Fundamentals Of Lighting
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Vehicle Lighting Systems course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
A- Pillar: The A-pillar is the vertical support structure that connects the fron… #
Related terms: vehicle body structure, exterior lighting, headlight design.
The A #
pillar's design and placement can significantly affect the visibility and illumination provided by the vehicle's lighting system, and as such, it is an essential consideration in the development of vehicle lighting systems.
Ambient Light #
Ambient light refers to the natural light that is present in a given environment, it can have a significant impact on the performance and effectiveness of vehicle lighting systems. Related terms: natural light, illumination, lighting system performance.
In the context of vehicle lighting systems, ambient light can affect the visi… #
In the context of vehicle lighting systems, ambient light can affect the visibility and perception of lighting, and as such, it is an important consideration in the design and development of these systems.
Angle of Incidence #
The angle of incidence refers to the angle at which light hits a surface, it is a critical factor in determining the reflection and refraction of light, and as such, it plays a significant role in the design and functionality of vehicle lighting systems. Related terms: reflection, refraction, lighting system design.
The angle of incidence can significantly affect the amount and distrib… #
The angle of incidence can significantly affect the amount and distribution of light that is reflected or refracted, and as such, it is an essential consideration in the development of vehicle lighting systems.
Anti #
Glare: Anti-glare refers to the reduction or elimination of glare, which can be caused by the reflection of light off of surfaces, anti-glare coatings and treatments can be applied to vehicle lighting components to minimize glare and improve visibility. Related terms: glare reduction, anti-reflective coating, visibility.
Anti #
glare coatings and treatments can be applied to a variety of vehicle lighting components, including headlights, taillights, and mirrors, to reduce glare and improve driving safety.
Automotive Lighting #
Automotive lighting refers to the use of light in vehicles, it includes a wide range of applications, from exterior lighting such as headlights and taillights, to interior lighting such as dashboard and instrument lighting. Related terms: vehicle lighting, automotive lighting systems, lighting applications.
Automotive lighting plays a critical role in vehicle safety , visibilit… #
Automotive lighting plays a critical role in vehicle safety, visibility, and driving comfort, and as such, it is an essential aspect of vehicle design and development.
Beam Pattern #
The beam pattern refers to the shape and direction of the light emitted by a vehicle's headlights, it is designed to provide optimal illumination and visibility for the driver, while minimizing glare and distraction for other road users. Related terms: headlight design, beam shape, illumination.
The beam pattern can be adjusted and customized to suit different driving con… #
The beam pattern can be adjusted and customized to suit different driving conditions and environments, such as urban or rural areas, and can be an important factor in vehicle safety and performance.
Brake Light #
The brake light is a critical safety feature that indicates when a vehicle is slowing or stopping, it is typically located at the rear of the vehicle and is designed to be highly visible to other road users. Related terms: safety feature, brake light design, rear lighting.
The brake light is an essential component of a vehicle's lighting system, and as… #
The brake light is an essential component of a vehicle's lighting system, and as such, it is subject to strict regulations and standards to ensure its effectiveness and reliability.
Candela #
Candela is a unit of measurement for luminous intensity, it is used to express the amount of light emitted by a light source, such as a vehicle headlight. Related terms: luminous intensity, light measurement, candela rating.
Candela is an important consideration in the design and development of vehicle l… #
Candela is an important consideration in the design and development of vehicle lighting systems, as it can affect the visibility and effectiveness of the lighting.
Chromaticity #
Chromaticity refers to the color characteristics of light, it is an important consideration in the design and development of vehicle lighting systems, as it can affect the appearance and perception of the lighting. Related terms: color temperature, chromaticity diagram, lighting design.
Chromaticity can be used to create a wide range of colors and effects<… #
Chromaticity can be used to create a wide range of colors and effects in vehicle lighting, from warm and cozy to cool and high-tech.
Color Temperature #
Color temperature refers to the color characteristics of light, it is typically expressed in kelvin (K) and can range from warm (yellowish) to cool (bluish). Related terms: chromaticity, color temperature rating, lighting design.
Color temperature can significantly affect the appearance and percepti… #
Color temperature can significantly affect the appearance and perception of vehicle lighting, and as such, it is an important consideration in the design and development of vehicle lighting systems.
Daytime Running Light #
Daytime running lights (DRLs) are designed to increase visibility and safety during the day, they are typically located at the front of the vehicle and are designed to be highly visible to other road users. Related terms: safety feature, DRL design, front lighting.
DRLs can be an important factor in reducing the risk of accidents … #
DRLs can be an important factor in reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, particularly during the day when visibility may be reduced.
Diffuser #
A diffuser is a component that is used to scatter or diffuse light, it can be used to create a wide range of effects in vehicle lighting, from soft and gentle to bright and intense. Related terms: lighting component, diffuser design, light diffusion.
Diffusers can be used in a variety of vehicle lighting applications, including <… #
Diffusers can be used in a variety of vehicle lighting applications, including interior and exterior lighting, to create a range of effects and ambiances.
Driver Assistance System #
Driver assistance systems (DAS) are designed to assist and support the driver, they can include a range of features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Related terms: advanced driver assistance systems, DAS design, vehicle safety.
DAS can be an important factor in improving vehicle safety and reducin… #
DAS can be an important factor in improving vehicle safety and reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Electroluminescent #
Electroluminescent refers to the emission of light as a result of an electric current, it is a technology that is used in a range of vehicle lighting applications, including instrument clusters and display screens. Related terms: electroluminescent technology, EL lighting, display screen.
Electroluminescent lighting can be used to create a wide range of effects … #
Electroluminescent lighting can be used to create a wide range of effects and ambiances in vehicle lighting, from soft and gentle to bright and intense.
Fog Light #
Fog lights are designed to provide improved visibility in low-visibility conditions, such as fog or rain, they are typically located at the front of the vehicle and are designed to be highly visible to other road users. Related terms: safety feature, fog light design, front lighting.
Fog lights can be an important factor in reducing the risk of accident… #
Fog lights can be an important factor in reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, particularly in low-visibility conditions.
Glare #
Glare refers to the unwanted or distracting light that can be caused by the reflection of light off of surfaces, it can be a significant problem in vehicle lighting, particularly at night or in low-visibility conditions. Related terms: glare reduction, anti-glare coating, visibility.
Glare can be reduced or eliminated through the use of anti #
glare coatings and treatments, as well as through the careful design and placement of vehicle lighting components.
Headlight #
A headlight is a critical safety feature that provides illumination and visibility for the driver, it is typically located at the front of the vehicle and is designed to be highly visible to other road users. Related terms: safety feature, headlight design, front lighting.
Headlights can be an important factor in reducing the risk of accident… #
Headlights can be an important factor in reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, particularly at night or in low-visibility conditions.
High #
Intensity Discharge: High-intensity discharge (HID) refers to a type of lighting technology that uses an electric arc to create light, it is commonly used in vehicle headlights and other exterior lighting applications. Related terms: HID lighting, xenon lighting, exterior lighting.
HID lighting can provide a bright and intense light, and as such,… #
HID lighting can provide a bright and intense light, and as such, it is often used in high-performance vehicle lighting applications.
Illuminance #
Illuminance refers to the amount of light that is present on a surface, it is typically measured in lux (lx) and can be used to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of vehicle lighting systems. Related terms: illuminance measurement, lux rating, lighting system performance.
Illuminance can be an important factor in determining the visibility</… #
Illuminance can be an important factor in determining the visibility and safety of vehicle lighting, and as such, it is an essential consideration in the design and development of vehicle lighting systems.
Infrared #
Infrared refers to a type of electromagnetic radiation that is not visible to the human eye, it can be used in a range of vehicle lighting applications, including night vision and object detection systems. Related terms: infrared technology, IR lighting, night vision.
Infrared lighting can be used to create a thermal image of the environmen… #
Infrared lighting can be used to create a thermal image of the environment, which can be useful in low-visibility conditions.
Intensity #
Intensity refers to the amount of light that is emitted by a light source, it is typically measured in candela (cd) and can be used to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of vehicle lighting systems. Related terms: intensity measurement, candela rating, lighting system performance.
Intensity can be an important factor in determining the visibility … #
Intensity can be an important factor in determining the visibility and safety of vehicle lighting, and as such, it is an essential consideration in the design and development of vehicle lighting systems.
LED #
LED (light-emitting diode) refers to a type of semiconductor that emits light when an electric current is passed through it, it is commonly used in a range of vehicle lighting applications, including interior and exterior lighting. Related terms: LED lighting, LED technology, semiconductor lighting.
LED lighting can provide a bright and energy #
efficient light, and as such, it is often used in high-performance vehicle lighting applications.
Lens #
A lens is a component that is used to focus or refract light, it can be used in a range of vehicle lighting applications, including headlights and taillights. Related terms: lens design, lens material, lighting component.
Lenses can be made from a range of materials , including glass and… #
Lenses can be made from a range of materials, including glass and plastic, and can be designed to provide a range of effects and ambiances in vehicle lighting.
Light Guide #
A light guide is a component that is used to direct or channel light, it can be used in a range of vehicle lighting applications, including instrument clusters and display screens. Related terms: light guide design, light guide material, lighting component.
Light guides can be made from a range of materials , including glass</i… #
Light guides can be made from a range of materials, including glass and plastic, and can be designed to provide a range of effects and ambiances in vehicle lighting.
Lumbar Light #
Lumbar lights are designed to provide illumination and comfort for the driver and passengers, they are typically located in the interior of the vehicle and can be adjusted to provide a range of effects and ambiances. Related terms: interior lighting, lumbar light design, comfort feature.
Lumbar lights can be an important factor in improving the comfort … #
Lumbar lights can be an important factor in improving the comfort and well-being of the driver and passengers, and as such, they are an essential consideration in the design and development of vehicle lighting systems.
Luminance #
Luminance refers to the amount of light that is emitted by a surface, it is typically measured in candela per square meter (cd/m²) and can be used to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of vehicle lighting systems. Related terms: luminance measurement, cd/m² rating, lighting system performance.
Luminance can be an important factor in determining the visibility … #
Luminance can be an important factor in determining the visibility and safety of vehicle lighting, and as such, it is an essential consideration in the design and development of vehicle lighting systems.
Luminous Flux #
Luminous flux refers to the total amount of light that is emitted by a light source, it is typically measured in lumens (lm) and can be used to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of vehicle lighting systems. Related terms: luminous flux measurement, lumen rating, lighting system performance.
Luminous flux can be an important factor in determining the visibility… #
Luminous flux can be an important factor in determining the visibility and safety of vehicle lighting, and as such, it is an essential consideration in the design and development of vehicle lighting systems.
Night Vision #
Night vision refers to the ability to see in low-light conditions, it can be enhanced through the use of infrared or thermal imaging systems, which can provide a clear and detailed image of the environment. Related terms: night vision technology, infrared imaging, thermal imaging.
Night vision systems can be an important factor in improving vehicle safe… #
Night vision systems can be an important factor in improving vehicle safety and reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, particularly at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Optical Fiber #
Optical fiber refers to a thin glass or plastic fiber that is used to transmit light, it can be used in a range of vehicle lighting applications, including interior and exterior lighting. Related terms: optical fiber design, optical fiber material, lighting component.
Optical fibers can be used to create a range of effects and ambiances<… #
Optical fibers can be used to create a range of effects and ambiances in vehicle lighting, from soft and gentle to bright and intense.
Photometric #
Photometric refers to the measurement of light and its properties, it is an essential aspect of vehicle lighting design and development, as it allows designers and engineers to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of vehicle lighting systems. Related terms: photometric measurement, lighting system performance, photometry.
Photometric measurements can be used to evaluate a range of parameters , i… #
Photometric measurements can be used to evaluate a range of parameters, including luminous intensity, illuminance, and luminance, and can be an important factor in determining the visibility and safety of vehicle lighting.
Rear Fog Light #
Rear fog lights are designed to provide improved visibility in low-visibility conditions, such as fog or rain, they are typically located at the rear of the vehicle and are designed to be highly visible to other road users. Related terms: safety feature, rear fog light design, rear lighting.
Rear fog lights can be an important factor in reducing the risk of acc… #
Rear fog lights can be an important factor in reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, particularly in low-visibility conditions.
Reflective Material #
Reflective material refers to a material that is designed to reflect light, it can be used in a range of vehicle lighting applications, including reflectors and reflector assemblies. Related terms: reflective material design, reflective material type, lighting component.
Reflective materials can be made from a range of materials , including … #
Reflective materials can be made from a range of materials, including glass and plastic, and can be designed to provide a range of effects and ambiances in vehicle lighting.
Reflector #
A reflector is a component that is used to reflect or redirect light, it can be used in a range of vehicle lighting applications, including headlights and taillights. Related terms: reflector design, reflector material, lighting component.
Reflectors can be made from a range of materials , including glass … #
Reflectors can be made from a range of materials, including glass and plastic, and can be designed to provide a range of effects and ambiances in vehicle lighting.
Semiconductor #
A semiconductor is a material that is used to control the flow of electric current, it is commonly used in a range of vehicle lighting applications, including LED lighting and electroluminescent lighting. Related terms: semiconductor design, semiconductor material, lighting component.
Semiconductors can be used to create a range of effects and ambiances<… #
Semiconductors can be used to create a range of effects and ambiances in vehicle lighting, from soft and gentle to bright and intense.
Side Marker Light #
Side marker lights are designed to provide visibility and safety for other road users, they are typically located on the sides of the vehicle and are designed to be highly visible to other road users. Related terms: safety feature, side marker light design, side lighting.
Side marker lights can be an important factor in reducing the risk of … #
Side marker lights can be an important factor in reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, particularly at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Taillight #
A taillight is a critical safety feature that provides visibility and safety for other road users, it is typically located at the rear of the vehicle and is designed to be highly visible to other road users. Related terms: safety feature, taillight design, rear lighting.
Taillights can be an important factor in reducing the risk of accident… #
Taillights can be an important factor in reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, particularly at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Turn Signal #
A turn signal is a critical safety feature that indicates the driver's intention to turn or change direction, it is typically located on the sides or rear of the vehicle and is designed to be highly visible to other road users. Related terms: safety feature, turn signal design, side lighting.
Turn signals can be an important factor in reducing the risk of accide… #
Turn signals can be an important factor in reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, particularly at intersections or when changing direction.
Vehicle Lighting System #
A vehicle lighting system refers to the collection of lighting components and technologies that are used to provide illumination and visibility for the driver and other road users, it includes a range of components, such as headlights, taillights, and turn signals. Related terms: vehicle lighting, lighting system design, lighting technology.
Vehicle lighting systems can be an important factor in improving vehicle… #
Vehicle lighting systems can be an important factor in improving vehicle safety and reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, and as such, they are an essential consideration in the design and development of vehicles.
Visibility #
Visibility refers to the ability to see and be seen, it is an essential aspect of vehicle lighting design and development, as it can affect the safety and comfort of the driver and other road users. Related terms: visibility measurement, visibility rating, lighting system performance.
Visibility can be affected by a range of factors , including lighting</… #
Visibility can be affected by a range of factors, including lighting intensity, color, and direction, and as such, it is an important consideration in the design and development of vehicle lighting systems.
Xenon #
Xenon refers to a type of gas that is used in high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting, it is commonly used in vehicle headlights and other exterior lighting applications. Related terms: xenon lighting, HID lighting, exterior lighting.
Xenon lighting can provide a bright and intense light, and as such… #
Xenon lighting can provide a bright and intense light, and as such, it is often used in high-performance vehicle lighting applications.