Automatic light system for motor vehicles of all kinds and a method for controlling a light system
First Claim
1. Light system for controlling a beam range of a motor vehicle and comprisingan automatic multifunctional system constructed from programs and information,the multifunctional system distinguishing between four basic stages for road conditions,the multifunctional system distinguishing in each of the four basic stages three stages of visibility conditions, thus giving twelve stages,in dependence upon a particular stage, on the basis of the programs and entered and current information, the multifunctional system controlling instantaneous beam range in such a manner that it always lies between a minimum and a maximum beam range, the formulae
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">maximum beam range=maximum stopping distance being fulfilled,in each basic stage the multifunctional system controlling light intensity in dependence upon the basic range in such a manner that an area in front of the vehicle is illuminated in optimum manner,so that all vehicles equipped with the automatic multifunctional system at any time during vehicle travel have a beam range and a light intensity which is adapted in optimum manner to the vehicle characteristics, the road conditions and the visibility conditions.
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Abstract
The invention relates to an automatic light system (ALS) for motor vehicles of all types. According to the invention the headlamp system is operated in such a manner that at every instant of the journey the minimum beam range does not drop below the instantaneous stopping distance (=braking distance+reaction distance) of the vehicle and the particular light intensity required is determined and set. This can be done for example by vertical pivoting of the headlamps or reflectors. Furthermore, the beam direction is adapted to the instantaneous steering angle.
31 Citations
10 Claims
- 1. Light system for controlling a beam range of a motor vehicle and comprising
an automatic multifunctional system constructed from programs and information, the multifunctional system distinguishing between four basic stages for road conditions, the multifunctional system distinguishing in each of the four basic stages three stages of visibility conditions, thus giving twelve stages, in dependence upon a particular stage, on the basis of the programs and entered and current information, the multifunctional system controlling instantaneous beam range in such a manner that it always lies between a minimum and a maximum beam range, the formulae - space="preserve" listing-type="equation">minimum beam range=minimum stopping distance
space="preserve" listing-type="equation">maximum beam range=maximum stopping distance being fulfilled,in each basic stage the multifunctional system controlling light intensity in dependence upon the basic range in such a manner that an area in front of the vehicle is illuminated in optimum manner, so that all vehicles equipped with the automatic multifunctional system at any time during vehicle travel have a beam range and a light intensity which is adapted in optimum manner to the vehicle characteristics, the road conditions and the visibility conditions.
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2. A light system for a motor vehicle having an actual minimum stopping distance and comprising
headlamp means having a beam length adjustable between a minimum beam range and a maximum beam range, the headlamp means including for each vehicle side a main reflector and a fog reflector, the beam ranges of which are adjustable independently of each other, adjusting means for adjusting the beam range of the headlamp means, and control means for controlling the adjusting means automatically in such a manner that at any instant during vehicle travel the minimum beam range is not less than the actual minimum stopping distance of the vehicle.
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4. A light system for a motor vehicle having an actual minimum stopping distance and an actual maximum stopping distance comprising
headlamp means having a beam length adjustable between a minimum beam range and a maximum beam range, adjusting means for adjusting the bean range of the headlamp means, and control means for controlling the adjusting means automatically in such a manner that at any instance during vehicle travel the minimum beam range is not less than the actual minimum stopping distance of the vehicle, the control means determining a maximum beam range from the actual maximum stopping distance and reaction time of a driver and the beam range being continuously adjusted during vehicle travel so that it does not exceed the prospective maximum beam range.
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7. Method for controlling beam range of a headlamp means of a motor vehicle during its travel and comprising the steps of
automatically setting a minimum beam range for the headlamp means which does not drop below the value of a momentary stopping distance of the vehicle, automatically setting a maximum beam range for the headlamp means which does not exceed a momentary maximum stopping distance of the vehicle, calculating the minimum stopping distance from a sum of maximum braking distance and minimum reaction distance of a driver, and calculating the maximum stopping distance from a sum of maximum braking distance and maximum reaction distance of a driver.
Specification