Pixelated Vehicle Lighting System for Versatile Interior Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle interior lighting systems have limited functionalities and require multiple installations for different lighting functions, which is inefficient and complex.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system that uses a pixelated light beam forming device with controllable sub-beams and a projection optical element, allowing for multiple lighting configurations without modifying the optical element, enabling a single system to serve as ceiling, passenger, and rear lighting by adjusting the beam's shape and intensity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate lighting devices are installed for different lighting functions, then each lighting function can be achieved, but the device complexity and number of illuminating elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting function versatilityVSAvoidnumber of illuminating elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single lighting device to perform multiple lighting functions through software control. The pixelated beam can be dynamically configured to provide ceiling lighting, reading lights, ambient lighting, and signaling functions by controlling different subsets of light-emitting elements, eliminating the need for multiple separate physical lighting devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting device is segmented into multiple independently controllable light-emitting elements arranged in a pixelated structure. This segmentation allows the system to create various lighting patterns and configurations by selectively activating different segments, enabling one device to replace multiple traditional lighting fixtures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional lighting systems are used with fixed beam shapes, then the optical element design is simplified, but the adaptability to different lighting configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam configuration flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the beam shape changeable through electronic control of individual light-emitting elements. The pixelated structure allows dynamic reconfiguration of the light beam into various patterns (e.g., focused beams, diffuse lighting, directional spots) without any mechanical moving parts, providing adaptability through software-controlled dynamic element activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a pixelated light beam is used with multiple controllable sub-beams, then the lighting configurations can be multiplied, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting configuration varietyVSAvoidbeam control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies self-service through automated control algorithms that manage the complex coordination of multiple light-emitting elements. The control system automatically configures the pixelated beam patterns based on selected lighting modes, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and simplifying operation while maintaining the ability to provide diverse lighting configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution rationalizes interior lighting installations by multiplying their functions while reducing the number of illuminating elements, allowing for adaptable and versatile lighting solutions within the vehicle compartment.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one of the light sources which comprises at least two elementary light emitters is a light-emitting diode with at least two chips

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

projection optical element configured to transform the light beam into an output beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

projection optical element configured to transform the light beam into an output beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP3210829B1Lighting system for motor vehicle passenger compartment
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP3210829B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3210829B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3210829B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a lighting system for a motor vehicle interior comprising a light beam forming device 1 and a projection optical element 2 configured to transform the light beam into an output beam, characterized in that the light beam forming device 1 is configured to emit a pixelated light beam composed of a plurality of sub-beams. Application to the interior equipment of motor vehicles.