Multi-pattern headlamp assembly and system

摘要

A vehicle headlamp system includes a headlamp assembly having a light source and a beam pattern panel. The beam pattern panel includes one or more regions capable of changing between opaque and transparent light-transmission states to selectively allow light from the light source to pass through the panel. The panel may be an LCD panel with a plurality of liquid crystal elements arranged in an array with the ability to provide a plurality of different beam patterns. The beam pattern may be determined and changed in real time based on information received at a system processor about one or more vehicle and/or road conditions. The headlamp system can direct a projected light beam into a curve in the road ahead and/or automatically change the direction of the projected beam to avoid shining light directly at oncoming drivers.

主权项

1. A vehicle headlamp system comprising first and second headlamp assemblies, each headlamp assembly comprising:
a housing; a light source that provides light inside the housing; and an LCD panel at a fixed location relative to the housing, the panel having a light-receiving side positioned to receive light from the light source, wherein the panel includes a liquid crystal element that can be changed between opaque and transparent light-transmission states to selectively allow light to pass through the panel, wherein liquid crystal elements of each headlamp assembly are configured to be activated independently from each other.