DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a grid structured optical homogenizer module for an illumination unit for improved optical efficiency. In particular, present invention specifically relates to the grid structured optical homogenizer module in an illumination unit to provide uniform, homogeneous, even, and improved optical efficiency in projected light beam.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
In state-of-the-art, automobiles/vehicles are equipped with various optical elements such as headlight/headlamps, turn indicators, stop indicators, signature indicators for various purposes. These optical elements are placed in the vehicles/automobiles, especially, two wheelers to perform various functions. The headlamps/headlights are present to provide light in front of the vehicle to ensure proper visibility to the driver in front of the vehicle. In furtherance of this, vehicles/automobiles are also equipped with signalling lamp such as a turn signal lamp, stop lamp, position lamp, and so on. Additionally, it is pertinent to note that different signalling lamp have different functions such as turn signal lamp is used during turning of vehicle either in left or right direction, while stop lamp is used whenever the vehicle is stopped to inform preceding vehicle driver about stopping of vehicle.
It is pertinent to note that optical efficiency with which optical elements projects light beam forms a substantial concern for both automobile manufacturer and users. Further, various research works are ongoing in the field of automobile to improve the optical efficiency of the two-wheeler i.e. to achieve better homogeneity, uniformity, and evenness in the projected light beam. Various research works results into different optical modules which provides the improvement in optical efficiency, but most of these modules results into improvement in optical efficiency which is less than 40%.
The following prior arts are available which disclose an automobile/ vehicle illumination device used for providing functionality of lighting unit and/or signalling unit:
US10843620B2 discloses a motor vehicle and a light distribution pattern for low beam headlamps that eliminates dazzling effect to a driver of an oncoming vehicle. Further, US’620 discloses lighting component comprises a chassis, such as enclosure, light source, such as lamp, optical system mounted in enclosure, a controller and actuator, such as a motor. Optical system may include various optical components including refractive elements, e.g., lens, reflective elements, e.g., reflector, various apertures, irises, filters, etc., e.g., cutoff shield, to form a particular illumination profile when evaluated on a screen. The lighting configurations include both flat lighting components, representatively referred to herein as flat component(s), and kink lighting components, representatively referred to herein as kink component(s). Flat components may produce a beam having a flat cutoff and kink components may produce a beam having a cutoff that has a step or angled portion to the right of the headlamp’s centreline. The combined light fields are properly aligned on the grid, and hence on the vehicle and conform to a first illumination profile.
WO2020244087A1 discloses an optical element for a vehicle (car) lamp, characterized in that it comprises a light incident part, a light transmission part and a light output part which are sequentially connected, and the light incident part comprises a plurality of the light incident surface is connected, the light incident surface is a curved surface convex backward, and the light exit surface is a curved surface convex forward. The light-emitting portion can be set as a grid-like structure to facilitate dimming. The grid-like structure is formed by connecting a plurality of convex curved surfaces. The light diffusion direction can be controlled by adjusting the grid size, usually the area of a single grid The larger the light, the more obvious the diffusion. Further, grid area helps in the determination of uniformity of emitted shape light/ projected light beam. However, WO’087 is related to optical element for car lamp and does not provide any teaching for two-wheeler.
CN213395132U discloses low-beam optical element, characterized by comprising an incident light part, a light-passing part and an emergent light part which are connected in sequence, wherein the incident light part is arranged to enable incident light to be converged and emitted to the incident light part, and the light-passing part is arranged to enable the incident light to be guided to be emitted from the emergent light part; and a III-zone forming structure is arranged on the lower side of the light-passing part, the rear end of the III zone forming structure is connected with the light-entering part and extends from the light-entering part to the direction of the light-exiting part, so that part of light rays converged by the light-entering part can directly enter the III-zone forming structure to form a near-light III-zone light shape. Further, the light emitting surface in the region III is provided with a concave convex structure, and the concave-convex structure may be a stripe concave convex structure or, may be a grid concave-convex structure, and may be a sawtooth concave-convex structure. By providing the concave convex structure, the light emitted from the light-emitting surface in the region III can be diffused, thereby improving the uniformity of the light shape b in the near-light region III.
JP7217360B2 discloses high/low lamp integrator car lamp lighting device that includes light source, light collecting element, beam conditioning element, condensing element, and so on. The light output surface of the collecting element and/or the light output surface of the light collecting element may be a grid surface to facilitate light control and obtain a more uniform pattern. Here, the grid surface can be formed by joining a plurality of flat surfaces or curved surfaces.
However, none of the available/ existing prior art(s) is able to devise an optical homogenizer module that has an optical efficiency of more than 40 percent. Due to lower optical efficiency, there is hampering of luminous efficiency of illuminating surface and thereby poor illumination efficiency in resultant projected light beam.
In order to overcome associated technical issues of existing optical homogenizer modules, present invention has been introduced.
Hence, it is an object of present invention to devise a grid structured optical homogenizer module for an illumination unit that provides an improved optical efficiency of more than 40% along with an improved homogeneity in projected light beam.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a grid structured optical homogenizer module for an illumination unit of a vehicle to provide improved optical efficiency of more than 40% along with an improved homogeneity in projected light beam.
Further, the present invention relates to grid structured optical homogenizer module for an illumination unit of a vehicle to provide improved optical efficiency which includes:
- plurality of main light source;
- plurality of pre-determined curvature lens;
- plurality of optical homogenizer integrated with grooves at its ends;
- plurality of light guide blade with prism at its inner surface and having extensions at its ends; and
- plurality of auxiliary light source;
wherein,
- the lens is arranged at a pre-determined distance from the main light source to receive light rays from it;
- the optical homogenizer is integrated with plurality of horizontal grid and vertical grid in a pre-determined pattern, and the optical homogenizer is located at pre-determined distance from lens to receive directed light rays uniformly and homogeneously;
- the light guide blade is arranged at a pre-determined distance from optical homogenizer, and prism of light guide blade receives projected light rays from the optical homogenizer;
- the auxiliary light source is arranged at pre-determined distance from extensions of light guide blade, and the extensions receives light rays emitted by the auxiliary light source.
Further, the unique arrangement/pattern of the horizontal grid and vertical grid in the optical homogenizer projects light beam that is homogeneous, uniform, wider visibility zone, and an improved optical efficiency in nature.
Advantageously, unique arrangement of horizontal grid and vertical grid of optical homogenizer of present invention leads to following outcomes:
- Provides compact sized optical homogenizer unit/module to be utilized in an automobile headlight/ headlamp/ signalling unit;
- Resultant illumination unit is easy, simple, and economical to manufacture and can be integrated easily in a headlamp;
- Resultant light beam is homogeneous, uniform, and has an improved luminous efficiency;
- Resultant projected light beam is shining in front of the optical homogenizer; and
- Resultant light beam provides a wider visible zone and thereby providing better and improved visibility for a vehicle driver.
Further, the present invention relates to a method of projecting improved optical efficient light beam from the illumination unit wherein method includes:
- arranging optical elements in a pre-determined arrangement order within an illumination unit;
- simultaneous switching ON main light source and an auxiliary light source equipped within an illumination unit;
- then, light rays are emitted from main light source that are received by lens;
- next, directed light rays from lens falls onto grooves as present on ends of an optical homogenizer and thereafter inside optical homogenizer;
- further, projected light rays from the optical homogenizer falls onto an input surface of the light guide. The light rays will then pass through the light guide without any change or the blade of light guide may contribute to the beam shaping and provides projected light beam;
- simultaneously, the light rays as emitted from the auxiliary light source will fall onto extension and thereafter within the light guide blade, that provide a resultant signaling light beam;
- thus, simultaneous projecting dual light beam of lighting and signalling unit from the illumination unit.
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(a) illustrates schematic layout of arrangement of optical elements in illumination unit in accordance with embodiment of present invention.
Figure 1(b) illustrates an exemplary embodiment of arrangement of optical elements having optical homogenizer in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 1(c) illustrates a detailed overview of an optical homogenizer and light guide blade in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 1(d) illustrates different types of lighting/ signalling units such as day-time running/ position unit (103c), low beam units (103d) in accordance with embodiment of present invention.
Figure 2(a) illustrates the optical homogenizer without any presence of spread in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 2(b) illustrates the optical homogenizer having presence of horizontal spread in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 2(c) illustrates the optical homogenizer having presence of wall- shaped grid in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 2(d) illustrates the optical homogenizer having presence of wall- shaped grid with horizontal spread in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 2(e) illustrates the optical homogenizer having presence of wall- shaped grid with different row height in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 2(f) illustrates the optical homogenizer having presence of wall- shaped zig-zag placed grid in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 2(g) illustrates the optical homogenizer having presence of face-to-face arranged front grid and rear grid in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 2(h) illustrates the schematic optical homogenizer for an illumination unit in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a method of projecting improved optical efficient light beam using grid structure optical homogenizer module in accordance with an embodiment of 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:
Luminous Intensity: It is defined as a measure of power of the emitted light, by a light source in a particular direction, per unit solid angle.
Collimation/Collimated Beam: It is defined as process of converting scattered light into a beam of light with a large number of parallel rays. Thus, collimation is a process wherein light beam is narrow down wherein the light beam achieves a certain direction in order to main size and shape of light beam over a long distance.

DESCRIPTION
In general, an automobile is equipped with an illumination unit, wherein such illumination unit includes a lighting unit and a signalling unit. The conventional lighting unit and signalling unit in the automobile is integrated separately at a pre-determined location according to their functionality. These individual lighting and signalling units are imparted with unique design to provide ‘signature’ effect. This allows easy, adequate, and proper recognition of vehicle manufacturer and type of vehicle. During day-time, there is no issue of recognition of vehicle manufacturer and/or type of vehicle, but during night-time, illumination surface integrated within automobile lighting unit/ signalling unit suffers from limitation of disparity. Due to this, illumination surface irradiates non-uniformly, inadequately, and unevenly because of which there occurs confusion between distinction of lighting unit and signalling unit. So, a lot of research is ongoing in this field to provide uniform, adequate and even projected light from the illumination unit of the automobile. This causes major cost to automobile manufacturers since their unique signature effect integrated in lighting unit/ signalling unit becomes less visible and not clear.
In furtherance of this, conventional illumination unit projects high beam and low beam when serving function as a lighting unit. But there occurs an issue, since low beam projection suffers from low optical efficiency. Due to this, there is provided narrow range of light beam to project road surface and causes a hindrance to visibility of an automobile driver, especially during night time.
Also, conventional illumination unit require multiple optical components/ elements/ array/ assembly to equip lighting unit and/or signalling unit. These additional components serve the function of improving optical efficiency but at the same time causes an overall increase in weight of an automobile. Further, such additional components require space for their installation. This causes major issue especially for two-wheeler which already suffers from space limitation.
Hence, a need is there for an automobile to advanced it with such optical elements/units/ components to overcome above-mentioned technical issues associated with conventional illumination unit.
The present invention relates to grid structured optical homogenizer module for an illumination unit for improved optical efficiency which includes:
- plurality of main light source;
- plurality of pre-determined curvature lens;
- plurality of optical homogenizer integrated with grooves at its ends;
- plurality of light guide blade with prism at its inner surface and having extensions at its ends; and
- plurality of auxiliary light source;
wherein,
- the lens is arranged at a pre-determined distance from the main light source to receive light rays from it;
- the optical homogenizer is integrated with plurality of horizontal grid and vertical grid in a pre-determined pattern, and the optical homogenizer is located at pre-determined distance from lens to receive directed light rays uniformly and homogeneously;
- the light guide blade is arranged at a pre-determined distance from optical homogenizer, and prism of light guide blade receives projected light rays from the optical homogenizer;
- the auxiliary light source is arranged at pre-determined distance from extensions of light guide blade, and extensions of light guide blade receive light rays emitted by the auxiliary light source.

Further, the unique arrangement/pattern of the horizontal grid and vertical grid in the optical homogenizer projects light beam that is homogeneous, uniform, wider visibility zone, and an improved optical efficiency in nature.
Figure 1(a) illustrates a schematic layout of arrangement of optical elements in illumination unit in accordance with embodiment of present invention. The illumination unit of present invention (100) includes optical elements such as a main light/ illumination source (101/101a), a lens (102/102a/102b), an optical homogenizer (103) integrated with protrusions -based optical element (103a) at either ends, and a light guide blade (105) with prism (104) at its inner surface and an auxiliary light/illumination source (101b). The light guide blade (105) has extensions (106) at one of its ends. In the illumination unit (100), optical elements are arranged perpendicularly with respect to an imaginary horizontal axis, wherein such optical axis passes through the centre/mid-section of these elements.
The optical elements are arranged in a pre-determined unique arrangement order in the illumination unit of present invention. Further, the main light source (101) in illumination unit may be a LED light that emits light rays. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the type of main light source varies in accordance with convenience of a user. Further, there is a lens (102) located at pre-determined distance from main light source (101) to receive light rays from main light source. In one exemplary embodiment, distance between lens (102) and main light source (101) falls in range of 0.5- 5 mm. The lens (102) has a pre-determined curvature and length in accordance with convenience of user or requirement. Accordingly, material employed for lens will depend on the requirement of user. The type of lens varies in accordance with usage or requirement and convenience of user.
The lens (102) is followed by an optical homogenizer (103) wherein they are at a pre-determined distance from each other. In one exemplary embodiment, optical homogenizer (103) and lens (102) are distance apart from each other whose range is 0-50 mm. The optical homogenizer (103) is equipped with grooves-based optical element (103a) at either ends, wherein such grooves or protrusions/optical surfaces/elements are of pre-determined curvature. The grooves (103a) at either ends of optical homogenizer (103) can vary in shape in accordance with usage of illumination unit. In one of the instances, optical homogenizer (103) is equipped with day time running lamp unit (103c) and low beam unit grooves (103d). In another instance, optical homogenizer (103) has both curved based grooves (103a) and triangular based grooves (103b) and is based on accordance with convenience of user. The optical homogenizer (103) is arranged in such a way to be able to receive direct light rays from lens (102). Furthermore, optical homogenizer (103) is arranged in such manner so that light received on its surface is achieved homogeneously, uniformly, evenly, adequately, properly, and suitably.
The optical homogenizer (103) as illustrated in Fig. 1(d) details that it is integrated with a plurality of an array of cells, wherein the cell has numerous rows and columns respectively. These cells are integrated with plurality of light emitting surface module. The light emitting surface module is arranged in an illuminated area of front grid (201) and rear grid (202) of optical homogenizer (203). The light emitting surface module can act as a lighting unit and signalling unit. Thereby, it serves function of forming cut-off line in a low beam, providing beam shape in a high beam, forming day time running lamp/light, blinker light, signal flashing light, hazard signal light, fog lamp, turn indicator light/lamp, and so on. Additionally, grooves (103a) of optical homogenizer (103) ensures to provide directed light rays in a uni-direction i.e. towards light guide blade (105) only. In other words, grooves (103a) of optical homogenizer (103) provides collimation of directed light rays so that these light rays are moving parallel in a uniform and aligned manner.
Further, the optical homogenizer (103) is followed by a light guide blade (105) having extensions (106) at either end. In one exemplary embodiment, distance between optical homogenizer (103) and light guide blade (105) falls in range of 0-10 mm. The light guide blade (105) is equipped with prism (104) of pre-determined shape and depth at its inner surface. In fig. 1(c), light guide blade (105) is illustrated having a leg in the form of extensions (106), wherein such extension (106) is present at one of the ends of light guide blade (105). It is pertinent to note that light guide blade (105) allows intermingling of light rays that are emitted by main light source and auxiliary light source (101b). Further, in one exemplary embodiment, distance between light guide blade (105) and auxiliary light source (101b) falls in range of 0-5mm. In furtherance of this, the unique arrangement of optical elements in illumination unit of present invention (100) provides distinctive formation of light beam. Further, the illumination unit is integrated with lighting unit and signalling unit that provides multiple functionalities such as turn signal lamp, fog light unit, front position lamp, day-time running lamp, fog lamp, and so on.
Additionally, arrangement of optical units in present invention of light beam illumination unit allows a unique distinctive visibility of lighting unit and signaling unit. This is achieved by ensuring that light received by either optical homogenizer (103) and/ or by light guide blade (105) is achieved in homogeneous, uniform, and even manner. This primarily results in an evenly shape light beam from illumination unit and provide improved homogeneous light/illuminated surface in front of a vehicle/automobile.
Figure 1(b) illustrates an exemplary embodiment of arrangement of optical elements having optical homogenizer in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. The arrangement includes a main light source and auxiliary light source (101a, 101b), a primary lens and a secondary lens (102a, 102b), an optical homogenizer (103) with grooves (103a) at either ends, a light guide blade (105) having prism at one end (104) and a leg (106).
Figure 1(c) illustrates a detailed overview of an optical homogenizer and light guide blade in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In this arrangement, grooves (103a) of optical homogenizer (103) is illustrated, wherein such grooves (103a) is placed in conjunction with light guide blade (105) having leg (106) at its one end.
Accordingly, present invention includes multiple alternative exemplary embodiments. In furtherance of this, Figure 1(d) illustrates different types of lighting/ signalling units such as day-time running/ position unit (103c), low beam units (103d). These units are integrated in a pre-determined arrangement in an optical homogenizer (103) in accordance with convenience of a user.
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF OPTICAL HOMOGENIZER FOR IMPROVED OPTICAL EFFICIENCY:

Exemplary embodiment 1:
Figure 2(a) illustrates the optical homogenizer without any presence of spread in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In this arrangement, schematic arrangement of plurality of horizontal grid and plurality of vertical grid is depicted, wherein such grids are in pre-defined pattern, and is placed within the optical homogenizer (103). It is pertinent to note, front grid (201) and (202) forms a grid that is patterned/arranged inside the optical homogenizer (103). Such grid forms a plurality of cell for an optical homogenizer (103).
Furthermore, front grid (201) and rear grid (202) are in symmetric arrangement with each other and in centre/mid-section of front grid (201), there are placed illuminated area (203) of pre-defined pattern based in accordance with requirement. The rear grid (202) is also equipped with 100% full coverage based illuminated area (not shown in figure), and thus it is illuminating profoundly. Arrangement of front grid (201) placed in conjunction with rear grid (202) is depicted as front view (207), wherein these grids (201 and 202) are in symmetric with each other.
Due to this, obtained/resultant isoplot graph (204) depicts horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206). In this isoplot graph (204), the horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) are shown in X axis and Y axis respectively. The horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) are symmetric in manner, wherein dimension in reference to such profile (205 and 206) is equal in nature. Alternatively, in this symmetricity, broadness represented by horizontal intensity profile (205) and depth represented by vertical intensity profile (206) equalizes/ matches with each other. Furthermore, symmetricity is obtained in horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) using horizontal axis as reference point/line. This symmetricity is achieved for a reason, front grid (201) and rear grid (202) are in alignment with each other.
It is pertinent to note that rear grid (202) is provided with full coverage based illuminated area and provides this illumination to the illuminated area (203) onto front grid (201). Due to this, optical efficiency/ luminous intensity is uniform across the horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206). Thus, horizontal intensity profile (205) is shaped as a stepped rectangular bar whose length and depth are in conformation with horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) accordingly.

Exemplary embodiment 2:
Figure 2(b) illustrates the optical homogenizer having presence of horizontal spread in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In this arrangement, schematic arrangement of plurality of horizontal grid and plurality of vertical grid is depicted, wherein such grids are in pre-defined pattern, and are placed within the optical homogenizer (103). It is pertinent to note, front grid (201) and rear grid (202) forms a grid that is patterned/arranged inside the optical homogenizer (103). Such grid forms a plurality of cell for an optical homogenizer (103).
Furthermore, in centre/mid-section of front grid (201), there are placed illuminated area (203) of pre-defined pattern based in accordance with requirement of user. These illuminated areas (203) are arranged horizontally, thereby they are distributed horizontally in each row of front grid (201) and are spread uniformly, evenly, and homogeneously in a horizontal direction. The rear grid (202) is also equipped with 100% full coverage based illuminated area (not shown in figure), and thus it is illuminating profoundly. Arrangement of front grid (201) placed in conjunction with rear grid (202) is depicted as front view (207), wherein these grids (201 and 292) are in symmetric with each other.
Due to this, obtained/resultant isoplot graph (204) depicts horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206). In this isoplot graph (204), the horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) are shown in X axis and Y axis respectively. The horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) are symmetric in manner, wherein dimension in reference to such (205 and 206) profile is equal in nature. In this symmetricity, broadness represented by horizontal intensity profile (103h) and depth is represented by vertical intensity profile (103i) equalizes/ matches with each other. Additionally, luminous/optical efficiency in projected light beam as shown in isoplot graph (204) is maximum in center of horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) and luminous/optical efficiency is eventually/gradually decreasing as distance increases from the center. Thereby, obtained isoplot graph (204) depicts gradual slope in accordance with luminous efficiency of projected light beam.

Exemplary embodiment 3:
Figure 2(c) illustrates the optical homogenizer having presence of wall- shaped grid in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In this arrangement, schematic arrangement of plurality of horizontal grid and plurality of vertical grid is depicted, wherein such grids are in patterned as wall-shape and are placed within the optical homogenizer (103). It is pertinent to note, front grid (201) and (202) forms a grid that are patterned/arranged inside the optical homogenizer (103). Such grid forms a plurality of cell for an optical homogenizer (103).
Furthermore, in centre of front grid (201), there are placed illuminated area (203) of pre-defined pattern based in accordance with requirement of user. These illuminated areas (103f) are arranged horizontally in an alternate manner, wherein each illuminated area in alternate columns is in zig-zag manner and are spread uniformly, evenly, and homogeneously in a horizontal direction. Also, rear grid (202) is provided with 100%/ full coverage based illuminated area (not shown in figure) thus it is illuminating profoundly. Arrangement of front grid (201) placed in conjunction with rear grid (202) is depicted as front view (207), wherein these grids (201 and 292) are in symmetric with each other.
Due to this, obtained/resultant isoplot graph (204) depicts horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206). In this isoplot graph (204), the horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) are shown in X axis and Y axis respectively. The horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) are symmetric in manner, wherein dimension in reference to such profile is equal in nature. In this symmetricity, broadness represented by horizontal intensity profile (205) and depth is represented by vertical intensity profile (206) equalizes/ matches with each other. Furthermore, symmetricity is obtained in horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) using horizontal axis as reference point/line. This symmetricity is achieved for a reason, front grid (201) and rear grid (202) are in alignment with each other.
Furthermore, luminous/ optical efficiency in isoplot graph (204) is uniform and homogeneous in nature across horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206). Thus, horizontal intensity profile (205) is shaped as a stepped rectangular bar whose length and depth are in conformation with horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) accordingly.

Exemplary embodiment 4:
Figure 2(d) illustrates the optical homogenizer having presence of wall- shaped grid with horizontal spread in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In this arrangement, schematic arrangement of plurality of horizontal grid and plurality of vertical grid is depicted, wherein such grids are in patterned as wall-shape and are placed within the optical homogenizer (103). It is pertinent to note, front grid (201) and (202) forms a grid that are patterned/arranged inside the optical homogenizer (103). Such grid forms a plurality of cell for an optical homogenizer (103).
Furthermore, in centre of front grid (201), there are placed illuminated area (203) of pre-defined pattern based in accordance with convenience of user. These illuminated areas (203) are arranged horizontally in an alternate manner, wherein each illuminated area in alternate columns is in zig-zag manner and are spread uniformly, evenly, and homogeneously in a horizontal direction. The rear grid has a presence of full coverage based illuminated area (not shown in figure) and thus is able to illuminate profoundly. Furthermore, illuminated area (203) are spaced out horizontally in such manner that front grid is shifted so that center of illuminated area on front grid (201) sits on the centre of the bottom edge of the rear grid (202). Such an arrangement of front grid (201) and rear grid (202) is depicted as front view (207).
The obtained/resultant isoplot graph (204) depicts horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206). In this isoplot graph (204), the horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) are shown in X axis and Y axis respectively. The horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) are shifted downwards alone the negative Y axis and the projected optical efficiency/ luminous intensity is uniformly, homogeneous, and evenly spread along the horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206). It is pertinent to note that, isoplot graph (204) depicts cut-off lying on the horizontal intensity profile (205), wherein cut-off is feature of low beam.

Exemplary embodiment 5:
Figure 2(e) illustrates the optical homogenizer having presence of wall- shaped grid with different row height in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In this arrangement, schematic arrangement of plurality of horizontal grid and plurality of vertical grid is depicted, wherein such grids are in patterned as wall-shape and are placed within the optical homogenizer (103). It is pertinent to note, front grid (201) and rear grid (202) forms a cell that are patterned/arranged inside the optical homogenizer (103). Such grid forms a plurality of cell for an optical homogenizer (103).
Furthermore, in centre of front grid (201), there are placed illuminated area (203) of pre-defined pattern based in accordance with convenience of user. These illuminated areas (203) are arranged horizontally in an alternate manner, wherein each illuminated area in alternate columns is in zig-zag manner. Also, rear grid (202) is provided with 100% full coverage based illuminated area (not shown in figure) thus it is illuminating profoundly. The illuminated area is arranged horizontally in such manner that front grid is shifted so that center of illuminated area on front grid (201) sits on the centre of the bottom edge of the rear grid (202). Furthermore, each row and/or column of front grid (103e) and/or rear grid (103f) has a pre-determined height that primarily affects projected light beam luminous efficiency. Such an arrangement is depicted wherein rear grid (202) and front grid (201) are placed one over the other and is illustrated as front view (207) of conjunction grid (205 and 206).
It is pertinent to note that row height in rear grid that influences position of elements in front grid accordingly. Due to this step, there is obtained blurred image in bottom edge or alternatively there is reduced luminous intensity in downward direction.
The obtained/resultant isoplot graph (204) depicts horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206). In this isoplot graph (204), the horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) are shown in X axis and Y axis respectively. The horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) are shifted downwards alone the negative Y axis and the projected light beam luminous intensity/ optical efficiency decreases in downward direction. The vertical intensity profile (206) as plotted on isoplot graph (204) has a gradual inclined shaped curve of a pre-determined direction whose dimension is based on row/ column height as provided to front grid (205) and rear grid (206).

Exemplary embodiment 6:
Figure 2(f) illustrates the optical homogenizer having presence of wall- shaped zig-zag placed grid in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In this arrangement, schematic arrangement of plurality of horizontal grid and plurality of vertical grid is depicted, wherein such grids are in patterned as wall-shape and are placed within the optical homogenizer (103). Such grid forms a plurality of cell for an optical homogenizer (103).
Furthermore, in centre of front grid (201), there are placed illuminated area (203) of pre-defined pattern based in accordance with requirement of user. In this wall-shape grid, rear-grid (202) is structured in a zig-zag manner. Also, rear grid (202) is provided with 100% full coverage based illuminated area (not shown in figure) thus it is illuminating profoundly.
The illuminated areas (203) in front grid (201) are arranged horizontally in an alternate manner, wherein each illuminated area in alternate columns is in zig-zag manner. Furthermore, each row and/or column of front grid (201) and/or rear grid (202) has a pre-determined height that primarily affects projected light beam luminous efficiency. The arrangement of placing rear grid (202) over front grid (201) is depicted as front view (207). Such an arrangement depicts that front grid (201) shifted in way that center of front element sits on the center of the bottom edge of the rear grid (202).
The obtained/resultant isoplot graph (204) depicts horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206). In this isoplot graph (204), the horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) are shown in X axis and Y axis respectively. The horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) are shifted downwards alone the negative Y axis and the projected light beam has presence of a kink/ gradually shaped kink (208) in positive Y axis. Such kink (208) formation is essential, especially, while projecting low beam from front of an automobile.

Exemplary embodiment 7:
Figure 2(g) illustrates the optical homogenizer having presence of face-to-face arranged front grid and rear grid in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In this arrangement, the front grid (201) and rear grid (202) are arranged, wherein inner surfaces are placed face-to-faces.
Furthermore, front grid (201) has optical elements of defocused area (203) at either ends and has a presence of focused area (204) in mid-section. Further, defocused area (203) and focused area (204) primarily achieved through camera that are equipped with pre-defined range sensor and provides focus and defocus area. This way clear, suitable, and adequate projection of light beam is achieved that enables automobile drivers to visibly see objects on road.
The obtained/resultant isoplot graph depicts horizontal intensity profile and vertical intensity profile. In this isoplot graph, the horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) are shown in X axis and Y axis respectively. The horizontal intensity profile (205) and vertical intensity profile (206) are shifted downwards alone the negative Y axis and the projected light beam has presence of a blurred area obtained due to defoccussation (207). The vertical intensity profile (206) has a kink of pre-defined cut-off that is essential for projecting low beam from front of an automobile.

Exemplary embodiment 8:
Figure 2(h) illustrates the schematic optical homogenizer for an illumination unit in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In this arrangement, the front grid (201) and rear grid (202) have a presence of plurality of cells. In this, cells in front grid (201) are arranged vertically and cells in rear grid (202) are arranged horizontally. The obtained/resultant isoplot graph depicts that unique arrangement of cells in front grid (201) and rear grid (202) provides light beam projection that has a positive kink or inclined slope in positive Y axis. Such kink formation is essential during projection of low beam from front of an automobile.
It is pertinent to note, pre-determined pattern of horizontal and vertical grid arranged in front grid (201) and rear grid (202) depends on following factors:
(a) Alignment of front grid (201) and rear grid (202),
(b) Arrangement of light emitting surface module placed in illuminated area of front grid (201) and rear grid (202), and
(c) Type of projected beam required.

Figure 3 illustrates a method of projecting improved optical efficient light beam using grid structure optical homogenizer module in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. The method includes following sequence of steps:
- At step (301), arranging optical elements within an illumination unit in a pre-determined unique arrangement;
- Then at step (302), simultaneous switching ‘ON’ main light source (101) and auxiliary light source (107);
- Next at step (303), the main light source (101) emits light rays that falls onto surface of a lens (102);
- Next at step (304), the lens (102) form directed light rays that falls onto optical element (103a) of optical homogenizer (103). This is followed by passing of directed light rays inside the cells. Further, cells are equipped with pre-defined pattern as mentioned in exemplary embodiment 1-8. Furthermore, cells with pre-defined pattern are based in accordance with type of lighting/ signalling through projected light beam. Further, directed light rays strikes each of optical homogenizer (103) to ensure that directed light rays are moving in uni-direction i.e. towards prism (104) of light guide blade (105). Additionally, the optical homogenizer (103) is arranged and structured in grid/array manner so that light is received in homogeneous, uniform, shiny and even manner.
- Further at step (305), optical homogenizer (103) may or may not form projected light rays that falls onto prism (104). In case where the optical homogenizer forms the projected light rays, the light guide blade (105) projects light rays strike onto surface of prism (104) which thereby allows uni-direction to such projected light rays. This also allows decoupling of light rays within a light guide blade. Due to this, there is a resultant projection light beam that illuminates road surface for a vehicle driver.
- Simultaneously, at step (306), light rays as emitted by auxiliary light source (107) falls onto surface of light guide blade (105). Additionally, the emitted light rays strike onto surface of prism (104) of light guide blade (105). Due to this, there is a resultant projection of light beam that enables vehicle driver to visualize vehicle direction movement. Furthermore, light guide blade (105) in present invention is integrated in such a manner that light is received in uniform, homogenous, and even manner.
- Lastly, at step (307), there is a simultaneous projection of light beam of lighting unit and signalling unit from illumination unit of present invention. The lighting unit integrated within illumination unit of present invention is used for projection of low beam, high beam, signal light, and so on. The signalling unit integrated within illumination unit of present invention is used as vehicle turn signal lamp, vehicle stop indication lamp, and so on. It is pertinent to note that optical efficiency of projected light beam is more than 40 percentage because of different formation of grid as followed in an optical homogenizer (103) accordingly. Such brief formation has been illustrated in exemplary embodiment 1-8 and supported through figures 2(a) to 2(h).
Advantageously, the illumination of present invention is characterized by following outcomes:
- Provides compact sized optical homogenizer unit/module to be utilized in an automobile headlight/ headlamp/ signalling unit;
- Resultant illumination unit is easy, simple, and economical to manufacture and can be integrated easily in a headlamp;
- Resultant light beam is homogeneous, uniform, and has an improved luminous efficiency;
- Resultant projected light beam is shining in front of the optical homogenizer; and
- Resultant light beam provides a wider visible zone and thereby providing better and improved visibility for a vehicle driver.

A description of an embodiment with several components 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 with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the optical elements, modules, units, 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, units, 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 grid structured optical homogenizer module (100) for an illumination unit of a vehicle comprising:
- plurality of main light source (101a);
- plurality of pre-determined curvature lens (102);
- plurality of optical homogenizer (103) integrated with grooves (103a) at its ends;
- plurality of light guide blade (105) with prism (104) at its inner surface and having extensions at its ends (106); and
- plurality of auxiliary light source (101b);
wherein,
- the lens (102) is arranged at a pre-determined distance from the main light source (101a) to receive light rays from it;
- the optical homogenizer (103) is integrated with plurality of horizontal grid and vertical grid in a pre-determined pattern, and the optical homogenizer (103) is located at pre-determined distance from lens (102) to receive directed light rays uniformly and homogeneously;
- the light guide blade (105) is arranged at a pre-determined distance from optical homogenizer (103), and the prism (104) of light guide blade (105) to receive projected light rays from the optical homogenizer (103); and
- the auxiliary light source (101b) is arranged at pre-determined distance from extensions (106) of light guide blade (105), and the extensions (106) receives light rays emitted by the auxiliary light source (101b).

2. The grid structured optical homogenizer module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distance between the main light source (101a) and the lens (102a) is in range of 0.5-5 mm
3. The grid structured optical homogenizer module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distance between the optical homogenizer (103) and the lens (102) is in range of 0- 0-50 mm
4. The grid structured optical homogenizer module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the optical homogenizer (103) is integrated with an array of cells comprising horizontal grid and vertical grid.
5. The grid structured optical homogenizer module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the optical homogenizer (103) has a plurality of front grid (201) and a plurality of rear grid (202).
6. The grid structured optical homogenizer module as claimed in claim 5, wherein the front grid (201) and rear grid (202) includes light emitting surface module.
7. The grid structured optical homogenizer module as claimed in claim 4, wherein determinant factors for pre-determined pattern of the horizontal grid and vertical grid are alignment of front grid (201) and rear grid (202), arrangement of light emitting surface module in illuminated area in front grid (201) and rear grid (202), and type of projected beam required.
8. The grid structured optical homogenizer module as claimed in claim 6, wherein the light emitting surface module can act as a signalling unit and a lighting unit.
9. The grid structured optical homogenizer module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distance between the light guide blade (105) and optical homogenizer is in range of 0-10 mm.
10. The grid structured optical homogenizer module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distance between the auxiliary light source (101b) and light guide blade (105) is in range of 0-5 mm.
11. The grid structured optical homogenizer module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light guide blade (105) performs intermingling of light rays inside it.
12. A method of projecting improved optical efficient light beam using a grid structure optical homogenizer module (100) for an illumination unit of a vehicle comprising:
- placing optical elements within an illumination unit in a pre-determined unique arrangement;
- then, simultaneous switching ‘ON’ of a main light source (101) and an auxiliary light source (101b);
- next, the main light source (101) emits light rays that falls onto surface of a lens (102);
- next, the lens (102) form directed light rays that falls onto grooves (103a) of optical homogenizer (103);
- further, the optical homogenizer (103) form projected light rays that falls onto prism (104);
- simultaneously, light rays as emitted by the auxiliary light source (101b) will falls onto surface of light guide blade (105); and
- lastly, there is a simultaneous projection of light beam of lighting unit and signalling unit from the grid structure optical homogenizer module (100) of illumination unit.

13. The method of projecting of optical elements as claimed in claim 12, wherein the directed light rays are perforated inside the light emitting surface module of optical homogenizer (103).
14. The method of projecting of the optical elements as claimed in claim 12, wherein the light rays from prism (104) is uni-direct light rays and will move towards the light guide blade (105).
15. The method of projecting of the optical elements as claimed in claim 12, wherein the emitted light rays from auxiliary light source (101b) strikes onto surface of prism (104) of light guide blade (105).
16. The method of projecting of the optical elements as claimed in claim 12, wherein output surface of light guide blade (105) provides resultant projection of light beam in uniform, homogeneous and efficient manner.

Dated: 28.11.2023

Archana Singh, Vivek Ranjan, Shreya Chaudhary
(IN/PA-1936, IN/PA-3170, IN/PA-5145)
Of Singh and Singh Law Firm LLP
Agents for the Applicant