An automated headlight system for vehicles replaces the high and low beam with a continuum of beam patterns, with further variable spatial distribution of intensities and color spectrum. The digital-headlight is comprised of a controller, sensors and multiple, individually-controllable light-sources modified by optical-control elements to form narrow-beams which are then combined to create the overall headlamp beam. Utilizing real-time sensor data regarding beings, objects and vehicles in the way-ahead, as well as optional information on the driver, vehicle and environment, the logical controller dynamically adapts the headlight system's illumination so as to provide vehicle operators with optimal visibility while preventing discomfort-glare from reaching the eyes oncoming traffic or pedestrians.

A vehicle light fixture include a first light distribution illuminator that emits a first light distribution to the front of a vehicle, and a second light distribution illuminator that emits a second light distribution having a light-dark boundary line at least on a side of the vehicle, wherein illumination of the first light distribution illuminator and the second light distribution illuminator is controlled in response to a predetermined operation of the first light distribution illuminator by the driver of the vehicle. The second light distribution illuminator includes a light source, and a projection lens that projects light emitted from the light source to form an illumination pattern surrounded by multiple light-dark boundary lines and emit the illumination pattern to a side of the vehicle, and the projection lens focuses more of the light emitted from the light source passing outwardly from the optical axis of the projection lens.

A vehicle light fixture include a first light distribution illuminator that emits a first light distribution to the front of a vehicle, and a second light distribution illuminator that emits a second light distribution having a light-dark boundary line at least on a side of the vehicle, wherein illumination of the first light distribution illuminator and the second light distribution illuminator is controlled in response to a predetermined operation of the first light distribution illuminator by the driver of the vehicle. The second light distribution illuminator includes a light source, and a projection lens that projects light emitted from the light source to form an illumination pattern surrounded by multiple light-dark boundary lines and emit the illumination pattern to a side of the vehicle, and the projection lens focuses more of the light emitted from the light source passing outwardly from the optical axis of the projection lens.

A headlight control apparatus that controls an illumination state of a headlight that illuminates an area ahead of a vehicle includes an illuminance sensor that detects luminance around the vehicle, an illumination control section that switches on or off the headlight in accordance with the luminance detected by the illuminance sensor, a forward detection sensor that detects an object that is present within a predetermined distance ahead of the vehicle, and a dimming control section that dims the headlight when the forward detection sensor detects an object after start of the vehicle.

A vehicle behavior detection device mounted on an own vehicle detects own vehicle's behavior, in particular driver's right or left turn behavior at an intersection on a roadway. The vehicle behavior detection device is a microcomputer system having a CPU capable of providing an intended direction acquiring section, a turn direction acquiring section, a coincidence judgment section and an information output section. The intended direction acquiring section obtains an intended direction toward which the own vehicle is turning. The turn direction acquiring section acquires a direction to which the own vehicle turns. The coincidence judgment section detects whether or not the intended direction coincides with the turn direction of the own vehicle. The information output section provides warning regarding wide right or left turn of the own vehicle when the judgment result indicates that the intended direction does not coincide with the turn direction of the own vehicle.

Information related to a vehicle can be displayed by projecting an image based on the information on a road surface or the like. An image projection apparatus that projects an image includes: a sensor unit that acquires information related to a vehicle; and an image projection unit that projects the image based on the information acquired by the sensor unit.

An illuminating device coupled with sensors or an image acquisition device and a logical controller allows illumination intensity and spectrum to be varied according to changing user needs. The system provides illumination to areas according to the principles of correct lighting practice for the optimal performance of visual tasks in the most efficient, cost effective manner. Aspects of the invention include: lighting fixtures which adapt to ambient lighting, movement, visual tasks being performed, and environmental and personal conditions affecting illumination requirements at any given instant. Lighting fixtures having spatial distribution of spectrum and intensity, providing both background room lighting, and task lighting.

An image projection apparatus that can be attached to a vehicle and can be effectively utilized for acquisition of road surface condition information, detection of a hidden vehicle, and the like is provided. The image projection apparatus that projects an image includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information related to a vehicle; an image projection unit that projects an image based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit; and imaging means that acquires an image outside the vehicle, the image projection unit projects light in a wavelength band centered on a wavelength of 1.4 ?m and the imaging means provides the information related to the vehicle by imaging an image projected based on the light in the wavelength band centered on the wavelength of 1.4 ?m.

A method for generating the light function of a direction indicator in a motor vehicle. The light function of the direction indicator is activated when the motor vehicle is in an operational state and an actuating element is actuated in the motor vehicle. In addition to the generation of the light function of the direction indicator, a ground light projection can be generated in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle. The ground light projection can be generated, for example, only when an ambient brightness of the motor vehicle falls below a certain limit value.

An image projection apparatus that can be attached to a vehicle and can be effectively utilized for acquisition of road surface condition information, detection of a hidden vehicle, and the like is provided. The image projection apparatus that projects an image includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information related to a vehicle; an image projection unit that projects an image based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit; and imaging means that acquires an image outside the vehicle, the image projection unit projects light in a wavelength band centered on a wavelength of 1.4 m, and the imaging means provides the information related to the vehicle by imaging an image projected based on the light in the wavelength band centered on the wavelength of 1.4 m.