Light distribution pattern control using object detection and electrowetting lenses

• US 8,408,765 B2
• Filed: 05/12/2011
• Issued: 04/02/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/12/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Aptiv Technologies AG (Aptiv PLC)
• Original Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (Aptiv PLC)
• Inventors: Kuhlman, Frederick F., Sarma, Dwadasi H. R., Lukmani, Nasser
• Primary Examiner(s): Truong, Bao Q
• Application Number:
  US13/106,402
• Publication Number:
  US 20120287493A1
• Time in Patent Office: 691 Days
• Field of Search: 362/545, 362/488, 362/464, 362/465, 362/276, 362/802
• US Class Current: 362/488
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/085 due to special conditions, e.g. adverse weather, type of road, badly illuminated road signs or potential dangers B60Q1/10, B60Q1/12, B60Q1/1423 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/45 Special conditions, e.g. pedestrians, road signs or potential dangers
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/25 Projection lenses
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/285 Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S41/24 - F21S41/2805
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/645 by electro-optic means, e.g. liquid crystal or electrochromic devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/04 intended only for mounting on a ceiling or the like overhead structures F21S8/02 takes precedence; details of ceiling bases F21V21/03
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0478 by means of an image recording device, e.g. a camera
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/02 of prismatic shape F21V5/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/005 based on electrowetting
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0875 by means of one or more refracting elements
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 3/14 of variable focal length

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.

Claims

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,

wherein the electrowetting lens comprises a plurality of electrowetting prisms, and the light source comprises a plurality of distinct light sources, and each of the electrowetting prisms is associated with a particular light source such that light emitted by the particular light source is directed toward a particular electrowetting prism.

2. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the light source and the electrowetting lens form a lamp for a building structure.

3. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the light source and the electrowetting lens form a headlight for a vehicle.

4. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to determine if the object is moving toward the area.

5. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to operate the electrowetting lens in order to direct light toward the object.

6. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein each light source comprises of one or more light emitting diodes.

7. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the object detector is an optical device, and the controller is configured to adjust the light distribution pattern based on an illumination level on the object.