METHOD FOR DISPLAY-OPTIMIZING CONTROL OF A MOTOR VEHICLE LIGHTING MODULE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling a motor vehicle lighting module in a display-optimizing manner, wherein the motor vehicle lighting module is configured to emit a segmented light distribution with individually controllable light segments.

[0002] Prior art has revealed methods for controlling automotive lighting modules that enable time-varying changes in the light emission of individual light segments within a light distribution. This time-varying allows the light distribution to be adapted to a wide variety of driving situations. For example, vehicles ahead or oncoming traffic can be masked or selectively illuminated as needed. With a sufficiently large number of light segments in a light distribution, time-varying information displays in the form of animated symbols projected onto a surface are also possible. Another method is known from US Patent 10,596,956 B1.

[0003] Typically, the resolution of the light distribution is limited by the resolution of the respective vehicle lighting module. The rate of change of the time-varying light emission is also limited by predefined interfaces.

[0004] To improve light emission, the components of the relevant vehicle lighting module have been modified, for example by using components that enable higher resolution, improved contrast, increased light intensities, smoother display, etc.

[0005] One object of the invention is to provide a method by which the light emission of a motor vehicle lighting module can be further improved to emit a segmented and time-varying light distribution.

[0006] The task is solved using two methods (a first method and an alternative method) which are based on the same idea.

[0007] The problem is solved, firstly, by a method of the type mentioned above, in which the vehicle lighting module includes a deflection unit with which the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module can be visually increased by at least temporary beam deflection using the deflection unit, wherein the vehicle lighting module is configured to receive target images from a higher-level control unit, which target images each correspond to a light distribution and have a resolution that exceeds the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) Receiving a target image, also called the initial image, and a subsequent target image, also called the follow-up image; b) Converting the initial image received according to step a) into a low-resolution image using a first conversion rule, wherein this low-resolution image is chosen such that it has the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module; c) Creating an intermediate target image from the combination of the initial image received according to step a) and the follow-up image received according to step a); d) Converting the intermediate target image created according to step c) into another low-resolution image using a second conversion rule, wherein this further low-resolution image is chosen such that it has the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module;e) Controlling the vehicle lighting module, wherein the control is carried out in such a way that, in coordination with the temporary beam deflection by the deflection unit, a temporal sequence of the low-resolution images converted according to steps b) and d) is emitted by the vehicle lighting module, wherein the temporal sequence of the emission of the low-resolution images converted according to steps b) and d) is selected such that the low-resolution image converted according to step b) and the further low-resolution image converted according to step d) are emitted alternately.

[0008] To make the process particularly robust against continuously incoming target images, it can be provided that the process includes a further step f), in which at least one further target image is received and then, corresponding to the number of further target images, an identical number of iterations of steps a) to e) are carried out under the following specification: Each received target image according to the temporal sequence is processed in such a way that the current successor image, received according to the preceding step a), is used as the new starting image in a new iteration of steps a) to e), and that the subsequent target image, received according to step f), is used as the new successor image in the new iteration of steps a) to e).

[0009] In addition, it can be advantageously provided that in each of the iterations according to step f), the procedure includes a further step a1) after step a), in which a release signal is checked, in order to then continue with steps b) to e) if a positive release signal is present in the iteration and to skip step c) if a negative release signal is present in the iteration of steps b) to e) and to replace the intermediate target image with the successor image received in this iteration according to step a) in step d), whereby a positive release signal is present if the successor image differs from the initial image and a negative release signal is present if the successor image does not differ from the initial image.

[0010] Furthermore, at least one additional target image received according to step f) can be predictively generated from image data of the current initial image received according to the preceding step a) and the current subsequent image received according to the preceding step a).

[0011] Efficient processing of the procedure is made possible if step c) and step d) are carried out simultaneously.

[0012] Preferably, in step c) the comparison is carried out by at least partially interpolating the target image content from the initial image and the subsequent image.

[0013] Building on the same idea, the task can alternatively be solved using a method of the type mentioned above, in that the vehicle lighting module includes a deflection unit with which the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module can be visually increased by at least temporary beam deflection using the deflection unit, wherein the vehicle lighting module is configured to receive target images from a higher-level control unit, which target images each correspond to a light distribution and have a resolution that exceeds the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module, wherein the method comprises the following steps: A) Receiving a target image, also called the initial image, and a subsequent target image, also called the follow-up image; B) Converting the initial image received according to step A) into a low-resolution intermediate image using a first conversion rule and into a low-resolution intermediate image using a second conversion rule, wherein these low-resolution intermediate images are selected such that they have the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module; C) Converting the follow-up image received according to step A) into another low-resolution intermediate image using the first conversion rule and into another low-resolution intermediate image using the second conversion rule, wherein the further low-resolution intermediate images are selected such that they have the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module;D) Creating a low-resolution image from the composite of a low-resolution intermediate image, converted according to the first conversion rule in step B), and another low-resolution intermediate image, converted according to the first conversion rule in step C), wherein the low-resolution image is chosen such that it has the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module; E) Creating another low-resolution image from the composite of a low-resolution intermediate image, converted according to the second conversion rule in step B), and another low-resolution intermediate image, converted according to the second conversion rule in step C), wherein the further low-resolution image is chosen such that it has the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module;F) Controlling the vehicle lighting module, wherein the control is carried out in such a way that, in coordination with the temporary beam deflection by the deflection unit, a temporal sequence of the low-resolution images formed according to steps D) and E) is emitted by the vehicle lighting module, wherein the temporal sequence of the emission of the low-resolution images formed according to steps D) and E) is selected such that the low-resolution image formed according to step D) and the further low-resolution image formed according to step E) are emitted alternately.

[0014] To make the alternative method particularly robust against continuously incoming target images, it can be provided that the alternative method includes a further step G) in which at least one further target image is received and then, corresponding to the number of further target images, an identical number of iterations of steps A) to F) are carried out under the following specification: Each received target image according to the temporal sequence is processed in such a way that the current successor image received according to the preceding step A) is used as the new starting image in a new iteration of steps A) to F), and that the subsequent target image received according to step G) is used as the new successor image in the new iteration of steps A) to F).

[0015] In both the first and the alternative methods, the initial image preferably differs from the subsequent image in each iteration, thus achieving a time-varying light distribution. For example, due to predefined interfaces, it is necessary to limit the number of received target images per second. Thanks to the invention, a smoother display of a time-varying light distribution can be achieved even with a limited number of received target images per second. The limited number of received target images per second can be a maximum of 60 target images per second, preferably a maximum of 30 target images per second, and most preferably a maximum of 20 target images per second.

[0016] Additionally, it can be advantageously provided that the alternative procedure in each of the iterations according to step G) includes a further step A1) after step A), in which a release signal is checked, in order to then continue in the iteration with steps B) to F) if a positive release signal is present, and if a negative release signal is present in the iteration of steps B) to F) skip steps C) and E), and in step F) instead of the temporal sequence of the low-resolution images, a temporal sequence of the low-resolution intermediate images converted according to step B) is emitted by the vehicle lighting module in coordination with the temporary beam deflection by the deflection unit, whereby a positive release signal is present if the subsequent image differs from the initial image and a negative release signal is present if the subsequent image does not differ from the initial image.

[0017] In this process, at least one further target image received according to step G) can be predictively generated from image data of the current initial image received according to the preceding step A) and the current subsequent image received according to the preceding step A).

[0018] Preferably, in at least one step of steps D) and E), the visualization is carried out by at least partial interpolation of the image content of the low-resolution intermediate images.

[0019] In light of the patent application, the term "native resolution" is understood to mean the resolution that results from the sum of the individually controllable light segments emitted. For example, if the light segments are arranged in two rows and two columns and are individually controllable, this corresponds to a native resolution of 2x2, where each individually controllable light segment can also be referred to as a light pixel. The automotive lighting module preferably has a native resolution of at least 2x2; it is particularly preferably a high-resolution automotive lighting module.

[0020] By deflecting the beam, at least temporarily, using the deflection unit, it is possible to increase the resolution perceived by the human eye compared to the native resolution.

[0021] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with a vehicle lighting module, wherein the vehicle lighting module is configured to emit a segmented light distribution, wherein the vehicle lighting module comprises a deflection unit with which the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module can be visually increased by at least temporary beam deflection using the deflection unit, and wherein the vehicle has means for carrying out at least one of the aforementioned methods. The vehicle is configured to carry out the aforementioned method, i.e., suitable means are provided in the vehicle, which are also configured accordingly.

[0022] The automotive lighting module is preferably designed for use in a vehicle light, in particular in a signal light or in a vehicle headlight. Accordingly, the automotive lighting module can also be part of the aforementioned devices.

[0023] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which are illustrated in the figures. These show Figur 1 a block diagram of a motor vehicle lighting module with a higher-level control unit for use in connection with the present invention, Figur 2a schematically, a native resolution of a low-resolution image or its projection, Figur 2b schematically, a superimposition of two low-resolution images or their projection, Figur 2c schematically the resolution of a target image, Figur 3a a time diagram for the first method with a sequence of steps which are implemented according to the invention, Fig. 3b a sequence of target images and low-resolution images that are generated / converted or used to control the vehicle lighting module, Fig. 4 a time diagram for the alternative method with a sequence of steps which are implemented according to the invention.

[0024] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the vehicle lighting module 1. The vehicle lighting module 1 is designed to emit a segmented light distribution with individually controllable light segments. For this purpose, the vehicle lighting module 1 comprises a module control unit 2, a light source 3, a deflection unit 4, and a projection unit 5. The vehicle lighting module 1 is configured to receive an image signal Bs from a higher-level control unit 10. The higher-level control unit 10 is configured to output the image signal Bs.

[0025] The image signal Bs contains target images, each corresponding to a specific light distribution and exhibiting a resolution exceeding the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module 1. The existence of different resolutions is explained in Fig. 2a bis Fig. 2c explained in more detail.

[0026] Various techniques for generating segmented light distributions have already been developed. These include, in particular, area-based modulation using LEDs (light-emitting diodes) arranged in a matrix, area-based modulation of light using an LCD (liquid crystal display), or area-based modulation of light using DLP (digital light processing) or DMD (digital mirror device). Alternatively, beam modulation techniques have also been developed, i.e., scanning systems that scan light beams or bundles at a frequency imperceptible to the human eye onto a specific area, thus creating freely variable light distributions.Today's high-resolution automotive lighting modules already allow resolutions with several thousand individually switchable and dimmable light segments; preferably these are arranged in an aspect ratio of 1:4, with the larger extent extending horizontally.

[0027] Horizontal and vertical can refer to the intended installation position of the vehicle lighting module 1, whereby it is only essential that horizontal and vertical denote orientations orthogonal to each other.

[0028] The in Fig. 1 The light source 3 shown can comprise several elements. For example, the light source 3 comprises a light-emitting element and a downstream area modulator (not shown), such as an LCD, DMD, or DLP. Preferably, the light source 3 comprises an array with at least two LEDs, each of which is individually controllable. Particularly preferably, the light source 3 comprises an array with more than 1000 individually controllable LEDs arranged in an array with an aspect ratio of 1:4.

[0029] Alternatively, the light source 3 can comprise a combination of a light-emitting element, a collimator, and a light beam modulator, which scans collimated light from the light-emitting element at a frequency imperceptible to the human eye onto a specific area. A light conversion element can be located within this area. The light source 3 can therefore consist of several elements. For example, additional elements such as optical lenses or reflectors may be included, but these are not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0030] Essentially, a light beam 30 emanates from the light source 3, which in at least one plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the light beam 30 has at least two light segments that may have different light intensities. This light beam 30 thus corresponds to a low-resolution image in at least one plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the light beam 30.

[0031] For this purpose, the light source 3 can receive a light control signal 31 and emit a light beam 30 depending on the light control signal 31. The light control signal 31 can be representative of the light beam 30 emitted by the light source 3.

[0032] The module control unit 2 can be configured to output the light control signal 31. In particular, the module control unit 2 can receive and evaluate the image signal Bs from the higher-level control unit 10 and, based on this, output the light control signal 31.

[0033] The light beam 30 emanating from the light source 3 is projected by the projection unit 5 in front of the vehicle lighting module 1 within a projection angle range P. This results in a specific light distribution, or a specific low-resolution image, being emitted by the vehicle lighting module 1. Accordingly, a projection 50 of a specific low-resolution image is produced, which projection 50 is projected in front of the vehicle lighting module 1 within a projection angle range P. Such a projection unit 5 typically comprises several optical elements, in particular lenses. For the sake of clarity, these multiple optical elements are not shown.

[0034] The projection angle range P is determined by the aperture of the projection unit 5. Therefore, the projection angle range P corresponds to the maximum possible radiation cone of the projection unit 5. Such a radiation cone refers to a cone in the mathematical sense, and can also include all sub-variants thereof. Sub-variants include, for example, pyramidal cones or truncated cones.

[0035] As in Fig. 2a As shown, the projection 50 of a low-resolution image comprises an array of light segments 51 with 5 rows and 20 columns. Thus, the native resolution of the automotive lighting module 1 shown comprises 20 x 5 light segments 51. Although only 100 light segments 51 are shown, the light source 3 can be designed such that several thousand light segments 51 are projected or emitted by the automotive lighting module 1 within the projection angle range P.

[0036] The in Fig. 1 The deflection unit 4 shown can now temporarily deflect the light beam 30 emitted by the light source 3 and thus also the projection 50. This allows the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module 1 to be visually increased, at least temporarily, by means of beam deflection using the deflection unit 4.

[0037] Preferably, the deflection unit 4 is arranged in the beam path of the light beam 30 between the light source 3 and at least a part of the projection unit 5. "At least a part of the projection unit 5" means that, as explained above, it can consist of several optical elements, between which the deflection unit 4 can be arranged.

[0038] The deflection unit 4 can receive a deflection control signal 41 and deflect the light beam 30 emitted by the light source 3 depending on the deflection control signal 41. This also allows the projection 50 of a low-resolution image to be deflected temporarily within the projection angle range P depending on the deflection control signal 41.

[0039] The module control unit 2 can be configured to output the deflection control signal 41.

[0040] The deflection unit 4 can comprise a glass plate 42 made of a material transparent to the emitted light beam 30 of the light source 3. This glass plate can be designed as a plane-parallel plate and be pivotably mounted about at least one pivot axis x by a corresponding mechanical suspension, wherein this pivot axis x is preferably perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the light beam 30 emitted by the light source 3. For example, the deflection unit 4 can further comprise an electromagnetic actuator which temporarily pivots the glass plate 42 about the at least one pivot axis x depending on the deflection control signal 41. By pivoting, the angle of incidence of the light beam 30 into the glass plate can be temporarily changed, so that, according to the refraction of light, the light beam 30 can be deflected parallel to the direction of propagation of the light beam 30 as it passes through the glass plate 42.This allows the projection 50 of the light beam 30 emitted by the light source, or of a low-resolution image, to be deflected in front of the vehicle lighting module 1 in order to visually increase the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module 1. This is demonstrated by the . Fig. 2b explained in more detail.

[0041] Various possibilities are known to those skilled in the art for creating such a deflection unit 4. For example, prisms are conceivable which, by changing their lateral position (relative to the direction of propagation of the light beam 30) and thus also by refraction, deflect the projection 50 of the light beam 30 emitted by the light source 3, or of a low-resolution image, within the projection angle range P. Reflective solutions for a deflection unit 4 are also possible.

[0042] The deflection of the projection 50 of a low-resolution image within the projection angle range P, at least temporarily, occurs as described in Fig. 2b As shown, the illuminable angular range within the projection angle range P is extended. In particular, with a sufficiently fast and oscillating deflection or with a sufficiently high deflection frequency of at least 60 Hz, preferably 120 Hz, a deflected projection 52 and a non-deflected projection 50 can be superimposed. This allows visual light segments 51v to be formed, which visually increases the native resolution of the automotive lighting module 1. For the sake of simplicity, we refer to a superposition, although it is clear that the superposition results from the persistence of vision of the human eye.

[0043] A deflection of the projection 50, 52, at least temporarily, within the projection angle range P means the displacement of the projection 50, 52 in the possible beam cone, i.e., in the angular space resulting from the projection unit 5. The projection angle range P preferably has a horizontal and a vertical extent, whereby the horizontal extent may be larger than the vertical extent. For example, the horizontal extent covers an angular range of at most 50° and the vertical extent an angular range of at most 20°.

[0044] For the purposes of this description, the non-deflected projection 50 and the deflected projection 52 each show the projection of a low-resolution image. These low-resolution images each correspond to a light distribution and have the native resolution of the automotive lighting module 1. The non-deflected projection 50 thus has non-deflected light segments 51, and the deflected projection 52 thus has deflected light segments 53.

[0045] Fig. 2c This shows the resolution of the light distribution 60 of a target image, which corresponds to a light distribution 60 with a large number of target light segments 60s. The resolution of a target image corresponds to the number of target light segments 60s and exceeds the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module 1.

[0046] Compared to Fig. 2b This resolution of the light distribution 60 of a target image can be achieved approximately by the described superposition of a deflected projection 52 and a non-deflected projection 50 within the projection angle range P.

[0047] The terms "deflected" and "undeclined" are intended to denote only a deflection relative to each other, regardless of whether an absolute deflection occurs or not. For example, due to requirements, the undeclined projection 50 can also be deflected using suitable means. The essential point is that at least a displacement angle WT with a corresponding direction results between the deflected projection 52 and the undeclined projection 50.

[0048] The temporary beam deflection can therefore be described by a deflection frequency and a displacement angle WT with a direction. The direction from the deflected projection 52 to the undeflected projection 50 thus corresponds to the direction of the temporary beam deflection.

[0049] The displacement angle WT is measured as the displacement relative to a neutral position of the projection 50, 52 within the projection angle range P, wherein the displacement angle WT is 0° in this neutral position. Preferably, the displacement angle WT is smaller than the largest angular dimension of a single light segment 51, 53. Particularly preferably, the displacement angle WT can assume a value between -2° and +2°. Very preferably, the displacement angle WT corresponds essentially to a horizontal offset by half a light segment 51, 53 and / or essentially to a vertical offset by half a light segment 51, 53.

[0050] A typical light distribution 60 of a target image has a certain information content, which is to be represented by superimposing a deflected projection 52 and an undeflected projection 50 within the projection angle range P. Based on correspondingly defined conversion rules, an image for the deflected projection 52 and an image for the undeflected position 50 must therefore be converted from the target image. Thus, the projection 50, 52 corresponds to different low-resolution images at several points in time, which are emitted in a temporal sequence by the vehicle lighting module 1. This temporal sequence of emission is coordinated with the temporary beam deflection by the deflection unit 4 in order to obtain, at least approximately, the light distribution 60 of the target image through the described superimposition.

[0051] "Tuning" therefore refers to a beam deflection by the deflection unit 4 that is at least approximately synchronous in time with the emission of the low-resolution images or their projection 50, 52.

[0052] Each target light segment (60s) as well as each light segment (51, 53) of a light distribution has a specific luminous intensity value, which can be processed in the individual steps according to the first and alternative methods. For the sake of simplicity, the description of the methods refers to the target light segment (60s) and the light segments (51, 53), although this clearly refers to their luminous intensity values.

[0053] Now, based on the Figuren 3a und 3b addressed the first procedure.

[0054] According to a first step, called step a), a target image S1 is received at time 1 / 60 s; this target image S1 can be referred to as the initial image. Furthermore, in this step a), a subsequent target image S2 is received at time 2 / 60 s, which can be referred to as the follow-up image.

[0055] The target images S1 and S2 each correspond to a light distribution and have a resolution that exceeds the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module 1. Preferably, all target images S1 and S2 have the same resolution.

[0056] The initial image S1 is converted into a low-resolution image A1 in a subsequent step, called step b), using a first conversion rule. This low-resolution image A1 is chosen such that it has the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module 1. In this example, the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module 1 comprises 5 x 20 light segments.

[0057] In a further step, called step c), an intermediate target image i1 is formed. This is formed from the combination of the initial image S1 received according to step a) and the subsequent image S2 received according to step a).

[0058] By "combined view," it is meant that the information content of the initial image S1 and the subsequent image S2 is combined to create an intermediate target image i1, which contains information from both the initial image S1 and the subsequent image S2. The intermediate target image i1 has a resolution that exceeds the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module 1. Preferably, the intermediate target image i1, the initial image S1, and the subsequent image S2 have the same resolution. Therefore, the intermediate target image i1 can also correspond to a light distribution with a plurality of target light segments of 60s.

[0059] As described, each target image S1, S2, or the initial image S1 and the subsequent image S2, corresponds to a light distribution with a multitude of target light segments of 60s. The combination of the initial image S1 and the subsequent image S2 received according to step a) can include at least partial interpolation between the initial image S1 and the subsequent image S2. Thus, the combination can correspond to a method that includes an interpolation function between the light intensity value of a target light segment of 60s in the initial image S1 and the light intensity value of a positionally identical target light segment of 60s in the subsequent image S2, with the result then being used for the positionally identical target light segment of the intermediate image i1 generated according to step c).Preferably, such an interpolation function is applied to all positionally identical target light segments 60s of the initial image S1 and the subsequent image S2 in order to calculate the light intensity values ​​of all positionally identical target light segments 60s of the intermediate image i1. Various rules or methods exist for generating an intermediate target image i1 by combining two target images S1 and S2, or the initial image S1 and the subsequent image S2. Depending on the specific requirements, a wide variety of interpolation functions can be used. The interpolation function may include arithmetic averaging.

[0060] In the context of this description, "positionally identical" refers to those elements of two images with the same resolution (target image, initial image, subsequent image, intermediate image; low-resolution image, further low-resolution image) that have the same index when these images are modeled as matrices. Each element has an individual index and, in the example of a target image, is assigned to a target light segment of 60s, or, in the example of a low-resolution image, to a light segment of 51.

[0061] In a further step, called step d), the intermediate target image i1 generated according to step c) is converted into another low-resolution image B1. This is done using a second conversion rule. The further low-resolution image B1 is chosen such that it has the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module 1.

[0062] The first conversion rule and the second conversion rule are preferably different, whereby the first conversion rule and the second conversion rule can be selected depending on the displacement angle WT and its direction or depending on the temporary beam deflection by means of the deflection unit 4.

[0063] The first conversion rule and the second conversion rule can be chosen such that a superposition of the resulting low-resolution image A1 and the further low-resolution image B2, or their projections 50, 52, as in Fig. 2b shown, shifted relative to each other, results in a more similar image impression to one of the two underlying target images S1, S2 than the individual low-resolution images A1, B1 taken on their own.

[0064] The first conversion rule can involve arithmetic averaging blocks 61 consisting of 2x2 adjacent target light segments 60s of the initial image S1, with the resulting arithmetic mean being used for a light segment 51 of the low-resolution image A1. According to an exemplary first conversion rule, all light segments 51 of the low-resolution image A1 can be generated using this method, with each light segment 51 of the low-resolution image A1 being generated from an individual block 61, again consisting of 2x2 adjacent target light segments 60s.

[0065] The second conversion rule can also include an arithmetic mean calculation of blocks 63 from the intermediate target image i1. In this example, the second conversion rule has been chosen depending on the displacement angle WT and its direction, or depending on the temporary beam deflection by means of the deflection unit 4. Therefore, for the positionally identical light segment 53 of the further low-resolution image B1, compared to the positionally identical light segment 51 of the low-resolution image A1, a different corresponding block 63, consisting of 2x2 adjacent target light segments 60s, is used.According to an exemplary second conversion rule, all light segments 53 of the further low-resolution image B1 can be generated according to this method, wherein each light segment 53 of the further low-resolution image B1 is generated from an individual block, again consisting of 2x2 adjacent target light segments 60s, wherein each individual block is selected depending on the temporary beam deflection by means of the deflection unit 4.

[0066] Edge problems that arise due to the positionally offset block processing can be solved with known measures.

[0067] Depending on the requirements and the resolution of the target image S1, S2, or the intermediate target image i1, both the first and second conversion rules can be adapted. Various methods can also be used as alternatives to block-wise arithmetic averaging. For example, median value calculation can also be applied block-wise. The size of blocks 61 and 63 can depend on the ratio of the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module 1 to the resolution of the corresponding target image, with the size of all blocks 61 and 63 preferably being the inverse of the ratio of the native resolution of the vehicle lighting module 1 to the resolution of the corresponding target image.

[0068] Preferably, steps c) and d) can be performed simultaneously by applying a procedure to the initial image S1 received according to step a) and the subsequent image S2 received according to step a), which includes the combination according to step c) and the second conversion procedure according to step d). For example, the arithmetic mean of each 2x2 block of the initial image S1 can be calculated together with each positionally identical 2x2 block of the subsequent image S2 in order to then obtain a light intensity value for each light segment 53 of the further low-resolution image B1.

[0069] In a further step, called step e), the vehicle lighting module 1 is controlled. The control is carried out such that, in coordination with the temporary beam deflection by the deflection unit 4, a temporal sequence of the low-resolution images A1 and B1, converted according to steps b) and d), is emitted by the vehicle lighting module 1. The temporal sequence of the emission of the low-resolution images A1 and B1, converted according to steps b) and d), is chosen such that the low-resolution image A1, converted according to step b), and the further low-resolution image B1, converted according to step d), are emitted alternately.

[0070] According to the timing diagram shown, the low-resolution image A1, converted according to step b), and subsequently the low-resolution image B1, converted according to step d), are emitted by the vehicle lighting module 1. Control can be achieved by the module control unit 2 sending a corresponding output of the light control signal 31 to the light source 3. A minimum time interval can be provided between the emission of the low-resolution image A1, converted according to step b), and the emission of the low-resolution image B1, converted according to step d), during which no emission occurs by the vehicle lighting module 1. This minimum time interval can last a maximum of 10 ms.

[0071] It is essential that the emission occurs in coordination with the temporary beam deflection by the deflection unit 4. As already described, this means that the alternating emission of the low-resolution images A1, B1 occurs at least approximately synchronously with the temporally varying beam deflection by the deflection unit 4. Accordingly, the module control unit 2 is preferably configured to output a corresponding deflection control signal 41 to the deflection unit 4 at least approximately synchronously with the light control signal 31, so that, in coordination with the temporary beam deflection by the deflection unit 4, a temporal sequence of the low-resolution images A1, B1, converted according to steps b) and d), is emitted by the vehicle lighting module 1.

[0072] It is also possible to store the low-resolution images A1, B1, converted according to step e) and according to steps b) and d), in a memory before controlling the vehicle lighting module 1. The module control unit 2 can have such a memory and be configured to store and repeatedly retrieve the converted low-resolution images A1, B1.

[0073] Now, in a further step, called step f), at least one more target image S3 can be received. In practice, it can happen that a large number of further target images S3, ... Sn, Sn+1 are received. Preferably, all target images S1, S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1 have the same resolution. In particular, if time-varying light distributions are to be emitted, for example, projected in the form of animated symbols, a large number of further target images S3, Sn, Sn+1 can be received. Each target image from the large number of further target images S3, Sn, Sn+1 in turn has a light distribution 60 with a large number of target light segments 60s.

[0074] As shown, the target images S1, S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1 are received at regular intervals. In this example, 60 target images are received per second.

[0075] It is also possible that the number of target images S1, S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1 received per second is limited due to predefined interfaces. For example, only 30 or 20 images per second may be received. It is also possible that the number of target images S1, S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1 received per second varies.

[0076] Now, based on at least one further received target image S3, an iteration of steps a) to e) is performed under the following specification: The further received target image S3 is used in such a way that the current successor image S2, received according to the preceding step a), is used (i.e. received) as the new initial image S2 in a new iteration of steps a) to e), and that the subsequent target image S3, received according to step f), is used (i.e. received) as the new successor image S3 in the new iteration of steps a) to e).

[0077] This starts a new iteration of steps a) to e) and, according to the time diagram shown, is traversed with a new initial image S2 and a new subsequent image S3.

[0078] Accordingly, for a large number of further received target images S3, ... Sn, Sn+1, an identical number of iterations of steps a) to e) are carried out under the same specification.

[0079] The number of iterations of steps a) to e) results, in coordination with the temporary beam deflection by the deflection unit 4, in a temporal sequence of the emission of the low-resolution images A1, B1, A2, B2, ... An-1, Bn-1, An, Bn, which are converted in each iteration according to steps b) and d).

[0080] The steps do not have to be performed in the order shown. Where applicable, different steps can be initiated simultaneously. With appropriate hardware and system design, for example, step f) can be initiated before step e) is completed.

[0081] In each iteration according to step f), a further step a1) may be provided after step a), in which a release signal is checked, in order to then, if a positive release signal is present, continue in the iteration with steps b) to e) and if a negative release signal is present, skip step c) in the iteration of steps b) to e) and in step d) replace the intermediate target image i1, i2, in-1, in by the successor image S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1 received in this iteration according to step a).

[0082] The enable signal can be provided, for example, by the higher-level control unit 10 or by the module control unit 2. A positive enable signal is present if the subsequent image S2 differs from the initial image S1, and a negative enable signal is present if the subsequent image S2 does not differ from the initial image S1. Accordingly, the higher-level control unit 10 or the module control unit 2 can be configured to compare the subsequent image S2 and the initial image S1 before step a1) in order to provide an enable signal based on this comparison.

[0083] Preferably, the module control unit 2 is configured to check for the presence of a positive or negative enable signal.

[0084] Furthermore, it may be provided that at least one further target image S3, received according to step f), is generated predictively from image data of the current initial image S1, received according to the preceding step a), and from image data of the current successor image S2, received according to the preceding step a).

[0085] Particularly preferably, when dealing with a large number of further target images S3, Sn, Sn+1, which lead to the same number of iterations of steps a) to e), each m-th target image S3, Sn, Sn+1 is predictively generated from the image data of the initial image S1, S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1 and subsequent image S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1 received in the respective iteration according to step a). m is a natural number greater than 1, preferably a natural number between 2 and 10.

[0086] The image data can include the light intensity values ​​of at least a number of the respective target light segments 60s in the initial image S1 and the subsequent image S2. In particular, if the vehicle lighting module 1 selectively masks or illuminates road users, at least parts of the light distribution 60 of a target light image S1, S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1 are rendered by object data that relate to the respective road users. The image data can therefore also include such object data.

[0087] The higher-level control unit 10 can be configured to predictively generate at least one further target image S3, Sn, Sn+1 received according to step f).

[0088] The module control unit 2 can be configured to perform steps a) to f). For this purpose, the module control unit 2 can be configured to receive and process the image signal Bs and, based on this, output the corresponding light control signal 31 to the light source 3 and the corresponding deflection control signal 41 to the deflection unit 4.

[0089] The module control unit 2 can incorporate appropriate hardware for this purpose. For example, the module control unit 2 may incorporate a microcontroller and / or FPGA for this purpose.

[0090] In Fig. 3b Several target images S1, S2, an intermediate image i1, and low-resolution images A1, B1, A2 are shown as examples. As indicated by the arrows, according to step b), the target image S1 is converted into a low-resolution image A1; according to step c), an intermediate image i1 is formed from the combination of two target images S1 and S2; according to step d), another low-resolution image B1 is converted from this intermediate image i1; and in a subsequent iteration of the steps, according to step f), the target image S2 is converted into a low-resolution image A2.

[0091] Fig. 4Figure 1 shows a time diagram for the alternative process with a sequence of steps implemented according to the invention. For clarity, the same reference numerals are used as in the preceding figures, provided they denote fundamentally identical components. However, it is clear that minor differences may arise due to the alternative implementation. All details known from the first process can, where applicable, also be implemented in this alternative process. For example, the described conversion procedures can also be applied to this process.

[0092] The alternative method is based on the same idea as the first method, with the difference that, in the following steps B) and C), the target images S1, S2 received according to step A) are converted into low-resolution intermediate images a1, a2 using a first conversion rule, and further low-resolution intermediate images b1, b2 using a second conversion rule. Then, according to steps D) and E), a low-resolution image A1 and another low-resolution image B2 are formed by combining one low-resolution intermediate image a1, b1 with another low-resolution intermediate image a2, b2. Finally, analogous to the first method, the vehicle lighting module 1 is controlled according to step F) such that, in coordination with the temporary beam deflection by the deflection unit 4, the low-resolution image A1 is emitted alternately with the other low-resolution image B1.

[0093] Similarly, the same advanced features of the embodiments described in the figure description for the first method are also applicable to this alternative method. Therefore, they will not be discussed in detail again. It should be noted here that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is defined by the entire scope of protection of the claims. Any reference numerals in the claims are exemplary and serve only to improve the readability of the claims, without limiting them.

Claims

1. Method for controlling a motor vehicle lighting module (1) in a manner optimizing the representation, wherein the motor vehicle lighting module (1) is configured to emit a segmented light distribution having individually controllable light segments (51, 53), wherein the motor vehicle lighting module (1) comprises a deflection unit (4) configured to increase a native resolution of the motor vehicle lighting module (1) visually by at least temporary beam deflection using the deflection unit (4), wherein the motor vehicle lighting module (1) is configured to receive target images (S1, S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1) from a higher-level control unit (10), each of said target images (S1, S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1) respectively corresponding to a light distribution and having a resolution that exceeds the native resolution of the motor vehicle lighting module (1), wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) receiving a target image (S1, S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1), also referred to as initial image, and a target image (S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1) following it in time, also referred to as subsequent image; b) converting the initial image (S1, S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1) received according to step a) into a low-resolution image (A1, A2, An-1, An) using a first conversion rule, said low-resolution image (A1, A2, An-1, An) being selected such that it has the native resolution of the motor vehicle lighting module (1); c) forming an intermediate target image (i1, i2, in-1, in) by a combination view of the initial image (S1, S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1) received according to step a) and the subsequent image (S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1) received according to step a); d) converting the intermediate target image (i1, i2, in-1, in) obtained according to step c) into a further low-resolution image (B1, B2, Bn-1, Bn) using a second conversion rule, said further low-resolution image (B1, B2, Bn-1, Bn) being selected such that it has the native resolution of the motor vehicle lighting module (1); e) controlling the motor vehicle lighting module (1), wherein said controlling is performed in such a way that the motor vehicle lighting module (1) emits, in coordination with the temporary beam deflection effected by the deflection unit (4), a temporal sequence of the low-resolution images (A1, B1, A2, B2, An-1, Bn-1, An, Bn) converted according to steps b) and d), said temporal sequence of emitting the converted low-resolution images (A1, B1, A2, B2, An-1, Bn-1, An, Bn) being selected such that the low-resolution image (A1, A2, An-1, An) converted according to step b) and the further low-resolution image (B1, B2, Bn-1, Bn) converted according to step d) are emitted alternately over time.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises a further step f) in which at least one further target image (S3, Sn, Sn+1) is received and then, corresponding to the number of further target images, a same number of iterations of steps a) to e) are performed under the following constraint: Each received target image (S3, Sn, Sn+1) is used corresponding to the chronological sequence in such a way that the current subsequent image received according to the preceding step a) is used as the new initial image in a new iteration of steps a) to e), and that the subsequent target image received in accordance with step f) is used as the new subsequent image in the new iteration of steps a) to e).

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the method comprises, in each of the iterations according to step f), temporally after step a), a further step a1) in which a release signal is checked, in order to proceed, if a positive release signal is present, by continuing the iteration with steps b) to e) in the iteration, and if a negative release signal is present, by skipping step c) in the iteration of steps b) to e) and replacing the intermediate target image (i1, i2, in-1, in) in step d) with the subsequent image (S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1) received in this iteration according to step a), wherein a positive release signal is present if the subsequent image differs from the initial image and a negative release signal is present if the subsequent image does not differ from the initial image.

4. Method according to claim 2, wherein the at least one further target image (S3) received according to step f) is generated predictively from image data of the current initial image (S1) received according to the preceding step a) and the current subsequent image (S2) received according to the preceding step a).

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step c) and step d) are performed simultaneously.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in step c) the combination view is produced by at least partially interpolating the target image contents of the initial image and the subsequent image.

7. Method for controlling a motor vehicle lighting module (1) in a manner optimizing the representation, wherein the motor vehicle lighting module (1) is configured to emit a segmented light distribution having individually controllable light segments (51, 53), wherein the motor vehicle lighting module (1) comprises a deflection unit (4) configured to increase a native resolution of the motor vehicle lighting module (1) visually by at least temporary beam deflection using the deflection unit (4), wherein the motor vehicle lighting module (1) is configured to receive target images from a higher-level control unit (10), each of said target images (S1, S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1) respectively corresponding to a light distribution and having a resolution that exceeds the native resolution of the automotive lighting module (1), wherein the method comprises the following steps: A) receiving a target image (S1, S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1), also referred to as the initial image, and a target image (S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1) following it in time, also referred to as the subsequent image; B) converting the initial image (S1, S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1) received according to step A) into a low-resolution intermediate image (a1, a2, a3, an, an+1) using a first conversion rule and into a low-resolution intermediate image (b1, b2, b3, bn, bn+1) using a second conversion rule, said low-resolution intermediate images (a1, b1, a2, b2, a3, b3, an, bn, an+1, bn+1) being selected such that they have the native resolution of the motor vehicle lighting module (1); C) converting the subsequent image (S2, S3, Sn, Sn+1) received according to step A) into a further low-resolution intermediate image (a2, a3, an, an+1) using the first conversion rule and into a further low-resolution intermediate image (b2, b3, bn, bn+1) using the second conversion rule, said further low-resolution intermediate images (a2, b2, a3, b3, an, bn, an+1, bn+1) being selected such that they have the native resolution of the motor vehicle lighting module (1); D) forming a low-resolution image (A1, A2, An-1, An) by a combination view of a low-resolution intermediate image (a1, a2, a3, an, an+1) converted using the first conversion rule according to step B) and a further low-resolution intermediate image (a2, a3, an, an+1) converted using the first conversion rule according to step C), said low-resolution image (A1, A2, An-1, An) being selected such that it has the native resolution of the motor vehicle lighting module (1); E) forming a further low-resolution image (B1, B2, Bn-1, Bn) by a combination view of a low-resolution intermediate image (b1, b2, b3, bn, bn+1) converted using the second conversion rule according to step B) and a further low-resolution intermediate image (b1, b2, b3, bn, bn+1) converted using the second conversion rule according to step C), said further low-resolution image (B1, B2, Bn-1, Bn) being selected such that it has the native resolution of the motor vehicle lighting module (1); F) controlling the motor vehicle lighting module (1), wherein said controlling is performed in such a way that the motor vehicle lighting module (1) emits, in coordination with the temporary beam deflection effected by the deflection unit (4), a temporal sequence of the low-resolution images (A1, B1, A2, B2, An-1, Bn-1, An, Bn) formed according to steps D) and E), said temporal sequence of emitting the low-resolution images (A1, B1, A2, B2, An-1, Bn-1, An, Bn) formed according to steps D) and E) being selected such that the low-resolution image (A1, A2, An-1, An) formed according to step D) and the further low-resolution image (B1, B2, Bn-1, Bn) formed according to step E) are emitted alternately over time.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the method comprises a further step G) in which at least one further target image (S3, Sn, Sn+1) is received and then, corresponding to the number of further target images (S3, Sn, Sn+1), a same number of iterations of steps A) to F) are performed under the following constraint: Each received target image (S3, Sn, Sn+1) is used corresponding to the chronological sequence in such a way that the current subsequent image received according to the preceding step A) is used as the new initial image in a new iteration of steps A) to F), and that the chronologically subsequent target image (S3, Sn, Sn+1) received according to step G) is used as the new subsequent image in the new iteration of steps A) to F).

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the method comprises, in each of the iterations according to step G), temporally after step A), a further step A1) in which a release signal is checked, in order to proceed, if a positive release signal is present, by continuing with steps B) to F) in the iteration and, if a negative enable signal is present, by skipping, in the iteration of steps B) to F), the steps C) and E) and, in step F) emitting, instead of the temporal sequence of the low-resolution images (A1, B1, A2, B2, An-1, Bn-1, An, Bn), a temporal sequence of the low-resolution intermediate images (a1, b1, a2, b2, a3, b3, an, bn, an+1, bn+1) converted according to step B) in coordination with the temporary beam deflection using the deflection unit (4) through the motor vehicle lighting module (1), wherein a positive enable signal is present if the subsequent image differs from the initial image and a negative enable signal is present if the subsequent image does not differ from the initial image.

10. Method according to claim 8, wherein the at least one further target image (S3) received according to step G) is generated predictively from image data of the current initial image (S1) received according to the preceding step A) and the current subsequent image (S2) received according to the preceding step A).

11. Method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein in at least one of steps D) and E), the combination view is produced by at least partially interpolating the image contents of the low-resolution intermediate images (a1, b1, a2, b2, a3, b3, an, bn, an+1, bn+1).

12. Motor vehicle with a motor vehicle lighting module (1), wherein the motor vehicle lighting module (1) is configured to emit a segmented light distribution, wherein the motor vehicle lighting module (1) comprises a deflection unit (4) configured to increase a native resolution of the motor vehicle lighting module (1) visually by at least temporary beam deflection using the deflection unit (4), wherein the motor vehicle comprises means for carrying out at least one of the preceding methods.