Pixel Headlamp Aiming With Reduced-Pixel Beam Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aiming systems in vehicle manufacturing plants face challenges due to the use of Fresnel lenses, which cause interference from other lighting features, leading to inconsistent beam pattern measurements and aiming capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a reduced number of pixels, such as a single pixel or a subset of pixels, to activate a predefined beam pattern, adjusting headlamp aim based on measured vehicle characteristics, particularly front fender dimensions, to achieve consistent and accurate headlamp aim.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a full beam pattern is used for headlamp aiming, then the measurement covers the complete lighting output, but interference from other lighting features causes inconsistent beam pattern measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The headlamp beam pattern is segmented into multiple individual pixels or LED elements. The measurement system activates and measures only a specific subset of these pixels corresponding to the intended beam pattern, rather than measuring the entire complex lighting output. This segmentation isolates the measurement to the relevant lighting elements, eliminating interference from other lighting features while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If multiple pixels are activated for headlamp aiming, then the beam pattern is comprehensive, but the complexity of controlling and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of activating all pixels in the headlamp array, the system activates only the necessary subset of pixels that form the required beam pattern for aiming measurement. This partial action reduces the complexity of control signals and measurement procedures while maintaining sufficient reliability for accurate headlamp aim adjustment. The measurement system only needs to account for the active pixels, simplifying the overall system complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If Fresnel lenses are used in headlamps, then the lighting distribution is improved, but interference from the lens causes inconsistent measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system extracts and measures only the specific pixel outputs that correspond to the intended beam pattern, separating the measurement function from the Fresnel lens optical path. By directly measuring the light output from individual pixels before the light interacts with the Fresnel lens, the system obtains consistent measurements without interference from lens reflections and refractions, while still allowing the Fresnel lens to provide improved lighting distribution during normal operation.
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
This approach enhances the consistency and accuracy of headlamp aim measurements by minimizing interference from other lighting features, ensuring a consistent beam pattern correlation between measurement and audit conditions.
Implementation Method 1
each pixel of the plurality of pixels comprises a LED
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method include providing at least one headlamp that includes a plurality of pixels, determining a headlamp optical center nominal target of the at least one headlamp based on at least one measured vehicle characteristic, and activating a predefined beam pattern comprising a reduced number of pixels from the plurality of pixels. The system and method further include adjusting headlamp aim to the headlamp optical center nominal target; and deactivating the predefined beam pattern.