Motor vehicle lighting system provided with a light module capable of emitting a pixelated illumination light beam

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting system (1) of a motor vehicle comprising: a first light module (2) capable of emitting a first lighting beam (F) having an upper cut-off (FC); a second light module (3) capable of emitting a second pixelated lighting beam (HD); a mechanical adjustment system (42) for mechanically adjusting the vertical orientation of the first lighting beam and of the second pixelated lighting beam; and a controller (5) capable of receiving an instruction to emit a given light function (Fi) and designed to control the mechanical adjustment system so as to cause a simultaneous modification of the vertical orientation of the first lighting beam and of the second pixelated lighting beam based on said instruction and to control the second light module so as to emit a second pixelated lighting beam having predetermined characteristics based on said instruction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of motor vehicle lighting. More specifically, this invention relates to a motor vehicle lighting system equipped with a light module capable of emitting pixelated lighting beams. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of motor vehicle lighting, it is a well-known practice to employ light modules comprising sufficient light sources that can be selectively activated, referred to as primary light sources, and associated with optical devices, thereby enabling pixelated light functions (e.g., containing at least 500 pixels, each pixel formed by a primary beam emitted from one of the primary light sources). For example, this type of module enables functions such as anti-glare high beam lighting (where some pixels of the high beam are turned off or reduced so that a target vehicle can follow or pass by), ground writing lighting (where some pixels of the low beam are overbrightened or underbrightened to display pictograms), ground marking lighting (where some pixels of the low beam are overbrightened or underbrightened to specify markings such as lines), or, quite popularly, scene lighting (where some pixels of a beam intended to be projected onto the ground or wall are overbrightened or underbrightened to display pictograms when the vehicle is unlocked and / or started).

[0003] To control this type of module, a central computer receives information from various sensors, such as cameras capturing road images, steering wheel angle sensors, or navigation systems, to determine which type of pixelated light function the module should emit, and periodically sends instructions to the module to emit this desired function. The instructions sent by the computer typically include the function type and associated parameters (e.g., the location of the vehicle that will not cause glare). Each time the controller receives an emission instruction, it limits the light intensity that each basic light source should emit, so that the basic beam emitted by that light source can achieve the pixels required to realize the desired pixelated light function.

[0004] A drawback of this type of optical module is its emission area on the roads it can address. Specifically, the resolution and size of this emission area are directly related to the number of basic light sources used by the optical module. Therefore, to maintain reasonable optical, electronic, and mechanical complexity and acceptable cost, it is necessary to limit the size of this emission area. However, the location of the emission area required to achieve the various optical functions mentioned above, or even the same functions depending on various traffic parameters, varies on the road. It is for this purpose that, as described, for example, in document DE 10 2016 122 043, it is envisioned that the vertical orientation of the optical module be adjusted simultaneously with the pixelated light function emitted by the optical module. Thus, by changing the vertical orientation of the optical module, various emission areas can be reached.

[0005] While this solution has undeniable advantages, it is not satisfactory from the perspective of integrating light modules into the headlights of motor vehicles.

[0006] Specifically, this type of optical module is typically not used alone, but rather in combination with other lighting modules, particularly those capable of emitting a beam with a flat upper cutoff. This combination allows for the implementation of the specified high beam function, especially by controlling the optical module to emit pixelated light with an upper cutoff. However, if the vertical orientation of this optical module is modified, the overall light distribution of the beam emitted by both modules is altered, which may not meet the requirements for low beam. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a motor vehicle lighting system that combines a first light module capable of emitting an illumination beam with an upper limit cutoff and a second light module capable of emitting pixelated illumination beams, and can adjust the vertical orientation of the two illumination beams while maintaining the lighting system's ability to emit a specified light function.

[0008] This invention falls within this context and aims to meet this need.

[0009] For these purposes, one subject of the present invention is a lighting system for a motor vehicle, the lighting system comprising: a first light module capable of emitting a first illumination beam having an upper limit cutoff; a second light module capable of emitting a second pixelated illumination beam; a mechanical adjustment system for mechanically adjusting the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam; and a controller capable of receiving an instruction to emit a given light function, the controller being arranged to control the mechanical adjustment system to cause the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam to be modified simultaneously according to the instruction and to control the second light module to emit the second pixelated illumination beam having predetermined characteristics according to the instruction.

[0010] According to the present invention, the first optical module is capable of emitting a second pixelated illumination beam in an emission region, the position of which is defined by the vertical orientation of the second pixelated illumination beam. In other words, simultaneous modification of the vertical orientation of the first and second pixelated illumination beams allows for simultaneous movement of both the upper limit cutoff position of the first illumination beam and the emission region of the second pixelated illumination beam. The characteristics of the second pixelated illumination beam can then be defined simultaneously with these movements to take into account both the upper limit cutoff position and the position of the emission region, particularly so that the overall beam formed by the intersection of the first and second pixelated illumination beams satisfies the prescribed requirements for achieving the given optical function.

[0011] A “pixelated illumination beam” refers to a beam of light composed of multiple pixels arranged in multiple rows and / or columns. The resolution of this beam is specifically defined by the size of each pixel and the size of the emission area associated with the beam. Advantageously, the first illumination beam can be a first pixelated or non-pixelated illumination beam. Where applicable, the resolution of a second pixelated illumination beam, particularly its vertical resolution and / or its horizontal resolution, can be greater than the resolution of the first illumination beam. For example, the upper cutoff of the first illumination beam is a substantially flat cutoff.

[0012] Advantageously, the first and second optical modules can be arranged such that the second pixelated illumination beam at least partially covers the first illumination beam, particularly such that the emission region of the second pixelated illumination beam extends below and above the upper limit cutoff of the first illumination beam. Therefore, the second pixelated illumination beam can achieve, particularly alternatively or cumulatively, various functions as follows:

[0013] a. Low beam illumination function, wherein the pixels of the second pixelated illumination beam are controlled to form a portion of the upper limit cutoff of the overall beam formed by the intersection of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam, the portion of the upper limit cutoff being aligned or misaligned with the upper limit cutoff of the first illumination beam, and the upper limit cutoff of the second pixelated illumination beam thus forming a specified low beam cutoff individually or in combination with the upper limit cutoff of the first illumination beam.

[0014] b. Non-glare high beam illumination function: For this non-glare high beam illumination function, the pixels of the second pixelated illumination beam located above the upper limit cutoff of the first illumination beam are controlled to form a dark area in the overall beam formed by the intersection of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam, while the remaining pixels remain on.

[0015] c. Ground writing function, wherein the second pixelated illumination beam controls the pixels located below the upper limit cutoff of the first illumination beam and in the display area to materialize pictographs or marks on the ground in the overall beam formed by the intersection of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam (e.g., by negative or positive contrast).

[0016] According to the invention, the lighting system may include a computer capable of issuing instructions to emit a given light function, which depends, for example, on traffic parameters of the vehicle detected particularly by the vehicle's sensor system, especially the vehicle's speed and / or the presence of road users who will not cause glare. Where applicable, the instructions may include the type of light function to be emitted and may include the location of a pictographic or marked display area on the road and / or the location of an anti-glare dark area.

[0017] Advantageously, upon receiving the instruction to emit a given light function, the controller can be arranged to generate a digital image in a frame that implements a portion of the given light function, the size and resolution of which correspond to the size and resolution of the emission area of ​​the second pixelated illumination beam. Where applicable, the controller is arranged to control the second light module so that, by turning on / off each of the basic light sources of the second light module / controlling the light intensity of the basic light source, the basic beam emitted by this light source reproduces the associated pixels on the road, emitting a second pixelated illumination beam in the emission area corresponding to the generated digital image.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, a first optical module and a second optical module are mounted on the same support plate. A mechanical adjustment system includes an actuator connected to the support plate and capable of causing the support plate to move. A controller is arranged to control the actuator according to the instructions to cause the plate to move, thereby simultaneously modifying the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam. "Support plate movement" refers to rotation and / or translation of the support plate such that the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam can be modified. Where applicable, the controller is arranged to determine a vertical angle movement setpoint for the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam based on the received instructions for emitting a given light function, and to control the mechanical adjustment system based on this vertical angle movement setpoint. Based on these features, by sharing the same actuator to adjust the vertical orientation of the illumination beam, the integration of the two modules into the same illumination system can be simplified.

[0019] In another embodiment of the invention, the mechanical adjustment system includes: a first actuator connected to and capable of causing the first optical module to move; and a second actuator connected to and capable of causing the second optical module to move, wherein a controller is arranged to control, in particular synchronously control, the first and second actuators according to the instructions so as to cause the first and second optical modules to move simultaneously, thereby causing simultaneous modification of the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam.

[0020] Advantageously, the controller is arranged to control the first optical module according to the instructions to modify the light intensity of the first illumination beam according to a preset point determined based on the instructions. For example, the controller may be arranged to determine the light intensity preset point of the first illumination beam based on the received instructions for emitting a given light function (e.g., to determine the light intensity preset point as a percentage of the nominal light intensity of this first illumination beam), and to control the first optical module to emit the first illumination beam according to this light intensity preset point.

[0021] Advantageously, the second optical module is capable of emitting a second pixelated illumination beam in the emission region, and the controller is arranged to control the second optical module according to the instructions to emit the pixelated illumination beam, the contour, photometric map, and / or position of which in the emission region is predetermined according to the instructions. As previously explained, the emission region has a constant size and a constant resolution; only the position of the emission region on the road is modified due to mechanical movement of the second optical module. For example, the controller can be arranged to control the second optical module according to the instructions to perform one or more of the following operations sequentially or simultaneously:

[0022] a. Modify the vertical and / or horizontal dimensions of the second pixelated illumination beam in the emission region.

[0023] b. Add, remove, move, and / or modify the upper cutoff of the second pixelated illumination beam within the emission area, and modify the shape, size, and / or position of the upper cutoff.

[0024] c. Adding, removing, moving, and / or modifying the shape, size, and / or position of dark areas within the second pixelated illumination beam in the emission region.

[0025] d. Adding, removing, moving, and / or modifying the shape, size, and / or position of pictographs and / or markers on the ground within the second pixelated illumination beam in the emission area.

[0026] e. Increase or decrease the local or overall light intensity of the second pixelated illumination beam in the emission area.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, the controller is, for example, capable of selectively receiving at least a command to emit a non-glare high beam illumination beam, a command to emit a low beam illumination beam, and a command to emit a city lighting beam. Where applicable:

[0028] a. Upon receiving a command to emit a non-glaring high beam illumination beam, the controller is configured to control the mechanical adjustment system to cause the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam to be modified simultaneously, such that the upper limit cutoff of the first illumination beam is positioned at an angle of approximately -0.57° relative to the horizontal line.

[0029] b. Upon receiving a command to emit a low beam illumination beam, the controller is configured to control the mechanical adjustment system to cause the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam to be modified simultaneously, such that the upper limit cutoff of the first illumination beam is positioned at an angle of approximately -1.57° relative to the horizontal line.

[0030] c. Upon receiving a command to emit a city lighting beam, the controller is configured to control the mechanical adjustment system to simultaneously modify the vertical orientation of the first lighting beam and the second pixelated lighting beam, such that the upper limit cutoff of the first lighting beam is positioned at an angle of approximately -2.57° relative to the horizontal.

[0031] In the examples mentioned above, it should be understood that the upper limit cutoff position, particularly when the first illumination beam is projected onto a vertical screen, is positioned at a sufficiently large distance (e.g., 25 meters) from the first optical module for these dimensions. Furthermore, these examples have been listed in an illustrative manner; other functions, particularly highway lighting or lighting for adverse weather conditions, are conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0032] According to one example, upon receiving a command to emit a non-glaring high-beam illumination beam, the controller may also be arranged to control a first optical module to emit the first illumination beam according to a 100% light intensity setpoint, and to control a second optical module to emit a second pixelated illumination beam including an upper cutoff, the second pixelated illumination beam extending horizontally only partially in the emission area, and a substantially flat first portion of the upper cutoff of the second pixelated illumination beam aligned with a particularly substantially flat upper cutoff of the first illumination beam, and a substantially flat second portion positioned above the upper cutoff, the first portion and the second portion being connected by a particularly oblique projection.

[0033] In an alternative example, upon receiving a command to emit a non-dazzling high beam illumination beam, the controller may also be arranged to control a second optical module to emit a second pixelated illumination beam that extends horizontally and vertically throughout the emission area and includes, for example, a dark area that frames a target object without causing it to be dazzling.

[0034] According to one example, upon receiving a command to emit a low beam illumination beam, the controller may be arranged to control a first optical module to emit the first illumination beam according to a light intensity setpoint between 50% and 100%, and to control a second optical module to emit a second pixelated illumination beam including an upper cutoff, the second pixelated illumination beam extending entirely horizontally in the emission region, and a substantially flat first portion of the upper cutoff of the second pixelated illumination beam positioned above the upper cutoff of the first illumination beam, and a substantially flat second portion positioned above the first portion, the first portion and the second portion being connected by a particularly oblique projection.

[0035] According to one example, upon receiving an instruction to emit a beam of city lighting, a controller may be configured to control a first light module to emit the first lighting beam according to a 50% light intensity setpoint, and to control a second light module to emit a second pixelated lighting beam including a substantially flat upper limit cutoff, the second pixelated lighting beam extending entirely horizontally within the emission area, and the upper limit cutoff of the second pixelated lighting beam being positioned above the particularly substantially flat upper limit cutoff of the first lighting beam.

[0036] Advantageously, when the controller controls the second optical module to emit a second pixelated illumination beam with an upper limit cutoff, referred to as the initial second pixelated illumination beam, and receives an instruction to emit a new given light function, the controller can be arranged to control the second optical module to emit a second pixelated illumination beam with an upper limit cutoff that is kept constant and is the same as the upper limit cutoff position of the initial second pixelated illumination beam. At the same time, the controller controls a mechanical adjustment system to cause the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam to be modified simultaneously according to the instruction.

[0037] For example, the controller can be arranged to control the second optical module such that the upper limit cutoff in the second pixelated illumination beam moves in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam move due to the mechanical adjustment system, specifically such that the position and / or speed of this upper limit cutoff depends on the position and / or speed of movement of these beams. It should be understood that the movement of the upper limit cutoff is digital, not mechanical, and can be implemented, for example, by the controller generating a sequence of digital images to control the second optical module during the control of the mechanical adjustment system, wherein the position of this upper limit cutoff changes in opposition to the movement of the illumination beams. Due to this feature, it is ensured that the position of the upper limit cutoff remains constant on the road to avoid deviations from the tolerances specified by regulations, and to prevent the movement of this upper limit cutoff from being noticeable to the driver, which could otherwise interfere with the driver.

[0038] As a variation, this upper limit can be specified to change with a speed and / or direction different from the movement speed and / or direction of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam, or actually change with a time shift relative to the movement of these first illumination beams and the second pixelated illumination beams.

[0039] Advantageously, when the controller controls the second light module to emit a second pixelated illumination beam, referred to as the initial second pixelated illumination beam, and receives an instruction to emit a new given light function (specifically, this new given light function defines a final, new second pixelated illumination beam), the controller is arranged to control the second light module to emit the second pixelated illumination beam based on a digital image obtained by warping and / or translating a digital image corresponding to the initial second pixelated illumination beam. Simultaneously, the controller controls a mechanical adjustment system to cause a simultaneous modification of the vertical orientation of both the first and second pixelated illumination beams according to the instruction. Preferably, the warping and / or translation of the digital image can be a warping and / or translation towards a digital image corresponding to the final second pixelated illumination beam. These features, in particular, allow for the avoidance of sudden modifications to the overall beam emitted by the illumination system, which might otherwise be noticeable to the driver.

[0040] Advantageously, upon receiving a command to emit a given light function, the controller can be arranged to control the mechanical adjustment system according to said command so as to simultaneously modify the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam according to a control law having a variable speed. For example, the control law may define acceleration during a first time interval (referred to as the rise time), then define a constant speed during a second time interval, and then define deceleration during a third time interval (referred to as the fall time). These features also alternatively or cumulatively make it possible to avoid sudden modifications to the overall beam emitted by the illumination system that might otherwise be noticeable to the driver.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first optical module includes: at least one light source; a collector having a reflective surface configured to collect light emitted by the light source and reflect such light into a beam along the optical axis of the module; and an optical device, particularly a lens, configured to project the beam, the optical device being configured to form an image of the reflective surface of the collector and having a focal point, particularly a focal line, located at the rear of the collector, so as to substantially image the rear edge of the reflective surface of the collector, the upper limit cutoff of the first illumination beam being achieved through this rear edge.

[0042] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first optical module includes: at least one light source; a collector configured to collect light emitted by the light source and reflect such light into a beam along the optical axis of the module; an optical device, particularly a lens, configured to project the beam; and a shield disposed between the collector and the optical device and having a cutoff edge, the optical device having a focal point, particularly a focal filament, located at the cutoff edge to substantially image the cutoff edge, the upper limit cutoff of the first illumination beam being achieved through this cutoff edge.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second optical module is arranged such that the second pixelated illumination beam is a beam comprising a plurality of pixels (e.g., 500 pixels with dimensions between 0.05° and 0.3°) distributed across a plurality of rows and columns (e.g., 20 rows and 25 columns). For example, the second optical module may include a plurality of basic light sources and optical devices arranged to emit the second pixelated illumination beam together. Where applicable, a controller may be arranged to selectively control each of the basic light sources of the second optical module, such that the light source emits a basic beam of light from one of the pixels forming the pixelated illumination beam. "Light source" refers to any light source optionally associated with an electro-optical element that can be selectively activated and controlled to emit a basic beam of light with controllable light intensity. Specifically, the light source may be a light-emitting semiconductor chip, a light-emitting element of an integral pixelated light-emitting diode, part of a light conversion element that can be excited by a light source, or actually a light source associated with a liquid crystal or micromirror.

[0044] Another subject of the present invention is a method for controlling a lighting system as described in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps:

[0045] a. Receive instructions to transmit a given light function;

[0046] b. Control the mechanical adjustment system so as to simultaneously modify the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam according to the instructions;

[0047] c. Control the second optical module to emit a second pixelated illumination beam with predetermined characteristics according to the instructions. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These examples are merely illustrative and do not in any way limit the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, the various figures illustrate:

[0049] [ Figure 1 A lighting system according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically and in part.

[0050] [ Figure 2 The diagram schematically and partially illustrates the control [ Figure 1 Methods for lighting systems;

[0051] [ Figure 3 This schematically and partially illustrates how, through [ Figure 2 ] method control [ Figure 1 The primary light function achieved by the lighting system;

[0052] [ Figure 4This schematically and partially illustrates how, through [ Figure 2 ] method control [ Figure 1 The second light function achieved by the lighting system; and

[0053] [ Figure 5 This schematically and partially illustrates how, through [ Figure 2 ] method control [ Figure 1 The second light function achieved by the lighting system. Detailed Implementation

[0054] In the following description, unless otherwise stated, elements that are identical in structure or function and appear in multiple different figures retain the same reference numerals.

[0055] [ Figure 1 The image shows a partial view of a lighting system 1 for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] The lighting system 1 includes a headlight 11, in which a first light module 2 is arranged, including a light source 21 and an optical device 22, the first module 2 being capable of emitting a first illumination beam F having a substantially flat cutoff.

[0057] The headlight 11 includes a second light module 3. The light module 3 specifically includes a pixelated light source 31 associated with a lens 32. In the described example, the pixelated light source 31 is an integral pixelated light-emitting diode, each of the light-emitting elements of which forms a basic light source 31. i,j The primary light source can be selectively activated and controlled by an integrated controller to emit light toward lens 32, which thus directs the primary beam HD. i,j The intensity of the primary beam projected onto the road is controllable. Each primary beam HD... i,j The light is projected by a lens into a given emission cone, which is defined by a given emission direction and a given aperture angle. Therefore, in the described example, the entire fundamental beam HD... i,j This forms a second pixelated illumination beam HD with 500 pixels, distributed in 25 columns and 20 rows, extending within an emission region ZE defined horizontally by an angular range of 7.5° and vertically by an angular range of 6°, and each of these pixels is formed by these basic beams HD. i,j It is formed from a basic beam of light. The basic light source 31. i,j Each fundamental beam of light emitted by a fundamental light source in a HD i,j The horizontal and vertical apertures are less than 1°, for example, 0.3°.

[0058] In the described example, the first illumination beam F is a non-pixelated illumination beam, and the first optical module 2 and the second optical module 3 are arranged such that the emission region ZE of the second beam HD extends above and below the flat cutoff of the first beam F.

[0059] The first optical module 2 and the second optical module 3 are mounted on the same support plate 41, which is configured to rotate about a horizontal axis Y within the headlight 11. The headlight 11 includes a mechanical adjustment system comprising an actuator connected to the support plate 41 and capable of causing the support plate 41 to rotate about the axis Y. It should be understood that when the support plate 41 pivots about the axis Y, the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam F and the second pixelated illumination beam HD is simultaneously modified.

[0060] The lighting system 1 includes a computer 12 for the vehicle, which receives various data, particularly data from various sensor systems of the vehicle, such as the vehicle's speed or the presence of road users downstream of the vehicle. The computer 12 is configured to issue commands to the headlights 11 to emit a given light function based on this received data.

[0061] The headlight 11 includes a controller 5 that receives instructions from a computer 12. This controller 5 is configured to determine the angle setpoint for the vertical orientation of the illumination beams F and HD, and the light intensity setpoint for the first illumination beam F, based on instructions received from the computer 12 regarding the emission of a given light function. The controller 5 is also configured to generate, according to these received instructions, a digital image in a frame that implements a portion of the given light function, the size and resolution of which correspond to the size and resolution of the emission region ZE of the second pixelated illumination beam HD.

[0062] Therefore, the controller 5 is arranged to control the actuator to cause the plate 41 to rotate according to the determined angle set point, thereby causing the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam F and the second pixelated illumination beam HD to be modified simultaneously toward this set point.

[0063] The controller 5 is also configured to control the first optical module 2 to emit a first illumination beam F according to a determined light intensity setpoint.

[0064] Controller 5 is also arranged to send the generated digital image to an integrated controller of the pixelated light source 31. This integrated controller then selectively controls the basic light source 31. i,j Each of these, so that the basic beam of light that this light source can emit can be turned on or off, is HD. i,jAnd / or modify the light intensity of the basic beam so that it reproduces the pixels of the digital image associated with this light source on the road. Therefore, the second pixelated illumination beam HD reproduces the generated digital image in the emission region ZE.

[0065] [ Figure 2 This illustrates a method for controlling a lighting system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [The following text is incomplete and requires further context: "will be combined with..."] Figure 3 ]、[ Figure 4 ]and[ Figure 5 The three diagrams are used to describe this method, and each diagram is for the implementation of […]. Figure 2 The method implements three different light functions. The left figure shows the projection of the illumination beam F and HD emitted by the headlight 11 onto the screen, and the right figure shows a top view of the road scene.

[0066] In step E1, computer 12 generates a transmit given light function F based on the received data. i The instructions. In [ Figure 3 In the example of [ ], the low-beam mode anti-glare high-beam lighting function F1 is being activated, at a speed greater than 60 km / h and a large number of road users who will not cause glare have been detected. It should be noted that in [ Figure 3 In the case of […], the F1 launch function command also requires the generation of two horizontal white bars in the ground writing area RW, thereby specifying the warning of collision risk with obstacles located downstream of the motor vehicle. Figure 4 In the example of [ ], the low beam function F2 is activated when the vehicle's speed is between 30 km / h and 60 km / h and at least one road user who will not dazzle the vehicle has been detected. The instruction to activate function F2 also requires the generation of three horizontal white bars in the ground writing area RW, thus specifying a warning of the risk of collision with an obstacle located downstream of the vehicle. Finally, in [ Figure 5 In the case of [unspecified event], the city lighting function F3 is emitted, at which point the vehicle speed is less than 30 km / h. The instruction to emit function F3 also requires the generation of two vertical white bars in the ground writing area RW, thereby specifying the size of the motor vehicle and allowing the driver to precisely control it. It should be noted that the functions mentioned above are listed in an instruction manner, and the computer 12 can generate instructions to make the headlights 11 emit other types of light functions.

[0067] In step E11, controller 5, based on the transmission function F i The command determines the angle setpoint θ for the vertical orientation of the illumination beams F and HD. i This enables the realization of function F. iThen, in step E21, controller 5 controls the actuator of the mechanical adjustment system to cause plate 41 to rotate about axis Y, thereby orienting the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam F and the second pixelated illumination beam HD toward this angle set point θ. i Modification. In the described example, the angle setpoint θ i The position of the substantially flat cutoff FC of the first illumination beam F relative to the horizontal line HH is defined, and respectively, for [ Figure 3 The low beam mode anti-glare high beam lighting function angle setting point is -0.57°, targeting [ Figure 4 The low beam illumination function's angle setting point is -1.57°, and it is designed for […]. Figure 5 The angle setting point for the city lighting function is -2.57°.

[0068] In other words, when computer 12 requests, for example, the low beam illumination function F2, while headlight 11 is emitting the low beam anti-glare high beam illumination function F1 (e.g., […]) Figure 3 As shown in the figure), controller 5 determines the value of angle setpoint θ2 (i.e., -1.57°) and controls the actuator to cause a -1° modification in the vertical orientation of the illumination beams F and HD. This modification lowers the cutoff FC of the first illumination beam F by 1° and repositions the emission region ZE of the second pixelated illumination beam HD by -1°, as shown in the figure. Figure 4 As shown in the image. From the driver's perspective, the launch zone ZE is therefore 4 meters closer to the vehicle.

[0069] Similarly, when computer 12 requests, for example, to activate the city lighting function F3, while headlight 11 is activating the low beam lighting function F2 (e.g., […]), Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, controller 5 determines the value of angle setpoint θ3 (i.e., -2.57°) and controls the actuator to cause a -1° modification in the vertical orientation of the illumination beams F and HD. This modification lowers the cutoff FC of the first illumination beam F by 1° and repositions the emission area ZE of the second pixelated illumination beam HD by -1°. From the driver's perspective, the emission area ZE is thus 3 meters closer to the vehicle.

[0070] In step E21, the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam is modified according to the control law L(θ), which defines the illumination beams F and HD in their initial vertical orientation θ. i-1 With the angle set point θ i The setpoint for the moving speed between these points. In the described example, the control law L(θ) causes plate 41 to pivot with a gentle acceleration at the beginning of the stroke, then at a constant speed, and finally with a gentle deceleration at the end of the stroke.

[0071] Simultaneously, in step E12, controller 5 determines the light intensity setpoint I of the first illumination beam F. i This enables the realization of function F. i Then, in step E22, the controller 5 controls the first optical module 2, and more specifically, the light source 21 of the first optical module, so that the light intensity of the first illumination beam F conforms to this set point I. i In the described example, the light intensity setpoint I i The percentage of the nominal light intensity that light source 21 can emit is determined, and respectively, for [ Figure 3 The light intensity setting point for the low beam mode anti-glare high beam lighting function is 100%, targeting [ Figure 4 The light intensity setpoint for the low beam illumination function is 75%, and it is designed for […]. Figure 5 The light intensity setpoint for the city lighting function is 50%.

[0072] In addition, simultaneously, in step E13, controller 5 generates a digital image sequence Im. j (F i-1 , F i This allows the second pixelated illumination beam HD to be emitted from the previously emitted light function F. i-1 Transformed into a new function F i .

[0073] More specifically, on the one hand, generating digital image sequences Im j (F i-1 , F i This allows, during the modification of the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam F and the second pixelated illumination beam HD in step E21, the light function F... i-1 The position of the upper limit cutoff HDC in the defined, second-pixelated illumination beam HD remains substantially constant. For these purposes, in each digital image Im generated by controller 5 j (F i-1 , F i The cutoff position of HDC defined in the previous image Im is relative to the position defined in the previous image Im. j-1 (F i-1 , F i The position of the cutoff HDC defined in step E11 is moved in the opposite direction to the direction of the vertical orientation modification determined in step E11. In this way, the digital movement of the cutoff HDC cancels out the mechanical modification of the vertical orientation of the emission region ZE, so that the position of the cutoff HDC remains substantially the same during this mechanical modification.

[0074] exist[ Figure 3In the image, the second pixelated illumination beam HD is defined in the emission region ZE by a cutoff HDC such that a substantially flat first portion of the cutoff is aligned with a substantially flat cutoff FC of the first illumination beam, and a substantially flat second portion of the cutoff is positioned above the substantially flat cutoff, the first portion and the second portion being connected by a particularly oblique projection. Therefore, in […] Figure 4 ]and[ Figure 5 As can be seen from the image, although the cutoff FC does undergo mechanical reorientation, the cutoff HDC remains in the same position by comparison (i.e., -0.57°), which allows the overall beam formed by the intersection of the illumination beams F and HD to remain in compliance with the requirement that there is an upper limit cutoff around the illumination beam (including during this mechanical reorientation).

[0075] On the other hand, digital image sequence Im j (F i-1 , F i This is generated through the following operation: This will enable the previously emitted light function F to be realized. i-1 Digital image Im(F) i-1 The orientation allows for the realization of new functions. i Digital image Im(F) i Deformation and / or translation.

[0076] For example, it can be seen that in [ Figure 3 In the image, the second pixelated illumination beam HD defined by the digital image Im(F1) extends horizontally only partially within the emission region ZE, has a specific cutoff HDC (as explained above), and includes two horizontal bars provided in the display region RW. Figure 4 In the image, the second pixelated illumination beam HD defined by the digital image Im(F2) extends horizontally entirely within the emission region ZE, has the same specific cutoff HDC, and includes three horizontal bars provided in the display region RW. Therefore, [ Figure 3 The function F1 can be directed towards [ Figure 4 The function of F2 transforms the digital image sequence Im j (F1, F2) is generated by deforming and / or translating a digital image Im(F1) that enables the previously emitted light function F1 toward a digital image Im(F2) that enables the new function F2.

[0077] Similarly, in [ Figure 5 In the image, the second pixelated illumination beam HD defined by the digital image Im(F3) extends horizontally entirely within the emission region ZE, has a substantially flat specific cutoff HDC, and includes two vertical bars provided in the display region RW. Therefore, [ Figure 4The function F2 can be directed towards [ Figure 5 The function of F3 transforms digital image sequences Im j (F2, F3) is generated by deforming and / or translating a digital image Im(F2) that enables the previously emitted light function F2 toward a digital image Im(F3) that enables the new function F3.

[0078] In step E23, synchronously with the control of the actuator in step E21, the digital image sequence Im is... j (F i-1 , F i Each digital image in the sequence is transmitted to the integrated controller of the pixelated light source 31. The first image in the sequence is transmitted at the start of a modification to the vertical orientation, and the last image in the sequence is transmitted at the end of this modification. Thus, the integrated controller selectively controls the basic light source 31. i,j Each of these, such that the second pixelated illumination beam HD thus reproduces the digital image sequence Im in this emission region ZE during its movement. j (F i-1 , F i Each digital image in ).

[0079] The foregoing description clearly explains how the present invention enables, in particular, the achievement of its set objectives by providing a vehicle lighting system that integrates a first light module capable of emitting an illumination beam with a flat upper limit cutoff and a second light module capable of emitting pixelated illumination beams, wherein the vertical orientation of the two beams and the pixelated illumination beams are simultaneously controlled according to the type of light function to be emitted, so that the vertical orientation can be adjusted while maintaining the lighting system's ability to emit the specified light function.

[0080] In no event should the invention be considered limited to the embodiments specifically described herein, but should be extended in particular to any equivalent means and any technically operable combination of such means. In particular, types of optical modules other than those described are contemplated, especially those including combinations of light sources and micromirror grids that can be selectively enabled. Controlling lighting systems to emit light functions other than those already described is also contemplated, particularly highway lighting functions or adverse weather condition lighting functions, or practical light functions providing other types of pictographic or ground markings. Arranging modules on two separate plates, each equipped with a dedicated adjustment actuator, is also contemplated.

Claims

1. A lighting system (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a first optical module (2) capable of emitting a first illumination beam (F) having an upper limit cutoff (FC); a second optical module (3) capable of emitting a second pixelated illumination beam (HD); and a mechanical adjustment system (42) for mechanically adjusting the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam; and a controller (5), the controller being capable of receiving a given light transmission function (F) i The controller is configured to control the mechanical adjustment system to cause the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam to be modified simultaneously according to the instructions, and is configured to control the second optical module to emit the second pixelated illumination beam having predetermined characteristics according to the instructions; the first optical module and the second optical module are arranged such that the second pixelated illumination beam at least partially covers the first illumination beam, such that the emission region of the second pixelated illumination beam extends below and above the upper limit cutoff of the first illumination beam; The second pixelated illumination beam can selectively achieve low beam mode anti-glare high beam illumination function, low beam illumination function, and city lighting function; for the low beam mode anti-glare high beam illumination function, a substantially flat first portion of the upper limit cutoff of the second pixelated illumination beam is aligned with a substantially flat upper limit cutoff of the first illumination beam, and a substantially flat second portion is positioned above the upper limit cutoff of the first illumination beam, the first portion and the second portion being connected by an oblique projection. For the low beam illumination function, a substantially flat first portion of the upper limit cutoff of the second pixelated illumination beam is positioned above the upper limit cutoff of the first illumination beam, and a substantially flat second portion is positioned above the first portion, the first portion and the second portion being connected by an oblique projection. For this urban lighting function, the substantially flat upper limit cutoff of the second pixelated lighting beam is positioned above the substantially flat upper limit cutoff of the first lighting beam.

2. The lighting system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first optical module (2) and the second optical module (3) are mounted on the same support plate (41). The mechanical adjustment system includes an actuator connected to the support plate and capable of causing the support plate to move. The controller (5) is arranged to control the actuator according to the instruction so as to cause the plate to move, thereby causing the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam (F, HD) to be modified simultaneously.

3. The lighting system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanical adjustment system comprises: A first actuator is connected to the first optical module (2) and is capable of causing the first optical module to move; The controller (5) is arranged to control the first actuator and the second actuator according to the instructions so as to cause the first optical module and the second optical module to move simultaneously, thereby causing the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam (F, HD) to be modified simultaneously.

4. The lighting system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The controller (5) is configured to control the first optical module (2) according to the instructions so as to achieve a predetermined setpoint (I) based on the instructions. i Modify the light intensity of the first illumination beam (F).

5. The lighting system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The second optical module (3) is capable of emitting a second pixelated illumination beam (HD) in the emission region (ZE), and wherein the controller (5) is arranged to control the second optical module to emit the pixelated illumination beam according to the instructions, wherein the outline, photometric map and / or position of the pixelated illumination beam in the emission region is predetermined according to the instructions.

6. The lighting system (1) as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The controller (5) is capable of selectively receiving at least the command to emit a non-glare high beam illumination beam (F1), the command to emit a low beam illumination beam (F2), and the command to emit a city lighting beam (F3), wherein: a. Upon receiving an instruction to emit a non-glaring high-beam illumination beam, the controller is arranged to control the mechanical adjustment system (42) to cause the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam to be modified simultaneously, such that the upper limit cutoff (FC) of the first illumination beam (F) is positioned at an angle of -0.57° relative to the horizontal line (HH). b. Upon receiving a command to emit a low beam illumination beam, the controller is configured to control the mechanical adjustment system to cause the vertical orientation of both the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam to be modified simultaneously, such that the upper limit cutoff of the first illumination beam is positioned at an angle of -1.57° relative to the horizontal line. c. Upon receiving an instruction to emit a city lighting beam, the controller is configured to control the mechanical adjustment system to simultaneously modify the vertical orientation of the first lighting beam and the second pixelated lighting beam, such that the upper limit cutoff of the first lighting beam is positioned at an angle of -2.57° relative to the horizontal line.

7. The lighting system (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein, When the controller (5) controls the second optical module (3) to emit a second pixelated illumination beam (HD) with an upper limit cutoff (HDC) and receives a new given light emission function (F) i When the controller receives the instruction, it is configured to control the second optical module to emit a second pixelated illumination beam with the following upper limit cutoff: the position of the upper limit cutoff remains constant and is the same as the position of the upper limit cutoff of the initial second pixelated illumination beam. At the same time, the controller controls the mechanical adjustment system (42) to cause the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam (F, HD) to be modified simultaneously according to the instruction.

8. The lighting system (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein, When the controller (5) controls the second optical module (3) to emit a second pixelated illumination beam (HD) called the initial one, and receives a new given light emission function (F) i When given an instruction, the controller is configured to control the second optical module to emit a second pixelated illumination beam based on the following: by transmitting a digital image (Im(F) corresponding to the initial second pixelated illumination beam). i-1 Digital images obtained through deformation and / or translation (Im) j (F i-1 , F i Meanwhile, the controller controls the mechanical adjustment system (42) to cause the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam to be modified simultaneously according to the instructions.

9. The lighting system (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein, Upon receiving the given light transmission function (F) i When the controller receives the instruction, it is configured to control the mechanical adjustment system (42) according to the instruction so as to simultaneously modify the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam (F, HD) according to the control law (L(θ)) with variable speed.

10. The lighting system (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein, For the low beam anti-glare high beam illumination function, the first portion of the substantially flat upper limit cutoff of the second pixelated illumination beam is positioned at -0.57°; for the low beam illumination function, the first portion of the substantially flat upper limit cutoff of the second pixelated illumination beam is positioned at -0.57°; for the city lighting function, the substantially flat upper limit cutoff of the second pixelated illumination beam is positioned at -0.57°; such that the overall beam formed by the intersection of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam maintains compliance with the requirement that there is an upper limit cutoff around the illumination beam.

11. A method for controlling a lighting system (1) as described in any one of claims 1-10, the method comprising the steps of: a. (E1) Receive and transmit given light function (F) i (instructions); b. (E21) Control the mechanical adjustment system (42) to cause the vertical orientation of the first illumination beam and the second pixelated illumination beam (F, HD) to be modified simultaneously according to the instructions; c. (E23) Control the second optical module (3) to emit a second pixelated illumination beam with predetermined characteristics according to the instruction.

Images