Automotive Luminous Device with One Driver for Light Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automotive luminous devices require multiple high-frequency drivers for performing both photometric and data transmission functions, leading to increased costs and issues related to bulk, heat, electromagnetic interference, and power losses.

Innovation Solution

A luminous device with a single high-frequency driver element controlling multiple groups of light sources, using a distribution element to switch between them, and a reception module for data demodulation, allowing efficient data transmission without the need for multiple drivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple high frequency drivers are used to perform both photometric and data transmission functions, then the device can achieve multiple lighting functions and data transmission, but the cost increases and problems associated with high frequency signals (bulk, heat, electromagnetic interference, power losses) worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddriver quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single high frequency driver that can perform multiple functions through different modulation schemes. The driver controls light sources to simultaneously achieve photometric functions (lighting, signaling) and data transmission functions by modulating the light output according to different protocols, eliminating the need for separate dedicated drivers for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the photometric control and data transmission control into a single high frequency driver unit. By combining these functions in one driver, the system reduces the total number of drivers needed, thereby reducing bulk, heat generation, electromagnetic interference, and power losses associated with multiple high frequency drivers while maintaining both functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If multiple high frequency drivers are used for different lighting functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but electromagnetic interference and power losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent controlVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The single high frequency driver achieves independent control of different lighting functions through software-based modulation schemes rather than hardware separation. The driver can independently modulate different light sources or different time periods for different functions (photometric vs. data transmission) while using the same hardware platform, thereby maintaining independent control capability while reducing electromagnetic interference from multiple separate high frequency drivers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple high frequency drivers are used, then comprehensive lighting control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting control capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces manufacturing cost by specifying a single high frequency driver that handles all lighting control and data transmission functions. This universal driver approach reduces component count, simplifies assembly, and lowers overall manufacturing cost compared to using multiple specialized drivers, while maintaining comprehensive lighting control capability through flexible modulation schemes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Reduces costs and interference by using a single driver for multiple functions, minimizing power losses and electromagnetic interference, while enabling efficient data transmission and photometric functions.

Implementation Method 1

a light source (1000) configured to emit a light beam (1001)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from light source: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a projection optical element (9) configured to receive the light emitted by the groups of light sources and project the light outside the luminous device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight projection: Lens

Implementation Method 3

a reception optical unit configured to receive a reflected light beam (1002) emitted by the light source (1000), after reflection from an object (2000) in a vicinity of the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reception: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentEP4611486A1Automotive luminous device
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP4611486A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4611486A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4611486A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a luminous device (10) for an automotive vehicle, comprising first, and second light sources configured to perform a first, respectively a second luminous function; a high frequency driver element (4) configured to produce a modulation control signal modulated according to a predetermined data sequence, a distribution element (5), configured to electrically connect the high frequency driver and light sources selected between either the first and second light sources, based on a signal received in a switch control input; the high frequency driver being configured to power selected light sources with the modulation control signal such that the selected light sources emit light pulses corresponding to the data sequence; an optical element (9) to project the light outside the luminous device; and a reception module comprising a reception optical unit, a plurality of acquisition units and a demodulation unit.