Image tilt correction system for automotive beam patterns

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lens arrangement system for an automotive optical module, and more particularly to a system for correcting image tilt of an automotive optical module's beam pattern. The system arrangement includes a light beam generated for illumination and a reflector for directing the light beam from the light source to the exterior of the optical module. A lens is additionally provided for distributing the light beam from the reflector. The lens is characterized by including a light input side and a light output side, wherein the sides of the lens include a plurality of light distributing facets or lens optical patterns arranged to effectively generate a symmetrical and centered corrected light beam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical lighting module for a vehicle, and more particularly to image correction of a vehicle beam pattern generated by the vehicle optical module. Background Art

[0002] Optical modules are used in cars, for example, to illuminate the road ahead. These optical modules need to be correctly oriented to provide the car driver with adequate lighting in a variety of driving conditions.

[0003] Currently, optical modules can provide a variety of functional operations, including signaling functions and generating various light beam patterns. Optical modules are equipped with at least one light source to generate a light beam. The generated light or beam is directed toward the outside of the module via a reflector or light guide. Furthermore, optical modules typically have inner and outer lenses, which may be equipped with optical patterns for light distribution. The optical patterns on the lenses can also provide or create visual aesthetics within the optical module. In some cases, the optical pattern is designed in a manner that is not aligned with the optical axis of the light beam. As a result, the orientation of the resulting beam output pattern may become tilted, skewed, or shifted, which may not meet specifications or regulatory requirements for beam output. Therefore, among the various objectives addressed by the present invention, one objective or need is to provide a correction or enhancement system that can counteract such irregularities in the beam output. Furthermore, a system that can counteract these irregularities is also needed. Another objective is to utilize an improved photometric arrangement. Another objective is to enhance light distribution to meet regulatory or industry standards. Yet another objective is to achieve various optical or lighting pattern effects toward the outside of the vehicle light module.

[0004] Literature related to this technology includes the following patent documents: US Patent No. US 3866081 A; US Publication Nos. US 2012195040 A and US 2008259630 A, all of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0005] The present invention overcomes one or more problems and disadvantages associated with well-known limitations of optical modules and associated optical modules having light direction tilts, skews, or shifts. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention relates to a unique solution that addresses at least one or more of the problems described in the preceding paragraphs. It is believed that the present invention provides a unique design arrangement that enables optical modules containing lenses that are subject to adverse conditions to operate efficiently and in compliance with regulations by providing a satisfactory and appropriate beam output. Specifically, the present invention provides corrective lens features and other features for the optical module to produce a beam without irregularities in the generated beam pattern. It is contemplated that the system can be incorporated into the optical module and customized for such intended use.

[0007] Thus, according to a first aspect of the present invention, an optical module for an automobile is contemplated, comprising: a light source for generating a light beam; a guiding medium disposed proximate the light source and configured to guide the light beam generated by the light source; and a lens for distributing the light beam directed from the guiding medium. The lens comprises a light entry surface and a light exit surface, wherein each of these side surfaces comprises a plurality of light distributing facets, each of which may comprise facet feature orientations that differ from one another. When the facets intersect one another, the plurality of light distributing facets may further create a baseline reference axis, thereby forming a pattern that is symmetrical or mirrored relative to such reference axis.

[0008] It should be understood that the above-cited aspects and examples are non-limiting, as there are other aspects of the present invention as shown and described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In order to further provide a more comprehensive description and to provide a better understanding of the present invention, a set of drawings are provided. The drawings constitute an integral part of the specification and illustrate exemplary aspects of the present invention. These exemplary aspects should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as examples of how the present invention may be implemented. These drawings include the following features.

[0010] Figure 1A An exemplary optical module for a motor vehicle is shown, which has at least a lens.

[0011] Figure 1B An exemplary optical module for a vehicle is shown, where the applied optics have a tilted or shifted beam pattern for the illuminated area on a test wall.

[0012] Figure 1C An optical module of a vehicle is shown, in which the applied invention that solves the pattern shift or tilt has a corrected beam pattern for an illuminated area on a test wall.

[0013] Figure 2is an isometric view of a lens of an optical module according to the present invention and an aspect of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2a It shows the Figure 2 The figure further illustrates the light distribution facets on the light output side of the lens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2b The embodiment of the present invention is shown Figure 2 The figure further illustrates the light distribution facets on the light input side of the lens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 One of the side faces of the lens, and one aspect of the optical device structure of the light distribution facet.

[0017] Figure 4 Also shown is the orientation in one aspect of the light distributing facets of the lens.

[0018] Figure 5a Aspects of the orientation of the light distributing facets on one side of the lens are shown.

[0019] Figure 5b Shown by Figure 5a The light distributing facets of the lens produce a beam pattern of the beam.

[0020] Figure 6a Aspects of the orientation of the light distributing facets on two sides of a lens according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0021] Figure 6b Shown by Figure 6a The light distributing facets of the lens produce a final corrected beam pattern of the beam.

[0022] Figure 7 The orientations of corresponding light distributing facets of lenses according to embodiments of the present invention are shown along exemplary symmetry planes or reference axes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1AAn optical module with a lens for a motor vehicle is shown. The figure shows a light source (10) for generating a light beam. The light beam generated by the light source (10) is guided toward the outside of the optical module by a reflector or guiding medium (12) (such as a reflector or, in some cases, a light guide). The figure also shows a lens (14) that distributes the light beam generated by the light source (10) to meet photometric requirements. The lens (14) can be an internal lens system, as shown in the figure. In addition, an external lens (not shown) can also be provided in the optical module, arranged outside the light exit medium 16 shown in the figure.

[0025] Figure 1B An exemplary optical module of a vehicle 2 is shown, wherein the applied optics 20 have a tilted or shifted beam pattern 30T for an illuminated area 30 on a test wall. The illustration depicts how light generated by a light source 10 produces a tilt or shift effect 30T on the beam pattern 30 through the applied optics 20 at the lens portion 14a (without the corrective optics at 14b).

[0026] Figure 1C An exemplary optical module of a vehicle 2 is shown in which the invention 100 (applying corresponding optics 20 at lens portions 14a, 14b along intersecting baselines BL1, BL2, or VL depicted in the figure) is applied to an illuminated area 30 on a test wall, which accounts for pattern shift or tilt and produces a corrected beam pattern 30C.

[0027] Figure 2 An isometric view of a lens (14) associated with an exemplary optical module of the present invention is shown. Figures 2 to 3 In the figure, two sides of the lens (14) can be seen. The lens (14) has a light input side (14a) and a light output side (14b). The lens (14) is provided with an optical device pattern 20, for example, provided on the inner lens portion 14a, to create some unique pattern. The optical pattern is depicted as being in the form of light distribution facets (20). Both sides (14a, 14b) include a plurality of said light distribution facets (20). Figure 2b The light distribution facets (20) on the light output side (14b) of a lens according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. These light distribution facets (20) are designed into the optical module based on styling, lighting effects or for aesthetic purposes. The orientation of the pattern is sometimes tilted. That is, the pattern produced may not be symmetrical along the horizontal axis or the vertical axis - thus, an undesirable or deviated pattern is produced. Due to the tilted optical pattern of the light distribution facets (20) on the lens (14), the generated light beam becomes inherently tilted. Therefore, the light beam image is ultimately not symmetrical about the center point (the horizontal-vertical "HV" reference defined by the regulations on the wall).

[0028] In order to overcome and compensate for the resulting beam tilt, the two separate optical light distribution facet patterns on the lens (14) are symmetrically oriented (with respect to Figure 4 The vertical line "VL" depicted is arranged symmetrically). Figures 2 to 4 One such arrangement according to the present invention is shown, wherein the light distribution facets (20) are on the light input side (14a) of the lens (14) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this regard, the orientation of the plurality of light distribution facets (20) on the light input side (14a) is different from the orientation of the plurality of light distribution facets (20) on the light output side (14b). It can be seen that Figure 7 The corresponding orientations of the light distribution facets (20) on the light input side (14a) and the light output side (14b) of the lens (14) are shown. The orientations are symmetrical or mirrored along a symmetry plane or reference axis (along VL). As an alternative design aspect, it is contemplated that the initial tilt pattern and the corrective corresponding pattern 20 can be reversed or interchangeable between the lens portion 14b and the lens portion 14a.

[0029] Figure 3 Shown Figures 2 to 2b FIG1 is a diagram showing one side of a lens (14) in FIG1 and illustrating one aspect of the structure of a light distribution facet (20). The light distribution facet (20) can be seen in the figure and is configured to illustrate the optical pattern and light distribution in a possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] like Figure 4 As shown, a first group of multiple light distribution facets (20) are oriented to create an associated baseline reference BL1. The baseline reference BL1 is created along the associated pattern orientation of the light distribution facets (20). A second group of multiple light distribution facets (20) are oriented to create an associated baseline reference BL2. The baseline reference BL2 is also created along the associated pattern orientation of the distinct light distribution facets (20). In addition, each separate baseline (BL1, BL2) of each light distribution facet in the multiple light distribution facets (20) is aligned with a vertical axis (VL) of the light beam at a certain inclination. The baseline (BL1) of the multiple light distribution facets (20) on the light input side (14a) intersects with the baseline (BL2) of the multiple light distribution facets (20) on the light output side (14b) to form a symmetry point or mirror axis reference.

[0031] Figure 5a The orientation of the light distributing facet (20) on one of the sides of the lens (14) is shown. Figure 5b Shown by Figure 5a In the tilted state, it can be seen that the depicted result beam is tilted towards one side, which prompted the need for the present invention. Figure 6ashows the lens aspect to which the present invention is applied (the corresponding facet orientation is applied on both sides of the lens 14), and Figure 6b The corresponding photometric or beam output is shown. As can be seen between the figures, the interfaces of the plurality of light distribution facets (20) on the light input side and the plurality of light distribution facets on the light output side are symmetrical with each other, so that the lens produces a beam pattern that is symmetrical about the center point of the beam axis. It can be seen that the light distribution facets (20) on the light input side (14a) of the lens are formed in a manner that opposes the beam tilt produced by the light distribution facets (20) on the light output side (14b) of the lens (14). Due to the exemplary arrangement depicted, the beam output (30) of the optical module is symmetrical and centered about the HV point (horizontal-vertical center point), and can achieve a regular grid or comply with regulatory regulations.

[0032] It should be understood that the above-cited aspects and examples are non-limiting, as there are other aspects and examples in the present invention as shown and described herein.

[0033] Unless otherwise stated, the size and geometry of the various structures depicted herein are not meant to limit the present invention, and other sizes or geometries are also possible. A plurality of structural components can be provided by a single monolithic structure. Alternatively, a single monolithic structure can be divided into independent multiple components. In addition, although features of the present invention may only be described in the context of an embodiment in the embodiments shown, such features can be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments for any specific application. It can also be understood from the above that the manufacture of the unique structure herein and its operation also constitute a method according to the present invention.

[0034] Light source 10

[0035] Light source 10 represents a source of visually perceived electromagnetic radiation or a source of visually perceived radiant energy (including "visible" light in the electromagnetic spectrum), but can include a wide combination or range of electromagnetic or radiant energy, including X-rays, ultraviolet and infrared energy, microwaves, and the radio spectrum. The light source can include any conventional and suitable lighting element source, such as a filament-based lamp or incandescent lamp, a fluorescent lamp, an arc or gas discharge type lamp, a light emitting diode (LED), or other suitable conventional source.

[0036] Optical axis 00

[0037] Optical axis 00 serves as a reference axis defining the main optical path along which light propagates through the optical system 100 , along which there is a certain degree of rotational symmetry.

[0038] Light emission axis 1

[0039] The light emission axis 1 serves as a reference axis defining a main light path from a single point light source toward a target point, along which light propagates.

[0040] Reflector-guiding medium 12

[0041] The reflector 12 serves as an object that reflects light in a desired direction, and one or more reflective surfaces of such an object may be used to redirect light to a specific point, location, random direction, or focused target area.

[0042] Light emitting medium 16

[0043] The light-emitting medium 16 serves as a body of material through which light waves (including electromagnetic particles or light waves of different spectra) pass. For example, the light waves pass through or through a "medium" material. The light-emitting medium can be constructed or formed from a unitized, integral body or a combination of component parts. The light-emitting medium material can include a rigid body, a body of material with variable flexibility, a body of material with relative elasticity, or a gel-like rubberized material. The light-emitting medium can be formed from simple geometric shapes or custom shapes and can include various colorants or additive features that can interfere with light transmission to varying degrees while still allowing light transmission through the "medium" body to varying degrees.

[0044] Lens 14

[0045] Lens 14 is a light-emitting or light-transmitting body made of glass, polymer, transparent material, or other material with curved sides for concentrating or dispersing light. The lens is used alone (e.g., in a magnifying glass) or in combination with other lenses (e.g., in a telescope). The lens may include added material features, optical features located in part or throughout its body, or at various locations along its body to affect the light transmission characteristics of the lens. The term "inner lens" may refer to any lens located at least behind the "outer lens," and correspondingly, the term "outer lens" may refer to any lens located at least in front of the "inner lens."

[0046] Light input-output sides 14a, 14b

[0047] The light input side surface 14a or the light output side surface 14b serves as a direction reference surface, a curved side surface, a linear side surface or a fiducial mark from which light enters or exits the light emitting medium 16 or other reflective or refractive body.

[0048] Light distribution facets and optics 20

[0049] The light distribution facets or optical devices 20 are used as planes or geometric forms arranged in series along the light reflecting surface on the body 12, and can include formed cuts, protrusions, indentations, a specific form of patterning, a structure with many facets to provide a specific optical effect when in contact with light (by light irradiation, light penetration, or via reflection through the resulting form or geometric structure). The optical device or light distribution facets can conform to a grid pattern, a horizontal-vertical pattern arrangement, or a customized random array arrangement. The light distribution facets can conform to / have such geometric shapes, including simple geometric triangles, squares, diamonds, quadrilaterals, polygons, spheres, domes or beads, depressions, cones, concave, convex, pillows, fish scales or such similar forms or other customized forms. The term "optical device" can further refer to a pattern formed on the surface of the lens 14 or the light emitting medium 16. The scaling features associated with the light distribution facets 20 can also incorporate scaling factors up to x2 by reducing or enlarging between the light input-output sides 14a, 14b where the optical device 20 is formed without causing significant degradation to the beam image pattern, which is consistent with experimental findings and results.

[0050] Baseline reference BL1, BL2

[0051] The base line BL1 serves as a reference for the first applied optics pattern 20 , forming the basis for the counteracting light distribution facets or corresponding light distribution facets and forming the basis for establishing the plane of symmetry—reference axis VL.

[0052] Baseline BL2 serves as a datum reference for the second applied optics pattern 20 that is different from the first applied optics pattern 20. Baseline BL2 originates from the counteracting light distributing facet or the corresponding light distributing facet relative to the symmetry plane - reference axis VL.

[0053] Symmetry plane - reference axis VL

[0054] The symmetry plane-reference axis VL serves as a resulting reference axis formed by the intersection of the baselines BL1 , BL2 , which helps to establish a mirror image or symmetry reference guide so that the reactive optic 20 can be determined.

[0055] Beam Pattern - Beam Output 30

[0056] The beam pattern 30 serves as a light collection or excitation light particle flow, thereby forming a light output image or light pattern.

[0057] Tilted beam pattern 30T

[0058] The tilted beam pattern 30T serves to represent a shifted, tilted, or skewed beam image of the light beam pattern 30 transmitted through the first applied optics pattern 20 at the lens 14 or light exit medium 16. Figure 1B As depicted by the example in , light beam 30 passes through the first applied optics pattern 20, which shifts or skews the beam pattern 30 to render an image beam 30T that appears tilted (compared to an unshifted, skewed, or tilted light beam transmitted through the light exit medium 14 or 16 without the optics).

[0059] Corrected pattern 30C

[0060] The corrected pattern 30C acts to reshape the shifted beam image from the condition 30T. The corrected pattern is used to reshape the beam pattern of the image previously altered by the optics 20 or effectively shifted image pattern 30T.

[0061] Correcting the optics pattern is meant to convey the neutralizing, counteracting, or corrective effect of the applied optics on the beam pattern or beam output image 30T. Another helpful way to understand the present invention is to think of the corrected pattern 30C as a corrected photometry for the shifted photometry 30T.

[0062] When superimposed on the originally applied optics 20, the corrective optics 20 are applied symmetrically (with respect to VL) to produce an unaltered beam image—a beam pattern 30 image—that is symmetrical about the horizontal-vertical axis, as if no altering optics were applied. In other words, the corrective optics 20 can be thought of as a neutralizer of the effects of the originally applied optics 20 on the beam image—a feature that counteracts beam "tilt" or facilitates image shift correction.

[0063] Corrected pattern 30C may be achieved by superimposed counteracting optical features that reshape altered, tilted, or misaligned beam image 30T. 30C is similar to unaltered beam pattern 30 aligned to be horizontally and vertically symmetrical about respective horizontal-vertical axes.

[0064] Although the present disclosure provides references to the figures, all embodiments shown in the figures are intended to explain preferred embodiments of the present invention by way of example and are not intended to limit the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications will be within the scope of the teachings of the present invention, and that various changes or modifications may be made in the present disclosure without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, and the present invention covers such changes or modifications as long as they fall within the scope defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0065] Element number list

[0066] Optical axis 00

[0067] Light emission axis 1

[0068] Motor Vehicle 2

[0069] Light source 10

[0070] Guiding medium or reflector 12 lens 14

[0071] Light input side 14a

[0072] Light output side 14b

[0073] Light exit medium 16 Light distribution facets - optics 20 Beam pattern - beam output 30 Tilted beam pattern 30T Corrected beam pattern 30C Baseline BL1

[0074] Baseline BL2

[0075] Vertical line-intersection reference VL

Claims

1. An optical module for an automobile, comprising: a light source, the light source being used to generate a light beam; a guiding medium for guiding the light beam generated by the light source; as well as a lens for distributing a light beam guided from the guiding medium, wherein the lens comprises a light input side and a light output side, each of the light input side and the light output side comprises a plurality of light distributing facets, and wherein an orientation of the plurality of light distributing facets on the light input side is different from an orientation of the plurality of light distributing facets on the light output side; The plurality of light distributing facets are oriented to create a baseline; The baselines of the plurality of light distributing facets are inclined relative to the vertical axis of the light beam; The base lines of the plurality of light distribution facets on the light input side intersect with the base lines of the plurality of light distribution facets on the light output side; The plurality of light distributing facets on the light input side and the plurality of light distributing facets on the light output side have a symmetrical orientation with respect to a reference axis or a mirror image reference plane.

2. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein The lens is an inner lens of the optical module.

3. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein: The guiding medium is a reflector unit for reflecting the light beam generated from the light source toward the lens.

4. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein: The guiding medium is a light guide system for guiding the light beam generated from the light source toward the lens.

5. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein The lens creates a beam pattern that is symmetrical about the center point of the beam axis.

6. A method for generating a symmetrical beam pattern for an automotive optical module, the method comprising: providing a light source to generate a light beam; providing a guiding medium to guide the light beam generated by the light source; as well as providing a lens having a light input side and a light output side to distribute the light beam from the guiding medium, wherein each of the light input side and the light output side includes a plurality of light distributing facets; The plurality of light distributing facets are oriented to create a baseline; The baselines of the plurality of light distributing facets are inclined relative to the vertical axis of the light beam; The base lines of the plurality of light distribution facets on the light input side intersect with the base lines of the plurality of light distribution facets on the light output side; The plurality of light distributing facets on the light input side and the plurality of light distributing facets on the light output side have a symmetrical orientation with respect to a reference axis or a mirror image reference plane.

7. The method of generating a symmetrical beam pattern according to claim 6, wherein: An orientation of the plurality of light distributing facets on the light input side is different from an orientation of the plurality of light distributing facets on the light output side.

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