Method for managing image data and vehicle lighting system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of managing image data of a vehicle lighting system (SYS) comprising: - a lighting module (MOD) capable of projecting a lighting function based on compressed image data; and - a multiplexed bus (CAN) for transmitting compressed image data to the lighting module (MOD), the method comprising the steps of: - receiving an instruction for triggering a lighting function (HB, ADB, RW) configured to be generated by the lighting module (MOD) from compressed image data corresponding to a lighting pattern with L lines, L being an integer; - determining the image data to be compressed from the image data of the lighting pattern of at least one lighting function (HB, ADB, RW) by selecting X lines of image data from the L lines of the lighting pattern, X being an integer smaller than L; - compressing the image data determined to have to be compressed; - transmitting the compressed image data to the lighting module (MOD) via the multiplexed bus (CAN) in order to generate and project the lighting function (HB, ADB, RW).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle lighting systems, and more specifically to managing image data for controlling the light sources of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Current lighting systems specifically include light sources capable of projecting high-resolution beams of light. A desired projection of high-resolution light can be obtained from the light source and from an image or image pattern, the light source receiving the image or image pattern to display it and thereby projecting a given beam of light. These images or image patterns can now achieve very high resolutions, particularly depending on the resolution of the light source used. For example, the light source can have at least 4,000 to 30,000 pixels, thus enabling the generation of beams of light from images with this level of resolution.

[0003] To successfully generate such a high-resolution beam, multiple light sources can be used or combined. This requires controlling and precisely synchronizing these multiple light sources to provide well-controlled, variable, and adaptive lighting capabilities.

[0004] Therefore, vehicles are carrying an increasing number of light sources, which use increasingly more high-definition image data. This involves a large amount of data that must be managed by the vehicle control unit and communicated through transmission devices between the control unit and one or more light sources. For this purpose, for example, a CAN protocol data bus is typically used to transmit this data between the control unit and the light sources. However, these data transmission devices have the disadvantage of bandwidth limitations, typically not allowing bit rates exceeding, for example, 2 Mbps to 5 Mbps. As a result, difficulties arise when transmitting the large amounts of data required for the high-definition images over these limited networks. Furthermore, these networks are also used for communication of other vehicle data, meaning that the bandwidth available for high-definition image data may be even lower, perhaps limited to 70% to 90% of the maximum bit rate across the entire data transmission network.

[0005] For example, to transmit high-definition image data for projecting lighting functions with a resolution of 20,000 pixels, a CAN-FD transmission network typically requires a bit rate of 10 Mbps to 12 Mbps. However, such CAN-FD networks are currently practically limited to 5 Mbps (or even 2 Mbps in most cases). Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the data transmitted on these networks, and in particular, to compress the transmitted data in order to transmit a high-definition image data stream sufficient to ensure one or more associated lighting functions, while adhering to the bit rate and bandwidth constraints of the same network.

[0006] Known compression methods have been considered to overcome this problem, but these methods have proven to be insufficient for high beam specificity, thus hindering the full reduction of bandwidth required by vehicle manufacturers.

[0007] To achieve this, multiple levels or iterations of data compression can be specified until the desired bandwidth is successfully met. However, this approach has a very significant impact on the display quality of the projected lighting, as each compression operation affects and degrades the display quality.

[0008] However, for certain lighting functions, such as Adaptive Drive Beam (ADB) and Road Writing (RW), the display quality cannot be excessively degraded, because otherwise the user experience will be significantly reduced, where the light information projected by the beam becomes unclear, insufficient, or even difficult to discern.

[0009] Therefore, we seek solutions to these problems in order to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, the invention provides a solution to the problem by means of a method for managing image data of a vehicle lighting system, the lighting system comprising:

[0011] - At least one lighting module, said at least one lighting module being capable of projecting lighting functionality based on compressed image data; and

[0012] - A multiplexed bus, used to transmit compressed image data to the at least one illumination module.

[0013] The method includes the following steps:

[0014] - Receive instructions for triggering at least one lighting function, the at least one lighting function being configured to be generated by the at least one lighting module from compressed image data corresponding to a lighting pattern comprising L rows, where L is an integer;

[0015] - By selecting X rows of image data from the L rows of the lighting pattern, image data to be compressed from the image data of the lighting pattern of the at least one lighting function is determined, where X is an integer less than L;

[0016] - Compress image data that is determined to be necessary to be compressed;

[0017] - The compressed image data is transmitted to the at least one lighting module via the multiplexed bus for generating and projecting the at least one lighting function.

[0018] Therefore, this method aims to compress only a portion of the image data of the lighting pattern to improve the compression capability of transmitting these patterns via a multiplexed bus. By reducing the number of lines of image data to be compressed and transmitted, it is possible to:

[0019] - Reduce the amount of image data communicated via multiplexed bus;

[0020] - Improve the level of image data compression while adhering to the maximum bandwidth allowed by the multiplexing bus;

[0021] - Maintain good image quality without significantly degrading it, for example, by further compressing already compressed image data, in order to successfully comply with the maximum bit rate of the multiplexed bus;

[0022] - Ensure high-definition image data is transmitted on a multiplexed bus, from which the complete lighting pattern can be reconstructed during the decompression step.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, in the determining step, the X rows are selected by performing a given recursion for every N rows in the L rows, where N is an integer less than L, and X is equal to L divided by N.

[0024] This embodiment allows image data to be selected based on a chosen recursion. This recursion allows for the arrangement of compression selections, and can be particularly considered in the decompression step of the image data, in order to improve the accuracy of reconstruction of the uncompressed and untransmitted rows in the L rows of the pattern.

[0025] Specifically, N equals 2.

[0026] This embodiment enables the generation of lighting functions with minimal quality loss in the projected lighting pattern compared to the initial quality of the lighting pattern before compression. This embodiment can be applied to all types of lighting functions, whether they involve high-definition patterns (e.g., with a resolution of 4,000 to 30,000 pixels), lower-definition patterns (e.g., 2,500 pixels), or standard lighting function patterns (not high-definition, such as near beams or far beams).

[0027] Alternatively, N equals 3.

[0028] This embodiment allows for further compression of the image data of the pattern while maintaining the quality level of the generated lighting pattern, which is still sufficient for certain high-definition lighting functions (e.g., adaptive drive beams) and standard lighting functions (such as near beams or far beams).

[0029] Alternatively, N is greater than or equal to 4.

[0030] In this embodiment, the compression level is further increased. In this case, this embodiment can make it possible to meet the specific requirements of high bandwidth on a multiplexed bus, even if it means degrading the display quality of certain non-critical lighting functions (such as near beam or far beam).

[0031] Advantageously, the method further includes a step of decompressing the compressed image data, wherein the lighting pattern to be projected is reconstructed from the transmitted compressed image data.

[0032] Therefore, this decompression step aims to use the transmitted compressed image data to reconstruct the image data of the rows that were not selected from the L rows of the lighting pattern during the determination and compression steps.

[0033] Specifically, the decompression step is based on reconstructing the lighting pattern through linearization between the transmitted X rows of image data.

[0034] Alternatively or in combination, the decompression step is based on reconstructing the lighting pattern through interpolation between the transmitted X rows of image data.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment, the L rows correspond to horizontal rows of the lighting pattern, and each row in the L rows includes at least one row of lighting pattern pixels.

[0036] According to an alternative, the L rows correspond to vertical columns of the lighting pattern, and each row in the L rows includes at least one column of lighting pattern pixels.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment, the method further includes the following steps:

[0038] - To generate at least one lighting function, determine the bit rate level required to transmit all L rows of the compressed image data on the multiplexed bus;

[0039] - Compare the determined bit rate level with the bit rate threshold of the multiplexed bus;

[0040] When the determined bit rate level is greater than the bit rate threshold, the steps of determining, compressing, and transmitting the image data of the X rows are performed.

[0041] And wherein, when the determined bit rate level is less than or equal to the bit rate threshold, all L rows of image data are compressed and transmitted to the at least one lighting module via the multiplexing bus.

[0042] In this embodiment, the step of determining and compressing the image data of X rows of the lighting pattern is performed only when the bit rate on the multiplexing bus is insufficient to allow all compressed image data to pass through the multiplexing bus (the determined bit rate level is higher than the bit rate threshold). Otherwise, when the available bit rate on the multiplexing bus allows the transmission of all L rows of image data (the determined bit rate level is lower than or equal to the bit rate threshold), all L rows of image data are transmitted. Therefore, image data can be dynamically compressed according to the available bit rate on the multiplexing bus.

[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment, in the instruction receiving step, at least a first lighting function and a second lighting function are triggered. The first lighting function is configured to be applied to a first portion of the L-row of the lighting pattern, and the second lighting function is configured to be applied to a second portion of the L-row of the lighting pattern that is different from the first portion. The steps of determining, compressing, and transmitting image data of the X-row are performed in the first portion of the L-row of the lighting pattern, and the image data associated with the second portion of the L-row of the lighting pattern is compressed as a whole and transmitted to the at least one lighting module via the multiplexing bus.

[0044] In this embodiment, the steps of determining and compressing only a portion of the image data of the illumination pattern to be projected are performed only on a portion of the pattern. This specifically makes it possible to:

[0045] -The associated lighting functions of the pattern can be effectively targeted with only X compressed rows, such as near beam, far beam and adaptive drive beam functions;

[0046] - This part cannot be distinguished from another part of the pattern whose associated lighting function cannot provide a difference in display quality, such as road writing function.

[0047] Advantageously, after the step of compressing the image data, the method further includes the following steps:

[0048] - To generate at least one lighting function, determine the bit rate level required to transmit the compressed image data on the multiplexed bus;

[0049] - Compare the determined bit rate level with the bit rate threshold of the multiplexing bus;

[0050] - Transmitted to the at least one lighting module via the multiplexed bus:

[0051] • When the determined bit rate level is less than or equal to the bit rate threshold, compressed image data is transmitted, and

[0052] • When the determined bit rate level is greater than the bit rate threshold, the image data of the last image transmitted via the multiplexing bus is transmitted.

[0053] In this embodiment, if the bit rate on the multiplexed bus is insufficient to allow compressed image data to pass through, it is stipulated that image data for the last displayed image will continue to be broadcast to ensure that the light source will maintain its illumination function for the safety of the driver and other road users.

[0054] According to a second aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to a vehicle lighting system comprising:

[0055] - At least one lighting module, which is capable of projecting lighting functions based on compressed image data;

[0056] - A multiplexed bus, the multiplexed bus being used to transmit compressed image data to the at least one illumination module; and

[0057] - A control system configured to implement the method for managing image data as described above.

[0058] According to another advantageous embodiment, the control system includes:

[0059] - The first control unit, equipped with a processor unit, is configured as follows:

[0060] • Compress the image data according to one of a first frequency and a second frequency used to generate at least one lighting function.

[0061] • The compressed image data is transmitted to the at least one lighting module via the multiplexed bus;

[0062] - The second control unit, equipped with a processor unit, is configured as follows:

[0063] • Receive compressed image data transmitted via the multiplexed bus.

[0064] • Decompress the received image data.

[0065] • Generate at least one lighting function from the received and decompressed image data based on one of the first and second frequencies.

[0066] According to another advantageous embodiment, the at least one lighting module includes at least one semiconductor light source, such as an LED, and in particular a pixelated LED source.

[0067] Compared to incandescent lighting, semiconductor lighting produces visible light with less heat generation and less energy consumption. The typically lighter weight of semiconductor electronic lighting devices offers greater resistance to shock and vibration compared to fragile glass tubes / bulbs and thin filaments. Semiconductor electronic lighting devices are also unaffected by filament evaporation, which can increase the lifespan of the lighting device. Some examples of these types of lighting include solid-state light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), or polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) as the light source, rather than an electric filament, plasma, or gas. High-definition lighting can be provided by projecting one or more beams of light from an LED source or a group of LEDs, or from a pixelated LED source.

[0068] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this document (including technical and scientific terms) shall be interpreted in accordance with industry standard practices. It should also be understood that commonly used terms should be interpreted in their administrative, rather than idealized or overly formal, sense within the relevant field, unless explicitly defined herein.

[0069] In this document, the term “including” and its derivatives (such as “contains”, etc.) should not be understood in an exclusive sense, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that the things described and defined may include other elements, steps, etc. Attached Figure Description

[0070] To supplement the description and allow for a better understanding of the invention, a set of accompanying drawings is provided. These drawings form part of the specification and illustrate one embodiment of the invention, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but merely as examples of how the invention can be practiced. The drawings include the following figures:

[0071] [ Figure 1 The first embodiment of the lighting system according to the present invention is shown.

[0072] [ Figure 2 The second embodiment of the lighting system is shown.

[0073] [ Figure 3 The third embodiment of the lighting system is shown.

[0074] [ Figure 4A ]、[ Figure 4B ]and[ Figure 4C The illustrations show some examples of lighting patterns that are projected by a lighting system to provide illumination.

[0075] [ Figure 5A ]、[ Figure 5B ]and[ Figure 5C The illustration shows other examples of lighting patterns to be projected by a lighting system to provide additional lighting functions.

[0076] [ Figure 6 The illustration depicts a different embodiment. Figure 5B Examples of lighting patterns.

[0077] [ Figure 7 This illustrates a first representation of the steps of a method for managing image data according to the present invention.

[0078] [ Figure 8 This illustrates a second representation of the steps in a method for managing image data, including […]. Figure 7 The first representation of the additional steps.

[0079] [ Figure 9 The image shows the compression ratio obtained by selecting the image data to be compressed when using the method according to the invention.

[0080] [ Figure 10 The image shows a vehicle lighting device that includes at least a portion of the lighting system according to the invention.

[0081] The following reference labels have been used in these figures:

[0082] LB low beam illumination function

[0083] HB High Beam Lighting Function

[0084] ADB Adaptive Drive Beam Illumination Function

[0085] RW Road Writing Lighting Function

[0086] SYS lighting system

[0087] SC control system

[0088] PCM lighting function driver module

[0089] CAN multiplexed data transmission bus

[0090] MOD Lighting Module

[0091] PLED, PLED1, PLED2, PLED3, PLED4 semiconductor light sources

[0092] UC1 First Control Unit

[0093] UC2 Second Control Unit

[0094] PROC1 First Processor Unit

[0095] PROC2 Second Processor Unit

[0096] MOD1 First Lighting Module

[0097] MOD2 Second Lighting Module

[0098] REC command receiving steps

[0099] DET Determination Steps

[0100] COMP comparison steps

[0101] COMPR steps for compressing image data

[0102] Steps for TRANS to transfer compressed image data

[0103] COMPR steps for decompressing compressed image data

[0104] DEB compares the bit rate required to transmit image data.

[0105] ME lighting pattern

[0106] The row selected by X

[0107] L Lighting Pattern Row

[0108] The first part of line P1 L

[0109] The second part of line P2 L

[0110] DIS vehicle-to-vehicle lighting system

[0111] OPT lighting optics. Detailed Implementation

[0112] Exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to perform and implement the systems and methods described herein. It is important to understand that these embodiments may be provided in various alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples presented herein.

[0113] Accordingly, while embodiments may be modified in various ways and take various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail below by way of example. It is not intended to limit the specific examples disclosed. Rather, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims are to be included.

[0114] First refer to [ Figure 1 The image shows a first embodiment of a lighting system SYS according to the present invention. This lighting system specifically includes:

[0115] - At least one lighting module (MOD) capable of projecting lighting functions based on compressed image data;

[0116] - A multiplexed CAN bus, used to transmit compressed image data to the lighting module MOD; and

[0117] - Control system SC, which is configured to implement the proposed method for managing image data in order to generate a given lighting function.

[0118] To this end, the control system SC can receive instructions from the vehicle control unit (not shown) to generate each lighting function in the lighting functions independently or in combination, or vice versa. For example, lighting functions can be combined in pairs. According to another example, three or four lighting functions, or even all possible lighting functions, can be combined with each other.

[0119] The vehicle control unit can generate instructions for generating lighting functions from lighting commands given by the driver or from lighting commands determined by detection units (such as cameras or light detectors).

[0120] The instructions received by the control system SC can specifically be instructions for generating light beams corresponding to the following lighting functions:

[0121] -Near beam LB;

[0122] -High Beam HB;

[0123] - Adaptive Drive Beam (ADB); or

[0124] - Road writing RW.

[0125] Adaptive Drive Beam (ADB) means any lighting function that allows the illumination beam to change dynamically to adapt to vehicle traffic conditions. For example, this could involve a function where the illumination is projected using photometric measurements of a high beam type while avoiding glare for other road users. As a variation or addition, this function could involve:

[0126] - Allows photometric measurements of dynamic directional lighting, in other words, the horizontal displacement of the maximum intensity of the LB or HB photometric measurement depending on the steering wheel rotation angle of the motor vehicle (also known as dynamic bending light (DBL));

[0127] - Illumination that prevents glare from road signs caused by beams of light projected from motor vehicles (also known as traffic sign anti-glare (TSAG));

[0128] - Allows the projection of line-type patterns onto the road, specifically for defining a portion of the road that a motor vehicle will be using or for presenting obstacle avoidance strategies (also known as line assist LA).

[0129] Road writing (RW) means any lighting feature that allows the projection of patterns (especially driver assistance devices such as sign signals or other indicators for navigation) that are visible to drivers and / or road users on the road.

[0130] The control system SC may also include a driver module PCM for driving the vehicle's light source. The driver module PCM is capable of receiving instructions for generating lighting functions and controlling the vehicle's light source to generate the desired beam of light for the required lighting function. Specifically, the control module PCM may interface with a multiplexed bus CAN to transmit the required image data to the lighting module MOD for projecting the desired lighting function.

[0131] The multiplexed bus can be selected from any data transmission bus known in the automotive field, and in particular CAN or CAN-FD protocol data buses.

[0132] In order to generate a beam of light associated with the lighting function to be triggered, the lighting module MOD includes at least one light source, and in particular a semiconductor light source PLED, such as an LED, and in particular a pixelated LED source.

[0133] In this way, the lighting system SYS can project a beam of light from the light source PLED based on compressed image data received via the multiplexed bus CAN. Furthermore, the lighting system SYS aims to compress the image data via the control system SC, for example, at the level of the driver module PCM, according to the desired lighting function and the implementation of the proposed method for managing the image data.

[0134] Now refer to [ Figure 2 The image shows a second embodiment of the lighting system SYS, wherein the control system SC further includes:

[0135] - The first control unit UC1, equipped with the processor unit PROC1 (which is integrated, for example, into the driver module PCM), is configured as follows:

[0136] • Compress image data for illumination functions (LB, HB, ADB, RW).

[0137] • The compressed image data is transmitted to the lighting module MOD via the multiplexed CAN bus;

[0138] - The second control unit UC2, equipped with the processor unit PROC2 (which is integrated, for example, into the lighting module MOD), is configured as follows:

[0139] • Receive compressed image data transmitted via the CAN multiplexed bus.

[0140] • Decompress the received image data.

[0141] • Generate at least one lighting function HB, ADB, RW based on the received and decompressed image data.

[0142] Now refer to [ Figure 3 This illustrates a third embodiment of the lighting system SYS, wherein the control system SC includes a first lighting module MOD1 and a second lighting module MOD2, which can be configured as follows:

[0143] - Each lighting module is integrated into a different headlight of the vehicle. For example, the first module MOD1 is integrated into the right headlight of the vehicle, and the second module MOD2 is integrated into the left headlight of the vehicle.

[0144] -Integrated into the same headlight of the vehicle.

[0145] Furthermore, each module MOD1 and MOD2 may include multiple light sources PLED1, PLED2, PLED3, and PLED4 to allow the generation of beams with desired lighting functions LB, HB, ADB, and RW. The light sources PLED1, PLED2, PLED3, and PLED4 may in particular be semiconductor light sources PLEDs, such as LEDs, and particularly pixelated LED sources, such as LED sources with a resolution of 2500 pixels, 4000 pixels, or 20000 pixels.

[0146] For image data to be compressed, the desired compression ratio is preferably greater than or equal to 75%, or even more preferably greater than or equal to 85%. This is because at least 75% compression is the compression ratio that allows image data used for high-definition lighting features or combinations of high-definition lighting features to pass through a bandwidth-limited vehicle-to-vehicle transmission bus (such as a multiplexed bus CAN).

[0147] Now refer to [ Figure 4A ]、[ Figure 4B ]and[ Figure 4C The illustration shows some examples of lighting patterns ME projected by the lighting system SYS to provide lighting functions (here, the high beam function HB).

[0148] The lighting pattern ME shown in the diagram is divided into L rows, where L is an integer.

[0149] According to [ Figure 4BIn one embodiment illustrated in the figure, each row of L rows includes at least one row of illumination pattern pixels. According to one possible embodiment, each row corresponds to a single row of pattern pixels. According to a possible variation, each row corresponds to a group of rows of pattern pixels. For example, L rows could thus correspond to a group, for example, having 2 to 10 rows of pixels.

[0150] According to [ Figure 4C In one embodiment illustrated in the figure, each row of L rows includes at least one column of pixels for the illumination pattern. According to one possible embodiment, each row corresponds to a single column of pixels for the pattern. According to a possible variation, each row corresponds to a set of columns of pixels for the pattern.

[0151] The method for managing image data from the L rows of the lighting pattern ME allows for the selection of only a portion of the L rows for image data compression. In this case, X rows are selected from the L rows, where X is an integer less than L.

[0152] According to another possible example of lighting function projection, [ Figure 5A ]、[ Figure 5B ]and[ Figure 5C The illustration shows the X rows selected from the L rows of the lighting pattern ME to provide projection of a combination of lighting functions such as adaptive drive beam (ADB) and road writing (RW).

[0153] Now refer to [ Figure 6 The illustration depicts an embodiment in which a first portion P1 of an L-row of illumination pattern ME is provided for projection of a first illumination function (such as an ADB function), and a second portion P2 of the L-row is provided for projection of a second illumination function (such as an RW function). Selection of X rows of image data to be compressed may be performed only in one or the other of the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 of the L-row, or alternately by the two portions P1 and P2.

[0154] Now refer to [ Figure 7 The image illustrates the steps of a method for managing image data according to the present invention. The method specifically includes the following steps:

[0155] - Receive instructions (REC step) for triggering at least one lighting function HB, ADB, RW, which is configured to be generated by the lighting module MOD from compressed image data corresponding to a lighting pattern ME including L rows, where L is an integer;

[0156] - By selecting X rows of image data from L rows of the lighting pattern, the image data to be compressed from the image data of the lighting pattern ME of the lighting functions HB, ADB, RW is determined (DET step), where X is an integer less than L;

[0157] - Compress the image data that is determined to be compressible (COMPR step);

[0158] - Compressed image data is transmitted to the lighting module MOD via the multiplexed bus CAN for use in generating and projecting lighting functions HB, ADB, RW (TRANS steps).

[0159] Therefore, by selecting X rows from L rows, the amount of data to be compressed and transmitted is reduced.

[0160] Specifically, in the determination step DET, the selected X rows can be chosen based on a given recurrence in the L rows. This given recurrence can be defined as executing (the recurrence) every N rows, where N is an integer less than L, and X equals L divided by N.

[0161] For example in [ Figure 4B ]or[ Figure 5B As illustrated in the diagram, the selected recursion can be equal to N=2, meaning that only one row of data will be selected from two rows of L for compression. This embodiment enables the generation of lighting functionality with a small loss of quality in the projected lighting pattern (compared to the initial quality of the lighting pattern before compression).

[0162] For example in [ Figure 4C ]or[ Figure 5C As illustrated in the figure, the selected recursion can be equal to N=3, which means that only one row of data will be selected from three rows in L for compression. This embodiment allows for further compression of the image data of the pattern while maintaining the quality level of the generated lighting pattern, which is still sufficient for certain high-definition lighting functions (e.g., adaptive drive beams) and standard lighting functions (such as near beams or far beams).

[0163] N can also be chosen to be greater than or equal to 4. In this embodiment, the compression level is further increased. In this case, this embodiment can make it possible to meet the specific requirements of high bandwidth on the multiplexed bus, even if it means degrading the display quality of certain non-critical lighting functions (such as near beam or far beam).

[0164] The method also includes a decompression step (DECOMP step), in which the illumination pattern to be projected is reconstructed from the compressed image data transmitted in the TRANS step. This decompression step is designed to use the transmitted compressed image data to reconstruct image data of rows not selected from the L rows of the illumination pattern during the determination and compression steps.

[0165] This reconstruction can be performed using various techniques, particularly interpolation or linearization of image data values ​​between the transmitted X rows of image data. Other techniques are conceivable for reconstructing image data that was not retained or transmitted after the selection step, such as:

[0166] - Perform linear interpolation on a subset of the transmitted X rows of image data;

[0167] - Perform polynomial interpolation between the transmitted X rows of image data;

[0168] - Interpolation is performed on subsets of the transmitted X rows of image data using the Bézier method;

[0169] - Interpolation is performed on a subset of the transmitted X rows of image data using a parameter-adaptation method;

[0170] - Interpolation is performed on subsets of the transmitted X rows of image data using the least squares method;

[0171] - Interpolation is performed on subsets of the transmitted X rows of image data using the exponential modeling method;

[0172] - Interpolation is performed on subsets of the transmitted X rows of image data using the Fourier series method;

[0173] - Interpolation is performed on subsets of the transmitted X rows of image data using the Gaussian modeling method;

[0174] - Interpolation is performed on subsets of the transmitted X rows of image data using the power series method;

[0175] - Interpolation is performed on subsets of the transmitted X rows of image data using the sums of sine models method;

[0176] - Interpolation is performed on subsets of the transmitted X rows of image data using the Weibull distribution method;

[0177] - Interpolation is performed on a subset of the transmitted X rows of image data using the personalized models method.

[0178] Now refer to [ Figure 8 ], which illustrates a second representation of the steps of a method for managing image data, including [ Figure 7 The first representation of the additional steps.

[0179] In this embodiment, the method further includes the following steps:

[0180] - For the generated lighting functions HB, ADB, RW, determine the bit rate level NvDbReq (DEB step) required to transmit all L lines of compressed image data on the multiplexed bus CAN.

[0181] - Compare the determined bit rate level NvDbReq with the bit rate threshold NvDb0 of the multiplexed bus CAN (COMP step);

[0182] - Wherein, when the determined bit rate level NvDbReq is greater than the bit rate threshold NvDb0, the steps of determining, compressing and transmitting X rows of image data are performed;

[0183] - and wherein, when the determined bit rate level NvDbReq is less than or equal to the bit rate threshold NvDb0, all L rows of image data are compressed and transmitted to the at least one lighting module via the multiplexed bus CAN.

[0184] In this example, the step of determining and compressing the image data of X rows of the lighting pattern is performed only if the bit rate on the multiplexing bus is insufficient to allow all compressed image data to pass through the multiplexing bus (the determined bit rate level is above the bit rate threshold). Otherwise, all L rows of image data are transmitted when the available bit rate on the multiplexing bus allows the transmission of all L rows of image data (the determined bit rate level is below or equal to the bit rate threshold). Therefore, image data can be dynamically compressed based on the available bit rate on the multiplexing bus.

[0185] In addition, according to [ Figure 6In an exemplary embodiment, the instruction receiving step involves configuring a first illumination function ADB to be applied to a first portion P1 of the L rows of the illumination pattern, and configuring a second illumination function RW to be applied to a second portion P2 of the L rows of the illumination pattern, which is different from the first portion P1. The steps of determining, compressing, and transmitting image data for X rows are performed in the first portion P1 of the L rows of the illumination pattern, wherein the image data associated with the second portion P2 of the L rows of the illumination pattern is compressed as a whole and transmitted to the at least one illumination module via the multiplexed bus CAN.

[0186] In this embodiment, the steps of determining and compressing only a portion of the image data of the illumination pattern to be projected are performed only on a portion of the pattern. This specifically makes it possible to:

[0187] -The associated lighting functions can be effectively targeted with a pattern of only X compressed rows, such as the near beam, far beam and adaptive drive beam functions;

[0188] - This section cannot be distinguished from other parts of the pattern, such as road writing features, by a loss of display quality due to the lighting functions associated with it.

[0189] According to one embodiment (not shown), after the step of compressing the image data, the method further includes the following steps:

[0190] - To generate at least one lighting function, determine the bit rate level required for transmitting compressed image data on the multiplexed bus CAN;

[0191] - Compare the determined bit rate level with the bit rate threshold of the multiplexed bus CAN;

[0192] - Transmitted to the at least one lighting module (MOD) via the multiplexed CAN bus:

[0193] • When the determined bit rate level is less than or equal to the bit rate threshold, compressed image data is transmitted, and

[0194] • When the determined bit rate level is greater than the bit rate threshold, the image data of the last image transmitted via the multiplexed bus CAN is transmitted.

[0195] In this embodiment, if the bit rate on the multiplexed bus is insufficient to allow compressed image data to pass through, it is stipulated that, for the safety of the driver and other road users, the image data for the last displayed image will continue to be broadcast to ensure that the light source will maintain its illumination function.

[0196] Now refer to [ Figure 9The diagram illustrates the compression ratio obtained when using the method according to the invention. By selecting X rows from L rows, the amount of image data to be compressed is reduced. Thus, the compression ratio COMPR1 required for compressing the illumination function can be improved, and the initial value COMPR1 is changed to an improved compression ratio value COMPR2, which has a higher value than COMPR1.

[0197] Using this method, we can:

[0198] - Reduce the amount of image data communicated via multiplexed bus;

[0199] - Improve the level of image data compression while adhering to the maximum bandwidth allowed by the multiplexing bus;

[0200] - Maintain good image quality without significantly degrading it, for example, by further compressing already compressed image data, in order to successfully comply with the maximum bit rate of the multiplexed bus;

[0201] - Ensure high-definition image data is transmitted on a multiplexed bus, from which the complete lighting pattern can be reconstructed during the decompression step.

[0202] Now refer to [ Figure 10 The image shows a headlight vehicle lighting device DIS, which includes:

[0203] - Lighting module MOD, which includes at least one light source PLED;

[0204] - Optical device OPT, which is associated with light source PLED to generate a beam for the desired illumination function;

[0205] - Control unit UC2, which is used to perform the steps of receiving and decompressing compressed image data.

[0206] The invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, which are not limiting. Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described by way of example, and the invention extends to other alternative embodiments.

[0207] For example, the present invention can also be applied to lighting systems including at least one vehicle taillight and / or at least one vehicle signal light and / or at least one vehicle interior lighting module to generate associated lighting functions while benefiting from the advantages obtained by compressing image data according to the dynamic display frequency through the proposed and the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for managing image data of a vehicle lighting system (SYS), the lighting system comprising: - At least one lighting module (MOD) capable of projecting lighting functions based on compressed image data; and - Multiplexed bus (CAN), which is used to transmit compressed image data to the at least one illumination module (MOD). The method includes the following steps: - Receive instructions for triggering at least one lighting function, the at least one lighting function being configured to be generated by the at least one lighting module (MOD) from compressed image data corresponding to a lighting pattern comprising L rows, where L is an integer; - By selecting X rows of image data from the L rows of the lighting pattern, image data to be compressed from the image data of the lighting pattern of the at least one lighting function is determined, where X is an integer less than L; - Compress image data that is determined to be necessary to be compressed; The compressed image data is transmitted to the at least one illumination module (MOD) via the multiplexed bus (CAN) for the generation and projection of the at least one illumination function. In the determination step, the selected X rows are selected by performing a given recursion on each N rows of the L rows, where N is an integer less than L, and X is equal to L divided by N.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, N equals 2.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, N equals 3.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, N is greater than or equal to 4.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising the step of decompressing the compressed image data, wherein, The projected lighting pattern is reconstructed from the transmitted compressed image data.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The decompression step is based on reconstructing the lighting pattern by linearizing the transmitted X rows of image data.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The decompression step is based on reconstructing the lighting pattern by interpolating between the transmitted X lines of image data.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The L rows correspond to the horizontal rows of the lighting pattern, and each row in the L rows includes at least one row of lighting pattern pixels.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The L rows correspond to the vertical columns of the lighting pattern, and each row in the L rows includes at least one column of lighting pattern pixels.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising the following step: - To generate at least one lighting function, determine the bit rate level (NvDbReq) required to transmit all L rows of the compressed image data on the multiplexed bus (CAN). - Compare the determined bit rate level (NvDbReq) with the bit rate threshold (NvDb0) of the multiplexed bus (CAN); Specifically, when the determined bit rate level (NvDbReq) is greater than the bit rate threshold (NvDb0), the steps of determining, compressing, and transmitting the image data of the X rows are performed. And wherein, when the determined bit rate level (NvDbReq) is less than or equal to the bit rate threshold (NvDb0), all L rows of image data are compressed and transmitted to the at least one illumination module (MOD) via the multiplexing bus (CAN).

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, During the instruction receiving step, at least the first lighting function and the second lighting function should be triggered. The first lighting function is configured to be applied to the first portion (P1) of the L row of the lighting pattern, and The second lighting function is configured to be applied to a second portion (P2) of the L row of the lighting pattern that is different from the first portion (P1). Specifically, the steps of determining, compressing, and transmitting the image data of the X rows are performed in the first portion (P1) of the L row of the lighting pattern. The image data associated with the second portion (P2) of the L row of the lighting pattern is compressed as a whole and transmitted to the at least one lighting module (MOD) via the multiplexing bus (CAN).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, After compressing the image data, the method further includes the following steps: - To generate at least one lighting function, determine the bit rate level (NvDbReq) required to transmit the compressed image data on the multiplexed bus (CAN). - Compare the determined bit rate level (NvDbReq) with the bit rate threshold (NvDb0) of the multiplexed bus (CAN); - The following image data will be transmitted to the at least one illumination module (MOD) via the multiplexed bus (CAN): ● When the determined bit rate level (NvDbReq) is less than or equal to the bit rate threshold (NvDb0), compressed image data is transmitted, and ● When the determined bit rate level (NvDbReq) is greater than the bit rate threshold (NvDb0), the image data of the last image transmitted via the multiplexed bus (CAN) is transmitted.

13. A vehicle lighting system (SYS), comprising: - At least one lighting module (MOD) capable of projecting lighting functions based on compressed image data; - Multiplexed bus (CAN), the multiplexed bus is used to transmit compressed image data to the at least one illumination module (MOD); and - A control system (SC) configured to implement a method for managing image data of a vehicle lighting system (SYS) according to any one of claims 1-12.

14. The vehicle lighting system (SYS) according to claim 13, wherein, The at least one lighting module (MOD) includes at least one semiconductor light source (PLED).

15. The vehicle lighting system (SYS) according to claim 14, wherein, The at least one semiconductor light source (PLED) is an LED.

16. The vehicle lighting system (SYS) according to claim 15, wherein, The at least one semiconductor light source (PLED) is a pixelated LED source.

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