WO2010024668A1

WO2010024668A1 - Adaptive front lighting system

Info

Publication number: WO2010024668A1
Application number: PCT/NL2009/050494
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aleksey Nikolaevich Simonov; Michiel Christiaan Rombach
Original assignee: Akkolens International B.V.
Priority date: 2008-08-25
Filing date: 2009-08-14
Publication date: 2010-03-04

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical system for adapting a light beam, the optical system comprising at least two optical elements of which at least one is movable relative to the other in at least one direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system, wherein the light beam is simultaneously adapted by at least two optical distortions of which the degree of the distortions depends on the relative position of the optical elements. Such a system can adapt the quality, shape, direction of a light beam by amplification and variable simultaneous modification of at least two optical distortions of which the degree of the at least two distortions depends on the relative position of the optical elements. At least two, optical distortions must be applied to adapt the light beam to desired specifications, which specifications vary over the range of the beam direction.

Description

Adaptive Front Lighting System

Headlights are electrically operated and they are generally positioned in pairs, located on the front of the vehicle with one or two on each side. A headlamp system is required to produce a low beam (alternatively: dipped or dimmed beam) and a high beam

(alternatively: main, far, full or driving beam) by either one individual lamp for each of the functions or by a single multifunctional lamp. High beams cast their light straight ahead, for seeing in the distance. High beams can produce glare to oncoming road users and can be reflected from fog and rain due to the refraction of water droplets. Low beams have a strict control of upward light and direct most light downward and to the side of the road.

Headlights have a light source such as conventional filament lamp, halogen lamps, Quad lights, HID lamps (such as the Xenon arc lamps or Bi-Xenon lamps), or, introduced recently, Light Emitting Diodes, LEDs. Headlights generally also include a concave mirror reflector, lens optics (build in the lamp, separate or part of the cover glass of the headlight). The optics of the headlight cover glass can include Fresnel and prism optics that are molded into the glass cover and which can shift parts of the light laterally and vertically to provide the required light distribution pattern. The reflector optics can also provide proper light distribution pattern and are generally designed into the reflector itself by compression-molded or injection molded plastics. A condenser lens can be part of the light bulb itself.

Most luxury cars today have high intensity discharge (Xenon) lamps. The HID includes mercury vapor, metal halide, high-pressure sodium and xenon short-arc lamps. Most distinguishable about these lights is the color, which is distinctly blue-white. High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are increasingly becoming the technology of choice for vehicle manufacturers across the globe. AFLS are gaining increased importance in order to make maximum use of the excellent illumination HID provides and at the same time reduce the risk of glare caused by poorly directed HID beams. However, LEDs are now also being applied for headlamps and are expected to replace HID as lightsource of choice in the future. A new emerging headlight technology is AFLS or Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS). AFLS provides optimal illumination in various driving conditions by automatically modifying the beam pattern and shape of the headlights in response to various speed, weather conditions and road situations. The headlamps automatically move as the steering wheel is turned. This helps illuminate the road and curves at an early stage allowing the driver more time to adjust to new situations. AFLS takes into account both the steering angle and the vehicle speed to orient the headlamps to an angle that provides better night-time visibility. AFS provides a wider range of visibility during cornering, the illumination of the driver's gaze point.

Bad weather lights also ensures that the driver sees more in rain, snow or fog without, for example, being disturbed by light reflecting off the road surface. This is achieved by reducing the strength of the central illuminated area in favor of two cones of light, which have a middle-distance range and point towards the edges of the road by 5%. This can be achieved, for example, by multiple-usage and inter- linking of individual function groups, or by horizontally and vertically swiveling headlamp units, with moveable reflector elements and variable filters mounted in the path of the beam. In a fraction of a second, actuators adjust components accordingly to the prevailing situation. The actuators can receive their commands from the microcomputer of the vehicle. This assumes control of the AFL system dependently of sensor-recorded parameters such as speed, front-wheel lock angle, body tilt, load and ambient light, minimizing glare for oncoming traffic and illumination of curving roadways. AFLS compensates for changes in a vehicle's inclination relative to the road surface by making slight vertical adjustments to the headlamp's light beam. Such automatic headlamp leveling systems keep the light parallel to the road surface regardless of the vehicle's tilt. A vehicle may tilt as a result of, for example, additional passengers, load in the trunk or filling of the fuel tank. Also while driving, the vehicle tilt changes during braking or acceleration. In both cases, the headlamps must be maintained level with the roadway. Automatic headlamp leveling systems correlate their adjustment angles based on a variety of sensor data - in particular suspension compression data from the front and rear axles. AFLS adds dramatic improvements to headlights by tailoring the light distribution to specific driving situations. It is expected that AFLS will be included in every car in the future.

US2008112173, and TW258549B and CN1955044 describe an AFLS capable of down the road illumination and peripheral and foreground illumination with multiple stationary lighting modules and LED light sources capable of emitting light in response to the vehicle's turning radius.

EP 1870634 describes a headlamp with a reflector which provides three regions for generating different light beams in combination with a light source arranged in front of the reflector. A cylindrical mask allows to pass only predetermined bundles emitted by the light source in a direction of a predetermined zone of the reflector. The bundles generated by the regions of the reflector are selected for AFLS.

WO2007122544 uses a liquid crystal element to variably modify the light beam without mechanical movement.

JP2006147462 describes headlights with a secondary elliptical reflecting surface that shares a first focal point with a main elliptical reflecting surface and that swings in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle with respect to the first focal point serving as the center. US2006007697 concerns an automobile headlight with adaptive light distribution to create various headlight modes, particularly light distribution of a high-beam, low- beam, driving light, and/or parking light, with a light source with an optical projection system whereby the light source is a field of individually switched LED's, and an optical projection system, lens, placed in front of the LED field. DE202005010205U describes a headlight that has a light source and a segmented reflector. The individual reflector segments are arranged in such a manner that they deviate from the original reflector area.

US2004240217 comprises an adaptive front lighting system utilizing at least one LED as a light source and a means for moving the LED to achieve AFS functionality. GB2395548 describes an adaptive front lighting system for motor vehicles which comprises a side light unit and a headlight unit where the headlights are horizontally movable to alter the direction of the beam in dependence on the steering wheel position, and where the side lights are horizontally movable to alter the direction of the beam in dependence on the steering wheel position and the speed of the vehicle. JP2004098851 is an adaptive front-lighting system with an actuator and a gear mechanism that positions the light source. WO2008071760 relates to the optics of this invention, describing an intraocular lens with variable optical power, comprising at least two optical elements, at least one of which is movable relative to the other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, wherein the optical elements form a lens with different optical power at different relative positions of the optical elements and wherein at least two of the optical elements of the lens comprises at least one additional optical correction surface which correction surfaces are adapted for simultaneous variable correction of one or more optical aberrations of the eye in which the degree of correction depends on the relative position of the optical elements.

The prior art on AFLS referred to above do include variable shifting optics as described in this document. Only WO2007122544, which is, by reference, part of the present document, concerns continuous variable control of light beams. This is achieved by light modulation by liquid crystal which is another mean as described in this document. A special case is WO2008071760 which describes an imaging system (in contrast to the present invention which concerns a projection system), in the human eye as an accommodating intraocular lens (in contrast to the present invention which concerns headlights), for which moving optics are applied to minimize distortions (in contrast to the present invention which concerns amplification of distortions). The present invention in combination with the AFLS is novel.

Description of the invention

This invention describes light projection with simultaneous variable introduction of desirable distortions to project a light beam, or a combination of different light beams of the desired shape. For example, for the automotive industries, constructions of headlights of cars can be such that a variable tilt distortion can be introduced by applying at least two elements with surfaces according to concepts outlined below: by shifting the elements the beam can be tilted horizontally and beams shape can be modified to the desired shape. For example, lighting the path of travel when turning a corner) or tilted vertically, again with beam shape modified to change, for example, the beam from high beam to low beam, or any alternative in between such beams, including variable control over the angle of the light beam.

The optical system described below can be designed with a multiple of sub-apertures so that same effects can be achieved with light arrays, for example LED arrays, or single light sources split into arrays by, for example, raster-optics. Clearly the specifics of the final beam, such as light distribution or lighting angle, tilt, or a combination of these factors, can be precisely designed. Car headlights designed with dimensions as outlined above and capable of variable amplification of tilt in combination with other distortions are novel.

This invention describes an optical system comprising, at least two, optical elements of which, at least one, is movable relative to the other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system which system can adapt the quality, shape, direction and other desired characteristics of a light beam by amplification and variably modification of, at least two, optical distortions simultaneously of which the degree of the, at least two, distortions depends on the relative position of the optical elements.

A combination of, at least two, optical distortions must be applied to adapt the light beam to desired specifications, which specifications vary over the range of the beam direction. Amplification of combinations of the following distortions (in order of the Zernike series), are most likely to be effective: tilt, defocus and astigmatism distortions. If necessary to achieve the desired specifics of the beam the distortions trefoil and spherical distortions can be added. Higher order distortions can be added as well but are likely of limited use for the intended application.

It is important to note that the term "aberration" is normally used in relation to Zernike series for wave-front characterization is not applicable to projected beams as put forward in this document. Also, aberrations are generally controlled, while distortions are purposefully amplified by the invention in this document and almost all optical systems are designed for imaging and thus correction. Therefore, the term "distortion" is used here to define alterations (alternatively: modifications, adaptations, amplifications, attenuations) to the beam shape. The references to the Zernike series are introduced because these best illustrates the type and shape of distortions mentioned in this document. Also, ample examples and illustrations referring to Zernike shapes can be found in publicly available sources.

Tilt distortion is a main distortion to consider for such system. A system should foremost provide a combination of variable tilt distortion over, at least one, axis in combination with, at least one, other variable distortion, over the same, at least one, axis.

As stated before a major application of the features of the present invention reside in the automotive industry, in particular for headlights, although other applications are not excluded.

Firstly, for AFLS, tilt distortion affects the most important change between high and low light (up-and-down; about the Y-axis). Other distortions must be changed simultaneously to affect beam characteristics because beam characteristics for a high beam are different from the characteristics of a low beam. The changes can be gradually and continuously, depending on the speed of change. Intermediate positions between high beam and low beam can be achieved as well. Note that the changes between high and low beam can be affected very fast with the optics described in this document, at speeds of, say, at least 10 times per second, or, in light and small embodiments, even up to 100 times per second. So, the angle of the headlights can be continuously adjusted according to the tilt of the car (for example, with or without a heavy load in the back) or the tilt of the road, for example when clearing a hill or valley, in which the headlights can be driven by a system including an electronic level and information from the suspension. The optics can be driven by at least one actuator which can be linked to the electronics of the car, including sensors on suspension units.

Secondly, tilt distortion affects swivel when applied in a horizontal plane (left-to -right; about the X-axis), for lighting of the road and, alternatively, cornering and road-side viewing. Other distortions will be changed simultaneously to affect beam characteristics because beam characteristics for road viewing are different from the characteristics for road-side viewing. The changes can be gradually and continuously, depending on the speed of change. Intermediate positions in between road and road-side viewing can be achieved as well.

Several other distortions can be applied to further change the beam, particularly the shape of the beam shape.

Firstly, variable defocus distortion will affect the specifics of the (hitherto round) beam cone and thus change the diameter of the light circle at a given distance. Defocus distortion, changing variably in combination with, at least, tilt distortion can be applied to adapt the beam to a desired shape.

Secondly, at least one, variable astigmatism distortion can change the beam shape to an oval shape providing means to alter the symmetry of the beam. Depending on the desired beam shape one or two variable astigmatisms can be introduced, or astigmatism distortion direction can vary between headlights. So, variable astigmatism distortion in combination with, at least, one tilt distortion, can be applied to adapt the beam to a desired shape.

If desired, other distortions, for example variable comas and variable spherical distortion can be added to variably affect the light distribution within the beam with a shape according to foregoing measures. Coma distortion will produce an oval shape with unequal distribution of light and spherical distortion will produce a round shape with uneven distribution of light. In both cases the distribution of light can be designed. Altered light distribution within the beam can be of benefit to reduce reflections from fog and rain due to the refraction of water droplets. It is expected that combinations of all the variable distortions mentioned above provide ample options to design desired light beams for AFLS applications.

Distortions can be distributed over the directions of beam movement. For example, astigmatism distortion can be restricted to the horizontal movement only, or applied to both horizontal and vertical movement. The same applies to defocus distortion and to other distortions. For example, simulations show that astigmatism distortion might well become the main desired distortion of choice to increase in intensity during cornering. Also, the positioning of the optics can have any angle versus the horizontal axis. The theoretical background

Optical lighting/projecting systems described in this document comprise moving elements for introducing variable-magnitude distortions of different orders simultaneously.

As an example, consider two refractive elements made of a material with a constant refractive index n displaced laterally by Δx in opposite directions along the X axis in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis Z of the lighting device. The surface shape of each element is defined by

z = S{x,y) = ^λ- )∑C_qZ_q{x ,y)dx , (1)

or, more generally, with additional static correcting surfaces expressed in terms of a conic surface and a series Zernike polynomials

where X₀ is the constant; Z (x,y) is the q -th Zernike polynomial and C is the corresponding modal coefficient; A is the constant specifying the conic surface; r = sjx + y ; R is the radius of curvature; k is the conic parameter; A_n is the n -th modal coefficient for static correction; N is the number of corrected modes. The optical path L (calculated along the Z axis at fixed x and y ) in the two-element complementary geometry with elements according to Eq. (1) can be written

L = (n - \) S (x + Ax, y) - (n - \) S (x - Ax, y) + const . (3) Neglecting constant terms, after simplification Eq. (3) yields:

L = Δx(« - 1)£ C_qZ_q (x, y) + (n - \)R (x, y, Ax) , (4) q where

is the residual term.

So, as it seen from the derived expression Eq. (4), when the optical parts of the two- element system move laterally by Δx each in opposite directions, the system produces:

1. First term, Δx(« — ^) S_ C_qZ_q (x,y) - represents all distortion terms including

tilts, defocus and higher-order distortions as well as their linear combination. Magnitudes of these terms simultaneously vary with Δx when the refractive elements move laterally in opposite directions perpendicular to the optical axis. 2. Last term, {n — V)R(x,y,Ax) - residual terms, a contribution of higher-order shift-dependent terms »= Δx , Ax , ect. If Δx « D , D is the size (diameter) of the elements, the residual term is negligibly small and can be omitted for practical purposes. Note that, R(x, y, Ax) vanishes or becomes constant which has no optical effect when the maximum order of distortions in Eq. (1) is ≤ 2 . Thus, optical systems producing variable distortions: tilts, defocus and astigmatisms, or combination thereof do not introduce other distortions terms depending non- linearly on Δx .

As can be concluded from Eq. (4) and subsequent explanations, a pair of refractive elements, shaped according the base function S(x, y) defined by Eq. (1), provides simultaneous and linear change of the specified optical distortions.

For example, a pair of optical elements with the surface shape which is a combination of parabolic and cubic functions produces variable tilt and defocus distortions while the elements are shifted laterally in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The magnitudes of these distortions change linearly and simultaneously with the degree of shift. The optical elements having surfaces defined by Eq. (1) can be also used in the configuration with only one moving part. Assuming that the first refractive element is fixed and the second element moves laterally by Δx , analogously to Eqs. (4) and (5) it can be found

L = l-Ax(n - l)∑ C_qZ_q (x, y) + (n - l)R'(x, y, Ax) , (6)

^ q where

p=2 P- q OX

is the residual term. As seen from Eq. (7) R\x, y, Ax) vanishes or becomes constant for distortion terms with the order ≤ 1 .

A man skilled in the art will conclude that the arguments used for the system employing two moving elements, as set forth above, can be generalized to a system with any number of moving parts. For example, for three elements, of which, at least one, optical element moves laterally, Eq. (1) must be replaced by the following equation

z = S(x,y) = )dx")∑C_pZ_p{x ,y)dx , (8)

X_n P

where X₀ and X₀ are the constants.

Optical systems described in this document can be of a refractive, reflective (mirrors) diffractive nature, or Fresnel lenses, or combinations thereof (for example, one element of a refractive kind, the other a mirror). Choice of elements depends on requirements and specifications of the final product.

For multiple light sources (for example, arrays of LEDs) the optics can have the shape of arrays of lenses ("lenslets"). Note that the optics can be a variable raster (multi- aperture condenser with a collecting lens and field lenslets) to produce a homogeneous light beam. Each single aperture producing a collimated beam and can be equipped with one optical surface to produce desired distortions, the other surface added to a separate lenslet array. When moving the arrays relatively to each other the desired beam can be produced at only very small shifts (say, <0.5mm, depending on array dimensions).

Optical elements can be designed to achieve the desired variable distortions by lateral shift of, at least one, optical element relative to, at least one, other optical element in, at least one, direction. Such shift can be, for example, "horizontal" or "vertical") but also be at an angle versus the horizontal and vertical axii.

Optical elements can also be designed to achieve the desired variable distortions by rotation of, at least one, optical element relative to, at least one, other optical element. Such rotation can be about, at least one, axis, of, at least one, optical element relative to, at least one, other optical element. Spinning discs to achieve desired beam characteristics might be an attractive option because rotation is mechanically simple to achieve. The rotation axis can be positioned within the diameter of the optical elements (for example rotation about a central axis) but also be positioned outside the diameter of the optical elements (resulting in a "fan"). The shifting of, at least one optical element can be driven by at least one linear actuator. The optical elements can also be designed to rotate in at least one direction (alternatively: about at least one axis) driven by, at least one, actuator.

Note that, firstly, optical elements can also be designed to achieve desired variable distortions by wedging or spacing, i.e. varying the distance between the elements unequally (wedging) or equally (spacing) and, secondly, the movement of the optical elements can be a combination of movements described above.

With such optics described above an adaptive front lighting system (AFLS) can be constructed which includes, at least one, light source, at least two optical elements to amplify distortions as described above, at least one actuator adapted to move, at least one, optical element, in, at least one, direction, additional supporting optics including a translucent cover which can include, at least one, optical surface to adapt the light beam, and, of course, additional supporting mechanical components, such as housing and assembling components. The actuator is, most likely, an electro-mechanical actuator of which the type (for example linear motors, stepper motors, rotational motors, electromagnets, piezo elements, or other types of electromechanical actuators). However, movement can also be achieved by other means, for example by hydraulic means or by air pressure or by other alternative mechanical or electro-mechanical means.

A basic embodiment of car headlights as described above is a anterior optical element (which can also double as protective shield to the outside, but not necessarily so), which can be fixed or shifting for desired effects, a posterior second optical element, which can also be fixed or shifting for desired affects, or both elements are shifting and a light source with, a reflective concave mirror, for, for example a traditional circular bulb, or with no reflector, for a light source which, by nature, delivers a beam at a specific angle (for example one LED or, alternatively, an array of LEDs).

An adaptive front lighting system (AFLS) including optics described above which emits a light beam adapted by introduction of, at least two, optical distortions simultaneously of which the degree of the distortions depends on the relative position of the optical elements can so be constructed. Most importantly, such AFLS must produce beams at angles and with desired beam shapes, so the beam most likely will have a combination of variable tilt distortion over, at least one, axis in combination with, at least one, other variable distortion. High lights and low lights of vehicles at desired angles and with desired beam characteristics can be produced by adaptation of a combination of variable tilt distortion over, at least one, axis in combination with, at least one, other variable distortion. The variable tilt distortion elevates the beam in the vertical plane. Cornering lighting is achieved by variable tilt distortion which swivels the beam in the horizontal plane, in combination with variable change of, at least one, other distortion, to, for example, control beam shape. Tilt distortion controls variable beam angles, other distortions control variable beam shape. In practice, most AFLS beam shapes can be produced by combinations of variable defocus distortion and, at least one, variable astigmatism distortion. Other variable distortions such a comas and spherical distortion can be added for refinement of beam shape, or light distribution, if necessary. It should be noted that the described moving optics are light and fast, so that the optics, in combination with an electromechanical levelling system can keeps the light beam at the same angle versus the road surface regardless of the tilt of the vehicle.

Such adaptive front lighting system can be a component of a vehicle. Figure 1 shows a lamp (light source and reflector) 1 , emitting a collimated beam which passes two optical elements, 2, described in this document, which, elements move, 3, relatively to each other along an axis, which elements produce, in combination, in this example, no change to the beam, 4; the beam shape, in this case, remains collimated and results in a circular projection, 5.

Figure 2 depicts a lamp (light source and reflector) 1 , emitting a collimated beam which passes two optical elements, 2, described in this document, which, elements move, 3, relatively to each other along an axis, which elements produce, in combination, in this example, tilt distortion to the beam, 6; the beam shape, in this case, remains collimated and is tilted versus the optical axis and results in a circular projection, 7.

Figure 3 discloses a lamp (light source and reflector) 1, emitting a collimated beam which passes two optical elements, 2, described in this document, which elements move, 3, relatively to each other along an axis, which elements produce, in combination, in this example, defocus distortion to the beam, 8; the beam shape, in this case, is focused and results in a circular projection, 9.

Figure 4 shows a lamp (light source and reflector) 1 , emitting a collimated beam which passes two optical elements, 2, described in this document, which, elements move, 3, relatively to each other along an axis, which elements produce, in combination, in this example, defocus distortion to the beam, 10; the beam shape, in this case, is defocused and results in a circular projection, 11.

Figure 5 depicts a lamp (light source and reflector) 1 , emitting a collimated beam which passes two optical elements, 2, described in this document, which, elements move, 3, relatively to each other along an axis, which elements produce, in combination, in this example, astigmatism distortion to the beam, 12; the beam shape, in this case, results in an oval projection, 13, at +450 with respect to 3.

Figure 6 discloses a lamp (light source and reflector) 1, emitting a collimated beam which passes two optical elements, 2, described in this document, which, elements move, 3, relatively to each other along an axis, which elements produce, in combination, in this example, astigmatism distortion to the beam, 14; the beam shape, in this case, results in an oval projection, 15, at -450 with respect to 3.

Figure 7 shows a lamp (light source and reflector) 1 , emitting a collimated beam which passes two optical elements, 2, described in this document, which, elements move, 3, relatively to each other along an axis, which elements produce, in combination, in this example, a combination of tilt, defocus and astigmatism distortions to the beam, 16; the beam shape, in this case, results in a complex projection, 17, with a size smaller than the collimated beam emitted by 1.

Figure 8 depicts a lamp (light source and reflector) 1 , emitting a collimated beam which passes two optical elements, 2, described in this document, which, elements move, 3, relatively to each other along an axis, which elements produce, in combination, in this example, a combination of tilt, defocus and astigmatism distortions to the beam, 18; the beam shape, in this case, results in a complex projection, 19, with a size larger than the collimated beam emitted by 1.

Note with the figures: Only a few simple beam adaptations are shown as example. Combinations of tilt distortion, defocus distortion, astigmatism distortion, and, if needed, coma distortion and spherical distortion can produce beams of infinite shapes.

Note that the present invention can have, in adapted embodiments, additional applications, for example as a screen for computer displays which screen can be adapted (for example by a simple turning knob) for defocus to suit the eyes individual working on the computer. Also, small units can be adapted to fit projectors (for example small PDA projectors) to adapt the image to the surface, which can be, for example, angled. For example, image projection systems can be fitted with, at least two, optics according to the said concepts to correct for shifts, tilt distortions, and other distortions, for example, correction of geometrical distortions when an image is projected under non- perpendicular angles. This is likely of interest to all projection systems including small handheld projectors fitted to, for example, laptop computers or PDA equipment. The present invention can also have, in adapted embodiments, additional technical applications, for example modification of laser beams for various applications like in the projection of light and laser beams within the semiconductor industry.

Claims

1. Optical system for adapting a light beam, the optical system comprising at least two optical elements of which at least one is movable relative to the other in at least one direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system, characterized in that the light beam is simultaneously adapted by at least two optical distortions of which the degree of the distortions depends on the relative position of the optical elements.

2. Optical system according to claim 1 characterized in that the light beam is adapted by optical surfaces which provide a combination of variable tilt distortion over at least one axis in combination with at least one other variable distortion.

3. Optical system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the optical system is adapted to function as optical system for the head light of a vehicle.

4. Optical system according to claim 2 or 3, adapted to achieve a range from high beam to low beam characterized in that the optical system is adapted for variable tilt distortion to elevate the light beam in the vertical plane, in combination with variation of at least one other distortion.

5. Optical system according to claim 2 or 3, adapted to achieve a swiveling range characterized in that the optical system is adapted for variable tilt distortion to swivel the light beam in the horizontal plane, in combination with variation in at least one other distortion.

6. Optical system according to one of the claims 2-5 to adapt the beam shape characterized in that the defocus distortion changes simultaneously in combination with variable tilt distortion.

7. Optical system according to one of the claims 2-6 to adapt the beam shape characterized in that, at least one astigmatism distortion changes simultaneously in combination with at least one other distortion.

8. Optical system according to one of the foregoing claims characterized in that optical surfaces of, at least two, optical elements have a shape according to

9. Optical system according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one optical element is an optical element of the refractive type.

10. Optical system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one optical element is an optical element of the reflective type.

11. Optical system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, at least one optical element is an optical element of the Fresnel type.

12. Optical system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, at least one optical element is an optical element of the diffractive type.

13. Optical system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, at least one optical element is an array of lenses.

14. Optical system according to one of the foregoing claims characterized in that the movement is a lateral shift of at least one optical element relative to at least one other optical element in at least one direction.

15. Optical system according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the movement is a rotation about at least one axis of at least one optical element relative to at least one other optical element.

16. Adaptive front lighting system characterized in that, it comprises: at least one light source, an optical system as claim in any of the claims 3-15, at least one actuator adapted to move at least one of the optical elements in at least one direction, additional supporting optics including a translucent cover which can include, at least one optical surface to adapt the light beam, and additional supporting mechanical components.

17. Vehicle characterized in that the vehicle includes, at least one, adaptive front lighting system according to claim 16.