Office Action 2: Notice of Allowance (2025-08-14)

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS

Inventor(s) : Gerhard Kloos et al.

SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.3432.50
1\. (Currently Amended) A headlamp for vehicles comprising:a light source for emitting a light beam; and
an optical unit containing a projection lens which deflects a first part of the light beam for generation of a light distribution with a light/dark boundary,
wherein a second part of the light beam emitted by the light source is guided in an area above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution for detection of high-mounted traffic signs,
wherein the projection lens is a Fresnel lens which comprises arch-shaped first usable edges in an upper half space and in a lower half space for deflection of the first part of the light beam, and which comprises a plurality of arch-shaped second usable edges exclusively in the upper half space for passage of the second part of the light beam therethrough, wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges extend along a portion of a circular arc when viewed in front elevation, and wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges are bordered on each side by respective ones of the arch-shaped first usable edges in the upper half space of the Fresnel lens.

2\. (Original) The headlamp of claim 1, wherein the second usable edges respectively merge in a transition area into the first edge edges or into an interfering edge running adjacent to the first usable edges.

3\. (Original) The headlamp of claim 2, wherein the transition area runs to above a horizontal median plane of the Fresnel lens or until directly up to the horizontal median plane of the Fresnel lens.
4\. (Original) The headlamp of claim 2, wherein the second usable edges merge continuously into the first usable edges or into the interfering edge.SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.5332.50

5\. (Original) The headlamp of claim 2, wherein the interfering edge, which runs parallel to the first usable edges or alternatively the second usable edges, is connected to opposing longitudinal edges of the first usable edges and of the second usable edges.

6\. (Canceled)

7\. (Original) The headlamp of claim 1, wherein a width of the first usable edges and the second usable edges is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 cm.

8\. (Original) The headlamp of claim 1, wherein the second usable edge is aspherical such that the second part of the light beam is refracted in a direction of a predetermined lighting location above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution.

9\. (Currently Amended) A headlamp for vehicles comprising:a light source for emitting a light beam; andSVG {EMBED HERE} 0.5332.50an optical unit containing a projection lens which deflects a first part of the light beam for generation of a light distribution with a light/dark boundary;
wherein a second part of the light beam emitted by the light source is guided in an area above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution for detection of high-mounted traffic signs;
wherein the projection lens is a Fresnel lens which comprises arch-shaped first usable edges in an upper half space and in a lower half space for deflection of the first part of the light beam, and which comprises a plurality of arch-shaped second usable edges exclusively in the upper half space for passage of the second part of the light beam therethrough;
wherein the light source or an aperture edge associated with the light source is arranged in a focal plane of the Fresnel lens; and
wherein the second usable edges are arranged at a radius such that the second part of the light beam passes without refraction through the second usable edges to a lighting location above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution.

10\. (Currently Amended) A headlamp for vehicles comprising:a light source for emitting a light beam; and
an optical unit containing a projection lens which deflects a first part of the light beam for generation of a light distribution with a light/dark boundary;
wherein a second part of the light beam emitted by the light source is guided in an area above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution for detection of high-mounted traffic signs;
wherein the projection lens is a Fresnel lens which comprises arch-shaped first usable edges in an upper half space and in a lower half space for deflection of the first part of the light beam,SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.5332.50and which comprises a plurality of arch-shaped second usable edges exclusively in the upper half space for passage of the second part of the light beam therethrough;
wherein the second usable edges run flat, such that the second part of the light beam strikes the second usable edges perpendicularly.

11\. (Original) The headlamp of claim 2, wherein the second usable edges taper in the transition area.

12\. (Original) The headlamp of claim 2, wherein the second usable edges are configured in such a way that light beams impinging the transition area are deflected in a direction below the light/dark boundary.

13\. (Original) The headlamp of claim 1, wherein an aperture edge is formed by an edge of the light source or by an edge of a primary lens associated with the light source or by an edge of an additional aperture.

14\. (Original) The headlamp of claim 2, wherein the first usable edges and the second usable edges and the interfering edge are arranged on a light exit side of the Fresnel lens facing away from the light source.
Inventor(s) :Gerhard Kloos et al.
Appl. No. :18/883,017
15\. (Original) The headlamp of claim 1, wherein a light entry side of the Fresnel lens runs flat.SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.1472.50

OFFICE ACTION:
NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Amendment
Applicant's amendment filed on 28 April 2025 has been entered. Claims 1 and 9-10 have been amended. Claim 6 has been cancelled. No claims have been added. Claims 1-5 and 7-15 are still pending in this application, with claims 1, 9, and 10 being independent. The drawing objections set forth in the previous non-final office action mailed 29 January 2025 are overcome by Applicant’s amended drawings filed 28 April 2025.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-5 and 7-15 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
Regarding claim 1, the prior art of record does not teach, or merely suggest, a headlamp for vehicles comprising: a light source for emitting a light beam; and an optical unit containing a projection lens which deflects a first part of the light beam for generation of a light distribution with a light/dark boundary, wherein a second part of the light beam emitted by the light source is guided in an area above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution for detection of high-mounted traffic signs, wherein the projection lens is a Fresnel lens which comprises arch-shaped first usable edges in an upper half space and in a lower half space for deflection of the first part of the light beam, and which comprises a plurality of arch-shaped second usable edges exclusively in the upper half space for passage of the second part of the light beam therethrough, wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges extend along a portion of a circular arc when viewed in front elevation, and wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges are bordered on each side by respective ones of the arch-shaped first usable edges in the upper half space of the Fresnel lens.
The most pertinent prior art of record: YATSUDA (US 2011/0205748 A1) teaches or suggests various elements of the claimed invention. However, Yatsuda does not teach or suggest, alone or in-combination: “…the arch-shaped second usable edges extend along a portion of a circular arc when viewed in front elevation, and wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges are bordered on each side by respective ones of the arch-shaped first usable edges in the upper half space of the Fresnel lens…,” as recited in combination with all of the limitations of claim 1. Additionally, there does not appear to be any reason absent Applicant's disclosure to modify the above-cited prior art devices with any additional prior art of record in such a way as to arrive at the claimed invention. As the prior art fails to teach, suggest, or disclose the claimed limitations, and there is no reason absent Applicant's disclosure to modify the prior art devices in such a way as to arrive at the claimed invention, the claim is allowable over the prior art of record.
Claims 2-5, 7-8, and 11-15 are allowable as they depend upon and further limit allowable claim 1.
Regarding claim 9, the prior art of record does not teach, or merely suggest, a headlamp for vehicles comprising: a light source for emitting a light beam; and an optical unit containing a projection lens which deflects a first part of the light beam for generation of a light distribution with a light/dark boundary; wherein a second part of the light beam emitted by the light source is guided in an area above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution for detection of high-mounted traffic signs; wherein the projection lens is a Fresnel lens which comprises arch-shaped first usable edges in an upper half space and in a lower half space for deflection of the first part of the light beam, and which comprises a plurality of arch-shaped second usable edges exclusively in the upper half space for passage of the second part of the light beam therethrough; wherein the light source or an aperture edge associated with the light source is arranged in a focal plane of the Fresnel lens; and wherein the second usable edges are arranged at a radius such that the second part of the light beam passes without refraction through the second usable edges to a lighting location above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution.
The most pertinent prior art of record: YATSUDA (US 2011/0205748 A1) teaches or suggests various elements of the claimed invention. However, Yatsuda does not teach or suggest, alone or in-combination: “…the second usable edges are arranged at a radius such that the second part of the light beam passes without refraction through the second usable edges to a lighting location above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution…,” as recited in combination with all of the limitations of claim 9. Additionally, there does not appear to be any reason absent Applicant's disclosure to modify the above-cited prior art devices with any additional prior art of record in such a way as to arrive at the claimed invention. As the prior art fails to teach, suggest, or disclose the claimed limitations, and there is no reason absent Applicant's disclosure to modify the prior art devices in such a way as to arrive at the claimed invention, the claim is allowable over the prior art of record.
Regarding claim 10, the prior art of record does not teach, or merely suggest, a headlamp for vehicles comprising: a light source for emitting a light beam; and an optical unit containing a projection lens which deflects a first part of the light beam for generation of a light distribution with a light/dark boundary; wherein a second part of the light beam emitted by the light source is guided in an area above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution for detection of high-mounted traffic signs; wherein the projection lens is a Fresnel lens which comprises arch-shaped first usable edges in an upper half space and in a lower half space for deflection of the first part of the light beam, and which comprises a plurality of arch-shaped second usable edges exclusively in the upper half space for passage of the second part of the light beam therethrough; wherein the second usable edges run flat, such that the second part of the light beam strikes the second usable edges perpendicularly.
The most pertinent prior art of record: YATSUDA (US 2011/0205748 A1) teaches or suggests various elements of the claimed invention. However, Yatsuda does not teach or suggest, alone or in-combination: “…the second usable edges run flat, such that the second part of the light beam strikes the second usable edges perpendicularly…,” as recited in combination with all of the limitations of claim 10. Additionally, there does not appear to be any reason absent Applicant's disclosure to modify the above-cited prior art devices with any additional prior art of record in such a way as to arrive at the claimed invention. As the prior art fails to teach, suggest, or disclose the claimed limitations, and there is no reason absent Applicant's disclosure to modify the prior art devices in such a way as to arrive at the claimed invention, the claim is allowable over the prior art of record.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKSReconsideration of the above-identified patent application is respectfully requested. Claims 1-5 and 7-15 are pending in this application. Claims 1, 9, and 10 are amended. Claim 6 is canceled. No claims are newly added. The rejections are respectfully traversed.I. Drawing Objections As previously presented, the drawings were objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a) as not showing "the second usable edges are arranged at a radius such that the second part of the light beam passes without refraction through the second usable edges to a lighting location above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution" as recited in claim 9. Figure 4 is amended to show the second part of the light beam (L2) as passing without refraction. Support is provided at paragraph 0034 ("In this embodiment, second usable edges 7' are arranged in such a way that the second part L2 of the light L passes through without refraction and is used for generation of the lighting levels at the lighting locations V for detecting the overhead traffic signs"). No new matter has been added. Withdrawal of the drawing objection is therefore respectfully requested.II. Allowable Subject Matter Applicant appreciates the Examiner's statement that claims 9 and 10 would be allowable if rewritten in independent form, including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims. Claims 9 and 10 have been rewritten accordingly. It is therefore respectfully submitted that claims 9 and 10 present allowable subject matter in allowable form.III. Section 102 Rejection As previously presented, claim 1 was rejected as being anticipated by US2011/0205748 to Yatsuda. The rejection as conceivably applied to the amended claim is respectfully traversed.The headlamp of claim 1 includes, in part, a Fresnel lens having arch-shaped first usable edges and arch-shaped second usable edges, wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges extend along a portion of a circular arc when viewed in front elevation, and wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges are bordered on each side by respective ones of the arch-shaped first usable edges in the upper half space of the Fresnel lens. As discussed below, Yatsuda does not disclose, teach, or suggest these features.Yatsuda instead discloses a multi-focus Fresnel lens 80, shown in Figures 9 and 10 below.The Fresnel lens 80 includes "overhead sign light distribution portions" 84, 85 (Pgph. 0089), which the Office Action equates with the claimed arch-shaped second usable edges. (Office Action, ¶7).Fig.9 Fig. 10 -` 151 3114 roA 101 50 : w 83 Ott "l - `.c.F However, Yatsuda's overhead sign light distribution portions 84, 85 do not extend along a portion of a circular arc when viewed in front elevation. Instead, the overhead sign light distribution portions 84, 85 extend laterally in a straight-line when viewed from a front elevation.In addition, Yatsuda's overhead sign light distribution portions 84, 85 (equated with the claimed arch-shaped first usable edges) are not bordered on both sides by Yatsuda's upper level lens portion 82 (equated with the claimed arch-shaped first usable edges). Instead, Yatsuda's overhead sign light distribution portions 84, 85 are only bordered on the bottom side.By contrast, the headlamp of claim 1 includes a Fresnel lens 3 having arch-shaped first usable edges 6 and arch-shaped second usable edges 7, wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges 7 extend along a portion of a circular arc when viewed in front elevation, and wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges 7 are bordered on both sides by respective ones of the arch- shaped first usable edges 6 in the upper half space 9 of the Fresnel lens 3. As set forth in the Specification at paragraph 0007, the arch-shaped second usable edges provide a limited light distribution above the light/dark boundary for illuminating overhead traffic signs in an efficient manner ("Second usable edges are used to generate a second part of the light emitted by the light source (light beams) for detecting high-mounted traffic signs").In view of the foregoing, it is respectfully submitted that the Section 102(a)(2) rejection of claim 1 is overcome and should therefore be withdrawn. Support for the amendments is set forth at Figure 1 and at paragraph 0011 ("According to a further development of the invention, such a number of second usable edges that preferably run longitudinally in an arch shape or semicircularly is provided that the specified lighting levels for the overhead traffic signs are met.").Dependent claims 2-5, 8, 11, and 13-15 were also rejected as anticipated by Yatsuda.Claims 2-5, 8, 11, and 13-15 distinguish over Yatsuda for at least the reasons noted above in connection with claim 1, from which these claims depend. It is therefore respectfully submitted that the Section 102(a)(2) rejection of dependent claims 2-5, 8, 11, and 13-15 is overcome and should therefore be withdrawn.IV. Section 103 Rejection As previously presented, dependent claim 12 was rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yatsuda in view of US2019/0079217 to De Lamberterie. Claim 12 is allowable for at least the reasons noted above in connection with claim 1, from which this claim depends.While De Lamberterie discloses spreading segments 13', 14', these segments are disclosed on lateral portions of Fresnel lens in De Lamberterie, and are therefore ineffective at illuminating an area above a light/dark boundary of a light distribution, as presently claimed. Withdrawal of the Section 103 rejection is therefore respectfully requested.V. Conclusion In view of the above amendments and these remarks, it is respectfully submitted that the present application is fully in condition for allowance. A notice to that effect is respectfully requested. The Commissioner is authorized to charge Deposit Account No. 23-0457 for any additional fees or credit the account for any overpayment.Respectfully submitted, By: Warner Norcross + Judd LLP /Vito A. Ciaravino/ Vito A. Ciaravino Registration No. 62749 2715 Woodward Avenue, Ste. 300 Detroit, Michigan 48201-3030 313-546-6179 32415467


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref DE102020126935A1: Claims:
Method for controlling a headlight (S) of a vehicle, which has an arrangement of a plurality of individually controllable light units,
wherein the light unit arrangement (M) for generating a light distribution (L) is controlled in such a way that a first subgroup (G1) of light units is activated in order to generate a first partial area (A) of the light distribution (L), which has an im has a substantially horizontal light-dark boundary (HDG), and a second sub-group (G2) of light units is activated in order to generate a second partial area (B) of the light distribution (L);
wherein the first subgroup (G1) of light units and the second subgroup (G2) of light units are disjoint groups of light units on the light unit array (M).
procedure according to claim 1 , wherein the second subgroup (G2) of light units are controlled by means of a PWM signal.
procedure according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the light intensity of the first partial area (A) of the light distribution (L) is higher than the light intensity of the second partial area (B) of the light distribution.
Method according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , wherein the first sub-group (G1) of light units comprises more light units than the second sub-group (G2) of light units.
Method according to one of Claims 1 until 4 wherein the first subgroup (G1) of light units on the light unit array (M) is arranged above the second subgroup (G2) of light units; and wherein the first partial area (A) of the light distribution (L) is arranged below the second partial area (B) of the light distribution (L).
Method according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the first partial area (A) of the light distribution (L) corresponds to a low beam of the vehicle.
Method according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the second subgroup (G2) of light units detects those light units which are activated when providing a high beam by means of the headlight (S) of the vehicle. (In this context, the method can also be viewed as one by which a low beam (A) and a high beam (B) can be provided, with the second subgroup (G2) of light units both providing the low beam and providing of the high beam (B) is activated.
Headlight, in particular for a motor vehicle, having: an arrangement (M) of a plurality of individually controllable light units; and a control device which is set up to control the light unit arrangement (M) on the basis of the method for controlling a headlight according to one of Claims 1 until 7 head for.
Ref DE102021113426A1: Claims:
Headlight for a motor vehicle, comprising - at least one light source (1) which emits light (2) when the headlight is in operation, - primary optics (3) which have at least one light entry surface (5) for the light emanating from the at least one light source (1). light (2) and at least one light exit surface (6), - secondary optics (8) which, when the headlight is in operation, projects the light (2) emanating from the at least one light exit surface (6) of the primary optics (3) into the exterior of the motor vehicle and generates a light distribution there which has a horizontal cut-off line and light components arranged above this cut-off line in order to implement an OS function, characterized in that the headlight is set up so that a portion (11) of the from of the primary optics (3) is reflected back from the secondary optics (8) to the primary optics (3), that this reflected back portion (11) of the light (2) from the P primary optics (3) is reflected in the direction of the secondary optics (8) and, after passing through the secondary optics (8) for realizing the OS function, is deflected into an area above the cut-off line.
headlights after claim 1 , characterized in that the primary optics (3) has a surface (12) facing the secondary optics (8), which is set up to direct the portion (11) of the light (2) reflected back by the secondary optics (8) in the direction of the secondary optics (8) to reflect.
headlights after claim 2 , characterized in that the surface (12) of the primary optics (3) facing the secondary optics (8) is aligned in such a way that the normal on the surface when the headlight is installed in the motor vehicle forms an angle equal to 0° or not equal to 0° with the includes horizontals.
Headlight according to claim one of claims 2 or 3 , characterized in that the surface (12) of the primary optics (3) facing the secondary optics (8) is aligned in such a way that the propagation direction of the portion (13) of the light reflected by the surface (12) in the direction of the secondary optics (8). (2) is inclined upwards and/or downwards relative to the horizontal when the headlight is installed in the motor vehicle.
Headlights after one of Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the secondary optics (8) facing surface (12) of the primary optics (3) is provided with a reflective coating.
Headlights after one of Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the secondary optics (8) facing surface (12) of the primary optics (3) is flat or curved and / or that the secondary optics (8) facing surface (12) of the primary optics (3) provided with a structure is, such as a granulation or a graining.
headlights after claim 6 , characterized in that the secondary optics (8) facing surface (12) of the primary optics (3) is curved concavely or convexly.
Headlights after one of Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the surface (12) of the primary optics (3) facing the secondary optics (8) is part of the at least one light exit surface (6) of the primary optics (3) or corresponds to the at least one light exit surface (6).
Headlights after one of Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the surface (12) of the primary optics (3) facing the secondary optics (8) is not part of the at least one light exit surface (6) of the primary optics (3) and/or does not correspond to the at least one light exit surface (6).
headlights after claim 9 , characterized in that the secondary optics (8) facing surface (12) of the primary optics (3) is formed on a base, in particular a base plate (7) of the primary optics (3).
Headlights after one of Claims 1 until 10 , characterized in that the secondary optics (8) have a light entry surface (9) for the light (2) emanating from the at least one light exit surface (6) of the primary optics (3) and a light exit surface (10) for the light that has entered through the light entry surface (9). Has light (2).
headlights after claim 11 , characterized in that the light entry surface (9) of the secondary optics (8) is set up to reflect back the proportion (11) of the primary optics (3) emanating light (2) to the primary optics (3).
Headlights after one of Claims 11 or 12 , characterized in that the secondary optics (8) are set up in such a way that the portion (13) of the light (2nd ) enters the secondary optics (8) through the light entry surface (9) and then exits the secondary optics (8) through the light exit surface (10).
Headlights after one of Claims 1 until 13 , characterized in that the at least one light source (1) is designed as a light-emitting diode or laser diode, in particular a plurality of light-emitting diodes and/or laser diodes serving as light sources (1) being provided.
Headlights after one of Claims 1 until 14 , characterized in that the primary optics (3) has a plurality of light entry surfaces (5), each of the light entry surfaces (5) being assigned to at least one of the light sources (1) in such a way that the light (2) emanating from the light source (1) enters the associated light entry surface (5) occurs.
Ref US20110205748A1: Claims:
A vehicle light comprising: a multi-focal lens that has, a mid-level lens portion whose focal point is located on an optical axis extending in a front-to-rear direction, and an upper-level lens portion located above the mid-level lens portion and whose focal point is located diagonally frontward and above the focal point of the mid-level lens portion; a separator plate configured in a face-down state with respect to a horizontal plane and located at a rear of the multi-focal lens, the separator plate having a front edge positioned substantially at the focal point of the mid-level lens portion; a first light emitting element mounted on a top of the separator plate at a rear portion located a substantial distance from the front edge of the separator plate, the first light emitting element facing upwards; a second light emitting element mounted on a bottom of the separator plate and spaced from the front edge of the separator plate, the second light emitting element facing downwards; a first elliptical reflecting surface located on the top of the separator plate, the first elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the mid-level lens portion; and a second elliptical reflecting surface located on the bottom of the separator plate, the second elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the second light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, wherein the vehicle light is configured such that the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element selectively emit light beams.
a multi-focal lens that has, a mid-level lens portion whose focal point is located on an optical axis extending in a front-to-rear direction, and an upper-level lens portion located above the mid-level lens portion and whose focal point is located diagonally frontward and above the focal point of the mid-level lens portion;
a separator plate configured in a face-down state with respect to a horizontal plane and located at a rear of the multi-focal lens, the separator plate having a front edge positioned substantially at the focal point of the mid-level lens portion;
a first light emitting element mounted on a top of the separator plate at a rear portion located a substantial distance from the front edge of the separator plate, the first light emitting element facing upwards;
a second light emitting element mounted on a bottom of the separator plate and spaced from the front edge of the separator plate, the second light emitting element facing downwards;
a first elliptical reflecting surface located on the top of the separator plate, the first elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the mid-level lens portion; and
a second elliptical reflecting surface located on the bottom of the separator plate, the second elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the second light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, wherein
the vehicle light is configured such that the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element selectively emit light beams.
The vehicle light according to claim 1 , wherein the multi-focal lens further comprises a lower-level lens portion located below the mid-level lens portion, the lower-level lens portion having a focal point located diagonally rearward and below the focal point of the mid-level lens portion, and wherein the vehicle light further comprises a hyperbolic reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and below the second elliptical reflecting surface and having an inner focal point located substantially at the second light emitting element and having an outer focal point located substantially at the focal point of the lower-level lens portion.
the vehicle light further comprises a hyperbolic reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and below the second elliptical reflecting surface and having an inner focal point located substantially at the second light emitting element and having an outer focal point located substantially at the focal point of the lower-level lens portion.
The vehicle light according to claim 2 , wherein, when viewing the multi-focal lens from the front direction, a surface area of a region occupied by the mid-level lens portion is approximately a sum of a surface area of a region occupied by the upper-level lens portion and a surface area of a region occupied by the lower-level lens portion.
The vehicle light according to claim 1 , further comprising a flat reflecting surface located between the front edge of the upper surface of the separator plate and the first light emitting element and configured to be parallel with the horizontal plane.
The vehicle light according to claim 2 , further comprising a flat reflecting surface located between the front edge of the upper surface of the separator plate and the first light emitting element and configured to be parallel with the horizontal plane.
The vehicle light according to claim 3 , further comprising a flat reflecting surface located between the front edge of the upper surface of the separator plate and the first light emitting element and configured to be parallel with the horizontal plane.
The vehicle light according to claim 1 , wherein the multi-focal lens further comprises an overhead lens configured to distribute light towards an overhead sign, the overhead lens being located on an upper left or an upper right of the upper-level lens portion, and the overhead lens having a focal point located above and in front of the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, and wherein the vehicle light further comprises a third elliptical reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and above the first elliptical reflecting surface, third elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the overhead lens.
the vehicle light further comprises a third elliptical reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and above the first elliptical reflecting surface, third elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the overhead lens.
The vehicle light according to claim 2 , wherein the multi-focal lens further comprises an overhead lens configured to distribute light towards an overhead sign, the overhead lens being located on an upper left or an upper right of the upper-level lens portion and the overhead lens having a focal point located above and in front of the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, and wherein the vehicle light further comprises a third elliptical reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and above the first elliptical reflecting surface, third elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the overhead lens.
The vehicle light according to claim 3 , wherein the multi-focal lens further comprises an overhead lens configured to distribute light towards an overhead sign, the overhead lens being located on an upper left or an upper right of the upper-level lens portion and the overhead lens having a focal point located above and in front of the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, and wherein the vehicle light further comprises a third elliptical reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and above the first elliptical reflecting surface, third elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the overhead lens.
The vehicle light according to claim 4 , wherein the multi-focal lens further an overhead lens configured to distribute light towards an overhead sign, the overhead lens being located on an upper left or an upper right of the upper-level lens portion and the overhead lens having a focal point located above and in front of the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, and wherein the vehicle light further comprises a third elliptical reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and above the first elliptical reflecting surface, third elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the overhead lens.
The vehicle light according to claim 5 , wherein the multi-focal lens further an overhead lens configured to distribute light towards an overhead sign, the overhead lens being located on an upper left or an upper right of the upper-level lens portion and the overhead lens having a focal point located above and in front of the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, and wherein the vehicle light further comprises a third elliptical reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and above the first elliptical reflecting surface, third elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the overhead lens.
The vehicle light according to claim 6 , wherein the multi-focal lens further an overhead lens configured to distribute light towards an overhead sign, the overhead lens being located on an upper left or an upper right of the upper-level lens portion and the overhead lens having a focal point located above and in front of the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, and wherein the vehicle light further comprises a third elliptical reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and above the first elliptical reflecting surface, third elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the overhead lens.
The vehicle light according to claim 1 , wherein the first light emitting element has an optical axis oriented upward in a state inclining rearward 0° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
The vehicle light according to claim 2 , wherein the first light emitting element has an optical axis oriented upward in a state inclining rearward 0° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
The vehicle light according to claim 3 , wherein the first light emitting element has an optical axis oriented upward in a state inclining rearward 0° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
The vehicle light according to claim 4 , wherein the first light emitting element has an optical axis oriented upward in a state inclining rearward 0° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
The vehicle light according to claim 5 , wherein the first light emitting element has an optical axis oriented upward in a state inclining rearward 0° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
The vehicle light according to claim 7 , wherein the first light emitting element has an optical axis oriented upward in a state inclining rearward 0° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
The vehicle light according to claim 1 , wherein the second light emitting element has an optical axis oriented downward in a state inclining forward 10° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
The vehicle light according to claim 2 , wherein the second light emitting element has an optical axis oriented downward in a state inclining forward 10° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
A multi-focal lens comprising: a mid-level lens portion having a focal point located on an optical axis extending in a front-to-rear direction; and an upper-level lens portion that is located above the mid-level lens portion and having a focal point located diagonally frontward and above the focal poin
[Truncated to input limit]