Light Module Calibration for Homogeneous Pixel Projection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing or assembly defects in light modules for motor vehicles, such as those using LEDs, result in non-homogeneous light beam projections, necessitating a calibration method that does not require modifying the optical elements.
Innovation Solution
A calibration method using individually addressable electroluminescent elements, such as submillimeter-sized rods, to adjust power supply values based on temperature and image comparison, storing modified values for precise correction of defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manufacturing or assembly defects occur in light module elements, then production cost and assembly speed are improved, but the homogeneity of the projected light image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring and storing individual calibration values for each electroluminescent element subset during the manufacturing process. These calibration values are stored in a data structure associated with each subset identifier, enabling later compensation without requiring manual adjustment during assembly or installation. This preliminary calibration step ensures that even with manufacturing variations, the final projected image achieves uniformity across all pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the electrical parameters (current or voltage) supplied to each electroluminescent element subset based on its measured characteristics. The control module uses the stored calibration values to modify the power supply parameters individually for each subset, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and ensuring homogeneous light output across the entire projected image without requiring physical modification of the optical elements.
2Manufacturing precision
If calibration is performed by modifying optical elements, then image homogeneity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical adjustment methods with an electrical control system. Instead of physically modifying optical elements to correct image non-uniformity, the invention uses a control module that reads stored calibration values and adjusts the electrical power supplied to each electroluminescent element subset. This substitution of electrical control for mechanical/optical adjustment simplifies the overall device structure and eliminates the need for complex optical modification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the light module to automatically compensate for its own manufacturing defects through stored calibration data. The control module autonomously retrieves the appropriate calibration values for each electroluminescent element subset and adjusts their power supply accordingly, without requiring external calibration equipment or manual intervention during operation. This self-calibration capability reduces system complexity and eliminates the need for specialized calibration tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electroluminescent elements are used with individual power supply adjustment, then calibration flexibility is improved, but energy consumption and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing selective calibration only for electroluminescent element subsets that exhibit manufacturing variations. The system measures and stores calibration values for individual subsets or groups of subsets rather than requiring continuous adjustment of all elements at full power. During normal operation, the control module applies compensation only where needed based on the stored calibration data, rather than continuously adjusting all elements, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining calibration flexibility.
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
Accurately compensates for defects in light modules across varying temperatures without altering the optical components, ensuring consistent light projection.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (100) comprising a plurality of electroluminescent elements arranged on the same substrate
Implementation Method 2
The light beam 108 is collimated by a collimation unit 101, which may include one or more lenses
Implementation Method 3
The projection unit 104 may include lenses and a reflector and is capable of projecting the light beam outwards from the motor vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for calibrating a light module comprising a set of electroluminescent elements, said method comprising: - supplying (601) the electroluminescent elements so as to obtain an image projected by the light module, the projected image comprising a set of pixels, each pixel corresponding to at least a subset of at least one electroluminescent element of the light source; - for each pixel of the projected image, comparison (603) of a difference between a luminous intensity of the pixel with a predefined luminous intensity of a corresponding pixel of a reference image, with a threshold; - in the case where the difference is greater than the predetermined threshold, determination (605) of a modified supply value of at least a first electroluminescent element of the subset corresponding to the given pixel;- storage (607), in a memory of the light module, of the modified supply value in association with an identifier of the subset comprising the first electroluminescent element.;