Modeling of automotive interior illumination systems

Abstract

Lightpipes are essential to automotive interior illumination systems. These light distribution systems are constrained by geometrical complexity, which makes both analysis and fabrication difficult. Their development depends on empirical procedures that are often inefficient and time-consuming. We review the successful modeling procedure of one complete automotive illumination light-pipe system, which includes a light source and a light pipe. The success of modeling is verified by comparing results to experimental measurement. A simple method of light-pipe evaluation based on nonsequential ray trace optical modeling for the automotive illumination industry is demonstrated. Extensive modeling of the light sources for these systems is also included.

Equiangular spirals provide lossless bends for lightpipes

“…Typical applications of lightpipes include projector-engine illumination, 1 LCD backlight systems, 2 and automobile dashboard lighting. 3 The shape of these elements vary but the design usually requires bends. Lightpipes can be optimized in a number of ways, e.g., controlling the light angular distribution or spatial distribution.…”