VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS WITH COMPENSATION OF INHOMOGENEITIES IN LIGHT DISTRIBUTION

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a lighting device, in particular a headlight, for a (road) vehicle, and to a lighting device, in particular a headlight, for a (road) vehicle. Lighting devices and methods for operating them have been known for some time in the prior art.

[0002] Lighting devices for illuminating the vehicle's surroundings typically implement multiple lighting functions, such as basic illumination in the near range, high beam, and low beam, and are operated in a corresponding operating mode for this purpose. A separate light module can be provided for the implementation of basic illumination in the near range, the high beam function, and the low beam function. However, it is also possible for a single light module to implement multiple lighting functions, such as apron and high beam distribution. Also known are lighting devices with a high-resolution module (HD module), which can, for example, support both low beam and high beam functions and which can generate a very large number of individually and independently controllable light pixels.

[0003] For high beam operation, so-called (LED) matrix headlights with a matrix module are known from the prior art. This matrix module has a large number of light sources (e.g. LEDs, i.e. light-emitting diodes), arranged in particular in rows and / or columns, the power of which can be controlled individually and independently of one another. This offers the option of dimming the power of each individual light source or deactivating it completely and thus specifically regulating the intensity of the light segment it generates in the resulting high beam distribution of the entire matrix module. In this way, the intensity of the resulting high beam distribution can be regulated light segment by light segment. This is used, for example, to exclude the high beam from the area of ​​other road users.

[0004] However, today's matrix systems often exhibit streaking effects, which can be perceived by drivers and perceived as distracting. This streaky appearance in matrix systems can result from the projection of individual light segments onto the road surface, generated by separate light sources such as LEDs. Furthermore, a dark edge may appear in the illuminated road area in the transition area between the apron and the matrix. This inhomogeneity in light distribution can also be perceived as distracting.

[0005] DE 10 2013 206 489 A1 discloses a motor vehicle lighting system with a matrix high-beam module for generating a matrix light distribution from several equally wide, strip-shaped light distributions. Within the matrix light distribution, the most homogeneous overall light distribution possible is achieved by uniformly illuminating the light exit surfaces of the individual matrix light sources and by arranging them seamlessly next to one another. To achieve side illumination with a luminous intensity decreasing toward the edge, a specially designed additional light source with multi-part primary optics is proposed for generating a secondary light distribution that complements the matrix light distribution to the sides.A resulting overall light distribution that is as homogeneously illuminated as possible is achieved in the transition area between the secondary light distribution and the matrix light distribution by a gapless arrangement of a partial primary optics of the additional light source on a light exit surface of the matrix light sources.

[0006] DE 10 2014 009 592 A1 discloses a headlight device for a motor vehicle with a matrix headlight unit, which is suitable for illuminating different spatial segments in a surrounding area of ​​the vehicle. Furthermore, an additional headlight unit is provided to reduce inhomogeneities in the wave-shaped profile of the area illuminated by the matrix headlight unit. This is achieved by an additional light cone, which is emitted over the entire area and superimposed on the wave-shaped area. This results in a smaller gradient between the individual peaks (maxima, minima) of the wave-shaped illumination profile.

[0007] From DE 10 2013 104 276 A1, a method is known for adapting at least one illumination parameter of an illumination device in at least one local illumination section of the illumination range of a lighting function in front of a vehicle, comprising the following steps: a) monitoring an actual value of the illumination in at least one local illumination section of the illumination range; b) comparing the actual value with a target value for the illumination in this at least one local illumination section; c) adapting at least one illumination parameter of the illumination device to at least partially compensate for a difference between the actual value and the target value in this at least one local illumination section.

[0008] From DE 10 2012 103 293 A1, a method for operating a vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle is known, namely for determining an overall intensity distribution for the vehicle headlight that is dependent on a resolution of the vehicle headlight and for controlling the vehicle headlight on the basis of the overall intensity distribution, wherein an environmental area of ​​the motor vehicle located in front of the motor vehicle and illuminated by the vehicle headlight is recorded with the aid of a camera system at least in the resolution of the vehicle headlight, wherein an actual overall brightness distribution for the environmental area recorded by the camera system is determined, wherein self-illuminating glare light sources and / or reflective glare light sources and their properties are also recorded in the environmental area recorded by the camera system,wherein an overall adaptation level of the eyes of a driver of the motor vehicle is determined depending on the actual overall brightness distribution and / or depending on the detected glare light sources, and wherein the overall intensity distribution is determined depending on the overall adaptation level of the driver.

[0009] A headlight system for a vehicle is known from DE 10 2017 205 768 A1. The headlight system comprises a plurality of light sources, an image-recording sensor, and a control unit. The image-recording sensor is configured to record an image sequence of the vehicle's external surroundings, wherein the image sequence comprises a plurality of consecutively recorded individual images, and to determine at least one light intensity in each of the individual images of the image sequence, separated according to solid angle ranges.The control unit is configured to define a target light intensity for at least one of the solid angle ranges and, based on the defined target light intensity and on a light intensity measured in a first image of the image sequence in the at least one solid angle range, to adjust an amount of light emitted by the light sources such that the camera determines the defined target light intensity in a subsequent second image of the image sequence in the at least one solid angle range.

[0010] DE 10 2011 077 636 A1 discloses a motor vehicle light module for generating a spot distribution of a high-beam light distribution, which is formed by superimposing the spot distribution and a basic distribution generated by at least one other module. To create a fully functional, simple, and cost-effective light module for generating a spot distribution of a high-beam light distribution, it is proposed that the light module be able to generate several strip-shaped segments of the spot distribution, with the strip-shaped segments complementing each other to form the spot distribution.

[0011] From FR 3 040 936 A1 a lighting device for a motor vehicle is known, comprising at least a first sub-device for strip lighting, which is configured to generate a first light beam, and a second sub-device which is configured to generate a second light beam, wherein the second sub-device comprises a matrix of micromirrors which are configured to form a light sub-beam in the form of pixelated beams and at least partially form the second beam.

[0012] DE 10 2007 008 994 A1 discloses a lighting unit for a vehicle headlight, which has a projector lens arranged on an optical axis extending toward the front and rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, it has a first light-emitting element arranged at the rear of a rear focal point of the projector lens and a reflector for reflecting light from the first light-emitting element toward the front near the optical axis. Furthermore, a plurality of second light-emitting elements for emitting light toward the projector lens are provided near a rear focal plane of the projector lens.

[0013] DE 10 2017 129 254 A1 discloses a vehicle headlight comprising at least two light modules, wherein a first light module is configured to generate a dynamically controllable first partial light distribution. The first light module comprises at least one first light source and at least one first means for generating a first light image from the first partial light distribution, and at least one first projection optics, wherein the first light image can be projected onto the road as a first light image in a first emission direction by means of the at least one first projection optics. A second light module is configured to generate a dynamically controllable second partial light distribution.The second light module comprises at least one second light source and at least one second means for generating a second light image from the second partial light distribution and at least one second projection optics, wherein the second projection optics can be projected onto the road as a second light image in a second radiation direction.When the headlight is installed in a vehicle, the first emission direction of the first light image and the second emission direction of the second light image run approximately parallel and the first light image and the second light image are at least partially superimposed in the long-distance area in front of the vehicle, wherein the first partial light distribution has a first width and the second partial light distribution has a second width, wherein the first width is greater than the second width, and / or the first partial light distribution has a first height and the second partial light distribution has a second height, wherein the first height is greater than the second height.

[0014] The lighting devices and the method for operating them, which are currently known from the prior art, have the disadvantage that inhomogeneities occurring in the resulting overall light distribution in the transition region between two partial light distributions can hardly be compensated for or can only be compensated for with comparatively great effort by a (mechanical) change in the shape and / or orientation of an optical element.

[0015] The present invention is based on the object of overcoming the disadvantages known from the prior art and of providing a lighting device and a method for operating the same, which allows the most flexible and adaptable compensation of inhomogeneities of an overall light distribution with the highest possible resolution and thus the most homogeneous ambient illumination possible.

[0016] The object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0017] In a method according to the invention for operating a lighting device, in particular a headlight, for a (road) vehicle, the lighting device has a lighting unit by means of which the lighting device, in an operating mode of a predetermined lighting function, generates and / or emits an overall light distribution consisting of a first partial light distribution and at least one further partial light distribution. The lighting device can generate a high-resolution light distribution by means of a high-resolution light module. The lighting device is preferably suitable and intended for illuminating the vehicle's surroundings, in particular for front lighting.

[0018] According to the invention, in the operating mode of the predetermined light function, the high-resolution light module generates a high-resolution light distribution, which at least partially has a compensation light distribution, by means of which (at least) one inhomogeneity present in the overall light distribution is reduced and / or compensated. Preferably, the high-resolution module provides at least a portion of its generated light distribution as a compensation light distribution, which, in particular in the manner of a negative pattern, compensates for or at least reduces at least one or more inhomogeneities in the overall light distribution. Preferably, a plurality of inhomogeneities present in the overall light distribution are reduced and / or compensated by means of the compensation light distribution, and particularly preferably all of the inhomogeneities present are reduced and / or compensated.

[0019] In other words, the method according to the invention makes it possible, in particular, to compensate for inhomogeneities in an overall light distribution of superimposed partial light distributions through the use of a high-resolution light module (provided additionally to the lighting device). The use of a high-resolution light module offers the advantage of enabling very homogeneous illumination overall.

[0020] In particular, it is proposed to (at least partially) compensate for an inhomogeneity in the overall light distribution of the lighting device using a light module (in the form of a high-resolution light module), which can generate a light distribution with (much) greater resolution than that of the lighting device. In this way, much smaller light segments (of a light distribution projected onto a projection surface or roadway) can be adjusted to a predetermined (ideal or referenced) target light intensity compared to the lighting device. This advantageously enables a finer gradation of the light distribution and thus an overall perceived more homogeneous light distribution.

[0021] The lighting device preferably has at least one light module and particularly preferably a plurality of light modules. The at least one light module can generate the first partial light distribution, and the same light module can generate the at least one further partial light distribution. However, the lighting device can also have at least two different light modules and preferably a plurality of light modules, each of which generates a partial light distribution. The generated compensation light distribution is preferably used to reduce and / or compensate for an inhomogeneity resulting from the superposition, preferably of two, and particularly preferably of a plurality, of these partial light distributions.

[0022] The proposed method can be used regardless of the number, arrangement, and location of the light modules used. This means that any combination of light modules is possible, which in particular generate the first partial light distribution, at least one further partial light distribution, and preferably a plurality of further partial light distributions. In particular, any combination of light modules is possible. For example, it is conceivable for the lighting device to have a light module that can implement several different lighting functions (e.g., matrix light distribution and apron light distribution) (and for this light module to be arranged in a common housing, in particular). Likewise, it would be possible to relocate or arrange individual light modules, for example, in the area of ​​the bumper.

[0023] For example, the high-resolution light module can generate a compensation light distribution that compensates for the striped effects of a matrix light distribution mentioned above. By using the high-resolution light module, which is superimposed on the other light distributions, a significantly more homogeneous overall light distribution can be achieved by creating a defined compensation pattern.

[0024] The predefined lighting function can be selected from a group comprising basic illumination in the near range, a high-beam function, a dimming function, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. For example, the predefined lighting function can be basic illumination in the near range (implemented by an apron module of the lighting device) and a high-beam function (implemented by a matrix module of the lighting device).

[0025] Preferably, each partial light distribution is generated by (at least) one individual light source. The overall light distribution can be the superposition of a plurality of partial light distributions. The first and the at least one further partial light distribution can be generated by the same light module, such as a matrix module.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the first and at least one further partial light distribution can be generated by a (pair-wise) different light module and / or generated to implement a different lighting function. For example, the first partial light distribution can be generated by a matrix module and the further partial light distribution by an apron module. The two different light modules can preferably be suitable and intended to implement a different lighting function and / or have a different secondary optic and / or be arranged in a different cavity of a reflector or housing.

[0027] An inhomogeneity is understood, in particular, to mean a deviation of the overall light distribution from a predetermined, in particular referenced and / or ideal, target overall light distribution of the overall light distribution generated by the lighting device to implement the specified lighting function (from the superimposed partial light distributions). This can be a predetermined (percentage or absolute) minimum deviation from the target overall light distribution (outside a tolerance range). Preferably, an inhomogeneity is an area (in particular of a predetermined size) with a lower luminous intensity compared to the target overall light distribution.

[0028] In particular, an inhomogeneity can be a dark area, a shadow, a dark edge, and / or a dark line in the overall light distribution projected onto a roadway or a projection surface. However, it is also conceivable that an inhomogeneity is an area of ​​the overall light distribution projected onto a roadway or a projection surface that exceeds a predetermined level of luminous intensity fluctuations or exhibits jumps in luminous intensity. A projection surface is understood, in particular, to be a flat surface extending essentially perpendicular to the main projection direction of the lighting device and / or the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0029] Preferably, an inhomogeneity is a light segment of the overall light distribution which has a higher luminous intensity gradient compared to a predetermined reference value.

[0030] Preferably, the presence of an inhomogeneity in the overall light distribution is determined pixel by pixel. These light pixels are the smallest light segments of the high-resolution light distribution generated by the high-resolution light module, each of which can be independently controlled in terms of luminous intensity. Advantageously, the high-resolution light module provides many more light segments (so-called light pixels) whose luminous intensity can be independently controlled than the lighting system. This allows for a much higher degree of fine-tuning and approximation to a desired overall light distribution.

[0031] In a preferred method, the compensation light distribution is provided in a region, in particular a transition region, between two differently bright, in particular adjacent, regions of the overall light distribution (in particular when projected onto a projection surface). The two regions differ in particular in their total light intensity per area. Preferably, the transition region directly borders two regions (in particular when projected onto a projection surface) in which the overall light distribution has a higher luminous intensity than in the transition region. This offers the advantage that brightness fluctuations within an illuminated area that are perceived as disturbing can be compensated for.In other words, the overall light distribution is preferably not supplemented by the compensation light distribution in an outer edge region of the overall light distribution and / or beyond an outer edge region of the overall light distribution, but rather the compensation light distribution preferably increases the luminous intensity of the overall light distribution at least in some areas in an inner region of the overall light distribution (when projected onto a projection surface).

[0032] When projected onto a projection surface, the compensation light distribution preferably has a compensation pattern which is preferably formed at least in regions substantially strip-shaped and / or substantially bar-shaped and / or substantially grid-shaped.

[0033] Preferably, a compensation light distribution is generated which causes a uniform rate of change of the luminous intensity in the superposition of the compensation light distribution and the overall light distribution generated by the lighting device and thus, for example, attenuates abrupt transitions in the luminous intensity of adjacent light segments of the overall light distribution.

[0034] Preferably, the compensation light distribution (with regard to a respective projection of the light distributions onto a projection surface) is arranged at least in some regions between the first partial light distribution and the further partial light distribution. Particularly preferably, the compensation light distribution is generated in a region in which the first partial light distribution and the further partial light distribution are generated (in particular with regard to a respective projection onto a projection surface), i.e., in particular, in an overlap region of the first partial light distribution and the further partial light distribution. This advantageously allows a decreasing light intensity of the first partial light distribution and the further partial light distribution to be amplified and / or increased in edge regions thereof.With regard to a projection of the respective light distributions onto a projection surface, the compensation light distribution preferably covers a smaller area than the total light distribution. The compensation light distribution on the projection surface preferably covers only 1 / 10, preferably only 1 / 20, particularly preferably only 1 / 50 of the area covered by the light distribution generated to implement the specified light function, in particular by the total light distribution (generated by the lighting device).

[0035] Preferably, the majority of the light distribution to be generated to implement the specified lighting function is generated by the lighting device itself. The compensation light distribution generated by the high-resolution module is intended to be used solely to compensate for inhomogeneities. The proportion of the light output of the compensation light distribution to the total light output required to implement the specified lighting function is preferably less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, preferably less than 2%, and particularly preferably less than 1%.

[0036] It is also conceivable that, for example, the compensation light distribution could compensate for defects and / or disturbances in the overall light distribution, which are caused, for example, by aging or even by a failure of a light source.

[0037] In a further preferred method, the high-resolution light distribution, in addition to the compensation light distribution, at least in one operating mode, has a further component that serves to implement a further lighting function. This offers the advantage that the high-resolution light module, in addition to compensating for inhomogeneities, can also implement its own lighting function, in particular a lighting function that differs from the predetermined lighting function. In other words, it is also possible for the high-resolution light module to generate its own light distribution and for the compensation pattern to be superimposed on it. The high-resolution light module can preferably support a dimming function and / or a high-beam function.

[0038] Preferably, the further portion of the high-resolution light distribution can realize an increase in light performance and / or increased functionality, such as the projection of a light-based assistance function.

[0039] However, it is also conceivable that, at least in one operating mode (especially at least temporarily), the entire high-resolution light distribution is used exclusively as a compensation light distribution. In this operating mode, the high-resolution light module serves exclusively to compensate for inhomogeneities and thus to optimize the resulting light distribution emitted by the lighting device.

[0040] To implement the described compensation method, the relative position of the field of view of the light modules and / or the light sources that generate the first and at least one further partial light distribution must be known. An initial calibration can therefore be performed end-of-line. The lighting device, in particular the headlight, is then preferably delivered calibrated by the supplier.

[0041] Preferably, a position value is determined which is characteristic of the relative position of the field of views of different light modules of the lighting device.

[0042] In the method according to the invention, a compensation pattern (preferably from a plurality of predefined compensation patterns) is selected and / or determined (and / or determined) depending on at least one position value that is characteristic of a relative arrangement of the partial light distributions with respect to one another, in particular of the first partial light distribution with respect to the at least one further partial light distribution, which is characteristic of the compensation light distribution to be generated. This offers the advantage that it can be determined with high accuracy in which areas inhomogeneities, in particular dark spots, occur.

[0043] The method preferably comprises one or more of the following calibration steps for calibrating the lighting device, preferably carried out in the specified order: Preferably, in a (first) calibration step, the operating mode of the predefined lighting function of the lighting device is activated, and preferably, the lighting device illuminates a roadway and / or projection surface in accordance with the predefined lighting function. Preferably, the lighting device generates the at least first partial light distribution and the at least one further partial light distribution. The overall light distribution formed from the superposition of these partial light distributions is imaged and / or projected onto a roadway and / or projection surface.

[0044] In a further calibration step, the illuminated area of ​​the roadway and / or the projection surface is preferably captured, in particular optically, using an image capture device and particularly preferably using a camera. Preferably, at least the overall light distribution imaged and / or projected (onto the roadway and / or projection surface) is captured.

[0045] Preferably, in a further calibration step, one or more inhomogeneities are determined from the recorded overall light distribution, in particular by comparison with a predefined (referenced and / or ideal) target overall light distribution and preferably taking into account a predefined threshold value that is characteristic of a tolerable deviation from the target overall light distribution. The comparison is preferably carried out region-by-region, preferably segment-by-segment, and particularly preferably pixel-by-pixel based on light segments that correspond to the light pixels that can be generated by the high-resolution light module. However, it is also conceivable that the inhomogeneities are determined by examining the recorded overall light distribution for fluctuations and / or jumps in light intensity.

[0046] Preferably, in a further calibration step, a compensation light distribution to be generated by the high-resolution light module or a compensation pattern characteristic thereof is determined based on the determined at least one inhomogeneity or the plurality of inhomogeneities. For this purpose, a compensation pattern is preferably selected from a plurality of stored compensation patterns and / or determined (in particular by modifying a predefined compensation pattern) that is characteristic of the compensation light distribution to be generated. The compensation pattern is preferably stored in a memory device.

[0047] In particular, the following three different calibration methods are conceivable, which preferably include one or more of the calibration steps mentioned above: In a static calibration method, when the operating mode (of the specified lighting function) is activated, the same compensation light distribution is always generated, in particular regardless of the respective (dynamic) driving situation, which depends solely on the selection of the specified lighting function. Preferably, a (static) compensation pattern is initially defined (only once). Upon (each) activation of the operating mode of the specified lighting function, the same (unchanged) compensation light distribution is always generated.

[0048] With a dynamic calibration method, adaptation to a respective (dynamic) driving situation and / or operating situation of the lighting device can be performed. For example, a (particularly momentary) headlight range adjustment of the lighting device and / or a panning and / or tilting movement can be taken into account when generating the compensation light distribution. In this way, a shift in the position of the light distributions relative to one another can be taken into account. For this purpose, a (shift) characteristic curve is preferably measured, particularly before the lighting device is put into operation, and particularly preferably stored in a memory device.From the stored (displacement) characteristic curve, it is possible to determine which compensation pattern (from a multitude of stored compensation patterns) is to be selected depending on at least one characteristic value that is characteristic of the current driving and / or operating situation and / or the current relative position of at least two light modules. This offers the advantage that the selected compensation pattern and thus the compensation light distribution to be generated can be adapted to the respective driving and / or positional situation, for example, to the relative position and / or arrangement of individual light sources and / or light modules during cornering. This further increases the accuracy of the compensation.

[0049] A further possibility is a real-time calibration method. In this method, at least one, and particularly preferably all, calibration steps preferably take place during an activated operating mode of the lighting device and in particular while the (road) vehicle is driving. Preferably, a compensation pattern is (re)determined and / or modified at least temporarily during the activated operating mode and / or during vehicle operation. Preferably, a compensation pattern is determined within the framework of a control loop based on at least one measured value recorded (during driving operation). Preferably, for this purpose, a compensation light distribution corresponding to the determined compensation pattern is generated, and the resulting superposition of the overall light distribution (of the lighting device) with the compensation light distribution is compared with a (ideal and / or referenced) predetermined light distribution.Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to examine a recorded image of the total light distribution superimposed with the generated compensation light distribution for dark areas.

[0050] In a further preferred method, the compensation pattern is determined / ascertained iteratively as a function of the position value, wherein the position value is preferably determined from an optically recorded (in particular with a camera) arrangement of the partial light distributions relative to one another. This iterative approach can advantageously enable a step-by-step approximation to the most optimized light distribution possible, as well as real-time implementation.

[0051] The present invention is also directed to a calibration method for calibrating a lighting device for a (road) vehicle, which, in an operating mode of a predetermined lighting function, generates and / or emits an overall light distribution comprising a first partial light distribution and at least one further partial light distribution by means of a lighting device, and which can generate a high-resolution light distribution by means of a high-resolution light module. According to the invention, the calibration method comprises determining and / or ascertaining a compensation light distribution to be generated, at least in part, by the high-resolution light module. In the operating mode of the predetermined lighting function, an inhomogeneity present in the overall light distribution is reduced and / or compensated for by means of the compensation light distribution to be generated.

[0052] The calibration method preferably comprises at least one of the calibration steps specified above. Furthermore, the calibration method may comprise further calibration steps specified above and / or method steps for operating a lighting device, individually or in combination with one another.

[0053] The present invention is further directed to a lighting device, in particular a headlight, for a road vehicle. The lighting device comprises a lighting unit which, in an operating mode of a predetermined light function, is configured to generate and / or emit an overall light distribution from a superposition of a first partial light distribution and at least one further partial light distribution. Furthermore, the lighting device comprises a high-resolution light module for generating a high-resolution light distribution.

[0054] According to the invention, the lighting device is designed such that the high-resolution light module, in the operating mode of the predetermined light function, at least partially, and preferably at least temporarily, generates a compensation light distribution by means of which an inhomogeneity present in the overall light distribution is reduced and / or compensated.

[0055] At least partially means, in particular, that the generated compensation light distribution represents only a portion of the high-resolution light distribution generated by the high-resolution module, and in particular, that a further portion of the generated high-resolution light distribution is used to implement another lighting function, in particular one that differs from the specified lighting function. However, it is also conceivable that the high-resolution light module, at least temporarily, exclusively generates the compensation light distribution (as the entire high-resolution) light distribution.

[0056] Preferably, the device is configured, suitable, and / or intended to carry out the method described above as well as all method steps already described above in connection with the method, individually or in combination with one another. Conversely, the method can be equipped with all features described in the context of the device, individually or in combination with one another.

[0057] Therefore, within the scope of the device according to the invention, it is also proposed that a high-resolution light module be used to compensate for inhomogeneities in the overall light distribution of superimposed partial light distributions, which occur particularly in an overlapping area of ​​these. This makes it possible to utilize the advantage of a high-resolution light module, which, in contrast to other light modules—such as the matrix modules mentioned above—enables overall very homogeneous illumination.

[0058] It is therefore proposed, in particular, that (at least) one additional light module be provided in the form of the high-resolution light module, which is different from the illumination device and, in particular, has a different secondary optics and / or is arranged in a different cavity (of a reflector or a housing). Preferably, the high-resolution light module is configured, suitable, and intended to implement at least one lighting function different from the illumination device.

[0059] The lighting device preferably has at least one lens module and / or reflector module for generating the first partial light distribution and / or the at least one further partial light distribution. It is thus proposed to optimize the generated light distribution of such a "classic light module" of a vehicle's lighting device using high-resolution light distribution. In this way, the light distribution to be generated by (any) light module can be approximated as closely as possible to an ideal light distribution.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment, the lighting device comprises at least one matrix module, in particular an LED matrix module, for generating the first partial light distribution and the further partial light distribution. In particular, the compensating light distribution serves, at least partially and preferably exclusively, to compensate for one or a plurality of inhomogeneities in these partial light distributions. Thus, the high-resolution light module is advantageously used to homogenize and / or optimize a matrix light distribution, in particular at least one transition region of its partial light distributions generated by different light sources.

[0061] In a further advantageous embodiment, the lighting device has at least two, in particular mutually different, light modules for each generating a partial light distribution, preferably a matrix module and a front-end module. This advantageously achieves the optimization of one or more transition areas between the light distributions generated by different light modules and allows them to be approximated to a predetermined (ideal) light distribution.

[0062] The lighting device preferably has a storage device on which data is stored and / or can be stored that is characteristic of at least one compensation light distribution to be generated. Such data is preferably stored on the storage device for a plurality of (different) predetermined lighting functions. For example, characteristic data can be stored for (each) one compensation pattern or a plurality of compensation patterns.

[0063] The storage device is preferably arranged in a central control unit of the vehicle. The lighting device can, for example, have a headlight and a storage device arranged outside the headlight. Thus, the functional and safety-relevant data are preferably stored not in a headlight or within a headlight housing, but rather in a central area of ​​the vehicle. In principle, however, it would also be conceivable to arrange the storage device within the headlight housing or in the headlight of the vehicle.

[0064] In a further advantageous embodiment, the lighting device has a storage device in which at least one characteristic curve (or a data set characteristic thereof) is stored, with the aid of which, preferably depending on the relative arrangement of the light modules with respect to one another, a compensation pattern (in particular from a plurality of stored compensation patterns) can be selected and / or determined which is characteristic of the compensation light distribution to be generated.

[0065] Depending on the mechanical design of the light modules, the relative positions of the light distribution may shift during a pan or tilt movement. This would result in inhomogeneities no longer being compensated for at the correct location. Therefore, a displacement characteristic curve can preferably be stored as the characteristic curve, which can be used to generate an adapted compensation pattern depending on a (measured and / or transmitted) pan and / or tilt angle.

[0066] The lighting device preferably has a calibration device for calibration and / or adjustment, by means of which a relative position of the field of views of the lighting device and the high-resolution module can be adjusted. In this way, a misalignment of the field of views can be compensated over the runtime. The calibration device can have a camera. Preferably, the calibration device is suitable and intended to detect and / or determine a mechanical shift in the light distribution of the high-resolution module relative to the lighting device. In the event of a mechanical shift in the light distribution, the mechanical offset can be compensated for, in particular digitally, by means of an adapted light image. However, the method can also be implemented without camera-based calibration. Regular checking of the headlight adjustment, as is already required today, is important.

[0067] The high-resolution light module is particularly suitable and intended for pixel-by-pixel and pixel-individually controllable light emission into the surroundings of the light module and / or the lighting device. In particular, the light module is suitable and intended for generating an image formed from a plurality of light pixels. As a result, the high-resolution light module is suitable and intended for projecting patterns of essentially any shape.

[0068] The high-resolution light module preferably has at least one light modulator, which is preferably designed as a DMD (Digital Mirror Device), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and / or as a Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS). Individual image elements of the light modulator are preferably controllable, whereby light distributions that follow a pattern of essentially any shape can be generated. The high-resolution light module preferably has imaging optics arranged in the optical beam path between a light source and the light modulator. The high-resolution light module preferably has projection optics for projecting the light modulated by the light modulator onto the projection surface.

[0069] The high-resolution light module preferably comprises a micropixel LED, which in particular has several hundred to a thousand individually controllable pixels. Current micropixel LEDs typically have an area of ​​4 x 4 mm² and 1024 pixels (picture elements). The use of micropixel LEDs with between ten and twenty thousand pixels is also conceivable. Such a high-resolution light module is suitable and intended for outputting content in very high resolution. The high-resolution light module preferably comprises projection optics arranged downstream of the micropixel LED in the optical emission direction.

[0070] A matrix module is, in particular, a light-emitting device comprising a matrix of individually controllable light-emitting pixel elements for generating an original light image formed from light pixels. The matrix module, in particular the LED matrix module, preferably comprises a plurality of light sources, in particular LEDs, arranged in a matrix-like manner and a circuit board populated with them. The matrix module, in particular the LED matrix module, preferably comprises at least one heat sink for cooling the heat generated during its operation, wherein the heat sink is preferably connected to the circuit board in a heat-conducting manner. Each of the light sources, in particular each LED, is preferably assigned a primary optics element for shaping and directing an input light, into which light from the corresponding light source, in particular the corresponding LED, can be input.

[0071] The matrix module preferably has at least 50, preferably at least 80 and / or less than 1000, preferably less than 300 individually activatable and / or individually controllable light segments.

[0072] The present invention is further directed to a (road) vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, having at least one lighting device according to one of the embodiments described above, and preferably having at least two lighting devices according to one of the embodiments described above. The lighting device(s) can each be equipped, or both can be equipped, individually or in combination with one another, with all of the features described above in connection with the lighting device. Preferably, the (road) vehicle is configured and intended for carrying out the method.

[0073] It is also conceivable that the road vehicle is a truck or a motor-driven two-wheeler, in particular a motorcycle.

[0074] Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a superposition of light distributions projected onto a projection surface, which can be generated by various light modules of a lighting device according to the prior art; Fig. 2 shows three schematic representations to illustrate the formation of a light distribution generated by a lighting device according to the invention from a total light distribution and a compensation light distribution; Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 1 with two lighting devices according to the invention in one embodiment; Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a lighting device according to the invention in a further embodiment.

[0075] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the superposition of light distributions VL, HDL, ML, as they can be generated on a projection surface 30 by various light modules of a lighting device 10, in particular a headlight, according to the prior art. The projection surface 30 is in particular a flat surface extending perpendicular to the direction of travel of a vehicle and / or substantially perpendicular to the roadway and / or substantially perpendicular to the main radiation direction of the lighting device, which in Fig. 1 lies in the figure plane.

[0076] Here, reference symbol VL denotes a light distribution through which an apron module 16 of the lighting device 10 implements basic illumination in the near range. A matrix module 14 of the lighting device 10 generates a matrix light distribution ML for high-beam operation, and a high-resolution light module 12 can support both low-beam and high-beam functions with a generated high-resolution light distribution HDL.

[0077] Fig. 2 shows three schematic representations to illustrate the formation of a light distribution RL generated by an illumination device 10 according to the invention from a total light distribution GL and a compensation light distribution KL.

[0078] In the top left in Fig. 2The illustration shown shows a simplified representation of the basic illumination VL of the apron module 16 and four segments TL2, TL3, TL4, TL5 of the light distribution ML of the matrix module 14. It is evident that the segments have a striped appearance and a dark edge is visible in the transition area UB between the apron light distribution VL and the matrix light distribution ML. Between the four segments TL2, TL3, TL4, and TL5, which are generated by means of separate partial light distributions of the matrix module 14, an undesirable, striped, dark area forms. This inhomogeneity 40 in the form of dark areas between the four segments TL2, ..., TL5 and between the apron light distribution VL and the matrix light distribution ML should be remedied or compensated for as best as possible.

[0079] The bottom left in Fig. 2The illustration shows a defined compensation pattern that can be generated by using a high-resolution light module 12 in a lighting device 10 according to the invention. Compared to the simplified basic illumination VL shown at the top left, it is clear that the compensation pattern provides a compensation light distribution KL precisely in areas where the overall light distribution GL exhibits inhomogeneities 40 in the form of dark areas or edges. For example, a compensation light distribution KL1 is generated in the transition area UB between the light distribution ML of the matrix module 14 and the light distribution VL of the front-end module 16 in order to compensate for the inhomogeneity 40 occurring in the transition area UB in the form of a dark edge. To compensate for the inhomogeneity 40 occurring between the four light segments TL2, ..., TL5, the light distributions KL2, KL3 and KL4 are also generated in the example shown as part of the compensation light distribution KL, by means of which the light intensity in the areas between the light segments TL2, TL3, TL4, TL5 is increased and thus the respective inhomogeneities are to be compensated.

[0080] The right in Fig. 2 The image shown shows that by using the high-resolution light module 12 and a high-resolution light distribution HDL generated thereby, which is superimposed on the other (partial) light distributions, by generating a defined compensation pattern (shown in the lower left image of the Fig. 2 ) a significantly more homogeneous overall light distribution RL can be achieved.

[0081] Fig. 3shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 1 with two lighting devices 10 according to the invention in one embodiment. In the embodiment shown here, the lighting device 10, which is a headlight in this case, has three adjacent individual light modules. Reference numeral 14 denotes a matrix module, and reference numeral 16 denotes a front-end module. Finally, reference numeral 12 denotes a high-resolution light module, by means of which inhomogeneities in the overall light distribution can be compensated or reduced, which in particular is generated by the matrix module 14 alone or in combination with the front-end module 16, or by the front-end module 16 alone.

[0082] Fig. 4 illustrates in addition, one of Fig. 3Different embodiment of a lighting device 10 with only one light module as the lighting device 11 in addition to a high-resolution light module 12. It is technologically possible to combine the various lighting functions in a light module 18. In this example, the lighting device 11 of the lighting device 10 that generates the overall distribution thus has only a single light module. The light module 11 can have a first functional area 11a, which implements a first lighting function (such as generating a matrix light distribution), and furthermore (at least) a second functional area 11b, which implements a second lighting function (such as generating a front-end light distribution).The high-resolution light module 12 can generate a compensation light distribution KL, which compensates for or reduces inhomogeneities in the superposition of partial light distributions generated by the first functional area and / or partial illuminations generated by the second functional area. Furthermore, the generated compensation light distribution can compensate for or reduce an inhomogeneity existing in the superposition of a partial light distribution generated by the first functional area and a partial light distribution generated by the second functional area.

[0083] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel, individually or in combination, over the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features that may be advantageous in and of themselves. The skilled person will immediately recognize that a specific feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without adopting further features from that figure. Furthermore, the skilled person will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures. List of reference symbols

[0084] 1 Road vehicle 10 Lighting device 11 Lighting equipment 11a, 11b Functional areas 12 High-resolution light module 14 Matrix module 16 Apron module 18 Light module 20 Storage device 30 Projection surface 40 Inhomogeneity GL Overall light distribution KL Compensation light distribution KL1, KL2, KL3, KL4 Partial areas of the compensation light distribution TL1 First partial light distribution TL2, TL3, TL4, TL5 Further partial light distributions HDL High-resolution light distribution ML Light distribution of the matrix module RL Resulting light distribution UB Transition area VL Light distribution of the apron module

Claims

1. Method for operating an illumination device (10), in particular a headlight, for a road vehicle (1), which illumination device, in an operating mode of a predetermined light function, generates and / or emits, by means of an illumination apparatus (11), a total light distribution (GL) consisting of a first partial light distribution (TL1) and at least one further partial light distribution (TL2, TL3), and which illumination device can generate a high-resolution light distribution (HDL) by means of a high-resolution light module (12), characterized in that in the operating mode of the predetermined light function, the high-resolution light module (12) generates a high-resolution light distribution (HDL) which at least in part has a compensation light distribution (KL), by means of which an inhomogeneity (40) present in the total light distribution (GL), which inhomogeneity results from the superposition of these partial light distributions, is reduced and / or compensated for, a compensation pattern, which is characteristic of the compensation light distribution (KL) to be generated, being selected and / or ascertained depending on at least one position value which is characteristic of a relative arrangement of the partial light distributions (TL1, TL2) with respect to one another.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the compensation light distribution (KL) is provided in a transition region between two regions of the total light distribution (GL) that have different brightnesses, and in particular are adjacent.

3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the high-resolution light distribution (HDL) has, in addition to the compensation light distribution (KL), a further part which serves to fulfil a further light function.

4. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the compensation pattern is determined / ascertained iteratively depending on the position value, the position value preferably being ascertained from an optically captured arrangement of the partial light distributions (TL1, TL2) with respect to one another.

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that when generating the compensation light distribution (KL), headlight range control of the illumination device (10) and / or a swivel and / or tilt movement is taken into account.

6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the illumination device (10) is calibrated by means of a real-time calibration method in which at least one calibration step takes place during the activated operating mode of the illumination device (10).

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a compensation pattern is ascertained and / or modified at least temporarily during the activated operating mode of the illumination device (10).

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a calibration step, the operating mode of the predetermined light function of the illumination device is activated, and the illumination apparatus generates the at least first partial light distribution and the at least one further partial light distribution, and the total light distribution formed from the superposition of these partial light distributions is imaged and / or projected onto a roadway and / or projection surface, the illuminated region of the roadway and / or of the projection surface preferably being captured by means of an image capture apparatus in a further calibration step.

9. Illumination device (10), in particular a headlight, for a road vehicle (1), comprising an illumination apparatus (11) which illumination device is configured, in an operating mode of a predetermined light function, for generating and / or emitting a total light distribution (GL) consisting of a superposition of a first partial light distribution (TL1) and of at least one further partial light distribution (TL2, TL3), and further comprising a high-resolution light module (12) for generating a high-resolution light distribution (HDL), characterized in that the illumination device (10) is configured such that the high-resolution light module (HDL), in the operating mode of the predetermined light function, generates, at least in part, a compensation light distribution by means of which an inhomogeneity (40) present in the total light distribution (GL), which inhomogeneity results from the superposition of these partial light distributions, is reduced and / or compensated for, and in that the illumination device (10) is configured, suitable and / or intended to select and / or ascertain, depending on at least one position value which is characteristic of a relative arrangement of the partial light distributions (TL1, TL2) with respect to one another, a compensation pattern which is characteristic of the compensation light distribution (KL) to be generated.

10. Illumination device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the illumination apparatus (11) has a matrix module (14), in particular an LED matrix module, for generating the first partial light distribution (TL2) and the further partial light distribution (TL3).

11. Illumination device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the illumination apparatus (11) has at least two, in particular different, light modules (14, 16) for respectively generating a partial light distribution (TL1, TL2), which are preferably a matrix module (14) and a forefield module (16).

12. Illumination device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the illumination device (10) has a memory apparatus (20) in which at least one characteristic curve is stored, with the aid of which characteristic curve a compensation pattern, which is characteristic of the compensation light distribution (KL) to be generated, can be selected and / or ascertained, preferably depending on the relative arrangement of the light modules (14, 16) with respect to one another.

13. Illumination device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a displacement characteristic curve is stored as a characteristic curve, on the basis of which, and depending on a preferably measured and / or transmitted swivel and / or tilt angle, a compensation pattern adapted thereto can be generated.

14. Illumination device (10) according to any of the preceding claims 9-13, characterized in that the illumination device (10) has a calibration apparatus for calibration and / or adjustment, by means of which a relative position of the field of views of the illumination device and of the high-resolution module can be adjusted.

15. Road vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising at least one illumination device (10) according to any of the preceding claims 9-14 and preferably comprising at least two illumination devices (10) according to any of the preceding claims 9-14.