Adaptive Vehicle Light Control Using Geometric Intensity Sub-Intervals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adaptive optical units for vehicles struggle to balance light intensity variations across regulatory ranges for photometric functions, particularly in non-linear scenarios perceived by the human eye, without specific guidance on average values for intensity steps.
Innovation Solution
A control device that subdivides intensity intervals into sub-intervals using a geometric sequence to adjust light intensity levels, ensuring balanced perception and compliance with regulatory limits, by coupling light sources like LEDs or lasers with control means that measure external light conditions and adjust intensity accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive optical units deliver variable intensity depending on ambient light to automatically adapt to external visibility conditions, then the maximum permitted value for most photometric signaling functions has been significantly increased, but the intensity distribution must be balanced from one step to the next without specifying the average values for each step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a geometric sequence to define intensity sub-intervals, where each sub-interval's average value is determined by multiplying the previous value by a constant ratio. This mathematical parameter transformation ensures balanced intensity distribution across adaptive steps while maintaining regulatory compliance, resolving the complexity of manually balancing each step's average value.
2Reliability
If the intensity of the light beam emitted by a source contributing to a signaling function must be between minimum and maximum values defined by regulations, then compliance with regulatory limits is ensured, but the human eye perceives non-linear intensity variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the curvature principle by using a geometric sequence (exponential progression) rather than linear steps to divide the intensity range. This creates a non-linear, curved distribution of intensity sub-intervals that matches the human eye's logarithmic perception, ensuring that perceived brightness steps appear uniform even though the actual intensity values follow a curved mathematical progression.
3Ease of operation
If regulations require that the intensity distribution be balanced from one step to the next, then perceptual uniformity is achieved, but no specific guidance is provided on average values for each step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the overall intensity interval into multiple discrete sub-intervals, each with a calculated average value based on the geometric sequence. This segmentation transforms the continuous adaptive intensity range into manageable discrete steps, making it easier to implement control logic while ensuring perceptually balanced transitions between steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by applying a geometric sequence formula (I_n = I_0 * r^n) to calculate the average intensity value for each sub-interval. This mathematical transformation provides automatic, consistent parameter generation for all steps, eliminating the need for manual balancing guidance while maintaining perceptual uniformity across the adaptive intensity range.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a balanced and adaptive control of light intensity, ensuring optimal visibility in varying conditions while adhering to regulatory limits, enhancing the effectiveness of photometric functions like position, brake, direction change, and daytime running lights.
Implementation Method 1
a control device (DC) intended to control in a balanced way the intensity of at least one beam of light delivered by at least one source (SL) participating in a photometric function
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a control device (DC) provided with an adaptive optical block (BO) of a vehicle and comprising at least one source (SL) suitable for emitting a light beam. Said control device (DC) includes control means (MC) arranged such as to control the intensity of the emitted light beam so that same belongs to a sub-interval of intensity selected in accordance with a measurement of the light intensity outside the vehicle among at least two sub-intervals of intensity in accordance with the photometric intensity in which the source (SL) participates.