LIGHT DISTRIBUTION PATTERN CONTROL USING OBJECT DETECTION AND ELECTROWETTING LENSES
First Claim
1. A system for controlling a light distribution pattern, said system comprising:
- a light source operable to emit light;
an electrowetting lens operable to vary a light distribution pattern of light from the light source into an area;
an object detector configured to indicate a location of an object; and
a controller configured to operate the electrowetting lens in order to control the light distribution pattern into the area based on the location of the object indicated by the object detector.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system, controller, and method for controlling a light distribution pattern. A light source and an electrowetting lens cooperate to vary a light distribution pattern of light from the light source. An object detector is used by a controller determine the location of an object and operate the electrowetting lens in order to control the light distribution pattern based on the location of the object. The electrowetting lens provides for faster redirecting of light toward an object when compared to mechanical based system. The light source may be an array of light emitting diodes to provide a reliable, energy efficient source of light.
38 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A system for controlling a light distribution pattern, said system comprising:
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a light source operable to emit light; an electrowetting lens operable to vary a light distribution pattern of light from the light source into an area; an object detector configured to indicate a location of an object; and a controller configured to operate the electrowetting lens in order to control the light distribution pattern into the area based on the location of the object indicated by the object detector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A controller for a light distribution pattern control system configured to illuminate an area, said controller comprising:
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an output for outputting a control signal to an electrowetting lens operable to vary a light distribution pattern of light from a light source arriving in the area; an input for receiving a detection signal from an object detector configured to indicate a location of an object; and a controller configured to determine the control signal based on the input signal in order to control the light distribution pattern in the area based on the location of the object indicated by the object detector.
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11. A method for controlling a light distribution pattern, said method comprising:
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providing a light source operable to emit light; providing an electrowetting lens to vary a light distribution pattern of light from the light source arriving in an area; detecting a location of an object with an object detector; and operating the electrowetting lens in order to control the light distribution pattern in the area based on the location of the object indicated by the object detector.
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Specification