Computer synthesized filament images from reflectors and through lens elements for lamp design and evaluation.

A mathematical model of the cylindrical, helical filament used in automotive forward and signal lighting can be easily written in computer language. By ray tracing the filament through reflections off surfaces, accurate pinhole images can be synthesized on a computer screen. The buildup of images from this basic program can simulate light patterns from reflector-plus-lens headlamps and signal lamps, as well as aid in the design of faceted-reflector lamps in which all the pattern controlling optics are in the reflector.