Lighting system of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting system for a motor vehicle (100). The lighting system comprises at least one first light emitting device (105) mounted on a right front side of the vehicle and adapted to project a first pixelated light beam (110) in front of the vehicle. The lighting system further comprises at least one second light emitting device (115) mounted on the left front side of the vehicle and adapted to project a second pixelated light beam (120) in front of the vehicle. The number of pixels of one of the first pixelated beam (105) and the second pixelated beam (110), referred to as the high-resolution beam, is greater than or equal to at least five times, in particular greater than or equal to at least ten times, of the number of pixels of the other of the pixelated beams, referred to as the low-resolution beam.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting system for a vehicle, and more particularly to a headlight for a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Motor vehicles are equipped with headlamps for illuminating the front of the motor vehicle. The headlamps are configured to be mounted on the right and left portions of the front side of the vehicle. Each headlamp comprises at least one light emitting device on its right front side and at least one light emitting device on its left front side. Right and left are defined here with respect to the normal direction of travel of the vehicle and for a user seated in the driving position. These light emitting devices are particularly adapted to emit a beam of light of the low beam and / or high beam type and a signaling light beam, also called DRL ("Daytime Running Light"), position light or direction indicator.

[0003] In addition to the above-mentioned light beams, these light emitting devices are increasingly adapted to project advanced functions in front of the vehicle. Recent developments in the field of lighting devices make it possible to produce a pixelated light beam to project advanced functions. A pixelated light beam is a light beam subdivided in a known manner into elementary sub-beams called "pixels". With such a pixelated light beam, the lighting device can also perform local lighting functions, for example projecting a pattern on a stage. These functions are known in the field of adaptive lighting. For example, glare-free lighting is known, which darkens the area corresponding to a vehicle coming from the front so as not to dazzle this other user. Another example is the vehicle driving in the same direction in front of a vehicle equipped with it. In this case, the purpose of such lighting is to avoid dazzling the user by reflection on the side mirror or interior mirror by darkening the corresponding area. Driving lighting is also known, which, for example, intensifies markings on the ground or road signs so that they are more visible to the driver and / or projects one or more visible messages for the driver on the road.

[0004] However, the cost of such a device capable of producing advanced functions is very high. Moreover, such a device generally increases power consumption. Finally, the high precision of the light beam produced by such a device makes careful and complex alignment necessary, which further increases the cost. SUMMARY

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the known lighting systems of motor vehicles. In particular, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a lighting system that can project two different pixelated light beams with low and high resolution, so that the lighting system can efficiently perform advanced lighting functions while meeting the luminous intensity required by the vehicle.

[0006] Another object of the application is to provide a lighting system which is less costly than conventional lighting systems, which projects pixelated light beams of the same resolution type from both headlamps.

[0007] Another object of the application is to provide a lighting system which consumes less electric power than conventional lighting systems.

[0008] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, a lighting system of a motor vehicle is provided, comprising at least one first light emission device adapted to be mounted on the right front side of the vehicle and adapted to project a first pixelated light beam in front of the vehicle. The lighting system further comprises at least one second light emission device adapted to be mounted on the left front side of the vehicle and adapted to project a second pixelated light beam in front of the vehicle. The number of pixels of one of the first and second pixelated light beams, referred to as the high resolution light beam, is greater than or equal to at least three times the number of pixels of the other one of the pixelated light beams, referred to as the low resolution light beam.

[0009] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the number of pixels of one of the first and second pixelated light beams, referred to as the high resolution light beam, is greater than or equal to at least five times, in particular greater than or equal to at least ten times, the number of pixels of the other one of the pixelated light beams, referred to as the low resolution light beam.

[0010] Preferably, the first light emission device is adapted to be mounted on the right front side of the vehicle only, and the second light emission device is adapted to be mounted on the left front side of the vehicle only. In other words, the lighting system comprising the first and second light emission devices comprises only light emission devices adapted to project a high resolution light beam on one side, and no light emission device adapted to project a low resolution light beam on the same side, and only light emission devices adapted to project a low resolution light beam on the other side, and no light emission device adapted to project a high resolution light beam on the same other side. Thus, because the light emission devices adapted to project a high resolution light beam are only on one side of the pair of light emission devices (typically the right and left headlamps) of the light emission system to be mounted on the vehicle, the overall cost of the lighting system is reduced.

[0011] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the low resolution light beam covers a greater light field than the high resolution light beam.

[0012] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the low resolution light beam extends horizontally over a wider angular field of view than the high resolution light beam.

[0013] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the low resolution light beam extends vertically higher than the high resolution light beam.

[0014] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the high resolution light beam extends vertically lower than the low resolution light beam.

[0015] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the low resolution light beam exhibits a higher maximum luminous intensity than the high resolution light beam.

[0016] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the lighting system comprises a control module of the at least one first light emitting device and of the at least one second light emitting device, the control module being adapted to selectively control the opening and the closing of the pixels of the first pixelated light beam and of the second pixelated light beam.

[0017] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the first pixelated light beam and the second pixelated light beam at least partially overlap.

[0018] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the control module is adapted to open at least one pixel of the high resolution light beam within a zone corresponding to at least one closed pixel of the low resolution light beam.

[0019] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, at least one open pixel of the high resolution light beam is contiguous or overlapping with an edge of one open pixel of the low resolution light beam.

[0020] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the first light emitting device and the second light emitting device are adapted to project a dark zone corresponding to a vehicle, a pedestrian, etc. coming from or located in front of the vehicle in front of the vehicle. In other words, the first light emitting device and the second light emitting device are adapted to project a glare-free high beam in front of the vehicle so as not to dazzle this other user.

[0021] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the first pixelated light beam and the second pixelated light beam are separated from each other.

[0022] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the high resolution light beam extends vertically lower than the low resolution light beam.

[0023] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the high resolution light beam and the low resolution light beam are arranged laterally from each other.

[0024] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the first light emitting device and the second light emitting device are adapted to perform a road marking function. For example, the road marking function comprises projecting at least one of an image, a pattern, a logo, a drawing, a symbol, a character, etc. on the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0025] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the light emitting device adapted to project a low resolution light beam in front of the vehicle is mounted on the same side of the vehicle as the steering wheel and the light emitting device adapted to project a high resolution light beam in front of the vehicle is mounted on the other side of the vehicle. This allows reducing the cost of damages that can be caused in case of an accident. Further, by mounting the light emitting device projecting the high resolution light beam on the other side of the vehicle, the likelihood of the expensive light emitting device being impacted is reduced.

[0026] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, a motor vehicle comprising a lighting system according to the application is provided.

[0027] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, a motor vehicle having a lighting system according to the application is provided, the motor vehicle comprising at least one first light emitting device and at least one second light emitting device projecting a low resolution light beam and a high resolution light beam.

[0028] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the motor vehicle comprises at least one first light emitting device mounted on the right front side of the vehicle and adapted to project a first pixelated light beam in front of the vehicle and at least one second light emitting device mounted on the left front side of the vehicle and adapted to project a second pixelated light beam in front of the vehicle, the number of pixels of one of the first and second pixelated light beams, referred to as a high resolution light beam, being greater than or equal to at least three times, preferably at least five times, in particular greater than or equal to at least ten times, the number of pixels of the other of the first and second pixelated light beams, referred to as a low resolution light beam.

[0029] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the application, the light emitting device adapted to project a low resolution light beam in front of the vehicle is mounted on the same side of the vehicle as the steering wheel and the light emitting device adapted to project a high resolution light beam in front of the vehicle is mounted on the other side of the vehicle.

[0030] Thus, by providing a lighting system that can project two different pixelated light beams of low and high resolution from the right and left side of the headlight, it is possible to reduce the cost and power consumption of the lighting system while achieving the required luminous intensity for the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to complete the description and in order to provide for a better understanding of the application, a set of drawings is provided. Said drawings constitute an integral part of the description and illustrate an embodiment of the application, which should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the application but merely as an example of how the application can be carried out. These drawings comprise the following features.

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic top view of a motor vehicle comprising light emitting devices according to an embodiment of the application is shown.

[0033] Figure 2a and Figure 2b A projection of a low resolution light beam and a high resolution light beam on a virtual vertical screen placed in front of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the application is shown.

[0034] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A schematic view of an illuminated area formed by a low resolution light beam and a high resolution light beam according to an embodiment of the application is shown.

[0035] Figure 3c , Figure 3d , Figure 3e A schematic view of an illuminated area formed by a low resolution light beam and a high resolution light beam according to an embodiment of the application is shown. Figure 3b An enlarged portion of the circular area shown.

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic view of an illuminated area formed by a low resolution light beam and a high resolution light beam according to another embodiment of the application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In the following, embodiments of the application are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the application, the lighting system comprises a pair of headlamps. The pair of headlamps is configured to be mounted on the right and left sides of a front portion of the vehicle. The lighting system can implement a global illumination function on at least a portion of a scene, which is the environment of the vehicle that can be illuminated by the lighting system. The portion that is well illuminated by the global illumination scene can be a driving view that is visible or more visible to the driver to help him or allow him to drive. Thus, the global illumination can be for example a high beam function or a low beam function.

[0039] Each headlamp comprises at least one light emitting device. One of the headlamps can comprise at least one first light emitting device producing a first pixelated light beam, and the other headlamp can comprise at least one second light emitting device producing a second pixelated light beam. The first and second pixelated light beams comprise a plurality of pixels extending in one direction (horizontal or vertical) or in both horizontal and vertical directions.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic top view of a motor vehicle 100 comprising light emitting devices according to an embodiment of the application is shown. The vehicle 100 comprises a lighting system with a pair of headlamps. The pair of headlamps is configured to be mounted on the right and left sides of a front portion of the vehicle 100. As from Figure 1As can be seen, the lighting system comprises at least one first light emitting device 105 mounted on the left front side of the vehicle 100 and adapted to project a first pixelated light beam 120 in front of the vehicle. The lighting system further comprises at least one second light emitting device 115 mounted on the right front side of the vehicle 100 and adapted to project a second pixelated light beam 110 in front of the vehicle.

[0041] The lighting system further comprises a control module 125 coupled to the at least one first light emitting device 105 and to the at least one second light emitting device 115. The control module 125 can thus control the generation and / or projection of the pixelated light beams 110, 120. In one aspect, the control module 125 can be integrated into the lighting device, i.e. into one of the headlamps, in particular into one of the right headlamp and the left headlamp. The control module 125 can comprise a processor (or CPU (short for “Central Processing Unit”)) coupled to a memory on which a computer program is stored, the computer program comprising instructions enabling the processor to perform steps of generating signals for controlling the light sources. The control module 125 can thus for example individually control the light emission of each pixel.

[0042] In embodiments, the number of pixels of one of the first pixelated light beam 120 and the second pixelated light beam 110, referred to as a high resolution light beam, is greater than or equal to at least five times, in particular at least ten times, the number of pixels of the other one of the pixelated light beams, referred to as a low resolution light beam. In this example, 120 is the low resolution light beam and 110 is the high resolution light beam.

[0043] In embodiments, the low resolution light beam covers a larger light field than the high resolution light beam.

[0044] The pixelated light beams can be projected by a vehicle headlamp or a lighting device comprising light sources, i.e. at least one light emitting device. The light sources can be adapted to cooperate with an optical system, integrated in the device or not, arranged to project the pixelated light beams emitted by the light sources on the road. The same light source can emit the overall lighting and the image. In one specific embodiment, the light source is split into several individually controllable light source units. Each pixel emitted by the light source and thus each light source unit can correspond to one pixel of the pixelated projected light beam. The light intensity of each pixel of the light source and thus the illumination of each pixel of the scene can thus be individually controlled.

[0045] In an embodiment, the at least one first light emitting device or the at least one second light emitting device comprises a so-called matrix beam module for producing a matrix beam, which is a kind of non-dazzling high beam. Projected on a virtual vertical screen arranged in front of the vehicle 100, for example at a distance of 25 meters in front of the vehicle, the matrix beam comprises a plurality of segments arranged in rows, as shown for example in the patent disclosed under reference FR 1.306.770. The latest known matrix beam modules comprise one or several light sources, in particular semiconductor light sources, and an optical system comprising one or several reflectors, one or several lenses, one or several light guides, or a combination of reflectors, lenses and / or light guides. The typical angular extension is about + / - 20° in the horizontal direction with respect to the optical axis of the module. Typically, the light beam comprises between 4 and 20 segments. In the present application, such a module is denoted by matrix beam module.

[0046] In an embodiment, the at least one first light emitting device or the at least one second light emitting device comprises a so-called pixel beam module for producing a pixel beam. The pixel beam comprises a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix comprising at least two rows and two columns, at least one row being located in the high beam zone. Furthermore, the size of the pixels can be smaller compared to the segments of the matrix beam, which allows a better resolution of the light beam. The width and / or height of the pixels can vary within a row or between rows. An example of such a pixel beam is described in the patent disclosed under reference DE 10 2007 052 745. The latest known pixel beam modules comprise one or several light sources, in particular semiconductor light sources, and an optical system comprising one or several reflectors, one or several lenses, one or several light guides, or a combination of reflectors, lenses and / or light guides. In the present application, such a module is denoted by pixel beam module.

[0047] In an embodiment, the at least one first light emitting device or the at least one second light emitting device comprises a DMD (abbreviation for “Digital Micromirror Device”), wherein a rotating modulating mirror provides the desired luminous intensity in a given direction.

[0048] In an embodiment, the at least one first light emitting device or the at least one second light emitting device comprises an LCD (abbreviation for “Liquid Crystal Display”), which comprises a surface light source in front of which liquid crystals are placed. The movement of these liquid crystals can allow or not allow the passage of light and thus form a pixelated light beam.

[0049] In an embodiment, the at least one first light emitting device or the at least one second light emitting device comprises a laser scanning type mechanism for sending a light beam to a scanning system which distributes this light beam on the surface of a wavelength conversion device, such as a sheet with photoluminescent material.

[0050] In embodiments, the at least one first light emitting device or the at least one second light emitting device comprises one or more light emitting sources. In an embodiment, the light emitting source is a solid state light source comprising at least one light emitting element (representative of "solid state lighting"). Examples include a light emitting diode or LED (abbreviation for "light emitting diode"), an organic light emitting diode or OLED (abbreviation for "organic light emitting diode"), or a polymer LED or PLED (abbreviation for "polymer light emitting diode"). The light emitting source can be a semiconductor light source. Each light emitting element or group of light emitting elements can form a pixel and can emit light when the material is supplied with electrical power. The light emitting elements can each be a semiconductor, that is, they each have at least one semiconductor material.

[0051] In embodiments, the light source of the at least one first light emitting device or the at least one second light emitting device comprises a monolithic matrix of solid state emitters. The light source can for example be a monolithic matrix of pixels. The light source can for example be a monolithic matrix of LEDs. The monolithic matrix comprises at least 50 light emitting elements, for example, more than 100, 1000 or thousands of light emitting elements, on the same substrate, for example, on the same face of the substrate.

[0052] Each of the above described techniques provides a different pixelated light beam with a plurality of pixels, and each pixel can be controlled based on requirements. By way of example and not limitation, the LCD, DMD and laser scanning techniques can provide a light beam with at least 5 to 10 times as many pixels as the monolithic light source technique provides. Further, the monolithic light source technique can provide a light beam with at least 5 to 10 times as many pixels as the pixel technology provides.

[0053] As previously mentioned, according to the present application, each headlight comprises at least one light emitting device 105, 115, i.e. a light source. One of the headlights can comprise at least one first light emitting device 105 producing a first pixelated light beam 120, and the other headlight can comprise at least one second light emitting device 115 producing a second pixelated light beam 110. The first pixelated light beam 120 and the second pixelated light beam 110 have different resolutions. In embodiments, one of the first and second pixelated light beams is a low resolution light beam, and the other pixelated light beam is a high resolution light beam. As mentioned above, in this example, 120 is the low resolution light beam, and 110 is the high resolution light beam.

[0054] In examples, the at least one first light emitting device 105 comprises a matrix beam module as defined in the foregoing producing and projecting the first pixelated light beam 120, and the at least one second light emitting device 115 comprises a DMD producing and projecting the second pixelated light beam 110, or vice versa.

[0055] In another example, the at least one first light emitting device 105 comprises a matrix beam module generating and projecting the first pixelated light beam 120 and the at least one second light emitting device 115 comprises a pixel beam module as defined in the foregoing generating and projecting the second pixelated light beam 110, or vice versa.

[0056] In another example, the at least one first light emitting device 105 comprises a monolithic light source generating and projecting the first pixelated light beam 120 and the at least one second light emitting device 115 comprises a DMD generating and projecting the second pixelated light beam 110, or vice versa. For example, for a left-hand drive vehicle, the left headlight can be fitted with a monolithic light source and the right headlight with a DMD.

[0057] In another example, the at least one first light emitting device 105 comprises a matrix beam module generating and projecting the first pixelated light beam 120 and the at least one second light emitting device 115 comprises a monolithic light source generating and projecting the second pixelated light beam 110, or vice versa. For example, for a left-hand drive vehicle, the left headlight can be fitted with a monolithic light source and the right headlight with a matrix beam module.

[0058] For the sake of understanding, only some of the technical combinations have been mentioned in the foregoing. However, different technical combinations can be incorporated in a vehicle headlight such that a low resolution light beam and a high resolution light beam can be projected from the front headlight.

[0059] In an embodiment, in order to reduce the cost of damages that can be caused in an accident, the light emitting device adapted to project a low resolution light beam in front of the vehicle can be installed on the same side of the vehicle as the steering wheel 130 and the light emitting device adapted to project a high resolution light beam in front of the vehicle can be installed on the other side of the vehicle. Further, by installing the light emitting device projecting the high resolution light beam on the other side of the vehicle, the likelihood of this expensive light emitting device being impacted is reduced.

[0060] Figure 2a and Figure 2b The projection of a low resolution light beam and a high resolution light beam on a virtual vertical screen placed in front of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the application is shown. In particular, Figure 2a The illumination area or light distribution pattern formed by the low resolution light beam projected on a virtual vertical screen placed in front of the vehicle 100 is shown. The distance of the screen to the illumination system can be chosen to be between 10 m and 50 m. For example, the distance is 25 meters or 100 feet. The screen can also be a part of a sphere centered on the illumination system. The radius of the sphere can have the same value as the aforementioned distance.

[0061] Figure 2aThe reference 205 in the figure indicates the illuminated area formed by the projection of the low-resolution light beam. In Figure 2a In the example shown, the low-resolution light beam 205 comprises 16 pixels 207. As can be seen from Figure 2a the figure, the pixels are arranged in a matrix comprising 4 rows and 4 columns. In another example, the low-resolution light beam 205 can comprise as many as 16 pixels, and the pixels can be arranged in a matrix having the same number or a different number of rows and columns. Although Figure 2a the pixels shown have the same size, it will be understood by the skilled person that the pixels can have different sizes in terms of width and / or height.

[0062] In embodiments of the invention, the first pixelated light beam 120 and the second pixelated light beam 115 at least partially overlap, as can be seen from Figure 2b . Figure 2b A light distribution pattern formed by the projection of the high-resolution light beam and the low-resolution light beam on a virtual vertical screen arranged in front of the vehicle 100 (e.g. at a distance of 25 meters in front of the vehicle) is shown. Figure 2b The reference 210 in the figure indicates the illuminated area formed by the projection of the high-resolution light beam having high-resolution light beam pixels 215, and the trajectory of the low-resolution light beam is indicated by the reference 205. Figure 2b The dashed lines in the figure correspond to the trajectory of the low-resolution light beam.

[0063] The projection of the low beam and the high beam is shown with respect to a horizontal axis (H) and a vertical axis (V). The intersection of the horizontal and vertical axes, i.e. the center of the projected light beam, corresponds to the optical axis of the vehicle headlight.

[0064] As can be seen from Figure 2b , the low-resolution light beam 205 extends horizontally over a wider angular field of view than the high-resolution light beam 210. Further, as can be seen from Figure 2b , the low-resolution light beam 205 extends vertically higher than the high-resolution light beam 210, i.e. the upper edge of the low-resolution light beam 205 is higher than the upper edge of the high-resolution light beam 210. Further, as can be seen from Figure 2b , the high-resolution light beam 210 extends vertically lower than the low-resolution light beam 205, i.e. the lower edge of the high-resolution light beam 210 is lower than the lower edge of the low-resolution light beam 205.

[0065] The lighting system further comprises a levelling mechanism (not shown in the figures) adjusting the low resolution beam angle position in the horizontal direction, i.e. along the horizontal line (H-H line) and / or in the vertical direction, i.e. along the vertical line (V-V line). The lighting system can further comprise a levelling mechanism (not shown in the figures) adjusting the high resolution beam angle position along the horizontal line (H-H line) and / or in the vertical direction, i.e. along the vertical line (V-V line). In another embodiment, adjusting the high resolution beam angle position as a function of the low resolution beam angle position is done without levelling mechanism, by calibration, in particular electronic calibration, of the pixels corresponding to a given direction. This allows to simplify the alignment of the two beams and avoid the additional cost of a mechanical aiming.

[0066] In an embodiment, the low resolution beam presents a higher luminous intensity than the high resolution beam. For example, it is not expensive to produce 120 Lux with a matrix beam technology compared to a DMD light technology. In another aspect, it is very expensive to produce a matrix beam module with a high resolution and it is not very expensive to produce a light beam comprising a large number of pixels with a DMD.

[0067] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A schematic representation of a light distribution pattern obtained by a low resolution beam and a high resolution beam is shown, according to an embodiment of the application.

[0068] Figure 3a An example of a light distribution pattern obtained by at least one light emitting device configured to project a low resolution beam on a virtual vertical screen arranged in front of the vehicle is shown. This screen is similar to the screen described in the context of Figure 2a and Figure 2b In this example, the low resolution beam is a matrix beam.

[0069] Figure 3a Reference 305 in the figure represents the low resolution beam. In this example, the low resolution beam 305 is a matrix beam and the segments of the beam are arranged in a row. Here, Figure 3a The hatched area 310 in the figure represents the non-illuminated area of the low resolution beam 305, i.e. one or more low resolution segments are operated to be turned off by the control module 125. The area outside the hatched area in the area 315 represents the illuminated area of the low resolution beam 305, i.e. one or more low resolution segments are operated to be turned on by the control module. Reference 320 indicates the lights of a preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle, e.g. headlight or taillight, detected by the control module 125. The control module 125 can also be configured to detect the presence of a pedestrian, a preceding vehicle, etc. and control the operation of the light source installed in the headlight of the vehicle 100, thereby changing the light distribution pattern to suppress glare on the pedestrian, the preceding vehicle, etc.

[0070] Figure 3b An example of a light distribution pattern obtained by combining the low resolution light beam 305 (in dashed line in Figure 3b ) and the high resolution light beam (in solid line in Figure 3b ) projected on a virtual vertical screen arranged in front of the vehicle (for example, at a distance of 25 meters in front of the vehicle) is shown.

[0071] In an embodiment, whenever the control module 125 detects that a pedestrian, a preceding vehicle, etc. is present in front of the vehicle 100, the control module 125 is adapted to open at least one pixel of the high resolution light beam 325 in an area corresponding to at least one off segment of the low resolution light beam 305. This can be done from Figure 3b This is clearly seen. In particular, reference 330 indicates an area in which at least one pixel of the high resolution light beam 325 is opened in an area corresponding to at least one off segment of the low resolution light beam 305, here in area 310, to reduce the dark area created by turning off one or more segments of the low resolution light beam 305. Reference 331 represents an area in which both the high resolution light beam and the low resolution light beam 305 are turned off to avoid dazzling another user. As Figure 3b It can be seen above that the size of the remaining non-illuminated area 331 is reduced compared to the non-illuminated area 310 of the low resolution light beam 305. This allows to improve the illumination of the scene and still have a non-dazzling function. In this way, the lighting system of the present embodiment can suppress glare on a pedestrian, a preceding vehicle, etc. by turning off segments or pixels corresponding to areas in which the vehicle information acquisition device detects a pedestrian, a preceding vehicle, etc. On the other hand, the illumination of the scene is improved for the driver of the vehicle equipped with the lighting system according to the application as the illuminated part of the scene increases.

[0072] Further, it is noted that the at least one opened pixel of the high resolution light beam 325 is contiguous or overlapping with the edge of the at least one opened segment of the low resolution light beam 305, which will be described in connection with Figure 3b , Figure 3c , Figure 3d and Figure 3e , which figures correspond to a zoom in on the elements within the circle in Figure 3b for three different embodiments. On these figures, reference 340 is the edge of the opened segment of the low resolution light beam 305, which is the border between the illuminated area 315 and the non-illuminated area 310. On one side, there is the opened segment of area 315. On the other side, there is the off segment of area 310.

[0073] In Figure 3cIn the embodiment shown, some of the turned-on pixels of the high resolution beam are in the illuminated area 315 of the low resolution beam 305 and some of the turned-on pixels of the high resolution beam are in the non-illuminated area 310 of the low resolution beam 305. Some of the high resolution pixels have edges that are in the same location as the edges 340 of the low resolution segments.

[0074] In Figure 3d another embodiment, some of the turned-on pixels of the high resolution beam are in the illuminated area 315 of the low resolution beam 305 and some of the turned-on pixels of the high resolution beam are in the non-illuminated area 310 of the low resolution beam 305. In this embodiment, some of the high resolution pixels overlap the edges 340 of the low resolution pixels. In this embodiment, the high resolution pixels that overlap the edges 340 of the low resolution pixels can be the only turned-on pixels in the illuminated area 315 of the low resolution beam 305. Alternatively, additional high resolution pixels can be illuminated in the illuminated area 315 of the low resolution beam 305 and be entirely included in this illuminated area 315.

[0075] However, in another embodiment, the turned-on pixels of the high resolution beam are only in the non-illuminated area 310 of the low resolution beam 305, as shown in Figure 3e In this embodiment, some of the high resolution pixels have edges that are in the same location as the edges 340 of the low resolution segments and there are no pixels of the high resolution beam that are turned on in the illuminated area 315 of the low resolution beam 305.

[0076] Although Figure 3c , Figure 3d and Figure 3e are described in connection with specific examples, it is evident that they are applicable to any kind of low resolution beam and high resolution beam, as long as these beams at least partially overlap.

[0077] According to another embodiment of the present application, the first pixelated beam 110 and the second pixelated beam 120 are projected in such a way that the first pixelated beam and the second pixelated beam are separated from each other, i.e. the projected low resolution beam 405 and the high resolution beam 410 are separated from each other, as can be seen from Figure 4 According to this embodiment, the beam projection facilitates performing advanced illumination functions, such as suppressing glare on one side and performing a road painting function on the other side. For example, the road painting function comprises projecting at least one of an image, a pattern, a logo, a drawing, a symbol, a character, etc. on the road surface in front of the vehicle.

[0078] In an embodiment, the high resolution light beam 410 extends vertically below the low resolution light beam 405. This type of light beam projection according to this embodiment is suitable for performing a glare-free high beam on one side and road marking on the other side. For example, the low resolution light beam 405 can be suitable for performing a glare-free function and the high resolution light beam 410 can be suitable for performing a road marking function.

[0079] In another embodiment, the low resolution light beam 405 and the high resolution light beam 410 are projected in such a way that the low resolution light beam and the high resolution light beam are arranged laterally to each other. This type of light beam projection according to this embodiment is suitable for performing a high resolution road marking function on one side and a low resolution road marking function on the other side.

[0080] According to another embodiment, the present invention discloses a motor vehicle 100 having a lighting system with at least one first light emitting device and at least one second light emitting device producing a low resolution light beam and a high resolution light beam.

[0081] Thus, the present invention provides a lighting system which can project two different pixelated light beams having different resolutions to reduce cost and power consumption while achieving the required luminous intensity for the vehicle.

Claims

1. A lighting system of a motor vehicle, the lighting system comprising: - at least one first light emitting device (105) adapted to be mounted on the right front side of the vehicle and adapted to project a first pixelated light beam (120) in front of the vehicle; - at least one second light emitting device (115) adapted to be mounted on the left front side of the vehicle and adapted to project a second pixelated light beam (110) in front of the vehicle; characterized in that the number of pixels of one of the pixelated light beams, referred to as the high resolution light beam, is greater than or equal to at least three times the number of pixels of the other pixelated light beam, referred to as the low resolution light beam.

2. The lighting system of claim 1, characterized in that The number of pixels of one of the pixelated light beams, referred to as the high resolution light beam, is greater than or equal to at least five times, in particular greater than or equal to at least ten times, the number of pixels of the other pixelated light beam, referred to as the low resolution light beam.

3. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The lighting system comprises only light emitting devices adapted to project the high resolution light beam on one side and no light emitting devices adapted to project the low resolution light beam on the same side, and only light emitting devices adapted to project the low resolution light beam on the other side and no light emitting devices adapted to project the high resolution light beam on the same other side.

4. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The low resolution light beam (205) covers a greater light field than the high resolution light beam (210).

5. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The low resolution light beam (205) extends horizontally over a wider angular field of view than the high resolution light beam (210).

6. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The low resolution light beam (205) extends vertically higher than the high resolution light beam (210).

7. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The high resolution light beam (210) extends vertically lower than the low resolution light beam (205).

8. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The low resolution light beam (205) presents a higher maximum luminous intensity than the high resolution light beam (210).

9. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The lighting system further comprises a control module (125) of the at least one first light emitting device (105) and of the at least one second light emitting device (115), the control module being adapted to selectively control the opening and closing of the pixels of the first pixelated light beam (120) and of the second pixelated light beam (110).

10. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first pixelated light beam (205) and the second pixelated light beam (210) at least partially overlap.

11. The lighting system according to claim 9 in combination with claim 10, characterized in that, The control module (125) is adapted to open at least one pixel of the high resolution light beam (325) within a zone corresponding to at least one closed pixel of the low resolution light beam (305).

12. The lighting system according to any one of claims 10-11, characterized in that, The first light emitting device (105) and the second light emitting device (115) are adapted to project dark zones corresponding to vehicles, pedestrians, etc. coming from the front in front of the vehicle.

13. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first pixelated light beam (405) and the second pixelated light beam (410) are separated from each other.

14. The lighting system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The high resolution light beam (410) extends vertically lower than the low resolution light beam (405). The control module (125) is adapted to open at least one pixel of the high resolution light beam (325) within a zone corresponding to at least one closed pixel of the low resolution light beam (305).

15. The lighting system according to any one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that, The high resolution light beam (410) and the low resolution light beam (405) are arranged laterally to each other.

16. The lighting system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The first light emitting device (105) and the second light emitting device (115) are adapted to project in front of the vehicle to project at least one of an image, a pattern, a logo, a drawing, a symbol, a character, etc. on the road surface.

17. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The light emitting device (105) adapted to project the low resolution light beam (120) in front of the vehicle is mounted on the same side of the vehicle as the steering wheel (130) and the light emitting device (115) adapted to project the high resolution light beam (110) in front of the vehicle is mounted on the other side of the vehicle.

18. A motor vehicle characterised in that The motor vehicle comprises a lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims.

19. Motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The light emitting device (105) adapted to project the low resolution light beam (120) in front of the vehicle is mounted on the same side of the vehicle as the steering wheel (130) and the light emitting device (115) adapted to project the high resolution light beam (110) in front of the vehicle is mounted on the other side of the vehicle.

Images