FR3040936A1 - LIGHTING DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle comprising at least a first strip lighting sub-device configured to generate a first light beam (110), and a second sub-device configured to generate a second light beam ( 211, 212), characterized in that said second sub-device comprises a matrix of micro-mirrors configured to form a light sub-beam (211, 212) in the form of pixilated rays and forming at least in part said second beam (211 , 212).

Description

"Lighting device for motor vehicles"

The present invention relates in particular to a lighting device.

A preferred application relates to the automotive industry, for vehicle equipment, in particular for the production of devices capable of emitting light beams, also called lighting functions, generally responding to regulations.

In particular, the invention can allow the production of a highly resolved light beam.

Known lighting devices are heretofore provided for emitting, for example: a dipped beam, directed downwards, sometimes sometimes referred to as a code beam and used in the case of the presence of other vehicles on the roadway; - a driving beam without cut-off, and characterized by a maximum illumination in the axis of the vehicle; - a lighting beam for foggy weather, characterized by a flat cut and a large width of illumination; - a signaling beam for city traffic, also known as city lights.

The passing beam must ensure both the quality of the lighting and the absence or reduction of the inconvenience caused by the luminous flux produced for the surrounding vehicles. At present, dipped-beam headlamps are essentially defined in this light, with, in particular, the use of sometimes complex cuts at the top of the beam, so as to limit precisely or avoid illumination above the horizon line, and to design at best a light projection area to be avoided because likely to interfere with the driver of a crossover vehicle.

Likewise, the current route bundles have similar disadvantages, namely a very low resolution and degrees of freedom limited by their technology. Although improvements have been proposed for road beams, such as the use of two identical strip lighting devices, this does not solve the problem of the resolution that this type of technology can achieve. Document US-A1-2008 / 0239746 reflects these limitations. The invention is part of this framework and seeks to improve the definition of beams, including the road beam.

It relates in particular to a lighting system for a motor vehicle, comprising a projection device of a highly resolved beam.

The present invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle comprising at least a first strip lighting sub-device configured to generate a first light beam, and a second sub-device configured to generate a second light beam, characterized in that said second sub-device comprises a matrix of micro-mirrors configured to form a light sub-beam in the form of pixilated rays and forming at least in part said second beam.

This type of lighting device then makes it possible to have a highly resolved road beam, but also a highly resolved passing beam. Indeed, the first beam serves as a support route beam supplemented by a pixelated and digital imaging system which is advantageously a matrix of micro-mirrors. In the case considered of the passing beam, it then rests at least in part on the second sub-device, that is to say the pixelized and digital imaging system which is advantageously at least one matrix of micromirrors.

The present invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with at least one lighting device according to the present invention.

According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a lighting method for a motor vehicle comprising at least one control electronics and at least one lighting device according to the present invention. This method comprises at least the following steps: in a so-called crossing operation mode: measuring by at least one sensor of at least one operating parameter; o reception by the control electronics of said measurement; o sending by the control electronics at least one emission stop signal of the first light beam to the first sub-device; o sending by the control electronics at least one passive positional signal in reflection of at least a portion of the micro-mirrors of the second sub-device; o sending by the control electronics at least one active positioning signal in reflection of at least a portion of the micro-mirrors of the second sub-device. - In a so-called road operating mode: o measurement by at least one sensor of at least one operating parameter; o reception by the control electronics of said measurement; o sending by the control electronics at least one start signal of the emission of the first light beam to the first sub-device; o sending by the control electronics at least one active positioning signal in reflection of at least a portion of the micro-mirrors of the second sub-device;

This method thus makes it possible to adapt the lighting of the motor vehicle according to an external parameter that can be the crossing of a vehicle, the tracking of a vehicle, or simply driving on a road. The control electronics thus make it possible to make full use of all the degrees of freedom authorized by the present invention.

The present invention also relates to a method of positioning the light beams relative to each other. This method comprises piloting steps of the device of the present invention in order to adjust the recovery rate of each of the light beams as a function of the visibility requirements and the meteorological and road conditions.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the second sub-device comprises at least a second matrix of micro-mirrors. This second micro-mirror matrix is configured to form a second light sub-beam in the form of pixilated rays and forming at least in part said second light beam.

The presence of this second micro-mirror matrix makes it possible, on the one hand, to enhance the illumination of an area for example by at least partially covering the light sub-beam emitted by the micro-mirror array by the second sub-array. light bleam.

Also advantageously, it is possible to use this second light sub-beam to illuminate a particular area of the visual field facing the vehicle, for example an obstacle, an information panel or any other external element that may require be illuminated regardless of the lighting of the road.

In addition, the presence of a second micro-mirror matrix provides additional degrees of freedom to the present invention.

Advantageously, the second light sub-beam partly covers the light sub-beam so as to locally reinforce the second light beam to illuminate a specific area more precisely and more intensely. This covering, when it is not complete, makes it possible, among other things, to have a zone illuminated according to a luminosity gradient. This situation may have increased visual comfort, but also to attract the attention of the motorist to a specific area of the scene facing the vehicle.

Preferably, the first light sub-beam and the second light sub-beam have a recovery rate between 5 and 100%. This recovery rate increases the illumination of the same area when needed.

Advantageously, the first light sub-beam and the second light sub-beam have a lateral angular offset of between 0 ° and 5 °, advantageously between 0 and 3 °. This offset allows a mobility of each of the two light sub-beams relative to one another. relative to each other and to increase the extent of the area covered by the second light beam.

According to one embodiment, it may be useful for the second light sub-beam to completely cover the first light sub-beam. In this situation, the illuminated area receives twice as much light output, making it even more visible when needed.

Preferably, the matrix of micro-mirrors has a first exit diopter. And similarly, the second matrix of micro-mirrors has a second output diopter. Each of the output dioptres has the function of forming at least a portion of the second light beam. Preferably, the first and second diopters have identical optical properties.

Advantageously and according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the first exit diopter and the second output dioptre form a single output diopter. This then makes it possible to have a second, more compact sub-device.

Preferably, the first sub-device and the second sub-device each comprise an output diopter configured to form a light beam. The use of two separate dioptres allows greater modularity and reduces manufacturing constraints. Indeed, the two sub-devices emit light beams differently, it is therefore advantageous to have a separate diopter for each of these two sub-devices in order to adapt each of these diopters to the type of light source and light beam emitted by each of the sub-devices.

According to a more compact embodiment, the first sub-device and the second sub-device have a common output diopter.

Advantageously, the second light beam has a coverage rate of the first light beam of between 25% and 80%, advantageously between 25 and 40%. This recovery rate makes it possible to increase the illumination of the same zone if necessary.

Preferably, the first light beam and the second light beam have a lateral angular offset of between 0 ° and 10 °, advantageously between 4 and 10 ° and preferably between 6 and 10 This offset allows a mobility of each of the two light beams relative to one another. one with respect to the other.

Advantageously, the second light beam partly covers the first light beam to allow an increase in the lighting of a given area.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the matrix of micro-mirrors is controlled by a control electronics so as to modify the light sub-beam according to at least one operating parameter. This control electronics makes it possible to modify the reflection properties of the matrix of micro-mirrors in order to adapt them to lighting requirements.

Similarly, the second matrix of micro-mirrors is controlled by a control electronics so as to modify the second light sub-beam according to at least one operating parameter.

According to one embodiment, a single control electronics can control the two matrices of micro-mirrors, this then allows a saving of material resources and improved compactness.

Preferably, the at least one first strip lighting sub-device is controlled by a control electronics so as to modify the first light beam according to at least one operating parameter. Preferably, it is the same control electronics as the micro-mirrors.

For example non-limiting, in the case where the first sub-device comprises a matrix of light-emitting elements, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for example, the control of the first sub-device can correspond to the setting in function or not at least a portion of the light-emitting elements so as to modify the first light beam, and to adapt it to external conditions such as weather conditions, or crossing or tracking conditions for example.

Thus, and advantageously, said at least one operating parameter is at least one parameter taken from: precipitation detection, detection of the brightness of the road environment, vehicle detection followed, cross vehicle detection, speed of the vehicle, vehicle, direction of vehicle advance, bending and / or declivity of the road, detection of signs, detection of persons or animals on the side of the road, attitude of the vehicle. This operating parameter is a parameter related to the traffic conditions and the road scene.

According to a preferred embodiment, said at least one operating parameter is at least partly received by the control electronics via at least one sensor understood by the vehicle and configured to measure the at least one parameter of operation. Preferably, the vehicle may comprise numerous sensors for the detection of precipitation for example, but also the measurement of the external brightness, the detection of the presence of a vehicle crossing or tracking, the speed of the vehicle, the direction and the orientation of the wheels. All this data is collected and analyzed at the level of the control electronics to allow a modification of the light beams in accordance with the needs in terms of safety but also driving comfort.

Preferably, the present invention comprises at least two modes of operation: a crossover mode and a route mode. These two modes summarize the different situations that the vehicle may encounter on the road.

Indeed, the crossing mode corresponds to vehicle tracking and vehicle crossing situations. As for the road mode, it corresponds to driving without interaction with other vehicles. This mode therefore corresponds to optimum illumination of the road to facilitate driving.

Advantageously, the crossover mode has a configuration of the second sub-device in which only part of the matrix of micro-mirrors is active in reflection. This configuration makes it possible to adapt the light sub-beam to the presence of a vehicle, whether in tracking said vehicle or during a crossing.

Similarly, it is possible to configure the second matrix of micromirrors so that the crossover mode has a configuration of the second sub-device in which only a portion of the second matrix of micro-mirrors is active in reflection. In a manner identical to that just described, it allows to illuminate only part of the illuminated area when the set of micro-mirrors is in the active position in reflection.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the second light beam in crossover mode has a cutoff in order to achieve at least one anti-glare function. This function can for example be used when crossing with another vehicle. In this situation, a part of the matrix of micro-mirrors is in the passive position in reflection so as to produce a light sub-beam having a cutoff.

Very advantageously and possible by the pixellization of the light sub-beam, it is then possible to form a highly resolved light beam having a cut in order to continue to illuminate an area but not dazzling a vehicle during a crossing. This function is for example applied by the control electronics when at least one sensor dedicated to this function detects a vehicle in a crossing situation.

Similarly, in a vehicle tracking situation, it is possible, for example, to illuminate the perimeter of the vehicle followed without illuminating it itself with the second light beam so as not to dazzle it but to maintain a highly luminous beam. resolved around said vehicle followed.

According to one embodiment, the route mode presents a configuration of the second sub-device in which the whole of the micro-mirror array is active in reflection. In this situation, the second light beam can be used to increase the visibility provided by the first light beam. Thus the set of micro-mirrors reflects the incident light beam so as to form a highly resolved light sub-beam.

Advantageously, the crossover mode has a configuration of the first band lighting sub-device configured to not emit the first light beam. This makes it possible not to dazzle a vehicle in a crossing situation, when detecting a crossing, the control electronics deactivates the emission of the first light beam.

Thus, according to one embodiment, the configuration of the first cross-band lighting sub-device has at least one anti-glare function.

Advantageously, the configuration of the second sub-device in crossover mode has at least one function among the Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) and a set of adaptive lighting functions (AFS function), as shown in FIG. concentrated lighting around the optical axis for high traffic speeds (MotorWay function), cornering lighting (BL function), or rain lighting (AWL function).

These functions are enabled by the large number of degrees of freedom made accessible by the present invention.

Preferably, a third light beam is emitted by a third sub-device, this third light beam is configured for downward illumination relative to the horizon so as to illuminate the road for example. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with the aid of the exemplary description and the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 represents a schematic view of three types of lighting zones that a vehicle can comprise; - Figure 2 schematically illustrates a view of the illuminated areas according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a pixelated and digital imaging system of micro-mirror array type according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 illustrates a light zone projected by two pixelated and digital imaging systems, of the micro-mirror matrix type, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 illustrates a light zone projected by a strip lighting device according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 6 illustrates three light zones, two of which in partial superposition projected by a strip lighting device and two micro-mirror pixelated and digital imaging systems, according to one embodiment of the invention.

In the following description, like reference numerals will be used to describe similar concepts through different embodiments of the invention.

Unless specifically indicated otherwise, technical characteristics described in detail for a given embodiment may be combined with the technical characteristics described in the context of other embodiments described by way of example and not limitation. In general, the present invention can use light sources of the type LEDs still commonly called LEDs. In particular, these LEDs may be provided with at least one chip capable of emitting a light intensity advantageously adjustable depending on the lighting function and / or signaling to achieve. There may be several sources as will be discussed in more detail below. Moreover, the term light source means here a set of at least one elementary source such as an LED capable of producing a flow leading to generating at the output of the device of the invention at least one output light beam filling the least a desired function. LED sources are particularly advantageous for strip lighting. Other types of sources are also conceivable in the invention, such as one or more laser sources, in particular for micro-mirror devices.

In the characteristics set out below, the terms relating to verticality, horizontality and transversality, or their equivalents, refer to the position in which the lighting system is intended to be mounted in a vehicle . The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are used in the present description to designate directions, in an orientation perpendicular to the horizon plane for the term "vertical", and in an orientation parallel to the horizon plane for the term "horizontal". They are to be considered in the operating conditions of the device in a vehicle. The use of these words does not mean that slight variations around the vertical and horizontal directions are excluded from the invention. For example, an inclination relative to these directions of the order of + or - 10 ° is here considered as a minor variation around the two preferred directions.

The term "bottom" or lower part generally means a part of an element of the invention located, in a vertical plane, below the optical axis. The term "top" or "top" refers to a portion of an element of the invention located, in a vertical plane, above the optical axis. The term "parallel" or the concept of axes or lines coincides here in particular with manufacturing or mounting tolerances, substantially parallel directions or substantially coincident axes entering this context.

The term "pixelated and digital imaging system", "pixilated ray imaging system" or their equivalents are defined as a system emitting a light beam, said light beam being formed of a plurality of sub-light beams, each light sub-beam can be controlled independently of other sub-light beams. These systems may be, for example, micro-mirror matrices, in particular controllable in rotation, or liquid crystal devices. Each independently controllable sub-beam forms a pixelated ray. Another pixelized ray forming technology is provided with a laser source whose radius is reflected by a scanning device on a surface disposed at the focus of a projection optics and composed of a plurality of phosphor material elements, usually referred to as phosphorus. These phosphor elements re-emit white light that is projected by a lens to form a lighting beam on the road ahead of the vehicle. The segments of phosphor material are arranged between the laser source and the projection lens at the focus of this lens.

The term "recovery rate" or its equivalents is defined as the amount of illuminated surface common to two light beams. This rate is equal to 100% in the case where the smallest area illuminated by one of the light beams is totally encompassed in the surface illuminated by the other light beam.

In the context of the invention, passing beam is a beam used in the presence of crossed vehicles and / or tracked and / or other elements (individuals, obstacles ...) on the road or nearby. This beam has a mean downward direction. It may be optionally characterized by a lack of light above a 1% downward incline on the traffic side in the other direction, and another inclined plane of 15 degrees with respect to the previous one. side of the traffic in the same direction, these two plans defining a break in accordance with European regulations. This upper descending cut is intended to avoid dazzling other users present in the road scene extending in front of the vehicle or on the sides of the road.

The passing beam, here called second light beam, formerly from a single projector, has evolved, the crossing function can be coupled with other lighting characteristics. Thus, new functions have recently been developed, referred to as functions developed and grouped under the name of AFS (abbreviation for "Advanced Frontlighting System"), which notably propose other types of beams. These include the function called BL (Bending Light in English for cornering lighting), which can be broken down into a function called DBL (Dynamic Bending Light in English for mobile lighting of turn) and a function called FBL (Fixed Bending Light in English for fixed corner lighting). These cornering lighting functions are used in case of curved traffic, and they are realized by means of projectors which emit a light beam whose horizontal orientation varies when the vehicle moves on a curved trajectory, so as to illuminate properly the portions of the road intended to be approached by the vehicle and which are not in the center of the vehicle, but in the direction which it is about to follow, resulting from the angle printed on the steered wheels of the vehicle by its driver. Another function is Town Light in English, for city lighting. This function widens a dipped beam while reducing its range slightly. The so-called "Motorway Light" function in English for motorway lighting carries out the motorway function. This function ensures an increase in the range of a dipped beam by concentrating the light flux of the dipped beam at the optical axis of the projector device considered. We also know the function called "Overhead Light" in English for gantry fire. This function provides for a modification of a typical dipped-beam beam such that signaling gantries located above the road are satisfactorily illuminated by means of the dipped beam. Another variation of the low beam is the so-called AWL function (Adverse Weather Light in English) for bad weather. This function provides a modification of a passing beam so that the driver of a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction is not dazzled by the reflection of the light from the headlights on the wet road. In addition, when the crossing light is in operation, the attitude of the vehicle may vary more or less important, due for example to its state of charge, acceleration or deceleration, which cause a variation of the inclination the upper cut of the beam, resulting in either dazzle the other drivers if the cut is found, or insufficiently illuminate the road if the cut is lowered. It is then known to use a range corrector, manual or automatic control, to correct the orientation of the crossing headlamps. Advantageously, the attitude correction will be performed by the second sub-device comprising a matrix of micro-mirrors.

The basic road beam is preferably emitted by a strip lighting device. This light beam has the function of illuminating a large extent the scene facing the vehicle but also a substantial distance, typically about 200 meters. This light beam, by virtue of its lighting function, is located mainly above the horizon line. It may have a slightly ascending optical axis of illumination for example. This type of light beam is preferably emitted by a strip lighting device advantageously composed of at least one array of light emitting elements such as LEDs for example. The light bands thus generated by the matrix can be switched off or on independently of one another. Strip lighting offers the possibility of superimposing two contiguous strips, for example. The sub-light beams each comprising at least one vertical strip are preferably parallel to each other, but may however have a covering area with each other. However this type of lighting, although powerful and long-range, does not have a high resolution and a good precision by its very design. One of the objectives of the present invention is to overcome part of this defect.

The device can also be used to form other lighting functions via or outside the devices described in detail below.

We will now present the present invention according to a particular embodiment illustrated by way of non-limiting example by the following figures.

FIG. 1 schematically represents a view of three types of illumination zones generated from the vehicle 400. The first zone illustrated by the first light beam 110 corresponds to a zone extending for the most part above the line horizon 10. The second light beam 210 corresponds to a lighted area lying partly below the horizon line 10. Finally, the third light beam 310 corresponds to a lighted zone lying mostly under the horizon and having for function the illumination of the road.

Figure 2 shows the illuminated areas previously discussed in more detail. The area illuminated by the first light beam 110, corresponding to the upper beam described above, is generated by strip lighting. This strip lighting is preferably movable laterally so as to be able to move along the horizon line 10. This control is advantageously adapted to the movement of the vehicle for example to ensure the various functions described above, and in particular the DBL function. This case is not limiting. As indicated above, the first light beam 110 is composed of vertical sub-beams of light juxtaposed with a possible overlap and forming bands of illumination.

The second light beam 210 advantageously comprises two light sub-beams 211 and 212. These two sub-light beams are preferably emitted by one or more pixelated and digital imaging systems. Such a system is for example a matrix of micro-mirrors. Each micro-mirror preferably has two operating positions. A so-called active position corresponds to an orientation of the micromirrors allowing reflection towards an output diopter of an incident light beam. A so-called passive position corresponds to an orientation of the micromirrors allowing reflection towards an absorbing surface of an incident light beam, that is to say towards a direction different from that of the exit diopter.

Advantageously, the two sub-light beams 211, 212 may have an overlap of each other to increase the brightness of a specific area. This situation is represented in FIG. 2. In fact, on the one hand, the two sub-light beams 211 and 212 partially cover the first light beam 110, but they also exhibit a partial overlap of one another. This overlapping or overlapping configuration of the illuminated zones generates zones of variable and progressive intensities, which then makes it possible to generate an illumination of the scene comprising a symmetrical brightness gradient from left to right. In the case illustrated, a first zone corresponds to the illumination of the first light beam 110 alone, then a second zone has a more intense illumination corresponding to the superposition of the first light beam 110 and a first light sub-beam 211, and a third zone forms a zone of maximum intensity comprising the superposition of the first light beam 110 and the two sub-light beams 110, 211 and 212. This zone of maximum intensity can cover a space around the optical axis of the device. Then, still from left to right, another zone of intensity identical to the second zone is achieved by overlapping the light beam 110 and the second light sub-beam 212. This gradient ends with an illumination zone identical to the first one. zone, illuminated only by the first beam 110. This illumination gradient increases the visual comfort of the motorist, but also the safety of driving, because it is then possible to increase the attention of the motorist on a particular point of the scene facing the vehicle. This situation is made possible by the use of two micro-mirror matrices which make it possible to produce this gradient. This is a non-limiting example of the many degrees of freedom understood by the present invention.

The control of the matrices of micro-mirrors is performed by a control electronics. This control includes both the orientation of the micro-mirror orientations of each matrix of micro-mirrors, but also the recovery rate of sub-light beams. The piloting of the micro-mirrors thus makes it possible to modify the pixelation of the sub-light beams. It is then possible to form a light sub-beam having a cut for example. It may be an elbow at the level of the horizon line 10, during a crossing function.

Finally, the last light beam 310 provides illumination of the road, and more precisely of the roadway. It is preferably descending and / or illuminating below the horizon line 10. In FIG. 2, it is this last light beam which presents the cutoff at the horizon line 10, close to the point of intersection 30. between the horizon line and the vertical axis 20. This intersection point 30 preferably corresponds, but not limited to, the optical axis of the lighting device. According to another embodiment, this point of intersection corresponds to the optical axis of the motorist. The last light beam 310 is preferably emitted by one or more projectors whose light source (s) are advantageously LEDs.

FIG. 3 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a digital micromirror device (DMD) pixelized and digital imaging system 200, that is to say a device with micro-mirrors, also called a matrix. with micro-mirrors 203.

This system comprises a light source 201, which can be for example LEDs or laser diodes, or any kind of light sources. This light source 201 emits a light beam advantageously in the direction of a reflector 202. This reflector 202 is preferably configured to concentrate the incident light flux on a surface comprising the matrix of micro-mirrors 203.

Advantageously, the reflector 202 is configured so that all the micro-mirrors are illuminated by the light beam reflected by the reflector 202. The reflector 202 may have, in at least one section plane, a pseudo elliptical or pseudo profile. parabolic.

Once reflected by at least a portion of the micro-mirrors, the light beam passes through a dioptre 204. Advantageously, the dioptre 204 may be a converging lens for example.

As indicated, after reflection of the light beam on the reflector 202, it focuses on the matrix of micro-mirrors 203. Preferably, the micro-mirrors each have two operating positions, a so-called active position in which they reflect the incident light beam in the direction of the diopter 204, and a so-called passive position in which they reflect the incident light beam in the direction of a light radiation absorber element not shown in Figure 3.

This type of device makes it possible to have at the output of the diopter 204 a highly resolved pixelized and digitized light beam: each pixellated pixel or ray composing this beam corresponds to a micro-mirror and it is possible to activate or not these micro-pixels. by simply piloting the micro-mirrors. This feature then makes it possible to draw the shape of the light beam at the output of diopter 204 as required according to the invention.

For example, it is possible to activate only a portion of the micromirrors 203 to form a cutoff at the light beam at the output of the diopter 204. This cutoff makes it possible, among other things, to perform the functions presented above.

FIG. 4 illustrates a zone illuminated by the light sub-beam 211 emitted by the second sub-device, that is to say preferentially via a matrix of micro-mirrors 20. Advantageously, the sub-beam light 211 has an angular width of at least 10 ° and preferably at least 20 °, and an angular height of at least 5 ° and preferably at least 9 °] .This light sub-beam 211 is formed by a plurality of light beams all reflected by the micro-mirrors in the active position of the micro-mirror array 203. As previously indicated, one or more other sub-beams 212 may be formed. The illustrated examples represent cases where the sub-beams 211, 212 have the same shape and identical dimensions but this case is not limiting.

FIG. 5 illustrates a zone illuminated by the first light beam 110 emitted by the first strip lighting sub-device. Advantageously, the light beam 110 has an angular width of at least 30 ° and preferably at least 40 °, and an angular height of at least 5 ° and preferably at least 9 °. This type of striped beam can be generated by a matrix of light emitting elements such as LEDs for example.

FIG. 6 illustrates a situation involving the combined projection of the first light beam 110 and the two light sub-beams 211 and 212. In this figure, the last light beam 310 is not shown. It can be seen that the sub-light beams 211 and 212 have an overlap between them but also in part with the light beam 110. The sub-beam 212 is laterally offset on the right with respect to the light beam 211 so that the all of the light beam 212 is not totally superimposed with the first light beam 110. Similarly, the first light beam 110 is shifted laterally to the left. This figure therefore differs from FIG. 2 in order to illustrate the possibility of having lateral offsets between the different light beams. We find the generation of a gradient of intensity allowing the highlighting of a specific area of the scene facing the vehicle, but also the improvement of visual comfort. It should be noted that for an increase in the illumination of a specific area, the skilled person would naturally move towards the use of a matrix of micro-mirrors having a higher power light source. However, although this solution allows a gain in illumination, it does not allow the realization of a gradient for example. The combination of a strip lighting and a pixelated and digitized lighting, and even more the use of two matrices of micro-mirrors to achieve this pixelated and digitized lighting, gives the present invention greater possibilities than a simple increase illumination.

Advantageously but not limitatively, the illumination gradient is centered along the optical axis of the motorist, that is to say facing him. However, according to some embodiments, the gradient may be centered along the optical axis of a matrix of micro-mirrors.

The present invention, as illustrated in this figure, offers many degrees of freedom as to the possible combinations of light beams. Indeed, the possibility of having a strip lighting light beam coupled to a pixelated and digital matrix-like imaging system of micro-mirrors allows to have a highly resolved lighting and to make intelligent the lighting a vehicle so that it adapts to the needs of the user but also to the road and the situations that it is possible to meet.

According to one embodiment, in road mode, all beams and sub-light beams 110, 211, 212 and 310 are emitted and illuminate the scene facing the vehicle. In this configuration the lighting is maximum and ensures optimal visibility. Moreover, in this situation, the use of two matrices with micro-mirrors makes it possible to have an adaptive lighting performing the scene. Indeed, it is then possible to generate illumination gradients for visual comfort, but also highlighting items of interest facing the vehicle such as obstacles or signs. The pixelation of the sub-light beams 211 and 212 also makes it possible to define shapes as needed to accentuate certain elements of the scene.

According to one embodiment, the subject of the invention is a vehicle equipped with two devices according to the invention, one per headlamp, respectively mounted on the right side and on the left side at the front of the vehicle.

In this embodiment, the second beam extends at least 4 °, preferably 6 ° inside the vehicle, that is to say the side opposite side of the vehicle of which the device is mounted, while the first beam extends at least 6 °, preferably 12 ° inside vehicle. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any embodiment within its spirit.

Claims (19)

A lighting device for a motor vehicle comprising at least a first strip lighting sub-device configured to generate a first light beam (110), and a second sub-device (200) configured to generate a second light beam ( 210), characterized in that said second sub-device comprises a matrix of micro-mirrors (203) configured to form a light sub-beam (211) in the form of pixilated rays and forming at least in part said second light beam (210). ). 2. Device according to the preceding claim wherein the second sub-device (200) comprises at least a second matrix of micro-mirrors configured to form a second light sub-beam (212) in the form of pixilated rays and forming at least in part said second light beam (210). 3. Device according to the preceding claim wherein the second light sub-beam (212) partially covers the light sub-beam (211). 4. Device according to any one of the two preceding claims wherein the light sub-beam (211) and the second light sub-beam (212) have a recovery rate of between 5 and 100%. 5. Device according to claim 2 wherein the second light sub-beam (212) completely covers the light sub-beam (211). Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first sub-device and the second sub-device (200) each comprise an output diopter. 7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the first sub-device and the second sub-device (200) have a common output diopter. 8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the matrix of micro-mirrors (203) is controlled by a control electronics so as to modify the light sub-beam (211) according to at least one operating parameter. 9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first strip lighting sub-device is controlled by a control electronics so as to modify the first light beam (110) according to at least one operating parameter. 10. Device according to one of the two preceding claims wherein the at least one operating parameter is at least one parameter taken from: precipitation detection, detection of the brightness of the road environment, tracking vehicle detection, detection cross vehicle, vehicle speed, vehicle direction of travel, panel detection, detection of people or animals on the roadside, vehicle attitude, curvature and / or slope of the road. 11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second light beam (210) has a coverage rate of the first light beam (110) between 25% and 80%, preferably between 25 and 40%. 12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first light beam (110) and the second light beam (210) has a lateral angular offset between 0 ° and 10 °, preferably between 4 ° and 10 ° and [ ] and preferably between 6 ° and 10 °. 13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least two modes of operation consisting of a crossover mode and a road mode. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the crossover mode has a configuration of the second sub-device (200) in which only a portion of the micro-mirror array (203) is active in reflection. 15. Device according to any one of claims 13 or 14 wherein the second light beam (210) crossover mode has a cut. Apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the crossover mode has a configuration of the first band lighting sub-device configured to not emit the first light beam (110). The apparatus of any of claims 13 to 16 wherein the route mode has a configuration of the first band lighting sub-device configured to emit the first light beam (110). 18. Device according to any one of claims 13 to 17 wherein the road mode has a configuration of the second sub-device (200) in which the entire array of micro-mirrors (203) is active in reflection. 19. Vehicle (400) equipped with at least one lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.