Matrix Headlamp Calibration for Homogeneous Default Beam Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting modules with matrix light sources face issues due to manufacturing tolerances and geometric aberrations, leading to non-homogeneous light beam intensities and difficulties in generating a default lighting setpoint that conforms to a predetermined standard, especially when communication failures occur.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for calibrating the luminous and geometric behavior of matrix light sources in vehicles by using calibration data stored in a memory element, allowing for the generation of a default lighting setpoint that accounts for specificities of the matrix light source and vehicle, ensuring a homogeneous light beam is produced even in the event of communication failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If mass production methods are used for lighting modules, then production cost is reduced and manufacturing efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to unavoidable tolerances in semiconductor components and optical alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidoptical alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correction values in a lookup table during the manufacturing process. These correction values compensate for manufacturing tolerances and geometric aberrations before the lighting module is installed in the vehicle. This allows mass production to proceed efficiently while maintaining optical precision through pre-applied corrections rather than requiring perfect alignment during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter approach by transitioning from attempting to achieve perfect physical alignment to using software-based parameter corrections. The control unit modifies the lighting instructions by applying correction values that adjust for manufacturing tolerances, geometric aberrations, and variations in optical characteristics. This transforms the problem from a mechanical alignment issue to a controllable software parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If correction instructions are calculated to account for electronic and optical specificities, then lighting homogeneity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional calibration data storage and processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting homogeneityVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses copying by creating a digital replica of the correction data in the form of a lookup table stored in memory. Instead of implementing complex real-time calculation algorithms, the system copies pre-calculated correction values into a searchable table that the control unit can quickly access and apply. This reduces the computational complexity while maintaining lighting homogeneity through efficient data retrieval and application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If communication between control module and lighting module fails, then system reliability deteriorates, but a default lighting function should be maintained to avoid dazzling other road users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddazzling effect on other road users
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by preparing and storing default lighting instructions in the control unit that can be immediately activated upon communication failure. These default instructions are pre-configured to produce a safe lighting pattern that avoids dazzling other road users. This compensatory measure is in place before any failure occurs, ensuring continuous safe operation without requiring real-time communication or complex decision-making during the failure state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Ease of manufacture

If clearance is provided between constituent elements for easy assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to increased alignment tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidoptical axis alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the approach from relying on tight mechanical tolerances to using software parameter corrections. By applying correction values to the lighting instructions, the system compensates for misalignments that result from providing clearance between components. This allows easier assembly with larger tolerances while maintaining optical precision through digital adjustment of the lighting parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4037937B1Method for generating a default lighting instruction, lighting system, computer program
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP4037937B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for generating a default lighting instruction (001) for a lighting module (100) for a motor vehicle, the lighting module comprising a matrix light source (110) having a plurality of elementary light sources (112), and a control module (20) of a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a lighting system and a computer program.