Innovations in Image Projection using Automotive Lighting

A compact, inexpensive device for drawing images on road surfaces using light projection. The device has multiple light sources, a mask with corresponding windows, partitions between the light sources, and a common projection lens. Each light source illuminates a window on the mask, which projects the graphic onto the road through the lens. By individually activating the light sources, different graphics can be projected to draw a variety of images on the road.

A vehicle headlight system that combines a first lighting unit, a second lighting unit, an actuator to control them, and a secondary optical unit. The first and second lighting units each have a light source and a primary optical unit to shape the light. The secondary optical unit images the light from the primary optics of the first and second units into different light distributions. An actuator controls the units to generate a combined light distribution. This allows a compact headlight system with separate light sources to generate complex light patterns without needing complex lens systems for each light source.

A method for projecting high-precision patterns using a matrix light source in automotive headlights. The method involves filtering the light intensity parameters for each pixel in a projected image. The filtering takes into account the contribution of each pixel's light source to neighboring pixels due to crosstalk. This accounts for the matrix light source's non-homogeneous response. The filtered parameters are sent to the lighting unit to control the light sources.

A lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight that provides a simple and reliable way to adjust the light beam direction. The device has a projection optics system and a light source unit that can generate a lighting pattern on a surface. The optics system can move longitudinally parallel to its optical axis before being fixed to the support structure. Moving the optics system along the guide rails allows the projected light pattern to be adjusted without complex mechanisms.

An illumination device for motor vehicles that uses an elongated light guide to create a customizable light graphic pattern. The light guide has multiple output regions where light can escape. By arranging these output regions to form a specific pattern, when the light guide is used in a vehicle interior, it can project that pattern onto nearby surfaces like the dashboard or door panels.