Headlamp and dynamic lighting system for vehicles
US6406172B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21Y2115/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A headlamp (2; 3) of a vehicle (1) has a light source (4; 5) comprising a plurality of opto-electronic elements (11; 12; 13; 14), preferably light-emitting diodes (LEDs). At least one of these opto-electronic elements (11; 12; 13; 14) has, in operation, a luminous flux of 5 lm or higher. According to the invention, the spatial distribution of the light beam (6, 6′, . . . ; 7, 7′, . . . ) generated by the light source (4; 5) is continuously adjustable. Preferably, the light source (4; 5) comprises opto-electronic elements (11; 12; 13; 14) only. Preferably, the spatial distribution is influenced by the speed of the vehicle (1), the rotational position of the steering wheel of the vehicle (1), the weather conditions, and it can also be influenced by the driver of the vehicle (1). Preferably, the spectral characteristics of the light beam (6, 6′, . . . ; 7, 7′, . . . ) generated by the light source (4; 5) depend on the position in the light beam (6, 6′, . . . ; 7, 7′, . . . ). The light beam comprises at least two light beam segments (6, 6′; 7, 7′) having essentially different spectral characteristics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.