Summary:
A German university institute active in the fields of optical systems, photonics and laser technology developed a patent-pending laser Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) headlamp which can significantly increase traffic safety and driving comfort. The invention produces high-energy white light in front of vehicles in combination with chromatic images and projections on the road surface. The institute is now looking for licensees for the patent-pending invention.
Description:
In recent years, innovative traffic systems and functions have gained interest. Certain systems, such as glare-free high beam or road projections, are already practically applied in the mobility sector and significantly increase traffic safety and driving comfort. Chromatic road projections and images are particularly promising, because they generate light signal information on the road during day and night more clearly than other projection systems.
A German university institute developed a unique laser LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) headlamp which produces high-energy white light in front of vehicles in combination with chromatic images and projections on the road surface. Through different arrangements of laser diodes, different polarization directions can be made available. By the use of a light emitting module, the invention can send out chromatic symbols without reducing the power output of the white light. The light emission module consists of several Red Green Blue Light (RGB) laser diodes, a polarized beam spitter (PBS), two independent LCoS panels and corresponding optical components and systems. Compared to the state of the art, the efficiency of the laser diodes can be significantly improved with the LCoS-technology and enable various practical functions in the fields of intelligent traffic and autonomous driving. This technology is unique and not yet available on the market.
The researchers applied for an European patent, which has not yet been granted. The invention can be for example applied in the areas of intelligent traffic or autonomous driving and also in the lighting and entertainment industry.
In order to introduce the innovative technology to the market, the university is looking for partners to sign a licensing agreement. Possible partners could be for example (manufacturing) companies from the mobility or lighting sector or any other suitable industrial field. A licensing agreement could be based on a fixed (annual) fee, paid by the licensee or a certain percentage related to the revenue/turnover, generated by the commercial exploitation of the license.
Type (e.g. company, R&D institution…), field of industry and Role of Partner Sought:
The university is looking for licensees who are interested in introducing the innovation to the market or implementing the invention into existing technologies. Possible partners could be companies from the automotive sector, the lighting or entertainment industries or other companies willing to commercialize this unique technology. The university considers two types of licensing agreements. Firsty, a licensing agreement could be based on a fixed annual fee, paid by the licensee. Secondly, the university also considers to sign an agreement, based on a certain percentage of the gross revenue or net profit, generated by the commercial utilization of the license.
Stage of Development:
Available for demonstration
IPR Status:
Patent(s) applied for but not yet granted
Comments Regarding IPR Status:
The institute applied for an European patent, which was not granted yet.
External code:
TODE20210812001
