Continuously variable headlamp control
US6049171A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 18, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Q2400/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Continuously variable headlamps offer greater flexibility for roadway illumination but offer challenges in automatic control design. Each continuously variable headlamp has an effective illumination range varied by changing at least one parameter from a set including horizontal direction aimed, vertical direction aimed, and intensity emitted. A system for automatically controlling continuously variable headlamps on a controlled vehicle includes an imaging system capable of determining lateral and elevational locations of headlamps from oncoming vehicles and tail lamps from leading vehicles. The system also includes a control unit that can acquire an image from in front of the controlled vehicle. The image covers a glare area including points at which drivers of oncoming and leading vehicles would perceive the headlamps to cause excessive glare. The image is processed to determine if at least one oncoming or leading is within the glare area. If at least one vehicle is within the glare area, the headlamp illumination range is reduced. Otherwise, the headlamp illumination range is set to full illumination range.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.