Matrix LED Light Pattern Correction via Pixel Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital automotive lighting devices using pixelated LEDs suffer from non-uniformity in light beam projection due to optical and thermal variations, leading to inconsistent light rendering.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves obtaining a map of the light pattern, associating calibration power values to each pixel based on intensity, and adjusting these values to project a corrected, more uniform light pattern, which can be calibrated in-situ or externally using pulse width modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pixelated LED technology is used to create digital lighting devices, then the lighting device can provide programmable and versatile light patterns, but non-uniformity in the projected light beam occurs due to optical and thermal variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning individual calibration power values to each pixel based on its measured light intensity characteristics. This allows each pixel to be optimized locally to compensate for manufacturing variations, optical differences, and thermal effects, thereby achieving uniform overall light output while maintaining the versatility of programmable patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power parameter of each pixel individually through calibration. By measuring the actual light intensity of each pixel and adjusting its power value accordingly, the system compensates for variations in LED performance, optical path differences, and thermal effects, resolving the uniformity issue while preserving pattern versatility
2Manufacturing precision
If individual LED variations are compensated through calibration, then light beam uniformity is improved, but the complexity of the lighting device increases due to additional calibration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration as a preliminary action during manufacturing or installation. By measuring each pixel's light intensity and storing calibration power values beforehand, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms, reducing operational complexity while achieving uniform light output
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device performs self-calibration by automatically measuring its own pixel intensities and generating calibration values. This self-service approach minimizes external intervention and system complexity while achieving the required uniformity
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
The method achieves significantly improved uniformity in light intensity across the projected beam, reducing visual discomfort and errors in object perception by compensating for variations in light source rendering.
Implementation Method 1
a matrix arrangement of solid-state light sources (2), intended to provide a light pattern
Implementation Method 2
the power values are pulse width modulation values
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method for correcting a first light pattern provided by a lighting device (1) with a matrix of light sources (2). This method comprising the steps of obtaining a map of the light pattern divided in pixels (4), associating a calibration power value to each pixel (4), depending on the light intensity of each pixel and assigning a new power value to each pixel. Finally, a corrected light pattern is projected with the new power values. The invention also provides an automotive lighting device with a calibrator to perform the steps of this method and an automotive lighting assembly with an external calibrator to perform the steps of this method.