Vehicle Matrix Lighting Calibration for Uniform Beam Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting modules for motor vehicles, particularly those using micromirror or microLED technologies, face challenges in aligning micromirror matrices with projection optics, leading to variable light intensity and image distortions due to manufacturing tolerances, resulting in non-uniform light beams and potential dazzling of other road users.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for calibrating the luminous and geometric behavior of matrix light sources in motor vehicle lighting modules, involving a control module and lighting module with data exchange and storage of calibration data to compute and apply default lighting setpoints, ensuring uniform light output independent of the specific matrix light source installed, and incorporating cryptographic authentication for secure data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mass production methods with molded plastic parts are used, then production costs are reduced and assembly is simplified, but manufacturing precision deteriorates leading to misalignment between micromirror matrix and projection optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating each lighting module during manufacturing to create a unique calibration data set that compensates for manufacturing tolerances. This calibration is performed before the module is installed in the vehicle, allowing the system to pre-correct for alignment errors and optical aberrations that will occur during normal operation. The calibration data is stored in memory and automatically applied during operation, eliminating the need for expensive precision machining while maintaining uniform light output.
2Ease of operation
If positioning tolerances are increased to facilitate assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but image projection quality deteriorates due to lateral offset from optical axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual optical characteristics of each lighting module during calibration and using this information to adjust the control signals sent to the micromirrors. The system continuously monitors the light output and applies corrective transformations based on the calibration data, effectively compensating for positioning errors. This closed-loop approach allows loose mechanical tolerances while maintaining high projection quality through software-based correction.
3Device complexity
If conventional lighting modules with fixed optical characteristics are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates when faults occur or when different vehicle configurations are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical characteristics of the lighting module software-configurable rather than fixed. The calibration data stored in memory allows the system to dynamically adjust the control signals sent to each micromirror based on the specific module's characteristics and the vehicle's configuration. This enables the same hardware to adapt to different fault conditions, vehicle models, and operating scenarios without requiring physical reconfiguration or replacement of components.
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 solution enables the production of a uniform light beam that conforms to predetermined setpoints, reducing image distortions and preventing dazzling of other road users by accounting for manufacturing variations and geometric aberrations, and allows for secure data exchange and authentication, facilitating error-free assembly and operation of lighting modules.
Implementation Method 1
Micromirrors, the position of which is controlled by means of piezoelectric elements, are oriented so as to selectively reflect an incident light beam
Implementation Method 2
Micromirrors, the position of which is controlled by means of piezoelectric elements
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for generating a default lighting instruction for a lighting module for a motor vehicle, the lighting module including a matrix light source having a plurality of elementary light sources, and a control module of a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a lighting system and a computer program.