METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ADAPTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE HEADLIGHT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling an adaptive motor vehicle headlight, wherein the adaptive motor vehicle headlight is associated with a data storage device, wherein the adaptive motor vehicle headlight is configured to emit different segmented light distributions with a resolution of at least 2x12 and has light sources arranged in segments for this purpose, wherein each segment comprises at least one LED light source.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle headlight which is prepared for the application of a method according to the invention.

[0003] Headlights capable of emitting adaptive light distribution are known from the prior art. In technical circles, such headlights are sometimes referred to as pixel modules. The light segments (pixels; hereinafter also referred to simply as "segments") can be individually switched and dimmed, and each light segment is assigned an intensity value.

[0004] There are various ways to implement such an adaptive light distribution consisting of multiple light segments (pixels). A well-known and efficient method involves using a large number of LEDs arranged in a matrix, where each individual LED can be switched and dimmed independently, thus forming a pixel or light segment within the emitted light distribution.

[0005] This type of lighting system allows for the creation of virtually any desired lighting pattern, whereby, for example, a basic light distribution can be adapted at any time to selectively mask or illuminate other road users (such as pedestrians or vehicles). Switching between different lighting functions can be achieved by retrieving the corresponding data sets from a memory and then transferring the data to a lighting unit responsible for light emission. Different vehicle manufacturers often have varying requirements regarding the number, type, and switching between different lighting functions. Frequently, a smooth transition is desired when changing a lighting function or light distribution. In some cases, legal requirements must also be met, particularly when adapting the lighting pattern during cornering.When cornering, the center of the beam pattern can be shifted significantly or less dramatically depending on the steering angle to improve road illumination. Abrupt changes in the beam pattern should therefore be reserved for exceptional situations, as these can be perceived as unpleasant and undesirably restrict or distract a driver's attention. A known solution to avoid abrupt changes in the beam pattern by switching between multiple light distributions involves calculating the individual intensity values ​​of each pixel, taking limit values ​​into account. However, this places high demands on the processing power of the control unit, especially with an increasing number of pixels.Document DE 102008062640 A1 discloses a vehicle headlight, a lighting system for a vehicle comprising at least one such vehicle headlight, a control method for such a vehicle headlight, as well as a corresponding computer program and computer program product. Document DE 102005041234 A1 discloses a headlight for vehicles with a plurality of LED light sources combined in a common light-emitting surface.

[0006] One object of the invention is therefore to provide a method for controlling an adaptive motor vehicle headlight that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages. This object is achieved with a method of the type mentioned above, in which the following steps are provided according to the invention: a) Providing said adaptive motor vehicle headlight and said first data storage device, and storing a number of data records on the first data storage device, wherein each data record specifies a light intensity value for each segment to implement a light distribution to be emitted by the adaptive motor vehicle headlight, wherein the number of data records comprises at least two groups of data records, namely a first group of low beam data records and a second group of high beam data records, wherein each group comprises at least one data record, wherein each low beam data record is configured to generate a low beam distribution and each high beam data record is configured to generate a high beam distribution, wherein the configurations of the respective light distributions are different for different data records; b) Connecting the adaptive motor vehicle headlight to a motor vehicle.wherein the motor vehicle is equipped to output control data for controlling the adaptive motor vehicle headlight, c) transmission of the control data by the motor vehicle to the adaptive motor vehicle headlight, wherein the adaptive motor vehicle headlight has an internal processing unit that receives the control data and selects and retrieves data records stored in the first data memory depending on the control data, hereinafter also referred to as active data records, d) control of the light sources arranged in the segments by the processing unit according to the active data records according to step c) using a configurable smoothing function, wherein the adaptive motor vehicle headlight has an internal data memory on which a light distribution transition control algorithm is stored, wherein the light distribution transition control algorithm is accessed via an interface,The internal data storage can be accessed externally by means of which the configurable smoothing function is defined by the light distribution transition control algorithm, whereby the application of the configurable smoothing function is carried out in compliance with the following rules: d1) Determining the number of active data records, whereby each active data record is assigned a percentage weight by means of the control data, d2) Determining the target light intensities to be output for each segment by superimposing the light intensity values ​​derivable from the active data records, taking into account the respective weighting, d3) Outputting the target light intensities for each segment, taking into account a predefinable permissible maximum rate of change of the light intensity emitted by the respective segment.where, in the event of exceeding a permissible maximum rate of change over time, which can be specified by the configurable smoothing function, the target light intensities are temporarily manipulated in such a way that the permissible maximum rate of change over time is not exceeded.

[0007] The minimum number of segments is 24, comprising a matrix of 2 rows and 12 columns. Currently, resolutions of up to 200 segments are economically feasible using this technology with LEDs, although the use of a higher number of segments would also be conceivable in principle. However, the computational effort required to calculate the individual target light intensities increases with the number of segments. Therefore, a maximum number of segments that can be operated economically in the future without the use of a GPU could be, for example, 400, with these segments distributed in a matrix with rows and columns. Alternatively, with a particularly high number of pixels, groups of pixels could be combined into clusters that are controlled collectively, thus reducing the computational power of the algorithm. The light intensity can be controlled, for example, by timing the switch-on durations of the segments.The on / off duration time ratios are set (according to a duty cycle).

[0008] The first data storage device can be located externally from the headlight. Alternatively, it can be located internally within the headlight.

[0009] Control data is data transmitted from the vehicle to the headlight. This can include data actively specified by the user (e.g., when the user selects a lighting function), data generated based on user behavior (such as turning into a curve or the resulting steering angle), or data independent of user behavior, generated, for example, by the vehicle or an environmental sensing system installed in the vehicle to detect its surroundings.

[0010] As an alternative to its use with LED light sources, the invention could also be used with other headlights whose segmentation is not achieved by controlling LEDs. Examples of such technologies include digital micro-mirror devices (DMDs), laser scanners, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and other spatial light modulator (SLM) systems.

[0011] The intensity values ​​can be stored in a memory and together describe a basic light distribution. Different basic light distributions, such as low beam, high beam, bad weather light, city light, etc., can be stored as data sets in the memory. Whether each pixel is actually represented as a dedicated value in the data set in the memory, or whether, as is usual, the values ​​are interpolated from a number of spatially separated pixels, is not essential to the invention.

[0012] In particular, it may be provided that the sum of the individual percentage weights in each group does not exceed 100%, and wherein each group is in turn assigned a group weight value, and the sum of the group weight values ​​does not exceed 100%, wherein the target light intensities of each segment are determined according to step d2) by multiplying the individual percentage weights by the respective group weight value of the associated group and calculating the resulting weight values, wherein the light intensity values ​​derivable from the active data records are multiplied by the respective resulting weight value, and the resulting light intensity values ​​of each active data record for each segment are summed, and this sum is set as the target light intensity for each segment.

[0013] Furthermore, it can be stipulated that all weighting values ​​are chosen so that the sum of the resulting weighting values ​​reaches 100%. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that a generally less efficient operation, i.e., an operation with a resulting weighting of less than 100%, can be maintained.

[0014] In particular, it may be provided that the first group of low beam data sets includes data sets for generating the following different low beam distributions: I) a first low beam distribution which can be used as a standard low beam distribution, which is preferably a glare-free low beam, II) a second low beam distribution which, compared to the first low beam distribution, has an increased range in a right half of the light distribution in order to enable an increased range on a right edge of the road for improved pedestrian detection, III) a third low beam distribution which is wider than the first low beam distribution and has a horizontal cut-off line, IV) a fourth low beam distribution which has an increased range than the first low beam distribution by shifting the low beam distribution vertically upwards by an angle of at least 1°.

[0015] Regarding point I, it should be noted that glare is considered eliminated, or rather, glare-free low beam can be said to exist, if the illuminance at a distance of 25 m in front of each individual headlight, on a plane perpendicular to the road surface at and above the height of the headlight center, does not exceed 1 lx. If the highest point of the illuminated surface of the headlights is more than 1200 mm above the road surface, the illuminance must not exceed 1 lx under the same conditions above a height of 1000 mm. For headlights whose mounting height exceeds 1400 mm, the cut-off line 15 m in front of the headlight must be only half the height of the headlight center. For headlights with asymmetrical low beams, the 1-lux limit may rise at an angle of 15 degrees to the right from the point corresponding to the headlight center, unless a different regulation is stipulated, for example, for legal reasons.The headlights can illuminate the roadway in such a way that the illuminance at a distance of 25 m in front of the headlights, perpendicular to the incident light and at a height of 150 mm above the roadway, reaches at least the specified values. Headlights used in pairs for high and low beam can be configured so that they can only be dimmed simultaneously and uniformly.

[0016] Regarding point II, it should be noted that compared to the light distribution described in point I, a greater range and possibly a higher light intensity are provided. This means that a light distribution may be provided that features a low beam with a greater range on the right edge of the road (from the driver's perspective) to allow for earlier detection of pedestrians. This can be achieved, for example, by providing higher light intensity in individual segments, or by activating segments that are inactive in the light distribution described in point I.

[0017] Regarding point III, it should be mentioned that, for example, the light-dark boundary can be horizontal, so that dazzling other road users is prevented even better and, in particular, the area in front of the vehicle is illuminated more broadly.

[0018] Regarding point IV, it should be mentioned that such a light distribution can be provided, for example, by raising the light cone produced by the vehicle headlight, which can be done, for example, at increased driving speeds (e.g., above 80 km / h).

[0019] Furthermore, it may be provided that the second group of high beam data sets includes data sets for generating the following different high beam distributions: I) a first high beam distribution which can be used as the standard high beam distribution, II) a second high beam distribution which has a reduced light intensity compared to the first high beam distribution, but operates in such a way that it still meets at least the minimum legal requirements, III) a third high beam distribution which, compared to the first high beam distribution, increases the light intensity or the range, for example by raising the light cone produced by the vehicle headlight, at high vehicle speeds (e.g. above 80 km / h),

[0020] Regarding point I, it should be noted that this light distribution enables increased visibility in dark driving conditions. Visibility refers to the maximum horizontal distance at which a ground-level object can be recognized by the vehicle's headlights in dark driving conditions.

[0021] Regarding point II, it should be mentioned that this could be an Eco high beam.

[0022] In practice, all light distributions are of course designed by the specialist in such a way that they can comply with the applicable legal requirements.

[0023] In particular, the number of data records may include a third group of data records relating to special light distributions that correspond neither to a low beam nor a high beam distribution. These may, for example, be special light functions that are neither low beam nor high beam functions. These special functions may also be designed to be country-specific or weather-dependent.

[0024] Furthermore, it may be provided that the maximum rate of change over time of the target light intensities is varied depending on the recorded control data within a predetermined upper and lower limit, whereby the actual rate of change is in any case chosen such that a change in the target light intensity from 0% to 100% occurs within a time period between 0.1s and 5s.

[0025] In practice, a value of 1 second for the change from 0 to 100% has proven advantageous. The change can be linear or non-linear. The target light intensities are temporarily manipulated by the configurable smoothing function, which specifies the permissible maximum rate of change over time, ensuring that the permissible maximum rate of change is not exceeded. The maximum rate of change over time refers to the rate of change of the emitted intensity of a segment. For example, if a segment emits a luminous flux of 200 lm at full operation (i.e., 100% utilization), then, with a permissible maximum rate of change of 200 lm / s, a change from 0 to 100% power would take 1 second, provided the permissible maximum rate of change is strictly adhered to.The actual rate of change can, of course, be lower – especially if a faster change due to the respective switching of a lighting function or a change in weighting is not necessary anyway. This maximum rate of change can also be significantly higher and, for example, allow a change from 0 to 100% light output within 0.1 seconds. The applicable maximum rate of change can be determined depending on the driving situation.

[0026] In particular, it can be stipulated that, in the event of a critical traffic situation being detected, the maximum rate of change over time is increased compared to normal operation. This permissible maximum rate of change can also depend on control data. For example, it can be stipulated that the maximum permissible rate of change is increased in a critical traffic situation and decreased in a normal traffic situation to avoid distracting the driver. Smoothing can be performed individually for each segment – ​​i.e., one segment is smoothed, for example, and another is not, provided that the maximum rate of change is not exceeded there.

[0027] Furthermore, it may be provided that the motor vehicle headlight is equipped to check the plausibility of the control data and performs this check continuously, whereby if corrupted control data is detected, a fallback to safe operation occurs in which preferably the first dipped beam distribution is emitted.

[0028] In particular, the control data may contain information on other road users detected in the vicinity of the vehicle, and if the active data sets include high beam data sets, these high beam distributions may be manipulated in such a way that segments whose activation would cause glare for these road users are controlled with lower intensity, or preferably completely switched off. This means that the vehicle headlight is preferably designed in such a way as to prevent glare for other road users.

[0029] Furthermore, it may be provided that, for the output of effects, the target light intensities for each segment after step d3) can be temporarily manipulated by replacing the target light intensities calculated according to step d3) with effect light intensities. This temporary manipulation is limited to the duration of the effect / animation (e.g., "Welcome Light") and is typically less than 5 seconds.

[0030] In particular, it can be provided that the target light intensities according to step d3) are manipulated depending on the vehicle's steering angle by shifting the target light distribution calculated according to step d3) in a horizontal direction depending on the vehicle's steering angle. This allows cornering lights to be implemented, for example, by shifting the light distribution to the left when steering to the left. That is, the target light intensities move horizontally between adjacent segments. This process can also be described as "bending".

[0031] Furthermore, the invention relates to an adaptive motor vehicle headlight, which is set up for use in a method according to the invention, wherein the adaptive motor vehicle headlight is set up to emit different segmented light distributions with a resolution of at least 2x12 and for this purpose has light sources arranged in segments, wherein each segment comprises at least one LED light source.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising an adaptive motor vehicle headlight according to the invention, and a first data storage device associated with the adaptive motor vehicle headlight, wherein a number of data records are stored on the first data storage device, each data record specifying a light intensity value for each segment to implement a light distribution to be emitted by the adaptive motor vehicle headlight, wherein the number of data records comprises at least two groups of data records, namely a first group of low beam data records and a second group of high beam data records, each group comprising at least one data record, wherein each low beam data record is configured to generate a low beam distribution and each high beam data record is configured to generate a high beam distribution, wherein the configurations of the respective light distributions are different for different data records.the motor vehicle is equipped for environmental sensing and for transmitting control data to the motor vehicle headlight.

[0033] The term environmental perception describes the detection of the vehicle's surroundings, which can be done using sensors such as optical cameras, ultrasonic sensors, lidar, radar, etc.

[0034] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, which is illustrated in the figures. These show Figure 1 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle according to the invention with an adaptive motor vehicle headlight according to the invention, Figure 2 shows an adaptive motor vehicle headlight according to the invention, Figure 3 an exemplary presentation of individual aspects of the invention, Figure 4 an exemplary flowchart for the method according to the invention, Figure 5a to 5cExemplary light distributions that can be emitted using the method according to the invention.

[0035] In the following figures, unless otherwise stated, the same reference symbols denote the same features.

[0036] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention with an adaptive motor vehicle headlight 2 according to the invention.

[0037] Figure 2Figure 1 shows an adaptive vehicle headlight 2 according to the invention. This vehicle headlight comprises a light module 2' for emitting light distributions. In this example, the light module 2' comprises a matrix of light sources 2aa in the form of 24 LEDs arranged in two rows and twelve columns. A first data storage device 3 is associated with the adaptive vehicle headlight 2. The adaptive vehicle headlight 2 is therefore configured to emit different segmented light distributions with a resolution of at least 2x12 and, for this purpose, has light sources 2aa arranged in segments 2a, each segment 2a comprising at least one LED light source, in this case exactly one LED light source. The adaptive vehicle headlight 2 has an internal processing unit 2c configured to receive control data 1a.The control data 1a can contain information about other road users detected in the vicinity of vehicle 1 or information about the vehicle itself. It can also be specified or influenced by the user or driver. In particular, it can be provided that the control data 1a contains information about other road users detected in the vicinity of vehicle 1, and if the active data sets contain high-beam data sets 3b1 to 3b4, these high-beam distributions LVb1 to LVb4 are manipulated in such a way that segments 2a, the activation of which would cause dazzling of these road users, are controlled with lower intensity, preferably completely masked out. This means that the vehicle headlight 2 is preferably designed in such a way as to prevent dazzling other road users. This function is described in . Figure 4The system is designated as a Glare-Free High-Beam Mask (GFHB-mask), resulting in a weighted glare-free high-beam light distribution, i.e., a high-beam distribution designed to be glare-free by taking control data 1a into account. Furthermore, a move-hor function can be provided, which shifts the target light distribution horizontally depending on the steering angle of the vehicle 1. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that both the move-hor function and the GFHB-mask function are optional, and the method according to the invention can also be carried out without using these functions.

[0038] With regard to Figure 2It should also be mentioned that the adaptive vehicle headlight 2 further has an internal data storage 2d on which a light distribution transition control algorithm LV-AL is stored, wherein the light distribution transition control algorithm LV-AL can be specified by an interface 4, by means of which the internal data storage 2d can be accessed externally, and the configurable smoothing function Fg is determined by the light distribution transition control algorithm LV-AL.

[0039] Figure 3Figure 1 shows an exemplary representation of individual aspects or components of the invention. The invention relates to a method for controlling the adaptive vehicle headlight 2, wherein the adaptive vehicle headlight 2 is associated with the first data storage device 3, wherein the adaptive vehicle headlight 2 is configured to emit different segmented light distributions with a resolution of at least 2x12 and, as already mentioned, has light sources 2aa arranged in segments 2a, wherein each segment 2aa comprises at least one LED light source, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) Providing said adaptive motor vehicle headlight 2 and said first data storage device 3 and storing a number of data records 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4 on the first data storage device 3, wherein each data record specifies a light intensity value IsegmLV for each segment 2a to implement a light distribution LVa1, LVa2, LVa3, LVa4, LVb1, LVb2, LVb3 to be emitted by the adaptive motor vehicle headlight 2, wherein the number of data records comprises at least two groups 3a, 3b of data records, namely a first group 3a of low beam data records 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4 and a second group 3b of high beam data records 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4, wherein each group 3a, 3b comprises at least one data set 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4, wherein each low beam data set 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4 is configured to generate a low beam distribution and each high beam data set 3b1, 3b2, 3b3 is configured to generate a high beam distribution,wherein the configurations of the respective light distributions differ for different data sets 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4, b) connecting the adaptive vehicle headlight 2 to a motor vehicle 1, wherein the motor vehicle 1 is equipped to output control data 1a for controlling the adaptive vehicle headlight 2, c) transmitting the control data 1a by the motor vehicle 1 to the adaptive vehicle headlight 2, wherein the adaptive vehicle headlight 2 has an internal processing unit 2c that receives the control data 1a and, depending on the control data 1a, selects and retrieves data sets 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3 stored in the first data memory 3, hereinafter also referred to as active data sets, d) controlling the light sources 2aa arranged in the segments 2a by the processing unit 2c corresponding to the active data records 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2,3b3 according to step c) using a configurable smoothing function Fg, wherein the adaptive motor vehicle headlight 2 has an internal data storage 2d on which a light distribution transition control algorithm LV-AL is stored, wherein the light distribution transition control algorithm LV-AL can be specified by an interface 4 by means of which the internal data storage 2d can be accessed externally, and the configurable smoothing function Fg is determined by the light distribution transition control algorithm LV-AL, wherein the application of the configurable smoothing function Fg is in any case subject to compliance with the following rules (see , ). Fig. 4): d1) Determining the number of active data records 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, whereby, using the control data 1a, each active data record 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3 is assigned a percentage weight wab1, wab2, wab3, wab4, wfern1, wfern2, wfern3, d2) Determining the target light intensities IsegmZ to be output for each segment 2a by superimposing the light intensity values ​​IsegmLV derivable from the active data records 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, taking into account the respective weighting, d3) Outputting the target light intensities IsegmZ for each segment 2a, taking into account a predefinable permissible maximum temporal rate of change of the light intensity emitted by the respective segment 2a, wherein, in the event of exceeding a permissible maximum temporal rate of change Var that can be specified by the configurable smoothing function Fg, the target light intensities IsegmZ are temporarily manipulated in such a way as tothat the permissible maximum rate of change Var_max is not exceeded. If necessary, the target light intensity IsegmZ is therefore modified into a manipulated target light intensity IsegmZ', which is temporarily lower than the actual target light intensity IsegmZ', to the extent that the permissible maximum rate of change Var_max is just not exceeded, for the duration until the unmanipulated target light intensity IsegmZ is reached.

[0040] In principle, the inactive data records can also be recorded by the computing unit 2c, however, for data reduction purposes, it can be advantageous to only record the active data records, i.e., those data records whose weight is not equal to 0.

[0041] Preferably, it can be provided that the sum of the individual percentage weights wab1, wab2, wab3, wfern1, wfern2, wfern3 in each group 3a, 3b does not exceed 100%, and wherein each group 3a, 3b is in turn assigned a group weight value wab_ges, wfern_ges, and the sum of the group weight values ​​does not exceed 100%, wherein the determination of the target light intensities of each segment 2a according to step d2) is carried out by multiplying the individual percentage weights wab1, wab2, wab3, wab4, wfern1, wfern2 with the respective group weight value wab_ges, wfern_ges of the associated group and calculating the resulting weight values ​​wab1_res, wab2_res, wherein the light intensity values ​​IsegmLV derivable from the active data sets are multiplied by the respective resulting weight value wab1_res, wab2_res are multiplied and the resulting light intensity values ​​for each segment 2a of each active data set 3a1, 3a2,The values ​​of 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, and 3b4 are summed, and this sum is set as the target light intensity for each segment 2a.

[0042] A brief example of an embodiment of the invention is given: Assume that the low beam distribution group has a weighting of 60%, i.e., wab_total = 0.6, and the high beam distribution group has a weighting of 40%, i.e., wfern_total = 0.4. If, for example, the low beam distribution comprises two active light distributions that are to be equally weighted (i.e., wab1 = 0.5 and wab2 = 0.5), the resulting intensity of the respective low beam distributions, wab1_res and wab2_res, would be obtained by multiplying them by the weighting wab_total, i.e., 0.5 x 0.6 = 0.3 = wab1_res = wab2_res total weighting. The weighting of the high beam distributions is carried out analogously, so that the resulting total weighting does not exceed 1. In this way, the individual light distributions can be superimposed elegantly and with minimal computational effort.The extent of the overlap and the transition from one lighting function to the next can be easily adapted to the needs of the individual vehicle manufacturer by setting the smoothing function Fg, without having to make any fundamental changes to the lighting functions of the vehicle headlight.

[0043] In particular, it can be stipulated that all weighting values ​​are chosen such that the sum of the resulting weighting values ​​wab1_res and wab2_res reaches 100%. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that a generally weaker operation, i.e., below 100%, can be maintained.

[0044] It may be provided that the first group 3a of low beam data sets comprises 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4 data sets for generating the following different low beam distributions LVA1, LVA2, LVA3, LVA4: I a first low beam distribution LVA1, which can be used as a standard low beam distribution, wherein it is preferably a glare-free low beam, II a second low beam distribution LVA2, which, compared to the first low beam distribution, has an increased range in a right half of the light distribution in order to enable an increased range on a right edge of the road for improved pedestrian detection, III a third low beam distribution LVA3, which is wider than the first low beam distribution and has a horizontal cut-off line, IV a fourth low beam distribution LVA4, which, compared to the first low beam distribution, has an increased range by shifting the low beam distribution vertically upwards by an angle of at least 1°.

[0045] Furthermore, it may be provided that the second group 3b of high beam data sets includes 3b1, 3b2, 3b3 data sets for generating the following different high beam distributions LVb1, LVb2, LVb3, LVb4: I a first high beam distribution LVb1, which can be used as the standard high beam distribution, II a second high beam distribution LVb2, which has a reduced light intensity compared to the first high beam distribution LVb2, but operates in such a way that it still meets at least the minimum legal requirements, III a third high beam distribution LVb3, which, compared to the first high beam distribution, increases the light intensity or the range, for example by raising the light cone produced by the vehicle headlight at high vehicle speed,

[0046] In practice, all light distributions are of course designed by the specialist in such a way that they can comply with the applicable legal requirements.

[0047] With regard to Figure 3 It should be mentioned that the number of data records includes a third group 3c of data records relating to special light distributions that do not correspond to either a low beam distribution or a high beam distribution.

[0048] Furthermore, it can be provided that the maximum rate of change Var_max of the target light intensities IsegmZ is varied within a predefined upper and lower limit, depending on the acquired control data 1a, whereby the actual rate of change Var is always chosen such that a change in the target light intensity from 0% to 100% occurs within a time period of between 0.1 s and 5 s. In particular, it can be provided that the maximum rate of change Var_max is increased compared to normal operation in the event of the detection of a critical traffic situation. The permissible maximum rate of change Var_max can also be modified, for example, by using the control data. In a traffic-critical situation, it can be advantageous if the permissible maximum rate of change is chosen to be very high. This can be the case, for example, when dazzling oncoming traffic, detecting / alerting wildlife at the roadside, detecting pedestrians, etc.

[0049] Furthermore, it may be provided that the motor vehicle headlight 2 is equipped to check the plausibility of the control data 1a and performs this check continuously, whereby if corrupted control data 1a is detected, a fallback to safe operation takes place in which preferably the first low beam distribution LVA1 is emitted.

[0050] In particular, it may be provided that the control data 1a contains information on other road users detected in the vicinity of the vehicle 1, and in the event that the active data sets 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4 contain high beam data sets 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, these high beam distributions are manipulated in such a way that segments 2a, the activation of which would lead to dazzling these road users, are controlled with lower intensity, preferably completely masked out.

[0051] Furthermore, it may be possible to temporarily manipulate the target light intensities IsegmZ for each segment 2a after step d3 to output effects, by replacing the target light intensities IsegmZ calculated according to step d3 with effect light intensities. This temporary manipulation is limited to the duration of the effect / animation and is typically less than 5 seconds, e.g., Welcome Light.

[0052] Furthermore, it can be provided that the target light intensities according to step d3 are manipulated as a function of the steering angle of vehicle 1 by shifting the target light distribution calculated according to step d3) in a horizontal direction as a function of the steering angle of vehicle 1, whereby this function in Fig. 4This is called move_hor. This allows for the implementation of cornering lights, for example, by shifting the light distribution to the left when the steering wheel is turned left. This means the target light intensity moves horizontally between adjacent segments. This process can also be described as "bending".

[0053] In another aspect, the invention relates to an adaptive motor vehicle headlight 2, which is configured for use in a method according to one of the method claims, wherein the adaptive motor vehicle headlight 2 is configured to emit different segmented light distributions with a resolution of at least 2x12 and for this purpose has light sources 2aa arranged in segments 2a, wherein each segment 2aa comprises at least one LED light source.

[0054] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle 1, comprising an adaptive motor vehicle headlight 2 according to the invention and a first data storage device 3, which is associated with the adaptive motor vehicle headlight 2, wherein a number of data records 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4 are stored on the first data storage device 3, wherein each data record specifies a light intensity value IsegmLV for each segment 2a for implementing a light distribution LVa1, LVa2, LVa3, LVa4, LVb1, LVb2, LVb3 to be emitted by the adaptive motor vehicle headlight 2, wherein the number of data records comprises at least two groups 3a, 3b of data records, namely a first group 3a of low beam data records 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4 and a second group 3b of high beam data records 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4, wherein each group 3a, 3b comprises at least one data set 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4, wherein each dipped beam data set 3a1, 3a2, 3a3,3a4 is configured to generate a low beam distribution and each high beam data set 3b1, 3b2, 3b3 is configured to generate a high beam distribution, wherein the configurations of the respective light distributions are different for different data sets 3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4, wherein the motor vehicle 1 is equipped for environmental detection and for transmitting control data 1a to the motor vehicle headlight.

[0055] Figure 5a to 5c The figures show exemplary schematic representations of light distributions that can be emitted using the method according to the invention. Each figure shows a top view of a light distribution projected onto a flat horizontal surface, typically a roadway. For example, the figure shows in detail... Fig. 5a The light distribution LVA1, without any other light distributions being superimposed. The weight wab1_res could therefore be 100% in this example. Fig. 5cshows a light distribution LVb1 with a weighting of, for example, wfern1_res of 100%. Fig. 5b shows the superposition of the light distributions LVA1 and LVB1, where the weights wfern1_res and wab1_res can each be 50%, for example.

[0056] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is defined by the entire scope of protection of the claims. Individual aspects of the invention or the embodiments can also be taken up and combined with one another.

[0057] Any reference numerals in the claims are exemplary and serve only to make the claims easier to read, without limiting them.

Claims

1. Method for controlling an adaptive motor vehicle headlamp (2), a first data memory (3) being assigned to the adaptive motor vehicle headlamp (2), the adaptive motor vehicle headlamp (2) being set up to emit different segmented light distributions with a resolution of at least 2x12 and having light sources (2aa) arranged in segments (2a) for this purpose, each segment (2aa) comprising at least one LED light source, the method having the following steps: a) Providing a said adaptive vehicle headlamp (2) and a said first data memory (3) and storing a number of data sets (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4) on the first data memory (3), each data set specifying for each segment (2a) a light intensity value (IsegmLV) for implementing a light distribution (LVa1, LVa2, LVa3, LVa4, LVb1, LVb2, LVb3) to be emitted by the adaptive motor vehicle headlamp (2), wherein the number of data sets comprises at least two groups (3a, 3b) of data sets, namely a first group (3a) of low beam data sets (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4) and a second group (3b) of high beam data sets (3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4), wherein each group (3a, 3b) comprises at least one data set (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4), wherein each low beam data set (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4) is configured to generate a low beam distribution and each high beam data set (3b1, 3b2, 3b3) is configured to generate a high beam distribution, wherein the configurations of the respective light distributions are different for different data sets (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4), b) Connecting the adaptive motor vehicle headlamp (2) to a motor vehicle (1), the motor vehicle (1) being set up to output control data (1a) for controlling the adaptive motor vehicle headlamp (2), c) Transmission of the control data (1a) by the motor vehicle (1) to the adaptive motor vehicle headlamp (2), the adaptive motor vehicle headlamp (2) having an internal computing unit (2c) which receives the control data (1a) and selects and retrieves data sets (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3) stored in the first data memory (3) as a function of the control data (1a), hereinafter also referred to as active data records, d) Actuation of the light sources (2aa) arranged in the segments (2a) by the computing unit (2c) in accordance with the active data sets (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3) according to step c) using a configurable smoothing function (Fg), the adaptive motor vehicle headlamp (2) having an internal data memory (2d) on which a light distribution transition control algorithm (LV-AL) is stored, the light distribution transition control algorithm (LV-AL) being presettable by means of an interface (4), by means of which the internal data memory (2d) can be accessed externally, and the configurable smoothing function (Fg) being determined by the light distribution transition control algorithm (LV-AL), characterized in that the configurable smoothing function (Fg) is applied in any case in compliance with the following rules: d1) Determining the number of active data sets (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3), whereby each active data set (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3) is assigned an individual percentage weighting (wab1, wab2, wab3, wfern1, wfern2, wfern3) by means of the control data (1a), d2) Determining the target light intensities (IsegmZ) to be output for each segment (2a) by superimposing the light intensity values (IsegmLV) that can be derived from the active data sets (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3), taking into account the respective weighting, d3) Outputting the target light intensities (IsegmZ) for each segment (2a), taking into account a predeterminable permissible maximum rate of change over time of the light intensity which is emitted by the respective segment (2a), wherein, if a permissible maximum rate of change in time (Var), which can be predetermined by the configurable smoothing function (Fg), is exceeded, the target light intensities (IsegmZ, IsegmZ') are temporarily manipulated in such a way that the permissible maximum temporal rate of change (Var_max) is not exceeded.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the sum of the individual percentage weightings (wab1, wab2, wab3, wfern1, wfern2, wfern3) in each group (3a, 3b) does not exceed the value 100%, and wherein each group (3a, 3b) is in turn assigned a group weighting value (wab_ges, wfern_ges), and the sum of the group weighting values does not exceed the value 100%, the target light intensities of each segment (2a) being determined in accordance with step d2) by multiplying the individual percentage weightings (wab1, wab2, wab3, wab4, wfern1, wfern2) by the respective group weighting value (wab_ges, wfern_ges) of the associated group and the resulting weighting values (wab1_res, wab2_res) are calculated, whereby the light intensity values (IsegmLV) that can be derived from the active data sets (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4) are multiplied by the respective resulting weighting value (wab1_res, wab2_res) and the resulting light intensity values of each active data set (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4) for each segment (2a) are added up and this sum is defined as the target light intensity for each segment (2a).

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein all weighting values are selected such that the sum of the resulting weighting values (wab1_res, wab2_res) reaches the value 100%.

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first group (3a) of low beam data sets (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4) comprises data sets for generating the following different low beam distributions (LVa1, LVa2, LVa3, LVa4): I) a first low beam distribution (LVa1), which can be used as a standard low beam distribution, preferably a glare-free low beam, II) a second low beam distribution (LVa2), which has an increased range in a right-hand half of the light distribution compared to the first low beam distribution, in order to enable an increased range at a right-hand edge of the road for improved pedestrian detection, III) a third low beam distribution (LVa3), which is wider than the first low beam distribution and has a horizontal cut-off line, IV) a fourth low beam distribution (LVa4), which has an increased range compared to the first low beam distribution, in that the low beam distribution is shifted vertically upwards by an angle of at least 1° compared to the first light distribution.

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second group (3b) of main beam data sets (3b1, 3b2, 3b3) comprises data sets for generating the following different main beam distributions (LVb1, LVb2, LVb3, LVb4): I) a first main beam distribution (LVb1), which can be used as a standard main beam distribution, II) a second main beam distribution (LVb2), which has a reduced light intensity compared to the first main beam distribution (LVb2), but operates in such a way that it still meets at least the minimum legal requirements, III) a third main beam distribution (LVb3) which, compared to the first main beam distribution, increases the light intensity or the range, for example by raising the light cone generated by the motor vehicle headlamp, at high vehicle speeds.

6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the number of data records comprises a third group (3c) of data records relating to special light distributions which correspond neither to a low beam distribution nor to a high beam distribution.

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum temporal rate of change (Var_max) of the target light intensities (IsegmZ) is varied as a function of the detected control data (1a) within a predetermined upper and lower limit, wherein the actual rate of change (Var) is in any case selected such that a change in the target light intensity from 0% to 100% takes place within a period of time between 0.1s and 5s.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the maximum temporal rate of change (Var_max) is increased compared to normal operation if a critical traffic situation is detected.

9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the motor vehicle headlamp (2) is set up to check the control data (1a) for plausibility and performs this check continuously, wherein if corrupted control data (1a) is detected, a fallback to safe operation takes place, in which the first low beam distribution (LVa1) is preferably emitted.

10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control data (1a) contain information on other road users detected in the vicinity of the vehicle (1), and in the event that the active data sets (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4) contain high beam data sets (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4), these high beam distributions are manipulated in such a way that segments (2a) whose activation would lead to dazzling of these road users are activated with lower intensity, preferably completely blanked out.

11. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the target light intensities (IsegmZ) for each segment (2a) can be temporarily manipulated according to step d3) in order to output effects by replacing the target light intensities (IsegmZ) calculated according to step d3) with effect light intensities.

12. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the target light intensities according to step d3) are manipulated as a function of the steering angle of the vehicle (1) by moving (move_hor) the target light distribution calculated according to step d3) in the horizontal direction as a function of the steering angle of the vehicle (1).

13. Adaptive motor vehicle headlamp (2), which is set up for use in a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptive motor vehicle headlamp (2) is set up for emitting different segmented light distributions with a resolution of at least 2x12 and has light sources (2aa) arranged in segments (2a) for this purpose, wherein each segment (2aa) comprises at least one LED light source.

14. Motor vehicle (1) comprising an adaptive motor vehicle headlamp (2) according to claim 13 and a first data memory (3) which is assigned to the adaptive motor vehicle headlamp (2), a number of data sets (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4) being stored on the first data memory (3), each data set specifying for each segment (2a) a light intensity value (IsegmLV) for implementing a light distribution (LVa1, LVa2, LVa3, LVa4, LVb1, LVb2, LVb3) to be emitted by the adaptive motor vehicle headlamp (2), the number of data sets comprising at least two groups (3a, 3b) of data sets, namely a first group (3a) of low beam data sets (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4) and a second group (3b) of high beam data sets (3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4), each group (3a, 3b) comprising at least one data set (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4), each low beam data set (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4) for generating a low beam distribution and each high beam data set (3b1, 3b2, 3b3) is configured to generate a high beam distribution, with the configurations of the respective light distributions being different for different data sets (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4, 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4), with the motor vehicle (1) being set up for environment detection and for transmitting control data (1a) to the motor vehicle headlamp.