Gonioradiometer and method for measuring at least one illumination or radiation characteristic of a light source in a direction-dependent manner.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gonioradiometer and method for measuring at least one illumination or emission characteristic of a light source (1,S) in a direction-dependent manner. The gonioradiometer comprises at least one sensor (SR) and a device (4,5) for moving the light source (1,10,S) such that the sensor (SR) records measurements indicating the illumination or emission characteristic on a spherical surface centered on the radiative centroid (11,LS) of the light source (1,10,S). Each measurement of the illumination or emission characteristic is assigned a specific plane of a planar system (A) and a specific radiation angle (α) within this plane. The device (4,5) for moving the radiation source (1,10,S) includes a worktable (2) having a rotation axis (A4) to which the radiation source (1,10,S) can be attached. The device (4,5) is designed and configured to move the worktable (2) tangentially along a circular orbit (3) centered on the radiation centroid (11,LS) to set different radiation angles (α), and to rotate the worktable (2) around the rotation axis (A4) to set various planes of the planar system (A). The radiation centroid (11,LS) of the radiation source (1,10,S) attached to the worktable (2) remains stationary both while the worktable (2) is moving along the circular orbit (3) and while it is rotating around the rotation axis (A4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a goniophotometer and a method for measuring at least one lighting characteristic or radiation characteristic of a light source as a function of direction.

Background Art

[0002] A goniophotometer is generally used to measure the lighting characteristics or radiation characteristics of lamps and luminaires. A goniophotometer is a mechanical optical measurement system that can be used to determine the directional dependence of quantities that describe light radiation. For example, depending on the sensors and measurement device heads used, the luminous intensity distribution and color distribution of a light source can be determined. The light source or radiation source has its light center (Lichtschwerpunkt) located at the center of the goniophotometer and at the origin of the spherical coordinate system. In this case, the measured values of the lighting characteristics or radiation characteristics can be measured goniometrically, i.e., for all directions, by rotating the light source or radiation source or by continuously moving the sensor over various angular ranges.

[0003] The lighting characteristics or radiation characteristics of a light source are obtained by evaluating individual directions and / or by integrating the measurement results over a partial region or the entire solid angle of the distribution body.

[0004] Lighting characteristics or radiation characteristics such as luminous intensity are quantities that depend on direction, and the radiation direction can generally be specified by two angles in a spherical coordinate system connected to the light source. A description by a specific planar system known as the A-plane, B-plane, and C-plane has been established. These planes are described in "Measurement of Absolute Luminous Intensity Distribution" (CIE Central Bureau, ISBN 3-900734-05-4) of CIE70 (1987).

[0005] In practice, certain types of gonioradiometers, as defined in CIE70 (1987), have been shown to be effective. In types 1.1 to 1.3 gonioradiometers, the light source rotates during measurement while the sensor remains stationary. In type 3 gonioradiometers, the radiation source rotates around an axis, and the sensor moves along a straight line parallel to the axis of rotation. The light source or radiation source is positioned such that its optical centroid or radiative centroid (Strahlungsschwerpunkt) is located at the center of the gonioradiometer. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] There is growing interest in recording the illumination or radiant characteristics of lamps and lighting fixtures in their usage state, i.e., in their installed condition. A key application here is measuring the quality of vehicle headlight illumination and / or illumination signaling function in an installed state. However, the problem here is that lamps and lighting fixtures are generally physically larger in their intended usage state than when measured in isolation. One example is a car headlight module, which includes not only multiple headlights but also mirrors and housings, resulting in a considerable spatial extent overall. Furthermore, current automotive design trends favor lights that extend across the entire width of the vehicle. Performing gonioradiometric measurements on such modules can lead to practical problems because the weight and spatial extent of the module make it difficult to tilt or rotate, and it requires considerable space.

[0007] Based on this, the present invention aims to provide a gonioradiometer for measuring at least one illumination or radiation characteristic of a light source in a direction-dependent manner, which enables gonioradiometric measurement even in a module containing one or more light sources, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, a corresponding method for measuring such a characteristic of a light source in a direction-dependent manner is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by a gonioradiometer having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 17. Embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] Accordingly, in a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to a gonioradiometer for measuring the direction-dependent illumination or radiation characteristics of at least one light source, comprising: at least one sensor suitable for measuring radiation from the source; and a device for moving the source, wherein the device is movable such that the sensor records a measurement indicating the illumination or radiation characteristics on a spherical surface centered on the radiation centroid of the source.

[0010] The radiation direction of illumination characteristics is described using a planar system in which planes intersect at an intersection line passing through the radiation centroid of the radiation source, and a radiation angle indicating the radiation direction within the target plane. Each measurement of illumination or radiation characteristics is assigned a specific plane within the planar system and a specific radiation angle within that plane.

[0011] Furthermore, the device for moving the radiation source includes a work table having a rotating axis to which the radiation source can be attached, and this device is To set different radiation angles α, the worktable is moved along a circular orbit in which the radiation centroid is located at the center, and To set various planes in planar system A, the worktable is designed and configured to rotate around a rotation axis. Whether the worktable is moving in a circular orbit or rotating around its axis, the radiative centroid of the radiation source attached to the worktable remains stationary.

[0012] The solution according to the present invention is based on the idea of ​​replacing one of the two rotations of the radiation source performed in gonioradiometric measurement with circular motion, in which the worktable to which the radiation source is mounted is guided tangentially along a circular orbit in which the radiating centroid is located at its center. For example, rotation around a spatially fixed horizontal axis to set the radiation angle α is replaced by movement along a circular orbit in which the worktable to which the radiation source is mounted is mounted. The radius of the circle in the circular orbit determines the maximum vertical size of the object being measured, i.e., the radius corresponds to the distance between the support surface of the worktable and the radiating centroid, i.e., the luminescence center of the radiation source.

[0013] When the rotation of the radiation source around an axis is achieved by moving the worktable on which the radiation source is placed along a circular orbit, there is an advantage in that it is not necessary to rotate the worktable holding the radiation source around two physically existing axes. (To measure different planes of planar system A), a relatively simple rotation around the axis is sufficient. This reduces the complexity of the device holding the radiation source.

[0014] Another advantage associated with the solution according to the present invention is that by moving the worktable tangentially along a circular orbit, sufficient workspace is provided for handling and rotating the radiation source or module containing the radiation source. This is because, as the worktable moves along the circular orbit, the kinematics required for such movement of the worktable are located below or outside the circular orbit, while the radiation center of the radiation source remains stationary at the center of the circular orbit. Thus, the object to be measured can be handled by an operator, even if it is large in size, and in particular, it can be attached to and removed from the worktable. Because sufficient handling area is provided on and above the worktable, even large and heavy parts can be placed on the worktable for measurement.

[0015] The advantage of the solution according to the present invention is that, by placing the radiation source on a worktable, even large modules can be mounted and measured gonioradiometrically by making the worktable correspondingly large and robust.

[0016] Note that the surface of the worktable or work surface is tilted so that the surface of the worktable is tangential to the circular orbit while the worktable moves along the circular orbit.

[0017] Furthermore, according to one exemplary embodiment, the worktable moves along a circular orbit over an angular range of up to 200°, from -100° to +100°, where an angle of 0° corresponds to the worktable being positioned parallel to the floor (i.e., the lowest point of the circular orbit).

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is designed and configured to rotate the worktable around its axis of rotation during the measurement process, and during the measurement process, measurements corresponding to different planes of the planar system A for each set radiation angle α are recorded. After such measurements, the worktable moves to another position along a circular orbit to set a different radiation angle α. Subsequently, for this radiation angle, measurements corresponding to different planes of the planar system A for the set radiation angle α are recorded by rotating the worktable around its axis of rotation. This is continued step by step until measurements have been taken for all radiation angles α to be measured.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus is designed and configured to move a worktable along a circular orbit during the measurement process, during which measurements corresponding to different radiation angles α within each set plane of the planar system A are recorded. In this case, after such measurements, the worktable rotates around its axis of rotation to set another plane of the planar system. Subsequently, for this plane, measurements corresponding to different radiation angles α within the then set plane are recorded by moving the worktable along the circular orbit. This is continued step by step until measurements have been taken for all planes of the planar system to be measured.

[0020] From the above, it can be seen that the measurement process in the present invention is a process in which the sensor records either a measurement value obtained when the work table moves along a circular orbit on a set plane of a planar system, or a measurement value obtained when the work table rotates around its axis of rotation at a set radiation angle α.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the axis of rotation of the rotary table is perpendicular to the surface of the rotary table. Therefore, the radiation source rotates about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the rotary table. Preferably, the radiation source is mounted on the work table such that the radiation centroid of the radiation source lies on this axis. This means that the position of the radiation centroid does not change even when the radiation source is rotated. If the radiation centroid of the radiation source is not initially located on the axis of rotation of the work table, it is necessary to move the radiation source in the plane of the work table after mounting it to the work table so that the radiation centroid lies on the axis of rotation.

[0022] A device for moving a radiation source can, in principle, be designed in various ways. This device must be able to rotate a worktable around its axis of rotation and guide the worktable along a circular path. One configuration that achieves this is one that uses a robot to perform these movements.

[0023] Accordingly, according to one exemplary embodiment, the device for moving the radiation source is formed by a robot having at least two swivel arms having associated pivot axes and at least one translational degree of freedom, wherein one of the robot's pivot axes is formed by the axis of rotation of the worktable. The movement of the worktable along a circular orbit can generally be achieved by a combination of linear, vertical, and tilting motions of the worktable (the tilting motion of the worktable is a different motion from the rotational motion of the worktable about a pivot axis). While moving in a circular orbit, the worktable is tilted such that the normal to the flat work surface of the worktable points to the center of the circle, i.e., the work surface of the worktable is tangential to the circular orbit. Linear and vertical motions guide the worktable along the circular orbit.

[0024] The linear motion of the worktable is achieved by utilizing the robot's translational degrees of freedom. The vertical motion of the worktable is achieved by utilizing the robot's two swivel arms, which have associated pivot axes.

[0025] For example, the robot is a 4-axis articulated robot capable of translational motion. The articulated arm of the robot functions as a swing arm and is configured to be aligned with each other so as to realize a circular orbit of the worktable in conjunction with the translational motion. For example, the translational motion is performed along a longitudinal rail disposed on the floor surface.

[0026] In a further exemplary embodiment, the device for moving the radiation source is configured to have two linear mechanisms and an inclined rotation mechanism. The first linear mechanism is designed and configured to horizontally move the work plate. The second linear mechanism is designed and configured to vertically move the work plate (along the longitudinal rail). The inclined rotation mechanism is designed and configured to incline the work plate so that the normal vector on the surface of the work plate or on the workpiece points to the center of the circle at each position along the circular orbit, and to rotate the work plate about the rotation axis.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the device for moving the radiation source is configured such that the radius of the circular orbit is adjustable. In particular, the radius is adjustable with respect to the height of the measurement object including the radiation source. The measurement object is attached to the worktable, and the radiation center of gravity of the radiation source is located at the center of the circular orbit executed by the worktable.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the radius of the circular orbit is at least 10 cm, but can be quite large, for example, up to 150 cm. Further, the center of the circular orbit is at a height of 130 to 180 cm from the horizontal ground where the goniometer is installed. Thereby, an operator can easily handle an object at approximately chest height.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the device for moving the radiation source is designed and configured to move a worktable along a circular orbit about a spatially fixed horizontal axis. In this case, the gonioradiometer is a gonioradiometer of type 1.1. The intersection lines of planar system A may form an axis passing through the center of the circular orbit.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the device for moving the radiation source performs continuous movement during a measurement process in which the worktable rotates around a pivot axis or moves along a circular orbit, and the sensor is configured to continuously record measurements during the continuous movement. Such continuous movement is also called scanning movement or scanning process. Continuous recording of measurements during a scanning process is an effective mode of operation for recording measurements. It should be noted that the number of measurements recorded during a scanning process is, of course, finite. For example, a measurement may be recorded every hundredth of a degree of rotation. The higher the resolution, the greater the number of measurements.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the sensor is positioned in the far field of view of the radiation source, i.e., at a distance where the radiation source can be considered approximately a point light source. For example, the sensor is positioned at a distance of 3 to 50 m from the centroid of the radiation source. It should be noted that the placement of the sensor in the far field of view of the radiation source is merely an exemplary embodiment. In principle, the sensor may also be positioned in the near field of view.

[0032] Illumination or radiation characteristics include, for example, the luminous intensity distribution, color distribution, and / or spectral radiation information on a spherical surface centered on the radiation source.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a method for measuring, in a direction-dependent manner, at least one illumination or radiation characteristic of a light source, wherein the radiation direction of the illumination or radiation characteristic is described using a planar system in which planes intersect at an intersection line passing through the radiation centroid of the radiation source, and a radiation angle indicating the radiation direction in the plane of interest. Each measurement of the illumination or radiation characteristic is assigned a specific plane in the planar system and a specific radiation angle in this plane. The measurements are recorded by at least one sensor suitable for measuring radiation from the radiation source. The radiation source is moved during the measurement process so that the sensor records measurements indicating the illumination or radiation characteristic on a sphere centered on the radiation centroid of the radiation source.

[0034] The radiation source is positioned on a worktable having a rotating axis, and the worktable is, To set different radiation angles α, the radiation centroid is moved tangentially along a circular orbit with the center located at the center, and, To set various planes of planar system A, rotate around the axis of rotation, Whether the worktable is moving in a circular orbit or rotating around its axis, the radiative centroid of the radiation source attached to the worktable remains stationary.

[0035] For the advantages associated with such methods, please refer to the description of the gonioradiometer according to the present invention. The same applies to the exemplary embodiments of the methods according to the present invention described in claims 18 to 22.

[0036] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings and with the use of several exemplary embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1]This figure shows an exemplary embodiment of a gonioradiometer having a four-axis swivel arm robot and a worktable having a rotating axis to which a radiation source is attached, wherein the worktable is movable by the robot in a circular orbit and is rotatable about the rotating axis. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a gonioradiometer with a worktable in various positions on a circular orbit and in various rotational positions. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a gonioradiometer with a worktable in various positions on a circular orbit and in various rotational positions. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows a gonioradiometer with a worktable in various positions on a circular orbit and in various rotational positions. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows a gonioradiometer with a worktable in various positions on a circular orbit and in various rotational positions. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows a gonioradiometer with a worktable in various positions on a circular orbit and in various rotational positions. [Figure 7] This figure shows a gonioradiometer in which the radiation source mounted on the worktable is shaped like a headlight module. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows a gonioradiometer with a worktable in various positions on a circular orbit and in various rotational positions. [Figure 9] Figure 7 shows a gonioradiometer with a worktable in various positions on a circular orbit and in various rotational positions. [Figure 10] Figure 7 shows a gonioradiometer with a worktable in various positions on a circular orbit and in various rotational positions. [Figure 11] Figure 7 shows a gonioradiometer with a worktable in various positions on a circular orbit and in various rotational positions. [Figure 12]This figure shows an exemplary embodiment of a gonioradiometer having a worktable, wherein the worktable is movable by a device having horizontal and vertical linear mechanisms and a tilting rotation mechanism, and is rotatable about a rotation axis. [Figure 13] Figure 12 shows a gonioradiometer with a worktable in various positions on a circular orbit and in various rotational positions. [Figure 14] Figure 12 shows a gonioradiometer with a worktable in various positions on a circular orbit and in various rotational positions. [Figure 15] Figure 12 shows a gonioradiometer with a worktable in various positions on a circular orbit and in various rotational positions. [Figure 16] Figure 12 shows a gonioradiometer with a worktable in various positions on a circular orbit and in various rotational positions. [Figure 17] Figure 12 shows a gonioradiometer with a worktable in various positions on a circular orbit and in various rotational positions. [Figure 18] This figure shows a spherical coordinate system with a radiation source positioned at the coordinate origin. [Figure 19] This diagram schematically shows a type 1.1 gonioradiometer having a spatially fixed horizontal axis and a spatially movable vertical axis for measuring surfaces A and B. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is a schematic representation of a radiometer in a spherical coordinate system, and includes a projection screen to illustrate the changes that occur when the light source rotates around two axes with respect to the plane and radiation angle of the planar system used. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Before describing the present invention in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments in Figures 1 to 17, the background of the present invention will first be explained with reference to Figures 18 to 20 in order to deepen the understanding of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 18 shows a spherical coordinate system defining the angles φ and θ. When the radiation source S or its radiation center of gravity LS is located at the origin of such a spherical coordinate system, the illumination characteristics or radiation characteristics of the radiation source can be measured gonimetrically, i.e., for all directions, by moving the radiation source or continuously moving the sensor within the angular ranges -180° < φ < 180° and 0 < θ < 180°. Therefore, the radiation direction can be defined by two angles φ and θ.

[0040] Other illumination characteristics or radiation characteristics that depend on the luminous intensity distribution and direction are called the A-plane, B-plane, and C-plane, and are generally described using specific plane systems as explained in the aforementioned CIE70 (1987). Each plane system defines two axes that intersect at the optical center of gravity of the light source. The first axis is given by the intersection line where all planes of the plane system intersect. The second axis is given by the orientation of the lamp of the radiation source.

[0041] In the A-plane, the individual planes are represented by an angle A where -180° < X < 180°. x Within the A-plane, the direction or radiation angle α is indicated by an angle α where -90° < α < 90°.

[0042] In the B-plane, the individual planes are represented by an angle B where -180° < X < 180°. x Within the B-plane, the direction is indicated by an angle β where -90° < β < 90°.

[0043] In the C-plane, the individual planes are represented by an angle C where 0° < X < 360°. x Within the C-plane, the direction is indicated by an angle γ where 0 < γ < 180°.

[0044] The angles φ and θ in Figure 18 are generalized representatives of the angles in the A-system, B-system, or C-system, for example A and α.

[0045] Figure 19 schematically illustrates a type 1.1 gonioradiometer. It schematically shows a radiation source S having a light-emitting region and optical axis OA, a sensor SR, and two axes X1 and X2 around which the radiation source S can be rotated. One axis X1 is spatially fixed, and its spatial orientation does not change even when the radiation source S rotates around this axis X1. The other axis X2 is not spatially fixed, because rotating around the fixed axis X1 would inevitably change the spatial orientation of the other axis X2.

[0046] The Type 1.1 goniometer shown in Figure 19 has a horizontal axis X1 with a fixed spatial position and a spatially movable axis X2, which extends vertically in the diagram in Figure 19, but whose spatial position changes when the device is rotated around the horizontal axis. Either surface A or surface B is measured.

[0047] A type 1.1 gonioradiometer used for measuring plane A has a fixed horizontal axis X1. When the device with the radiation source moves or scans around the fixed horizontal axis X1, plane A is recorded, and the radiation angle α changes as a result. On the other hand, when the moving vertical axis X2 moves with a fixed α during the measurement process, the parameter A x In this mode, the fixed sensor changes to travel along a "line of latitude (Breitenkreis)" on a spherical surface. The latter operating mode is generally used to characterize automotive headlights because the mass moved is smaller when rotating around axis X2 than when rotating around axis X1.

[0048] These relationships are further illustrated in Figure 20. Figure 20 shows a radiation source S and its optical axis OA, two axes X1 and X2 positioned perpendicular to each other and capable of rotating the radiation source S around them, and a measurement wall M on which individual wall sections 55 corresponding to individual solid angle elements or solid angle ranges 56 of a spherical coordinate system with the radiation source S as the coordinate origin are schematically shown. Here, axis X1 extends horizontally and axis X2 extends vertically. The measurement wall M may be a virtual plane, an actual measurement wall, or a projection screen.

[0049] Figure 20 shows that rotation around axis X1 changes angle α, which leads to a change in the vertical angle on the measurement wall M; in other words, rotation around the horizontal axis X1 changes the vertical angle on the measurement wall.

[0050] Therefore, by changing the angle α, different lines of latitude can be selected.

[0051] When the system rotates around axis X2, either a plane of planar system A passes through it, or multiple such planes are measured at a fixed angle α. At this time, a "latitude line" is drawn on the measurement wall.

[0052] The measurement process or scanning can essentially be carried out by measuring various planes A (rotated around axis X2) for an angle α and performing such measurements for a large number of angles α, or by changing the radiation angle α for a particular plane A (rotated around axis X1) and performing such measurements for a large number of planes A.

[0053] Figure 20 also shows two sensors SR installed on the measurement wall M, which are positioned in a vertical plane and spaced apart vertically. This should be understood as an example. In principle, measurements can be performed with just one sensor. It is also possible to use two or more sensors. For example, various sensor measurement arrangements are possible, as described in International Publication No. 2016 / 116300.

[0054] It should be noted that the sensor in this invention is any sensor capable of measuring light emission within a wavelength range of, for example, 100 nm (ultraviolet C) to 1 mm (infrared C), i.e., ultraviolet radiation, visible light radiation, or infrared radiation. Therefore, the sensor in this invention can detect wavelength or wavelength range.

[0055] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The present invention provides replacing the rotation around the horizontal axis X1 in Figures 19 and 20 with movement along a circular path or circular orbit of a worktable on which a radiation source is located. The surface of the worktable extends tangentially to the circular path. A spatially fixed horizontal axis X1 forms the center of the circular path or circular orbit. In this case, the radiation centroid of the radiation source is located at the center of the circular path.

[0056] Figure 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of such a goniodeometer. This goniodeometer includes a worktable 2 and a four-axis swivel arm robot 4 for appropriately moving the worktable 2.

[0057] The worktable 2 has a plane on which the radiation source 1 to be measured is placed, i.e., a support surface / work surface 20. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the radiation source 1. The radiation source 1 has a radiation centroid 11. The worktable 2 can be moved by the robot 4 along a circular orbit 3, and in order to detect a sphere, it is only necessary to pass through the lower 180° of the circular orbit between points 31 and 32 (i.e., the angular range from -90° to +90° when angle 0° is perpendicular to the floor). The worktable 2 may be configured to move over an angular range larger than 180°, for example, an angular range of 200° (from 100° to -100°).

[0058] The circular orbit 3 is characterized in that the radial centroid 11 is located at the center of the circular orbit 3. This applies to all positions on the worktable 2. The surface 20 of the worktable 2 is tilted so that it is always tangential to the arc as the worktable 2 moves along the circular orbit 3. This description corresponds to the statement that at all positions on the worktable 2, the normal of the surface 20 points to the center of the circle.

[0059] Furthermore, note that the center of the circular orbit 3 passes through a fixed horizontal axis X1, which corresponds to the rotation axis X1 in Figure 19. The circular orbit 3 extends in a plane that intersects this rotation axis X1 symmetrically, that is, perpendicularly, to the rotation axis X1.

[0060] Therefore, the worktable 2 has an inclination axis that allows the surface 20 of the worktable 2 to always be oriented tangentially to the circular orbit 3 as it moves along the circular orbit 3. The worktable further has a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface 20 of the worktable 2. The rotation axis points to, and more specifically passes through, the radiative centroid 11 of the radiation source 1.

[0061] The tilt and rotation axes of the worktable 2 are provided by the corresponding axes of the 4-axis slewing arm robot 4. The robot 4 is used to move the worktable 2 along a circular orbit around these two axes.

[0062] Robot 4 has a longitudinal rail 41, a carriage 42 that can move longitudinally L along the longitudinal rail 41, and two swivel arms 43, 44. A total of four rotation axes are realized by robot 4. The first rotation axis A1 is formed between the carriage 42 and one swivel arm 43. The second rotation axis A2 is formed between the two swivel arms 43, 44. The third rotation axis, which is only shown in Figure 1 but can be clearly seen in Figure 2, forms the tilt axis of the work table 2 and enables the tilting of the work table 2 on the circular track 3. The fourth rotation axis A4 forms the rotation axis of the work table 2 and enables the rotation of the work table 2.

[0063] The two swivel arms 43 and 44 of the robot 4 form a swing arm that allows the height of the work table 2 to be adjusted.

[0064] The device in Figure 1 can be positioned in the far field of view of radiation source 1, and therefore also has sensors not shown in Figure 1. In principle, sensors can be positioned at any position in space. For example, sensors are positioned at the same height as the radiation source at a distance of 3 to 50 m from the radiation source. Multiple sensors may also be provided, and for example, they may be positioned horizontally along a horizontal line or along a vertical line.

[0065] In gonioradiometric measurement, moving the worktable 2 along a circular orbit 3 changes the radiation angle α, which indicates the direction of radiation within the target plane. As the worktable 2 rotates around the rotation axis A4, various planes of the gonioradiometric measurement planar system A are set. This rotation of the worktable 2, and consequently the rotation of the radiation source 1, is shown by line 61 in Figure 1. The gonioradiometer in Figure 1 is a type 1.1 gonioradiometer, in which the movement of the worktable 2 along a circular orbit 3 is performed instead of rotation around the conventional horizontal axis X1.

[0066] This will be explained in detail below, with reference to Figures 2 to 6, which show the state where the work table 2 and robot 4 are in different positions.

[0067] Figure 2 shows the worktable 2 and robot 4 in a position closer to point 32 on the circular orbit in Figure 1. It can be seen that the worktable 2 has risen relative to the position shown in Figure 1 by extending the swing arm formed by the two swivel arms 43 and 44. The tilt axis A3 and rotation axis A4 can also be clearly seen. In Figure 2, the worktable 2 has moved to a position where the radiation angle α is different from the radiation angle in Figure 1.

[0068] This modified radiation angle allows measurements to be recorded as the worktable rotates around axis A4 to measure different planes of planar system A. Such rotations are again indicated by the arc 61. Gonioradiometric measurements can be performed by moving to various positions on the circular orbit 3 and rotating around axis A4 at each position to measure different planes of the planar system in a single measurement process. The radiation centroid 11 remains stationary and unchanged both while the worktable 2 is moving on the circular orbit 3 and while it is rotating around axis A4.

[0069] Alternatively, gonioradiometric measurement can be performed by moving the rotary table 2 along the entire circular orbit 3 during the measurement process, recording different radiation angles, and repeating this for different rotational positions of the workplate 2 or the rotation axis A4.

[0070] During the measurement process (while the worktable 2 is rotating around axis A4, or moving along the circular orbit 3 in Figure 1), the worktable may move continuously. In this case, the sensor continuously records the measured values ​​during the continuous movement. However, in principle, it is also possible to rotate or move the worktable in stages during the measurement process, stopping briefly at each stage to record the measured values.

[0071] Figure 3 shows the worktable 2 and robot 4, which are located closer to point 31 on the circular orbit 3 in Figure 1. Figure 4 shows the worktable 2 and robot 4 in essentially the same positions as in Figure 4, but the radiation source 1 is rotating around axis A4 compared to Figure 3.

[0072] Figure 5 shows the worktable 2 and robot 4 at point 31 on the circular orbit 3 in Figure 1, and therefore at one end of the circular orbit through which the worktable 2 can pass. At this position, the swing arm is fully extended. The other end of the circular orbit is given by point 32 in Figure 1. Figure 6 shows the worktable 2 and robot 4 in a similar position to Figure 5, but the radiation source 1 is rotated around axis A4 compared to Figure 5.

[0073] Note that the robot 4 in Figures 1 to 6 is capable of changing the radius of its circular orbit 3. Therefore, in principle, any circular orbit or radius within the dimensions achievable by the swivel arms 43 and 44 can be realized using a 4-axis swivel arm robot. For example, the radius of the circular orbit is at least 10 cm, but can be significantly larger. The radius of the circular orbit 3 determines the maximum vertical size of the object under test or the radiation source 1, that is, this radius corresponds to the distance between the surface 20 of the worktable 2 and the emission center, or radiation centroid 11.

[0074] Figures 1 to 6 schematically show a radiation source 1 having a radiation centroid 11. The object under test measured by gonioradiometric measurement may have a significantly different shape. Figures 7 to 11 show an example of this, where the radiation source is in the form of a headlight module 10 having spatially separated radiation elements 15 and 16. In the far field of view, the radiation centroid 11 is located between the radiation elements 15 and 16.

[0075] The gonioradiometers shown in Figures 1 to 11 allow for easy mounting of such a headlight module 10 or other modules to be measured onto the worktable 2. For example, note that in the positions shown in Figures 1 and 7, the module 10 can be placed on the worktable 2 without any problems because there are no components above the worktable 2. The worktable 2 is located at approximately chest height for the worker, making it easy to handle. Therefore, the radiant centroid 11, i.e., the center of the circular orbit 3 (see Figure 1), is in the range of 30 to 180 cm above the ground in the exemplary embodiment. The headlight module 10 is mounted on the workplate 2 such that the radiant centroid 11 is located at the center of the circular orbit 3.

[0076] Figures 7 to 11 show various positions of the gonioradiometer, similar to Figures 1 to 6, the only difference being that the radiation source is formed by the headlight module 10. See the explanation of Figures 1 to 6 for details. Figure 7 is substantially the same as Figure 1, except that the radiation source 10 is separate. Figure 8 shows the worktable 2 and robot 4 in essentially the same positions as in Figure 7, but the radiation source 1 rotates around axis A4 compared to Figure 7.

[0077] Figure 9 is essentially the same as Figure 6, except that the radiation source 10 is separate. Figure 10 shows the worktable 2 and robot 4 in basically the same positions as in Figure 9, but the radiation source 1 rotates around axis A4 compared to Figure 9.

[0078] Figure 11 is essentially the same as Figure 2, except that the radiation source 10 is different.

[0079] In Figures 1 to 11, the movement of the worktable 2 along the circular orbit 3 is achieved by a four-axis swivel arm robot 4. However, this should be understood as just one example. There are numerous ways to move the worktable 2 and the radiation source attached to it along a circular orbit. Figures 12 to 17 show examples of other devices designed to move a radiation source.

[0080] Referring to Figure 12, a gonioradiometer with a worktable 2 is shown, on which a radiation source 1, or headlight module 10, is positioned. Figures 12 to 17 show variations of both simultaneously. Both have the same radiation centroid 11. During measurement, only one radiation source 1,10 is always positioned on the worktable 2. The worktable 2 has a surface 20 and is movable on a circular orbit, and for this purpose is pivotable about an inclination axis A3. At the same time, the worktable 2 is rotatable about a rotation axis A4 that is perpendicular to the surface of the worktable 2 and passes through the radiation centroid 11. For further details, please refer to the explanation of Figures 1 to 11.

[0081] The difference between the gonioradiometer in Figure 12 and the gonioradiometers in Figures 1 to 11 lies in the device used to move the radiation source 1 on a circular orbit 3 and to realize the rotation axes A3 and A4. For this purpose, the gonioradiometer in Figure 12 is equipped with a device 5 that includes two linear mechanisms and a tilt-rotation composite mechanism.

[0082] The first linear mechanism includes a longitudinal rail 51 and a carriage 52 that can move longitudinally on the longitudinal rail 51 to enable longitudinal movement of the device. A second linear mechanism 53 attached to the carriage 52 can move the work plate 2 vertically. The tilt-rotation composite mechanism includes a mechanism 54 that rotates the work table 2 around a rotation axis A4 and a mechanism 55 that pivots the work table 2 around a tilt axis A3 (therefore, the surface 20 of the work table 2 is guided tangentially along a circular orbit as described).

[0083] Figures 13 to 17 show various positions of the gonioradiometer with respect to both the position of the worktable 2 along a circular orbit (which sets the radiation angle α) and the rotation of the worktable around the rotation axis A4 (which sets the plane of the target planar system A). The gonioradiometric measurement is performed by the same measurement process as in Figures 1 to 11.

[0084] In Figure 13, the gonioradiometer is positioned between the lowest point of the circular orbit and point 32 (see Figure 1). In Figure 14, the worktable 2 is rotated around axis A4 relative to Figure 13, as shown by the arc 61. This rotation around axis A4 enables a measurement process in which a sensor (not shown) detects measurements corresponding to different planes of the planar system A with respect to the radiation angle α set by the position of the worktable 2 on the circular orbit.

[0085] In Figure 15, the gonioradiometer is located at or near the lowest point of the circular orbit.

[0086] In Figure 16, the gonioradiometer is positioned at point 31, or approximately point 31, of the worktable 2 on the circular orbit (see Figure 1). In Figure 17, the worktable 2 is rotated around axis A4 relative to Figure 16. This rotation around axis A4 allows for a measurement process in which a sensor (not shown) detects measurements corresponding to different planes of the planar system A for the radiation angle α set by the position of the worktable 2 on the circular orbit.

[0087] Therefore, the present invention realizes a gonioradiometric measurement method using a gonioradiometer, in which the worktable 2 moves along a circular orbit 3 with the radiating centroid 11 located at its center to set different radiation angles α, and the worktable 2 rotates around the rotation axis A4 to set various planes of the planar system A.

[0088] Each measurement process can be achieved by rotating the worktable 2 around the rotation axis A4 during the measurement process, but the radiation angle α is set to a specific value by the position of the worktable 2 along the circular orbit 3. At this time, measurements corresponding to different planes of the planar system A for the set radiation angle α are recorded. In subsequent measurement processes, the radiation angle α changes in steps by moving the worktable 2 in steps along the arc 3. Then, the worktable 2 rotates again around the rotation axis A4 during further measurement processes. This continues until the worktable moves along the circular orbit 3 within an angular range of 180° (between points 31 and 32 in Figure 1). Alternatively, it may move within an angular range greater than 180°, or a smaller angular range, for example, within an angular range of 200°. This is determined by the radiation angle or shape of the light cone of the radiation source, and / or the position of at least one sensor.

[0089] Alternatively, the measurement process can be implemented by moving the worktable 2 along a circular orbit 3 during the measurement process, where a specific plane of the planar system A is defined by the rotational position or rotation angle of the worktable on the rotation axis A4. At this time, measurements corresponding to different radiation angles α within each defined plane of the planar system A are recorded. The worktable may move along the circular orbit 3 within an angular range of 180° (between points 31 and 32 in Figure 1). Alternatively, it may move within an angular range greater than 180°, or a smaller angular range, for example, an angular range of 200°. This is determined by the radiation angle or shape of the light cone of the radiation source, and / or the position of at least one sensor.

[0090] In the subsequent measurement process, the worktable 2 is rotated stepwise around the rotation axis A4 to select progressively adjacent planes of the planar system A. The worktable 2 then moves again along the circular orbit 3 during further measurement processes. This continues until all planes of the planar system (with necessary rasterization) have been measured. All planes from -180° to 180° may be measured, or only a portion of this range may be measured.

[0091] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it will be understood that various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts described herein. It should also be noted that any of the described features may be used alone or in combination with other features, unless they are mutually exclusive. This disclosure extends to and encompasses all combinations and partial combinations of one or more features described herein. Where ranges are defined, this includes not only all values ​​within those ranges, but also all subranges that fall within those ranges.

Claims

1. A gonioradiometer for measuring at least one illumination or radiation characteristic of a light source (1, S) in a direction-dependent manner, A sensor (SR) suitable for measuring radiation from the radiation source (1,10,S), The device (4, 5) moves the radiation source (1, 10, S) so that the sensor (SR) records measured values ​​indicating the illumination or radiation characteristics on a spherical surface centered on the radiation centroid (11, LS) of the radiation source (1, 10, S). The radiation direction of the aforementioned illumination characteristics is described using a planar system (A) in which planes intersect at an intersection line passing through the radiation centroid (11, LS) of the radiation source (S), and a radiation angle (α) indicating the radiation direction (α) within the target plane. Each measured value of the illumination or radiation characteristic is assigned a specific plane of the planar system (A) and a specific radiation angle (α) within that plane. The apparatus (4, 5) for moving the radiation source (1, 10, S) includes a work table (2) having a rotating shaft (A4) to which the radiation source (1, 10, S) can be attached, and the apparatus (4, 5) In order to set different radiation angles (α), the worktable (2) is moved tangentially along a circular orbit (3) in which the radiation centroid (11, LS) is located, and In order to set various planes of the aforementioned planar system (A), the work table (2) is designed and configured to rotate around the rotation axis (A4), A gonioradiometer in which the radiating centroid (11, LS) of the radiation source (1, 10, S) attached to the worktable (2) remains stationary while the worktable (2) is moving along the circular orbit (3) and while it is rotating around the axis of rotation (A4).

2. The gonioradiometer according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus (4, 5) is designed and configured to rotate the worktable (2) about the rotation axis (A4) during the measurement process, and during the measurement process, measured values ​​corresponding to different planes of the planar system (A) for each set radiation angle (α) are recorded.

3. The gonioradiometer according to claim 2, characterized in that, in order to measure the illumination or radiation characteristics at a different radiation angle (α), the worktable (2) moves along the circular orbit (3) before rotating again around the rotation axis (A4) during a further measurement process.

4. The gonioradiometer according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus (4, 5) is designed and configured to move the worktable (2) on the circular orbit (3) during the measurement process, and during the measurement process, measured values ​​corresponding to different radiation angles (α) in the respective set planes of the planar system (A) are recorded.

5. The gonioradiometer according to claim 4, characterized in that, in order to measure the illumination or radiation characteristics in another plane of the planar system (A), the worktable (2) rotates about the axis of rotation (A4) before moving again on the circular orbit (3) during a further measurement process.

6. The gonioradiometer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the rotation axis (A4) of the work table (2) is perpendicular to the surface (20) of the work table (2).

7. The gonioradiometer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device (4, 5) for moving the radiation source (S) is a robot having at least two swivel arms (43, 44) and at least one translational degree of freedom (L), and one of the swivel axes of the robot is formed by the rotation axis (A4) of the work table (2).

8. The gonioradiometer according to claim 7, characterized in that the robot is a rotating arm robot having four axes (A1 to A4) that is also capable of translational motion.

9. The gonioradiometer according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the swivel arms (43, 44) of the robot function as swing arms and are configured to align with each other in conjunction with translational motion to realize the circular trajectory (3) of the work table (2).

10. The gonioradiometer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the device (5) for moving the radiation source (S) has two linear mechanisms (51, 52; 53) and a tilt-rotating mechanism (54, 55), the first linear mechanisms (51, 52) are designed and configured to move the work plate (2) horizontally, the second linear mechanism (53) is designed and configured to move the work plate (2) vertically, and the tilt-rotating mechanism (54, 55) is designed and configured to tilt the work plate (2) such that the normal vector of the surface (20) of the work plate (2) points to the center of the circle at each position along the circular orbit (3), and to rotate the work plate (2) about the rotation axis (A4).

11. The gonioradiometer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the device (4, 5) for moving the radiation source (S) is configured to allow adjustment of the radius of the circular orbit (3).

12. The gonioradiometer according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the radius of the circular orbit (3) is at least 10 cm.

13. The gonioradiometer according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the center of the circular orbit (3) is at a height of 130 to 180 cm from the horizontal ground on which the gonioradiometer is installed.

14. The gonioradiometer according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the device (4, 5) for moving the radiation source (S) is designed and configured to move the worktable (2) tangentially on a circular orbit (3) centered on a spatially fixed horizontal axis (X1).

15. The gonioradiometer according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the apparatus (4, 5) for moving the radiation source (S) performs continuous movement during a measurement process in which the worktable (2) rotates about the rotation axis (A4) or moves along the circular orbit (3), and the sensor (SR) is configured to continuously record measured values ​​during the continuous movement.

16. The gonioradiometer according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the sensor (S) is positioned in the far field of view of the radiation source (1, 10, S).

17. A method for measuring at least one illumination or radiation characteristic of a light source (1,10,S) in a direction-dependent manner, The radiation direction of the illumination or radiation characteristics is described using a planar system (A) in which planes intersect at an intersection line passing through the radiation centroid (11, LS) of the radiation source (S), and a radiation angle (α) indicating the radiation direction (α) within the target plane. Each measured value of the illumination or radiation characteristic is assigned a specific plane of the planar system (A) and a specific radiation angle (α) within that plane. The measured values ​​are recorded by at least one sensor (SR) suitable for measuring radiation from the radiation source (1,10,S), The radiation source (1, 10, S) moves during the measurement process so that the sensor (SR) records measured values ​​showing the illumination or radiation characteristics on a spherical surface centered on the radiation centroid (11, LS) of the radiation source (1, 10, S). The radiation source (1, 10, S) is positioned on a work table (2) having a rotating axis (A4), and the work table (2) is In order to set different radiation angles (α), the radiation centroid (11, LS) is moved tangentially along a circular orbit (3) centered on it, and In order to set various planes of the aforementioned planar system (A), rotate around the rotation axis (A4), The method wherein the radiating centroid (11, LS) of the radiation source (1, 10, S) attached to the worktable (2) remains stationary while the worktable (2) is moving along the circular orbit (3) and while it is rotating around the axis of rotation (A4).

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the work table (2) rotates about the rotation axis (A4) during the measurement process, and the measurement process records measured values ​​corresponding to different planes of the planar system (A) for each set radiation angle (α).

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the work table (2) moves along the circular orbit (3) during the measurement process, and during the measurement process, measurements corresponding to different radiation angles (α) in the respective set planes of the planar system (A) are recorded.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the radiation source (1, 10, S) is a robot having at least two swivel arms (43, 44) and at least one translational degree of freedom (L), and one of the swivel axes of the robot is formed by the rotation axis (A4) of the work table (2), and moves on the circular orbit (3) about the rotation axis (A4) by the robot.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the work table (2) moves tangentially along a circular orbit (3) centered on a spatially fixed horizontal axis (X1).

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the work table (2) performs continuous movement during the measurement process in which the work table (2) rotates about the rotation axis (A4) or moves along the circular orbit (3), and the sensor (SR) continuously records measured values ​​during the continuous movement.

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