US20230280522A1 - Lighting system laminated into glasses using microleds and lens - Google Patents
Lighting system laminated into glasses using microleds and lens Download PDFInfo
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- US20230280522A1 US20230280522A1 US17/683,821 US202217683821A US2023280522A1 US 20230280522 A1 US20230280522 A1 US 20230280522A1 US 202217683821 A US202217683821 A US 202217683821A US 2023280522 A1 US2023280522 A1 US 2023280522A1
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- interface
- pane
- light
- window
- lens array
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- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 66
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 claims description 2
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- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001902 propagating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 2
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- 230000000644 propagated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
- F21V5/04—Refractors for light sources of lens shape
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
- G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
- G02B6/005—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided by one optical element, or plurality thereof, placed on the light output side of the light guide
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
- F21S43/26—Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S43/235 - F21S43/255
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
- B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
- B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
- B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
- B32B17/10165—Functional features of the laminated safety glass or glazing
- B32B17/10541—Functional features of the laminated safety glass or glazing comprising a light source or a light guide
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
- F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
- F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
- F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
- F21S43/15—Strips of light sources
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
- F21S43/235—Light guides
- F21S43/236—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide
- F21S43/239—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide plate-shaped
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V19/00—Fastening of light sources or lamp holders
- F21V19/001—Fastening of light sources or lamp holders the light sources being semiconductors devices, e.g. LEDs
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
- F21V5/002—Refractors for light sources using microoptical elements for redirecting or diffusing light
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2551/00—Optical elements
- B32B2551/08—Mirrors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2605/00—Vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2605/00—Vehicles
- B32B2605/08—Cars
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/2661—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions
- B60Q1/268—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions on windscreens or windows
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/30—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating rear of vehicle, e.g. by means of reflecting surfaces
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
- F21W2107/00—Use or application of lighting devices on or in particular types of vehicles
- F21W2107/10—Use or application of lighting devices on or in particular types of vehicles for land vehicles
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
Definitions
- the subject disclosure relates to lighting systems in vehicles and, in particular, to lighting systems embedded within a window of the vehicle.
- a vehicle can include an embedded lighting system that includes a light source that is embedded within a window or pane of the vehicle.
- the light source transmits a beam of light from a location within the pane to pass through a glass layer and out into the outside environment. The light therefore passes through a first interface to enter the pane and a second interface to exit the pane.
- a light ray that is incident at the first interface at a large angle of incident can be incident at the second interface at angle that is greater than a critical angle.
- Such light will experience total internal reflection at the second interface. This internally reflected light is lost to an observer in the outside environment and thereby reduces the brightness of the light source as viewed by the observer. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a lighting system which can redirect the light to reduce total internal reflection.
- the lens array is in contact with one of the first interface and the second interface.
- the lens array is formed into a surface of one of the first interface and the second interface.
- a surface of a lens in the lens array forms one of a concave surface, a prismatic surface, and a triangular surface.
- the layer is part of a window of a vehicle and the light source is embedded with the window.
- the lighting system further includes a diffuser plate between the light source and the optical medium.
- the light source generates a light beam having a first light distribution profile, the light beam having a second light distribution profile after passing through lens and the layer of the optical medium, wherein the second light distribution profile has a reduced an angular range in comparison to the first light distribution profile.
- a window of a vehicle in another exemplary embodiment, includes a layer of an optical medium, the layer having a first interface and a second interface, a light source that emits a light ray that is incident at the first interface and travels through the optical medium to exit the optical medium at the second interface, and a lens array configured to reduce an occurrence of total internal reflection of the light ray at the second interface.
- the lens array is in contact with one of the first interface and the second interface.
- the light source is embedded in the window.
- the lens array is formed into a surface of one of the first interface and the second interface.
- a surface of a lens in the lens array forms one of a concave surface, a prismatic surface, and a triangular surface.
- the light source is embedded with the window.
- the light source generates a light beam having a first light distribution profile, the light beam having a second light distribution profile after passing through the lens and the layer of the optical medium, wherein the second light distribution profile has a reduced an angular range in comparison to the first light distribution profile.
- the lens array is in contact with one of the first interface and the second interface.
- the lens array is formed into a surface of one of the first interface and the second interface.
- the lens array is located between micro-LEDs of the array of micro-LEDs.
- a surface of a lens of the lens array is one of a concave surface, a prismatic surface, and a triangular surface.
- the light source generates a light beam having a first light distribution profile, the light beam has a second light distribution profile after passing through the lens array and the layer of the optical medium, wherein the second light distribution profile has a reduced an angular range in comparison to the first light distribution profile.
- FIG. 1 shows a vehicle in an illustrative embodiment
- FIG. 2 shows a diagram illustrating the behavior of light passing through an optical medium
- FIG. 3 shows a deflection of light that occurs using a lens surface at an interface of the optical medium
- FIG. 4 shows a meta lens that can be used for focusing a light beam
- FIG. 5 shows a side sectional view of a window of the vehicle of FIG. 1 , in an embodiment
- FIG. 6 shows a light distribution chart illustrating various light distribution profiles for the lighting system
- FIG. 7 shows a side sectional view of the window of the vehicle, in another embodiment
- FIG. 8 shows a side sectional view of the window of the vehicle, in another embodiment
- FIG. 9 shows a side sectional view of the window of the vehicle in another embodiment.
- FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 100 .
- the vehicle 100 includes a window 102 having a lighting system 104 embedded therein.
- the window 102 can be any window of the vehicle 100 , including a windshield, a side window, rear window, etc.
- the window 102 can be a glass surface of an object, such as a mirror, etc.
- the window 102 as discussed herein is a rear windshield that separates an outer region 106 of the vehicle 100 from an interior region 108 .
- a lighting system 104 is embedded within the windshield.
- the lighting system 104 is coupled to a processor 110 , which controls operation of the lighting system, for example, to illuminate a region or to display data.
- a coordinate system 112 is shown corresponding to a location of the lighting system 104 within the window 102 .
- the z-axis of the coordinate system 112 is directed perpendicularly out of the window 102 and into the outer region 106 .
- the x-axis and y-axis lie within, or substantially within, the plane of the window 102 .
- the lighting system 104 includes deflecting optics, as discussed herein, for the redirecting of light.
- First arrow 120 shows a direction in which light from the lighting system 104 naturally propagates in the absence of any deflection.
- Second arrow 122 shows a direction in which light propagates upon being deflected via the optics of the lighting system 104 .
- FIG. 2 shows a diagram 200 illustrating the behavior of light passing through an optical medium 202 .
- the diagram 200 shows a light source 204 located on one side of the optical medium 202 and an observer 206 located on a side of the optical medium 202 opposite the light source 204 .
- the optical medium 202 is glass and the light source 204 and the observer 206 are located in air.
- the light source 204 emits light at a plurality of angles.
- An initial light ray 208 is shown propagating from the light source 204 at an angle to a first interface 210 of the optical medium 202 .
- the refraction of light passing from one medium to another is governed by Snell's Law, shown in Eq. (1):
- n i is the index of refraction of the medium from which the light ray is incident at the interface
- n r is the index of refraction of the medium into which the light ray passes.
- the angles ⁇ i and ⁇ r are measured with respect to a normal line passing through the interface at a point at which the light ray is incident.
- the first optical medium ray 212 is incident at the second interface 216 at a large angle ⁇ i1 .
- this angle of incidence is greater than an angle known as the critical angle (i.e., when ( ⁇ i1 > ⁇ C )
- a phenomenon known as total internal reflection occurs in which the first optical medium ray 212 is reflected back into the optical medium, as shown by internally reflected ray 218 .
- a lens surface 220 is placed at the first interface 210 .
- the initial light ray 208 is incident at the lens surface 220 and is refracted to form a lens-refracted ray 222 .
- the lens-refracted ray 222 is incident at the first interface 210 at an angle of incidence ⁇ L that is smaller than for the angle of incidence ⁇ o of the initial light ray 208 .
- the lens-refracted ray 222 produces a second optical medium ray 224 in the optical medium 202 .
- the angle of refraction ⁇ RL for the second optical medium ray 224 is less than the angle of refraction ⁇ OL for the first optical medium ray 212 .
- the second optical medium ray 224 is therefore incident at the second interface 216 at an angle 812 that is less than the critical angle ⁇ C , thereby allowing an exiting light ray 226 to pass out of the optical medium 202 and be viewed by the observer 206 .
- FIG. 3 is a diagram 300 that shows a deflection of light that occurs using a lens surface 220 at the first interface 210 of the optical medium 202 .
- An initial light ray 208 is shown propagated from the light source 204 in a direction that is perpendicular to the first interface 210 .
- the initial light ray 208 passes through the optical medium 202 without deflection and exits the optical medium along a same path, as shown by undeflected ray 302 .
- the lens deflects the light to form an optical medium ray 304 that passes through the optical medium to be incident on the second interface 216 at a non-zero angle.
- the exiting light ray 306 is an at angle to the initial propagation direction.
- the presence of the lens surface 220 changes a light beam from propagating along the first direction indicated by first arrow 120 to along a second direction as indicated by second arrow 122 .
- FIG. 4 shows a meta lens 400 that can be used for focusing a light beam.
- the meta lens 400 includes an optical medium 402 and nanoparticles 404 located inside the optical medium.
- Each of the nanoparticles 404 defines an axis of light transmission 406 .
- the nanoparticles 404 are spaced apart from each other along an x-axis which has its origin O at a center of the optical medium 402 .
- the nanoparticle 404 that is located at the origin O has its axis of light transmission 406 aligned with the z-axis.
- the angle between an axis of light transmission for a nanoparticle 404 and the z-axis increases as the distance between the nanoparticle 404 and the origin increases.
- this angle is linearly related to the distance of the nanoparticle 404 from the origin O.
- Light that is incident at a first interface 408 perpendicular to the first interface is therefore redirected by each nanoparticle 404 based on its distance from the origin O, resulting in a focusing of the light leaving the optical medium onto a selected focal point 410 .
- the meta lens 400 is shown as a two-dimensional object in FIG. 4 for illustrative purposes, the meta lens 400 is generally a three-dimensional object.
- the axis of light transmission of a nanoparticle 404 can be angled based on a radial distance of the nanoparticle 404 from the origin O and can lie within a plane perpendicular to the second interface 410 that includes the origin O and the nanoparticle 404 .
- the first pane 502 includes a first glass layer 510 , a backplane film 512 and a back bonding layer 514 that bonds the backplane film to the first glass layer.
- the back bonding layer 514 and the backplane film 512 are transparent or semi-transparent in the optical region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
- One or more LEDs or micro-LEDs 516 are disposed within the hollow chamber 508 and are attached to the backplane film 512 .
- the micro-LEDs 516 can be arranged to form a two-dimensional array within the x-y plane.
- the backplane film 512 includes conductive wires through which electrical signals can be passed from the processor 110 to the micro-LEDs 516 to control their illumination, such as by turning them on and off.
- the backplane film 512 can be a transparent substrate or a black printed substrate, in various embodiments.
- the first glass layer 510 can be made of a polycarbonate material, in various embodiments.
- the second pane 504 includes a second glass layer 518 , a micro-lens film 520 , and a top bonding layer 522 that bonds the micro-lens film to the second glass layer 518 , thereby suspending the micro-lens film 520 above the micro-LEDs 516 by a separation distance d.
- the second glass layer 518 includes a first interface 210 facing the hollow chamber 508 and a second interface 216 facing the outside environment.
- the micro-lens film 520 is placed against the first interface 210 of the second glass layer 518 .
- the micro-lens film 520 includes a plurality of refractive surfaces 524 that are used to reduce total internal reflection effects at the second interface 216 of the second glass layer 518 .
- a refractive surface 524 can be a lens or micro-lens.
- a micro-lens includes a concave surface exposed to the hollow chamber 508 .
- a micro-lens includes a triangular surface or a prismatic surface exposed to the hollow chamber.
- the micro-lens film 520 can be replaced by the meta lens 400 of FIG. 4 .
- the second glass layer 518 can be made of a polycarbonate material, in various embodiments.
- the micro-lens film 520 is disposed in the hollow chamber and is located between the array of micro-LEDs 516 and the second glass layer 518 . Since the micro-lens film 520 extends across the face of the array of micro-LEDs 516 , at least one micro-lens receives light at a high angle of incidence. Light 526 that is incident at a micro-lens at a high angle of incidence is refracted by the micro-lens to reduce the angle at which light is incident at the second glass layer 518 , thereby reducing the occurrence of total internal reflection, as discussed with respect to FIG. 2 . In various embodiments, the micro-lens that receives light at a high angle of incidence is off of a central axis of a micro-LED and can be located between two micro-LEDs, as viewed within the xy-plane.
- FIG. 6 shows a light distribution chart 600 illustrating various light distribution profiles for the lighting system.
- a first light distribution profile 602 shows a first angular light distribution for the array of micro-LEDs 516 before its light beam passes through the micro-lens film 520 and second glass layer 518 .
- the first angular light distribution has relatively equal brightness over an angular range of about seventy degrees from the normal direction (0°).
- the second light distribution profile 604 shows a second angular light distribution after the light beam has passed through the micro-lens film 320 and the second glass layer 318 .
- the light beam is more focused, having a high brightness over a range of about 35 degrees from the normal direction.
- the brightness in the normal direction is greater for the second light distribution profile 604 than for the first light distribution profile 602 .
- the second light distribution profile 604 is an illustrative distribution profile that is generated by the particular triangular-shaped surface of the micro-lens film 520 shown in FIG. 5 , A different light distribution profile will result from using of micro-lenses having differently shaped surfaces.
- a designer can select a particular shape or type of surface for the micro-lens film 520 in order to achieve a selected light distribution profile.
- FIG. 7 shows a side sectional view 700 of the window 102 of the vehicle 100 , in another embodiment.
- the window 102 includes the first pane 502 , the second pane 504 , and the intermediate optical bonding layer 506 forming a hollow chamber 508 between the first pane 502 and second pane 504 .
- the first pane 502 includes the backplane film 512 , a back bonding layer 514 , and the first glass layer 510 .
- the back bonding layer 514 bonds the backplane film 512 to the first glass layer 510 to form a light chamber 702 within which the one or more micro-LEDs 516 are disposed.
- the second pane 504 includes the second glass layer 518 , a micro-lens film 520 , and top bonding layer 522 that bonds the micro-lens film to the second glass layer 518 .
- the micro-lens film 520 can include lenses having refractive surfaces 524 or can be the meta lens 400 of FIG. 4 , in various embodiments.
- the light from the micro-LEDs 516 pass through the first glass layer 510 in order to enter the hollow chamber 508 .
- the first glass layer 510 can act as a diffuser plate to diffuse light from the array of micro-LEDs 516 .
- the diffusion improves the homogeneity of light, but also increases the angle of incidence at the micro-lens film 520 .
- the micro-lens film 520 then deflects the light rays along a direction as indicated by their lens surfaces.
- FIG. 8 shows a side sectional view 800 of the window 102 of the vehicle 100 , in another embodiment.
- the window 102 includes the first pane 502 , the second pane 504 , and the intermediate optical bonding layer 506 forming a hollow chamber 508 between the first pane 502 and the second pane 504 .
- the micro-LEDs 516 are disposed in the hollow chamber 508 .
- FIG. 9 shows a side sectional view 900 of the window 102 of the vehicle 100 , in another embodiment.
- the second pane 504 includes only the second glass layer 518 .
- the second glass layer 518 has a first interface 210 facing the hollow chamber 508 and a second interface 216 facing the outside environment.
- the first interface 210 is a planar interface.
- the second interface 216 is a non-planar interface which is formed or etched into the shape of a plurality of lens surfaces 902 .
- the lens surfaces 902 can be triangular, concave, etc.
- FIG. 10 shows a side section view 1000 of the window 102 in another embodiment.
- the intermediate optical bonding layer 506 fills in the space between the first pane 502 and the second pane 504 so that there is no hollow chamber.
- the second glass layer 518 has a first interface 210 in contact with the intermediate optical bonding layer 506 and a second interface 216 facing the outside environment.
- the first interface 210 is a planar interface.
- the second interface 216 is a non-planar interface which is formed or etched into the shape of a plurality of lens surfaces 902 .
- the lens surfaces 902 can be triangular, concave, etc.
Abstract
A vehicle includes a window having a lighting system therein. The lighting system includes a layer of an optical medium, a light source and a lens array. The layer of the optical medium has a first interface and a second interface. The light source emits a light ray that is incident at the first interface and travels through the optical medium to exit the optical medium at the second interface. The lens array is configured to reduce an occurrence of total internal reflection of the light ray at the second interface.
Description
- The subject disclosure relates to lighting systems in vehicles and, in particular, to lighting systems embedded within a window of the vehicle.
- A vehicle can include an embedded lighting system that includes a light source that is embedded within a window or pane of the vehicle. The light source transmits a beam of light from a location within the pane to pass through a glass layer and out into the outside environment. The light therefore passes through a first interface to enter the pane and a second interface to exit the pane. A light ray that is incident at the first interface at a large angle of incident can be incident at the second interface at angle that is greater than a critical angle. Such light will experience total internal reflection at the second interface. This internally reflected light is lost to an observer in the outside environment and thereby reduces the brightness of the light source as viewed by the observer. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a lighting system which can redirect the light to reduce total internal reflection.
- In one exemplary embodiment, a lighting system is disclosed. The lighting system includes a layer of an optical medium, the layer having a first interface and a second interface, a light source that emits a light ray that is incident at the first interface and travels through the optical medium to exit the optical medium at the second interface, and a lens array configured to reduce an occurrence of total internal reflection of the light ray at the second interface.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the lens array is in contact with one of the first interface and the second interface. The lens array is formed into a surface of one of the first interface and the second interface. A surface of a lens in the lens array forms one of a concave surface, a prismatic surface, and a triangular surface. The layer is part of a window of a vehicle and the light source is embedded with the window. The lighting system further includes a diffuser plate between the light source and the optical medium. The light source generates a light beam having a first light distribution profile, the light beam having a second light distribution profile after passing through lens and the layer of the optical medium, wherein the second light distribution profile has a reduced an angular range in comparison to the first light distribution profile.
- In another exemplary embodiment, a window of a vehicle is disclosed. The window includes a layer of an optical medium, the layer having a first interface and a second interface, a light source that emits a light ray that is incident at the first interface and travels through the optical medium to exit the optical medium at the second interface, and a lens array configured to reduce an occurrence of total internal reflection of the light ray at the second interface.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the lens array is in contact with one of the first interface and the second interface. The light source is embedded in the window. The lens array is formed into a surface of one of the first interface and the second interface. A surface of a lens in the lens array forms one of a concave surface, a prismatic surface, and a triangular surface. The light source is embedded with the window. The light source generates a light beam having a first light distribution profile, the light beam having a second light distribution profile after passing through the lens and the layer of the optical medium, wherein the second light distribution profile has a reduced an angular range in comparison to the first light distribution profile.
- In yet another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a window having a layer of an optical medium, the layer having a first interface and a second interface, a light source that emits a light ray that is incident at the first interface and travels through the optical medium to exit the optical medium at the second interface, and a lens array configured to reduce an occurrence of total internal reflection of the light ray at the second interface.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, wherein the lens array is in contact with one of the first interface and the second interface. The lens array is formed into a surface of one of the first interface and the second interface. The lens array is located between micro-LEDs of the array of micro-LEDs. A surface of a lens of the lens array is one of a concave surface, a prismatic surface, and a triangular surface. The light source generates a light beam having a first light distribution profile, the light beam has a second light distribution profile after passing through the lens array and the layer of the optical medium, wherein the second light distribution profile has a reduced an angular range in comparison to the first light distribution profile.
- The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
- Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, the detailed description referring to the drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows a vehicle in an illustrative embodiment; -
FIG. 2 shows a diagram illustrating the behavior of light passing through an optical medium; -
FIG. 3 shows a deflection of light that occurs using a lens surface at an interface of the optical medium; -
FIG. 4 shows a meta lens that can be used for focusing a light beam; -
FIG. 5 shows a side sectional view of a window of the vehicle ofFIG. 1 , in an embodiment; -
FIG. 6 shows a light distribution chart illustrating various light distribution profiles for the lighting system; -
FIG. 7 shows a side sectional view of the window of the vehicle, in another embodiment; -
FIG. 8 shows a side sectional view of the window of the vehicle, in another embodiment; -
FIG. 9 shows a side sectional view of the window of the vehicle in another embodiment; and -
FIG. 10 shows a side section view of the window in another embodiment. - The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.
- In accordance with an exemplary embodiment,
FIG. 1 shows avehicle 100. Thevehicle 100 includes awindow 102 having alighting system 104 embedded therein. Thewindow 102 can be any window of thevehicle 100, including a windshield, a side window, rear window, etc. In addition, thewindow 102 can be a glass surface of an object, such as a mirror, etc. For illustrative purposes, thewindow 102 as discussed herein is a rear windshield that separates anouter region 106 of thevehicle 100 from aninterior region 108. As disclosed herein, alighting system 104 is embedded within the windshield. Thelighting system 104 is coupled to aprocessor 110, which controls operation of the lighting system, for example, to illuminate a region or to display data. For ease of illustration, acoordinate system 112 is shown corresponding to a location of thelighting system 104 within thewindow 102. The z-axis of thecoordinate system 112 is directed perpendicularly out of thewindow 102 and into theouter region 106. The x-axis and y-axis lie within, or substantially within, the plane of thewindow 102. Thelighting system 104 includes deflecting optics, as discussed herein, for the redirecting of light.First arrow 120 shows a direction in which light from thelighting system 104 naturally propagates in the absence of any deflection.Second arrow 122 shows a direction in which light propagates upon being deflected via the optics of thelighting system 104. -
FIG. 2 shows a diagram 200 illustrating the behavior of light passing through anoptical medium 202. The diagram 200 shows alight source 204 located on one side of theoptical medium 202 and anobserver 206 located on a side of theoptical medium 202 opposite thelight source 204. In various embodiments, theoptical medium 202 is glass and thelight source 204 and theobserver 206 are located in air. Thelight source 204 emits light at a plurality of angles. An initiallight ray 208 is shown propagating from thelight source 204 at an angle to afirst interface 210 of theoptical medium 202. The refraction of light passing from one medium to another is governed by Snell's Law, shown in Eq. (1): -
n i sin θi =n r sin θr Eq. (1) - where ni is the index of refraction of the medium from which the light ray is incident at the interface, and nr is the index of refraction of the medium into which the light ray passes. The angles θi and θr are measured with respect to a normal line passing through the interface at a point at which the light ray is incident.
- The initial
light ray 208 is incident at thefirst interface 210 at an angle of incidence θo. From Eq. (1), the initiallight ray 208 experiences refraction at thefirst interface 210 which results in a first opticalmedium ray 212. The refraction causes the first opticalmedium ray 212 to bend away from the normal (i.e., θRO>θo). Since thesecond interface 216 is parallel to thefirst interface 210, the angle of incidence θi1 for the first opticalmedium ray 212 at the second interface is the same as the angle of refraction θRO at the first interface (i.e., θi1=θRO). Therefore, the first opticalmedium ray 212 is incident at thesecond interface 216 at a large angle θi1. When this angle of incidence is greater than an angle known as the critical angle (i.e., when (θi1>θC), a phenomenon known as total internal reflection occurs in which the first opticalmedium ray 212 is reflected back into the optical medium, as shown by internally reflectedray 218. - In the present invention, a
lens surface 220 is placed at thefirst interface 210. The initiallight ray 208 is incident at thelens surface 220 and is refracted to form a lens-refractedray 222. As a result of the refraction at thelens surface 220, the lens-refractedray 222 is incident at thefirst interface 210 at an angle of incidence θL that is smaller than for the angle of incidence θo of the initiallight ray 208. The lens-refractedray 222 produces a second opticalmedium ray 224 in theoptical medium 202. The angle of refraction θRL for the second opticalmedium ray 224 is less than the angle of refraction θOL for the first opticalmedium ray 212. The second opticalmedium ray 224 is therefore incident at thesecond interface 216 at an angle 812 that is less than the critical angle θC, thereby allowing an exitinglight ray 226 to pass out of theoptical medium 202 and be viewed by theobserver 206. -
FIG. 3 is a diagram 300 that shows a deflection of light that occurs using alens surface 220 at thefirst interface 210 of theoptical medium 202. An initiallight ray 208 is shown propagated from thelight source 204 in a direction that is perpendicular to thefirst interface 210. Left undeflected (i.e., without passing through the lens surface 220), the initiallight ray 208 passes through theoptical medium 202 without deflection and exits the optical medium along a same path, as shown byundeflected ray 302. However, when the initiallight ray 208 passes through thelens surface 220, the lens deflects the light to form an opticalmedium ray 304 that passes through the optical medium to be incident on thesecond interface 216 at a non-zero angle. As a result, the exitinglight ray 306 is an at angle to the initial propagation direction. Referring to bothFIG. 3 andFIG. 1 , the presence of thelens surface 220 changes a light beam from propagating along the first direction indicated byfirst arrow 120 to along a second direction as indicated bysecond arrow 122. -
FIG. 4 shows ameta lens 400 that can be used for focusing a light beam. Themeta lens 400 includes anoptical medium 402 andnanoparticles 404 located inside the optical medium. Each of thenanoparticles 404 defines an axis oflight transmission 406. As shown inFIG. 4 , thenanoparticles 404 are spaced apart from each other along an x-axis which has its origin O at a center of theoptical medium 402. Thenanoparticle 404 that is located at the origin O has its axis oflight transmission 406 aligned with the z-axis. The angle between an axis of light transmission for ananoparticle 404 and the z-axis increases as the distance between thenanoparticle 404 and the origin increases. In various embodiments, this angle is linearly related to the distance of thenanoparticle 404 from the origin O. Light that is incident at afirst interface 408 perpendicular to the first interface is therefore redirected by eachnanoparticle 404 based on its distance from the origin O, resulting in a focusing of the light leaving the optical medium onto a selectedfocal point 410. Although themeta lens 400 is shown as a two-dimensional object inFIG. 4 for illustrative purposes, themeta lens 400 is generally a three-dimensional object. In such a three-dimensionalmeta lens 400, the axis of light transmission of ananoparticle 404 can be angled based on a radial distance of thenanoparticle 404 from the origin O and can lie within a plane perpendicular to thesecond interface 410 that includes the origin O and thenanoparticle 404. -
FIG. 5 shows a sidesectional view 500 of awindow 102 of thevehicle 100, in an embodiment. The coordinatesystem 112 is provided for ease of illustration. Thewindow 102 includes an inner pane (first pane 502) and an outer pane (second pane 504) separated from each other by an intermediateoptical bonding layer 506 that bonds the first pane to the second pane. Thefirst pane 502 and thesecond pane 504 are parallel to an xy-plane. A normal line to either thefirst pane 502 or thesecond pane 504 is therefore aligned with the z-axis. Along with thefirst pane 502 and thesecond pane 504, the intermediateoptical bonding layer 506 forms ahollow chamber 508 within which various optical elements are disposed. - The
first pane 502 includes afirst glass layer 510, abackplane film 512 and aback bonding layer 514 that bonds the backplane film to the first glass layer. Theback bonding layer 514 and thebackplane film 512 are transparent or semi-transparent in the optical region of the electromagnetic spectrum. One or more LEDs or micro-LEDs 516 are disposed within thehollow chamber 508 and are attached to thebackplane film 512. The micro-LEDs 516 can be arranged to form a two-dimensional array within the x-y plane. Thebackplane film 512 includes conductive wires through which electrical signals can be passed from theprocessor 110 to the micro-LEDs 516 to control their illumination, such as by turning them on and off. Thebackplane film 512 can be a transparent substrate or a black printed substrate, in various embodiments. Thefirst glass layer 510 can be made of a polycarbonate material, in various embodiments. - The
second pane 504 includes asecond glass layer 518, amicro-lens film 520, and atop bonding layer 522 that bonds the micro-lens film to thesecond glass layer 518, thereby suspending themicro-lens film 520 above the micro-LEDs 516 by a separation distance d. Thesecond glass layer 518 includes afirst interface 210 facing thehollow chamber 508 and asecond interface 216 facing the outside environment. Themicro-lens film 520 is placed against thefirst interface 210 of thesecond glass layer 518. Themicro-lens film 520 includes a plurality ofrefractive surfaces 524 that are used to reduce total internal reflection effects at thesecond interface 216 of thesecond glass layer 518. Arefractive surface 524 can be a lens or micro-lens. In one embodiment, a micro-lens includes a concave surface exposed to thehollow chamber 508. In other embodiments, a micro-lens includes a triangular surface or a prismatic surface exposed to the hollow chamber. In another embodiment, themicro-lens film 520 can be replaced by themeta lens 400 ofFIG. 4 . Thesecond glass layer 518 can be made of a polycarbonate material, in various embodiments. - The
micro-lens film 520 is disposed in the hollow chamber and is located between the array ofmicro-LEDs 516 and thesecond glass layer 518. Since themicro-lens film 520 extends across the face of the array of micro-LEDs 516, at least one micro-lens receives light at a high angle of incidence.Light 526 that is incident at a micro-lens at a high angle of incidence is refracted by the micro-lens to reduce the angle at which light is incident at thesecond glass layer 518, thereby reducing the occurrence of total internal reflection, as discussed with respect toFIG. 2 . In various embodiments, the micro-lens that receives light at a high angle of incidence is off of a central axis of a micro-LED and can be located between two micro-LEDs, as viewed within the xy-plane. -
FIG. 6 shows alight distribution chart 600 illustrating various light distribution profiles for the lighting system. A firstlight distribution profile 602 shows a first angular light distribution for the array ofmicro-LEDs 516 before its light beam passes through themicro-lens film 520 andsecond glass layer 518. The first angular light distribution has relatively equal brightness over an angular range of about seventy degrees from the normal direction (0°). The secondlight distribution profile 604 shows a second angular light distribution after the light beam has passed through the micro-lens film 320 and the second glass layer 318. The light beam is more focused, having a high brightness over a range of about 35 degrees from the normal direction. In addition, the brightness in the normal direction is greater for the secondlight distribution profile 604 than for the firstlight distribution profile 602. It is to be understood that the secondlight distribution profile 604 is an illustrative distribution profile that is generated by the particular triangular-shaped surface of themicro-lens film 520 shown inFIG. 5 , A different light distribution profile will result from using of micro-lenses having differently shaped surfaces. In addition, a designer can select a particular shape or type of surface for themicro-lens film 520 in order to achieve a selected light distribution profile. -
FIG. 7 shows a sidesectional view 700 of thewindow 102 of thevehicle 100, in another embodiment. Thewindow 102 includes thefirst pane 502, thesecond pane 504, and the intermediateoptical bonding layer 506 forming ahollow chamber 508 between thefirst pane 502 andsecond pane 504. Thefirst pane 502 includes thebackplane film 512, aback bonding layer 514, and thefirst glass layer 510. Theback bonding layer 514 bonds thebackplane film 512 to thefirst glass layer 510 to form alight chamber 702 within which the one or more micro-LEDs 516 are disposed. Thesecond pane 504 includes thesecond glass layer 518, amicro-lens film 520, andtop bonding layer 522 that bonds the micro-lens film to thesecond glass layer 518. Themicro-lens film 520 can include lenses havingrefractive surfaces 524 or can be themeta lens 400 ofFIG. 4 , in various embodiments. The light from the micro-LEDs 516 pass through thefirst glass layer 510 in order to enter thehollow chamber 508. Thefirst glass layer 510 can act as a diffuser plate to diffuse light from the array of micro-LEDs 516. The diffusion improves the homogeneity of light, but also increases the angle of incidence at themicro-lens film 520. Themicro-lens film 520 then deflects the light rays along a direction as indicated by their lens surfaces. -
FIG. 8 shows a sidesectional view 800 of thewindow 102 of thevehicle 100, in another embodiment. Thewindow 102 includes thefirst pane 502, thesecond pane 504, and the intermediateoptical bonding layer 506 forming ahollow chamber 508 between thefirst pane 502 and thesecond pane 504. The micro-LEDs 516 are disposed in thehollow chamber 508. - The
first pane 502 includes thefirst glass layer 510,backplane film 512 and backbonding layer 514 for bonding the backplane film to the first glass layer. Thesecond pane 504 includes thesecond glass layer 518,micro-lens film 520, andtop bonding layer 522 that bonds the micro-lens film to thesecond glass layer 518. Themicro-lens film 520 is located on the outer surface (i.e., the second interface 216) of thesecond glass layer 518. The presence of themicro-lens film 520 at thesecond interface 216 changes a critical angle of the second interface (with respect to a glass-air interface) and therefore reduces an occurrence of total internal reflection at the second interface. In addition, the uniformly parallel light is uniformly deflected at thesecond pane 504. Themicro-lens film 520 can include lenses havingrefractive surfaces 524 or can be themeta lens 400 ofFIG. 4 , in various embodiments. -
FIG. 9 shows a sidesectional view 900 of thewindow 102 of thevehicle 100, in another embodiment. Thesecond pane 504 includes only thesecond glass layer 518. Thesecond glass layer 518 has afirst interface 210 facing thehollow chamber 508 and asecond interface 216 facing the outside environment. Thefirst interface 210 is a planar interface. Thesecond interface 216 is a non-planar interface which is formed or etched into the shape of a plurality of lens surfaces 902. In various embodiments, the lens surfaces 902 can be triangular, concave, etc. -
FIG. 10 shows aside section view 1000 of thewindow 102 in another embodiment. In contrast toFIG. 9 , the intermediateoptical bonding layer 506 fills in the space between thefirst pane 502 and thesecond pane 504 so that there is no hollow chamber. Thus, thesecond glass layer 518 has afirst interface 210 in contact with the intermediateoptical bonding layer 506 and asecond interface 216 facing the outside environment. Thefirst interface 210 is a planar interface. Thesecond interface 216 is a non-planar interface which is formed or etched into the shape of a plurality of lens surfaces 902. In various embodiments, the lens surfaces 902 can be triangular, concave, etc. - Similar to
FIG. 10 ,FIG. 8 can be constructed so that the intermediateoptical bonding layer 506 fills in the space between thefirst pane 502 and thesecond pane 504 so that there is no hollow chamber. - While the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within the scope thereof.
Claims (23)
1. A lighting system for a vehicle, comprising:
a first pane of a window;
a second pane of the window;
an optical bonding layer that bonds the first pane to the second pane to form a hollow chamber between the first pane and the second pane;
a layer of an optical medium within the first pane, the layer having a first interface and a second interface;
a light source within the hollow chamber and attached to a back plane film of the first pane, wherein the light source emits a light ray directed toward the first interface; and
a lens array between the layer and the light source, the lens array bonded to the layer and having a plurality of refractive surfaces facing the light source, wherein the plurality of refractive surfaces redirects the light ray incident at the lens array to reduce an occurrence of total internal reflection of the light ray at the second interface.
2. (canceled)
3. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the lens array is formed into a surface of one of the first interface and the second interface.
4. The lighting system of claim 3 , wherein a surface of a lens in the lens array forms one of: (i) a concave surface; (ii) a prismatic surface; and (iii) a triangular surface.
5. (canceled)
6. The lighting system of claim 1 , further comprising a diffuser plate between the light source and the optical medium.
7. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the light source generates a light beam having a first light distribution profile and wherein the light beam has a second light distribution profile after passing through the lens array and the layer of the optical medium, wherein the second light distribution profile has a reduced an angular range in comparison to the first light distribution profile.
8. A window of a vehicle, comprising:
a first pane of the window;
a second pane of the window;
an optical bonding layer that bonds the first pane to the second pane to form a hollow chamber between the first pane and the second pane;
a layer of an optical medium within the second pane, the layer having a first interface and a second interface;
a light source within the hollow chamber and attached to a back plane film of the first pane, wherein the light source emits a light ray directed toward the first interface; and
a lens array between the layer and the light source, the lens array bonded to the layer and having a plurality of refractive surface exposed to the hollow chamber, wherein the plurality of refractive surfaces redirects the light ray incident at the lens array to reduce an occurrence of total internal reflection of the light ray at the second interface.
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. The window of claim 8 , wherein the lens array is formed into a surface of one of the first interface and the second interface.
12. The window of claim 11 , wherein a surface of a lens in the lens array forms one of: (i) a concave surface; (ii) a prismatic surface; and (iii) a triangular surface.
13. The window of claim 12 , wherein the light source is embedded with the window.
14. The window of claim 8 , wherein the light source generates a light beam having a first light distribution profile and wherein the light beam has a second light distribution profile after passing through the lens array and the layer of the optical medium, wherein the second light distribution profile has a reduced an angular range in comparison to the first light distribution profile.
15. A vehicle, comprising:
a window having:
a first pane;
a second pane;
an optical bonding layer that bonds the first pane to the second pane to form a hollow chamber between the first pane and the second pane;
a layer of an optical medium within the second pane, the layer having a first interface and a second interface;
a light source within the hollow chamber and attached to a back plane film of the first pane, wherein the light source emits a light ray directed toward the first interface; and
a lens array between the layer and the light source, the lens array bonded to the layer and having a plurality of refractive surface exposed to the hollow chamber, wherein the plurality of refractive surfaces redirects the light ray incident at the lens array to reduce an occurrence of total internal reflection of the light ray at the second interface.
16. (canceled)
17. The window of claim 15 , wherein the lens array is formed into a surface of one of the first interface and the second interface.
18. The window of claim 17 , wherein the lens array is located between micro-LEDs of the array of micro-LEDs.
19. The window of claim 17 , wherein a surface of a lens of the lens array is one of: (i) a concave surface; (ii) a prismatic surface; and (iii) a triangular surface.
20. The window of claim 15 , wherein the light source generates a light beam having a first light distribution profile and wherein the light beam has a second light distribution profile after passing through the lens array and the layer of the optical medium, wherein the second light distribution profile has a reduced an angular range in comparison to the first light distribution profile.
21. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the light ray in the optical medium is incident on the second interface at a non-zero angle.
22. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the back plane film is one of:
(i) transparent; and (ii) semi-transparent, in an optical region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
23. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the back plane film including conductive wire thorough which electrical signal can be passed to control the light source.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/683,821 US11747543B1 (en) | 2022-03-01 | 2022-03-01 | Lighting system laminated into glasses using microLEDs and lens |
DE102022126111.5A DE102022126111A1 (en) | 2022-03-01 | 2022-10-10 | Lighting system laminated in glasses using micro-LEDs and lens |
CN202211288755.7A CN116734194A (en) | 2022-03-01 | 2022-10-20 | Lighting system laminated into glass using micro-LEDs and lenses |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US17/683,821 US11747543B1 (en) | 2022-03-01 | 2022-03-01 | Lighting system laminated into glasses using microLEDs and lens |
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US11747543B1 US11747543B1 (en) | 2023-09-05 |
US20230280522A1 true US20230280522A1 (en) | 2023-09-07 |
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US17/683,821 Active US11747543B1 (en) | 2022-03-01 | 2022-03-01 | Lighting system laminated into glasses using microLEDs and lens |
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US (1) | US11747543B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN116734194A (en) |
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Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6550949B1 (en) * | 1996-06-13 | 2003-04-22 | Gentex Corporation | Systems and components for enhancing rear vision from a vehicle |
US20140003076A1 (en) * | 2012-06-29 | 2014-01-02 | Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Vehicular lamp and window unit |
US20200384740A1 (en) * | 2017-11-30 | 2020-12-10 | Saint-Gobain Glass France | External luminous signaling vehicle glazing, vehicle incorporating same and manufacture |
-
2022
- 2022-03-01 US US17/683,821 patent/US11747543B1/en active Active
- 2022-10-10 DE DE102022126111.5A patent/DE102022126111A1/en active Pending
- 2022-10-20 CN CN202211288755.7A patent/CN116734194A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6550949B1 (en) * | 1996-06-13 | 2003-04-22 | Gentex Corporation | Systems and components for enhancing rear vision from a vehicle |
US20140003076A1 (en) * | 2012-06-29 | 2014-01-02 | Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Vehicular lamp and window unit |
US20200384740A1 (en) * | 2017-11-30 | 2020-12-10 | Saint-Gobain Glass France | External luminous signaling vehicle glazing, vehicle incorporating same and manufacture |
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DE102022126111A1 (en) | 2023-09-07 |
US11747543B1 (en) | 2023-09-05 |
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