KR20000005511A - Method and apparatus for controlling light - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mechanism and a method for controlling light from a light source 1 to an illumination point.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention has exactly one central light source 1 connected to a plurality of light guides 4 each ending at a remote point through the control device 3.

The control device has a plurality of electrically controlled microshutters 14 and 15, each having two or more states of an open state and a closed state, from which the light guides further the optical guide of the apertures in the open state. Through them onto the illumination point or points.

Thus, light may be distributed to the individual light guides 4 by the control device 3 in response to the control signals supplied to the control device.

Description

Method and device for controlling light

The present invention relates to a method for controlling light described in the introduction of claims 1, 11 and 20.

With regard to so-called remote source lighting in which one or more light sources are spaced apart from the point where the actual light emission occurs, it is required that the light be conducted efficiently with limited or controlled loss. In this regard, various types of light guide technology are used, and may be used to meet the needs of the present needs. Examples of such applications include endoscopy, displays and general lighting purposes.

As light guide technology has become increasingly economical, the possible applications have increased, and as a result, the application of light guide optics, for example for specific lighting purposes, has become an interesting alternative to the prior art.

There may be applications where a small number of central light sources replace distribution light sources, as an alternative to a number of conventional light bulbs or lighting devices, for example replacing a small number of central light sources, and accordingly, a number of conventional light bulbs or lighting As an alternative to the device, only a few central light sources are sufficient, which is less constrained to the design of the actual light source at the lighting position, while also being less subject to wear and tear, and also makes service considerably easier.

However, these applications have problems, for example, with respect to the adaptability of the overall system, making it difficult to combine the above-mentioned advantages with the requirements of the overall dynamic system. This should be understood to mean that the application of multiple distribution light sources enables independent control of the individual light sources, so that the individual light sources can be turned on independently, for example on, off and blurred, but through the light guide This adaptability is lacking when using a single central light source, for example providing multiple distributed lighting devices.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a central illumination system which eliminates this disadvantage and has the same availability as the system of the distribution lighting device.

U. S. Patent No. 5,434, 756 discloses a lighting system particularly useful for vehicles. The illumination system has one or more central light sources optically connected to the vehicle's illumination system via fibers. The light is emitted to individual illumination positions and controlled by a special type of optical switch, which, according to the invention, consists of a fiber input stage and a fiber output stage which are mutually moved to adjust the intensity of the transmitted light. In some cases, however, a mechanical sliding macroshutter is added to this type of optical switch. The disadvantage of this lighting system is that the actual control and coordination of the individual optical fibers is relatively complicated, as well as the lighting system does not allow central lighting control, since the light switch types used are inserted at various points in the optical network. Since a device for each fiber is required, the movement of the optical fiber is expensive.

U. S. Patent No. 5,184, 883 describes a light control system of the type employed for controlling the light distribution of an automobile. This disclosed system has a central light source optically coupled to the shutter via light guides. The disadvantage of this system is that the installation and maintenance is rather complicated and inconvenient to use, since all shutter devices must be located at each local lighting location. Therefore, every installation of the light guide must be supplemented with a local installation of the shutter device and a control cable adapted to control the activation of the shutter. Another disadvantage is that the electrical control wiring and local shutters must be carefully encapsulated, as the system is susceptible to wear or destruction.

Summary of the Invention

As described in claim 1, light propagates from a central light source or light sources to a control device having a plurality of electrically controlled microshutters having at least a closed state and an open state, respectively, from which In the non-closed state when light is conducted onto the illumination point or points through one or more light guides, light central control from the central light source to the far point is obtained.

Thus, since the aperture characteristic is not critical, it is evident that various types of microshutters with mechanical apertures can be used, within the scope of the present invention. For example, within the scope of the present invention, it becomes possible to use an aperture having several controllable shutter levels, such that the aperture itself can provide control of the intensity of light transmitted through the aperture.

Since the light emitter may be a light guide, the light emitter should be interpreted broadly, and thus the method of the present invention may be implemented at several levels. This means that the light is centrally subdivided and then conducted to the vicinity of the illumination point and, where appropriate, can be further subdivided and processed at a more central location. This method may be implemented in so-called several hierarchical steps.

The light source may be, for example, a high pressure mercury lamp, a laser or light sources that generate light of a special color or color spectrum.

Examples of light guides may be glass or plastic fibers, which conduct light with relatively little loss from fiber end to fiber end. Other guides, such as a fluorescent tube, in which some of the intensity of light is dissipated to the surroundings between the end points may similarly be used within the scope of the present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to make control of the central cross field for light, which light is conducted from the cross field through the light guide; Optional lens systems and microshutters used in the cross field may be implemented by microtechnology.

Thus, the present invention addresses the control and control of individual microshutters completely electrically, thus minimizing optical losses, specialty and compact design that can be used in very different applications, and grading the intensity scanned on the respective optical guides. Central control of light distribution, realization of very high on / off ratios, the addition of color control to each individual light guide, and the possibility of adaptation or modification of each application by simple software adaptation.

This method is particularly advantageous for the distribution of visible light.

As described in claim 2, in the case where light is conducted from the central light source or the light sources through the plurality of optical guides to the microshutters of the control device, an embodiment of the present invention is realized.

As described in claim 3, in the case where the light is conducted from the central light source or the light sources through exactly one optical guide, a simple and useful structure is obtained according to the present invention.

As described in claim 4, in the case where light is conducted to one or more illumination points through a plurality of microshutters, the intensity of the conducted light depends on the number of open microshutters and at the individual light guide on the output of the control device. Simple and controlled intensity adjustment is possible.

Thus, the present invention offers the possibility of both distribution control of the light itself and control of its distributed individual optical signal intensity.

As described in claim 5, in the case where the light is conducted from the control device to the illumination point through exactly one light guide, a simple embodiment of the invention with all the advantages described above is obtained.

As described in claim 6, when light from the light source is collected by the one or more optical elements in the microshutter of the control device, and then conducted from the control device to the light guides through the additional optical element, the light guide cables In addition, it becomes possible to achieve optimum control of the distributed light for the controller.

As described in claim 7, in the case where the intensity of light at one or more illumination points is controlled by the stepped opening and closing of the connected microshutter, use of parts with very little stepwise control over the apertures in the control device is used. By enabling simple control of the light intensity at the individual illumination point, elastic control of the light intensity at the illumination point or points is realized.

As described in claim 8, in the case where light is conducted from the central light source or light sources to the microshutter of the control device, through the one or more inserted apertures whose light path is controlled by the stepwise closing of the aperture, the control It is possible to regulate the supply of light to the device.

This may be combined with, for example, standby or energy-saving lighting in which the system is totally blurred.

However, this possibility is most attractive when the system operates as a subdivision system, as the present invention enables to blur the entire system, for example instrument lighting, without adjusting the central light emitter. .

This possibility is also attractive for the automatic adjustment of the subsystem based on the backlight, as the method may be implemented by controlling the illumination level of the subsystem based on sensor signals measuring the backlight.

As described in claim 9, in the case where light is conducted from the central light source or light sources to the illumination point under temporary control, the relationship between the time periods during which one or more micro shutters are opened and closed gives a certain intensity to the individual micro shutters. It is adjusted to provide a simple and useful embodiment of the invention. Since no substantial mechanical or electrical changes are required to achieve good control results, strength adjustment can be performed quickly and continuously using very little means. In some cases, control of existing and required apertures is sufficient, for example, with software changes.

As described in claim 10, when the time periods of the microshutters are constant, it is possible to adjust the duty cycle as desired from 0 to 100%, and the desired end result of the desired purpose is exactly one parameter, that is, the duty cycle. Since it is mainly realized by the control of, the dimensioning to the desired end result is relatively easy, and a simple and useful embodiment of the present invention can be realized.

The term duty cycle is used to mean the average open time for the total time period.

As described in claim 11, at least one light control device in which the light is provided from the central light source or light sources, respectively, with micro-mechanical shutters each having at least two states, i.e., open and closed, electrically and individually controlled. If the central light source or light source is arranged in such a way that it is inverted and then in the open state of the microshutters, it is further conducted to an illumination point or points through a light guide arranged to receive light from the one or more microshutters. In the simple on / off control of each individual optical guide, it was necessary to use a switch inserted in the front, rear of the optical guide or somewhere in the light guide, while a very useful device for the central control of the light distribution to the illumination point was obtained. do.

By virtue of the useful positioning of electrically controlled microshutters, for example, the electrical wiring to a lighting point can be completely avoided according to the invention, this device isolates the electrical control required in very small devices. You can do it.

This saves from a material and design standpoint and also significantly improves the stability and safety in potential moisture or contaminated environments.

The number of micro shutters in the control device is, for example, 500 to 1000.

As described in claim 12, where each microshutter is equipped with an optical channel and connected electrically movable aperture device, a useful embodiment of the invention is realized.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a relationship between the respective amounts of light passing through the micro shutter in a very high on / off ratio, i.e., in an open state and a closed state.

Thus, the specific type of micro shutter means a hole in which the aperture can be mechanically opened and closed by an electrically movable mechanical aperture, thereby forming an optical channel through which light can be transmitted without using a mirror. It should be understood to do.

The shape of the light channel may be flexibly changed to suit individual applications, for example by appropriate variations in cross section.

One or more of the light sources are arranged to illuminate the plurality of microshutters through the first lens array, wherein the lens arrays have optical axes of the light channels of the individual microshutters for the light emitted by the light sources or light sources for each microshutter. In the case of having one or more microlenses arranged to be condensed near or on the optical axis, another preferred embodiment of the present invention is realized.

Thus, light from a light source or one of the light sources is focused on individual microshutters that can modulate the supplied continuous light at the point of illumination.

Thus, for many important illumination purposes, it has been found that sufficient optical energy or intensity may be provided simultaneously from several light emitters to several microshutters. According to the invention, it will be sufficient to subdivide the used microshutters into smaller groups.

Likewise, it has been found that a collimated light beam can be focused on several different microshutters with minimal loss.

Thus, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to irradiate several shutters in the form of optical fiber ends, for example, with one light source or one light emitter.

Likewise, it has been found possible to realize and maintain high illumination intensity at individual illumination points by individual control of the light guide at a very low switching rate.

As described in claim 13, when the focal plane of the focusing optics at the inlet side of the microshutters becomes completely or nearly coincident with the aperture of the individual microshutters, such focusing inside the actual aperture device is turned on and off at the corresponding illumination point. The practical embodiment of the present invention is realized by allowing almost instantaneous switching to be performed in individual microshutters without being aware of stepwise switching between.

In addition, this aperture device can have a smaller size, and thus a smaller mass and inertia, thereby minimizing switching time.

As described in claim 14, where these movable aperture devices are formed by pivotally hinged plates in a microshutter arrangement, a useful embodiment of the invention is realized.

As set forth in claim 15, the aperture device of each individual microshutter is formed by a reciprocating aperture element that can move back and forth between two points, the reciprocating aperture element having an elastic force at an equilibrium position between these two points. Suspended to be applied, the lighting device further comprises a control device for controlling the reciprocating diaphragm device by electrostatic force, such that the natural frequency of the reciprocating element is such as mass, elastic force and geometry as well as elements such as internal and external forces. Since the switching time of this micro shutter is determined as a function of the round trip parameter of, fast modulation can be realized.

Thus, the response time of the individual microshutters for a given control signal from the control device is amplified by the natural frequency of the reciprocating system, so that it can be dimensioned to the desired switching time.

Another advantage of the microshutter of the type described above is that modulation can only occur in a purely transmission design, thereby realizing a high utilization coefficient for the modulated light.

In addition, the microshutter type may be dimensioned with very small switching times, for example when purely transient intensity modulation is required to eliminate flickering illumination in the case of frequency modulation.

As described in claim 16, in particular when the optical connection between the control device and the light source or light sources is made by one or more light guides arranged to receive light from the light sources and illuminate the microshutters of the control device. Useful embodiments of are realized.

Optical guides should be understood to mean optical fibers, selfoc guides and the like.

In the case of using the light guides as light emitters to optically connect them with the light source, a large amount of light can be directed to the illumination point in an optimal manner. For example, this is because, for example, an arc lamp emits much less limited light than in the case of a laser, for example an arc lamp is used as a light source.

Also, by using different gray filters depending on the spatial position of the scanning optics relative to the arc of the light source, for example, it will be possible to grade the amount of light scanned on each individual light guide.

The use of light guides, such as optical fibers, allows the light source or light sources to be centered at a distance from the modulation device to facilitate service and cooling.

In addition, it is possible to realize additional degrees of freedom in arranging the light source, thereby facilitating design and structure. In particular, it can be seen above that it is useful to recall that the physical size of the light sources, when arranged directly above the shutters, affects the dimensioning of the illumination system which requires a relatively high exposure resolution.

Thus, since the fiber stage typically has a smaller size than the light sources, it may be easier to arrange the light guide stage directly above the microshutter array than the light sources, so that consideration of space further enhances the illumination system. Limited to small specifications.

In addition, when using a light guide or an optical fiber as a light emitter capable of physically connecting to a light source, it is possible to produce a very small lighting device that can be combined with a larger lighting device in a relatively simple manner, Since the light transmission between individual lighting points or all lighting points is not critical to the physical location of the individual lighting devices within the entire lighting system or the required location of the light source, the assembly of these lighting devices is mainly taken into account the physical lighting conditions required. It becomes possible.

Likewise, it is possible to position the light sources away from sensitive components inserted into the structure, which can greatly reduce the overall operation, which is particularly advantageous when using multiple laser sources.

As described in claim 17, where one or more light guides are arranged to receive light from a plurality of microshutters, the light guide or the intensity of light scanned into the guides may produce a predetermined number of microshutters that feed the light guides or guides. Since it can be controlled by opening, useful embodiments of the present invention are realized.

This allows for very simple, precise and quick control of the scanned light in the individual light guides.

Thus, the present invention makes it possible to provide direct digitally modulated illumination intensity at the point of illumination.

In addition, by adding color filters in a special microshutter or microshutter groups to the same light guide, it is possible to change color and intensity with simple digital control of the illumination point corresponding to the light guide. In addition, the control of this process is even more attractive in its implementation, since rather broad data control is applied to only one or a very small number of devices for light control.

It should be noted that the embodiment described above may be combined with light guides illuminated by exactly one microshutter, for example where simple on / off control is required for specific lighting purposes.

If the microshutters of the control device are arranged in a circular shape, the illumination of the control device will have a circular cross section, so that a useful embodiment is realized which becomes particularly evident when the utilization coefficient is increased.

It should be noted that the use surface shape of the light emitter is mainly circular, but it should likewise be emphasized that the use surface shape of the microshutters may be adapted to any light emitter use surface shape.

As described in claim 18, the device comprises a digital control device for individual electrical control of the individual microshutters, the control device having a placement profile for defining the use surface of the microshutters consisting of the optical control device to be modulated. In the case of the present invention, a programmable "output utilization surface" can be adapted to any desired number of light guides combined, the position of the light guides and the cross section of the light guides, so that a useful embodiment of the present invention is realized. .

The term placement profile refers to layout mapping onto the microshutters of the control device.

This software definition of the output profile is inherently flexible and may change immediately if one wishes to change the combined addressing of several light guides or to replace given optical guides.

As described in claim 19, in the case where one or more micro shutters are optically connected to the color filter, a particularly useful embodiment of the present invention is realized.

Thus, according to the invention, color filters may be located on top of the plurality of micro shutters, in principle, just as color filters may be provided to individual micro shutters.

Further, as a color filter can be inserted between the control device and a portion of the light guide cross section, for example, a color filter may be inserted between the control device and the one or more light guides.

Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide additional degrees of freedom in the design of the lighting system by centrally "adding" the color in relation to the vehicle or the application thereof. In addition, color, intensity and on / off control may be centrally and entirely digital, allowing individual light emitters to be placed for various purposes. In addition, since these functions are realized by the same light emitter providing normal halo, there is a possibility of preventing the physical position of fog rear lights, and the intensity may be increased centrally in a simple manner. .

The color change may be performed on a single light guide, for example by placing two or more color filters between each corresponding light guide and the corresponding microshutter or microshutters so that the light guides are for example By joining one light guide leading to one illumination point by a T or a coupler, one simply addresses the other of the light guides to another color filter or to the same fiber It should be appreciated that opening the other set of color filters / microshutters may enable color change at the point of illumination.

Similarly, if an even microshutter with connected RGB filters, for example six red filters, six green filters and six blue filters addresses a light guide, not only regular color changes but also For example, a change in color density by RGB modulation may be achieved.

As described in claim 20, the optical plug has two or more light guides having a light receiving end and a light emitting end, the light receiving ends being fixed to each other in a fixing device with respect to the cross section of the light guides. Together with this, the use surface of the optical plug or the light receiving end is formed, and in the case where the light receiving end forms the arrangement pattern of the clearly defined separate light receiving end, the above-described plug is connected to the control device and its microshutters in a simple manner. It is fixed and able to receive the light and distribute the light to the illumination points, thus enabling the coupling of the light guides to the useful control device.

Another advantage of the specific embodiment is that such a plug is easy to handle and easy to mount, as will also be possible for future replacement of the plug.

Likewise, the mechanical structure of this optical plug can be easily standardized for many very different applications.

In addition, the optical plug is not only simple to dispense, but also useful because the optical illumination network of the light guides may be defined and determined singularly by the manufacturer, without having to consider how the photoreceptors of the plug are distributed.

As described in claim 21, in the case where the light receiving end of the light guides is inserted into the fixing device, when mounted in the device of the present invention, the plug is connected to the control device while the individual light guides are continuously connected to the corresponding lighting point. It may also be structured as a compact device that only needs to be fixed to the outlet relative to the device, thus a useful embodiment of the present invention is realized. In this way, all other special adaptations occur in software.

The invention is described below with reference to the drawings.

1A and 1B show an overall sketch of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

2 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

3A-3C illustrate the functionality of another embodiment of the present invention.

4A and 4B show another embodiment of the present invention.

5 shows a cross section of a compact lighting device according to the invention.

6 shows a light receiving end of an optical plug according to the present invention.

7 shows a photoreceptor of another optical plug according to the invention.

8 shows a perspective view of the optical plug of FIG. 6.

1a shows a bulb or light source 1 and a connecting reflector 2 positioned so that the light emitted from this light source 1 is conducted to the control device 3 in a suitable manner. Light is distributed to the plurality of light guides 4 in the control device 3, which not only distributes the light to the light guide 4, but also within the individual light guides 4. The light can be turned on, off and blurred.

Optical guides should be understood broadly as optical fibers, cell width guides, and the like.

FIG. 1B shows another embodiment of the invention, in which light is conducted from the light source to the control device 3 via a light guide or light bundle 5.

2 illustrates an even more detailed embodiment of the present invention.

A single light guide 5 'conducts the generated light from the light source to the control device 3 and passes the light from there back onto the plurality of light guides 4'.

The control device 3 has an input side 10 and an output side 20.

Light is conducted through the one or more apertures from the input side 10 to a lens system, each of which has a plurality of lenses 11 for concentrating a portion of the light onto its corresponding aperture aperture 12 in the plate 14. Light is conducted from the aperture aperture 12 to another lens system having a plurality of lenses 13 so that light from each lens 13 is focused in the corresponding light guide 4 ′.

In addition, a plurality of electrically addressable and movable apertures 15 are arranged connected to the aperture aperture 12 of the plate 14, the apertures 15 being arranged based on electrical control signals. 12) allow and block the optical path in. Individual aperture apertures 14 or holes with connecting aperture 15 are often referred to as microshutters for reasons of explanation.

Lens systems as well as microshutters may be structured by microtechnology.

Microshutters or light valves should be understood broadly to mean transmission light apertures that may be formed by, for example, micromechanical shutters.

According to the invention, it is crucial for the light to be modulated to be transmitted directly through the individual microshutters in order to realize a minimum transmission loss, so that the individual microshutters are for example in French patent application No. 9412928 or the corresponding European patent EP-A. It may also be in the form described in 709 706.

In this regard it should be noted that the microshutters described in the above-mentioned patent application are particularly useful in connection with the present invention since they have a very short rise / fall time to realize illumination without flickering.

Each light valve has one or more individually addressable open and closed states to provide a minimum and maximum blur of light through the connected light channels, respectively.

In this regard, the micromechanical shutters are physically provided so that the blur of light is simply blocked by the micromechanical plate or the like, simply blocking the light path in its maximum blurring state and in principle the blurring of light does not occur in the minimal blurring state. In this case, the blur in the two states described above is advantageous in that it is practically optimal.

Therefore, according to this embodiment shown, it is possible to distribute light from the one light source to the plurality of light guides 4 'in the form of light guides 5'.

Although the light guides 4 'have the same diameter in the illustrated embodiment, the diameters of the individual light guides may be adapted to a specific application, and several micro shutters may also modulate the light in the same light guide. Should be understood.

3A to 3C show the functions of another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3A shows the control device 3 corresponding to the control device shown in FIG. 2 on the input side.

However, the output side is adapted such that all lenses 13 conduct light to the same light guide 4 'in the present invention.

As described below, all the apertures 15 allow the transmission of light, so that the light intensity at the light guide 4 'is maximum.

FIG. 3B shows the same control device 3, all the apertures 15 in the control device not shown, such that the light intensity in the light guide 4 ′ is minimal or zero such that transmission of light through the aperture aperture is stopped. Is closed.

3C shows the same control device 3 in which only a few of the apertures 15 are closed so that light transmission through the aperture apertures provides reduced light intensity compared to the maximum transmission in the light guide 4 ′.

In this way, the individual apertures are individually addressed, enabling any combination of aperture characteristics. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, some apertures can be aligned with respect to individual light guides, so that they can be turned on and off individually, while as shown in FIG. 3, other apertures are aligned with respect to a single light guide. By varying the number of open apertures connected with this single light guide, the light intensity can be controlled within this light guide.

4A and 4B show an example of how the intensity can be controlled by individual microshutters.

4A further illustrates an example of how individual microshutters are controlled to control the intensity of light passed on the individual optical fibers.

4A and 4B show the state (position) of the individual aperture as a function of time, the low state of which refers to the closed state of the aperture element, and the high state of which is the open state of the aperture element. Refers to.

In the example shown, the aperture element is controlled at a constant period T, whose duty cycle is used to control the intensity of the light.

In the case of dimensioning such microshutters with connected control, if light without flickering is required at the point of illumination, the frequency is required to exceed a certain minimum value, for example 50 kHz.

It is shown in Figure 4a how the aperture characteristics are implemented, and since the duty cycle is relatively high (more than 50% in this case), high intensity can be realized, while the duty cycle of Figure 4b is relatively low (50% in this case). Low strength) can be achieved.

Control of individual microshutters of this type may be combined on other principles or with other structures within the scope of the present invention.

It is also possible to adjust the instantaneous intensity for different types of illumination points within the scope of the present invention. For example, the intensity control by adjusting the cycle time T and maintaining the opening time of the micro shutters is exemplified.

FIG. 5 shows a connection reflector in which the illumination device 30 is arranged to illuminate the collimation optical system 32 and then to conduct light to the microlens array 33 and then to focus incident light onto the microshutter array 34. Another embodiment of the invention is shown, which is provided with a light source in the form of a lamp 31 having a.

In addition, the microshutter array 34 is capable of modulating, ie turning on or off individual microshutters, as well as defining control surfaces (micro-views) of microshutters that illuminate a light guide connected to the illumination device. Is connected to

This lighting device is finally provided to an engagement part 35.

FIG. 5 shows a connecting optical plug 36 for fixing the light receiving end of the optical fibers 37 together with the illumination device 30. These optical fibers further lead onto unillustrated illumination points.

When mounted to the lighting device 30, the plug 36 single holds the optical fibers with respect to the microshutter array and proper digital control of the microshutter array 36 will ensure desired illumination at the lighting points. It becomes possible.

The illustrated embodiment has been simplified for purposes of explanation and in practice the actual structures may comprise hundreds of microshutters such that the light guide 37 is frequently illuminated by the use surface shape each consisting of a plurality of microshutters. It should be recognized that it may.

For example, illumination of a single optical fiber 37 with multiple microshutters can be easily scaled and controlled at the corresponding illumination point by varying the number of open microshutters of the microshutter array 34. It becomes possible.

6 shows an example of how the photoreceptor of optical plug 40 with connecting optical guides in the form of optical fibers, for example, can be structured according to the invention.

Thus, the light receiving ends 41 to 45 and 41 'to 45' are fixed to each other with respect to the cross section of the plug 40 so as to form the light receiving end of the plug 40.

The plug 40 shown may be used, for example, in the case of a vehicle in which one central light source is illuminating the light receiving end shown through the illumination device according to the invention.

It should be noted that, according to the present invention, the illustrated optical cables can be structured in specific applications for use with light sources of exactly the same type.

This may be done in software by adapting the lighting device to the optical cable by addressing different sets of microschers that actually correspond to the plugs used, for example a product program with differently designed photoreceptors. It may be used together with the lighting device 30.

For example, these optical guides may be intended to conduct light to a product type having additional illumination needs for the product type that may correspond to that shown in FIG. 6.

As described above, since the adaptation of the lighting device to the optical cable may take place in software as described above, this lighting device may be used as a standard device in all product types if the physical / mechanical appearance is maintained.

To illustrate this principle, some of the profiles in the placement profiles in the microshutter array corresponding to those shown in FIG. 5 are represented by hatched circles 51, 56 and 56 ′, A selected number of microshutters in the range illuminates corresponding fiber stages 41, 46 and 46 ′. In this way, these placement circles are such that all microshutters within the range of the circles 51, 56 and 56 ′ shown are connected to exactly one fiber stage, eg uniformly or at least tuned in the form of intensity or color control. It can also be controlled. It should also be noted that such placement may occur in software such that microshutters outside of the corresponding placement circles are typically also usefully completely blocked.

Each batch profile 51, 56 and 56 ′ is subjected to an integrated control algorithm, for example with the aim of allowing all microshutters in the batch profile to be opened or closed at the same time, for example 20 to 200 microshutters. Addressed by them.

If one wants to modulate the intensity, one or more of the above-described placement profiles can be used as an alternative method for determining the light level required at the illumination point and a measure for the microshutter in the placement profile to be opened or closed at these illumination levels, eg For example, it may be frequency modulated.

8 is a perspective view showing the structure of a plug corresponding to the plug shown in FIG.

The illustrated plug 60 has a light receiving end 61 and connecting optical fibers 67, which are respectively fixed to the plug 60 with its light receiving ends 62. .

The mechanical structure of this plug may be suitably provided in the longitudinal direction and in the direction of rotation of the plug 60, depending on the needs and required dimensions for fixing the plug in the corresponding lighting device.

Finally, the above-described lighting control system may be used to use the vehicle's light control, which makes it possible to use one central light source optionally with a backup system for some or all of the lighting requirements present in the vehicle. . Examples other than those externally mounted on the vehicle's lights include appliance panel lighting, interior lighting, contact lighting and the like. The invention partly simplifies the service in part by enabling simple control over whether the light in the individual lighting devices actually works. Thus, the light control of the vehicle may be simplified and centralized at a reduced cost.

However, the present invention may be used for many other applications. An example is a display in which exactly one matrix of fiber stages, with one light source that is electrically controlled, represents any combination, for example a character, while the known principle is arranged separately for each desired character. Requires the use of a fiber stage.

It is also possible to manufacture the display in the form of flat panel displays, for example, which can represent moving pictures.

In addition, it should be noted from the overall perspective that the present invention enables simple lighting control with great freedom in adapting individual lighting control to the desired application.

It should be noted that within the scope of the present invention, it is possible to subdivide the lighting control with a separate central control unit which subdivides the supplied light hierarchically.

As an example of segmentation, a single illumination guide or optical fiber conducts light from the main unit to a sub-unit, which may be located, for example, adjacent to the instruments of the vehicle, such that the sub-unit directs light to the individual lights of the instrument panel or There are main devices, parking lights, fleshing indicators and the like that distribute light in the vehicle to the front and rear lights, such as to distribute them individually to points.

This hierarchical segmentation allows for automatic adjustment of color and intensity at individual lighting points, for example, as a function of backlighting, which may be provided in the sub- or main device depending on the intended purpose.

In particular, it is useful if each pixel of the display is controlled by a connecting light guide and microshutter in the sub-device, for example to provide pixel illumination in a tachometer or other purely digital structured instrument.

In particular, the properties of the light color in the individual pixels may be changed by addressing the microshutter for the same light guide to other light filters.

The invention is not limited to the lighting of a vehicle, for example, but can be considered in many other applications, such as vehicle signals, for example, where the intensity and subject are digitally controlled as a function such as the vehicle, weather, etc. It should be noted.

Other contemplated applications are, for example, cockpits, cabins, vehicles, vehicles, trains, trailers, and a range of environments or buildings that are difficult or heavily exposed to garden lighting, swimming pools (underwater), artwork.

Claims (21)

A method of controlling light from one or more central light sources (1) through light conductors to one or more illumination points, Light is conducted from the central light source or light sources 1 to a control device 3 having a plurality of electrically individually controlled micromechanical shutters each having at least a closed state and an open state, and then therefrom a microshutter In the non-closed state of the light, which is further conducted onto the illumination point or points via one or more optical guides (4). The method of claim 1, Light is transmitted from a central light source or light sources (1) to a microshutter of a control device via a plurality of optical guides (5 '). The method of claim 1, Light is characterized in that it is conducted from the central light source or light sources (1) through exactly one optical guide (5 '). The method of claim 1, wherein Light is conducted through a plurality of micro shutters to one or more illumination points, and the intensity of light conducted to the illumination points depends on the number of open micro shutters. The method of claim 4, wherein Light is conducted from the control device through exactly one optical guide (4 ') to the illumination point. The method according to claim 1, wherein The light control method characterized in that the light from the light source 1 is collected by the at least one optical element 11 into the optical channel of the microshutter and then conducted from the control device through the additional optical element 13 to the light guide. . The method according to claim 1 to 6, The intensity of light at one or more illumination points is controlled by the stepwise opening and closing of the connection stop. The method according to claim 1, wherein Light is conducted from the central light source or light sources through the one or more inserted apertures to the microshutters of the control device, the passage of the light being controlled by the stepwise closing of the aperture. The method according to claim 1, wherein Light is conducted from a central light source or light sources to illumination points under temporary control, and the relationship between the time periods in which one or more micro shutters are opened and closed is adjusted to provide a predetermined intensity to the individual micro shutters. . The method of claim 9, The time period of the at least one micro shutter is constant, the light control method, characterized in that it is possible to adjust the duty cycle from 0 to 100% as desired. Apparatus for regulating light from one or more central light sources or light sources (1) to one or more illumination points through a light guide, Light is conducted from the central light source or light sources to one or more light control devices, each having at least two states, i.e., open and closed, each having micro-mechanical shutters that are electrically and individually controlled. In an open state, the central light source or light source is arranged in a manner that is further conducted to the illumination point or points through a light guide arranged to receive light therefrom. The method of claim 11, One or more light sources of the light sources are arranged to illuminate the plurality of micro shutters through the first lens array 11, The lens array 11 has a plurality of micro shutters arranged for each micro shutter so that light emitted by the light source or the light sources is focused on or near the optical axis of the optical channel 12 of the individual micro shutters. Light control mechanism characterized in that. The method according to claim 11 or 12, And a focal plane of the focusing optical system at the entrance side of the microshutters completely or almost coincides with the aperture of the individual microshutters. The method according to claim 11, wherein And the flexible aperture device is formed by a plate hinged to a microshutter arrangement. The method according to claim 11, wherein The aperture device of each individual micro shutter is formed by a reciprocating aperture element that can move between two points, The reciprocating diaphragm element is suspended so that an elastic force is applied to an equilibrium position between two points, The lighting device further includes a control device capable of controlling the reciprocating diaphragm element by electric electric force, And the aperture element cuts off the optical channel of the micro shutter at one of two points. The method according to claim 11, wherein The optical connection between the control device and the light source or light sources is made by one or more light guides arranged to receive light from the light sources and illuminate the microshutter of the control device. The method according to claim 11 to 16, At least one light guide of the light guides is arranged to receive light from the plurality of micro shutters. The method according to claim 11 to 17, The instrument is equipped with a digital control device for individual electrical control of the individual micro shutters, Said control device having a placement profile (51 ', 56' and 56) for defining the use surface of the microshutters composed of the light control device to be modulated. The method of claim 11, wherein At least one micro shutter is optionally connected to the color filter. The light receiving ends are provided with two or more light guides having a light receiving end and a light emitting end, which are fixed to each other in a fixing device with respect to a cross section of the light guide, wherein the light receiving ends of the light guide together form a use surface or light receiving end of the optical plug. As an optical plug, And said photoreceptors form an arrangement pattern of well-defined separate photoreceptors. The method of claim 22, The light receiving end of the light guide is inserted into the fixing device optical plug.