DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The invention relates to a system and method for controlling a light source of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Most motor vehicles are usually equipped with multiple light sources on its front and rear-side. On the front side, headlights are provided to illuminate and increase a driver’s field of visibility while driving at night or in low-visibility conditions.
[003] For better visibility, headlights are equipped with a low beam mode and a high beam mode. In the low beam mode, the light distribution by the headlight is lateral and downward, whereas, in the high beam mode, light distribution by the headlight is more centralised allowing a driver to see a longer stretch of the road ahead. However, throw of the headlight at high beam mode is also limited, and thus a driver’s field of visibility while driving at night or in low-visibility conditions such as highways is limited. The problem is exemplified when the vehicle is being driven at high speeds.
[004] At high speeds, significant distance is covered by the vehicle in a shorter period of time and therefore, it is crucial the driver’s field of visibility stays as further as possible. One potential solution in the art is to increase the power of the headlight. A more powerful headlight will offer a greater field of visibility to the driver. Such a solution has its own drawbacks. A powerful headlight will offer significant glare to an oncoming traffic from the opposite side. Further, it would not be an energy efficient solution to light a powerful headlight under all conditions.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a system for controlling a light source of a vehicle which addresses the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] Accordingly, the present invention in one aspect provides a system for controlling a light source of a vehicle. The system includes at-least one sensor that is configured to monitor speed of the vehicle; and a control unit that is in communication with the sensor. The control unit is configured to receive speed information monitored by the sensor, determine speed of the vehicle from the received speed information and, generate a control signal to activate or deactivate the light source depending upon at-least speed of the vehicle.
[007] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine if the speed of the vehicle is greater than a first pre-set speed; and generate a control signal to activate the light source in an event the speed of the vehicle is greater than the first pre-set speed.
[008] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine if the speed of the vehicle is lower than a second pre-set speed; and generate a control signal to deactivate the light source in an event the speed of the vehicle is lower than the second pre-set speed.
[009] In an embodiment, the light source is disposed in a headlamp of the vehicle.
[010] In an embodiment, the light source is disposed adjacent to a high-beam light source in the headlamp.
[011] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to monitor operating condition of the headlamp of the vehicle to determine if a high-beam light source of the headlamp is operational; and activate the light source along with the high-beam light source in an event the speed of the vehicle exceeds the first pre-set speed.
[012] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to monitor operating condition of the headlamp of the vehicle; and deactivate the light source in an event the speed of the vehicle is lower than the second pre-set speed or a high-beam mode of the headlamp is non-operational.
[013] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling a light source of a vehicle. The method includes the steps of: monitoring by a sensor speed of the vehicle; receiving by a control unit speed information monitored by the sensor; determining speed of the vehicle based on the received speed information; and generating a control signal to activate or deactivate the light source depending upon at-least speed of the vehicle.
[014] In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of: determining if the speed of the vehicle is greater than a first pre-set speed; and generating a control signal to activate the light source in an event the speed of the vehicle is greater than the first pre-set speed.
[015] In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of: determining if the speed of the vehicle is lower than a second pre-set speed; and generating a control signal to deactivate the light source in an event the speed of the vehicle is lower than the second pre-set speed.
[016] In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of: monitoring operating condition of a headlamp of the vehicle to determine if a high-beam light source of the headlamp is operational; and generating a control signal to activate the light source along with the high-beam light source in an event the speed of the vehicle exceeds the first pre-set speed.
[017] In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of: monitoring operating condition of a headlamp of the vehicle; and generating a control signal to deactivate the light source in an event the speed of the vehicle is lower than the second pre-set speed or a high-beam mode of the headlamp is non-operational.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[018] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a system for controlling a light source of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a system for controlling a light source of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a method for controlling a light source of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a method for controlling a light source of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[019] The present invention is directed towards controlling at-least one light source of a vehicle, wherein the light source is activated depending upon at-least speed of the vehicle.
[020] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 for controlling a light source 130 of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system 100 comprises of at least one sensor 110 operatively coupled with a control unit 120. The sensor 110 is configured to determine speed of the vehicle. The sensor 110 is preferably a wheel speed sensor or a location module such as a global positioning system (GPS).
[021] The control unit 120 is configured to receive speed data from the sensor 110 to determine whether the speed of the vehicle exceeds a first pre-set speed/threshold speed (for example, 80 kmph). In case the speed of the vehicle exceeds the first pre-set speed, the control unit 120 is configured to generate a control signal to activate the light source 130. The system 100 thus enables the light source 130 to turn on or activate when vehicle speed exceeds the first pre-set speed.
[022] Further, once the light source 130 is activated, the control unit 120 continues to monitor the speed of the vehicle. In case the speed of the vehicle reduces below a second pre-set speed/threshold (for example, 70kmph), the control unit 120 is configured to generate a control signal to deactivate the light source 130. The first pre-set speed and the second pre-set speed thus, activates and deactivates the light source 130 respectively at different speeds which avoids flickering of the light source 130 when the vehicle’s speed changes frequently.
[023] Figure 2 shows a system 200 for controlling a light source 230 disposed in a headlamp 240 of a vehicle. The headlamp 240 of a vehicle comprises at-least a high-beam light source (not shown) and a low-beam light source (not shown). In an embodiment, the light source 230 is provided adjacent to the high-beam light source. As shown, the system 200 comprises a sensor 210 operatively coupled to a headlamp control unit 220. The sensor 210 as discussed hereinabove is configured to determine speed of the vehicle. The sensor 210 is preferably a wheel speed sensor or a location module such as a global positioning system (GPS).
[024] In an embodiment, the headlamp control unit 220 is configured to operate the light source 230 depending on at-least two conditions - vehicle speed condition and headlamp operating condition. The headlamp control unit 220 is configured to receive speed data of the vehicle from the sensor 210 to determine if the vehicle is exceeding a first pre-set speed (for example, 80 kmph). Further, the headlamp control unit 220 is configured to monitor headlamp operating condition to determine if the high-beam light source of the headlamp 240 is operational. In case the vehicle speed is exceeding the first pre-set speed and the high-beam of the headlamp 240 is operational, the headlamp control unit 220 is configured to generate a control signal to operate the light source 230. Thus, the system 200 of the present invention will operate the light source 230 along with the high-beam light source which enhances light range by approximately 300 meters, thereby improving visibility of driver at higher speeds considerably.
[025] Further, once the light source 230 is activated, the headlamp control unit 220 continues to monitor the two conditions of the vehicle - speed of the vehicle determined by the sensor 210 and operating condition of the high-beam light source. In case the speed of the vehicle reduces below a second pre-set speed (for example, 70 kmph) or the high-beam light source is deactivated, the head lamp control unit 220 is configured to generate a control signal to deactivate the light source 230. The deactivation is done gradually to avoid flickering of the light source 230 when the vehicle’s speed changes frequently.
[026] In an embodiment, the light source 230 may comprise any element that can produce luminance. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more light sources 230 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). In another embodiment, the one or more light sources 230 are disposed adjacent to a section of light sources (not shown) that are turned on in the high beam mode in the headlamp 240. Thus, the one or more light sources 230 amplify and increase the throw of light and resultantly increase the driver’s field of visibility. In another embodiment, the one or more light sources 230 can be disposed at any place interior or exterior to the vehicular body.
[027] Figure 3 illustrates a method 300 for controlling a light source 130 of a vehicle. The method 300 begins at step 3A, where speed information monitored by a sensor 110. Next, at step 3B, the speed information is received by a control unit 120. Thereafter, at step 3C, the control unit 120 determines whether the speed of the vehicle exceeds a first pre-set speed (for example 80 kmph) and the method 300 at step 3D generates a control signal to activate the light source 130 in case the speed of the vehicle exceeds the first pre-set speed. Further, the method 300 continues to monitor speed of the vehicle. In case the speed of the vehicle reduces below a second pre-set speed (for example, 70 kmph), the method 300 generates a control signal to deactivate the light source 130.
[028] Figure 4 illustrates a method for controlling a light source of a vehicle. The method 400 begins at step 4A, where speed information detected by a sensor 210 is received by a control unit 220. Thereafter, at step 4B, the control unit 220 determines whether the speed of the vehicle exceeds a first pre-set speed (for example, 80 kmph). Further, the method 300 at step 4C monitors operating condition of a headlamp 240 of a vehicle. At step 4D, the method 300 generates a control signal to activate the light source 230 in case the speed of the vehicle exceeds the first pre-set speed and a high-beam of the headlamp 240 is operational. Further, the method 300 continues to monitor speed of the vehicle and operating condition of the high-beam light source. In case the speed of the vehicle reduces below a second pre-set speed (for example 70 kmph) or the high-beam light source is deactivated, the method 300 generates a control signal to deactivate the light source 230.
[029] The light source 230 along with the high beam will also be deactivated when an onboard sensor detects oncoming or preceding traffic is detected irrespective of the vehicle speed. This option is user configurable.
[030] In another embodiment of the invention, an ambient light sensor detects the condition of the ambient light. If the ambient condition is dark or dawn, the light source 230 gets automatically activated, provided that there is no oncoming traffic detected by the onboard sensor.
[031] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a windscreen wiper actuation or an input signal from rain sensor is detected to check the rain and the light source 230 gets activated automatically.
[032] Advantageously, the present invention provides a system and method to control vehicular light sources that is capable of providing greater field of visibility to a driver while driving at high speeds. Further, the system deactivates the light sources when driving at low speeds or when there is adequate visibility conditions, thereby being energy efficient and reducing glare onto oncoming traffic. Further, the system functions without any manual intervention, resultantly provides no distraction for the driver of a vehicle which is crucial for driving at a high speed.
[033] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for controlling a light source (130) of a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
at-least one sensor (110) configured to monitor speed of the vehicle; and
a control unit (120) in communication with the sensor (110), the control unit (120) configured to:
receive speed information monitored by the sensor (110);
determine speed of the vehicle from the received speed information; and
generate a control signal to activate or deactivate the light source (130) depending upon at-least speed of the vehicle.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (120) is configured to determine if the speed of the vehicle is greater than a first pre-set speed; and generate a control signal to activate the light source (130) in an event the speed of the vehicle is greater than the first pre-set speed.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (120) is configured to determine if the speed of the vehicle is lower than a second pre-set speed; and generate a control signal to deactivate the light source (130) in an event the speed of the vehicle is lower than the second pre-set speed.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source (130) is disposed in a headlamp (240) of the vehicle.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the light source (130) is disposed adjacent to a high-beam light source in the headlamp (240).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 4, wherein the control unit (120) is configured to monitor operating condition of the headlamp (240) of the vehicle to determine if a high-beam light source of the headlamp is operational; and activate the light source (130) along with the high-beam light source in an event the speed of the vehicle exceeds the first pre-set speed.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 4, wherein the control unit (120) is configured to monitor operating condition of the headlamp (240) of the vehicle; and deactivate the light source (230) in an event the speed of the vehicle is lower than the second pre-set speed or a high-beam mode of the headlamp is non-operational.

8. A method (300) for controlling a light source (130) of a vehicle, the method (300) comprising:
monitoring (3A) by a sensor (110) speed of the vehicle;
receiving (3B) by a control unit (120) speed information monitored by the sensor (110);
determining (3C) speed of the vehicle based on the received speed information; and
generating (3D) a control signal to activate or deactivate the light source (130) depending upon at-least speed of the vehicle.

9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 8 comprising the steps of: determining if the speed of the vehicle is greater than a first pre-set speed; and
generating a control signal to activate the light source (130) in an event the speed of the vehicle is greater than the first pre-set speed.

10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 8 comprising the steps of: determining if the speed of the vehicle is lower than a second pre-set speed; and
generating a control signal to deactivate the light source (130) in an event the speed of the vehicle is lower than the second pre-set speed.

11. The method (300) as claimed in claim 8 comprising the steps of: monitoring operating condition of a headlamp of the vehicle to determine if a high-beam light source of the headlamp is operational; and
generating a control signal to activate the light source along with the high-beam light source in an event the speed of the vehicle exceeds the first pre-set speed.

12. The method (300) as claimed in claim 8, the method (300) comprising the steps of: monitoring operating condition of a headlamp (240) of the vehicle; and
generating a control signal to deactivate the light source (130) in an event the speed of the vehicle is lower than the second pre-set speed or a high-beam mode of the headlamp (130) is non-operational.