EP0786714A2 - Method and apparatus for adjusting the intensity of a current or voltage controlled lighting means for rear lighting of a display device especially for motor vehicles - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for adjusting the intensity of a current or voltage controlled lighting means for rear lighting of a display device especially for motor vehicles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0786714A2
EP0786714A2 EP96112912A EP96112912A EP0786714A2 EP 0786714 A2 EP0786714 A2 EP 0786714A2 EP 96112912 A EP96112912 A EP 96112912A EP 96112912 A EP96112912 A EP 96112912A EP 0786714 A2 EP0786714 A2 EP 0786714A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
brightness
microcomputer
illuminant
display
current
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Granted
Application number
EP96112912A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0786714A3 (en
EP0786714B1 (en
Inventor
Henry Strobel
Jörg Jung
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Siemens AG
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Mannesmann VDO AG
Max Kammerer GmbH
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05F—SYSTEMS FOR REGULATING ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G05F1/00—Automatic systems in which deviations of an electric quantity from one or more predetermined values are detected at the output of the system and fed back to a device within the system to restore the detected quantity to its predetermined value or values, i.e. retroactive systems
    • G05F1/10—Regulating voltage or current
    • G05F1/46—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is dc
    • G05F1/56—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is dc using semiconductor devices in series with the load as final control devices
    • G05F1/565—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is dc using semiconductor devices in series with the load as final control devices sensing a condition of the system or its load in addition to means responsive to deviations in the output of the system, e.g. current, voltage, power factor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
    • G09G3/00—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes
    • G09G3/20—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix no fixed position being assigned to or needed to be assigned to the individual characters or partial characters
    • G09G3/34—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix no fixed position being assigned to or needed to be assigned to the individual characters or partial characters by control of light from an independent source
    • G09G3/3406—Control of illumination source

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for adjusting the brightness of a current- or voltage-controlled illuminant for backlighting a display and an arrangement for carrying out the method.
  • LCDs are very often used in modern operating devices to display functional states, setpoints and actual values. All LCDs have backlighting to ensure readability in all external lighting conditions. This backlighting is realized by lamps or LEDs.
  • LEDs it is also common to use LEDs to backlight individual control buttons. This either serves to display the function of the key or to help the user find the right key.
  • the aim is to achieve a harmonious, uniform illumination appearance of the display.
  • brightness values within very narrow tolerances are prescribed for the various displays such as radio, air conditioning, on-board computer or speedometer.
  • the brightness of LEDs or lamps is very wide, so that the display brightness required in motor vehicle manufacture is often not achievable.
  • the illuminants are then provided with different series resistors in order to achieve a uniform display brightness.
  • lamps and series resistors are fixed at the start of the display production. This is associated with a very high logistical effort. Errors that occur, e.g. B. by installing another lamp or a wrong resistance can not be excluded.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method in which the backlighting for displays with a narrowly tolerated brightness can be set without high logistical effort.
  • the object is achieved in that, after the display has been produced, a correction factor is determined as a function of the brightness of the lamp, by means of which the control voltage or the control current of the lamp is set.
  • the advantage of the invention is that the brightness of the illuminant is only adapted to the corresponding tolerances with the same hardware at the end of the strip. Possibilities of errors during assembly are prevented and the logistics effort is reduced to a minimum.
  • the control voltage or the control current of the illuminant is advantageously determined with the aid of an electronic computer which controls the Correction factor takes from a data memory in which an assignment of the brightness of the illuminant to the corresponding correction factor is stored.
  • the actual brightness of the illuminant is measured and the corresponding measured value is fed to the electronic computer.
  • a value corresponding to the average brightness of the illuminant to be expected can be supplied to the electronic computer.
  • the brightness of the illuminant is always set in the middle of the tolerance range. All other variables influencing the brightness are eliminated.
  • control signal output by the electronic computer is a pulse signal, the pulse width of which is set as a function of the brightness of the illuminant.
  • An advantageous embodiment of the invention consists in that a series connection of the illuminants leads to a fixed voltage on the one hand and is connected to a series resistor on the other hand.
  • the series resistor is connected via a transistor to an output of a first microcomputer, which has a programmable memory, the brightness signal being present at an input of the microcomputer.
  • the programmable memory can also be arranged outside the microcomputer.
  • the first microcomputer is arranged in the display control unit.
  • the first microcomputer advantageously has a diagnostic interface, by means of which the first microcomputer can be connected to a second microcomputer that controls the brightness measurement.
  • the second microcomputer is advantageously a test computer.
  • FIG. 1 the usual setting of the brightness of a backlighting of keys is shown.
  • Three LEDs 1, 2, 3 are connected with a series resistor 4 between terminal 58g of the motor vehicle and ground.
  • a transistor 5 is now connected between the series resistor 4 and ground, the base of which is connected to the input 14 of a microcomputer 7.
  • the microcomputer 7 is connected via bus lines both to a non-volatile memory 8 (EEPROM) and to a diagnostic interface 9.
  • EEPROM non-volatile memory 8
  • the microcomputer 7, memory 8 and interface 9 are arranged in a control device 6, which in turn is contained in a display device 10 for controlling an LCD display 11.
  • the light emitting diodes 1, 2 and 3 are placed behind the LCD display 11.
  • any LCDs 1, 2 and 3 can now be installed in the manufacture of the display device 10. After completion of the display device 10, the luminosity of the LEDs 1, 2 and 3 can be set in a tape end test with the aid of a test computer 12, preferably an existing production computer.
  • the brightness emitted by the LEDs is measured by a light measuring device 13 and the measured value is passed to the test computer 12 via an A / D converter.
  • This test computer 12 is also connected to the diagnostic interface 9 of the control unit 6, which can be implemented simply by a diagnostic connector. The digitized measured brightness value is thus given to the microcomputer 7 of the control device 6.
  • the transistor 5 is driven in a clocked manner, which results in a voltage change on the LEDs 1 to 3 and thus a change in the brightness of the light-emitting diodes.
  • the PWM signal is thus permanently set and is retained for the life of the LEDs.
  • the correction values stored in EEPROM 8 can be determined using tables. If the storage capacity is high, the dependency of the PWM signal on the brightness is also possible in the form of characteristic maps, which enable a higher accuracy of the adaptation to the punctually determined lighting characteristics of the LEDs.
  • the LEDs or lamps In the case of the so-called search lighting, which serves to make it easier for the user to find a key, it is advisable for the LEDs or lamps to be assigned a fixed class stored in the EEPROM 8 in accordance with their measured brightness fluctuations by the microcomputer 7. If the brightness value falls into this class, the transistor 5 is activated, otherwise the activation of the transistor 5 is omitted.
  • a resistance combination consisting of resistors 4 and 15 is necessary for this brightness adjustment.
  • the resistor 15 is short-circuited via the transistor 5 when a signal is present.
  • the LEDs with so-called low-side switches are connected to a constant voltage or current source.
  • the transistor 5 controlled by the microprocessor 7 is connected to the current source in a manner known per se.
  • the clock signal leads to a voltage change, which leads to a change in the brightness of the LEDs.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Control Of Indicators Other Than Cathode Ray Tubes (AREA)
  • Instrument Panels (AREA)
  • Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)

Abstract

The control is applied to a string of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (1-3) with a series resistance (4), switched by a transistor (5) whose base drive is pulse-width modulated by a microprocessor (7) with nonvolatile electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (8) and a diagnostic interface (9). The brightness is monitored by a photometer (13) whose output is digitised (12) for the microprocessor. It is compared with a table in the memory which assigns a defined pulse width to each possible value of brightness.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Einstellung der Helligkeit eines strom- oder spannungsgesteuerten Leuchtmittels zur Hinterleuchtung einer Anzeige sowie eine Anordnung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens.The invention relates to a method for adjusting the brightness of a current- or voltage-controlled illuminant for backlighting a display and an arrangement for carrying out the method.

In modernen Bediengeräten werden zur Anzeige von Funktionszuständen, Soll- und Istwerten sehr häufig LCD's eingesetzt. Alle LCD's haben eine Hinterleuchtung, um die Ablesbarkeit bei allen äußeren Lichtverhältnissen sicherzustellen. Diese Hinterleuchtung wird durch Lampen oder LED's realisiert.LCDs are very often used in modern operating devices to display functional states, setpoints and actual values. All LCDs have backlighting to ensure readability in all external lighting conditions. This backlighting is realized by lamps or LEDs.

Auch ist es üblich LED's zur Hinterleuchtung einzelner Bedientasten zu nutzen. Dies dient entweder der Funktionsanzeige der Taste oder aber dazu, den Nutzer bei der Suche nach der richtigen Taste zu unterstützen.It is also common to use LEDs to backlight individual control buttons. This either serves to display the function of the key or to help the user find the right key.

Es besteht dabei das Bestreben, ein harmonisches, gleichmäßiges Ausleuchtungserscheinungsbild der Anzeige zu erreichen. Insbesondere in Kraftfahrzeugen sind zu diesem Zwecke für die verschieden Anzeigen wie Radio, Klimaanlage, Bordcomputer oder Tachometer Helligkeitswerte in sehr engen Toleranzen vorgeschrieben.The aim is to achieve a harmonious, uniform illumination appearance of the display. In motor vehicles in particular, brightness values within very narrow tolerances are prescribed for the various displays such as radio, air conditioning, on-board computer or speedometer.

LED's oder Lampen hingegen weisen in ihrer Helligkeit sehr große Streubreiten auf, so daß die bei der Kraftfahrzeugherstellung geforderte Anzeigehelligkeit oft nicht erreichbar ist.The brightness of LEDs or lamps, on the other hand, is very wide, so that the display brightness required in motor vehicle manufacture is often not achievable.

Um die gewünschte Anzeigehelligkeit zu erreichen, ist es bisher üblich, die Leuchtmittel auszumessen und entsprechend ihrer Leuchtstärke in verschiedene Klassen zu selektieren.In order to achieve the desired display brightness, it has hitherto been customary to measure the illuminants and to select them in different classes according to their luminosity.

Bei der Herstellung der Elektronik werden die Leuchtmittel dann mit unterschiedlichen Vorwiderständen versehen, um eine gleichmäßige Anzeigehelligkeit zu erzielen.During the manufacture of the electronics, the illuminants are then provided with different series resistors in order to achieve a uniform display brightness.

Nachteilig dabei ist, daß zu Beginn der Anzeigenherstellung Leuchtmittel und Vorwiderstände festgelegt sind. Dies ist mit einem sehr hohen logistischen Aufwand verbunden. Auftretende Fehler, z. B. durch den Einbau eines anderen Leuchtmittels oder eines falschen Wderstandes können aber nicht ausgeschlossen werden.The disadvantage here is that lamps and series resistors are fixed at the start of the display production. This is associated with a very high logistical effort. Errors that occur, e.g. B. by installing another lamp or a wrong resistance can not be excluded.

Der Erfindung liegt somit die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren anzugeben, bei welchem ohne hohen logistischen Aufwand die Hintergrundbeleuchtung für Anzeigen mit einer eng tolerierten Helligkeit einstellbar ist.The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method in which the backlighting for displays with a narrowly tolerated brightness can be set without high logistical effort.

Erfindungsgemäß wird die Aufgabe dadurch gelöst, daß nach Herstellung der Anzeige in Abhängigkeit von der Helligkeit des Leuchtmittels ein Korrekturfaktor bestimmt wird, mittels welchem die Steuerspannung oder der Steuerstrom des Leuchtmittels eingestellt wird.According to the invention, the object is achieved in that, after the display has been produced, a correction factor is determined as a function of the brightness of the lamp, by means of which the control voltage or the control current of the lamp is set.

Der Vorteil der Erfindung besteht darin, daß erst am Bandende die Helligkeit des Leuchtmittels an die entsprechenden Toleranzen bei sonst gleicher Hardware angepaßt wird. Fehlermöglichkeiten beim Zusammenbau werden unterbunden und der Logistikaufwand auf ein Minimum reduziert.The advantage of the invention is that the brightness of the illuminant is only adapted to the corresponding tolerances with the same hardware at the end of the strip. Possibilities of errors during assembly are prevented and the logistics effort is reduced to a minimum.

Vorteilhafterweise wird die Steuerspannung oder der Steuerstrom des Leuchtmittels mit Hilfe eines elektronischen Rechners bestimmt, der den Korrekturfaktor einem Datenspeicher entnimmt, in welchem eine Zuordnung der Helligkeit des Leuchtmittels zum entsprechenden Korrekturfaktor abgelegt ist. Die tatsächliche Helligkeit des Leuchtmittels wird dabei gemessen und der entsprechende Meßwert dem elektronischen Rechner zugeführt. Alternativ kann dem elektronischen Rechner auch ein der mittleren zu erwartenden Helligkeit des Leuchtmittels entsprechender Wert zugeführt werden.The control voltage or the control current of the illuminant is advantageously determined with the aid of an electronic computer which controls the Correction factor takes from a data memory in which an assignment of the brightness of the illuminant to the corresponding correction factor is stored. The actual brightness of the illuminant is measured and the corresponding measured value is fed to the electronic computer. Alternatively, a value corresponding to the average brightness of the illuminant to be expected can be supplied to the electronic computer.

Mit Hilfe der Rechnersteuerung wird die Helligkeit des Leuchtmittels immer in die Mitte des Toleranzfeldes eingestellt. Alle weiteren die Helligkeit beeinflussenden Größen werden eliminiert.With the help of the computer control, the brightness of the illuminant is always set in the middle of the tolerance range. All other variables influencing the brightness are eliminated.

In einer Weiterbildung ist das vom elektronischen Rechner abgegebene Steuersignal ein Impulssignal, dessen Impulsbreite in Abhängigkeit der Helligkeit des Leuchtmittels eingestellt wird.In one development, the control signal output by the electronic computer is a pulse signal, the pulse width of which is set as a function of the brightness of the illuminant.

Eine vorteilhafte Ausführungsform der Erfindung besteht darin, daß eine Reihenschaltung der Leuchtmittel einerseits an eine Festspannung führt und andererseits mit einem Vorwiderstand verbunden ist. Der Vorwiderstand ist über einen Transistor mit einem Ausgang eines ersten Mikrocomputers verbunden, welcher einen programmierbaren Speicher aufweist, wobei an einem Eingang des Mikrocomputers das Helligkeitssignal anliegt. Der programmierbare Speicher kann aber auch außerhalb des Mikrocomputers angeordnet sein.An advantageous embodiment of the invention consists in that a series connection of the illuminants leads to a fixed voltage on the one hand and is connected to a series resistor on the other hand. The series resistor is connected via a transistor to an output of a first microcomputer, which has a programmable memory, the brightness signal being present at an input of the microcomputer. However, the programmable memory can also be arranged outside the microcomputer.

Dabei ist der erste Mikrocomputer im Anzeigensteuergerät angeordnet.The first microcomputer is arranged in the display control unit.

Der erste Mikrocomputer weist vorteilhafterweise eine Diagnoseschnittstelle auf, mittels welchem der erste Mikrocomputer mit einem zweiten Mikrocomputer verbindbar ist, der die Helligkeitsmessung steuert.The first microcomputer advantageously has a diagnostic interface, by means of which the first microcomputer can be connected to a second microcomputer that controls the brightness measurement.

Der zweite Mikrocomputer ist vorteilhafterweise ein Prüfrechner.The second microcomputer is advantageously a test computer.

Die Nutzung von an sich vorhandenen Mikrorechnern vereinfacht die Realisierung der Erfindung deutlich.The use of existing microcomputers significantly simplifies the implementation of the invention.

Die Erfindung läßt zahlreiche Ausführungsbeispiele zu. Eines davon soll anhand der in der Zeichnung dargestellten Figuren näher erläutert werden.The invention allows numerous exemplary embodiments. One of these will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures shown in the drawing.

Es zeigt

Fig. 1:
Helligkeitseinstellung nach dem Stand der Technik
Fig. 2:
Anordnung zur Einstellung einer LCD-Hinterleuchtung
Fig. 3:
Anordnung zur Einstellung einer Tastenhinterleuchtung als Suchbeleuchtung
It shows
Fig. 1:
State-of-the-art brightness setting
Fig. 2:
Arrangement for setting an LCD backlight
Fig. 3:
Arrangement for setting a key backlight as search lighting

Gleiche Merkmale sind in allen Figuren mit den gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen.Identical features are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

Die Erfindung soll nun am Beispiel von Anzeigen in Kraftfahrzeugen näher erläutert werden.The invention will now be explained in more detail using the example of displays in motor vehicles.

In Figur 1 ist die bisher übliche Einstellung der Helligkeit einer Hinterleuchtung von Tasten dargestellt. Drei LED's 1, 2, 3 sind mit einem Vorwiderstand 4 zwischen Klemme 58g des Kraftfahrzeuges und Masse geschaltet. Durch die Montage von LED's und Vorwiderstand wird die Helligkeit der Hintergrundbeleuchtung einmalig festgelegt und kann nicht mehr korrigiert werden.In Figure 1, the usual setting of the brightness of a backlighting of keys is shown. Three LEDs 1, 2, 3 are connected with a series resistor 4 between terminal 58g of the motor vehicle and ground. By installing LEDs and a series resistor, the brightness of the backlight is set once and can no longer be corrected.

Gemäß Figur 2 ist nun zwischen den Vorwiderstand 4 und Masse ein Transistor 5 geschaltet, dessen Basis mit dem Eingang 14 eines Mikrocomputers 7 verbunden ist. Der Mikrocomputer 7 ist über Busleitungen sowohl mit einem nichtfiüchtigen Speicher 8 (EEPROM) als auch mit einer Diagnoseschnittstelle 9 verbunden. Der Mikrocomputer 7, Speicher 8 und Schnittstelle 9 sind dabei in einem Steuergerät 6 angeordnet, welches wiederum in einem Anzeigegerät 10 zur Steuerung einer LCD-Anzeige 11 enthalten ist.According to FIG. 2, a transistor 5 is now connected between the series resistor 4 and ground, the base of which is connected to the input 14 of a microcomputer 7. The microcomputer 7 is connected via bus lines both to a non-volatile memory 8 (EEPROM) and to a diagnostic interface 9. The microcomputer 7, memory 8 and interface 9 are arranged in a control device 6, which in turn is contained in a display device 10 for controlling an LCD display 11.

In Figur 2 sind dabei nur die zur Erläuterung der Erfindung notwendigen Merkmale dargestellt.In Figure 2, only the features necessary to explain the invention are shown.

Die Leuchtdioden 1, 2 und 3 sind dabei hinter der LCD-Anzeige 11 plaziert.The light emitting diodes 1, 2 and 3 are placed behind the LCD display 11.

Bei der Herstellung des Anzeigegerätes 10 können nun beliebige LCD's 1, 2 und 3 verbaut werden. Nach Fertigstellung des Anzeigegerätes 10 kann die Leuchtstärke der LED's 1, 2 und 3 in einer Bandendeprüfung mit Hilfe eines Prüfrechners 12, vorzugsweise eines an sich vorhandenen Fertigungsrechners, eingestellt werden.Any LCDs 1, 2 and 3 can now be installed in the manufacture of the display device 10. After completion of the display device 10, the luminosity of the LEDs 1, 2 and 3 can be set in a tape end test with the aid of a test computer 12, preferably an existing production computer.

Dazu wird die von den LED's ausgesandte Helligkeit von einem Lichtmeßgerät 13 gemessen und der Meßwert über einen A/D-Wandler an den Prüfrechner 12 gegeben. Dieser Prüfrechner 12 ist weiterhin mit der Diagnoseschnittstelle 9 des Steuergerätes 6 verbunden, was einfacherweise durch einen Diagnosestecker realisiert werden kann. Der digitalisierte Helligkeitsmeßwert wird so an den Mikrorechner 7 des Steuergerätes 6 gegeben.For this purpose, the brightness emitted by the LEDs is measured by a light measuring device 13 and the measured value is passed to the test computer 12 via an A / D converter. This test computer 12 is also connected to the diagnostic interface 9 of the control unit 6, which can be implemented simply by a diagnostic connector. The digitized measured brightness value is thus given to the microcomputer 7 of the control device 6.

Dieser vergleicht den Helligkeitswert mit einer im EEPROM 8 abgelegten Tabelle, wo jedem möglichen Helligkeitswert eine definierte Pulsweite für ein Ansteuersignal des Transistors 5 zugeordnet ist.This compares the brightness value with a table stored in the EEPROM 8, where a defined pulse width for a control signal of the transistor 5 is assigned to each possible brightness value.

Mit Hilfe dieses am Ausgang 14 des Mikrorechners 7 anliegenden PWM-Signals wird der Transistor 5 getaktet angesteuert, was eine Spannungsänderung an den LED's 1 bis 3 und somit eine Helligkeitsänderung der Leuchtdioden zur Folge hat.With the aid of this PWM signal present at the output 14 of the microcomputer 7, the transistor 5 is driven in a clocked manner, which results in a voltage change on the LEDs 1 to 3 and thus a change in the brightness of the light-emitting diodes.

Das PWM-Signal ist somit fest eingestellt und bleibt für die Lebensdauer der LED's erhalten.The PWM signal is thus permanently set and is retained for the life of the LEDs.

Bei einem notwendigen Austausch der Lampen ist es jederzeit möglich, mit Hilfe eines Diagnoserechners auf die beschriebene Art und Weise ein neues Taktverhältnis einzustellen.If the lamps need to be replaced, it is possible at any time to set a new cycle ratio in the manner described using a diagnostic computer.

Die im EEPROM 8 abgelegten Korrekturwerte können anhand von Tabellen ermittelt werden. Bei vorhandener hoher Speicherkapazität ist die Abhängigkeit des PWM-Signals von der Helligkeit auch in Form von Kennfeldern möglich, die eine höhere Genauigkeit der Anpassung an die punktuell ermittelte Leuchtcharakteristik der LED's ermöglichen.The correction values stored in EEPROM 8 can be determined using tables. If the storage capacity is high, the dependency of the PWM signal on the brightness is also possible in the form of characteristic maps, which enable a higher accuracy of the adaptation to the punctually determined lighting characteristics of the LEDs.

Die bislang erläuterte gleitende Anpassung der Helligkeit der Hintergrundbeleuchtung für eine LCD-Anzeige ist auch für die Hinterleuchtung von einzelnen Tasten anwendbar.The previously described sliding adjustment of the brightness of the backlight for an LCD display can also be used for the backlighting of individual buttons.

Bei der sogenannten Suchbeleuchtung, die dazu dient dem Nutzer das Auffinden einer Taste zu erleichtern, bietet es sich an, daß die LED's oder Lampen entsprechend ihrer gemessenen Helligkeitsschwankungen vom Mikrocomputer 7 einer festen, im EEPROM 8 abgespeicherten Klasse zugeordnet werden. Fällt der Helligkeitswert in diese Klasse, wird der Transistor 5 angesteuert, ansonsten unterbleibt die Ansteuerung des Transistors 5.In the case of the so-called search lighting, which serves to make it easier for the user to find a key, it is advisable for the LEDs or lamps to be assigned a fixed class stored in the EEPROM 8 in accordance with their measured brightness fluctuations by the microcomputer 7. If the brightness value falls into this class, the transistor 5 is activated, otherwise the activation of the transistor 5 is omitted.

Wie in Figur 3 dargestellt, ist für diese Helligkeitsanpassung eine Widerstandskombination, bestehend aus den Widerständen 4 und 15 notwendig. Der Widerstand 15 wird dabei bei anliegendem Signal über den Transistor 5 kurzgeschlossen.As shown in FIG. 3, a resistance combination consisting of resistors 4 and 15 is necessary for this brightness adjustment. The resistor 15 is short-circuited via the transistor 5 when a signal is present.

Es sei noch darauf verwiesen, daß sich das erfindungsgemäße Prinzip auch bei der Funktionsbeleuchtung von Tasten anwenden läßt, die signalisiert, daß eine Taste eingeschaltet ist.It should also be pointed out that the principle according to the invention can also be applied to the functional lighting of keys, which signals that a key is switched on.

Dabei liegen die LED's mit sogenannten Low-Side-Schaltern an einer konstanten Spannungs- oder Stromquelle. Der vom Mikroprozessor 7 gesteuerte Transistor 5 wird dabei in an sich bekannter Art und Weise an die Stromquelle angeschlossen. Auch hier führt das Taktsignal zu einer Spannungsänderung, die eine Helligkeitsänderung der LED's nach sich zieht.The LEDs with so-called low-side switches are connected to a constant voltage or current source. The transistor 5 controlled by the microprocessor 7 is connected to the current source in a manner known per se. Here, too, the clock signal leads to a voltage change, which leads to a change in the brightness of the LEDs.

Claims (9)

Verfahren zur Einstellung der Helligkeit eines strom- oder spannungsgesteuerten Leuchtmittels zur Hinterleuchtung einer Anzeige, insbesondere für Kraftfahrzeuge, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß nach Herstellung der Anzeige in Abhängigkeit von der Helligkeit des Leuchtmittels ein Korrekturfaktor bestimmt wird, mittels welchem die Steuerspannung oder der Steuerstrom des Leuchtmittels eingestellt wird.Method for adjusting the brightness of a current- or voltage-controlled lamp for backlighting a display, in particular for motor vehicles, characterized in that after the display has been produced, a correction factor is determined depending on the brightness of the lamp, by means of which the control voltage or the control current of the lamp is set becomes. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Steuerspannung oder der Steuerstrom des Leuchtmittels mit Hilfe eines elektronischen Rechners bestimmt wird, der den Korrekturfaktor einem Datenspeicher entnimmt, in welchem eine Zuordnung der Helligkeit des Leuchtmittels zum entsprechenden Korrekturfaktor abgelegt ist.Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the control voltage or the control current of the illuminant is determined with the aid of an electronic computer which takes the correction factor from a data memory in which an assignment of the brightness of the illuminant to the corresponding correction factor is stored. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die tatsächliche Helligkeit des Leuchtmittels gemessen wird und der entsprechende Meßwert dem elektronischen Rechner zugeführt wird.Method according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the actual brightness of the illuminant is measured and the corresponding measured value is fed to the electronic computer. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß dem elektronischen Rechner ein der mittleren zu erwartenden Helligkeit des Leuchtmittels entsprechender Wert zugeführt wird.Method according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that a value corresponding to the average brightness of the illuminant to be expected is supplied to the electronic computer. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 2 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das vom elektronischen Rechner abgegebene Steuersignal ein Impulssignal ist, dessen Impulsbreite in Abhängigkeit der Helligkeit des Leuchtmittels eingestellt wird.Method according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the control signal emitted by the electronic computer is a pulse signal, the pulse width of which is set as a function of the brightness of the illuminant. Anordnung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens nach Anspruch 1, bei welcher eine Reihenschaltung mehrerer Leuchtmittel einerseits an eine Festspannung führt und andererseits mit einem Vorwiderstand verbunden ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Vorwiderstand (4) über einen Transistor (5) mit einem Ausgang (14) eines ersten Mikrocomputers (7), welcher einen programmierbaren Speicher (8) aufweist, verbunden ist, wobei an einem Eingang des Mikrocomputers (7) das Helligkeitssignal anliegt.Arrangement for carrying out the method according to Claim 1, in which a series connection of a plurality of lamps leads on the one hand to a fixed voltage and on the other hand is connected to a series resistor, characterized in that the series resistor (4) has an output (14) via a transistor (5) first microcomputer (7), which has a programmable memory (8), is connected, the brightness signal being present at an input of the microcomputer (7). Anordnung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der erste Mikrocomputers (7) im Anzeigensteuergerät (6) angeordnet ist.Arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the first microcomputer (7) is arranged in the display control unit (6). Anordnung nach Anspruch 6 oder 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der erste Mikrocomputer (7) eine Diagnoseschnittstelle (9) aufweist, mittels welcher der erste Mikrocomputer (7) mit einem zweiten Mikrocomputer (12) verbindbar ist, welcher die Helligkeitsmessung steuert.Arrangement according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first microcomputer (7) has a diagnostic interface (9) by means of which the first microcomputer (7) can be connected to a second microcomputer (12) which controls the brightness measurement. Anordnung nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der zweite Mikrocomputer (12) ein Prüfrechner ist.Arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the second microcomputer (12) is a test computer.
EP96112912A 1996-01-27 1996-08-10 Method and apparatus for adjusting the intensity of a current or voltage controlled lighting means for rear lighting of a display device especially for motor vehicles Revoked EP0786714B1 (en)

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DE19602891 1996-01-27
DE19602891A DE19602891A1 (en) 1996-01-27 1996-01-27 Method and arrangement for adjusting the brightness of a current- or voltage-controlled illuminant for backlighting a display, in particular for motor vehicles

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EP0786714A3 (en) 1998-06-24
EP0786714B1 (en) 2002-11-20
DE19602891A1 (en) 1997-08-07

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