Laser Lighting Control via Real-Time Pixel Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser-based illumination systems for automotive headlights lack efficient control mechanisms to adapt to changing road conditions, requiring multiple light bulbs and image buffers that consume energy and hinder real-time image modification.
Innovation Solution
A smart illumination method that allows real-time modification of projected images without the need for memory buffers, enabling seamless control of the laser-based lighting system to adjust brightness and beam direction based on environmental and driving parameters, using a MEMS scanning mirror system and a reflector element for efficient light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control systems are used for different lighting zones, then lighting control flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single control system that performs multiple functions by dividing the lighting area into multiple zones and applying different dimming levels to each zone independently. The control system can simultaneously control different lighting zones with different parameters, achieving the flexibility of multiple control systems while maintaining a unified system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lighting area into multiple independently controllable zones, allowing each zone to be controlled separately with different dimming levels. This segmentation enables flexible lighting control without requiring separate physical control systems for each zone, as the division is implemented through control logic rather than separate hardware systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If continuous dimming control is applied to all lighting zones, then lighting adaptability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different dimming levels to different lighting zones based on their specific requirements. Rather than uniformly dimming all zones, the system adjusts each zone independently, allowing areas requiring full illumination to maintain higher power levels while areas that don't need lighting consume reduced power, optimizing overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the dimming levels of different lighting zones based on real-time requirements, enabling the lighting adaptability to change while the energy consumption is optimized by reducing power to zones that don't require full illumination at any given moment.
3Measurement precision
If separate control systems are used for each lighting zone, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single control system achieves precise control of individual lighting zones by implementing zone-specific control logic within the unified system. The control system can independently adjust dimming levels for each zone with the same precision as separate systems would provide, while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent control units.
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 adaptive illumination that can modify and project images in real-time, reducing energy consumption and improving safety by adjusting light patterns to avoid dazzling oncoming vehicles and enhancing visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The laser beam is directed towards a first set of phosphors to generate a first wavelength of light and towards a second set of phosphors to generate a second wavelength of light
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a method for controlling a laser-based lighting system comprising a scanning mirror arrangement, arranged to be rotatable around two substantially orthogonal axes. The method comprises: (a) a sensor capturing a first image; (b) the sensor sending data representing at least part of the first image to an image generation unit; (c) the image generation unit generating a second image based on the data representing at least part of the first image, wherein the generated second image comprises information representing a feature region in the first image; (d) the image generation unit sending the second image to a projection system controller; and (e) the projection system controller, based on the received second image, controlling the operation of a projection system comprising a laser light source; and a scanning mirror arrangement for receiving the light radiated by the laser light source, and for reflecting the received light to a wavelength conversion element to project the second image. In the method the second image is streamed to the projection controller as an image pixel stream without first saving it in a memory.