Transformable Vehicle Lighting System with Dual Optical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle interior lighting systems lack dynamic functionality, failing to provide a seamless transition between diffuse and high-contrast lighting to enhance user experience and assistive illumination based on changing user scenarios and vehicle states.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with at least two optical output modules that transform light from diffuse to high-contrast and vice versa by adjusting light intensity, responsive to detected user scenarios and vehicle states, using differently configured optical elements to scatter or focus light for seamless continuous transformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional vehicle interior lighting is used, then the lighting provides basic illumination assistance, but the lighting lacks dynamic adaptability to different user scenarios and vehicle states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lighting by enabling continuous transformation between diffuse and high-contrast light modes. The lighting system adapts its output characteristics in real-time based on detected user scenarios and vehicle states, making the lighting behavior flexible and responsive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device is designed to perform multiple functions by providing both diffuse lighting for general illumination and high-contrast lighting for focused assistance. A single lighting system can serve different purposes (ambient lighting, task lighting, accent lighting) by transforming its light output characteristics, eliminating the need for separate lighting systems for each function.
2Illumination intensity
If diffuse lighting is provided, then the lighting covers large areas uniformly, but the lighting lacks contrast and focus for specific tasks or components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating high-contrast lighting in specific zones while maintaining diffuse lighting in other areas. The lighting system can focus intense, high-contrast light on particular vehicle components or areas of interest, while other regions receive softer diffuse illumination, optimizing both overall coverage and localized task assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system transforms its output by changing key light parameters including contrast ratio, intensity distribution, and spatial configuration. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system can switch between diffuse mode (low contrast, uniform distribution) and high-contrast mode (high contrast, focused distribution) to match different operational requirements.
3Ease of operation
If high-contrast lighting is provided, then the lighting provides focused assistance for specific components, but the lighting does not provide uniform illumination for general visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system dynamically switches between high-contrast and diffuse modes based on detected user scenarios. When a user interacts with a specific vehicle component, the system provides high-contrast lighting for that area; when no specific interaction is detected, it transitions to diffuse lighting for uniform general illumination, creating an adaptive lighting experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system employs periodic transformation between different lighting modes based on user interaction patterns. The lighting alternates between diffuse mode for general visibility and high-contrast mode for task assistance, with the timing and duration of each mode determined by detected user behavior and vehicle state changes.
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
Provides an enhanced user experience with adaptive lighting that adjusts to vehicle usage, offering improved assistive illumination by transforming light from diffuse to high-contrast and back, enhancing both comfort and visibility based on user interactions and vehicle conditions.
Implementation Method 1
using differently configured optical elements to scatter or focus light
Implementation Method 2
A first optical output module comprises optical elements configured to redirect incoming light to produce diffuse light
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosed subject matter generally relates to a lighting device (100) comprising at least two optical output modules (102,104) for jointly providing transformable output light. The transformable output light is transformable a diffuse light output and a light output that has higher contrast than the diffuse light. Accordingly, the inventors realized that an enhanced user experience for vehicle occupants is provided by a lighting device (100) that can seamlessly transform its output light between diffuse light to more high contrast light. For example, a vehicle interior component (800) may be illuminated with a diffuse light when it is in one state, e.g. when it is not used. In a second state, when the component (800) is used or intended to be used, it may be illuminated with a high contrast light to provide the user with more helpful assist light.