Method and system for calibrating a projection module

Abstract

The application provides a method and system for calibrating a projection module. The calibration accuracy of the projection module can be improved, and when applied to an intelligent car light module, the intelligent car light module can be calibrated with high precision, and the user experience can be improved. The method comprises the following steps: a projection module controller controls the projection module to generate a first projection of a projection card, so that the light box sends a plurality of first coordinates of the first projection and a plurality of corresponding second coordinates to the projection module controller after obtaining the plurality of first coordinates, wherein the plurality of second coordinates are coordinates recorded by the light box when a golden sample projection is performed on the projection card. Then, the projection module controller controls the projection module to generate a second projection of the projection card according to the plurality of first coordinates and the plurality of second coordinates, so that the light box sends a plurality of third coordinates of the second projection to the projection module controller after obtaining the plurality of third coordinates, so that the projection module controller determines a calibration result according to the plurality of third coordinates and the plurality of second coordinates.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the fields of display technology and intelligent vehicle driving technology, and more specifically, to a method and system for calibrating a projection module. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive lights are evolving from simple illumination to intelligent and interactive features. Intelligent headlight modules (also known as pixelated headlights or pixelated headlight modules) serve as a crucial medium for human-vehicle interaction, providing users with a rich interactive experience through the integration of display and lighting. To achieve intelligent lighting functions, offline calibration of intelligent headlight modules is necessary. Currently, the installation tolerance of individual headlight modules fluctuates between ±0.2° and ±0.5°, failing to provide a satisfactory interactive experience for users. Therefore, optimizing the offline calibration method and reducing the installation tolerance of headlight modules is a problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a method and system for calibrating a projection module. It can improve the calibration accuracy of the projection module. When applied to intelligent vehicle lighting modules, it can reduce the pressure on manual adjustments by workers while ensuring high-precision calibration of the intelligent vehicle lighting module, shorten production line calibration time, thereby improving the accuracy of the optical axis in the final lighting or projection scene, and ultimately enhancing the user experience.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a calibration method for a projection module, applied to a calibration system, the calibration system comprising: a projection module, a projection module controller, and a lightbox. The method includes: the projection module controller controlling the projection module to generate a first projection of a projection chart; the lightbox acquiring multiple first coordinates of the first projection; the lightbox sending the multiple first coordinates and multiple second coordinates to the projection module controller, the multiple second coordinates corresponding to the multiple first coordinates, the multiple second coordinates being coordinates recorded by the lightbox when a sample is projected onto the projection chart; the projection module controller controlling the projection module to generate a second projection of the projection chart based on the multiple first coordinates and the multiple second coordinates; the lightbox acquiring multiple third coordinates of the second projection, the multiple third coordinates corresponding to the multiple second coordinates; the lightbox sending the multiple third coordinates and the multiple second coordinates to the projection module controller; and the projection module controller determining a calibration result based on the multiple third coordinates and the multiple second coordinates.

[0005] This application compares the coordinates of the gold sample with the coordinates of the projection module to be calibrated, and then adjusts the projection module by controlling its light emission direction. Controlling the light emission direction of the projection module can be achieved not only through simple mechanical adjustments, but also, due to the acquisition of the projection coordinates, through software integration to adjust the projected image, thereby improving calibration accuracy.

[0006] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the number of the plurality of first coordinates is N, where N is an integer greater than 4, a portion of the plurality of first coordinates is located on a first side, another portion of the plurality of coordinates is located on a second side, and the first side and the second side are perpendicular to each other.

[0007] By designing the feature points of the projection chart in two vertically distributed directions, one direction can be parallel to the horizontal while the other is perpendicular to the horizontal. This makes it easier to determine whether the projection of the projection module is rotating, thus simplifying the calibration process, ensuring calibration accuracy, and improving calibration efficiency.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the projection module controller determines the calibration result based on the plurality of third coordinates and the plurality of second coordinates, including: the projection module controller sending a first indication information to the lightbox, the first indication information indicating that the calibration result is successful; or, the projection module controller sending a second indication information to the lightbox, the second indication information indicating that the calibration result is unsuccessful.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the projection module controller sending first information to the lightbox, the first information indicating the completion of the first projection of the projection card.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the projection module controller sending second information to the lightbox, the second information indicating the completion of the second projection of the projection card.

[0011] By projecting the first or second information indicator light box, the accuracy of multiple first coordinates or multiple third coordinates can be guaranteed, thereby ensuring the precision of the calibration.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining the gold sample.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a system for calibrating a projection module. The system includes a generation module, an acquisition module, and a processing module. The generation module is used to generate a first projection of a projection chart; the acquisition module is used to acquire multiple first coordinates of the first projection and multiple third coordinates of a second projection, wherein the multiple first coordinates correspond to multiple second coordinates, and the multiple third coordinates correspond to the multiple second coordinates, and the multiple second coordinates are coordinates generated when a gold sample is projected onto the projection chart; the calculation module is used to generate the second projection of the projection chart based on the multiple first coordinates and the multiple second coordinates, and to determine a calibration result based on the multiple third coordinates and the multiple second coordinates.

[0014] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the number of the plurality of first coordinates is N, where N is an integer greater than 4, a portion of the plurality of first coordinates is located on a first side, another portion of the plurality of coordinates is located on a second side, and the first side and the second side are perpendicular to each other.

[0015] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the acquisition module is further configured to: acquire first indication information, the first indication information indicating that the calibration result is successful; or acquire second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the calibration result is unsuccessful.

[0016] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the acquisition module is further configured to acquire first information, the first information indicating the completion of the first projection of the projection card.

[0017] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the acquisition module is further configured to acquire second information, the second information indicating the completion of the second projection of the projection card.

[0018] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the acquisition module is further configured to acquire the gold sample.

[0019] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a method for obtaining a gold sample of a projection module. The method includes: marking a calibration plate according to first design parameters of the projection module, the first design parameters including the height of the projection module; adjusting the image light emitted from the projection module to be perpendicular to the calibration plate; locating the center position of the projection module according to second design parameters of the projection module, the second design parameters including the installation thickness of the projection module; controlling the projection module to project onto a standard projection chart to generate a third projection; mechanically adjusting the projection module according to the third projection and the markings on the calibration plate to generate a fourth projection; and software adjusting the projection module according to the fourth projection and the markings on the calibration plate to generate a fifth projection, wherein the deviation between the fifth projection and the markings meets a preset range.

[0020] The gold sample production process described in this application allows for on-site calibration and adjustment of the projection module during replacement, eliminating the need for factory calibration. This avoids the use of complex mechanical and optical equipment and improves the ease of calibration.

[0021] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product containing instructions. When the computer program product is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the method provided in the first aspect and any implementation thereof.

[0022] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect and any implementation thereof.

[0023] The technical effects of the third or fourth aspect mentioned above can be referred to the technical effects of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a functional schematic diagram of a vehicle 100 to which this application embodiment applies.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a calibration method 200 for a projection module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of two projection charts provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the gold sample manufacturing process for the projection module provided in this application embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of the pixelated smart vehicle headlight module gold sample provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a functional schematic diagram of a vehicle light applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a lighting device 1200 applicable to embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] The following description is provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application.

[0033] First, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations used in the textual descriptions or drawings of the embodiments of this application shown below are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, the first coordinate and the second coordinate are different coordinates, etc.

[0034] Second, the term "comprising" and any variations thereof in the embodiments of this application shown below are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a system, product or device that includes a series of units is not necessarily limited to those units that are explicitly listed, but may include other units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such products or devices.

[0035] Third, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Embodiments or designs described as "exemplarily" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. The use of words such as "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0036] Fourth, unless otherwise specified, all terms used in this application (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0037] It is understood that the embodiments described in this application are only some of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, with the development of technology and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0038] The development of intelligent vehicle lighting is a crucial component of the automotive intelligence process. Among these, the intelligent headlight module (also known as a pixelated projection headlight) is the core hardware of the intelligent headlight system. It integrates various advanced optical and electronic technologies, enabling the headlight to possess key functions such as intelligent lighting, high / low beam control, environmental perception, and human-vehicle interaction, becoming an intelligent system integrating safety, interaction, and display. The off-line calibration of intelligent headlight modules is a critical step in the intelligent vehicle production process, ensuring that the intelligent headlight modules of each vehicle achieve consistent performance standards after installation and debugging. In traditional calibration methods for installation errors, due to limitations in the precision of manual adjustment by operators and the minimum stroke of a single rotation of the mechanical worm gear, the installation tolerance of a single module deviates significantly from the theoretical value, failing to meet the requirements for good interaction.

[0039] In view of this, this application proposes a calibration method for projection modules. When applied to the off-line calibration of intelligent vehicle lighting modules, it can not only optimize the calibration accuracy and achieve the goals of improving driving safety, enhancing human-vehicle interaction, improving lighting efficiency, and enhancing the technological feel of vehicles, but also achieve high-precision calibration after the intelligent vehicle lighting module is replaced without returning it to the factory or relying on overly complex mechanical / optical equipment.

[0040] The following section first describes the vehicles to which this application can be applied. Figure 1 This is a functional schematic diagram of a vehicle 100 to which this application embodiment applies. See also... Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 100 may include a perception system 120, a display device 130, and a computing platform 150. The perception system 120 may include one or more sensors for sensing information about the environment surrounding vehicle 100. For example, the perception system 120 may include a positioning system, which may be a Global Positioning System (GPS), a BeiDou system, or another positioning system. As another example, the perception system 120 may include one or more of an inertial measurement unit (IMU), lidar, millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic radar, and a camera device. The projection module suitable for embodiments of this application may be part of the display device 130 in the cockpit, or used to provide partial projection functionality of the display device 130.

[0041] Some or all of the functions of vehicle 100 can be controlled by computing platform 150. Computing platform 150 may include one or more processors, such as processor 151, processors 152 to 15n (n being a positive integer). A processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a type of microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. These logical relationships are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor may be a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In reconfigurable hardware circuits, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement some or all of the functions of the aforementioned units. In addition, it can also be hardware circuitry designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc. Furthermore, the computing platform 150 may also include a memory for storing instructions. Some or all of the processors 151 to 15n can call and execute the instructions in the memory to achieve the corresponding functions.

[0042] It should be noted that the solution of this application can be applied to mobile carriers. These mobile carriers can include road vehicles, water vehicles, air vehicles, or entertainment equipment, etc. For example, the mobile carrier can be... Figure 1The vehicle shown is a vehicle in a broad sense, which can be a means of transportation (such as commercial vehicles, passenger cars, trains, etc.), amusement equipment, toy vehicles, etc. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the type of vehicle. For example, the mobile carrier can be a means of transportation such as an airplane or a ship. In addition, when the solution of this application is applied to a vehicle, it can be applied to a left-hand drive vehicle or a right-hand drive vehicle, and the embodiments of this application do not impose any restrictions.

[0043] The calibration of megapixel headlights refers to the precise control and adjustment within an intelligent vehicle lighting system, enabling the pixelated headlights to automatically switch and adjust according to preset lighting requirements. Pixelated headlight calibration technology is a crucial component of intelligent vehicle lighting systems, improving not only lighting performance but also driving safety. Currently, traditional calibration methods based on installation errors are easily limited by the precision of manual adjustments by operators and the minimum stroke of a single rotation of a mechanical worm gear, making it theoretically impossible to ensure complete alignment between the center of the pixelated headlight's light axis and the center of the metal sample.

[0044] In view of this, this application provides a calibration method for projection modules. When applied to intelligent vehicle lighting modules, it can ensure that the installation tolerance of each intelligent vehicle lighting module deviates from the theoretical value by less than 0.06°. This ensures high-precision dynamic matching between the intelligent vehicle lighting module and the vehicle's automated driving system (ADS), meets the millisecond-level response requirements of adaptive driving beam (ADB) for obstacle recognition and zone occlusion, avoids glare risks, optimizes lighting coverage, and achieves a good lighting carpet projection effect.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a calibration method 200 for a projection module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, this schematic flowchart illustrates the interaction between a lightbox and a projection module controller. The steps performed by the lightbox and / or projection module controller can be executed by modules or units within the lightbox and / or projection module controller, for example, by a chip within the lightbox and / or projection module controller. Specifically, the method includes the following steps.

[0046] S201, The projection module controller controls the projection module to generate the first projection of the projection card.

[0047] Specifically, after the calibration process begins, the projection module controller controls the projection module to generate the first projection of the projection pattern card. It should be noted that this application does not limit the pattern of the projection pattern card; it can be polygonal, such as a quadrilateral, etc. Figure 3As shown in (a) above, the projection map is a white rectangle centered on the gold sample against a black background. Alternatively, it could be a dot matrix, such as... Figure 3 As shown in (b) of the diagram, the projection chart is a white dot matrix centered on the center of the gold sample against a black background.

[0048] S202, the lightbox acquires multiple first coordinates of the first projection.

[0049] Specifically, after the projection module generates the first projection of the projection card, the lightbox identifies multiple first coordinates of the first projection. In one possible implementation, the lightbox acquires images using an image sensor, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), to obtain the multiple first coordinates of the first projection of the projection card. For example, if the projection card is... Figure 3 In the black and white card shown in (a), multiple first coordinates can be the coordinates of inflection point 1, inflection point 2, inflection point 3 and inflection point 4 in the figure (i.e. the coordinates of the four vertices of the rectangle), such as the two-dimensional coordinates of inflection point 1 to inflection point 4, including inflection point 1 (x11, y11), inflection point 2 (x12, y12), inflection point 3 (x13, y13) and inflection point 4 (x14, y14).

[0050] It should be noted that in this application, the lines connecting multiple first coordinates have two mutually perpendicular sides; that is, the first coordinates are distributed along two mutually perpendicular sides. For example, in the above... Figure 3 In the black and white card shown in (a), among the lines connecting the four inflection points, the line connecting inflection point 1 and inflection point 2 is perpendicular to the line connecting inflection point 1 and inflection point 3. In other words, the first side where inflection points 1 and 2 are distributed is perpendicular to the second side where inflection points 1 and 3 are distributed. It can be understood that when there are two perpendicular sides among the lines connecting multiple feature points, one side can be set horizontally. In this case, multiple first coordinates on that side are located on the horizontal line, and multiple other first coordinates are distributed on the other vertical side. After the projection card is projected, it is easier to determine whether the projection module to be calibrated has rotated. This is because when the projection module to be calibrated has rotated, its first projection will have an angle with the horizontal or vertical line.

[0051] S203, the lightbox sends multiple first coordinates and multiple second coordinates to the projection module controller. The multiple second coordinates correspond to the multiple first coordinates. The multiple second coordinates are the coordinates recorded by the lightbox when the gold sample projection card is projected.

[0052] Specifically, after acquiring multiple first coordinates, the lightbox sends multiple stored second coordinates and multiple first coordinates together to the projection module controller. These multiple second coordinates are the projection coordinates recorded by the lightbox when the projection module's sample projects onto the same projection card. For example, if the projection card uses... Figure 3 The pattern shown in (a) is when the gold sample is projected. Figure 3 When the pattern shown in (a) is displayed, the lightbox records the coordinates of inflection points 1 to 4 as inflection point 1 (x21, y21), inflection point 2 (x22, y22), inflection point 3 (x23, y23), and inflection point 4 (x24, y24), respectively, and stores them in the lightbox in sequence. It should be noted that this application does not limit the form of coordinates sent by the lightbox to the projection module controller. In one possible implementation, the lightbox sends multiple first coordinates and multiple second coordinates in groups of inflection points at different recorded positions, with each group containing two coordinates of the same inflection point. In this case, the number of groups of coordinates sent by the lightbox is related to the number of feature points set in the projection chart (e.g., the four inflection points in (a)) in 3. For example, for Figure 3 The four inflection points of the pattern shown in (a) are represented by coordinates sent from the lightbox to the projection module controller in the form of {(x11, y11), (x21, y21)}, {(x12, y12), (x22, y22)}, {(x13, y13), (x23, y23)}, and {(x14, y14), (x24, y24)}. Alternatively, in another possible implementation, the lightbox sends multiple first coordinates and multiple second coordinates as a whole as two groups, each group including the coordinates of the four inflection points. In this case, the lightbox sends two sets of coordinates. For example, for... Figure 3 The four inflection points of the pattern shown in (a) are in the form of {(x11, y11), (x12, y12), (x13, y13), (x14, y14)} and {(x21, y21), (x22, y22), (x23, y23), (x24, y24)} sent by the lightbox to the projection module controller.

[0053] S204, the projection module controller controls the projection module to generate the second projection of the projection card based on multiple first coordinates and multiple second coordinates.

[0054] In one feasible approach, after the projection module controller acquires multiple first and second coordinates, it calculates the deviation between the second and first coordinates of each feature point on the projection chart, and controls the projection module to complete the second projection of the projection chart based on the calculated deviation for each feature point. For example, if each feature point has two-dimensional coordinates, then for each feature point, there are deviations in the x and y directions, meaning each feature point corresponds to two deviations. After calculating the deviations of each feature point in the x and y directions, the projection module controls the center of the projection light corresponding to each feature point to translate in these two directions, aligning it as closely as possible with the gold sample projection coordinates corresponding to each feature point. For example, for... Figure 3 In the pattern shown in (a), the projection module controller calculates the deviation of each of the four inflection points: the deviation of inflection point 1 (Δx1, Δy1), the deviation of inflection point 2 (Δx2, Δy2), the deviation of inflection point 3 (Δx3, Δy3), and the deviation of inflection point 4 (Δx4, Δy4). Based on these calculated deviations, the projection module controller controls the center of the emitted light rays at each inflection point to be translated to the corresponding inflection point of the gold sample projection, thus completing the second projection. In another possible implementation, after the projection module controller acquires multiple first and second coordinates, it calculates the center position of the first projection based on the multiple first coordinates and the center position of the gold sample projection based on the multiple second coordinates. It then calculates the center deviation of the projection based on the two center positions and uses this center deviation to control the projection module to complete the second projection of the projection chart. For example, if each feature point is a two-dimensional coordinate, the center deviation calculated by the projection module controller includes deviations in both the x and y directions. After calculating the deviations between the first projection center and the gold sample projection center in the x and y directions, the projection module controls the center of the projection light to translate in these two directions, aligning it as closely as possible with the corresponding gold sample projection center. For example, for Figure 3 In the pattern shown in (a), after the projection module controller calculates the center deviation as (Δx, Δy) at the four inflection points, it controls the center of the emitted light from the projection module to be translated to the center position of the corresponding gold sample projection according to the calculated deviation, thereby completing the second projection.

[0055] S205, the lightbox acquires multiple third coordinates of the second projection.

[0056] Specifically, after the projection module generates the first projection of the projection card, the lightbox receives the second information and identifies multiple third coordinates of the second projection. For example, if the projection card is... Figure 3 In the black and white card shown in (a), multiple third coordinates can be... Figure 3The coordinates of inflection point 1, inflection point 2, inflection point 3 and inflection point 4 in the figure, for example, the two-dimensional coordinates of inflection point 1 to inflection point 4, inflection point 1 (x31, y31), inflection point 2 (x32, y32), inflection point 3 (x33, y33) and inflection point 4 (x34, y34).

[0057] S206, the lightbox sends multiple third coordinates and multiple second coordinates to the projection module controller, the multiple third coordinates corresponding to the multiple second coordinates.

[0058] S207a, the projection module controller sends a first indication message to the light box based on multiple third coordinates and multiple second coordinates, and the first indication message indicates that the calibration was successful.

[0059] S207b, the projection module controller sends a second indication message to the light box based on multiple third coordinates and multiple second coordinates, and the second indication message indicates that the calibration has failed.

[0060] Specifically, after the projection module controller receives multiple third coordinates and multiple second coordinates from the lightbox in S206, the projection module controller calculates whether the deviation between the third coordinate and the first coordinate of each feature point on the projection map meets a preset threshold range. For example, the deviation between the third coordinate and the first coordinate is less than or equal to 0.06°. If the deviation meets the threshold range, the projection module controller determines that the calibration is successful. At this time, the projection module controller sends a first indication message to the lightbox, i.e., the projection module controller executes S207a. If the deviation does not meet the threshold range, the projection module controller determines that the calibration has failed. At this time, the projection module controller sends a second indication message to the lightbox, i.e., the projection module controller executes S207b.

[0061] It should be noted that the first indication information can be carried on electrical signals, wireless signals, radio electromagnetic wave signals, etc., and this application is not limited to any particular type. In one possible implementation, the first indication information is carried on an electrical signal, in which case the projection module controller and the light box interact via electrical signals. For example, the projection module controller and the light box are connected via a network cable. When the projection module controller sends the first indication information to the light box, the first indication information is carried on an electrical signal, which is at a high level, and this electrical signal carrying the first indication information is sent to the light box via the network cable. In another possible implementation, the first indication information is carried on a wireless signal, in which case the projection module controller and the light box interact via wireless signals. For example, the projection module controller and the light box are connected via a WiFi signal. When the projection module controller sends the first indication information to the light box, the first indication information is carried on a WiFi signal. For example, in the indication field carrying the WiFi signal, when multiple bits in the indication field are 1, it indicates that the WiFi signal carries the first indication information, and this WiFi signal carrying the first indication information is sent to the light box via the wireless network. In another possible implementation, the first indication information is carried on an electromagnetic wave signal. In this case, the projection module controller and the light box interact via the electromagnetic wave signal. For example, the projection module controller and the light box are connected via optical fiber. When the projection module controller sends the first indication information to the light box, the first indication information is carried on an optical signal with an amplitude of 1, indicating that the optical signal carries the first indication information. This optical signal carrying the first indication information is sent to the light box through an optical network. It can be understood that the second indication information can also be carried on electrical signals, wireless signals, radio electromagnetic wave signals, etc. For details, please refer to the description of the first indication information; it will not be repeated here.

[0062] S208a, the light box indicates successful calibration according to the first instruction message.

[0063] S208b, the light box indicates calibration failure based on the second instruction information.

[0064] Specifically, when the lightbox receives the first instruction information, it determines that the calibration is successful based on the first instruction information, and at this time, the lightbox displays a "calibration successful" message. Alternatively, when the lightbox receives the second instruction information, it determines that the calibration has failed based on the second instruction information, and at this time, the lightbox displays a "calibration failed" message. It should be noted that this application does not limit the way the lightbox displays the calibration result. In one possible implementation, the lightbox can display an indicator light to indicate the calibration result. For example, when the lightbox determines that the calibration is successful based on the first instruction information, the lightbox illuminates a green indicator light; when the lightbox determines that the calibration has failed based on the second instruction information, the lightbox illuminates a red indicator light. Alternatively, in another possible implementation, if the lightbox has a display screen, the lightbox can display "success" or "failure" to indicate the calibration result. For example, when the lightbox determines that the calibration is successful based on the first instruction information, the lightbox displays "success" or "success"; when the lightbox determines that the calibration has failed based on the second instruction information, the lightbox displays "failure" or "failure". Alternatively, in another possible implementation, if the lightbox has a microphone, it can provide voice prompts indicating the calibration result. For example, when the lightbox determines that calibration was successful based on the first indication, it will provide a voice prompt indicating successful calibration; when the lightbox determines that calibration failed based on the second indication, it will provide a voice prompt indicating calibration failure.

[0065] It should be noted that, in order to save resources, in S203 above, after the projection module controller obtains multiple second coordinates, it can store these coordinates. Subsequently, when recalculating the projection position, the lightbox no longer needs to send them. That is, in S206, the lightbox does not need to send multiple second coordinates to the projection module controller again, thus saving transmission resources, improving calculation speed, and reducing calculation latency. Furthermore, it should be noted that in method 200 above, the projection module controller calculates the coordinate deviation twice, in S204 and S207a (or S207b). However, this application is not limited to this; the specific number of calculations can be freely adjusted according to the usage or installation scenario of the projection module. For example, in some scenarios, the projection module controller may need to make multiple adjustments, such as three times, before the coordinate deviation meets the threshold range. In this case, there is no need for recalibration, thus avoiding the complexity of the calibration process caused by misjudgment by the projection module controller.

[0066] It should also be noted that in the above process, the lightbox acquiring the first or second projection can be achieved by obtaining the coordinates of the feature points of the current projection after a predetermined preset time. For example, the lightbox can agree with the projection module controller to generate the first or second projection by default after a preset time. For instance, when the lightbox is powered on, the default calibration process begins. At this time, based on a preset first time, such as 2 minutes, the lightbox defaults to the first projection generated by the projection module and automatically identifies multiple first coordinates. For example, after the lightbox sends multiple first coordinates and multiple second coordinates to the projection module controller, based on a preset second time, such as 3 minutes, the lightbox defaults to the second projection generated by the projection module and automatically identifies multiple third coordinates.

[0067] Understandably, to ensure the accuracy of multiple first coordinates and multiple second coordinates, the projection module controller may optionally notify the lightbox projection module that the first and second projections have been completed via first and second information. In this case, method 200 further includes the following steps.

[0068] S209, the projection module controller sends first information to the light box, the first information instructing the projection module to generate the first projection of the projection card.

[0069] It should be understood that after the projection module controller controls the projection module to complete the first projection of the projection card (i.e. after S201), the projection module controller sends the first information to the light box. Accordingly, the light box receives the first information and obtains multiple first coordinates of the first projection based on the first information.

[0070] S210, the projection module controller sends a second message to the light box, the second message instructing the projection module to generate a second projection of the projection card.

[0071] It should be understood that after the projection module controller controls the projection module to complete the second projection of the projection card (i.e. after S204), the projection module controller sends the second information to the light box. Accordingly, the light box receives the second information and obtains multiple third coordinates of the second projection based on the second information.

[0072] It is understood that this application does not limit the signal carrying the first information or the second information. Specifically, please refer to the description of the first indication information in S207 above, which will not be repeated here. In addition, for the sake of simplicity and practicality, the types of signals carried by the second information and the first information are usually the same.

[0073] It is also understandable that when the calibration method for the projection module provided in this application is applied to an intelligent vehicle lighting module, i.e., when the projection module is an intelligent vehicle lighting module, the calibration method needs to calibrate each intelligent vehicle lighting module. For example, when the left and right front headlights of an intelligent vehicle are pixelated intelligent headlights, the left front headlight can be calibrated first, and then the same operation can be performed on the right front headlight, thereby calibrating the two headlights separately.

[0074] It should be noted that since the calibration method provided in this application calibrates the projection module by calculating the coordinate deviation of the projection, the projection deviation is not limited to the two-dimensional rectangular coordinates shown in the above examples. For example, it can also include polar coordinates. In this case, the calibration method provided in this application can also achieve accurate calibration of the projection module to be calibrated when the projection of the projection module to be calibrated rotates relative to the gold sample. That is, the calibration method provided in this application can also calibrate and correct projection modules that have angular rotation during installation. For example, by obtaining the polar coordinates of feature points in the projection of the projection module to be calibrated and calculating the deviation of the polar coordinates, the calibration of the projection in terms of distance and angle can be completed.

[0075] As can be seen from the above calibration process, an accurate gold sample serves as the calibration reference, ensuring the accuracy of the calibration. It should be understood that when the projection module being calibrated does not have a gold sample as a reference, optionally, before the lightbox sends multiple first coordinates and multiple second coordinates to the projection module controller, the method 200 further includes acquiring a gold sample from the projection module.

[0076] Next, combined Figure 4 This application provides a detailed description of the gold sample fabrication process for the projection module provided in the embodiments. Specifically, the fabrication process flowchart for the gold sample is shown below. Figure 4 As shown, it includes the following steps.

[0077] S401, mark the calibration plate according to the first design parameters of the projection module.

[0078] Specifically, the first design parameter of the projection module is related to its usage or installation scenario. The first design parameter can be the height at which the module is used or installed. A calibration plate can be set at a calibration distance based on the module's height during use or installation, and markings can be made on the calibration plate. For example, when the projection module is a smart vehicle lighting module, the markings on the calibration plate can be as follows: Figure 5 As shown in (a) above. Based on the ground clearance of the intelligent headlight module being 925mm and the vehicle width being 1242mm, the calibration standard for the intelligent headlight module is 10 meters in front of the vehicle. At this time, move the calibration board to a position 10 meters in front of the vehicle, and at the same time draw a horizontal line AB with a length of 1242mm on the calibration board at a height of 925mm above the ground.

[0079] S402, Adjust the image light emitted from the projection module to be perpendicular to the calibration plate.

[0080] Specifically, after the calibration board is marked, the mounting platform of the projection module is leveled, and light is emitted towards the calibration board, ensuring the image light is perpendicular to the calibration board. For example, when the projection module is a smart headlight module, the vehicle's posture is adjusted so that the center position of the beams projected by the left and right smart headlight modules is the same distance from the calibration board. Figure 5 As shown in (b), when locating point A (left side of the vehicle) on the outer contour of the vehicle body, a laser level is used. The vertical line passes through the outer edges of the front and rear wheels on the left side, and the horizontal line passes through the center of the headlight module's light outlet. The calibration plate is moved so that the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines is at endpoint A of the horizontal line AB. Similarly, for point B on the outer contour of the vehicle body, the vertical line also passes through the outer edges of the front and rear wheels on the right side, confirming that the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines is at endpoint B of line segment AB.

[0081] S403, locate the center position of the projection module according to the second design parameters of the projection module.

[0082] Specifically, the second design parameter of the projection module is related to its usage scenario or installation scenario. The second design parameter can be the distance between the light-emitting center of the projection module and the outer contour of the mounting, or it can be referred to as the mounting thickness of the projection module. For example, when the projection module is a smart vehicle lighting module, the center position of the smart vehicle lighting module is located according to its design parameters. Figure 5 As shown in (c), when locating the theoretical projection center point 'a' of the left headlight module, if the distance between the intelligent headlight module and the outer contour point of the vehicle body is 371mm, then after S402, based on the vehicle data of 371mm, mark the module projection center point 'a' to the right of point A. Similarly, mark the module projection center point 'b' 371mm to the left of point B. To ensure the accuracy of the positioning, after points a and b are marked, the distances from two symmetrical points on the outer covers of the left and right headlights to a or b can be measured. If the difference in distance between these two symmetrical points to a or b is less than or equal to 9.1cm, the marking is considered accurate.

[0083] S404 controls the projection module to project onto the standard projection chart and generate a third projection.

[0084] Specifically, after S403 is completed, the control projection module projects a standard projection chart. For example, when the projection module is a smart vehicle lighting module, such as... Figure 5 As shown in (d) in the diagram, the black and white cross diagram shown in the projection diagram of the intelligent vehicle headlight module (left or right headlight) is controlled by sending commands through the diagnostic instrument. This is the third projection.

[0085] S405, based on the markings on the third projection and calibration plate, mechanically adjust the projection module to generate the fourth projection.

[0086] Specifically, after the projection module projects the image onto the calibration board, it compares the projection with the markings on the calibration board. Mechanical means, such as screws, knobs, and nuts, are used to make the projection match the markings as closely as possible. For example, when the projection module is the left headlight of a smart vehicle lighting module, such as... Figure 5 As shown in (e), after the headlight module projects the standard projection chart, adjust the mechanical screw to move the center point of the crosshair of the projection chart approximately to position a. Due to the inherent error of the mechanical screw, it is generally sufficient to move the center point of the crosshair of the projection chart approximately within a 3.4cm width range above and below the line AB. It can be understood that for the right headlight, after the headlight module projects the standard projection chart, adjust the mechanical screw to move the center point of the right headlight's projection crosshair approximately to position b, and within a 3.4cm width range above and below the line AB.

[0087] S406, Based on the fourth projection and the markings on the calibration plate, the projection module is adjusted by software to generate the fifth projection, and the deviation between the fifth projection and the markings meets the preset range.

[0088] Specifically, after S405 is completed, software calculations and analyses are used, such as cropping and rotating the projection through image processing, to control the projection center of the projection module to be aligned with the mark as closely as possible, i.e., within a preset range. For example, when the projection module is the left headlight of a smart vehicle headlight module, such as... Figure 5 As shown in (f), after the mechanical adjustment is completed, the horizontal level of the crosshair center of the intelligent headlight module's projection is adjusted to be parallel to line AB by rotating the fine-tuning button on the diagnostic tool or sending a command, and the center of the crosshair is also adjusted to be aligned with point a. It can be understood that for the right headlight, after the mechanical adjustment is completed, the horizontal level of the crosshair center of the intelligent headlight module's projection is also adjusted to be parallel to line AB by rotating the fine-tuning button on the diagnostic tool or sending a command.

[0089] It should be noted that, since the design parameters of different intelligent vehicles vary, the examples in the above description are only illustrative examples of the parameters of an intelligent vehicle provided in this application.

[0090] It should also be noted that the above-mentioned gold sample manufacturing process is illustrated using pixelated smart car lights as an example, and this application is not limited to this.

[0091] The projection device described above can be mainly applied to vehicles. More specifically, it can be mainly applied to smart cockpits or vehicle lights installed on vehicles. The vehicle lights provided in this application will be described in detail below.

[0092] Taking a vehicle light as an example, this application also provides a vehicle light in its embodiments. Figure 6 This is a functional schematic diagram of a vehicle light applicable to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the vehicle headlight 20 includes a controller 21, a drive module 22, and a lighting module 23. The aforementioned projection module can be specifically applied to the lighting module 23. Since vehicles generally have two headlights, left and right, the lighting module 23 is divided into two, each typically with its own corresponding drive module 22. However, it is not impossible for the same drive module to drive both lighting modules 23 simultaneously. Normally, the controller 21 communicates with the vehicle's computer system via a bus to receive various information or control signals, and then sends information to the two drive modules 22 respectively, controlling the drive modules 22 to drive the corresponding lighting modules 23 to achieve the desired lighting effect. It should be noted that with technological advancements, the functions of the controller 21 may be integrated into the vehicle's computer system, with the computer system directly controlling the drive modules 22 to drive the corresponding lighting modules 23; this application does not limit this. Furthermore, the vehicle headlight 20 may also integrate some sensing modules, such as integrating any of the sensing modules from lidar, millimeter-wave radar, or infrared detection devices into the intelligent headlight, forming an integrated sensing and illumination headlight.

[0093] The controller 21 may include one or more processors and a memory. The memory stores code for parsing instructions from the computer system and code for controlling the drive module 22. The processor parses the instructions and controls the drive module 23 according to the aforementioned code. In practical applications, the memory may be internal to the controller 21 or external to the controller 21; this application does not limit this. The processor may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chips (SoCs), central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processors. The memory may include volatile memory, such as RAM; it may also include non-volatile memory, such as ROM, flash memory, hard disk drives (HDDs), or solid-state drives (SSDs); or it may include combinations of the above types of memory.

[0094] The driving module 22 is paired with the lighting module 23. For example, when the lighting module 23 uses Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology, the driving module 22 is a driving chip for a Digital Micro-mirror Device (DMD); when the lighting module 23 uses Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology, the driving module 22 is a driving chip for the LCD; when the lighting module 23 uses Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS), the driving module 22 is a driving chip for the LCOS. This application does not limit this.

[0095] The lighting module 23 utilizes technologies such as matrix light-emitting diodes (LEDs), micro-LEDs (DMDs), LCDs, LCOS, and laser scanning to achieve ADB (Adaptive Driving Departure Warning) functionality. It can also project text, traffic signs, and even videos, enhancing driving safety and user experience. It should be understood that... Figure 6 This is merely a schematic diagram of the vehicle lights and does not constitute a limitation. The vehicle lights can achieve both high and low beam functions while simultaneously projecting light, or they can include separate high and low beam modules. If separate high and low beam modules are included, the high and low beam modules can be controlled by the controller 21 to turn the high and low beams on or off, or they can communicate with the computer system in the vehicle via a bus, with the computer system controlling the high and low beams on or off. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0096] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a lighting device 1200 applicable to embodiments of this application. The lighting device 1200 includes a projection module 1210 and a lighting module 1220.

[0097] The projection module 1210 can be any one of the projection modules in the above embodiments, as detailed above, and will not be repeated here. The lighting module 1220 can include at least one of a low beam lighting module and a high beam lighting module. The projection module 1210 can work in conjunction with the lighting module 1220. For example, when the lighting module 1220 is used for low beam lighting, the projection module 1210 can enhance the brightness of the low beam lighting.

[0098] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A calibration method for a projection module, characterized in that, The method is applied to a calibration system, the calibration system comprising: a projection module, a projection module controller, and a light box, and includes: The projection module controller controls the projection module to generate the first projection of the projection card; The lightbox acquires multiple first coordinates of the first projection; The lightbox sends the plurality of first coordinates and the plurality of second coordinates to the projection module controller. The plurality of second coordinates correspond to the plurality of first coordinates. The plurality of second coordinates are the coordinates recorded by the lightbox when the gold sample is projected onto the projection card. The projection module controller controls the projection module to generate a second projection of the projection card based on the plurality of first coordinates and the plurality of second coordinates; The light box acquires multiple third coordinates of the second projection, and the multiple third coordinates correspond to the multiple second coordinates; The lightbox sends the plurality of third coordinates and the plurality of second coordinates to the projection module controller; The projection module controller determines the calibration result based on the plurality of third coordinates and the plurality of second coordinates.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the plurality of first coordinates is N, where N is an integer greater than 4. A portion of the plurality of first coordinates is located on the first side, and another portion of the plurality of coordinates is located on the second side. The first side and the second side are perpendicular to each other.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The projection module controller determines the calibration result based on the plurality of third coordinates and the plurality of second coordinates, including: The projection module controller sends a first indication message to the light box, the first indication message indicating that the calibration result is successful; or, The projection module controller sends a second indication message to the light box, the second indication message indicating that the calibration result is a failure.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The projection module controller sends a first message to the lightbox, the first message indicating that the first projection of the projection card is completed.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The projection module controller sends a second message to the lightbox, the second message indicating that the second projection of the projection card is completed.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: obtaining the gold sample.

7. A system for calibrating a projection module, characterized in that, include: The module consists of a generation module, an acquisition module, and a processing module. The generation module is used to generate the first projection of the projection card; The acquisition module is used to acquire multiple first coordinates of the first projection and multiple third coordinates of the second projection. The multiple first coordinates correspond to multiple second coordinates, and the multiple third coordinates correspond to the multiple second coordinates. The multiple second coordinates are coordinates generated when the gold sample is projected onto the projection card. The calculation module is used to generate the second projection of the projection chart based on the plurality of first coordinates and the plurality of second coordinates, and to determine the calibration result based on the plurality of third coordinates and the plurality of second coordinates.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The number of the plurality of first coordinates is N, where N is an integer greater than 4. A portion of the plurality of first coordinates is located on the first side, and another portion of the plurality of coordinates is located on the second side. The first side and the second side are perpendicular to each other.

9. The system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The acquisition module is also used for, Obtain first indication information, which indicates that the calibration result is successful; or, Obtain a second indication message, which indicates that the calibration result is a failure.

10. The system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The acquisition module is also used for, Obtain first information, which indicates that the first projection of the projection card is completed.

11. The system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, The acquisition module is also used for, Obtain second information, which indicates that the second projection of the projection chart is completed.

12. The system according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The acquisition module is also used to acquire the gold sample.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program that, when run on a data transmission device, causes the data transmission device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: computer program code, which, when executed, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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