Abstract: The headlamp system of the present invention includes a source array of semiconductor light sources and a lens system to produce a first component, such as spread light, of desired beam patterns and a source array of semiconductor light sources and a lens system to produce a second component, such as the hot spot components, of the desired beam patterns. Light from the semiconductor light sources of each source array is transferred to the respective lens system by a transfer device comprising a series of light pipes which capture light emitted by the semiconductor light sources and emit the captured light adjacent the respective lens systems. One or both source arrays can include additional semiconductor light sources which are selectively illuminated or extinguished to provide steering hot spots in the beam pattern to illuminate areas adjacent the vehicle over which the vehicle will be turned.

Abstract: A light engine to provide light from a plurality of semiconductor light sources in an automotive lighting system, such as a headlamp, includes at least two substrates each of which has semiconductor light sources mounted thereon. The semiconductor light sources are spaced from one another on the substrates for cooling purposes. The substrates also preferably include at least one layer of heat transfer material which assists in transferring waste heat from the semiconductor light sources to a heat sink or other cooling means. The light engine further includes at least one transfer device comprising a bundle of light pipes, one light pipe for each semiconductor light source, and each light pipe has a receiving end which is located adjacent a respect one semiconductor light source and an emitter end which is located in close proximity to the emitter end of each other light pipe emitter end.

Abstract: A vehicle light assembly with an outer lens having at least two regions to be illuminated and employing semiconductor light sources arranged into at least two lighting circuits, a different lighting circuit illuminating each region and the light sources in one lighting circuit being mounted on an opposite side of a planar mount in the light assembly from the light sources in the other lighting circuit. A reflector is provided in the assembly housing, either as a separate body or as an integrally formed surface, and includes a first array of reflecting surfaces inclined to direct light from the light sources in the first lighting circuit through a first region of the outer lens and a second array of reflecting surfaces inclined to direct light from the light sources in the second lighting circuit through a second region of the outer lens.

Abstract: Headlamp systems are provided that form desired beam patterns from light supplied by semiconductor light sources. The systems include a source array of semiconductor light sources and a lens system to produce the spread components of desired beam patterns and a source array of semiconductor light sources and a lens system to produce the hot spot components of the desired beam patterns. Light from the semiconductor light sources of each source array is transferred to the respective lens system by a transfer device comprising a series of fiber optic cables which capture light emitted by the semiconductor light sources and emit the captured light adjacent the respective lens systems. One or both source arrays can include additional semiconductor light sources which are selectively illuminated or extinguished to provide steering hot spots in the beam pattern to illuminate areas adjacent the vehicle over which the vehicle will be turned.

Abstract: A novel headlight system which vertically re-aims at least a low beam illuminator to meet regulatory requirements, depending upon the mode of operation of the headlight system, while providing efficient and effective illumination.