Method of detecting a fault in a solid state light source of a motor vehicle lighting device and motor vehicle arrangement

Abstract

This invention provides a method for detecting faults in solid-state light sources of automotive lighting equipment. The method includes the following steps: providing an estimated temperature profile for the lighting equipment; measuring an actual temperature profile of the lighting equipment; and comparing the estimated temperature profile with the actual temperature profile to detect differences between them.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of motor vehicle lighting equipment, and more specifically, to temperature management of such equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Digital lighting equipment is being increasingly used by automakers in mid-to-high-end market products.

[0003] These digital lighting devices typically include solid-state light sources, whose operation is heavily dependent on temperature.

[0004] These lighting devices include solid-state light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Each of these LEDs is an individual component that can fail in a manner independent of the rest of the LEDs.

[0005] Detecting performance degradation or failure of a specific LED within a lighting module is not always easy, especially when the module may contain thousands of LEDs and the only parameters to be measured are global voltage and current. Therefore, it is impossible to detect the failure of a specific LED before it occurs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem remains a hypothesis until now, but a solution is still being sought.

[0007] This invention provides an alternative solution for detecting and isolating faults in the light source of a motor vehicle lighting device through a method according to the invention for detecting faults in the solid-state light source of the motor vehicle lighting device. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall be interpreted in accordance with the conventions of the art. It should also be understood that commonly used terms should be interpreted as those in the relevant field, rather than as idealized or overly formalized meanings, unless expressly stated otherwise herein.

[0009] In this document, the term “comprising” and its derivatives (such as “including”, etc.) should not be interpreted in an exclusive sense, that is, these terms should not be construed as excluding the possibility that the described and defined content may include other elements, steps, etc.

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for detecting faults in a solid-state light source of a motor vehicle lighting device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0011] - Provide an estimated temperature profile for the lighting device;

[0012] - Measure the actual temperature profile of the lighting equipment; and

[0013] - Compare the estimated temperature curve with the actual temperature curve to detect the difference between them.

[0014] The term "solid-state" refers to light emitted by solid-state electroluminescent materials, which use semiconductors to convert electricity into light. Compared to incandescent lighting, solid-state lighting produces visible light with reduced heat generation and lower energy consumption. Solid-state electronic lighting devices, which are typically less heavy than fragile glass tubes / bulbs and thin filaments, offer greater resistance to shock and vibration. They also eliminate filament evaporation, potentially increasing the lifespan of the lighting device. Some examples of these types of lighting include semiconductor light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), or polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) as the light source, rather than filaments, plasma, or gas.

[0015] Using this method, faults in solid-state light sources can be detected because of the difference between the estimated and actual temperature profiles. When the lighting function is activated, multiple data points about the vehicle and the environment are provided, and the estimated temperature profile offers an estimate of the temperature evolution of the lighting device over time.

[0016] When lighting equipment does not follow this temperature estimate, it may be due to a malfunction or failure of one or more light sources. The method of this invention allows for such detection.

[0017] In some specific embodiments, the step of using the value to estimate the temperature of the lighting device includes using a machine learning algorithm.

[0018] Machine learning algorithms can be used to estimate the temperature of lighting equipment. Because some embodiments include temperature sensors for checking the estimates, these algorithms can adapt the estimated data to real-world data, thereby improving their accuracy.

[0019] In some specific embodiments, the method further includes the following steps:

[0020] - In the event of a difference between the actual temperature curve and the estimated temperature curve, a specific lighting function is activated only in a portion of the lighting equipment;

[0021] - Measure the second actual temperature profile in the lighting device;

[0022] - Measure the third actual temperature profile of the portion of the lighting equipment;

[0023] - Compare the estimated temperature curve with the second actual temperature curve and the third actual temperature curve.

[0024] In this scenario, if a discrepancy is detected, it may be due to a potential failure of one of the light sources. For the specific module configuration and specific environmental and vehicle data (used to provide the estimated curve), the temperature should be based on the estimated pattern. If it drops below these values, it may be due to a failure of one of the light sources. Repeating this method in specific sections of a lighting device with illumination functions (which provide different flux values ​​in corresponding parts) will provide additional testing tools to verify the presence of a fault.

[0025] In some specific embodiments, the method further includes the following steps:

[0026] - In the event of a difference between the actual temperature curve and the estimated temperature curve, a second lighting function is performed in the same part of the lighting equipment;

[0027] - Measure the fourth actual temperature profile in the lighting equipment;

[0028] - Measure the fifth actual temperature profile in the portion of the lighting equipment;

[0029] - Compare the estimated temperature curve with the fourth and fifth actual temperature curves.

[0030] Different lighting functions can be used in the same section to better verify the fault.

[0031] In some specific embodiments, the first lighting function is one of an Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), a Hazard Warning (HW), or a Dynamic Bending Light (DBL), and the second lighting function is different from the first lighting function and is one of an Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), a Hazard Warning (HW), or a Dynamic Bending Light (DBL).

[0032] These lighting features require very specific flux patterns (black in the case of ADB or DBL, and very bright in the case of HW), which can provide better contrast than the data retrieved from the original light pattern.

[0033] In some specific embodiments, the step of activating a specific lighting function is then performed in multiple parts of the lighting device.

[0034] If a section does not provide the difference between the estimated temperature profile and the actual temperature profile, the vehicle's control unit will select a different section to isolate the area where the lighting equipment is faulty.

[0035] In some specific embodiments, the portion of the lighting device is selected by an AI algorithm.

[0036] When different fault conditions are identified and isolated, the AI ​​algorithm will provide prompts to the control unit to check for possible faults in specific parts of the lighting equipment.

[0037] In other aspects of the invention, the present invention provides a data processing element comprising means for performing steps of the method according to a first aspect of the invention, and a computer program comprising instructions that, when the program is run by a control unit, cause the control unit to perform the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0038] In other aspects of the invention, the present invention provides a motor vehicle lighting arrangement comprising:

[0039] - A motor vehicle lighting device, which further includes a matrix arrangement of solid-state light sources, a plurality of auxiliary sensors configured to provide some device data, and a control unit for performing steps of the method according to the first aspect of the invention; and

[0040] - Multiple temperature sensors.

[0041] This lighting arrangement provides the advantage of detecting and isolating faults in the area where the lighting equipment is located.

[0042] In some specific embodiments, the matrix arrangement includes at least 2,000 solid-state light sources.

[0043] A matrix arrangement is a typical example of this method. Rows can be grouped within a projection distance, and each column of each group represents an angular interval. This angle value depends on the resolution of the matrix arrangement and is typically contained between 0.01° and 0.5° per column. Therefore, many light sources can be managed simultaneously. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To complete the description and to provide a better understanding of the invention, a set of accompanying drawings has been provided. These drawings form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the invention; they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but merely as examples of how the invention can be practiced.

[0045] The attached figures include the following:

[0046] [ Figure 1 This image shows a general perspective view of the vehicle lighting equipment and the sensors included in the vehicle arrangement according to the present invention.

[0047] [ Figure 2a ]、[ Figure 2b ]、[ Figure 2cThe image shows three different temperature measurements taken from the headlamp.

[0048] [ Figure 3a ]、[ Figure 3b ]、[ Figure 3c The image shows three different temperature measurements in the headlamp when the ADB lighting function is activated.

[0049] [ Figure 4a ]、[ Figure 4b ]、[ Figure 4c The image shows three different temperature measurements in the headlamp when the HW lighting function is activated.

[0050] The following reference numerals have been used in these figures:

[0051] 1 headlamp

[0052] 2LED

[0053] 3 control units

[0054] 4 auxiliary sensors

[0055] 5 Temperature Sensors

[0056] 11. Estimated temperature curve

[0057] 12 Actual Temperature Curve

[0058] 100 motor vehicles Detailed Implementation

[0059] Example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to embodied and implement the systems and processes described herein. It is important to understand that embodiments may be provided in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

[0060] 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 as examples. This is not intended to limit the specific forms disclosed. Rather, it should include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0061] [ Figure 1 The image shows a general perspective view of the headlight 1 and the multiple sensors included in the vehicle arrangement according to the present invention.

[0062] The headlight 1 is installed in the motor vehicle 100 and includes:

[0063] - A matrix arrangement of LEDs is used to provide light patterns;

[0064] - Control unit 3, used to perform thermal analysis of the operation of LED 2; and

[0065] - Multiple auxiliary sensors 4 are used to provide device data;

[0066] - Multiple temperature sensors 5 are used to provide temperature measurement results for different parts of the matrix arrangement.

[0067] This matrix configuration is a high-resolution module with a resolution greater than 2000 pixels. However, there are no restrictions on the technology used to produce the projection module.

[0068] The control unit 3 has undergone a training process before being installed in the vehicle headlight 1 in order to provide estimated temperature profiles for different parts of the headlight based on data received by the auxiliary sensor 4. The control unit has been trained to provide accurate temperature estimation profiles.

[0069] [ Figure 2a ]、[ Figure 2b ]and[ Figure 2c The image shows three different temperature measurements taken from the headlamp.

[0070] The first type, such as [ Figure 2a The illustration shows the temperature evolution in the overall approach of the headlight. The continuous line shows the estimated temperature curve 11, which has been estimated taking into account the physical characteristics of the headlight and the vehicle's environmental conditions (speed, external temperature, presence of other vehicles, activation of different lighting functions in the headlight, etc.). This temperature estimate has also been processed by AI algorithms to provide even more accurate estimates.

[0071] The dashed line shows the actual temperature measured by the temperature sensor located in the headlamp.

[0072] From that [ Figure 2a As can be seen from the data, there is a slight deviation between the actual measured temperature and the ideal estimated temperature.

[0073] [ Figure 2b ]and[ Figure 2c The image shows these temperature measurements from different parts of the headlamp. Figure 2b The image shows a portion where the temperature evolution perfectly matches the temperature estimate, therefore the LED operates normally in that section. However, [ Figure 2c This shows a portion of the deviation of the temperature evolution from the estimated evolution.

[0074] Since this is a slight deviation, it indicates the possibility of an LED malfunction, but this should be confirmed through more detailed diagnostics.

[0075] To perform this detailed diagnostic, specific lighting functions, such as ADB, DBL, or HW, are activated. These lighting functions have specific characteristics that isolate specific sections of the LED and execute entirely different light patterns within those sections.

[0076] [ Figure 3a ]、[ Figure 3b ]and[ Figure 3c This shows the temperature evolution of different parts of the headlamp when the ADB function is activated for a specific section of the LED arrangement.

[0077] The ADB function is normally used to avoid dazzling oncoming vehicles in the opposite lane, or to avoid dazzling vehicles in the same lane that are circling a few meters ahead.

[0078] In this method, this function is used to check whether the temperature estimate is correct and to confirm whether the part causing the temperature deviation is defective. [In [ Figure 3a ]、[ Figure 3b ]and[ Figure 3c Use ADB functionality to obscure [ ] Figure 2c The LED arrangement is claimed to have defective parts.

[0079] [ Figure 3a This shows when ADB functionality is applied to [ Figure 2c The problem is partly about the temperature estimation curve of the entire headlamp.

[0080] Because the faulty part is not working, all the active LEDs are working normally, and therefore the actual measured temperature 12 matches the estimated temperature curve 11.

[0081] When applied to the problematic section, in [ Figure 3c In this section, the temperature matches the estimated temperature because the ADB function is disabled.

[0082] When applied to an LED portion that is different from the problematic portion, such as [ Figure 3b As shown, the actual measured temperature curve also matches the estimated curve, so there is no longer a problematic part.

[0083] exist[ Figure 4a ]、[ Figure 4b ]and[ Figure 4c In this study, additional methods are used to isolate and identify faulty LEDs.

[0084] Activate the HW function in the problematic section.

[0085] [ Figure 4aThe image shows the temperature estimation curve for the entire headlight when the HW function is operated in the problematic section. [...and...] Figure 2a Similar to the case of [ ], the actual measured temperature curve 12 deviates from the estimated temperature curve 11, which means that some fault may be occurring.

[0086] [ Figure 4b The figure shows the temperature profile in the section far from the problematic part. In this figure, the actual measured temperature profile 12 matches the estimated temperature profile 11, therefore this section is not faulty.

[0087] [ Figure 4c The image shows the temperature profile of the problematic section. Due to the demanding nature of the HW function, faulty LEDs can cause a temperature drop over time, providing evidence that some LEDs in that section are faulty.

[0088] Therefore, this method is able to detect and isolate specific parts of an LED arrangement that have malfunctioned.

Claims

1. A method for detecting faults in a solid-state light source (2) of a motor vehicle lighting device (1), the method comprising the following steps: - Provide an estimated temperature profile (11) for the lighting device; - Measure the actual temperature profile of the lighting equipment (12); as well as - The estimated temperature curve is compared with the actual temperature curve to detect the difference between the estimated and actual temperature curves, and the solid-state light source is determined to have malfunctioned based on the difference; wherein, The method further includes the following steps: - In the event of a difference between the actual temperature curve and the estimated temperature curve, the first lighting function shall be activated only in a portion of the lighting equipment; - Measure the second actual temperature profile in the lighting device; - Measure the third actual temperature profile of the portion of the lighting equipment; - Compare the estimated temperature curve with the second and third actual temperature curves, and determine the fault of the part of the lighting equipment based on the comparison.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of providing the estimated temperature profile includes at least the following: - Check the data from at least one temperature sensor; and / or - Check data from a vehicle speed sensor; and / or - Check the activation of the lighting function; and - Use at least one of the data and the activation of the lighting function to estimate the temperature of the lighting device.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The step of estimating the temperature of the lighting device using at least one of the data and the activation of the lighting function includes using a machine learning algorithm.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the following steps: - In the event of a difference between the actual temperature curve and the estimated temperature curve, a second lighting function is performed in the same part of the lighting equipment; - Measure the fourth actual temperature profile in the lighting equipment; - Measure the fifth actual temperature profile in the portion of the lighting equipment; - Compare the estimated temperature curve with the fourth and fifth actual temperature curves, and verify the failure of the part of the lighting equipment based on the comparison.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The first lighting function is one of an adaptive drive beam, a hazard warning, or a dynamic turn signal, and the second lighting function is different from the first lighting function and is one of an adaptive drive beam, a hazard warning, or a dynamic turn signal.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The step of activating the first lighting function or the second lighting function is then performed in multiple parts of the lighting device.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The portion of the lighting device is selected by an AI algorithm.

8. A data processing element comprising means for performing steps of the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A motor vehicle lighting structure, comprising: - Motor vehicle lighting equipment (1), said motor vehicle lighting equipment (1) further comprising a matrix arrangement of solid-state light sources (2), a plurality of auxiliary sensors (4) configured to provide some equipment data, and a control unit (3) for performing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and - Multiple temperature sensors (5).

10. The motor vehicle lighting structure according to claim 9, wherein, The matrix arrangement includes at least 2000 solid-state light sources (2).

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