High-resolution Headlamps Research Articles

Beam Pre-Shaping Methods Using Lenslet Arrays for Area-Based High-Resolution Vehicle Headlamp Systems

High-resolution light distributions are lately in demand for vehicle headlamp systems as an innovative lighting approach. This lighting approach can realize functionalities, such as precise glare avoidance and on-road projection, which are useful for improving traffic comfort and safety. For achieving the required high-resolution light distribution, area-based projection technologies, such as DMD, LCD, and LCoS, are considered to be integrated into such headlamps. These projection devices demand rectangular illumination areas with specific light distributions to fulfill the requirements for illumination efficiency and performance in headlamp systems. Lenslet arrays, based on the principle of Köhler illumination, can effectively homogenize the light and shape it into rectangular shapes simultaneously. Such components are widely used in projection applications. However, they also show functional potentialities to be applied in high-resolution headlamps. This paper explains the design principles and methods of lenslet arrays for beam pre-shaping in headlamp systems. It validates the homogenization using a self-designed and manufactured lenslet array in a demonstrator in the first place. Afterward, this paper introduces two new methods for the centralized beam shaping required by some headlamps. These methods are validated by optical simulations.

Development Methodology for Optomechatronic Systems Using the Example of a High-Resolution Projection Module

AbstractIn the last few years there has been a noticeable change in the development of headlamp systems in the field of vehicle lighting technology. Starting with adaptive front-lighting systems via Matrix LED systems, high-resolution headlamps will provide more safety in road traffic in the near future.For the implementation of high-resolution headlamps various spatial light modulators and light generating technologies can be applied. The emitted light of the light source is directed via an illumination optics onto the modulator and a projection optics is applied to image the spatial light modulator into the traffic area. The formerly mechatronic systems are thus increasingly become opto- mechatronic systems. Therefore, the optic design must be taken into account in the early development phase of these systems.In this paper we present a methodical approach to describe the optic design for optomechatronic systems. This approach can be used to develop efficient and high-intensity optomechatronic systems using various spatial light modulators and light generating technologies. Conclusively we demonstrate an exemplary application of the methodology on a high-resolution projection module.

High-resolution headlamps – technology analysis and system design

Abstract High-resolution vehicle headlamps are the technological way to intelligently illuminate the traffic area to increase safety and comfort. For the technical realization of these headlamps, different technologies come into question, which are the subject of intensive research at universities and among the manufacturers. We present an overview of the possible technologies and analyze their potential for use in high-resolution headlamps. Furthermore, we explain how the design of the optical system for the different technologies can be made. Another part of this paper is the comparison of published prototypes of high-resolution headlamps and the compilation of key properties.

Polymer-based diffractive optical elements for rear end automotive applications: design and fabrication process.

Advances in illumination technology in the automotive industry are heading toward the use of coherent sources for adaptable and high-resolution head lamps as well as interior and rear-end lights. We present a cost-effective method to fabricate and design laser-based lighting systems for the rear end in automobiles and other vehicles. The design relies on using binary gratings to generate a desired intensity distribution. For cost-effective fabrication, an optical maskless UV lithography system that employs a spatial light modulator (SLM) for projection of the desired structure onto photoresist is introduced. To replicate the structures onto polymers like poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), we use polydimethylsiloxane soft stamps and a hot embossing system. The experimental results show that the proposed design and fabrication process is promising for high-resolution rear-end lights that might be employed to project symbols or information to guide road users in future.

High-resolution headlamp

Abstract The following article shall describe how human vision by night can be influenced. At first, front lighting systems that are already available on the market will be described, followed by their analysis with respect to the positive effects on traffic safety. Furthermore, how traffic safety by night can be increased since the introduction of high resolution headlamps shall be discussed.