Automotive Lighting Image Compression Using Gradient-Based Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive lighting systems face inefficiencies in data management due to high data volumes from multiple light sources, particularly with high-resolution modules, which exceed the bandwidth limits set by car manufacturers, compromising the ability to efficiently control and transmit image data.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing image data in automotive lighting devices that involves segmenting pixels based on gradient thresholds to optimize compression, allowing for increased compression rates and reduced data transmission requirements, especially for high beam patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of light sources is increased to provide adaptive lighting functionalities, then the lighting performance and adaptability are improved, but the data volume to be managed increases significantly, exceeding bandwidth limits
Solution Approach 1:
The image data is segmented into multiple scanlines, and each scanline is further divided into segments based on gradient analysis. This segmentation allows the system to process and compress data in manageable units, identifying repetitive patterns within segments that can be efficiently encoded, thereby reducing the overall data volume while maintaining the capability to control multiple light sources for adaptive lighting functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the representation parameters of image data by converting pixel intensity values into gradient-based segment definitions. Instead of transmitting individual pixel values, the system transmits segment start positions, gradient values, and run-length encoded information. This parameter transformation dramatically reduces data volume while preserving the visual information needed for adaptive lighting control
2Quantity of substance
If current compression methods are used to reduce data volume, then bandwidth requirements are partially addressed, but compression efficiency is insufficient for high beam patterns and high-resolution modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary gradient calculation and segment identification to the image data before compression encoding. By pre-processing the data to identify linear segments and calculate gradients, the system prepares the data in a format that enables highly efficient run-length encoding and gradient-based compression. This preliminary action allows the compression algorithm to achieve superior compression rates specifically optimized for high beam patterns with their characteristic linear intensity variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional pixel-by-pixel compression mechanisms with a gradient-based segmental compression approach. Instead of applying conventional compression algorithms to individual pixels, the system substitutes this with a mechanism that identifies continuous segments defined by gradient thresholds and encodes them using run-length encoding. This substitution dramatically improves compression efficiency for the linear intensity patterns characteristic of high beam automotive lighting
3Loss of energy
If bandwidth limits are imposed by car manufacturers to reduce communication load, then energy consumption and system complexity are reduced, but the ability to manage high-resolution light modules is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters used to represent image data from raw pixel intensities to gradient-based segment definitions with run-length encoding. This parameter transformation enables the transmission of high-resolution image data for modern LED modules at reduced bitrates, allowing bandwidth-limited CAN bus systems to maintain communication with high-resolution lighting modules without energy-intensive uncompressed transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a compressed representation (copy) of the original high-resolution image data that preserves the essential visual information needed for lighting control. This compressed copy uses gradient segments and run-length encoding to represent the same visual pattern with far fewer data elements, enabling high-resolution image data to be transmitted over bandwidth-limited channels with reduced energy consumption
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a method for managing image data in an automotive lighting device. This method comprises the steps of providing an image pattern, dividing the image pattern in rows or columns of pixels, calculating a first gradient value related to the relation between the numeric value of a first pixel and the numeric value of an adjacent pixel, checking, for each pixel, if the difference between the corresponding gradient value and the first gradient fulfils one of a first or second condition, define linear segments, compress the data of the linear segments and send the compressed data to the light module. The invention also provides an automotive lighting device for performing the steps of such a method.