DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to an improved signature lighting apparatus for an automobile. The present invention specifically relates to a unique arrangement of optical elements in the signature lighting apparatus in order to project a light beam having improved homogeneity, uniformity, and resultant intensity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Generally, the automobiles/vehicles are equipped with a signature lighting apparatus which is of specific shape and appearance to distinguish the brand of the vehicle and are placed usually in front portion as well as rear portion of the vehicle. These are categorized as front lamps and rear/tail lamps and are used to illuminate light in front portion as well as rear side of the vehicle. This also provides better visibility for the vehicle driver to clearly see objects lying in front of the vehicle and there on the back side of the vehicle. Thereby, ensuring that visibility is provided to the vehicle driver both during the forward and rearward motion of the vehicle. There are various types of signature lighting apparatus available in state of the art.
These different types of signature lighting apparatus have different functions and are incorporated and installed into the vehicle in different areas. In order to overcome this problem, different signature lighting apparatuses in a vehicle have been proposed that can emit different color light beams and thus can be used for different lighting functions. However, the state-of- art signature lighting apparatus suffers from the limitation of having a larger dimension because of which they require larger space for their installation in the vehicle. This becomes more problematic in consideration of two-wheeler in which there is space scarcity. Additionally, the larger dimension of the state-of- art signature lighting apparatus implies less available space for the installation of other equipment/components necessary for the vehicle. Alternatively, the state-of- -art signature lighting apparatus also suffers from the technical issue of low luminous intensity of the resultant projected light beam.
The state-of- art signature lighting apparatus generally comprises of:
- plurality of PCBs;
- plurality of LEDs; and
- a lens wherein the lens has an inner and an outer surface.
Further, multiple LEDs are arranged and supported on various PCBs wherein these LEDs emit different color light rays and thereby can be used for different functions. They can also emit the same color light rays. Alternatively, the conventional lighting apparatus has different number of LEDs, that are arranged on the different PCBs, to provide a light ray of a pre-determined color. These light rays are then transmitted to the inner surface of the lens. Thereafter, there is a projection of light beam from outer surface of lens. The projected light beam from state-of-art signature lighting apparatus are illuminated from the tail/rear lamp of vehicle. This illumination provides recognition of the brand with which the vehicle is associated. Further, this illumination of vehicle tail/rear lamp also enables precedent vehicle driver to understand moving direction of antecedent vehicle.
The conventional signature lighting apparatus have the following short-comings:
- In case of two-wheelers, where there is less space for installation of signature lighting apparatus, if we decrease the length of the signature lighting apparatus then in order to adjust multiple PCBs, the breadth/width of the signature lighting apparatus will be increased in order to adjust multiple PCBs. So, there will still be unresolved problem in installation of signature lighting apparatus in less space.
- Further, to reduce the size of the lighting apparatus there is an absence of the reflector because of which there is a cavity/gap in between the PCBs and the inner surface of the lens. Alternatively, it implies that the light rays generated from different LEDs placed on different PCB get criss-crossed with each other. These interfered or criss-crossed light rays fall onto the inner surface of the lens and thereafter provide a projected light beam on the outer surface of the lens. Due to the criss-cross of the light rays on the inner surface of the lens, there is formation of hot spots. Thereby, leading to a thermal effect in the lighting apparatus and may cause the bursting of the LEDs. It may even lead to a rise in temperature within the lighting apparatus because of which a cooling element will be required. This will ultimately increase the cost as well as the dimension of the lighting apparatus as a whole.
- In furtherance of this, the bursting of LED due to thermal effect implies frequent maintenance of the lighting apparatus wherein frequent change of LED is required.
- The criss-cross of the light rays also implies a reduced homogeneity and thereby reduced luminous intensity of the projected light beam. The reason for this is that there is no provision for the direction of the light rays emitted from the LED. Due to this, often the light rays from the LED get lost in their path before they strike the inner surface of the lens. Therefore, the projected light beam has a reduced luminous efficiency and reduced visibility which ultimately suffers from limitation of unrecognition of brand of vehicle. Further, this may cause collision of vehicles especially during night-time since precedent vehicle driver is not able to visualize moving direction of antecedent vehicle.
The following prior arts are available which disclose a signature lighting apparatus:
JP2005212546A discloses a vehicle display device wherein the vehicle display device includes a display member, a light source disposed on the back surface side of the display member, and a light source disposed on the back surface side of the display member so as to cover the display member. The display device for a vehicle that includes a reflecting member that reflects light toward the display member, and that transmits and illuminates the display screen of the display member with light from the light source and reflected light from the reflecting member. A second reflecting surface and a third reflecting surface are disposed between the display member and the first reflecting surface. The second reflection surface is formed to be inclined so as to approach the light source as it approaches the first reflection surface from the display screen side, and the third reflection surface is configured to be inclined so as to move away from the light source as it approaches the first reflecting surface from the display screen side. Thereby, the light incident on the second reflecting surface can be reliably incident on the display screen, and the light incident on the third reflecting surface can be reliably incident on the display screen via the first reflecting surface.
US8475020B2 discloses a luminous signalling device that is designed for motor vehicles and has components such as a light source, a reflector, and a screen wherein the reflector is shaped in a convex shape while the screen is flat shaped. Further, the reflector with a reflecting surface is directed so as to face this space to be lit. A screen is arranged opposite the reflector, and between the reflector and the space to be lit. The screen comprising a semi-reflecting zone and the screen is arranged away from the reflector and forms a cavity with the reflector, and at least one of the surfaces of which, formed by the lens or the reflector, is convex. A light source support is configured so that the light rays of the source penetrate the cavity according to a main direction directed towards the space to be lit, and some of the light rays meet the semi-reflecting zone, some of these rays being transmitted by the semi-reflecting zone and others reflected by the semi-reflecting zone. Then by the reflector into the cavity so as to generate a repetitive visual effect of depth. These rays are the first part of the light rays emitted by the light source, and the screen is configured and arranged in relation to the direction of emission of the light source so that a second part of the light rays emitted by the light source leaves the cavity at the level of the screen without meeting the semi-reflecting zone. However, nothing has been discussed related to the homogeneity and uniform distribution of illuminated light in US’020.
US8057081B2 discloses a light guide for vehicular lamp assembly. The lamp assembly is operable to function as a daylight running lamp (DRL), a position parking lamp, a turn signal lamp, or all three. The lamp assembly includes a light source that is operable to generate light. Further, it also includes a light coupler which is in operative communication with the light source to receive light therefrom and distribute the light in a first direction. It also includes a light guide that has an elongated body with first and second faces each positioned at a respective longitudinal end thereof. Opposing light-emitting and light-guiding surfaces is also extended between the first and second faces, each oriented on a respective side of the body. The first end face of the light guide body is configured to communicate with the light coupler and receive light therefrom. The body is configured to transmit light generated by the light source along with the longitudinal expanse thereof. The light-guiding surface includes an array of longitudinally-spaced optical grooves. Each optical groove is configured to refract light generated by the light source in a direction different from the first direction. The light-emitting surface is configured to emanate the refracted light. The depth of preselected optical grooves is varied along the longitudinal length of the light guide. This allows for more intense light output, and the ability to control (i.e., “aim”) the light spread distribution. However, US’081 fails to provide a homogenous light beam from the light guide for vehicular lamp assembly.
KR20160123286A discloses a signalling/lighting device having
- a first LED light source extending along one line and emitting light along a first main light emitting direction;
- a light-receiving end extending along main light-emitting direction and extending along a line formed thereby by said light-source with respect to the first light source, and having a light-receiving proximal end oriented towards said light source and a distal end and a rear side comprising a light emitting side between the proximal end and the distal end and
- a means for reflecting light towards the light emitting side opposite the light emitting side and connected to the first light source.
The illumination device comprises a diffuser sleeve, which comprises an opaque body defining a transparent linear diffusing channel between the proximal end of the first light guide and the first light source.
In KR’286, a second LED light source extends along one line and emits light along a second main light emission direction. The light receiving end which extends along the second main light emitting direction and which extends along a line perpendicular to the second light source, the light receiving end being oriented towards the second light source and the light receiving end and means for reflecting light toward the light emitting side surface opposite the light emitting side surface between the proximal end and the distal end and a rear side including a distal side opposite the light emitting side. A second light guide is connected to two light sources between the proximal end of the second light guide and the second light source. The assembly formed by the first light source and the first light guide constitutes a lantern or tail lamp. The assembly formed by the second light source and the second light guide constitutes a stop light or direction change indicator. The diffuser sleeve has a "homogenizer" effect in that it makes the light emanating from the diffusion channel uniform.
None of the available prior art(s) is related to a signature lighting apparatus which is capable to provide a light beam projection wherein the light beam has an improved homogeneity and is uniform in nature and also provides an increased intensity of the light beam. The conventional signature lighting apparatus suffers from a shortcoming towards the inability to eliminate the formation of intense and focused light rays. Due to this, the conventional apparatus has a limitation of being damaged due to thermal effects caused by the formation of hot spots.
In furtherance of this, the conventional signature lighting apparatus has the limitation of being large in size and quite bulky in weight. The conventional lighting apparatus is expensive in nature since the apparatus requires frequent maintenance. The reason for frequent maintenance of the lighting apparatus is because of the bursting up of the light source of the apparatus as a result of a rise in temperature caused by hot spots formation.

The technical issues associated with the conventional signature lighting apparatus need a technical solution that has the advantage of overcoming their limitations.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a signature lighting apparatus for a vehicle, especially a two-wheeler, wherein the optical elements are arranged in a unique way that projects a light beam having the feature of homogeneity and uniformity.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an economical signature lighting apparatus that is compact in size thereby requiring less space for their installation in the vehicle.
Further, the mentioned technical problems associated with the state-of-the-art need to be dealt with in such a manner that will ensure a signature lighting apparatus that incorporate optical elements in a unique arrangement so that there is no formation of hot spots in the signature lighting apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus with improved homogeneity and uniformity that comprises of:
- plurality of PCB which acts as base support;
- plurality of LED placed on the base support;
- plurality of reflector; and
- plurality of lens
wherein the LED is placed above the PCB and the reflector is arranged at an inclination angle to the PCB to achieve homogeneity.
Further, the function of the reflector is improved because its surface is metalized. The light rays from the reflector get reflected and bounced from the metalized surface of the reflector and fall on the lens. The lens has an inner surface that receives the reflected light rays from the reflector and projects these rays as the light beam from its outer surface. The projected light beam from the lens achieves homogeneity and thereby causes better illumination of vehicle tail/rear lamp. Thereafter, reducing collision among vehicle(s), especially in night-time by allowing adequate visibility for precedent vehicle driver for visualizing antecedent vehicle movement.
The present invention provides a compact signature lighting apparatus, wherein the base support has a LED placed above it wherein the LED emits light of a predetermined color. The LED is placed at one end of the PCB in such a manner that there is a pre-determined distance between LED and reflector. Further, the lens is placed in conjunction with the reflector wherein there is a pre-determined distance between PCB and lens. In furtherance of this, there is a pre-determined inclination angle between the lens and the reflector. Further, the reflector is placed in conjunction with the PCB wherein the reflector is making a pre-determined inclination angle with the PCB. Thus, as a result, the LED, PCB, lens, and reflector are arranged in such a way and at a particular distance so that it can be easily installed inside a two-wheeler headlamp. Further, this optical arrangement of signature lighting apparatus can also be placed at the rear side of the two-wheeler in a small space.
Further, this unique arrangement of signature lighting apparatus which includes PCB, LED, and reflector ensures that the light rays generated by the LED are well received by the inner surface of the reflector. In furtherance of this, the inner surface of the reflector is metalized to optimize the function of receiving light rays from the LED. This ensures that the light rays generated from the LED fall on a different region of the reflector thus eliminating the formation of intense and focused light rays from LED to the reflector. This unique arrangement also enables the inner surface of the lens to receive reflected light rays that are generated by the reflector. Additionally, this allows each of the reflected light rays to fall on different region of the inner surface of the lens and thus, eliminates the formation of intense and focused reflected light rays onto the inner surface of the lens.
Thus, the present invention provides an affordable compact signature lighting apparatus that gives improved homogeneity and uniformity in the projected light beam. Further, the present invention also eliminates the formation of hot spots on the inner surface of the lens.
The unique arrangement of optical elements in the signature lighting apparatus has following advantages:
- compact-sized signature lighting apparatus;
- providing projected light beams having improved homogeneity and are distributed uniformly;
- providing projected light beam with a wide illumination range of area for better illumination of front end of a vehicle tail/rear lamp;
- reducing chances of collision among vehicles as precedent vehicle driver are able to understand and analyze antecedent vehicle moving direction or pattern;
- elimination of formation of hot spots on the reflector and on inner surface of the lens;
- elimination of thermal failure due to the formation of hot spots;
- providing an economical signature lighting apparatus.
The present invention also relates to a method of projection of light beams homogeneously and uniformly using the compact signature light apparatus, wherein the method includes:
- At the first step, placing and arranging a plurality of LED onto a plurality PCB;
- Next, arranging a plurality reflector at a pre-determined inclination angle and at a pre-determined distance from the PCB and the LED;
- Then, arranging a lens at a pre-determined distance from LED, the PCB, and reflector;
- Then, providing electric power supply to the PCB and thereby to the LED;
- Subsequently, the incident light rays from the LED will fall upon the inner surface of the reflector and will reflect;
- Thereafter, the reflector provides reflected light rays that are transmitted toward the inner surface of the lens; and
- Thereby, projecting light beam from the outer surface of the lens which is uniform and homogenous and of high intensity.
The summary is provided to introduce the system as a representative concept in a simplified form that is further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to limit the key essential features of the present invention nor its scope and application.
Other advantages and details about the system and the method will become more apparent to a person skilled in the art from the below-detailed description of the invention when read in conjugation with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Embodiments are described with reference to the following Figures. The same numbers may be used throughout to reference like features and components that are shown in the Figures:
Figure 1 illustrates a front view of typical and conventional signature lighting apparatus.
Figure 2(a) illustrates a front view of horizontally placed PCB in the signature lighting apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2(b) illustrates a front view of vertically placed PCB in the signature lighting apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2(c) illustrates a front view of placement of multiple LEDs and reflectors of the signature lighting apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a method of projection of light beams homogeneously and uniformly from the signature lighting apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
The present invention can be understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for an explanation of the invention as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application yield multiple alternatives and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach extends beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.
References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, circuit, architecture, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, circuit, architecture, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

TERMS:
Signature Lighting: It is defined as the lighting system or lighting lamps with a specific shape and appearance that are used to distinguish brand of the vehicle.
Luminous intensity is a measure of radiant power emitted by an object in a given direction and is dependent on wavelength of light being emitted.

DESCRIPTION
The typical and conventional signature lighting apparatus is illustrated in Fig. 1 wherein the conventional signature lighting has optical elements which includes a PCB (101), a LED (102), and a lens (103). The PCB (101) is a base support onto which LEDs (102) are placed above it. In the conventional signature lighting apparatus, there are multiple PCBs (101) on which multiple LEDs (102) are placed. Thereafter, the lens is placed at a distance from the PCBs (101) and the LEDs (102) to reflect and illuminate light rays from the LEDs.
The PCB (101) of the conventional signature lighting apparatus is provided with electric power. On supplying electric power to the PCB (101), there is a passage of electric current to the LEDs (102) which thereby allows emitting of light rays of a pre-determined color. The emitted light rays are transmitted onto the inner surface of the lens (103).
In the conventional signature lighting apparatus, there are multiple LEDs (102) placed on multiple PCBs (101) which after getting into ‘ON’ mode will emit light rays. The light rays from the multiple LEDs (102) criss-cross with each other because there is a presence of a gap between the PCB (101), the LED (102), and the lens (103). Due to criss-crossing of light rays, the light rays will be transmitted to the inner surface of the lens (103) are getting focused at a few regions of inner surface of the lens (103). Thus, there are formation of hot spots (104) on the lens that generates thermal effects and causes damage to the conventional signature lighting apparatus.
Additionally, in the conventional signature lighting apparatus, there is no provision to enable the direction of the emitted light rays from the LEDs (102). Due to this, the transmitted light rays toward the inner surface of the lens (103) get lost because of the interference and movement of the transmitted light rays in a haphazard manner. The criss-cross of the light rays in the conventional signature lighting apparatus reduces the light intensity of the light rays that are transmitted to the inner surface of the lens. Due to this, the luminous intensity is reduced in the projected light beam. Thereby, the projected light beam illuminates a small range of area wherein the projected light beam is non-uniform and non-homogeneous in nature. This causes difficulty for antecedent vehicle driver to analyze and understand moving direction of antecedent vehicle and may lead to collision among vehicles especially during night-time. Additionally, the conventional signature lighting apparatus suffers from a shortfall of increase in size breadth-wise because of which it still requires larger dimension of space for incorporating it in the vehicle. In four-wheeler, this is no problem, but two-wheeler already have a scarcity of space because of which conventional lighting apparatus cannot be implemented in it.
Further, as the conventional signature lighting apparatus also provides thermal effects and causes hot spots, it will cause harm to the vehicle. Further, this leads to following disadvantages in the conventional signature lighting apparatus:
- Hot spots lead to an increase in the temperature of the conventional lighting apparatus because of which LED may burst up;
- Frequent maintenance is required in the conventional lighting apparatus to change LEDs that have burst up due to a rise in temperature;
- Frequent maintenance implies an increase in the cost associated with the conventional lighting apparatus;
- There is a requirement for cooling elements in the conventional signature lighting apparatus.
Further, the requirement of cooling element has the following disadvantages:
- Need for a cooling element to be placed in the signature lighting apparatus to eliminate the rise in temperature caused by the hot spots;
- Less space is available for the placement of PCBs, LEDs, lens, and reflector;
- The cooling element placed in the conventional signature lighting apparatus leads to an increase in weight of the lighting apparatus;
- The cooling element placed in the conventional lighting apparatus will increase the size of apparatus as a whole;
- Placement of an additional element i.e. a cooling element implies an additional cost and thereby an increase in the economic cost of the conventional signature lighting apparatus.
These technical issues need a technical solution that is capable to resolve these shortcomings of the conventional headlamp assembly in an economical, compact, and efficient manner.

The present invention relates to a compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus with improved homogeneity and uniformity that comprises of:
- plurality of PCB which acts as base support;
- plurality of LED placed on the base support;
- plurality of reflector; and
- plurality of lens
wherein the LED is placed above the PCB and the reflector is arranged at an inclination angle to the PCB to achieve homogeneity.
Further, the function of the reflector is improved because its surface is metalized. The light rays from the reflector get reflected and bounced from the metalized surface of the reflector and fall on the lens. The lens has an inner surface that receives the reflected light rays from the reflector and projects these rays as the light beam from its outer surface. The projected light beam from the lens achieves homogeneity and thereby causes better illumination of vehicle tail/rear lamp. Thereafter, reducing collision among vehicle(s), especially in night-time by allowing adequate visibility for precedent vehicle driver for visualizing antecedent vehicle movement.
The present invention provides the compact signature lighting apparatus, wherein the base support has an LED placed above it and the LED emits light of a predetermined color. The LED is placed at one end of the PCB in such a manner that there is a pre-determined distance between LED and the reflector. Further, the lens is placed in conjunction with the reflector wherein there is a pre-determined distance between PCB and lens. In furtherance of this, there is a pre-determined inclination angle between the lens and the reflector. Further, the reflector is placed in conjunction with the PCB wherein the reflector is making a pre-determined inclination angle with the PCB. Thus, as a result, the LED, PCB, lens and reflector are arranged in such a way and at a particular distance so that it can be easily installed inside a two-wheeler headlamp. Further, this optical arrangement of signature lighting apparatus can also be placed at the rear side of the two-wheeler in a small space.
Further, this unique arrangement of signature lighting apparatus which includes PCB, LED, reflector and lens ensures that the light rays generated by the LED are well received by the inner surface of the reflector. In furtherance of this, the inner surface of the reflector is metalized to optimize the function of receiving light rays from the LED. This ensures that the light rays generated from the LED fall on a different region of the reflector thus eliminating the formation of intense and focused light rays from LED to the reflector. This unique arrangement also enables the inner surface of the lens to receive reflected light rays that are generated by the reflector. Additionally, this allows each of the reflected light rays to fall on different region of the inner surface of the lens and thus eliminates formation of intense and focused reflected light rays onto the inner surface of the lens.
Various arrangements are possible in accordance with the present invention wherein LEDs, PCBs, reflector, and lens are arranged in different and unique way to provide uniform and homogenous projected light beam/rays. Further, the number of such optical elements may also vary in accordance with the requirement of usage and functionality of the signature lighting apparatus.
In one such embodiment, one LED is placed on one end of PCB in conjunction with one reflector which is illustrated in Fig. 2(a). In another embodiment, two LEDs are placed on either ends of the PCB in conjunction with two reflectors which is illustrated in Fig. 2(c). Additionally, the inclination angle with which PCB, LED, reflector, and lens are placed varies with respect to the number of such elements used. It is illustrated through Fig. 2(a) and 2(c) wherein optical elements vary in number along with the variation in the inclination angle in which they are placed in compact signature lighting apparatus.
Further, the PCB may be placed horizontally as shown in one of the embodiments in Fig. 2(a) or vertically placed as shown in another embodiment in Fig. 2(b) in the compact signature lighting apparatus for uniform distribution of illuminated light rays and in order to achieve homogeneity. Additionally, the placement of PCB may vary as per the requirement of illumination and one or more LEDs can be placed on it to achieve required illumination.
As a result of this unique arrangement, the light source is not getting obstructed/blocked which leads to the elimination of criss-cross of the light rays, thereby there is no chance of hot spot formation during lit condition. Further, in this arrangement, no extra reflecting or optical surface is required which will result in a simple and compact arrangement of signature lighting apparatus. Also, with the result of this unique arrangement, homogeneity is achieved in a small space of signature lighting apparatus. Thus, there is an improvement in homogeneity, uniformity and resultant intensity in projected light beam from the compact signature lighting apparatus whose overall dimension is in the range of 5m to 15 mm and specifically of 10 mm.
In order to achieve improved homogeneity, uniformity, and luminous intensity in the projected light beam, the reflector, and the lens are arranged in such a unique manner that there is a formation of a gap or cavity in between them. Additionally, the light source, the lens, and the reflector are arranged with respect to each other so that there is a formation of an obtuse angle between the PCB and the lens and also between the lens and the reflector that provides an increase in the visibility zone for the vehicle driver.
Hence, present invention provides a unique arrangement of light source, reflector and lens that is able to control deflection of light rays and thus provides improved homogeneity in illuminated light beam. As a result, there is an increase in the visibility zone and the resultant light beam has improved luminous intensity. Further, this also ensures that hot spot is not able to form on the lens and hence, there is a reduced heat generation because of which element/s for cooling purposes are not required.
Thereby, the present unique arrangement of the signature lighting apparatus is cost-effective, compact, simple, and efficient in nature. The feature of efficiency in terms of homogeneity is able to be achieved by the unique arrangement of optical elements in the present invention even when its overall dimension is 10mm.
In view of this, present invention can be utilized as tail lamp in a vehicle or as a rear lamp for an automobile. In furtherance of this, present invention can also be utilized as an illumination unit as a headlamp to illuminate light beam having features such as homogeneity, uniformity and improved luminous intensity that enables proper visibility of road for a vehicle driver. There can be other forms wherein such present invention can be utilized especially in the area of lighting/illumination unit.
Fig. 2(a) illustrates a front view of horizontally placed PCB in the signature lighting apparatus (200) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The signature lighting apparatus (200) has optical elements that includes a plurality of PCB (201) which acts as base support, a plurality of LED (202) placed on the base support, a plurality of reflector (203), and a plurality of lens (205). The LED (202) is placed and well-supported above PCB (201) wherein LEDs (202) emit light rays of a pre-determined color. In another embodiment of the present invention, the PCB (201) is placed vertically as shown in Fig. 2(b). The LED (202) is placed at one of the ends of the PCB (201) in such a manner that there is a pre-determined distance between the LED (202), the PCB (201), and the reflector (203). In furtherance of this, the reflector (203) is placed at a pre-determined inclination angle with the PCB (201) and the LED (202). The reflector’s (203) inner surface is metalized (204) to provide it with a transparent surface which thereby allows it to receive the light rays from the LED. In an alternative embodiment, the inner surface of the reflector (203) can undergo other surface treatment which provides it with a transparent surface. The subsequent light rays from the LED (202) fall onto different regions of the inner surface of the reflector (204) because of which there is no formation of intense and focused light rays on the inner surface of the lens (205). Thereafter, the reflector (203) provides reflected light rays which are transmitted to the inner surface of the lens (205). The lens (205) is transparent in nature and is made up of glass. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the lens is made of any other material which imparts the quality of transparency in nature.

The lens (205) is placed and arranged in a unique manner which is as follows:
- Lens (205) is placed at a pre-determined distance from the PCB (201) and the LED (202);
- Lens (205) is placed at a pre-determined distance from the reflector (203);
- Lens (205) forms a pre-determined inclination angle with one of the ends of the reflector (203).
The predetermined distance between the lens (205) and the PCB (201) and/or LED (202) is in the range of 0-50. Further, the more preferred range of distance between the lens (205) and the PCB (201) and/or LED (202) is between 20-31 mm. The predetermined distance between the lens (205) and the reflector 203 is 0-50 mm. Also the pre-determined inclination angle between the lens (205) and one end of the reflector (203) is 30-60 degree. Additionally, the more preferred range of the pre-determined inclination angle between the lens (205) and one end of the reflector (203) is 35-55 degree.
The reflected light rays are falling onto different region of the inner surface of the lens (205). Thus, light beam (206) is projected in an outward direction from the outer surface of the lens (205). Further, the projected light beam (206) illuminates a wider area of signature lighting apparatus. Thereafter, reducing collision among vehicle(s), especially in night-time by allowing adequate visibility for precedent vehicle driver for visualizing antecedent vehicle movement.
The unique arrangement of the lens (205) with respect to the PCB (201), the LED (202), and the reflector (203) allows subsequent reflected light rays from the reflector (203) to fall on different regions of the inner surface of the lens (205). Due to this, there is no formation of the intense and focused reflected light rays on the inner surface of the lens (205). Additionally, this also provides a wide surface of the inner surface of the lens (205) to receive reflected light rays because of which there is an increase in the illuminated lit area (207) for the precedent vehicle driver. This allows easy visualizing of antecedent vehicle movement and causes reduction among vehicles.
In furtherance of this, the reflected light rays from the reflector (203) fall onto different regions of the inner surface of the lens (205) because of which there is the provision of enablement of providing direction to the reflected light rays and elimination towards criss-crossing among the reflected light rays. In furtherance of this, the reflected light rays as transmitting towards the inner surface of the lens (205) do not get interfere with each other or move in a haphazard manner. Due to this, the projected light beam (206) from the outer surface of the lens (205) is homogeneous as well as uniform in nature.
Another embodiment in the arrangement of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 2(c). In this arrangement, the PCB (201) has two LEDs [202(a) & 202(b)] above it. Further, these LEDs [202(a) & 202(b)] are placed at either of the ends of the PCB (201). Additionally, two reflectors [203(a) & [203(b)] are placed at a predetermined distance between them and at a predetermined distance from the PCB (201) and the LEDs [202(a)]. Bothe these reflector [203(a) and 203(b)] have a metallized surface [204(a) and 204(b)]to ensure adequate reflection. Further, the two reflectors [203(a) & [203(b)] are placed at a predetermined inclination angle from the lens (205). Thus, the lens (205) is resting on the reflectors [203(a) & 203(b)]. In another embodiment, the number of optical elements such as the PCB (201), the LED (202), the reflector (203), and the lens (205) may vary in number in accordance with the user requirements and functionality required from the compact signature lighting apparatus (200).
The signature lighting apparatus of the present invention is utilized to project the light beam of pre-determined color and pre-determined shape in order to light the brand of the automobile/ vehicle with which it is associated. Alternatively, it can be used to project light beams from the display board as used in shops to project light beams to the display brand with which the display board is associated. It is important to note that the exemplary usage of the signature lighting apparatus is not limited to vehicles as such.
Embodiments pertinent to arrangements of optical elements in present invention is here-in-below illustrated as follows:
Exemplary Embodiment 1- Relation between distance, inclination angle and lit area
Distance between PCB and lens
(in mm)
[Denoted as Y in Fig. 2(a)] Inclination angle of reflector with respect to PCB
(in degree)
[Denoted as A in Fig. 2(a)] Illuminated lit area
(in mm2 )

[Denoted as X in Fig. 2(a)]
20 45 44.8
20 44 45.8
20 43 46.8
20 42 47.8

Exemplary Embodiment 2- Relation between distance, inclination angle and lit area
Distance between PCB and lens
(in mm)
[Denoted as Y in Fig. 2(a)] Inclination angle of reflector with respect to PCB
(in degree)
[Denoted as A in Fig. 2(a)] Illuminated lit area
(in mm2 )
[Denoted as X in Fig. 2(a)]
20 41 48.8
20 40 50
20 39 51.2
20 38 52.3

Exemplary Embodiment 3- Relation between distance, inclination angle and lit area
Distance between PCB and lens
(in mm)
[Denoted as Y in Fig. 2(a)] Inclination angle of reflector with respect to PCB
(in degree)
[Denoted as A in Fig. 2(a)] Illuminated lit area
(in mm2 )
[Denoted as X in Fig. 2(a)]
20 37 53.6
20 36 55
20 35 56.4

Exemplary Embodiment 4- Relation between distance, inclination angle and lit area
Distance between PCB and lens
(in mm)
[Denoted as Y in Fig. 2(a)] Inclination angle of reflector with respect to PCB
(in degree)
[Denoted as A in Fig. 2(a)] Illuminated lit area
(in mm2 )
[Denoted as X in Fig. 2(a)]
31 55 72
30 55 70.6
29 55 69
28 55 68

Exemplary Embodiment 5- Relation between distance, inclination angle and lit area
Distance between PCB and lens
(in mm)
[Denoted as Y in Fig. 2(a)] Inclination angle of reflector with respect to PCB
(in degree)
[Denoted as A in Fig. 2(a)] Illuminated lit area
(in mm2 )
[Denoted as X in Fig. 2(a)]
27 55 66.4
26 55 64.9
25 55 63.5
24 55 62
23 55 60.7

Further, a method of projecting light beam homogeneously (300) from the compact automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) is illustrated in Fig. 3. The method includes:
- At step (301), placing and arranging a LED (202) onto a PCB (201). The PCB (201) can be positioned either horizontally (as shown in Fig. 2a) or vertically (as shown in Fig. 2b) wherein the PCB (201) provides support to the LED (202) that is attached over it. This ensures that the PCBs are provided with electrical power as and when required for getting it into ON/OFF mode.
- Next at step (302), arranging a reflector (203) at a pre-determined inclination angle and at a pre-determined distance from the PCB (201) and the LED (202). This ensures that the light rays from the LED (202) are well received by the reflector’s inner surface (204). The light rays from the LED (202) fall onto a different region of the inner surface of the reflector.
- Then at step (303), arranging the lens (205) at a pre-determined distance from PCB (201), LED (202), and reflector (203). The Lens (205) is placed at a pre-determined inclination anglefrom one of the ends of reflector (203).
- Then at step (304), providing an electric power supply to the PCB (201) and thereby to the LED (202). This allows the power supply to flow to the LED (202) to emit light rays of a pre-determined color.
- Subsequently at step (305), the incident light rays from the LED (202) fall upon the inner surface of the reflector (204). In furtherance of this, the light rays from the LED (202) fall onto a different region of the inner surface of the reflector (203) to eliminate the formation of focused light rays and subsequently eliminate the formation of hot spots.
- Then at step (306), the reflector (203) provides reflected light rays that are transmitted toward the inner surface of the lens (205). Each of the reflected light rays is transmitted onto different regions of the inner surface of the lens (205). Thereby eliminating the formation of intense and focused reflected light rays on the inner surface of the lens (205). Thereby eliminating the formation of hot spots on the inner surface of the lens (205).
- Thereby at step (307), projecting uniform and homogenous light beam (206) from the outer surface of the lens (205). The projected light beam (206) is formed by the reflected light rays that are falling onto the inner surface of the lens (205).
Advantageously, the unique arrangement of the optical elements in the present invention provides the projected light beam to be of homogeneous in nature. Due to this, the projected light beam is clear and adequate for illumination of signature lighting apparatus. Thereafter, this enables reduction of collision among vehicles especially during night-time because of proper visibility to precedent vehicle driver to visualize movement of antecedent vehicle.
Additionally, features such as improved homogeneity, uniformity and improved luminous intensity in a projected light beam allows better recognition of vehicle brand.
In furtherance of this, the unique arrangement of the optical elements in compact signature lighting apparatus ensures that there is no formation of intense and focused light rays onto the reflector and the inner surface of the lens respectively. Due to this, no hot spots are formed in the present invention.
The optical elements are arranged in such a unique arrangement that the present invention is compact in size and thus can be installed in vehicles in a much lesser space and thereby providing extra space for incorporating additional elements. This is primarily important in the case of a two-wheeler, wherein there is already a space scarcity. Due to optimization in the arrangement, the present compact signature lighting apparatus is economical in nature.
A description of an embodiment with several components or optical elements in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention. The present disclosure may be realized in a centralized fashion, in at least one processing system, or in a distributed fashion, where different elements may be spread across several interconnected systems or circuits connected to the optical system.

A person ordinary skilled in the art will appreciate that the optical elements, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed optical elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments and exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art, that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made, to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) comprises of:
• a plurality of PCB (201);
• a plurality of LED (202);
• a plurality of reflector (203); and
• a plurality of lens (205) having an inner surface and an outer surface,
wherein
- the lens (205) is placed at a pre-determined distance from PCB (201), LED (202) and reflector (203); and
- the lens (205) forms a pre-determined inclination angle with one end of the reflector (203).
2. The compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lens (205) is placed at a pre-determined distance from PCB (201) and/or LED (202).
3. The compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lens (205) is placed at a pre-determined distance from the reflector (203).
4. The compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lens (205) forms a pre-determined inclination angle with one end of the reflector (203).
5. The compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the distance between PCB (201) and lens (205) is in a range of 0-50 mm.
6. The compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the inclination angle of reflector (203) with respect to PCB (201) is in a range 30-60 degrees.
7. The compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an illuminated lit area (207) is formed due to the receiving of light rays from the reflector (203) on the inner surface of the lens (205).
8. The compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the illuminated lit area (207) is dependent on distance of PCB and lens.
9. The compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the illuminated lit area (207) is dependent inclination angle between the lens (205) and one end of the reflector (203).
10. The compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the illuminated lit area is in a range 44.8-72 mm2.
11. The compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the PCB (201) can be placed either horizontally or horizontally and it acts as base support for the LED (202).
12. The compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the reflector (203) is metalized (204).
13. The compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the reflector (203) undergoes surface treatment that provides it with a transparent surface.
14. The compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein in one arrangement, one LED (202) is placed on one end of PCB (201) in conjunction with one reflector (203).
15. The compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein in one arrangement, two LEDs (202) are placed on either ends of the PCB (201) in conjunction with two reflectors (203).
16. The compact-sized automobile signature lighting apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined inclination angle formed between PCB (201), LED (202), reflector (203), and lens (205) varies with respect to the number of the elements used.
17. A method of projecting a light beam homogeneously from a compact automobile signature lighting apparatus (200), wherein the method comprising:
- initially, placing and arranging a plurality of LED (202) onto a plurality of PCB (201);
- next, arranging a plurality of reflector (203) at a pre-determined distance from the PCB (201) and LED (202);
- then, arranging the reflector (203) at a pre-determined inclination angle from the PCB (201) and the LED (202);
- then, arranging a plurality of lens (205) at a pre-determined distance from PCB (201), LED (202), and the reflector (203);
- thereafter, placing the lens (205) at a pre-determined angle from one end of the reflector (203);
- then, providing electric power supply to the PCB (201) and thereby to the LED (202);
- subsequently, falling the incident light rays from the LED (202) onto the inner surface of the reflector (204) and the light rays from the LED (202) fall onto a different region of the inner surface of the reflector (203);
- thereafter, providing the reflected light rays by the reflector (203) which is then transmitted towards the inner surface of the lens (205);
- subsequently, each of the reflected light rays being transmitted onto different regions of the inner surface of the lens (205); and
- thereby, projecting light beam (206) from the outer surface of the lens (205) which is uniform and homogenous and of high intensity.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein arranging the reflector (203) at a pre-determined inclination angle and at a pre-determined distance from the PCB (201) and the LED (202) is such that this ensures that the light rays from the LED (202) are well received by the reflector’s inner surface (204).
19. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the light rays from the LED (202) fall onto a different region of the inner surface of the reflector (203) to eliminate the formation of focused light rays and subsequently eliminate the formation of hot spots.
20. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein projection of light beam is homogeneous.
21. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein projection of light beam will not form hot spot point.