Apparatus for automatically adjusting aiming of headlights of an automotive vehicle
US5877680A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Q2300/134
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pitch angle in the back-and-forth direction of the vehicle body is calculated based on output signals of height sensors disposed at front and rear wheels of the vehicle. A vehicle traveling speed is obtained. A vehicle acceleration is obtained from the vehicle traveling speed. Using the vehicle traveling speed and the vehicle acceleration, a judgement is made to determine the control mode corresponding to the vehicle traveling condition, by selecting one from the group consisting of a stopping mode, an acceleration mode, a deceleration mode and a constant-speed mode. An actuator target value (i.e., target aiming adjustment angle) is calculated in accordance with the determined control mode. To obtain this actuator target value, a filter is used to process the pitch angle so that the headlights do not dazzle an oncoming vehicle's driver. Then, the aiming adjustment for the headlights is performed by actuating actuators in accordance with the actuator target value. The pitch angle is adequately processed by using a preferable filter. Therefore, the aiming adjustment of the headlights is not performed unnecessarily or erroneously.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.