Rotational IR Light Module Testing With Hemispherical Photodiodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing light modules in vehicles are resource-intensive or labor-intensive, requiring numerous photodiodes to create a 360-degree light distribution map, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a mounting platform with a rotating light-emitting module and an array of photodiodes over a 90-degree arc to concurrently test and create a three-dimensional light distribution map, minimizing the number of photodiodes needed and optimizing the testing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If photodiodes are arranged to cover a 360-degree field of view, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of photodiodes to a three-dimensional hemispherical arrangement. By positioning photodiodes on the inner surface of a hemisphere, the system achieves 360-degree coverage in multiple directions simultaneously, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity through the use of a geometrically efficient structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hemispherical geometry for the photodiode array, utilizing the curved surface to achieve comprehensive angular coverage. This spherical arrangement allows photodiodes to be distributed across different angles and elevations, capturing illumination patterns from all directions around the light module under test, thereby improving measurement completeness while maintaining structural compactness.
2Measurement precision
If multiple photodiodes are used to capture the full illumination pattern, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous rotational movement of the mounting platform, allowing the light module to be tested across all angular positions in a single continuous operation. This eliminates the need for discrete positioning stops and repeated setup procedures, maintaining continuous data acquisition throughout the 360-degree rotation, thereby improving measurement completeness while reducing total testing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures the hemispherical photodiode array in a fixed position before testing begins. This preliminary arrangement of sensors ensures that all measurement points are ready and positioned correctly in advance, eliminating setup time during the actual testing process. The rotational mechanism is also pre-calibrated to ensure accurate angular positioning throughout the test sequence.
3Measurement precision
If the light module is tested at multiple fields of view, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated testing operation. By rotating the light module on a universal mounting platform while maintaining a fixed hemispherical photodiode array, the system simultaneously captures illumination data across all fields of view in one continuous motion, merging what would otherwise require multiple separate testing sequences into a single efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal mounting platform is designed to accommodate various light module configurations and orientations while maintaining the same measurement capability. The hemispherical photodiode array serves multiple measurement functions simultaneously, capturing data for different fields of view, illumination angles, and intensity distributions in a single test sequence, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing measurement precision.
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
Efficiently generates a three-dimensional light distribution map that verifies the light module's ability to illuminate vehicle interiors, including edges, with reduced resource and time consumption.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the light intensity of a light module... sensing, with the photodiodes, a plurality of directional light intensities
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments described herein involve a system for testing a light-emitting module. The light-emitting module may include a mounting platform configured to hold a light-emitting module for a camera. The mounting platform may also be configured to rotate. The system may further include a housing holding a plurality of photodiodes arranged in an array over at least a 90 degree arc of a hemisphere. The system may also include a controller configured to control the photodiodes and the rotation of the mounting platform.