot zone of the visible light beam pattern are set beneath the horizontal line on a light distribution screen so that the visible light beam cannot cause glare for drivers of oncoming vehicles in the opposite lane, and a hot zone of the infrared light beam pattern is set on the horizontal line on the light distribution screen.

Abstract: An integrated high-beam/infrared-ray lamp system is provided which comprises a high-beam bulb, an infrared-ray filter, an actuating device, and a lamp control unit. The high-beam bulb is disposed within a lamp housing. The infrared-ray filter is disposed in the housing, and the infrared-ray filter is allowed to rotate between a first position where the infrared-ray filter screens the high beam lamp and a second position where the infrared-ray filter does not screen the high beam lamp. The actuating device rotates the infrared-ray filter. The lamp control unit controls an on/off operation of the high beam bulb and the actuating unit. The actuating device comprises an actuator for actuating the infrared-ray filter and an elastic member connecting the infrared-ray filter and the housing.

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.