Automobile lighting module and method for driving the lighting module

Abstract

To provide light modules that are as cost-effective and robust as possible in their control.SOLUTION: A light module for a motor vehicle light is provided, the light module comprising a light source 10, a projection unit 20, a deflection unit 30, as well as a control unit 40. The light source 10 is designed to receive a light control signal 41 and to emit spatially modulated light 11 as a function of the light control signal 41. The projection unit 20 is designed to project the spatially modulated light 11 emitted by the light source 10 within a projection angular range P in front of the light module 1. The deflection unit 30 is designed to receive a deflection control signal 42 and to manipulate the spatially modulated light 11 emitted by the light source 10 as a function of the deflection control signal 42 such that the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11 emitted by the light source 10 can be displaced in front of the light module 1 with a displacement angle W within the projection angular range P.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under the Paris Convention for European Patent Application No. 22216978.1, filed on Dec. 28, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference and is set forth herein.

[0002] The present invention relates to an illumination module for automotive lighting, including a light source, a projection unit, a deflection unit, and a control unit, wherein the light source is configured to receive a light control signal and emit spatially modulated light depending on the light control signal, the projection unit is configured to project the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source forward of the illumination module within a projection angle range, and the deflection unit is configured to receive a deflection control signal and process the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source depending on the deflection control signal so that the projection of the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source forward of the illumination module is shiftable by a shift angle within the projection angle range.

[0003] The present invention further relates to an automobile.

[0004] The present invention further relates to a method for driving an illumination module for automotive lighting, wherein the illumination module includes a light source, a projection unit, a deflection unit, and a control unit, the light source is configured to receive a light control signal and emit spatially modulated light depending on the light control signal, the projection unit is configured to project the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source forward of the illumination module within a projection angle range, and the deflection unit is configured to receive a deflection control signal and operate on the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source depending on the deflection control signal so that the projection of the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source forward of the illumination module is shiftable by a shift angle within the projection angle range.

Background Art

[0005] In particular, current lighting modules or lighting systems, especially in the field of automotive lighting, are increasingly in need of the ability to generate light images that are highly adaptable to predetermined conditions. In order to create such lighting modules, lighting systems for projecting or generating segmented light images (segmented light images) or spatially modulated light (spatially modulated light) are known first of all. Thereby, the generated light image can be adapted depending on predetermined conditions. Such conditions can be related to the driving situation. Therefore, it is advantageous for reasons of driving safety that a lighting module for automotive lighting illuminates the front area of the automotive lighting so that optimal lighting is generated for the driver without dazzling other road users. Furthermore, it is desirable that such a lighting module serves as an optical display for the driver or other road users. Accordingly, the above conditions can be related to information presentation to the driver of the vehicle or information presentation to other road users. These optical displays include, for example, a variety of symbols that can be generated and displayed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Non-Patent Documents

[0007]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] In order to further increase the degree of freedom in adapting a segmented optical image or a spatially modulated optical image, a deflection unit capable of shifting the resulting optical image by additionally (additionally) operating (processing) the emitted spatially modulated light is known.

[0009] By shifting the generated optical image, the irradiatable surface (range) can be expanded. In particular, when the shift changes (vibrates) sufficiently fast and periodically, the number of optical segments of the spatially modulated light projected can be effectively increased.

[0010] As a result, although the degree of freedom in adapting the generated optical image becomes greater, the complexity of such an illumination module increases significantly. At the same time, such an illumination module, especially an illumination module for automotive lighting, is desirably as cost-effective and robust as possible in its control. A compact and temporally stable form of controlling the light source and the deflection unit has not been known until now.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to create an illumination module for automotive lighting that meets the above conditions and includes the above components.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an illumination module for automotive lighting, including a light source, a projection unit, a deflection unit, and a control unit. In the illumination module, the light source is configured to receive a light control signal and emit spatially modulated light depending on the light control signal, the projection unit is configured to project the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source forward of the illumination module within a projection angle range, the deflection unit is configured to receive a deflection control signal and operate (process) the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source depending on the deflection control signal so that the projection of the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source forward of the illumination module can be shifted (displaced) by a shift (displacement) angle within the projection angle range, the control unit is configured to receive an input signal, evaluate it, and transmit a control signal to the light source based thereon. The input signal includes, at least partially in a first time range, a first optical data block representative of the radiated spatially modulated light of the light source, and this first optical data block includes first deflection data representative of a first deflection angle in the same first time range. and (A) The control unit extracts a first optical control signal and a first deflection control signal from the first optical data block of the input signal, and is configured to transmit the first deflection control signal to the deflection unit in the first time range and the first optical control signal to the light source in the first time range. As a result, immediately after the spatially modulated light is emitted from the light source in the first time range, the projection of the spatially modulated light of the light source is shifted by a first shift angle in the first time range, or or (B) The control unit extracts a first optical control signal and first deflection data from the first optical data block, and is configured to incorporate (integrieren) the first deflection data into the first optical control signal such that a portion of the emitted spatially modulated light in the first time range contains information about the first shift angle in the same first time range. The illumination module further has a light receiver (Lichtaufnehmer), which is configured to receive the portion of the spatially modulated light emitted by the light source, provided that the portion contains information about the first shift angle in the first time range, and based thereon to transmit a first deflection control signal to the deflection unit. As a result, immediately after the spatially modulated light is emitted from the light source in the first time range, the projection of the spatially modulated light of the light source is shifted by a first shift angle in the first time range It is characterized by this. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a motor vehicle comprising the lighting module of the present invention is provided. According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for driving a lighting module for motor vehicle lighting is provided. In the method, the lighting module includes a light source, a projection unit, a deflection unit, and a control unit, the light source is configured to receive an optical control signal and radiate spatially modulated light depending on the optical control signal, the projection unit is configured to project the spatially modulated light radiated from the light source forward of the lighting module within a projection angle range, the deflection unit is configured to receive a deflection control signal and operate the spatially modulated light radiated from the light source depending on the deflection control signal so that the projection of the spatially modulated light radiated from the light source forward of the lighting module can be shifted (displaced) by a shift (displacement) angle within the projection angle range, the method includes the following steps: a) providing, at least partially in a first time range, a first optical data block representative of the radiated spatially modulated light of the light source, b) providing first deflection data representative of a first deflection angle in the same first time range, c) integrating the first deflection data into the first optical data block, d) transmitting the first optical data block, together with the integrated first deflection data, to the control unit via an input signal. e) evaluating the input signal by the control unit; f) providing a first light control signal to said light source in said first time range in response to said first light data block; g) providing a first deflection control signal to said deflection unit in the same first time range in response to (according to) said first deflection data embedded in said first optical data block. Contains It is characterized by:

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below. (Mode 1) See the first aspect of the present invention above. (form 2 2. The lighting module according to claim 1, The input signal includes a plurality of time-sequential optical data blocks, each having deflection data, thereby defining a plurality of time-sequential time ranges, wherein within the time ranges, each individual optical data block, each having deflection data, represents the emitted spatially modulated light of the light source and the shift angle in a respective time range, and the duration of each time range is substantially the same and is preferably between 5 ms and 50 ms. (form 3 )form 2 In the lighting module according to the present invention, It is preferable that every n-th optical data block of the plurality of time-sequential optical data blocks are identical to one another and contain polarization data corresponding to a natural number n greater than one. (form 4 2. The lighting module according to claim 1, said input signal being provided from a higher level control unit; It is preferable that the upper control unit is configured to generate at least the first light data block and the second light data block, each having deflection data, from a target image, whereby a projection of the emitted spatially modulated light of the light source in the first time range is superimposed with a projection of the emitted spatially modulated light of the light source in the second time range to substantially generate the target image. (Form 5 ) In the lighting module according to Form 1, the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source includes a plurality of light segments, and the first light data block preferably includes intensity values that define the light intensity of at least a part of the plurality of light segments in the first time range. (Form 6 ) Form 5 In the lighting module according to the description, the intensity values each have a bit depth of 4 to 32 bits, and the first deflection data is preferably incorporated into at least one bit of this bit depth. (Form 7 ) Form 5 In the lighting module according to the description, the first light data block preferably has a plurality of channels, and at least one channel includes the first deflection data. (Form 8 ) Refer to the second perspective of the present invention above. (Form 9 ) Form 8 In the motor vehicle according to the description, the motor vehicle has at least one second (further) lighting module that is structurally identical to the (one) lighting module, and the control unit of the second lighting module receives the same input signal as the control unit of the lighting module. The first light data block preferably further includes an identifier that can be specifically (uniquely) assigned to the lighting module or the second lighting module. (Form 10 ) Refer to the third perspective of the present invention above. (Form 11 ) Form 10 In the method according to the description, In step e), the control unit extracts a first optical control signal and a first deflection control signal from the first optical data block. In step f), the control unit outputs the first optical control signal to the light source in the first time range. In step g), the control unit outputs the first deflection control signal to the deflection unit in the same first time range. Thus, it is preferable that as soon as the spatially modulated light is emitted from the light source in the first time range, the projection of the spatially modulated light of the light source is shifted by a first shift angle in the first time range. (Embodiment 12 ) Embodiment 10 In the method according to In step e), the control unit extracts a first optical control signal and first deflection data from the first optical data block. Before step f), the control unit incorporates (integrieren) the first deflection data into the first optical control signal such that a part of the spatially modulated light emitted in the first time range contains information about the first shift angle in the same first time range. The illumination module further has a light receiver (Lichtaufnehmer). The light receiver is configured to receive at least the part of the spatially modulated light emitted by the light source before step g), and in step g), to transmit a first deflection control signal based thereon to the deflection unit in the first time range. Thus, it is preferable that as soon as the spatially modulated light is emitted from the light source in the first time range, the projection of the spatially modulated light of the light source is shifted by a first shift angle in the first time range.

[0014] The above-mentioned problem of the present invention is solved by an illumination module of the above type. In this illumination module, the control unit is configured to receive an input signal, evaluate it, and based thereon transmit a light control signal to the light source, provided that the input signal at least partially includes a first light data block representing spatially modulated light emitted by the light source in a first time range, and this first light data block includes first deflection data representing a first shift angle in the same first time range, where in the first time range, the projection of the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source in front of the illumination module can be shifted by this first shift angle within the projection angle range.

[0015] By combining the deflection data in the corresponding light data block, the spatially modulated light and the shift angle of the projection of the spatially modulated light within the projection angle range can be coupled to each other at substantially any point in time. As a further result of this, simple and synchronous control of the light source and the deflection unit becomes possible.

[0016] The shift angle is measured by the shift relative to the neutral position of the projection of the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source within the projection angle range. The shift angle is 0° at this neutral position. The shift angle is preferably smaller than the maximum angular dimension of the projection of the individual light segments of the spatially modulated light. Particularly preferably, the shift angle can be between -2° and +2°.

[0017] The projection angle range is defined (determined) by the aperture of the projection unit. Accordingly, the projection angle range corresponds to the maximum possible radiation cone of the projection unit. Such a radiation cone relates to a cone in the mathematical sense, but can also include all its sub-variations (Untervarianten). Sub-variations are, for example, frustums of pyramids or frustums of cones. Accordingly, "shift of the projection within the projection angle range" means a shift of the projection in the angular space formed by the possible radiation cone, i.e., the projection unit. The projection angle range preferably has its maximum extent in the horizontal direction, in which case it preferably covers a horizontal angle range of up to 50°. The projection angle range has a further extent in the vertical direction, in which case it preferably covers a vertical angle range of up to 20°.

[0018] Within the framework of this patent application, the concept "unit (Einheit)" should not necessarily be understood as a single element, either alone or as a compound word as in the case of "projection unit (Projektionseinheit)", "deflection unit (Ablenkeinheit)" or "control unit (Steuereinheit)". This concept can also include a plurality of elements, assemblies, structural blocks (Bausteine), components or combinations thereof.

[0019] Concepts such as "have (aufweisen)", "contain (beinhalten)", "include (umfassen)" and "contain (enthalten)" can be understood as synonyms of each other.

[0020] "Spatially modulated light (raeumlich modulierten Licht)" is understood to be a light beam having at least two light segments with mutually different light intensities (or brightnesses) in at least one plane perpendicular to the light propagation direction of the light beam, depending on or based on a light control signal. To generate such "spatially modulated light", a variety of techniques are already known. This includes, inter alia, surface-based modulation using a plurality of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) arranged in a (one) matrix, surface-based modulation using an LCD (liquid crystal display), or surface-based modulation using DLP (digital light processing) or DMD (digital mirror device). Alternatively, a scanning system that generates a freely variable optical image by scanning (scanning) over a region that is a light beam or light beam having a frequency that cannot be perceived by the human eye is also known. Such systems for surface-based modulation and for light beam modulation are abbreviated as "light source (Lichtquelle)" within the scope of this patent application. Currently known light sources are already capable of emitting spatially modulated light having thousands of individually (on-off) switchable and dimmable (dimmed) light segments. The light source preferably generates spatially modulated light by surface-based modulation, and the spatially modulated light has more than 1000 light segments in at least one plane perpendicular to the light propagation direction of the spatially modulated light.

[0021] The expression "representative" means that there is a direct relationship and the data mentioned directly describes (defines) a given state. Therefore, its alternative concepts are "characteristic" or "descriptive".

[0022] The control unit is configured to extract a first optical control signal and a first deflection control signal from a first optical data block of an input signal, and to transmit the first deflection control signal to a deflection unit and the first optical control signal to a light source within a first time range. Thereby, immediately after the spatially modulated light is emitted from the light source within the first time range, the projection of the spatially modulated light of the light source is shifted by a first shift angle within the first time range.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the control unit is configured to extract a first optical control signal and first deflection data from the first optical data block, and to incorporate the first deflection data into the first optical control signal such that a portion of the spatially modulated light emitted within the first time range contains information about the first shift angle within the same first time range. The illumination module further has a light receiver which is configured to receive a portion of the spatially modulated light emitted by the light source, provided that the portion contains information about the first shift angle within the first time range, and to transmit a first deflection control signal to the deflection unit based thereon. Thereby, immediately after the spatially modulated light is emitted from the light source within the first time range, the projection of the spatially modulated light of the light source is shifted by a first shift angle within the first time range.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, "sobald" (immediately when) means that the spatially modulated light of the light source is emitted in a time range in which the spatially modulated light of the light source can be shifted by a shift (displacement) angle assigned to the projection of the spatially modulated light of the light source by the deflection unit. In this case, in practical applications, depending on the situation, the control device has to sequentially process the processing step(s). Therefore, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that the output of the deflection control signal and the output of the light control signal cannot be executed at exactly the same time (necessarily). There may also be a very slight delay due to differences in execution time and other influences. What is important is that the spatially modulated light of the light source represented (represented) by a part of the optical data block is emitted in the time range in which the projection of the spatially modulated light of the light source will be shifted or is shifted. Here, the shift (displacement) angle is represented (represented) by the deflection data in the corresponding optical data block.

[0025] Advantageously, the input signal includes a plurality of optical data blocks having deflection data and sequential in time, thereby defining a plurality of sequential time ranges, provided that in each of the time ranges, each individual optical data block having deflection data represents the spatially modulated light emitted by the light source and the shift angle in each time range, and the duration of each time range can be substantially the same and can be from 5 ms to 50 ms.

[0026] In particular, the input signal is provided by a higher-level control unit, and the higher-level control unit is configured to generate at least a first optical data block and a second optical data block having deflection data respectively from a target image, whereby the projection of the spatially modulated light emitted by the light source in the first time range can be superimposed on the projection of the spatially modulated light emitted by the light source in the second time range to substantially generate the target image.

[0027] In particular, it is advantageous that the n-th (each n-th) optical data block of the plurality of optical data blocks sequential in time is identical to each other and includes deflection data corresponding to a natural number n greater than 1.

[0028] In this case, "the same as each other (mutually the same)" means that the same deflection data are similar to each other in such a way that they represent the same or identical shift (displacement) angles of the projection of the spatially modulated light.

[0029] In a very compact form, it is advantageous if the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source includes a plurality of light segments and the first light data block includes intensity values that define the light intensity of at least a part of the plurality of light segments in a first time range.

[0030] In this case, it is particularly efficient if the intensity values each have a bit depth of 4 to 32 bits and the first deflection data are incorporated into at least one bit of this bit depth.

[0031] Alternatively, the first light data block can have a plurality of channels, and one channel can include the first deflection data.

[0032] Preferably, the first light data block has two, particularly preferably three channels.

[0033] In this context, a channel is a data block that represents a predetermined part, in particular a color component of at least a part of the spatially modulated light.

[0034] In one aspect, the above problem is also solved by an automobile equipped with the lighting module of the present invention.

[0035] In this perspective, the motor vehicle has at least one second (further) lighting module that is structurally identical to the above (first) lighting module, the control unit of the second lighting module receives the same input signals as the control unit of the (first) lighting module, and it can be particularly advantageous if the first light data block further includes an identifier (Identifikation) that can be specifically (eindeutig) assigned to the (first) lighting module or the second lighting module.

[0036] The above problem is also solved by a method of the type described at the beginning. The method includes the following steps. a) Providing, at least in part, a first light data block representing the spatially modulated light emitted by the light source in a first time range; b) Providing first deflection data representing a first shift angle in the same first time range; c) Integrating the first deflection data into the first light data block; d) Transmitting the first light data block, together with the integrated first deflection data, to the control unit via an input signal; e) Evaluating the input signal by the control unit; f) Providing a first light control signal to the light source in the first time range depending on the first light data block; g) Providing a first deflection control signal to the deflection unit in the same first time range depending on the first deflection data integrated into the first light data block.

[0037] Furthermore, in step e), the control unit extracts the first light control signal and the first deflection control signal from the first light data block, in step f), the control unit outputs the first light control signal to the light source in the first time range, and in step g), the control unit outputs the first deflection control signal to the deflection unit in the same first time range, whereby it is particularly advantageously possible that as soon as the spatially modulated light is emitted from the light source in the first time range, the projection of the spatially modulated light of the light source is shifted by the first shift angle in the first time range.

[0038] Instead, in step e), the control unit extracts a first optical control signal and first deflection data from the first optical data block, and, prior to step f), the control unit integrates the first deflection data into the first optical control signal such that a part of the spatially modulated light emitted in the first time range contains information about the first shift angle in the same first time range. The illumination module further has a light receiver which, prior to step g), receives at least a part of the spatially modulated light emitted by the light source, and which, in step g), is configured to transmit a first deflection control signal based thereon to the deflection unit in the first time range, whereby the projection of the spatially modulated light of the light source can be shifted by the first shift angle in the first time range as soon as the spatially modulated light is emitted from the light source in the first time range.

[0039] The invention will be explained in more detail below, with additional advantages, by means of exemplary embodiments (examples) shown in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040] [[FIG. 1]] An example of an illumination module according to the invention. [[FIG. 2]] An example of the configuration of an input signal according to the invention ((A) to (C)). [[FIG. 3]] An example of a temporal relationship ((A) to (D)). [[FIG. 4]] An example of a first embodiment of an illumination module. [[FIG. 5]] An example of a second embodiment of an illumination module. [[FIG. 6]] An example of a motor vehicle. [[FIG. 7]] An example of a method for driving the illumination module shown in FIG. 1.

Examples

[0041] Figures 1 to 7 illustrate embodiments of the present invention and its operating principles in more detail. These figures should be understood in an exemplary and simplified manner only, in order to better illustrate important components. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the embodiments and features of the present invention can be combined with each other in an appropriate manner. For example, the present invention is first described using a first optical data block and first deflection data included therein. However, it is obvious that the description part is equally applicable in the same form to a number of temporally sequential optical data blocks each having deflection data, as long as applicable.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an example of an illumination module 1 according to the present invention and a perspective view of an example of a projection 12 of spatially modulated light 11 within a projection angle range P. The illumination module 1 includes a light source 10, a projection unit 20, a deflection unit 30, and a control unit 40. The light source 10 is configured to receive a light control signal 41 and emit spatially modulated light (spatially modulated light) 11 depending on (in response to) the light control signal 41.

[0043] The light source 10 can include a plurality of elements. For example, the light source 10 includes a light emitting element and a downstream (arranged downstream of the light emitting element) spatial modulator such as an LCD, DMD or DLP, and thus emits spatially modulated light 11 depending on the light control signal 41. Any additional elements such as an optical lens or reflector between the light source 10 and the deflection unit 30 are not shown for ease of viewing, but can be arranged as required. The light source 10 preferably includes an array having at least two LEDs (light emitting diodes), in which case each LED can be individually controlled and thus emits spatially modulated light 11 depending on the light control signal 41. Further, the light source 10 can include a combination of a light emitting element, a collimator, and a beam modulator. This beam modulator emits spatially modulated light 11 depending on the light control signal 41 by scanning a region with collimated light from a light emitting element having a frequency imperceptible to humans in a scan (scanning) format. This region can include a light conversion element.

[0044] A variety of methods for spatially modulating light are known to those skilled in the art. What is important for the present invention is that the light beam emitted from the light source 10 independently of or based on the light control signal 41 has at least two light segments having different light intensities from each other in at least one plane perpendicular to the light propagation direction of the light beam.

[0045] This spatially modulated light 11 is projected forward of the illumination module 1 within the projection angle range P by the projection unit 20. Projection means imaging the spatially modulated light 11 forward of the illumination module. Therefore, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that a segmented light distribution, that is, a projection 12 having light segment(s) 13 is formed. Such a projection unit 20 usually includes a plurality of optical elements, particularly a plurality of lenses. For ease of viewing, these plurality of optical elements are not shown. In this example (the illustrated example), the projection 12 includes an array of light segments 13 of 6 rows and 11 columns. The projection 12 preferably corresponds to the imaging of the LED array that emits the spatially modulated light 11 as described above. Only 66 light segments 13 are shown, but the light source 10 can be configured such that thousands of light segments 13 are projected within the projection angle range P.

[0046] Furthermore, a deflection unit 30 is provided downstream of the light source 11 in the optical path of the radiated spatially modulated light 11. The deflection unit 30 is preferably arranged in the optical path of the radiated spatially modulated light 11 between the light source 10 and at least a part of the projection unit 20. As described above, at least a part of the projection unit 20 means that the projection unit 20 can be composed of a plurality of optical elements, and thus the deflection unit 30 can be arranged between the plurality of optical elements of the projection unit 20. This deflection unit 30 can receive a deflection control signal 42 and operate (process) the spatially modulated light 11 radiated from the light source 10 depending on the deflection control signal 42, whereby the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light from the light source onto the front of the illumination module 1 can be shifted (displaced) by a shift (displacement) angle W within the projection angle range P.

[0047] The deflection unit 30 may include a small glass plate 31 made of a material transparent (permeable) to the spatially modulated light 11 radiated from the light source 10 (shown in FIG. 3(B)). This small glass plate can be configured as a parallel plate and is supported by a corresponding mechanical suspension device so as to be rotatable about at least one pivot (rotation) axis. This pivot axis preferably forms a right angle with the light propagation direction of the spatially modulated light 11 radiated from the light source 10. For example, the deflection unit 30 can further have an electromagnetic actuator (not shown) that rotates the small glass plate about at least one pivot axis depending on the deflection control signal 42. By this rotation, the incident angle of the spatially modulated light 11 on the small glass plate can be changed, and thus, due to refraction, the spatially modulated light 11 can be shifted parallel to the light propagation direction of the spatially modulated light 11 when passing through the small glass plate, and thus, finally, the radiated spatially modulated light 11 can be operated (processed) depending on the deflection control signal 42 such that the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light from the light source onto the front of the illumination module 1 is shifted by the shift angle W within the projection angle range P.

[0048] A variety of possibilities (means) are known to those skilled in the art for making the spatial modulation light 11 emitted from the light source 10 operable (processable) depending on the deflection control signal 42 such that the forward projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11 of the illumination module 1 can be shifted by the shift angle W within the projection angle range P. For example, a prism that shifts the forward projection of the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source within the projection angle range P by a lateral position change with respect to the light propagation direction of the spatially modulated light 11 and also by refraction can be considered. A strategy based on the reflection of the deflection unit 30 is also possible.

[0049] What is important for the present invention is that the deflection unit 30 can shift the forward projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11 emitted from the light source within the projection angle range P depending on or based on the deflection control signal 42.

[0050] By shifting the projection 12 within the projection angle range P, as shown in FIG. 3(C), the illuminable surface (area) within the projection angle range P is enlarged. In particular, when the shift changes (vibrates) sufficiently fast and periodically, virtual light segment(s) 13v of the projected spatially modulated light 11 can be generated, thereby further increasing the degree of freedom in adapting the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11. In this regard, sufficiently fast can mean a shift that changes periodically at least at 60 Hz. This possibility will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 3(A) to 3(D).

[0051] FIG. 1 further shows a control unit 40 configured according to the present invention to receive, evaluate the input signal 43, and output the optical control signal 41 to the light source based thereon. The input signal 43 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B).

[0052] Figure 2(A) shows an example of an exemplary signal transition of the input signal 43. This input signal 43 has a synchronization signal Sv having a synchronization impulse (s) Vs and optical data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN that are temporally (two each) between the synchronization impulses. The first optical data block 43a1 includes first deflection data 43b1, and the second optical data block 43a2 includes second deflection data 43b2. Each of the further optical data blocks 43aN may also include further deflection data 43bN. Each of the optical data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN typically includes a binary data stream, and each binary data stream describes (defines) the spatially modulated light 11 to be emitted from the light source 10 in successive (successively following) time ranges T1, T2, Tn (see Figure 3(A)) such that the combined data stream is an optical data block between two synchronization impulses Vs in time. Thus, the input signal 43 includes, at least partially, in the first time range T1, the first optical data block 43a1 that represents the spatially modulated light 11 emitted by the light source 10. The phrase "at least partially (zumindest teilweise)" is because the optical data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN can include additional data, such as metadata. This additional data can also include the deflection data (s) 43b1, 43b2, 43bN, or can include at least the first deflection data 43b1. Thus, the input signal 43 can include, as shown, a summary (integration) of a plurality of signals that can be received together by the control unit 40. Further, it can be seen that the first deflection data 43b1 is included in the first optical data block 43a1 according to the present invention. Since the optical data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN typically include binary data streams, it is preferable that the deflection data 43b1, 43b2, 43bN also exist as binary data. Thus, they can describe (define) the first shift angle WT1 in the first optical data block 43a1, but the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light forward of the illumination module 1 can be shifted within the projection angle range P at this first shift angle WT1.For example, when the deflection data 43b1, 43b2, 43bN exist as binary data, a shift angle of -2° can be represented by a bit value of 0, and a shift angle of +2° can be represented by a bit value of 1. Regarding the neutral position of the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11, an asymmetric shift angle is also conceivable. Further, if necessary, larger binary numbers are also possible. For example, the binary value 0011 represents a shift angle of +1.5°, and the binary value 1010 represents a shift angle of -1°.

[0053] Thus, the part(s) of the first light data block 43a1 represent the spatially modulated light 11 emitted by the light source 10 in the first time range T1. Further, the first deflection data 43b1 included in the first light data block 43a1 represents the first shift angle WT1 in the same first time range T1, and the forward projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11 emitted from the light source 10 in the first time range T1 is shifted at this first shift angle WT1 within the projection angle range P.

[0054] Here, FIG. 2(A) only schematically shows that each deflection data 43b1, 43b2, 43bN is included in each light data block 43a1, 43a2, 43aN. The illustrated manner of each deflection data 43b1, 43b2, 43bN in a predetermined part (section: Abschnitt) of each light data block 43a1, 43a2, 43aN is not limited to the illustrated variations. As will be described in the following description of the drawings, the deflection data 43b1, 43b2, 43bN can be incorporated regularly and redundantly within each light data block 43a1, 43a2, 43aN.

[0055] The incorporation of the first deflection data 43b1 into the first light data block 43a1 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 2(C).

[0056] Independently of the means and methods described at the beginning regarding the generation of the spatially modulated light 11 or the plurality of light segments 13, such spatially modulated light 11 is typically described using image data. The image data can be included in the above-described binary data stream of the light data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN, but the image data includes at least information about the intensity of each light segment 13. Accordingly, these image data can include intensity values I1, I2, In. Thus, the spatially modulated light 11 (or its projection 12) emitted from the light source 10 includes a plurality of light segments 13, the first light data block 43a1 includes the intensity values I1, I2, In, and these intensity values I1, I2, In describe (specify) the light intensity of at least a part of the plurality of light segments 13 in the first time range T1.

[0057] The intensity values I1, I2, In can each have a bit depth of 4 to 32 bits. Accordingly, the bit depth defines how many gradations can represent the intensity of the individual light segments 13 of the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11. Thus, an 8-bit bit depth enables 2 to the 8th power (2^8) different gradations for the light intensity. This bit depth is preferably exactly 8 bits.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2(B), the first deflection data 43b1 can be incorporated into at least one bit of this bit depth. Thereby, the number of possible gradations for the light intensity of at least one individual light segment 13 of the spatially modulated light 11 in the first light data block 43a1 decreases, but for this reason, the first deflection data 43b1 is combined with the first light data block 43a1 without being affected by other factors, and thus robust and compact control of the light source 10 and the deflection unit 30 at the corresponding moment is possible.

[0059] The first deflection data 43b1 can be incorporated into the first optical data block 43a1 to which it corresponds, and thus, only the intensity value I1 of the first optical data block 43a1 can be decreased at its bit depth, as if it were included. In order for each of the individual intensity values I1, I2, In of the first optical data block 43a1 to include the first deflection data 43b1 representing the first shift angle W1 in the same first time range T1, it is preferable that all the intensity values I1, I2, In be decreased at their bit depths. Note that the forward projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11 emitted from the light source 10 by the illumination module 10 is shifted at this first shift angle W1 inside the projection angle range P.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2(C), the input signal 43 can also have a first optical data block 43a1 including a plurality of channels R, G, and B. These channels R, G, and B can be part of the above-described image data, but each channel R, G, and B can include a plurality of channel intensity values Ki1, Ki2, KiN or metadata, and these channel intensity values Ki1, Ki2, KiN describe (specify) the color intensity of at least a part of the plurality of optical segments 13. When the channel includes metadata, the metadata can have the characteristics of each optical data block. Such a structure of the optical data block can be configured based on a standardized interface as is common in video signal transmission. As is common in automotive lighting modules, the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11 can include only white light for lighting purposes, and thus, when using the corresponding light source 10, individual channels R, G, and B having respective channel intensity values Ki1, Ki2, KiN are sufficient. Advantageously, when the first optical data block 43a1 has a plurality of channels R, G, and B and at least one of the channels R, G, and B includes first deflection data 43b1, compact control of the light source 10 and the deflection unit 30 can be formed. For example, channel R completely has all of the optical data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN of the first optical data block 43a1, especially a plurality of optical data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN in sequential order in terms of time, and the second channel G completely has all of the deflection data 43b1, 43b2, 43bN included in the first deflection data 43b1, especially in the optical data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN.

[0061] Figure 2(C) further shows that the input signal 43 can be converted into a serial data stream (seriellen Datenstrang) 44 by serialization in a known manner for compact transmission. This can significantly reduce the number of physical connections (e.g., cables) to the control unit 40. Here, the input signal 43 has, for example, a synchronization signal Sv with synchronization impulse(s) Vs and optical data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN that are temporally between the synchronization impulses, and the optical data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN each have three channels R, G, B. The first deflection data 43b1 can be incorporated into one of the channels R, G, B, for example, by or at least partially by reducing the bit depth of the individual intensity values I1, I2, In or the channel intensity values Ki1, Ki2, KiN as described above.

[0062] The input signal 43 can be received by the control unit 40 in the form of the serial data stream 44, and the control unit 40 can regain the components of the input signal 43, for example, by deserialization.

[0063] Such serialization and deserialization are known, inter alia, from data transmission via an LVDS or GMSL interface.

[0064] In the following, the details of the time ranges T1, T2, Tn, in particular the details of the first time range T1, will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3(A) to 3(D). This will be explained in more detail in the description of one embodiment (example), but it should be clear that the following details are also valid and applicable to all other embodiments (examples). FIGS. 3(A) to 3(C) relate to the same time ranges T1, T2, Tn.

[0065] The first time range T1 is bounded (delimited) by a first start time T1s and a second start time T2s. The first start time T1s can be triggered, and thus started, by the transmission of a first light control signal 41T1 from the control device 40 to the light source 10 or by the transmission of a first deflection control signal 42T1 from the control device 40 (or in the embodiment according to FIG. 5 by a light receiver (Lichtaufnehmer) 50) to the deflection unit 30. Furthermore, the first time range T1 can preferably also be started by a synchronization impulse Vs contained in the synchronization signal Sv for all time ranges T1, T2, Tn. By sequentially (continuously) outputting the first light control signal 41T1 after the first deflection control signal 42T1, a possible time delay of components based on mechanical inertia, for example of the deflection unit 30, can be compensated, and thus the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11 of the light source 10 can be operated (processed) at exactly the moment when the spatially modulated light 11 of the light source 10 is emitted in the first time range T1, thereby being shifted by the first shift angle WT1 within the projection angle range P.

[0066] Similarly, the time range T1 can be ended by the transmission of a second deflection control signal 42T2 or by the transmission of a second light control signal 41T2. At the same time, the second time range T2 can be started by the transmission of a second deflection control signal 42T2 or by the transmission of a second light control signal 41T2.

[0067] Although it is preferred that the emission of the spatially modulated light 11 and the operation (processing) of the same spatially modulated light 11 in the first time range T1 are triggered simultaneously, it is not excluded that the emission of the spatially modulated light 11 and the operation (processing) of the same spatially modulated light 11 within the first time range T1 are triggered at different times. This can even be desirable in quite a few cases, for example, to generate a certain lighting effect.

[0068] FIG. 3(A) shows continuous time ranges T1, T2, Tn. Each time range T1, T2, Tn is started or ended by the transmission of respective deflection control signals 42T1, 42T2, 42Tn from the control unit 40 to the deflection unit 30 in this exemplary transition (progression). In this case, the light source 10 emits the spatially modulated light 11 depending on the light control signals 41T1, 41T2, 41Tn in the respective time ranges T1, T2, Tn. Therefore, it is understood that the light control signals 41T1, 41T2, 41Tn in the respective time ranges T1, T2, Tn are related to light data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN that at least partially represent the spatially modulated light 11 emitted by the light source 10 in the respective time ranges T1, T2, Tn. The same applies to the deflection data 43b1, 43b2, 43bN included in the respective light data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN and the deflection control signals 42T1, 42T2, 42Tn derived therefrom.

[0069] FIG. 3(B) schematically shows the relationship between the respective light control signals 41T1, 41T2, 41Tn and the respective deflection control signals 42T1, 42T2, 42Tn in the respective time ranges T1, T2, Tn.

[0070] In the first time range T1, the emission of the spatially modulated light 11 depending on the first light control signal 41T1 and the corresponding operation (processing) of the same emitted spatially modulated light 11 in the first time range T1 depending on the first deflection control signal 42T1 by the rotation of the small glass plate 31 included in the deflection unit 30 are performed. As a result, when the spatially modulated light 11 of the light source 10 is emitted depending on the first light control signal 41T1 in the first time range T1, the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11 of the light source 10 is shifted inside the projection angle range P by the first shift angle WT1. The projection 12 shifted in the first time range T1 is shown in FIG. 3(C).

[0071] The spatially modulated light 11 of the light source 10 or its projection 12 preferably includes only square light segments 13 of the same type. The shift at a (predetermined) shift angle of the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11 of the light source 10 within the projection angle range P is preferably performed in a direction of 45° with respect to the side angle of the square light segment 13 (the angle with respect to the side of the light segment: Seitenwinkel). In this case, when the shift angle is (side angle × sqrt(2)) / 2 (where "sqrt(2)" is the square root of 2) and a shift that changes sufficiently rapidly and periodically over a plurality of time ranges T1, T2, Tn is performed, by superposition, approximately four times the number of virtual light segments 13v compared to the original number of light segments 13 is obtained.

[0072] In this example, the light source 10 forms a spatially modulated light 11 having 25 light segments 13 arranged in 5 rows and 5 columns. The projection 12 of this spatially modulated light 11 is shown in each of the time ranges T1, T2 in FIG. 3(C). The above superposition generates virtual light segments 13v arranged in 9 rows and 9 columns inside the projection angle range P as shown in FIG. 3(D).

[0073] In the second time range T2, the emission of the spatially modulated light 11 depending on the second light control signal 41T2 and the corresponding operation (processing) of the same emitted spatially modulated light 11 in the second time range T2 depending on the second deflection control signal 42T1 due to the rotation (turning) of the small glass plate 31 included in the deflection unit 30 are performed. As a result, when the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11 of the light source 10 is emitted depending on the second light control signal 41T2 in the second time range T2, the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11 of the light source 10 is shifted by the second shift angle WT2. The shifted projection 12 inside the projection angle range P in the second time range T2 is shown in FIG. 3(C).

[0074] The first shift angle WT1 and the second shift angle WT2 are preferably different such that they are directed symmetrically in opposite directions when measured with respect to the neutral position of the deflection unit 30 which does not substantially result in the manipulation (processing) of the radiated spatially modulated light (thus the shift angle is 0°). For example, WT1 is -2° and WT2 is +2°.

[0075] Accordingly, the control unit 40 can receive an input signal 43 having a plurality of optically data blocks 43a1, 43a2,... 43aN that are sequential in time. These plurality of optically data blocks 43a1, 43a2,... 43aN that are sequential in time each include deflection data 43b1, 43b2,... 43bN, whereby a plurality of sequential time ranges T1, T2,... Tn are formed, in which each individual optically data block 43a1, 43a2,... 43aN having the respective deflection data 43b1, 43b2,... 43bN represents the radiated spatially modulated light 11 and the shift angle W of the light source 10 within the respective time ranges T1, T2,... Tn. Here, the durations of the time ranges T1, T2,... Tn are each substantially the same and are from 5 ms to 50 ms. Such a rapid change in the radiated spatially modulated light 11 and the shift angle W over the plurality of sequential time ranges T1, T2,... Tn enables virtual light segment(s) 13v to be generated in an overlapping state. Thus, it is possible to give an impression to the human eye that the number of light segments 13 of the projected spatially modulated light 11 is increased compared to the number of light segments 13 of the projected spatially modulated light 11 within each individual time range. Such an overlap is schematically shown in FIG. 3(D).

[0076] The input signal 43 can be provided by the upper control unit 140 (FIG. 6). In this case, the upper control unit 140 can at least form a first optical data block 43a1 and a second optical data block 43a2 each having deflection data 43b1, 43b2 from the target image, and can be configured to provide these via the input signal 43. As a result, the resulting superposition can substantially correspond to the target image as shown in FIG. 3(D). This means that the superposition (image) is more similar to the target image than at least one of the projections 12 of both obtained as a result in respective time ranges T1, T2. The upper control unit 140 can be configured to form a plurality of temporally sequential optical data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN from a plurality of target images. In this case, at least two temporally sequential optical blocks 43a1, 43a2 each having deflection data 43b1, 43b2 are formed from each target image.

[0077] In order to keep the control effort during driving as small as possible and yet generate a large number of virtual light segments 13v, it is preferable that the n-th (each n-th) optical data block of a plurality of temporally sequential optical data blocks 43a1, 43a2,..., 43aN has the same deflection data 43b1, 43b2,..., 43bN as each other. Here, n corresponds to a natural number greater than 1. This is meant to mean that the shift angles WT1, WT2,..., WTn represented by the same deflection data as each other are the same. In this case, particularly preferably, n is 2. For this reason, all the second deflection data are the same and all the second shift angles are the same. Very particularly preferably, all the optical blocks 43a1, 43a2,..., 43aN arranged directly in temporal sequence have different deflection data 43b1, 43b2,..., 43bN, but it is preferable that the plurality of temporally sequential optical data blocks 43a1, 43a2,..., 43aN include only two different deflection data. Therefore, the first optical data block 43a1 includes the first deflection data 43b1, the second optical data block 43a2 following in time includes the second deflection data 43b2, the optical data block following in time includes the first deflection data 43b1 again, and so on. The deflection data 43b1, 43b2,..., 43bN and the number n can also be changed during driving as required. An example of a possible deflection data change rate (frequency) can be two changes per minute. Therefore, the plurality of temporally sequential optical data blocks 43a1, 43a2,..., 43aN means at least a (one) limited series (set) of temporally sequential optical data blocks 43a1, 43a2,..., 43aN.

[0078] Next, an embodiment of the illumination module 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the illumination module 1 includes a light source 10, a projection unit 20, a deflection unit 30, and a control unit 40 corresponding to FIG. 1. The control unit 40 is connected to the light source 10 in terms of signal technology and is configured to transmit light control signals 41T1, 41T2, 41Tn to the light source 10 within respective time ranges T1, T2, Tn. The light source 10 receives the light control signals 41T1, 41T2, 41Tn and is configured to emit spatially modulated light 11 within respective time ranges T1, T2, Tn depending on the light control signals 41T1, 41T2, 41Tn.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 40 is connected to the deflection unit 30 in terms of signal technology and is configured to transmit deflection control signals 42T1, 42T2, 42Tn to the deflection unit 30 within respective time ranges T1, T2, T3. The deflection unit 30 receives the deflection control signals 42T1, 42T2, 42Tn and is configured to operate (process) the spatially modulated light 11 emitted from the light source 10 depending on the deflection control signals 42T1, 42T2, 42Tn. Therefore, within respective time ranges T1, T2, Tn, the projection of the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source to the front of the illumination module 1 can be shifted by shift angles WT1, WT2 within the projection angle range P.

[0080] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 40 extracts the first optical control signal 41T1 and the first deflection control signal 42T1 from the first optical data block 43a1 of the input signal 43, and is configured to output the first deflection control signal 42T1 to the deflection unit 30 within the first time range T1 and the first optical control signal 41T1 to the light source 10 within the first time range T1. For this reason, as soon as the spatially modulated light 11 is emitted from the light source 10 within the first time range T1, the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11 of the light source 10 is shifted by the first shift angle WT1 within the first time range T1. As already described when explaining the time range using FIGS. 3(A) to 3(D), the first time range T1 is preferably started by the output of the first optical control signal 41T1 to the light source 10 by the control device 40 or by the output of the first deflection control signal 42T1 to the deflection unit 30 by the control device 40.

[0081] FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment. In this embodiment, the illumination module 1 similarly includes a light source 10, a projection unit 20, a deflection unit 30, and a control unit 40. The control unit 40 is signal - technically connected to the light source 10 and is configured to transmit the optical control signals 41T1, 41T2, 41Tn to the light source 10 within respective time ranges T1, T2, Tn. The light source 10 is configured to receive the optical control signals 41T1, 41T2, 41Tn and emit spatially modulated light 11 within respective time ranges T1, T2, Tn depending on the optical control signals 41T1, 41T2, 41Tn.

[0082] Furthermore, in this advantageous embodiment, the control unit 40 extracts the first optical control signal 41T1 and the first deflection data 43b1 from the first optical data block 43a1, and then incorporates the first deflection data 43bT1 into the first optical control signal 41T1 such that a portion 11' of the spatially modulated light 11 emitted in the first time range T1 contains information about the first shift angle WT1 in the same first time range T1. Accordingly, a portion 11' of the emitted spatially modulated light 11 can include a light segment 12 that is separated from the remaining light segment(s) of the spatially modulated light 11 (even if the operation of the spatially modulated light 11 is performed) and is not projected forward of the illumination module via the projection unit 20. This portion 11’ of the spatially modulated light 11 is only schematically shown in FIG. 5 and is emitted laterally from the light source 10. To achieve such lateral emission, for example, a deflection mirror (not shown in FIG. 5) can be used to deflect a portion 11' of the spatially modulated light 11 laterally.

[0083] The extraction and subsequent incorporation can also involve the first optical data block 43a1 directly describing (defining) the spatially modulated light 11 of the light source 10 in the first time range T1 (without interface-specific adaptation), and the first deflection data 43b1 directly describing (defining) a portion 11’ of the spatially modulated light 11 of the light source 10 in the first time range T1. This can apply when the deflection data 43b1, 43b2, 43bN are incorporated into the respective optical data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN according to the embodiments according to, for example, FIG. 2(A), FIG. 2(B) or FIG. 2(C). In this case, the control unit 40 provides the first optical control signal 41T1 for the light source 10 by directly transmitting the first optical data block 43a1 to the light source 10.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a light receiver 50 is provided which is configured to receive (detect) a part 11' of the spatially modulated light 11 emitted by the light source 10 including information about the first shift angle WT1 in the first time range, and output a first deflection control signal 42T1 based thereon to the deflection unit 30. As a result, in the first time range T1, as soon as the spatially modulated light 11 is emitted from the light source 10, the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11 of the light source 10 is shifted within the projection angle range P by the first shift angle WT1 in the first time range T1.

[0085] The light receiver preferably includes a photodiode (not shown).

[0086] In this embodiment, the deflection unit 30 can be made independent of the rest of the lighting module 1 with respect to the electronic interface by cooperating with the light receiver 50.

[0087] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle 100 (shown in FIG. 6) equipped with the lighting module 1, and further to a motor vehicle 100 having at least one second lighting module 1A having the same structure as the above-mentioned one (first) lighting module 1. In this case, the control unit 40A of the second lighting module 1A receives the same input signal 43 as the control unit 40 of the first lighting module 1, and the first light data block 43a1 further includes an identifier that can be specifically (uniquely) assigned to the first lighting module 1 or the second lighting module 1A. The second lighting module 1A can extend the projection 12 of the first lighting module 1 over the projection angle range P. As a result, in the essence of the present invention, further degrees of freedom can be imparted to the adaptation of the light image to be generated, and the scalability of the entire lighting device of the motor vehicle 100 can be achieved without significantly increasing the complexity of the control. The input signal 43 can be provided by the upper control device 140 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0088] Next, FIG. 7 shows an example of a driving method for the lighting module 1 described in FIG. 1. In the first step a), in a first time range T1, at least partially, a first light data block 43a1 representative of the spatially modulated light 11 emitted by the light source 10 is provided.

[0089] The upper control device 140 shown in FIG. 6 can provide this first light data block 43a1 via the input signal 43. In this case, the basis for the provided first light data block 43a1 can be, for example, vehicle-side conditions. These vehicle-side conditions can include a predetermined light distribution in which a stored (recorded) static light distribution such as a distribution for high beam is combined with dimming (or reducing light) information (Ausblendinformationen), whereby light data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN representative of spatially modulated light are at least partially generated in each of the time ranges T1, T2, Tn. Accordingly, in this case, the light data blocks 43a1, 43a2, 43aN represent the spatially modulated light in each of the time ranges T1, T2, Tn with respect to the dimming (reducing light) situation.

[0090] In the illustrated step b), in the same first time range T1, first deflection data 43b1 representative of a first shift angle WT1 is provided.

[0091] This first deflection data 43b1 can be provided by the same upper control device 140. In this case, the basis for the provided first deflection data 43b1 is further vehicle-side conditions. The further vehicle-side conditions can include a shift by a predetermined first shift angle WT1 of the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11 of the light source 10.

[0092] In step c), the first deflection data 43b1 is incorporated into the first light data block 43a1.

[0093] The first deflection data 43b1 can similarly also be incorporated from the same upper control device 140 into the first optical data block 43a1. This incorporation can be carried out, for example, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 2(B), by reducing the bit depth of the intensity values I1, I2, In, or, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 2(C), by at least partially using the channels R, G, B of the first optical data block 43a1, especially of each optical data block 43a1, 43a2, 43aN.

[0094] Next, the first optical data block 43a1, together with the incorporated first deflection data 43b1, can be converted into a serial data stream 44 via serialization (according to the description of FIG. 2(C)). Thereafter, in step d), the first optical data block 43a1, together with the incorporated first deflection data 43b1, is transmitted to the control unit 40 via the input signal 43.

[0095] In a further step e), the control unit 40 evaluates the input signal 43. The evaluation can, in this example, include deserialization of the input signal 43. Furthermore, the evaluation can also include extraction of the first optical control signal 41T1 from the first optical data block 43a1. This can be achieved by preset filtering.

[0096] In step e), furthermore, according to the configuration of the lighting module 1 shown in FIG. 4, the first deflection control signal 42T1 can also be extracted from the first optical data block 43a1.

[0097] According to an alternative configuration of the lighting module 1 according to FIG. 5, in step e), the control unit 40 can extract the first light control signal 41T1 and the first deflection data 43b1 from the first light data block 43a1. Before step f), the control unit 40 can incorporate the first deflection data 43b1 into the first light control signal 41T1 such that a part 11' of the spatially modulated light 11 emitted by the light source 10 in the first time range T1 contains information about the same first shift angle WT1 in the first time range T1. An example of a possible method by which the control unit 40 can incorporate the deflection data 43b1 into the first light control signal 41T1 has already been described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0098] In the next step f), the first light control signal 41T1 is provided to the light source 10 in the first time range T1 in response to the first light data block 43a1.

[0099] In this case, in particular, the control unit 40 can output or provide the first light control signal 41T1 to the light source 10 in the first time range T1.

[0100] Although the first light control signal 41T1 is stated to be provided in the first time range T1, this does not rule out the possibility that the first time range is also initiated by the output of the first light control signal 41T1 by the control device 40 as explained in FIG. 3(A).

[0101] In the final step g), the first deflection control signal 42T1 is supplied to the deflection unit 30 in the same first time range T1 in response to the first deflection data 43b1 incorporated into the first light data block 43a1.

[0102] Depending on the configuration of the lighting module according to FIG. 4, in step g), the control unit 40 outputs a first deflection control signal 42T1 to the deflection unit 30 in a first time range T1, whereby as soon as the spatially modulated light 11 is emitted from the light source 10 in the first time range T1, the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light of the light source 10 can be shifted within the projection angle range P by a first shift angle WT1 in the first time range T1.

[0103] According to an alternative embodiment of the lighting module according to FIG. 5, the lighting module has a light receiver 50, which can receive at least a part 11' of the spatially modulated light 11 emitted by the light source 10 in a first time range before step g), and then, in step g), transmit a first deflection control signal 42T1 based thereon to the deflection unit 30 in the first time range T1, whereby as soon as the spatially modulated light 11 is emitted from the light source 10 in the first time range T1, the projection 12 of the spatially modulated light 11 of the light source 10 is shifted within the projection angle range P by a first shift angle WT1 in the first time range T1.

[0104] The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but is defined by the entire scope of protection of the claims. Furthermore, it is also possible to individually select the viewpoints of the present invention or embodiments (examples) and combine them with each other. The reference signs of the drawings optionally appended in the claims are exemplary and are for the purpose of making the claims easier to read and do not limit the claims.

[0105] The present invention can be described as the following appendices. [Appendix 1] A lighting module for automotive lighting, including a light source, a projection unit, a deflection unit, and a control unit. The light source is configured to receive a light control signal and emit spatially modulated light depending on the light control signal; The projection unit is configured to project the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source forward of the lighting module within a projection angle range; The deflection unit is configured to receive a deflection control signal and operate (process) the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source depending on the deflection control signal such that the projection of the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source in front of the illumination module is shiftable (displaceable) by a shift (displacement) angle within the projection angle range; The control unit is configured to receive an input signal, evaluate it, and transmit a control signal to the light source based thereon; The input signal includes, at least partially, in a first time range, a first light data block representative of the spatially modulated light emitted by the light source, and the first light data block includes first deflection data representative of a first shift angle in the same first time range. [Appendix 2] In the illumination module according to Appendix 1, The control unit is configured to extract a first light control signal and a first deflection control signal from the first light data block of the input signal and transmit the first deflection control signal to the deflection unit and the first light control signal to the light source in the first time range, whereby, as soon as the spatially modulated light is emitted from the light source in the first time range, the projection of the spatially modulated light of the light source is shifted by the first shift angle in the first time range. [Appendix 3] In the illumination module according to Appendix 1, The control unit is configured to extract a first light control signal and first deflection data from the first light data block and incorporate (integrieren) the first deflection data into the first light control signal such that a part of the spatially modulated light emitted in the first time range includes information about the first shift angle in the same first time range; The lighting module further has a light receiver, which receives a part of the radiated spatially modulated light of the light source, provided that the part includes information about the first shift angle in the first time range and is configured to transmit a first deflection control signal to the deflection unit based thereon, whereby as soon as the spatially modulated light is radiated from the light source in the first time range, the projection of the spatially modulated light of the light source is shifted by the first shift angle in the first time range. [Appendix 4] In the lighting module according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, The input signals each have deflection data and include a plurality of optically data blocks that are sequential in time, whereby a plurality of time ranges that are sequential in time are defined, provided that in each of the time ranges, each individual optically data block having deflection data represents the radiated spatially modulated light of the light source and the shift angle in each time range, and the duration of each of the time ranges is substantially the same and is from 5 ms to 50 ms. [Appendix 5] In the lighting module according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, The n-th (each n-th) optically data block of the plurality of optically data blocks that are sequential in time is identical to each other and includes deflection data corresponding to a natural number n greater than 1. [Appendix 6] In the lighting module according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, The input signal is provided from a higher-level control unit; The higher-level control unit is configured to generate at least a first optically data block and a second optically data block each having deflection data from a target image, whereby the projection of the radiated spatially modulated light of the light source in the first time range is superimposed on the projection of the radiated spatially modulated light of the light source in the second time range to substantially generate the target image. [Appendix 7] In the lighting module according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, The spatially modulated light emitted from the light source includes a plurality of light segments, and the first light data block includes intensity values that define the light intensity of at least a portion of the plurality of light segments in the first time range. [Appendix 8] In the lighting module according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, The intensity values each have a bit depth of 4 to 32 bits, and the first deflection data is incorporated into at least one bit of this bit depth. [Appendix 9] In the lighting module according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8, The first light data block has a plurality of channels, and at least one channel includes the first deflection data. [Appendix 10] An automobile equipped with the lighting module according to any one of Appendices 1 to 9. [Appendix 11] In the automobile according to Appendix 10, The automobile has at least one second (further) lighting module that is structurally identical to the (one) lighting module, and the control unit of the second lighting module receives the same input signal as the control unit of the lighting module. The first light data block further includes an identifier that can be specifically (uniquely) assigned to the lighting module or the second lighting module. [Appendix 12] A method for driving a lighting module for vehicle lighting. The lighting module includes a light source, a projection unit, a deflection unit, and a control unit; The light source is configured to receive an optical control signal and emit spatially modulated light depending on the optical control signal; The projection unit is configured to project the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source forward of the lighting module within a projection angle range; The deflection unit is configured to receive a deflection control signal and operate the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source depending on the deflection control signal such that the projection of the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source in front of the illumination module is shiftable (displaceable) by a shift (displacement) angle within the projection angle range; The method comprises the following steps: a) providing, at least in part, a first light data block representative of the spatially modulated light emitted by the light source in a first time range; b) providing first deflection data representative of a first shift angle in the same first time range; c) integrating the first deflection data into the first light data block; d) transmitting the first light data block, together with the integrated first deflection data, to the control unit via an input signal; e) evaluating the input signal by the control unit; f) providing a first light control signal to the light source in the first time range depending on the first light data block; g) providing a first deflection control signal to the deflection unit in the same first time range depending on the first deflection data integrated into the first light data block and including. [Appendix 13] In the method according to Appendix 12, In step e), the control unit extracts a first light control signal and a first deflection control signal from the first light data block, in step f), the control unit outputs the first light control signal to the light source in the first time range, and in step g), the control unit outputs the first deflection control signal to the deflection unit in the same first time range, whereby as soon as the spatially modulated light is emitted from the light source in the first time range, the projection of the spatially modulated light of the light source is shifted by a first shift angle in the first time range. [Appendix 14] In the method according to Appendix 12, In step e), the control unit extracts a first optical control signal and first deflection data from the first optical data block, and before step f), the control unit incorporates the first deflection data into the first optical control signal such that a portion of the radiated spatially modulated light in the first time range contains information about the first shift angle in the same first time range (integrieren); The illumination module further has a light receiver (Lichtaufnehmer), which, before step g), receives at least the portion of the radiated spatially modulated light of the light source, and in step g), is configured to transmit a first deflection control signal based thereon to the deflection unit in the first time range, whereby, as soon as the spatially modulated light is radiated from the light source in the first time range, the projection of the spatially modulated light of the light source is shifted by a first shift angle in the first time range.

[0106] Within the framework of the full disclosure of the present invention (including the claims and the drawings), further modifications and adjustments of the embodiments are possible based on its basic technical idea. Also, within the framework of the full disclosure of the present invention, various combinations or selections (including "non-selections") of various disclosure elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. That is, the present invention naturally includes the full disclosure including the claims and the drawings, and various deformations and modifications that a person skilled in the art could make in accordance with the technical idea of the present invention. In particular, for the numerical ranges described in this document, any numerical value or small range included within the range should be construed as specifically described even without separate description.

[0107] Furthermore, the reference signs in the drawings appended to the claims are solely for the purpose of assisting in the understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to the embodiments and the illustrated examples.

[0108] Furthermore, the entire content of the above-mentioned documents is hereby incorporated by reference and described herein as if fully set forth.

Description of Symbols

[0109] 1 Lighting module 10 Light source 11 Spatial modulation light 12 Projection 13 Light segment 20 Projection unit 30 Deflection unit 40 Control unit 41 Light control signal 41T1 First light control signal 42 Deflection control signal 42T1 First deflection control signal 43 Input signal 43a1 First light data block 43b1 First deflection data P Projection angle range T1 First time range W Shift angle WT1 First shift angle

Claims

1. A lighting module for automotive lighting, comprising a light source (10), a projection unit (20), a deflection unit (30) and a control unit (40), wherein the light source (10) is configured to receive a light control signal (41) and emit spatially modulated light (11) depending on the light control signal (41), the projection unit (20) is configured to project the spatially modulated light (11) emitted from the light source (10) forward of the lighting module (1) within a projection angle range (P), the deflection unit (30) is configured to receive a deflection control signal (42) and operate the spatially modulated light (11) emitted from the light source (10) depending on the deflection control signal (42) such that the projection (12) of the spatially modulated light emitted from the light source (10) forward of the lighting module (1) is shiftable by a shift angle (W) within the projection angle range (P), the control unit (40) is configured to receive an input signal (43), evaluate it and transmit a control signal (41) to the light source (10) based thereon, the input signal (43) includes, at least in part, in a first time range (T1), a first light data block (43a1) representative of the spatially modulated light emitted by the light source (10), and the first light data block includes first deflection data (43b1) representative of a first shift angle (WT1) in the same first time range (T1), (A) the control unit (40) extracts a first light control signal (41T1) and a first deflection control signal (42T1) from the first light data block (43a1) of the input signal (43), and is configured to transmit the first deflection control signal (42T1) to the deflection unit (30) in the first time range (T1) and the first light control signal (41T1) to the light source (10) in the first time range (T1), whereby, as soon as the spatially modulated light (11) is emitted from the light source (10) in the first time range (T1), the projection (12) of the spatially modulated light of the light source (10) is shifted by the first shift angle (WT1) in the first time range (T1), or, or, (B) The control unit extracts a first optical control signal (41T1) and first deflection data (43b1) from the first optical data block (43a1), and the first optical control signal (41T1) incorporates the first deflection data (43b1) such that a part (11') of the radiated spatially modulated light (11) in the first time range (T1) includes information about the first shift angle (WT1) in the same first time range (T1). The illumination module (1) further includes a light receiver (50). The light receiver (50) receives the part (11') of the radiated spatially modulated light from the light source (10), provided that the part includes information about the first shift angle (WT1) in the first time range (T1), and is configured to transmit a first deflection control signal (42T1) to the deflection unit (30) based on this. As a result, immediately when the spatially modulated light (11) is radiated from the light source (10) in the first time range (T1), the projection (12) of the spatially modulated light of the light source (10) is shifted by the first shift angle (WT1) in the first time range (T1). An illumination module, characterized by the above.

2. In the illumination module according to claim 1, the input signal (43) respectively has deflection data (43b1, 43b2, 43bN) and includes a plurality of optically sequential data blocks (43a1, 43a2, 43aN) in time sequence. As a result, a plurality of time ranges (T1, T2, Tn) in time sequence are defined. In each of these time ranges, each individual optical data block (43a1, 43a2, 43aN) having deflection data (43b1, 43b2, 43bN) represents the radiated spatially modulated light of the light source and the shift angles (WT1, WT2, WTn) in the respective time ranges (T1, T2, Tn). The periods of the respective time ranges (T1, T2, Tn) are substantially the same and are 5 ms to 50 ms. An illumination module, characterized by the above.

3. In the illumination module according to claim 2, the n-th optical data block among the plurality of optically sequential data blocks (43a1, 43a2, 43aN) is identical to each other and includes deflection data corresponding to a natural number n greater than 1. An illumination module, characterized by the above.

4. In the illumination module according to claim 1, The input signal (43) is provided from the upper control unit (140), the upper control unit (140) is configured to generate, from a target image, at least the first optical data block (43a1) and the second optical data block (43a2) each having deflection data (43b1, 43b3), whereby the projection (12) of the emitted spatially modulated light (11) of the light source (10) in the first time range (T1) is superimposed on the projection (12) of the emitted spatially modulated light (11) of the light source (10) in the second time range (T2) to substantially generate the target image characterized lighting module.

5. In the lighting module according to claim 1, the spatially modulated light (11) emitted from the light source (10) includes a plurality of light segments (13), and the first optical data block includes intensity values (I1, I2, In) defining the light intensity of at least a part of the plurality of light segments (13) in the first time range (T1) characterized lighting module.

6. In the lighting module according to claim 5, the intensity values (I1, I2, In) each have a bit depth of 4 to 32 bits, and the first deflection data (43b1) is incorporated into at least 1 bit of this bit depth characterized lighting module.

7. In the lighting module according to claim 5, the first optical data block has a plurality of channels (Vs, R, G, B), and at least one channel (Vs, R, G, B) includes the first deflection data (43b1) characterized lighting module.

8. An automobile comprising the lighting module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. In the automobile according to claim 8, the automobile has at least one second lighting module that is structurally identical to the lighting module (1), the control unit of the second lighting module receives the same input signal (43) as the control unit (40) of the lighting module (1), and the first optical data block (43a1) further includes an identifier that can be specifically assigned to the lighting module (1) or the further lighting module characterized automobile.

10. A method for driving a lighting module (1) for automobile lighting, The lighting module includes a light source (10), a projection unit (20), a deflection unit (30), and a control unit (40), The light source (10) is configured to receive a light control signal (41) and emit spatially modulated light (11) depending on the light control signal (41), The projection unit (20) is configured to project the spatially modulated light (11) emitted from the light source (10) forward of the lighting module (1) within a projection angle range (P), The deflection unit (30) is configured to receive a deflection control signal (42) and operate the spatially modulated light (11) emitted from the light source (10) depending on the deflection control signal (42) such that the projection (12) of the spatially modulated light (11) emitted from the light source (10) forward of the lighting module (1) is shiftable by a shift angle (W) within the projection angle range (P), The method comprises the following steps: a) Providing a first light data block (43a1) at least partially representative of the emitted spatially modulated light of the light source (10) in a first time range (T1), b) Providing first deflection data (43b1) representative of a first shift angle (WT1) in the same first time range (T1), c) Incorporating the first deflection data (43b1) into the first light data block (43a1), d) Transmitting the first light data block (43a1) together with the incorporated first deflection data (43b1) to the control unit (40) via an input signal (43), e) Evaluating the input signal (43) by the control unit (40), f) Providing a first light control signal (41T1) to the light source (10) in the first time range (T1) depending on the first light data block (43a1), g) Providing a first deflection control signal (42T1) to the deflection unit (30) in the same first time range (T1) depending on the first deflection data (43b1) incorporated into the first light data block (43a1) including characterized by a method. **Claim 11** In the method according to claim 10, In step e), the control unit (40) extracts a first optical control signal (41T1) and a first deflection control signal (42T1) from the first optical data block (43a1). In step f), the control unit (40) outputs the first optical control signal (41T1) to the light source (10) in the first time range (T1). In step g), the control unit (40) outputs the first deflection control signal (42T1) to the deflection unit (30) in the same first time range (T1). Thereby, as soon as the spatially modulated light (11) is emitted from the light source (10) in the first time range (T1), the projection (12) of the spatially modulated light of the light source (10) is shifted by a first shift angle (WT1) in the first time range (T1). A method, characterized by the above. [

12. ] In the method according to claim 10, In step e), the control unit (40) extracts a first optical control signal (41T1) and first deflection data (43b1) from the first optical data block (43a1). Before step f), the control unit (40) incorporates the first deflection data (43b1) into the first optical control signal (41T1) such that a portion (11') of the spatially modulated light (11) emitted in the first time range (T1) contains information about the first shift angle (WT1) in the same first time range (T1). The illumination module (1) further includes a light receiver (50). The light receiver (50) receives at least the portion (11') of the spatially modulated light emitted by the light source (10) before step g), and in step g), is configured to transmit a first deflection control signal (42T1) based thereon to the deflection unit (30) in the first time range (T1). Thereby, as soon as the spatially modulated light (11) is emitted from the light source (10) in the first time range (T1), the projection (12) of the spatially modulated light of the light source (10) is shifted by a first shift angle (WT1) in the first time range (T1). A method, characterized by the above.

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