WO2008030334A2 - Headlight glare blocking apparatus and method - Google Patents
Headlight glare blocking apparatus and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2008030334A2 WO2008030334A2 PCT/US2007/018401 US2007018401W WO2008030334A2 WO 2008030334 A2 WO2008030334 A2 WO 2008030334A2 US 2007018401 W US2007018401 W US 2007018401W WO 2008030334 A2 WO2008030334 A2 WO 2008030334A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- light source
- red
- counter
- counter light
- windshield
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/70—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose
- B60Q3/72—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose for preventing the driver from being dazzled
Definitions
- This invention pertains to methods and apparatuses related to blocking headlight glare from on approaching vehicles at night.
- Ward, United States Patent Pub. No. 2002/0171256 dated November 21, 2002 discloses a dash mounted glare filter.
- Lansinger, U.S. Patent No. 5,316,359 issued May 31, 1994 discloses an instrument panel for a motor vehicle, which has a shelf formed with a multiplicity of parallel grooves and ridges to minimize reflected images and glare from the windshield.
- the invention described below outlines a device and method to reduce the glare from oncoming vehicles and other sources without the need for cumbersome glare shields and elaborate holographic mirrors and lenses. Summary of the Invention
- the invention comprises to a headlight glare reducer method and apparatus mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle for generating a counter red, green, or blue light diffused beam onto the windshield to counteract the oncoming glare from headlights.
- Light waves have wavelengths between about 400 and 700 nanometers (4,000 and 7,000 A). Our eyes perceive different wavelengths of light as the rainbow hues of colors. Red light has relatively long waves, around 700 run (10 '9 meters) long and is the preferred counter light. Blue and purple light have short waves, around 400 nm. Shorter waves vibrate at higher frequencies and have higher energies. Red light has a frequency around 430 terahertz, while blue light has a frequency closer to 750 terahertz.
- Red photons carry about 1.8 electron volts (eV) of energy, while each blue photon transmits about 3.1 eV.
- the counter red, green, or blue light interacts with the oncoming glare of headlights, streetlights, and shopping center lights to reduce their intensity and brightness when viewed by the driver.
- the intensity of the counter red light source in one preferred embodiment is therefore preferably selected and/or adjusted to reduce the glare of oncoming lights to suit the preference of a driver via selective controls.
- the device comprises a counter red, green, or blue light source, such as an LED light bar, mounted on the dashboard which is structured to direct the counter red, green, or blue light onto the segment of the interior of the windshield through which a driver views oncoming traffic.
- This device may include a convex reflective mirror mounted behind the light source to focus and direct the entire light generated onto the windshield.
- This counter red, green, or blue light source may be manually or automatically activated by the headlight glare of an approaching vehicle. The counter red, green, or blue light source is then generated onto the convex reflective mirror and diffused back against the oncoming headlight glare to interact with and partially cancel the headlight glare to reduce its visual impact on the driver.
- the counter red, green, or blue light may be diffused through a convex lens against the oncoming headlight glare.
- This embodiment preferably would also include a reflective shield behind the counter red, green, or blue light source to reduce red light from entering the cabin of the vehicle.
- the invention is preferably permanently mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle in front of the driver and activated at night. It thus maintains clear visibility during the day.
- the counter red, green, or blue light intensity may be automatically generated and increased dependent upon the strength of the high beams to be countered via a photovoltaic detector circuit and rheostat.
- the counter red, green, or blue light source is preferably powered by the vehicle electrical system, typically at 12 volts, but other independent power sources may be employed if required to generate more intense red, green, or blue light.
- the type of reflector may be a simple convex mirror, or a Fresnel lens, or a concave lens and is selected and positioned such that the counter red, green, or blue light generated is diffused against the driver's side of the windshield of a vehicle at night to reduce and block the glare of oncoming headlights. It thus shines upon the inside of the windshield to offset and reduce the headlight glare. This minimizes driver eyestrain by minimizing blinding from oncoming headlights. As the driver's vision is not as impaired by headlight glare, the driver is better able to spot obstructions on the roadway, and can better react to avoid serious accidents. The device also reduces driver stress and strain from night time driving.
- the invention provides an apparatus and method of generating a diffused counter red, green, or blue light at night, and directing it against the windshield of a vehicle to offset and reduce the glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle.
- the invention thus provides a safety device and method to enhance the night vision of the driver via the employment of a diffused red light beam to offset and block the glare of headlights.
- counter red, green, or blue lights are specifically mentioned, other counter lights of differing frequencies, and polarization phases may be used, which also offset and reduce the glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle, which shall be collectively referred to hereafter as "counter lights”. Description of the Drawings
- Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus.
- Fig. 2 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the apparatus.
- Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the embodiment of Fig. 2.
- Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 2 mounted on a dashboard.
- Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of a driver using the embodiment of Fig. 2.
- Fig. 1 is a preferred embodiment of the counter red light bar invention 10. It comprises: a base 12 with mounting structure 14 for mounting to a dash board.
- the mounting structure 14 shown comprises a pair of suction cups to removable secure to the dash board.
- the top of the base 12 has a longitudinal red lens 18 structured to direct red light onto the interior of a windshield when mounted on the dash.
- Mounted within the base 12 is a light tube 16 surrounded by a reflecting mirror 20 to focus the light through the red lens 18.
- the reflecting mirror 18 is a convex reflective mirror to capture and focus all of the light emitted by the light tube 16.
- the counter red light bar 10 is associated with the vehicles power circuit and is activated by a photo sensor switch (not shown). When activated, the red light bar 10 generates a red light which is dififiisedly directed against the windshield of the vehicle to counter the headlight glare of an oncoming vehicle.
- Fig. 2 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the invention, where the counter light source comprises a series of LED lights generating a frequency (not shown), which is diffusedly directed by a transparent longitudinal lens 18 against the windshield of the vehicle to counter the headlight glare of an oncoming vehicle.
- the counter light source comprises a series of LED lights generating a frequency (not shown), which is diffusedly directed by a transparent longitudinal lens 18 against the windshield of the vehicle to counter the headlight glare of an oncoming vehicle.
- Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the embodiment of Fig. 2 showing the suction cups 14.
- Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 2 mounted on the dash board with the red light activated.
- Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of a driver using the embodiment of Fig. 2 to minimize the glare from oncoming headlights.
- the apparatus thus provides a method of generating a diffused counter light at night, and directing it against the windshield of a vehicle to offset and reduce the oncoming glare of headlights and other bright lights.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
A headlight glare safety device and method to enhance the night vision of the driver via the employment of a diffused red light beam onto the segment of a windshield through which a driver views oncoming traffic to offset and counter the glare of oncoming headlights.
Description
Headlight Glare Blocking Apparatus and Method
Inventor:
Mr. Robert Fleming 3300 South 2220 East #35 Salt Lake City, Utah 84109
Assignee:
None
Entity:
Small
Attorney for Applicant(s):
Marcus G. Theodore, Esq. Marcus G. Theodore, P. C. 466 South 500 East
Salt Lake City, Utah Tel: (801) 359-8622 Fax: (801) 359-8995
Attorney Docket Number:
Headlight Glare Blocking Apparatus and Method
Background of the Invention
Field. This invention pertains to methods and apparatuses related to blocking headlight glare from on approaching vehicles at night. In particular it pertains to a light interference system and method for generating and projecting a diffused red light onto a vehicle windshield to interfere with and reduce the intensity of the headlight glare. State of the Art. Various devices to reduce headlight glare from oncoming vehicles at night on known. Ward, United States Patent Pub. No. 2002/0171256 dated November 21, 2002 discloses a dash mounted glare filter. Lansinger, U.S. Patent No. 5,316,359 issued May 31, 1994 discloses an instrument panel for a motor vehicle, which has a shelf formed with a multiplicity of parallel grooves and ridges to minimize reflected images and glare from the windshield. Smith, U.S. Patent No. 5,335,099 issued August 2, 1994 discloses a zero-degree mirror reflection hologram embedded into a vehicle windshield to reduce veiling glare. Trumbull, U.S. Patent No. 4,105, 246 issued August 8, 1978 discloses an attachment for the dashboard of a motor vehicle including a rectangular panel pivotally movable between positions to help reduce oncoming glare from a vehicle's headlights at night. Bickford, U.S. Patent No. 5,002,327 issued March 26, 1991 discloses another dashboard mounted glare shield to be positioned within the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. McNelis, U.S. Des. 468, 245 issued January 7, 2003 discloses a design for a glare shield.
The invention described below outlines a device and method to reduce the glare from oncoming vehicles and other sources without the need for cumbersome glare shields and elaborate holographic mirrors and lenses.
Summary of the Invention
The invention comprises to a headlight glare reducer method and apparatus mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle for generating a counter red, green, or blue light diffused beam onto the windshield to counteract the oncoming glare from headlights. Light waves have wavelengths between about 400 and 700 nanometers (4,000 and 7,000 A). Our eyes perceive different wavelengths of light as the rainbow hues of colors. Red light has relatively long waves, around 700 run (10'9 meters) long and is the preferred counter light. Blue and purple light have short waves, around 400 nm. Shorter waves vibrate at higher frequencies and have higher energies. Red light has a frequency around 430 terahertz, while blue light has a frequency closer to 750 terahertz. Red photons carry about 1.8 electron volts (eV) of energy, while each blue photon transmits about 3.1 eV. The counter red, green, or blue light interacts with the oncoming glare of headlights, streetlights, and shopping center lights to reduce their intensity and brightness when viewed by the driver. The intensity of the counter red light source in one preferred embodiment is therefore preferably selected and/or adjusted to reduce the glare of oncoming lights to suit the preference of a driver via selective controls.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a counter red, green, or blue light source, such as an LED light bar, mounted on the dashboard which is structured to direct the counter red, green, or blue light onto the segment of the interior of the windshield through which a driver views oncoming traffic. This device may include a convex reflective mirror mounted behind the light source to focus and direct the entire light generated onto the windshield. This counter red, green, or blue light source may be manually or automatically activated by the headlight glare of an approaching vehicle. The counter red, green, or blue light source is then generated onto the convex reflective mirror and diffused back against the oncoming headlight glare to interact with and partially cancel the headlight glare to reduce its visual impact on the driver.
In another embodiment, the counter red, green, or blue light may be diffused through a convex lens against the oncoming headlight glare. This embodiment preferably would also include a reflective shield behind the counter red, green, or blue light source to reduce red light from entering the cabin of the vehicle.
The invention is preferably permanently mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle in front of the driver and activated at night. It thus maintains clear visibility during the day. The counter red, green, or blue light intensity may be automatically generated and increased dependent upon the strength of the high beams to be countered via a photovoltaic detector circuit and rheostat.
The counter red, green, or blue light source is preferably powered by the vehicle electrical system, typically at 12 volts, but other independent power sources may be employed if required to generate more intense red, green, or blue light.
The type of reflector may be a simple convex mirror, or a Fresnel lens, or a concave lens and is selected and positioned such that the counter red, green, or blue light generated is diffused against the driver's side of the windshield of a vehicle at night to reduce and block the glare of oncoming headlights. It thus shines upon the inside of the windshield to offset and reduce the headlight glare. This minimizes driver eyestrain by minimizing blinding from oncoming headlights. As the driver's vision is not as impaired by headlight glare, the driver is better able to spot obstructions on the roadway, and can better react to avoid serious accidents. The device also reduces driver stress and strain from night time driving.
In summary, the invention provides an apparatus and method of generating a diffused counter red, green, or blue light at night, and directing it against the windshield of a vehicle to offset and reduce the glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle. The invention thus provides a safety device and method to enhance the night vision of the driver via the employment of a diffused red light beam to offset and block the glare of headlights. Although counter red, green, or blue lights are specifically mentioned, other counter lights of differing frequencies, and polarization phases may be used, which also offset and reduce the glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle, which shall be collectively referred to hereafter as "counter lights".
Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the apparatus. Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the embodiment of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 2 mounted on a dashboard.
Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of a driver using the embodiment of Fig. 2.
Description of the Illustrated Embodiments
Fig. 1 is a preferred embodiment of the counter red light bar invention 10. It comprises: a base 12 with mounting structure 14 for mounting to a dash board. The mounting structure 14 shown comprises a pair of suction cups to removable secure to the dash board. The top of the base 12 has a longitudinal red lens 18 structured to direct red light onto the interior of a windshield when mounted on the dash. Mounted within the base 12 is a light tube 16 surrounded by a reflecting mirror 20 to focus the light through the red lens 18. The reflecting mirror 18 is a convex reflective mirror to capture and focus all of the light emitted by the light tube 16. The counter red light bar 10 is associated with the vehicles power circuit and is activated by a photo sensor switch (not shown). When activated, the red light bar 10 generates a red light which is dififiisedly directed against the windshield of the vehicle to counter the headlight glare of an oncoming vehicle.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the invention, where the counter light source comprises a series of LED lights generating a frequency (not shown), which is diffusedly directed by a transparent longitudinal lens 18 against the windshield of the vehicle to counter the headlight glare of an oncoming vehicle.
Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the embodiment of Fig. 2 showing the suction cups 14. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 2 mounted on the dash board with the red light activated. Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of a driver using the embodiment of Fig. 2 to minimize the glare from oncoming headlights.
The apparatus thus provides a method of generating a diffused counter light at night, and directing it against the windshield of a vehicle to offset and reduce the oncoming glare of headlights and other bright lights.
The above description and specification should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The claims themselves recite those features deemed essential to the invention.
Claims
1. A headlight glare blocking device for vehicles having windshields through which a driver views oncoming traffic comprising: a. a dash mounted base, b. a counter light source affixed to the base structured to direct counter light onto the segment of a windshield through which a driver views oncoming traffic, c. a power source to power the counter light source, and d. an activation switch to selectively activate the power and counter light source to direct counter light onto the windshield to reduce the glare of oncoming headlights, streetlights, and other bright lights at night.
2. A headlight glare blocking device according to Claim 1, including a reflector associated with the counter light source positioned between the driver and the counter light source to prevent counter light from entering the interior of the vehicle.
3. A headlight glare blocking device according to Claim 1, wherein the counter light is red.
4. A headlight glare blocking device according to Claim 1, wherein the activation switch is manually operated by the driver.
5. A headlight glare blocking device according to Claim 1, wherein the activation switch contains a voltaic cell, which activates the counter light source when the glare of oncoming lights at night exceeds a predetermined brightness to activate the counter light source.
6. A headlight glare blocking device according to Claim 1, wherein the counter light source is a series of red LED lights having a frequency around 430 terahertz.
7. A headlight glare blocking device according to Claim 1, wherein the counter light source is a light source other than red covered by a red lens to direct red light onto the windshield.
8. A headlight glare blocking device for vehicles having windshields through which a driver views oncoming traffic, electrical power circuits and turn signals comprising: a. a dash mounted base, b. a series of red light LED's having a frequency around 430 terahertz affixed to the base with a concave reflector positioned between the driver and the light source to direct red light onto the segment of a windshield through which a driver views oncoming traffic, c. a vehicle electrical power circuit operably associated with the red LED's, and d. an activation switch mounted on the turn signal manually activated to selectively activate the power and red LEDs to direct red light onto the windshield.
9. A headlight glare blocking device according to Claim 8, including adjustment means associated with the vehicle electrical power circuit to increase the intensity of the red light.
10. A headlight glare blocking method for vehicles having windshields through which a driver views oncoming traffic comprising: a. installing a dash mounted base, b. affixing a counter light source to the base structured to direct counter light onto the segment of a windshield through which a driver views oncoming traffic, c. powering the counter light source, and d. selectively activating the power and counter light sources to direct red light onto the windshield to reduce the glare of oncoming headlights, streetlights, and other bright lights at night.
11. A headlight glare blocking method according to claim 11, wherein the counter light source has a red frequency.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US84026106P | 2006-08-28 | 2006-08-28 | |
US60/840,261 | 2006-08-28 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2008030334A2 true WO2008030334A2 (en) | 2008-03-13 |
WO2008030334A3 WO2008030334A3 (en) | 2008-05-08 |
Family
ID=39157740
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2007/018401 WO2008030334A2 (en) | 2006-08-28 | 2007-08-20 | Headlight glare blocking apparatus and method |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
WO (1) | WO2008030334A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102012205429A1 (en) * | 2012-04-03 | 2013-10-10 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | System for reducing glare of driver of motor car during driving on road, has image calculation unit producing image information for display device and imaging optics so that environment luminance is increased in field of view of driver |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4874195A (en) * | 1988-07-05 | 1989-10-17 | Lu Chih Hsiung | Anti-glare shield for the front windshield of cars |
US5239406A (en) * | 1988-02-12 | 1993-08-24 | Donnelly Corporation | Near-infrared reflecting, ultraviolet protected, safety protected, electrochromic vehicular glazing |
US20020171256A1 (en) * | 2001-05-15 | 2002-11-21 | Herbert Ward | Dash-mounting glare filter |
US6568738B1 (en) * | 1999-08-25 | 2003-05-27 | Uwe Peter Braun | Optical glare limiter |
US20030169213A1 (en) * | 2002-03-07 | 2003-09-11 | Spero Yechezkal Evan | Enhanced vision for driving |
US6674587B2 (en) * | 2001-03-30 | 2004-01-06 | Council Of Scientific Research | Antiglare optical device |
-
2007
- 2007-08-20 WO PCT/US2007/018401 patent/WO2008030334A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5239406A (en) * | 1988-02-12 | 1993-08-24 | Donnelly Corporation | Near-infrared reflecting, ultraviolet protected, safety protected, electrochromic vehicular glazing |
US4874195A (en) * | 1988-07-05 | 1989-10-17 | Lu Chih Hsiung | Anti-glare shield for the front windshield of cars |
US6568738B1 (en) * | 1999-08-25 | 2003-05-27 | Uwe Peter Braun | Optical glare limiter |
US6674587B2 (en) * | 2001-03-30 | 2004-01-06 | Council Of Scientific Research | Antiglare optical device |
US20020171256A1 (en) * | 2001-05-15 | 2002-11-21 | Herbert Ward | Dash-mounting glare filter |
US20030169213A1 (en) * | 2002-03-07 | 2003-09-11 | Spero Yechezkal Evan | Enhanced vision for driving |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102012205429A1 (en) * | 2012-04-03 | 2013-10-10 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | System for reducing glare of driver of motor car during driving on road, has image calculation unit producing image information for display device and imaging optics so that environment luminance is increased in field of view of driver |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2008030334A3 (en) | 2008-05-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
JP6591618B2 (en) | Automobile night driving support device | |
US6286983B1 (en) | Mirror having an illuminated film for signaling and general illumination | |
WO2004013654A1 (en) | Vehicle mounted night vision imaging system and method | |
JP2001253309A (en) | Device for improving visibility in vehicle | |
US20140362428A1 (en) | Method and device for activating photochromic materials within a vehicle | |
US20120262062A1 (en) | Method of improving visibility through a window | |
WO2008030334A2 (en) | Headlight glare blocking apparatus and method | |
US20040004841A1 (en) | Outside mirror with blinker light for vehicles | |
JPH11222073A (en) | Lamp for vehicle | |
GB2336658A (en) | Bicycle light for illuminating rider | |
KR20190139668A (en) | System for preventing glaring for vehicle | |
KR100579980B1 (en) | System for preventing glaring for vehicle | |
JPS60219133A (en) | Visibility improving device | |
US2062512A (en) | Motor vehicle vision-preserver | |
JP5934915B2 (en) | Vehicle lighting device | |
RU2124161C1 (en) | Polarization anti-dazzler | |
US2084245A (en) | Antiglare illumination apparatus | |
CN2274590Y (en) | Multifunctional backward view mirror | |
JP2005014845A (en) | Imaging device for vehicle | |
US11958407B2 (en) | Apparatus to prevent or reduce effect of temporary blinding of drivers by headlights of oncoming vehicles | |
EP0930457A2 (en) | Polarized headlamps and rear view mirrors | |
JP2009255727A (en) | Side under-mirror device | |
JPS6120903A (en) | Visibility improving device | |
JP2000205949A (en) | Noctovision device for moving body and method for viewing moving body in dark | |
RU2054190C1 (en) | Method for generation of light flows that affect visual perception of vehicle driver and device for implementation of this method |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 07837081 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A2 |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase in: |
Ref country code: DE |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase in: |
Ref country code: RU |
|
32PN | Ep: public notification in the ep bulletin as address of the adressee cannot be established |
Free format text: NOTING OF LOSS OF RIGHTS PURSUANT TO RULE 112(1) EPC (EPO FORMS 1205A DATED 08.05.09 AND 18.06.2009) |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 07837081 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A2 |