Automotive Lighting Photometric Control via Digital Image Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photometric control methods for automotive lighting units are inadequate as they either miss non-sampled lights or rely on subjective operator analysis, leading to potential non-compliance with specifications and inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an image acquisition device with a robotic arm to capture digital image cells with pixels having acquisition angles smaller than a predetermined threshold, forming an overall image to determine luminance homogeneity, enabling objective and comprehensive photometric control of the emitting surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sample control with laboratory instruments is used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to exclusion of substantial number of lights
Solution Approach 1:
The emitting surface is divided into multiple digital image cells, each capturing a specific angular range. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple regions simultaneously, increasing throughput while maintaining measurement precision for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual laboratory measurement instruments with an automated image acquisition system using digital cameras and image processing. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact measurements and enables simultaneous capture of multiple light units, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If direct control by operator is used, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to subjective assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the operator's subjective visual assessment with an automated image acquisition device and electronic unit that objectively measures luminance parameters. The system captures digital images and processes them to determine luminance homogeneity, eliminating human subjectivity while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital image cells and an electronic unit as intermediaries between the emitting surface and the control decision. These intermediaries objectively capture and analyze luminance data, replacing the direct but subjective human observation with a measurable, quantifiable process.
3Measurement precision
If digital image cells with small acquisition angle are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the emitting surface into multiple digital image cells, each capturing a specific angular range. This segmentation allows the use of simpler cameras with smaller acquisition angles while still achieving comprehensive coverage through multiple cells, balancing precision requirements with device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single complex high-angle camera to multiple simpler low-angle cameras arranged spatially. By adding the spatial dimension of multiple capture points, the system achieves the same measurement precision as a single complex device would provide, but with simpler individual components.
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
This approach allows for precise and automated control of luminance, identifying non-homogeneous areas and defective units, ensuring compliance with specifications and reducing human error, enabling the automatic separation of defective lights from the production line.
Implementation Method 1
an image acquisition device, configured so as to capture selectively, by means of said image acquisition device, a plurality of digital image cells comprising respective pixels
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (1) for the photometric control of an emitting surface (7) of an automotive lighting unit (2). The system comprises an image acquisition device (8), and an electronic unit (10) configured so as to: selectively capture, by means of the image acquisition device (8), a plurality of digital image cells (ICi) comprising respective pixels (Pjk(i)), determine the overall image (IT) on the basis of the captured digital cells (ICi), and determine whether the emitting surface (7) has a homogeneous luminance or a non-homogeneous luminance on the basis of the luminances of the pixels (L(Pjk(i))) of the overall image (IT).