Automotive Distributed Lighting: Regionally 2000-01-0342

Very small PC lamps are used with localized waveguides to construct regional distributed lighting systems (DLS). This approach reduces the size, cost, and redesign of implementing DLS illumination. Wattage usage is decreased, and installation complexity is reduced. The logical conclusion of this approach is to have very large sources illuminating large regions. An example of this is a DLS tail light. HIDs and waveguides are used with standard parabolic reflector optics to generate legal tail light functions. Enough light is generated by one HID to power a red stop, an amber turn, and a white backup with light left over to power functions in the interior. One parabolic reflector and four formed waveguides collect the light. Waveguides distribute the light to output optics. Switching (i.e., modulation) is accomplished with scattering liquid crystal light valves (LCLV) and electro-mechanical switches (servos).