Vehicle Headlight Matrix Control for Computational Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle headlight systems face significant control and computing efforts when changing between different light distributions, particularly due to limited computing power and memory in embedded systems, which complicates real-time adaptation to varying traffic, road, and light conditions.
Innovation Solution
The system positions a light matrix within an image matrix, allowing for software-controlled adjustment of light distribution by superimposing or overwriting matrices, reducing the need for separate storage and minimizing computational effort, and enabling dynamic pivoting of the light matrix based on position parameters such as steering angle, loading conditions, and navigation data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple high-resolution light distributions are stored and switched between, then lighting adaptability is improved, but control and computational overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light distribution control into two parts: a base light distribution that is always active, and additional light distributions that are selectively activated only when needed. This segmentation reduces the computational overhead by avoiding the need to manage and switch between multiple complete high-resolution light distributions, while still maintaining lighting adaptability for different driving situations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional external storage is used for light distribution data, then lighting adaptability is improved, but system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage of light distribution data directly into the control unit's memory, combining the functions of light distribution storage and control processing into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate external storage devices, reducing system complexity and costs while maintaining the ability to store and switch between multiple light distributions for different driving conditions.
3Reliability
If high-resolution light patterns are projected dynamically, then visibility and safety are improved, but computing power requirements exceed embedded system capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic light distribution system that adapts the level of detail and resolution of projected light patterns based on real-time driving conditions. Instead of always projecting high-resolution patterns, the system dynamically adjusts the light distribution complexity - using simpler patterns when appropriate and high-resolution patterns only when necessary for safety, thus reducing overall computing power requirements while maintaining visibility and safety.
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 efficient, real-time adaptation of light distributions without manual adjustment, reducing computing and memory requirements, enhancing flexibility and safety by improving visibility and reducing glare, while also enabling the projection of targeted information like traffic signs and navigation markings.
Implementation Method 1
The optoelectronic elements (7, 17) are individually controllable and reflect the light towards the projection optic (4, 14), whereby the controlled matrix elements individually adjust its reflection coefficient
Implementation Method 2
The projection optic (4, 14) is oriented in the emission direction of the vehicle headlight (1, 11) and consequently produces the desired light distribution in front of the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle headlight (1) comprising at least one light source (2), at least one projection optical system (4), at least one control device, at least one output unit and at least one optoelectronic component (7) having a controllable arrangement of several, individually adjustable optoelectronic elements (8) in the form of a two-dimensional matrix. Said vehicle headlight (1) is designed to emit light from at least one light source (2) in the direction of the at least one optoelectronic component (7) and to modulate by means of the at least one optoelectronic component (7), and to radiate at least partially in the direction of at least one projection optics (4) and to form a light image in front of the vehicle. The at least one control device is connected to the at least one output unit. The at least one output unit is connected to the at least one optoelectronic component (7) and can control the optoelectronic elements (8). At least one light model, which defines a light distribution with a light-emitting area, is stored in the at least one control device. The at least one control device is designed to determine a two-dimensional light matrix from the light model, and to allocate the light matrix depending on a position parameter within a two-dimensional image matrix. The image matrix can be represented on the at least one optoelectronic component (7) by means of the at least one output unit.