Matrix LED Headlamp With Position-Based Luminance Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

LED headlights in motor vehicles are mechanically fixed, limiting their ability to adjust light distribution and influencing driver gaze behavior, such as in predictive cornering lights, and existing technologies do not effectively manage light intensity and spectral composition for communication or adaptive illumination.

Innovation Solution

A headlight system with a matrix arrangement of light sources, where luminance can be individually set and adjusted based on position using a predetermined distribution function, allowing for flexible control of light segments and adaptive illumination based on driving conditions and sensor data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If LED headlights are mechanically fixed to the vehicle, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to adjust light distribution and influence driver gaze behavior deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidlight distribution adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The headlight is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or zones, each with adjustable luminance. This allows different portions of the headlight to be controlled separately to achieve predictive cornering effects and adapt to road geometry without requiring mechanical movement of the entire headlight assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different segments of the headlight are assigned different luminance characteristics based on their position and function. Central segments may have higher luminance for main illumination while peripheral segments are adjusted for cornering or glare reduction, creating localized light quality variations that guide driver attention and improve safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If individual light sources are controlled separately with different luminance values, then adaptability of illumination is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts luminance values of individual light sources based on real-time driving conditions, road geometry, and detected objects. This dynamic control enables adaptive illumination that responds to changing environmental conditions without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from sensors, cameras, and vehicle dynamics data to automatically adjust the luminance distribution across light sources. This closed-loop control simplifies the user interface while maintaining high adaptability, as the system self-regulates based on environmental feedback rather than requiring manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If luminance values are adjusted based on position following distribution functions, then energy efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidlight source positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the luminance parameter of light sources based on their positional coordinates according to predetermined distribution functions. This software-based parameter adjustment compensates for manufacturing tolerances in light source positioning, allowing precise light distribution control without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances for LED placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 precise adjustment of light distribution for improved road illumination, obstacle detection, and reduced glare for oncoming vehicles, enhancing driver safety and comfort by optimizing energy usage and light beam alignment with the road and vehicle dynamics.

Implementation Method 1

Headlamps with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are increasingly being used in modern motor vehicles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2548768B1Headlamp for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 AUDI AG
  • EP2548768B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2548768B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The headlight (10) has multiple light sources, where the lighting sources are arranged in a matrix with two perpendicular directions of extension (18,20). A value of the luminance is adjusted individually for each of the lamps. The value of the luminance of the light source is adjustable depending on a position of the light source along one of the directions of extension of a given distribution function (24) that is a normal discretised distribution. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a motor vehicle with an assistance system; and (2) a method for operating a headlight.