An optical filter and a light assembly comprising the optical filter

Abstract

The present invention provides a light assembly (200), comprising an optical filter (100). The optical filter (100) comprises at least a first lens (102) and a second lens (106), adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of light incident on the first and second lens (102, 106); absorb at least a portion of light incident on the first and second lens (102, 106); diffuse at least a portion of light incident on the first and second lens (102, 106), and reflect at least a portion of light incident on the first and second lens (102, 106). In the light assembly (200), the optical filter (100) is adapted to substantially allow light from a light source (202) to exit the light assembly (200), and obscure internal components of the light assembly (200) from the exterior.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of vehicle light assemblies. In particular, the present invention relates to an optical filter of a light assembly for vehicles.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This section is intended to provide information relating to the field of invention and thus, any approach or functionality described herein should not be assumed to qualify as prior art merely by its inclusion in this section.

[0003] Light assemblies are provided in vehicles to either illuminate a path ahead of the vehicle (e.g., front headlamps of the vehicle), or to provide an indication to other users of a roadway (e.g., rear lamps of the vehicle and side indicators). Light assemblies typically comprise a light source, a driver for the light source, a reflector to direct light from the light source towards an aperture of the light assembly, and one or more lenses. The one or more lenses are adapted to at least one of collimate, diffuse and modify optical characteristics such as shape of beam, colour etc.

[0004] Modem vehicles place a premium on aesthetic value without compromising function. In case of light assemblies, optical filters can be incorporated to maintain the aesthetic appeal. Some optical filters may have textures or colour scaling that cause the light assembly to have an appearance similar to surrounding panels of the vehicle. Other optical filters may have textures that obscure the internal components of the light assembly from the exterior of the vehicle. However, in each of such cases, such conventional optical filters also affect transmissibility of light.

[0005] Thus, there is a requirement in the art for a light assembly that allows adequate transmittance of light from within the light assembly while also maintaining the aesthetic considerations of the vehicle.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This section is intended to introduce one or more aspects and / or embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form and is not intended to identify any key advantages or features of the present invention.

[0007] In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical filter comprising at least a first lens, characterized in that at least the first lens is adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of light incident on the first lens; absorb at least a portion of light incident on the first lens; diffuse at least a portion of light incident on the first lens; and reflect at least a portion of light incident on the first lens, and wherein at least the second lens is adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of light incident on the second lens; absorb at least a portion of light incident on the second lens; diffuse at least a portion of light incident on the second lens; and reflect at least a portion of light incident on the second lens.

[0008] In an aspect of the present invention, at least the first lens is adapted to: transmit at least 35% of the incident light, and absorb at least 50% of the incident light; or transmit at least 70% of the incident light, and absorb at least 15% of the incident light, and wherein at least the second lens is adapted to: transmit at least 20% of the incident light, and absorb at least 65% of the incident light; or transmit at least 85% of the incident light, and absorb at least 5% of the incident light.

[0009] In an aspect of the present invention, at least the first lens is adapted to diffuse no more than 8% of the incident light, and reflect no more than 5% of the incident light, and wherein at least the second lens is adapted to diffuse no more than 2% of the incident light, and reflect no more than 4% of the incident light.

[0010] In an aspect of the present invention, at least the first lens and at least the second lens are made of glass or a polymer, wherein at least the first lens and at least second lens are doped with a dopant selected from the group consisting of carbon black, titanium dioxide, and combinations thereof, and wherein at least one of the dopants contributes to diffusion of the incident light, and at least one of the dopants contributes to absorption of the incident light.

[0011] In an aspect of the present invention, at least an optical surface of at least the first lens, and at least an optical surface of at least the second lens comprise textured surfaces, and wherein the textured surfaces contribute to diffusion of the incident light.

[0012] In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a light source adapted to emit a first light along a first direction; an ambient light source adapted to emit a second light along a second direction, wherein the second direction is different from first direction; and an optical filter located along a direction of propagation of the first light and / or the second light, wherein a first lens of the optical filter is located proximal to the light source and a second lens of the optical filter is located distal to the light source, and wherein the second lens is located proximal to the ambient light source and the first lens located distal to the ambient light source.

[0013] In an aspect of the present invention, the first lens is adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of the first light emitted by the light source; absorb at least a portion of the first light emitted by the light source; diffuse at least a portion the first light emitted by the light source; reflect at least a portion the first light emitted by the light source; transmit at least a portion of the second light incident on the second lens; absorb at least a portion of the second light incident on the second lens; diffuse at least a portion of the second light incident on the second lens and reflect at least a portion of the second light incident on the second lens, and wherein the second lens is adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of the second light emitted by the ambient light source; absorb at least a portion of the second light emitted by the ambient light source; diffuse at least a portion of the second light emitted by the ambient light source; reflect at least a portion of the second light emitted by the ambient light source; transmit at least a portion of the second light reflected by the first lens; absorb at least a portion of the second light reflected by the first lens; transmit at least a portion of the first light transmitted through the first lens; absorb at least a portion of the first light transmitted through the first lens; and diffuse at least a portion of the first light transmitted through the first lens.

[0014] In an aspect of the present invention, the first lens is adapted to transmit: at least 35% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and absorb at least 50% of the incident first light and the incident second light; or transmit at least 70% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and absorb at least 15% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and wherein the second lens is adapted to: transmit at least 20% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and absorb at least 65% of the incident first light and incident second light; or transmit at least 85% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and absorb at least 5% of the incident first light and the incident second light.

[0015] In an aspect of the present invention, the first lens is adapted to diffuse no more than 8% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and reflect no more than 5% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and wherein the second lens is adapted to diffuse no more than 2% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and reflect no more than 4% of the incident first light and the incident second light.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0016] The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. These and other details of the present invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only by way of illustration and not in limitation of the scope of the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an optical filter, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a light assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter may each be used independently of one another or in any combination with other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or may address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Example embodiments of the present invention are described below, as illustrated in various drawings, in which same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings.

[0018] The term "milky", or "milkiness", as used herein refers to a capacity of an optical filter to diffuse light incident on the optical filter from a specific direction.

[0019] The term "smoky", or "smokiness", as used herein refers to a capacity of an optical filter to absorb light incident on the optical filter from a specific direction.

[0020] Further, the percentage absorption value of light may also be derived based on percentage reflectance, percentage diffusion, and / or percentage transmittance values of the light through the optical filter relative to the light incident on the optical filter. An approximate relationship between the percentage absorption (A), percentage reflectance (R), percentage diffusion (D), and percentage transmittance (T) values may be expressed as: A + R + D + T = 100%.

[0021] The present invention provides an optical filter comprising at least a first lens, characterized in that the first lens is adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of light incident on the first lens; absorb at least a portion of light incident on the first lens; diffuse at least a portion of light incident on the first lens; and reflect at least a portion of light incident on the first lens.

[0022] In an embodiment, the optical filter is implemented in a light assembly. In an embodiment, the optical filter is implemented in a light assembly of a vehicle. In an embodiment, the light is a first light incident on at least the first lens from a first direction, from a light source, such as a light source of the light assembly of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the light is a second light incident on at least the first lens from a second direction, from a light source, such as an ambient light source from the exterior of the vehicle. In other words, the first light is light emitted by the light source, and the second light is light incident on the optical filter from the exterior of the light assembly.

[0023] In an embodiment, the optical filter comprises at least a second lens, wherein the second lens is adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of light incident on the second lens; absorb at least a portion of light incident on the second lens; diffuse at least a portion of light incident on the second lens; and reflect at least a portion of light incident on the second lens.

[0024] In the implementation of the light assembly of the vehicle, as described earlier, the second lens is adapted to be located adjacent to the first lens, along a direction of propagation of the incident light. In an embodiment, the first lens is located proximal to the light source of the light assembly, i.e., the first lens is located between the light source of the light assembly and at least the second lens. In an embodiment, the second lens is located proximal to the ambient light source, i.e., the second lens is located between the ambient light source from the exterior of the vehicle, and at least the first lens.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first lens is at least partially milky, at least partially smoky, or at least partially milky and partially smoky. In an embodiment, the second lens is at least partially milky, at least partially smoky, or at least partially milky and partially smoky.

[0026] In an embodiment, the first lens and the second lens are made of a material that is at least partially optically transparent. In an embodiment, the material is selected from the group consisting of organic polymers, inorganic polymers, amorphous material, crystalline material, and combinations thereof. Some examples of the material are, without limitations, glass, quartz, plastic, polymer, ruby, silica, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the first lens and the second lens are made of glass or polymer.

[0027] In an embodiment, the first lens and / or the second lens are doped with one or more dopants. In a preferred embodiment, the first lens and the second lens are doped with the one or more dopants. The dopant is adapted to modify the optical characteristics of the first lens and / or the second lens. The dopant may be added according to either weight, stoichiometric percentage, or volume of a bulk material of at least the first lens and / or the second lens. In an embodiment, the amount of dopant is equal to or less than 1.5% by volume. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of dopant in each of the first lens and the second lens is 0.5% by volume.

[0028] In an embodiment, the dopant is selected from the group consisting of carbon black, titanium dioxide, and combinations thereof. Further, at least one of the dopants contributes to diffusion of the incident light, and at least one of the dopants contributes to absorption of the incident light. In an embodiment, the first lens and / or the second lens doped with carbon black absorbs a greater quantum of the incident light. In an embodiment, the first lens and / or the second lens doped with titanium dioxide diffuses or scatters a greater quantum of the incident light.

[0029] In an embodiment, the first lens is adapted to transmit at least 35% of the incident light. In an embodiment, the first lens is adapted to transmit the incident light in the range of 35% to 40%. In another embodiment, the first lens is adapted to transmit at least 70% of the incident light. In another embodiment, the first lens is adapted to transmit the incident light in the range of 70% to 75%.

[0030] In another embodiment, the first lens is adapted to absorb at least 50% of the incident light. In another embodiment, the first lens is adapted to absorb the incident light in the range of 50 to 55%. In an embodiment, the first lens is adapted to absorb at least 15% of the incident light. In an embodiment, the first lens is adapted to absorb the incident light in the range of 15 to 20%.

[0031] In an embodiment, the second lens is adapted to transmit at least 20% of the incident light. In an embodiment, the second lens is adapted to transmit the incident light in the range of 20% to 30%. In another embodiment, the second lens is adapted to transmit at least 85% of the incident light. In an embodiment, the second lens is adapted to transmit the incident light in the range of 85% to 90%.

[0032] In an embodiment, the second lens is adapted to absorb at least 5% of the incident light. In an embodiment, the second lens is adapted to absorb the incident light in the range of 5% to 12%. In another embodiment, the second lens is adapted to absorb at least 65% of the incident light. In another embodiment, the second lens is adapted to absorb the incident light in the range of 65% to 74%.

[0033] In an embodiment, the first lens is adapted to diffuse no more than 8% of the incident light. In an embodiment, the first lens is adapted to diffuse the incident light in the range of 5% to 8%.

[0034] In an embodiment, the second lens is adapted to diffuse no more than 2% of the incident light. In an embodiment, the second lens is adapted to diffuse the incident light in the range of 1% to 2%.

[0035] In an embodiment, the first lens is adapted to reflect no more than 2% of the incident light. In an embodiment, the first lens is adapted to reflect the incident light in the range of 1% to 2%. In another embodiment, the first lens is adapted to reflect no more than 5% of the incident light. In an embodiment, the first lens is adapted to reflect the incident light in the range of 4% to 5%.

[0036] In an embodiment, the second lens is adapted to reflect no more than 1% of the incident light. In an embodiment, the second lens is adapted to reflect the incident light in the range of 0.5% to 1%. In another embodiment, the second lens is adapted to reflect no more than 4% of the incident light. In an embodiment, the first lens is adapted to reflect the incident light in the range of 3% to 4%.

[0037] In an example, in the optical filter, the first lens may be adapted to transmit incident light in the range of 35% to 40%, absorb incident light in the range of 50% to 55%, reflect incident light in the range of 1% to 2%, and diffuse incident light in the range of 5% to 8%. In said optical filter, the second lens may be adapted to transmit incident light in the range of 85% to 90%, absorb incident light in the range of 5% to 12%, reflect incident light in the range of 0.5% to 1%, and diffuse incident light in the range of 1% to 2%. In such a case, the optical filter may have a combined transmittance in the range of 25% to 35%, a combined absorbance in the range of 55% to 69%, a combined reflectance in the range of 1.5% to 3%, and a combined diffusivity in the range of 5.9% to 9.9%.

[0038] In another example, in an optical filter, the first lens may be adapted to transmit incident light in the range of 70% to 75%, absorb incident light in the range of 15% to 18%, reflect incident light in the range of 4% to 5%, and diffuse incident light in the range of 5% to 8%. In said optical filter, the second lens may be adapted to transmit incident light in the range of 20% to 30%, absorb incident light in the range of 65% to 75%, reflect incident light in the range of 3% to 4%, and diffuse incident light in the range of 1% to 2%. In such a case, the optical filter may have a combined transmittance in the range of 15% to 20%, a combined absorbance in the range of 68% to 71%, a combined reflectance in the range of 4.5% to 5%, and a combined diffusivity in the range of 5.9% to 9.8%.

[0039] In an embodiment, at least one optical surface of the first lens and / or the second lens comprises a textured surface. In a preferred embodiment, an inner surface of the first lens and an outer surface of the second lens comprises textured surfaces. In the light assembly, the inner surface may be the surface proximate to the light source, and the outer surface may be a surface proximate to the ambient light source. The textured surface contributes to diffusion of the incident light. The textured surface diffuses the incident light by scattering at least a portion of the incident light. In an embodiment, the textured surfaces on the first lens and / or the second lens may contribute to up to 2% of the total diffusivity of the first lens and / or the second lens. The remaining diffusivity of the first lens and / or the second lens may be contributed by the corresponding doping of the first lens and / or the second lens. In other embodiments, the textured surface provided on the inner and / or outer surfaces of the first lens and / or the second lens contributes to up to 2% of the total diffusivity of the first lens and / or the second lens.

[0040] The present invention further provides a light assembly for a vehicle. The light assembly comprises: a light source adapted to emit a first light along a first direction; an ambient light source adapted to emit a second light along a second direction, wherein the second direction is different from first direction; and an optical filter located along a direction of propagation of the first light and / or the second light, wherein the optical filter comprises at least a first lens and at least a second lens, characterized in that at least the first lens is adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of light incident on the first lens; absorb at least a portion of light incident on the first lens; diffuse at least a portion of light incident on the first lens; and reflect at least a portion of light incident on the first lens, wherein the first lens of the optical filter is located proximal to the light source and the second lens of the optical filter is located distal to the light source, and wherein the second lens is located proximal to the ambient light source and the first lens located distal to the ambient light source.

[0041] In an embodiment, the light source is one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In an embodiment, the light assembly further includes a light driver adapted to supply power to the light source, and a reflecting element adapted to direct or redirect light from the light source towards a front aperture of the light assembly. In an embodiment, the ambient light source emits light from an exterior of the vehicle.

[0042] In an embodiment, the first lens is adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of the first light emitted by the light source; absorb at least a portion of the first light emitted by the light source; diffuse at least a portion of the first light emitted by the light source; and reflect at least a portion of the first light emitted by the light source. In an embodiment, the first lens is also adapted to at least one of: absorb at least a portion of the second light transmitted through the second lens; and reflect at least a portion of the second light transmitted through the second lens.

[0043] In an embodiment, the second lens is adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of the second light emitted by the ambient light source; absorb at least a portion of the second light emitted by the ambient light source; diffuse at least a portion of the second light emitted by the ambient light source; and reflect at least a portion of the second light emitted by the ambient light source.

[0044] In an embodiment, the second lens is further adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of the second light reflected by the first lens; absorb at least a portion of the second light reflected by the first lens; transmit at least a portion of the first light transmitted through the first lens; absorb at least a portion of the first light transmitted through the first lens; diffuse at least a portion of the first light transmitted through the first lens; and reflect at least a portion of the first light transmitted through the first lens.

[0045] When at least the optical filter is implemented in the light assembly, at least the optical filter is adapted to substantially allow transmission of the light emitted by the light source, while substantially restricting light from the exterior of the light assembly from being reflected back to the exterior of light. ambient light enters the interior of the light assembly through the second lens, and the light transmitted through the second lens is further incident on the first lens. The light incident on the first lens is, therefore, attenuated relative to the ambient light. Only a small portion of the ambient light incident on the first lens is then reflected back towards the second lens, and through the second lens, back to the exterior of the light assembly. The ambient light thus exiting from the light assembly to the exterior is so diminished relative to the ambient light from the exterior, that the internal configurations of the light assembly are substantially occluded from an observer present in outside. Therefore, for a user of the light assembly, the light from the light source is emitted from the light assembly to illuminate the exterior of the light assembly, while for a user located outside of the light assembly, the interior portion of the light assembly (such as the light source) is obscured. When the light assembly is implemented in a vehicle, such a configuration maintains an aesthetic appeal of the vehicle by obscuring the interior portion of the light assembly to persons outside of the vehicle, while not significantly affecting the capacity of the light assembly to transmit light emitted by the light source. Furthermore, at least the first lens scatters or diffuses a portion of the first light being emitted by the light source, thereby reducing optical effects such as glare, dazzle, etc., and improving illumination to the exterior of the light assembly.

[0046] In an embodiment, the first lens is adapted to transmit 35% to 40% of the first light. In such an embodiment, the second lens is adapted to transmit at least 85% to 90% of the first light. In such embodiment, the combined transmittance of the first lens and the second lens is in the range of 25% to 35% for the first light.

[0047] In another embodiment, the first lens is adapted to transmit 70% to 75% of the first light. In such an embodiment, the second lens is adapted to transmit at least 20% to 30% of the first light. In such embodiment, the combined transmittance of the first lens and the second lens is in the range of 15% to 20% for the first light.

[0048] In another embodiment, the first lens is adapted to diffuse at most 8% of the first light, and reflect at most 2% of the first light. In such an embodiment, the second lens is adapted to diffuse no more than 2% of the first light, and reflect no more than 1% of the first light. In such an embodiment, the combined diffusivity of the first lens and the second lens is in the range of 5.9% to 9.9% for the first light, and the combined reflectance of the first lens and the second lens is in the range of 1.5% to 3% for the first light.

[0049] In another embodiment, the light assembly comprises an outer lens. The outer lens may be part of a housing of the light assembly, and may be located at an aperture of the light assembly. In an embodiment, the outer lens is analogous to the second lens. In an embodiment, the outer lens is adapted to at least one of: transmit at least 85% of the first light incident thereon; diffuse not more than 2% of first light incident thereon; and absorb not more than 12% of first light incident thereon. In other words, the outer lens is adapted to substantially transmit light from the first direction (i.e., the first light). In another embodiment, the outer lens is adapted to at least one of: transmit no more than 30% of the first light incident thereon; diffuse not more than 2% of first light incident thereon; and absorb at least 65% of first light incident thereon. In other words, the outer lens is adapted to substantially absorb light from the first direction (i.e., the first light).

[0050] In an exemplary implementation, a light assembly comprises an optical filter comprising a first lens and a second lens. The first and second lenses are located colinearly, along a direction of propagation of a first light from a light source. The first lens is adapted to transmit the incident light in the range of 35% to 40%. The first lens is adapted to absorb the incident light in the range of 50% to 55%. The first lens is further adapted to diffuse the incident light in the range of 5% to 8%. The first lens is further adapted to reflect the incident light in the range of 1% to 2%. The second lens is substantially transparent to the incident light, and is adapted to transmit incident light in the range of 85% to 90%. The second lens is adapted to absorb the incident light in the range of 5% to 12%. The second lens is further adapted to diffuse incident light in the range of 1% to 2%, and reflect incident light in the range of 0.5% to 1%. The combined transmittance of the first lens and the second lens to the incident light is in the range of 25% to 35%. The combined absorbance of the first lens and the second lens to the incident light is in the range of 55% to 69%. The combined diffusivity of the first lens and the second lens for the incident light is in a range of 5.9% to 9.9%. The combined reflectance of the first lens and the second lens for the incident light is in a range of 1.5% to 3%.

[0051] In another exemplary implementation, the light assembly comprises an optical filter comprising a first lens and a second lens. The first and second lenses are located colinearly, along a direction of propagation of the first light from the light source. The first lens is adapted to transmit the incident light in the range of 70% to 75%. The first lens is adapted to absorb the incident light in the range of 15% to 18%. The first lens is further adapted to diffuse the incident light in the range of 5% to 8%. The first lens is further adapted to reflect the incident light in the range of 4% to 5%. The second lens is adapted to transmit the incident light in the range of 20% to 30%. The second lens is adapted to absorb the incident light in the range of 65% to 75%. The second lens is further adapted to diffuse not more than 2% of the incident light. The second lens is further adapted to reflect the incident light in the range of 3% to 4%. The combined transmittance of the first lens and the second lens to the incident light is in the range of 15% to 20%. The combined absorbance of the first lens and the second lens to the incident light is in the range of 68% to 71%. The first lens and the second lens together diffuse the incident light in a range of 5.9% to 9.8%. The combined reflectance of the first lens and the second lens for the incident light is in a range of 4.5% to 5%.

[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an optical filter 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The optical filter 100 comprises a first lens 102. The first lens 102 is adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of light incident on the first lens 102; absorb at least a portion of light incident on the first lens 102; diffuse at least a portion of light incident on the first lens 102; and reflect at least a portion of light incident on the first lens 102.

[0053] The optical filter 100 comprises a second lens 106. The second lens 106 is adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of light incident on the second lens 106; absorb at least a portion of light incident on the second lens 106; diffuse at least a portion of light incident on the second lens 106; and reflect at least a portion of light incident on the second lens 106.

[0054] The first lens 102 and the second lens 106 are made of a material that is at least partially optically transparent. The material is selected from the group consisting of organic polymers, inorganic polymers, amorphous material, crystalline material, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the first lens 102 and the second lens 106 are made of glass or polymer.

[0055] The first lens 102 and the second lens 106 are doped with a dopant. The dopant is adapted to modify the optical characteristics of the first lens 102 and / or the second lens 106. The dopant may be added according to either weight, stoichiometric percentage, or volume of a bulk material of the first lens 102 and the second lens 106. The dopant is selected from the group consisting of carbon black, titanium dioxide, and combinations thereof. The first lens 102 and / or the second lens 106 doped with carbon black absorbs a greater quantum of the incident light. The first lens 102 and / or the second lens 106 doped with titanium dioxide diffuses or scatters a greater quantum of the incident light.

[0056] In an embodiment, the first lens 102 is adapted to transmit the incident light in the range of 35% to 40% and adapted to absorb the incident light in the range of 50% to 55%. In another embodiment, the first lens 102 is adapted to transmit the incident light in the range of 70% to 75% and adapted to absorb the incident light in the range of 15% to 18%.

[0057] In an embodiment, the second lens 106 is adapted to transmit the incident light in the range of 85% to 90% and adapted to absorb the incident light in the range of 5% to 12%. In another embodiment, the second lens 106 is adapted to transmit the incident light in the range of 20% to 30% and adapted to absorb the incident light in the range of 65% to 75%.

[0058] At least an optical surface of the first lens 102 and / or the second lens 106 comprises textured surfaces 104-1, 104-2. The textured surfaces 104-1, 104-2 contribute to diffusion of the incident light.

[0059] The first lens 102 is adapted to diffuse no more than 8% of the incident light, and reflect no more than 5% of the incident light. The second lens 106 is adapted to diffuse no more than 2% of the incident light, and reflect no more than 4% of the incident light.

[0060] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a light assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, the light assembly 200 comprises a light source 202 adapted to emit a first light L1 along a first direction. The light assembly 200 comprises an ambient light source 204 adapted to emit a second light L2 along a second direction. The second direction is different from first direction. The light assembly 200 comprises the optical filter 100 located along a direction of propagation of the first light L1 and / or the second light L2. The first lens 102 is located proximal to the light source 202 and the second lens 106 located distal to the light source 202. The light assembly 200 may be provided for a vehicle and may be located at a front of the vehicle, at a rear of the vehicle, at any one or more sides of the vehicle, or combinations thereof.

[0061] The light source 202 is one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light assembly 200 further includes a light driver (not shown) adapted to supply power to the light source 202, and a reflecting element (not shown) adapted to direct or redirect light from the light source 202 towards a front aperture of the light assembly 200. The ambient light source 204 emits light from an exterior of the vehicle.

[0062] The first lens 102 is adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of the first light L1 emitted by the light source 202; absorb at least a portion of the first light L1 emitted by the light source 202; diffuse at least a portion the first light L1 emitted by the light source 202; absorb at least a portion of the second light L2 transmitted through the second lens 106; and reflect at least a portion of the second light L2 transmitted through the second lens 106.

[0063] The second lens 106 is adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of the second light L2 emitted by the ambient light source 204; absorb at least a portion of the second light L2 emitted by the ambient light source 204; diffuse at least a portion of the second light L2 emitted by the ambient light source 204; and reflect at least a portion of the second light L2 emitted by the ambient light source 204.

[0064] The second lens 106 is further adapted to at least one of: transmit at least a portion of the second light L2 reflected by the first lens 102; absorb at least a portion of the second light L2 reflected by the first lens 102; transmit at least a portion of the first light L1 transmitted through the first lens 102; absorb at least a portion of the first light L1 transmitted through the first lens 102; and diffuse at least a portion of the first light L1 transmitted through the first lens 102.

[0065] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove, it may be appreciated that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments may be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0066] The present invention provides an optical filter that is adapted to substantially transmit light from a first direction and at least partially restrict light from a second direction different from the first direction.

[0067] The present invention provides an optical filter that is adapted to at least partially scatter light from the first direction so as to reduce glare effects of the light being transmitted therethrough.

[0068] The present invention provides a light assembly for a vehicle that allows for adequate illumination for the vehicle when the light source is turned on, and obscuring interior portions of the light assembly from the exterior of the vehicle when the light source is turned off, thereby maintaining an aesthetic of the vehicle body.LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0069] 100Optical Filter 102First Lens 104Textured Surface 106Second Lens 200Light Assembly 202Light Source 204Ambient Light Source L1First Light L2Second Light

Claims

1. An optical filter (100) comprising at least a first lens (102) and at least a second lens (106), characterized in that at least the first lens (102) is adapted to, at least one of: - transmit at least a portion of light incident on the first lens (102); - absorb at least a portion of light incident on the first lens (102); - diffuse at least a portion of light incident on the first lens (102); - reflect at least a portion of light incident on the first lens (102), wherein at least the second lens (106) is adapted to, at least one of: - transmit at least a portion of light incident on the second lens (106); - absorb at least a portion of light incident on the second lens (106); - diffuse at least a portion of light incident on the second lens (106); and - reflect at least a portion of light incident on the second lens (106).

2. The optical filter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least the first lens (102) is adapted to: - transmit at least 35% of the incident light, and absorb at least 55% of the incident light; or - transmit at least 70% of the incident light, and absorb at least 15% of the incident light, and wherein at least the second lens (106) is adapted to: - transmit at least 20% of the incident light, and absorb at least 65% of the incident light; or - transmit at least 85% of the incident light, and absorb at least 5% of the incident light.

3. The optical filter (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein at least the first lens (102) is adapted to diffuse no more than 8% of the incident light, and reflect no more than 5% of the incident light, and wherein at least the second lens (106) is adapted to diffuse no more than 2% of the incident light, and reflect no more than 4% of the incident light.

4. The optical filter (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least the first lens (102) and at least the second lens (106) are made of glass or a polymer, wherein at least the first lens (102) and at least second lens (106) are doped with a dopant selected from the group consisting of carbon black, titanium dioxide, and combinations thereof, and wherein at least one of the dopants contributes to diffusion of the incident light, and at least one of the dopants contributes to absorption of the incident light.

5. The optical filter (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one optical surface of at least the first lens (102), and at least an optical surface of at least the second lens (106) comprise textured surfaces (104-1, 104-2), and wherein the textured surfaces (104-1, 104-2) contribute to diffusion of the incident light.

6. A light assembly (200) for a vehicle, comprising: - a light source (202) adapted to emit a first light along a first direction; - an ambient light source (204) adapted to emit a second light along a second direction, wherein the second direction is different from first direction; and - an optical filter (100) located along a direction of propagation of the first light and / or the second light, wherein a first lens (102) of the optical filter (100) is located proximal to the light source (202) and a second lens (106) of the optical filter (100) is located distal to the light source (202), and wherein the second lens (106) is located proximal to the ambient light source (204) and the first lens (102) located distal to the ambient light source (204).

7. The light assembly (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first lens (102) is adapted to at least one of: - transmit at least a portion of the first light emitted by the light source (202); - absorb at least a portion of the first light emitted by the light source (202); - diffuse at least a portion the first light emitted by the light source (202); - reflect at least a portion of the first light emitted by the light source (202) - transmit at least a portion of the second light incident on the second lens (106); - absorb at least a portion of the second light incident on the second lens (106); - diffuse at least a portion of the second light incident on the second lens (106); and - reflect at least a portion of the second light incident on the second lens (106), and wherein the second lens (106) is adapted to at least one of: - transmit at least a portion of the second light emitted by the ambient light source (204); - absorb at least a portion of the second light emitted by the ambient light source (204); - diffuse at least a portion of the second light emitted by the ambient light source (204); - reflect at least a portion of the second light emitted by the ambient light source (204); - transmit at least a portion of the second light reflected by the first lens (102); - absorb at least a portion of the second light reflected by the first lens (102); - transmit at least a portion of the first light transmitted through the first lens (102); - absorb at least a portion of the first light transmitted through the first lens (102); and - diffuse at least a portion of the first light transmitted through the first lens (102).

8. The light assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first lens (102) is adapted to: - transmit at least 35% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and absorb at least 50% of the incident first light and the incident second light; or - transmit at least 70% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and absorb at least 15% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and wherein the second lens (106) is adapted to: - transmit at least 20% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and absorb at least 65% of the incident first light and the incident second light; or - transmit at least 85% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and absorb at least 5% of the incident first light and incident second light.

9. The light assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the first lens (102) is adapted to diffuse no more than 8% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and reflect no more that 5% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and wherein the second lens (106) is adapted to diffuse no more than 2% of the incident first light and the incident second light, and reflect no more than 4% of the incident first light and the incident second light.

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