Delphi Technologies, Inc.

Aptiv Technologies Limited

Nasser Lukmani

Frederick F Kuhlman

Dwadasi H R Sarma

Dwadasi Hr Sarma

Dwadasi HR Sarma

A system, controller, and method for controlling a light distribution pattern. A light source and an electrowetting lens cooperate to vary a light distribution pattern of light from the light source. An object detector is used by a controller determine the location of an object and operate the electrowetting lens in order to control the light distribution pattern based on the location of the object. The electrowetting lens provides for faster redirecting of light toward an object when compared to mechanical based system. The light source may be an array of light emitting diodes to provide a reliable, energy efficient source of light.

Light distribution pattern control using object detection and electrowetting lenses

A vehicle front lighting assembly, or headlight assembly, that includes one or more variable tint electrowetting elements overlying a portion of the assembly lens surface. The variable tint electrowetting element is configured to operate to a transparent state whereby the hue of light passing therethrough is not changed, and a tinted state where the hue of light passing therethrough is changed. Alternatively, the variable tint electrowetting element is configured to operate to the tinted state and an opaque state where light is blocked from passing through the electrowetting element. The assembly may use light emitting diodes (LED) as an alternative to more conventional light sources.

Vehicle front lighting assembly and systems having a variable tint electrowetting element

A system for controlling an infrared light distribution pattern that includes an electrowetting lens arranged proximate to an infrared light source, and operable to vary a distribution pattern of infrared light from the infrared light source into an area; an electrowetting shutter overlaying the electrowetting lens, and operable to an opaque state where infrared light from the infrared light source is blocked from projecting into at least a portion of the area, and operable to a transparent state where infrared light passes through the electrowetting shutter; an object detector configured to detect an object in the area; and a controller configured to receive a detection signal from the object detector, and operate the electrowetting lens and the electrowetting shutter in order to control the infrared light distribution pattern based on a location of the object. The pattern may be uniform or may be customized for the object being heated.

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West Bloomfield, MI, United States of America

Nasser Lukmani