System for controlling exterior vehicle lights

US6587573B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• GENTEX CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Joseph S. Stam · Holland, US
• Jon H. Bechtel · Holland, US
• Spencer D. Reese · Fort Wayne, US
• John K. Roberts · East Grand Rapids, US
• William L. Tonar · Holland, US
• G. Bruce Poe · Hamilton, US
• Douglas J. Newhouse · Zeeland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 5, 2001
• Grant date: Jul 1, 2003
• Expiry date: Mar 5, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60Q2400/30
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A system and method of automatically controlling exterior vehicle lights includes an image sensor and a controller to generate control signals. The control signals are derived based on information obtained from the image sensor as well as other detected parameters pertaining to the detected light source(s), the vehicle having the inventive control system, and the ambient environment. The control circuit may simply turn certain exterior lights on or off, or change the brightness, aim, focus, etc. to produce various beam patterns that maximize the illuminated area in front of the vehicle without causing excessive glare in the eyes of other drivers.