Automotive Light Sensor Array for Head-Up Display Brightness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining control signals for imaging units in image output apparatuses, such as head-up displays, rely on near-field sensors that fail to function reliably when the windscreen inclination is outside the 22-26 degree range, leading to inconsistent brightness adjustments in varying light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method using multiple light sensors with different orientations and detection ranges to combine measuring signals into a control signal, adjusting for windscreen inclination and light conditions, allowing for reliable control signal determination without a near-field sensor, and incorporating a time-difference signal for speed-dependent sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a near-field sensor is used to detect light conditions for controlling image output brightness, then brightness adjustment in typical light conditions is achieved, but the sensor fails to function reliably when windscreen angle exceeds 26 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light detection function into multiple separate light sensors with different detection ranges and orientations rather than using a single near-field sensor. This segmentation allows each sensor to cover specific angular ranges, ensuring reliable operation across all windscreen angles including steep inclines exceeding 26 degrees.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple light sensors that can detect light conditions from various angles and distances, making the system universally applicable to different windscreen orientations. The sensors perform different fundamental primary functions and are oriented differently to collectively cover all possible detection scenarios regardless of windscreen angle.
2Reliability
If multiple light sensors with different orientations are used to cover all detection ranges, then reliable control signal determination across all windscreen angles is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the output signals from multiple light sensors through an evaluation unit that integrates their measurements. By merging the data from sensors with different orientations and detection ranges, the system achieves reliable control signal determination while managing the complexity through unified signal processing rather than separate processing paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the weighting of individual sensor signals based on their orientation and detection characteristics. By changing the parameter weights in the signal combination according to predefined ratios and sensor-specific factors, the system optimizes the control signal while managing complexity through mathematical processing rather than additional hardware.
3Illumination intensity
If the windscreen angle is increased to improve visibility, then image output readability is improved, but the near-field sensor no longer detects the defined near field reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point near-field detection approach to a multi-dimensional detection system using multiple sensors with different orientations and detection ranges. This dimensional expansion allows the system to accurately measure light conditions even when the windscreen is inclined at steep angles, maintaining both image brightness and detection precision.
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
Enables consistent and simplified determination of control signals for imaging units, improving brightness adjustments across different light conditions and vehicle speeds, reducing production costs and device complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The light conditions are first recorded via the different light sensors, in particular via the detection ranges thereof, which each perform different fundamental primary functions and are generally orientated differently from one another. Measuring signals, for example in the form of electrical signals of corresponding size, are then transmitted from the light sensors to, for example, an evaluation unit as a function of the intensity of the recorded electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light or IR radiation.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for determining a control signal as a function of measured ambient light conditions for subsequent processing by at least one electrical component, in particular in order to control an imaging unit of an image output apparatus, the present light conditions are detected by means of a plurality of light sensors, measuring signals are output as a function of the intensity of the light conditions recorded by the light sensors, and the measuring signals of the individual light sensors are then combined into at least one control signal in accordance with at least one predefined ratio. The control signal is adjusted with consideration of the orientation of at least one of the light sensors and is then output.