JP6641435B2 - Optoelectronic device and adaptive lighting system using same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates generally to light emitting devices. And more particularly, to an optoelectronic device and an adaptive lighting system using it.

  Light emitting diodes ("LEDs") are commonly used as light sources in various applications. LEDs are more energy efficient than conventional light sources, for example, providing much higher energy efficiency than incandescent and fluorescent lamps. In addition, LEDs emit less heat into the illuminated area and provide greater width control over brightness, emission color, and spectrum than conventional light sources. These properties make LEDs an excellent choice for a variety of lighting applications, from indoor lighting to automotive lighting.

  Thus, there is a need for improved solid state lighting designs that take advantage of LEDs over conventional light sources to increase robustness and functionality.

  In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided that includes a controller and a segmented LED chip that includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The plurality of LEDs are separated by trenches formed on the segmented LED chips and are arranged in a plurality of sections, each section including at least one first LED and at least one second LED. Contains. Then, the controller applies a forward bias to each of the first LEDs, applies a reverse bias to each of the second LEDs, and generates the brightness of the first LED in any section by the second LED in that section. It is configured to change based on a signal to be performed.

The drawings described below are for illustrative purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference characters shown in the drawings indicate the same parts in the various embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of one example of a segmented light emitting diode (LED) chip according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of one example of the segmented LED chip of FIG. 1 according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating one example of an operational pattern that may be imparted on a segmented LED chip in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating another example of an operational pattern that may be imparted on a segmented LED chip in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating yet another example of an operational pattern that may be imparted on a segmented LED chip in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of another example of a segmented LED chip according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of another example of a segmented LED chip according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of one example of an adaptive lighting system according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of another example of an adaptive lighting system according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating one example of the operation of an adaptive automotive lighting system using segmented LED chips, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating one example of an adaptive operation that may be performed by the adaptive vehicle lighting system of FIG. 8 according to aspects of the present invention. FIG. 10A illustrates one example of another adaptive operation that may be performed by the adaptive vehicle lighting system of FIG. 8 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. FIG. 10B illustrates one example of another adaptive operation that may be performed by the adaptive automotive lighting system of FIG. 8 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. FIG. 11A is a schematic exploded view of a headlight that may be used in the adaptive vehicle lighting system of FIG. 8 according to aspects of the present invention. FIG. 11B is a schematic side view of the headlight of FIG. 11A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the headlight of FIG. 11A in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of one example of a process for avoiding crosstalk between a light emitter LED and a reflector LED in a segmented LED chip according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14A illustrates a segmented LED chip that has been optimized to avoid crosstalk between a light emitting LED and a reflector LED located on the die of the chip, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic plan view of two examples. FIG. 14B is a schematic side view of the segmented LED chip of FIG. 14A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of one example of a process for operating an LED matrix, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of one example of a process for operating a group of LEDs in an LED matrix, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of one example of a process for operating an LED matrix according to aspects of the present disclosure.

  In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a segmented light emitting diode (LED) chip including a plurality of LEDs is disclosed. Each LED on the segmented LED chip is provided with a pair of contacts that allows that LED to be biased separately from the others. As a result, some of the LEDs in the segmented LED chip may be used as detectors to detect ambient light, while others may be used as emitters. Any given LED in a segmented LED chip can be used as a light emitter when a forward bias is applied to that LED. Similarly, any LED in a segmented LED chip can be used as a detector when a reverse bias is applied to that LED.

  According to aspects of the present disclosure, some of the LEDs in the segmented LED chip may be optimized for use as a detector. For example, any of the optimized LEDs may be provided with a filter structure to narrow its absorption band. As another example, any of the optimized LEDs may be further doped by ion implantation, for example, to shift and / or extend the absorption band of the LED. As yet another example, any of the optimized LEDs both comprises a filter structure and is additionally doped to fine-tune the absorption band of the LED. It may be.

  In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, segmented LED chips may be used to construct an improved adaptive lighting system. Conventional adaptive lighting systems include light emitters and light detectors located on separate chips. However, since the segmented LED chip contains both the emitter and the photodetector on the same die, the number of parts that need to be included in the improved adaptive lighting system depends on the sensor installation of the system. It is reduced along with the footprint.

  In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a segmented LED chip may allow a light emitter and a photodetector to share the same optics. The emitter and photodetector are located close to each other on the die of the chip, so they both fit under the same lens (or another type of optical unit) without the need for optical alignment (Fit). As can be easily understood, placing the emitter and detector under the same lens requires regular optical alignment that would be required if the emitter and photodetector used separate lenses. Eliminate the need for

  In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, segmented LED chips may allow for fine lighting control not found in conventional lighting systems. Since the light emitter and the photodetector are located close to each other on the die of the chip, different light emitter detector pairs can fit under different lenses in the lens array. Each lens in the array may be configured to guide light emitted from a respective light emitter toward a different center. In addition, each lens may be configured to pass light incident on the lens from a respective central direction of the lens to its respective photodetector. In this way, the photodetector for each lens can be effectively configured to measure ambient light conditions primarily associated with the light emitters for each lens. This, in turn, can result in over-illuminated without changing the brightness of the other LEDs in the segmented LED chips that are directed towards the areas that are not over-illuminated. It may be possible to darken a light emitter LED directed towards an illuminated area.

  In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a segmented light emitting diode (LED) chip that includes a plurality of LEDs separated by trenches formed on the segmented LED chips. Each LED has a respective emission band and a respective absorption band, wherein the plurality of LEDs includes one or more first LEDs and one or more second LEDs. . And at least one of the second LEDs is configured to have a different absorption band than any of the first LEDs as a result of a process performed on the segmented LED chip after the trench is formed. I have.

  According to aspects of the present disclosure, a segmented light emitting diode (LED) chip including a plurality of LEDs separated by trenches formed on the segmented LED chip, and a first LED in the segmented LED chip. An apparatus is disclosed that includes a controller configured to apply a forward bias to the second LED and change the brightness of each of the first LED and the second LED by a different amount. Here, the brightness of the first LED is changed based on the first signal generated by the reverse-biased LED in the segmented LED chip, and the brightness of the second LED is changed in the segmented LED chip. The modification is based on a second signal generated simultaneously with the first signal by another reverse-biased LED.

  According to aspects of the present disclosure, a segmented light emitting diode (LED) chip including a plurality of LEDs separated by a trench formed on the segmented LED chip, and a plurality of one or more first LEDs Applying a forward bias to one or more of the one or more second LEDs, and applying one or more of the one or more second LEDs to one or more second LEDs and co-locating the one or more second LEDs with a given first LED. A controller configured to change the brightness of a given first LED based on a signal generated by the second LED.

  Embodiments of different adaptive lighting systems will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. These examples are not mutually exclusive, and features found in one example may be combined with features found in one or more other examples to achieve additional implementation. Can be. Accordingly, it will be understood that the examples shown in the accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the disclosure in any way. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

  Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe the various elements, but it is understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. Will be done. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element could be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the invention. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

  An element, such as a layer, region, or substrate, is "on" or extends "onto" another element When mentioned, it may be directly on top of another element, or extend directly on top of another element, or if there are intervening elements It will be understood that it is good. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or extending “directly onto” another element Has no intervening elements. If an element is referred to as “connected” or “coupled” with respect to another element, then it is also referred to as other elements. It will be appreciated that they may be directly connected or coupled, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, it intervenes Element does not exist. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the elements in addition to any orientation depicted in the figures.

  "Below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" Relative terms such as ")" are used herein to describe the relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region, as shown in the figures. Good. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

  1 and 2 illustrate one example of a segmented LED chip 100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a top view of the segmented LED chip 100, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the segmented LED chip 100. The segmented LED chip 100 includes a single LED die that is divided into multiple segments, each configured to operate separately from the remaining segments. More specifically, in this example, the segmented LED chip 100 includes a plurality of LEDs 110 separated by trenches 120 formed on the die of the chip. Each LED 110 in the segmented LED chip 100 is provided with a respective contact pair 130 that allows that LED to be biased separately from the rest.

  In some implementations, the segmented LED chip 100 may be similar or identical in size to a standard LED, and each LED 110 (eg, a segment) may be smaller than a typical LED. May be. For example, a standard 1 mm x 1 mm LED chip could be composed of 5 x 5 LEDs (or segments), each 200 [mu] m x 200 [mu] m. Size depends on the separation between segments (eg, LEDs) defined by manufacturing capabilities. According to this embodiment, the LEDs 110 are electrically isolated from each other. For example, by dry etching the die of the segmented LED chip 100 to an insulating substrate or submount so as to break any electrical connection between the LEDs 110. Contacts will be placed separately on each LED 110 in a well-known manner.

  Since the LEDs can be separately biased, the segmented LED chip 100 can forward bias some of the LEDs 110 while reverse biasing others, thereby simultaneously emitting and detecting light. It can be operated as a vessel. As is well known in the art, when a forward bias is applied to an LED, the LED emits light and, under the nomenclature herein, as a light emitter (or To operate in the instrument mode). Similarly, when a reverse bias is applied to a given LED, that LED operates as a photodetector, and under the nomenclature herein, as a detector (or in detector mode). ) Is told to work. Further, since each of the LEDs 110 in the segmented LED chip 100 can be independently biased, the position of the light emitters and detectors within the chip, as well as the relative quantities, drive the segmented LED chip 100 It can be selectively set by an arbitrary control circuit. As described further below, a given configuration of light emitters and detectors in a segmented LED chip is given an "operational pattern" applied in the segmented LED chip. Can be referred to as

  3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate examples of different operating patterns that may be provided in a segmented LED chip in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 3A shows one example of a segmented LED chip 300a configured to operate according to a first operating pattern. As shown in this pattern, LED 312a is reverse biased and is configured to operate as a detector. On the other hand, LED 314a is forward biased and is configured to operate as a light emitter. FIG. 3B shows one example of a segmented LED chip 300b configured to operate according to a second operation pattern. As shown, according to the second operating pattern, LED 312b is reverse biased and is configured to operate as a detector. On the other hand, LED 314b is forward biased and is configured to operate as a light emitter. FIG. 3C shows one example of a segmented LED chip 300c configured to operate according to a third operation pattern. As shown, according to the third operating pattern, LED 312c is reverse-biased and configured to operate as a detector. On the other hand, LED 314c is forward biased and is configured to operate as a light emitter.

  In some embodiments, the number of LEDs that operate as detectors can vary depending on the amount of sensitivity required. If more sensitivity is needed, more LEDs in a given segment LED chip can be operated as detectors. In contrast, if reduced sensitivity is required, fewer LEDs in a given segmented LED chip can be used as a detector. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, all LEDs in a segmented LED chip may be configured to operate as light emitters (eg, forward biased). Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, all LEDs in the segmented LED chip may be configured to operate as detectors (eg, reverse biased).

  In some implementations, the LEDs on the segmented LED chips may be configured to provide transient voltage suppression (TVS). In instances where it is desirable that all LEDs in a segmented LED chip operate as light emitters, one LED may nevertheless be kept at the opposite polarity to provide a TVS (eg, Reverse biased). In instances where it is desired that all LEDs in a segmented LED chip operate as detectors, one LED may nevertheless be kept at the opposite polarity to provide a TVS (eg, Forward biased).

  In some embodiments, some of the LEDs in the segmented LED chip may be optimized to function as a detector. FIG. 4 is a top view of a segmented LED chip 400 including LEDs 410 and 420 separated by trenches 430 formed on the die of the chip. Each of the LEDs 410 and 420 has a respective absorption band and a respective emission band. However, each of the absorption bands of LED 420 is different from the absorption band of each LED 410. For example, any of the LEDs 420 can have an absorption band that is wider than the absorption band of each of the LEDs 410. As another example, any of the LEDs 420 may have an absorption band shifted with respect to the absorption band of any of the LEDs 410. In some embodiments, the difference in absorption band between LED 410 and LED 420 may be the result of fine tuning LED 420 to suit a particular application. It detects light emitted by a halogen light source, and when used as a detector, the LED 410 cannot detect it satisfactorily.

  Any of the LEDs 420 can start with the same structure as any of the LEDs 410. For example, after the trench 430 is formed to create the LED 420, it may be further modified by ion implantation. As a result of the ion implantation, there may be additional atoms and / or defects not found in the crystal lattice of LED 410 (eg, vacancies, interstitials, substitutionals, etc.). These additional atoms and / or defects form deep level traps in the bandgap of the LED active region, and these deep trap levels eventually differ from the LED 410 The LED 410 with the absorption band operates as a resulting lower energy (ie, longer wavelength) absorption center. In some implementations, any of the LEDs 420 can include a higher concentration of atoms of a given implant element (eg, iron, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, bismuth), or each of the LEDs 410 than Point defects (eg, vacancies, inclusions, etc.) have resulted. For example, a given element's atoms may be present at a lower concentration in the LED 410 or not at all. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, any of the LEDs 420 may include a greater concentration of point defects than each of the LEDs 410.

  In this example, all LEDs 420 have the same absorption band, but in some implementations, at least some of the LEDs 420 may have different absorption bands. For example, the segmented LED chip 400 has a first LED 420 that is optimized to detect light emitted from a halogen headlight, and a second LED 420 that is optimized to detect light emitted from a xenon headlight. , And a third LED 420 that is optimized to detect light from the incandescent headlight. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third LEDs 420 (or at least two of them) use different elements and / or different amounts to achieve a change in the absorption band. It may be doped.

  In some implementations, the absorption band of the second LED can be changed by changing the magnitude of the applied reverse bias while acting as a detector. In III-nitride LEDs, for example, an increase in the magnitude of the reverse bias initially shifts the absorption band to shorter wavelengths. This is because, when the applied bias opposes polarization-induced electric fields in the active region, the quantum well band flattens. As the magnitude of the reverse bias continues to increase, the absorption band shifts to longer wavelengths.

  FIG. 5 illustrates another example of a segmented LED chip 500 that includes an LED that is optimized for use as a detector, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The segmented LED chip 500 includes an LED 510 and an LED 520 separated by a trench 530 formed on the die of the chip. Each of the LEDs 520 includes a filter structure formed on one or more of the respective light emitting surfaces. As a result of having the filter structure, any of the LEDs 520 may have a narrower absorption band than each of the LEDs 510. In some embodiments, the difference in absorption band between LEDs 510 and 520 may be the result of fine-tuning LED 520 to suit a particular purpose.

  In some implementations, the filter structure of each of the LEDs 520 may be formed after the trenches of the segmented LED chip 500 have been etched. Each of the LEDs 520 can start as a substantially identical base structure (eg, an LED) as the LED 510 and is further processed to include a respective filter structure on one or more of its surfaces. The filter structure of each LED 520 may be deposited using any suitable type of technique, such as, for example, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, or sputtering. Each filter structure may be, for example, a dielectric layer or a dielectric layer for forming distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) that produce high reflectivity of light of a given wavelength that is not desired to be hit on the LED. May be formed of any suitable type of material, such as a stack of materials. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular type of process for depositing filter structures and / or compositions.

  As described above, each of the LEDs 520 may be formed by covering a base structure (eg, an LED) that is substantially identical to one of the LEDs 510 having the respective filter structure. In some embodiments, the filter structure of a given LED 520 may be configured to have a transmission band that only partially overlaps the absorption band of the base structure of the given LED 520. For example, a given LED 520 filter structure may have a transmittance band having a respective lower limit and a respective upper limit. Similarly, the base structure of a given LED 520 (or any of the LEDs 510) may have an absorption band having a respective lower limit and a respective upper limit. In some embodiments, the lower limit of the transmission band of the filter structure may be greater than the lower limit of the absorption band of the base structure (or any of the LEDs 510). Additionally or alternatively, the upper limit of the transmission band of the filter structure may be lower than the upper limit of the absorption band of the base structure of a given LED 520 (or any of the LEDs 510).

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of one example of an adaptive lighting system 600 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Adaptive lighting system 600 includes a segmented LED chip 610 and a controller 620, as shown. Controller 620 includes drive circuits 622a-622d and control circuit 624.

  Each of the drive circuits 622a-622d is coupled to a different LED group on the segmented LED chip 610. For example, drive circuit 622a is coupled to LEDs 612a and 614a, which are part of group A. Drive circuit 622b is coupled to LEDs 612b and 614b, which are part of group B. Drive circuit 622c is coupled to LEDs 612c and 614c, which are part of group C. Drive circuit 622d is coupled to LEDs 612d and 614d, which are part of group D. According to this embodiment, each of the LEDs 612a-612d is configured to operate as a light emitter by applying a forward bias thereto. Further, according to this embodiment, each of the LEDs 614a-614d is configured to operate as a detector by applying a reverse bias thereto. Thus, each of the drive circuits 622a-622d is connected to the light-emitting device LED and the detector LED. In this embodiment, each of the groups AD includes only one light emitter and one detector, but any of the groups AD may include multiple light emitters and / or multiple detectors. Implementation is possible. For example, any of groups AD may include any number of light emitters (e.g., one, five, twenty, thirty, etc.). Similarly, any of groups AD may include any number of detectors (eg, one, five, twenty, thirty, etc.). For example, in some implementations, any of groups AD may include one detector and five radiators. Thus, in some implementations, the emitter and detector need not be matched in pairs.

  In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, drive circuit 622a may be configured to change the brightness of LED 612a based on the signal generated by LED 614b. In some implementations, changing the brightness of LED 612a includes increasing the brightness of LED 612a, reducing the brightness of LED 612a (eg, dimming LED 612a), turning on LED 612a, and turning off LED 612a. May be included. Alternatively, in some implementations, changing the brightness of LED 612a may include only increasing the brightness of LED 612a and decreasing the brightness of LED 612a (eg, dimming LED 612a). . In accordance with the present embodiment, an LED 612a is considered to be switched off if it remains turned off for a period longer than the off period of the pulse width modulation (PWM) wave used to drive LED 612a when operating LED 612a. Good. For example, the LED 612a may be considered switched off if power is not supplied for a duration greater than the sum of the on and off periods of the PWM wave. As another example, if no power is applied for one second or more, LED 612a may be considered switched off. In some implementations, increasing the brightness of LED 612a may include increasing the current provided to LED 612a. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, reducing the brightness of LED 612a may include reducing the current supplied to LED 612a without completely shutting off LED 612a. Additionally or alternatively, turning on LED 612a may include starting to supply current to LED 612a when LED 612a is not activated.

  In some implementations, the drive circuit 622a can change the brightness of the LED 612a depending on the amount of light incident on the LEDs in Group A. For example, when the signal generated by the LED 614a indicates that a large amount of light is incident on the LEDs of the group A, the driving circuit 622a may reduce the brightness of the LED 612a. Alternatively, if the signal generated by LED 614a indicates that a small amount of light is incident on the Group A LEDs, drive circuit 622a may increase the brightness of LED 612a. Thus, in accordance with this embodiment, the drive circuit 622a performs a local adaptive lighting function on a group of LEDs and / or a portion of the segmented LED chip 610.

  In some implementations, when the signal generated by LED 614a exceeds a first threshold, drive circuit 622a may decrease the brightness of LED 612a. Additionally or alternatively, drive circuit 622a may increase the brightness of LED 612a when the signal generated by LED 614a exceeds a second threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the amount by which the brightness of LED 612a is reduced or increased may be proportional to a change in the value of the signal generated by LED 614a. Thus, in some implementations, the brightness of the LED 612a can be adjusted continuously rather than in discrete steps.

  In some implementations, the LED 614a can operate continuously as a detector. Alternatively, in some implementations, the LED 614a can operate as both a detector and a light emitter. For example, the bias of the LED 614a can be switched periodically from forward to reverse by the drive circuit 622a to read and then return to forward (see, eg, FIG. 13). Switching the bias of the LED 614a may be performed very quickly (eg, <10 ns), allowing for light collection. In some embodiments, the bias of LED 614a can be switched at a very high frequency, so that changes in the state of LED 614a are not perceptible to the human eye. According to this embodiment, the LEDs 614b-d can be similarly operated by the respective drive circuits.

  Each of drive circuits 612b-612c can operate in a manner similar to drive circuit 622a. More specifically, drive circuit 622b may be any suitable type of circuit configured to change the brightness of LED 612b based on the signal generated by LED 614b. Drive circuit 622c may be any suitable type of circuit configured to change the brightness of LED 612c based on the signal generated by LED 614c. And, the drive circuit 622d may be any suitable type of circuit configured to change the brightness of the LED 612d based on the signal generated by the LED 614d.

  The control circuit 624 is configured to change the state of any of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a processor, a memory, and / or a drive circuit 612a-d. And any other suitable type of circuit. For example, changing the state of a given drive circuit may include increasing or decreasing the bias applied to a given drive circuit for a particular detector LED. As another example, changing the state of a given drive circuit may include increasing or decreasing the amount of current supplied to a given drive circuit for a particular light emitter. Thus, in some embodiments, the control circuit 624 may be configured to set a relationship between the signal generated by a given detector LED and the light output of the associated emitter LED. It is subsequently implemented by the drive circuits connected to a given detector LED and their associated emitter LED.

  In some embodiments, control circuit 624 may be omitted from controller 620. In such a case, each of the LED groups A-D may be controlled by a separate drive circuit, completely independent of the rest.

  In this embodiment, controller 620 is configured to control an LED matrix that includes a single segmented LED chip. However, in some implementations, the controller may be configured to control an LED matrix that includes a plurality of segmented LED chips and / or one or more non-segmented LED chips. For example, the controller 620 may be configured to control an LED matrix that includes four segmented LED chips, such that each of the drive circuits 622a-d has a different one of the segmented LED chips. Connected to

  In this embodiment, the LEDs in groups AD are hardwired to different drive circuits. However, in some implementations, the controller 620 may be provided with a switching fabric, and the control circuit 624 transfers control over the LEDs in the segmented LED chip 610 to any of the drive circuits. To be selectively assigned to For example, the switching structure may allow the control circuit 624 to connect all LEDs in the segmented LED chip 610 to a particular drive circuit. Alternatively, the switching structure can allow the control circuit 624 to connect half of the LEDs in the segmented LED chip 610 to one drive circuit, while connecting the other half. Connected to another drive circuit. Briefly, the switching structure allows the control circuit 624 to dynamically group the LEDs in the segmented LED chip 610 into any number of groups and assign each group to a different drive circuit. obtain.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram of one example of an adaptive lighting system 700, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The adaptive lighting system 700 includes a segmented LED chip 710 connected to a controller 720. Controller 720 includes a processor 722, a memory 724, and a driver 726. Processor 722 may include any suitable type of processor. One or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general purpose processors (eg, ARM-based processors, x86-based processors, MIPS processors, etc.). Memory 724 may include any suitable type of volatile and non-volatile memory, such as DRAM, EEPROM, flash memory, solid state drive (SSD), and hard drive. Driver 726 may include any suitable type of electronic circuitry configured to bias and / or supply current to any of the LEDs in segmented LED chip 710.

  In some implementations, the controller 720 can configure some of the LEDs of the segmented LED chip 710 to operate as light emitters by applying a forward bias to those LEDs. it can. Further, the controller 720 can be configured to operate other LEDs in the segmented LED chip 710 as detectors by reverse biasing these LEDs. Thereafter, the controller 720 may change the brightness of any of the emitter LEDs based on signals generated by one or more detector LEDs, as described below with respect to FIGS. 15-17. .

  In some implementations, the controller 720 may be configured to address each of the LEDs in the segmented LED chip 710. For example, the controller 720 may be configured to change the magnitude and / or polarity of the bias of any LED in the segmented LED chip 710 independently of the other LED chips. As another example, controller 720 may control the current supplied to any LED in segmented LED chip 710 without changing the current supply to any of the other LEDs in segmented LED chip 710. May be configured to increase or decrease. As another example, controller 720 may be configured to detect a signal generated by one of the LEDs in segmented LED chip 710. In this implementation, the controller 720 is used to control an LED matrix composed of a single segmented LED chip, but alternative implementations are possible, where the controller 720 comprises: It is configured to control any suitable type of LED matrix, such as a matrix including a plurality of segmented LED chips and / or a matrix including one or more non-segmented LED chips.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating one example of the operation of an adaptive automotive lighting system using segmented LED chips, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In this embodiment, vehicles 810 and 830 are traveling on road 800 in opposite directions. Each of the headlights of vehicles 810 and 830 has a segmented LED chip (or another type) driven by a controller configured to take adaptive action when encountering oncoming traffic. LED matrix).

  According to this embodiment, vehicle 810 includes headlights 812 and 814 that are turned on to illuminate space 822 and space 824, respectively. Space 822 may include the corresponding section of road 800 ahead of vehicle 810, as well as the space above it. Similarly, space 824 may include another corresponding section of road 800 ahead of vehicle 810, as well as the space above it. Vehicle 830 includes headlights 832 and 834 that are turned on to illuminate space 842 and space 844, respectively. Space 842 may include the corresponding section of road 800 ahead of vehicle 830, as well as the space above it. Similarly, space 844 may include another corresponding section of road 800 ahead of vehicle 830, as well as the space above it.

  In some embodiments, headlights 812 and 814 may be operated by the same controller configured to take various adaptive actions for vehicle 810, as described further below. Additionally or alternatively, headlights 812 and 814 may be operated by different respective controllers. Thus, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular system topology for the adaptive lighting systems of vehicles 810 and 830.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating one example of an adaptive operation that may be performed by the adaptive vehicle lighting system of FIG. 8 when an oncoming vehicle is encountered, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. More specifically, when the vehicle 830 enters the space 822, the headlights 812 use one or more detector LEDs on the segmented LED chips of the headlights to control the headlights of the vehicle 830. The light emitted from 832 is detected. In response, headlights 812 and 814 are turned off to avoid blinding the driver of vehicle 830. As vehicles 810 and 830 pass through each other, the light emitted from headlight 834 no longer illuminates the detector LEDs in headlight 812, and headlights 812 and 814 of vehicle 830 are turned on again. In this example, only one of the vehicles 810 and 830 turns off the headlights, but in some embodiments, both vehicles may turn off (or darken) their respective headlights. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, either of the vehicles 810 and 830 may turn off (or darken) only some of the LEDs in each headlight.

  According to aspects of the present disclosure, a blinking condition may occur. This is the case when both vehicles 810 and 830 enter one cycle, in which both vehicles observe the opposing light source and turn off the headlights (or simply darken) before both vehicles Recognizes that there is no light impinging on him and turns the headlights back on. In some embodiments, vehicles 810 and 830 may prevent the occurrence of a blinking condition by exchanging communications to determine which of them turns off (or simply dims) the headlights. it can. For example, each of the vehicles 810 and 830 may send a message to the other vehicle that instructs the headlights to remain off for a prescribed period of time (eg, 30 seconds). The message may be sent using vehicle headlights, wireless transceivers, and / or other suitable types of devices.

  In some embodiments, vehicle 810 is a segmented LED that is part of headlight 812 as a transceiver to exchange communications with vehicle 830 to determine which vehicle turns off the headlight. Chips can be used. Similarly, vehicle 830 uses a segmented LED chip that is part of headlight 832 as a transceiver to exchange communications with vehicle 810 to determine which vehicle turns off the headlights can do. Communications may be exchanged using any suitable type of visible light communication (VLC) protocol. Briefly, according to the present embodiment, either of the vehicles 810 and 830 is part of the headlights, both for illuminating the road ahead of the vehicle and for exchanging communication with oncoming vehicles. Certain segmented LED chips can be used.

  In some embodiments, each of the vehicles 810 and 830 may include a transceiver separate from the vehicle's headlights, but the segmented LED chips 100 to transmit communications in the visible or non-visible band. And still use segmented LED chips. The use of LED chips segmented in this way means that the emitters and detector LEDs of the segmented LED chips are not as a result of the close spatial proximity between the LEDs in the segmented LED chips. In practice, this can be advantageous because it can be self-aligned. They can be placed in a very tight beam without the cost of (regular) alignment.

  FIG. 10A illustrates one example of another adaptive operation that may be performed by the adaptive vehicle lighting system of FIG. 8 when an oncoming vehicle is encountered, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment, the headlights 812 of the vehicle 810 use at least one segmented LED chip to illuminate the road ahead of the vehicle 810, and thus different LED's in the segmented LED chips Are configured to illuminate different portions of the space 822. Through the use of segmented LED chips, the vehicle 810 diminishes the brightness of only those LEDs that illuminate the space occupied by the vehicle 830 (eg, those that may obstruct the driver's view of the vehicle 830). be able to. As shown, the vehicle 810 can reduce the brightness of the LEDs illuminating a portion 1010 of the space 822 to 30% of the maximum brightness they can provide. Similarly, the vehicle 810 can reduce the brightness of the LEDs illuminating a portion 1020 of the space 822 to 50% of their maximum brightness. At the same time, the vehicle 810 can continue to operate the remaining emitter LEDs in the headlights 812 at their full capacity, as shown. Further, the vehicle 830 can completely turn off the LED in the headlight 832 that illuminates a portion 1030 of the space 842.

  In the example of FIG. 10A, the LEDs in headlights 812 and 832 are dimmed left and right, but in some embodiments, the LEDs in headlights 812 and 832 are dimmed vertically instead. May be. As shown in FIG. 10B, the vehicle 810 can reduce the brightness of the LEDs in the headlights 812 that illuminate a portion 1040 of the space 822 to 30% of the maximum brightness they can provide. Similarly, the vehicle 810 can reduce the brightness of the LEDs in the headlights 812 that illuminate a portion 1050 of the space 822 to 50% of their maximum brightness. At the same time, the vehicle 810 can continue to operate the remaining emitter LEDs in the headlights 812 at their full capacity, as shown. Further, the vehicle 830 can completely turn off the LED in the headlight 832 that illuminates a portion 1060 of the space 842.

  Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the headlights of vehicles 810 and 820 can be dimmed in both left and right directions and up and down directions. As described above, the spaces 822 and 842 are three-dimensional. Accordingly, the brightness of the LEDs in the headlights 812 illuminating any particular three-dimensional portion of the space 822 can be independently changed. Similarly, the brightness of the LEDs in the headlights 832 that illuminate any particular three-dimensional portion of the space 842 can be independently changed. As explained further below, this type of, for example, high granularity associated with adaptive illumination adjustment is possible due to the spatial proximity between the emitter LED and the detector LED on the segmented LED chip. And they can be aligned with the same optical element.

  FIG. 11A is an exploded view of one example of a headlight 812 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The headlight 812 includes a segmented LED chip 1110 and an optical unit 1120. The segmented LED chip 1110 includes a plurality of sections 1112, each section configured to operate as a light emitter and at least one LED configured to operate as a detector. Includes LED. In some embodiments, any section of the segmented LED chip 1110 may include multiple detector LEDs. Additionally or alternatively, any section of the LED chip 1110 may include detector LEDs, each having a different absorption band. For example, one or more sections of a segmented LED chip may detect light emitted from a xenon headlight, a first detector LED optimized to detect light emitted from a halogen headlight. And a third detector LED optimized to detect light from incandescent light headlights.

  Each section 1112 is aligned with a different optical element 1122 of the optical unit 1120. Each optical element 1122 may have a different central direction 1130, as shown in FIG. In some implementations, optical unit 1120 includes a lens array, and each optical element 1122 may include a lens that is part of the array. Additionally or alternatively, the optical unit may include a plurality of apertures (eg, a barrel or lens barrel). Each aperture may be configured to guide light in a particular direction and / or receive light reaching the aperture from a particular direction, while absorbing light incident on the aperture from other directions. ing. Briefly, each optical element of optical unit 1220 can be any suitable type of device configured to guide light in / from a particular direction.

  As described above, during operation of headlight 812, light from the headlights of an oncoming vehicle is guided by optical element 1122 to impinge on detector LEDs. The detector LED is what is located in the same section 1112 as its emitter LED illuminating the portion of the road occupied by oncoming vehicles. The detector LED absorbs the wavelength of the opposing light having energy greater than the bandgap in the active area of the detector LED. The light absorbed in the detector LED is converted to a current flowing in the electrical terminal of the detector LED. When properly biased, the amount of current is related to the amount of light incident on the detector LED, which could be related to oncoming vehicle distance. Thus, the emitter LED in a given section of the segmented LED chip 1110 may be dimmed in proportion to the amount of light detected by the detector LED in that section. If more light is detected, the LED may be dimmed to a lower brightness level than if less light is detected. In some aspects, as the oncoming vehicle approaches the headlights 812, the light emitter LEDs may be gradually dimmed.

  As described above, the detector LED that detects the light emitted from the headlight of the oncoming vehicle is incorporated in the same chip as the LED that emits light. As a result, the angle and / or area illuminated by a given light emitter LED is sensitive to a given detector LED located within the same section of the segmented LED chip 1110 by the optical unit 1120. May be created to be the same as an angle and / or a region. More specifically, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, only light incident from a given angle and / or area is incident on any given section of the segmented LED chip 1110. For any given section 1112 of the segmented LED chip 1110, the center direction 1130 of the aligned optics 1122 of a given section mainly passes through the aligned optics 1122 of the given section. To reach a given section. Similarly, the light emitted by the emitter LEDs in any given section 1112 of the segmented LED chip 1110 is guided by the aligned optics of a given section in the center direction 1130 of the optics. obtain.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, optical element 1122a is configured to guide light emanating from section 1112a of segmented LED chip 1110 in a central direction 1130a. Similarly, optical element 1122a is configured to guide light incident on optical element 1122a from center direction 1130a, and (almost) reflect and / or absorb light incident on optical element 1122a from other directions. ing. Thus, as a result of being aligned with the optical element 1122a, the section 112a of the segmented LED chip 1110 is predominantly configured to receive light coming from the central direction 1130. Similarly, as a result of being aligned with optical element 1122a, section 1112a of segmented LED chip 1110 is configured to emit light predominantly in center direction 1130a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, the optical element 1122b is configured to guide light emitted from the section 1112b of the segmented LED chip 1110 in the center direction 1130b. Similarly, optical element 1122b is configured to guide light incident on optical element 1122b from center direction 1130b and (almost) reflect and / or absorb light incident on optical element 1122b from other directions. ing. Thus, as a result of being aligned with optical element 1122b, section 1112b of segmented LED chip 1110 is configured to receive light coming from predominantly central direction 1130. Similarly, as a result of being aligned with optical element 1122b, section 1112b of segmented LED chip 1110 is configured to emit light predominantly in center direction 1130b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, the optical element 1122c is configured to guide light emitted from the section 1112c of the segmented LED chip 1110 in the center direction 1130c. Similarly, optical element 1122c is configured to guide light incident on optical element 1122c from a central direction 1130c, and (almost) reflect and / or absorb light incident on optical element 1122c from other directions. ing. Thus, as a result of being aligned with optical element 1122c, section 1112c of segmented LED chip 1110 is configured to receive light coming predominantly from central direction 1130. Similarly, as a result of being aligned with optical element 1122c, section 1112c of segmented LED chip 1110 is configured to emit light predominantly in center direction 1130c.

  Briefly, each optical element 1122 may have a different central direction 1130, and each section 1112 of the segmented LED chip 1110 may be aligned with a different optical element 1122. As a result, each section of the segmented LED chip 1110 may be associated with a different portion of the space illuminated by the segmented LED chip 1110.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating how light emitted from different sections of a segmented LED chip 1110 is guided by an optical unit 1120 according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, optical element 1122a directs light emitted from section 1112a to a portion 1210a of space 822. Similarly, optical element 1122a directs light coming from portion 1210a to section 1112a. Optical element 1122b directs light emitted from section 1112b to a portion 1210b of space 822. Similarly, optical element 1122b directs light coming from portion 1210b to section 1112b. Optical element 1122c directs light emitted from section 1112c to a portion 1210c of space 822. Similarly, optical element 1122c directs light coming from portion 1210c to section 1112c. Optical element 1122d directs light emitted from section 1112d to a portion 1210d of space 822. Similarly, optical element 1122d directs light coming from portion 1210d to section 1112d. Optical element 1122e directs light emitted from section 1112e to a portion 1210e of space 822. Similarly, optical element 1122e directs light coming from portion 1210e to section 1112e. Optical element 1122f directs light emitted from section 1112f to a portion 1210f of space 822. Similarly, optical element 1122f directs light coming from portion 1210f to section 1112f. Optical element 1122g directs light emitted from section 1112g to portion 1210g of space 822. Similarly, optical element 1122g directs light coming from portion 1210g to section 1112g. Optical element 1122h directs light emitted from section 1112h to a portion 1210h of space 822. Similarly, optical element 1122h directs light coming from portion 1210h to section 1112h. Optical element 1122i directs light emitted from section 1112i to a portion 1210i of space 822. Similarly, optical element 1122i directs light coming from portion 1210i to section 1112i.

  In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the emitter LED in any section of the segmented LED chip 1110 may be controlled only (or approximately) based on the signal generated by the detector LED in that section. This in turn means that the brightness of the LEDs in any given section of the segmented LED chip 1110 is controlled based on the lighting conditions in the particular area (or space) illuminated by them. Resulting. As described with respect to FIG. 10, this type of granular control over different portions of the segmented LED chip 1110 allows only the LEDs in the headlights 812 to be hit by opposing traffic to be adjusted. .

  In this example, the headlight 812 includes a single segmented LED chip, but alternative embodiments in which multiple segmented LED chips are used are possible. In such an instance, each segmented chip may be aligned with a different optical element 1122 of optical unit 1120. Further, in this embodiment, optical unit 1120 includes nine optical elements, although alternative implementations where a different number of optical elements are included in the optical unit are possible (eg, two optical elements). Unit, four optical units, five optical units, etc.). Further, headlight 812 may include a segmented LED chip 1110 or any suitable type of controller for driving a plurality of LED chips that are part of headlight 812. For example, headlight 812 may include a controller, such as controller 620 or controller 720.

  According to aspects of the present disclosure, the detector LEDs in the segmented LED chip 1110 may be susceptible to crosstalk. Crosstalk occurs when light emitted from the segmented LED chip 1110 is reflected by the optical unit 1120 (or another element of the headlight 812) and returns to the detector in the segmented LED chip 1110. Can occur. The occurrence of crosstalk can impair the sensitivity of the detector LED. Thus, to improve the sensitivity of the detector LED to incident light, the emitter LED may be periodically darkened or shut off for a short period of time when the detector LED is read. The period during which the detector LED is dimmed or shut off can be shorter than the time response of the human eye, so that dimming (or shut off) is not noticed.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of one example of a process 1300 for avoiding crosstalk between a light emitting LED and a reflector LED in a segmented LED chip 1110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, according to the process 1300, the emitter LEDs in the segmented LED chip 1110 are cycled between a first state (step 1310) and a second state (step 1320), while Reading from one or more designated detector LEDs located within the same section (or group) of the segmented LED chip 1110 only when the emitter LED is in the second state. It has been done (step 1330).

  In some implementations, a designated detector LED can operate so continuously. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, one or more designated detector LEDs can operate as a light emitter when the light emitter LED is in the first state, and During the period when the light emitter LED is in the second state, the mode can be switched to the detector mode by changing the polarity of each bias.

  In some implementations, the second state of the emitter LED may correspond to an off-period of a PWM wave used to drive the emitter LED. Additionally or alternatively, the second state may coincide with both the ON and OFF periods of the PWM wave. For example, the light emitter LED may be in the first state when the PWM wave driving the light emitter LED has a first duty cycle. Further, the light emitting LED may be in the second state when the PWM wave driving the light emitting LED has a second duty cycle shorter than the first duty cycle. Briefly, in some implementations, the light emitting LED switches between the first and second states by changing the duty cycle (and / or amount of current) of the PWM wave that drives it. Can be migrated. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the first state of the light emitter LED is such that the light emitter LED operates at a first luminance level (eg, 100% of the maximum light emitter luminance, 80% of the maximum light emitter luminance, etc.) State. The second state may be a state in which the light emitter LED is operating at a second luminance level lower than the first luminance level. For example, the second state may be a state where the light emitter LED is completely switched off, or a state where the light emitter LED is dimmed (eg, operating at 40% of the maximum brightness). In some embodiments, as described above, all the emitter LEDs in the segmented LED chip 1110 (or another type of LED matrix) synchronize between a first state and a second state. Each first state and / or each second state may be different for light emitter LEDs located in different sections (or groups) of the segmented LED chip 1110, although they may be cycled through. . For example, light emitter LEDs in one group (and / or chip section) circulate between 80% and 40% brightness, while in another group (and / or chip section). Light emitter LEDs may cycle between 70% and 40% brightness.

  In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, another type of crosstalk may occur when light emitted by one or more emitter LEDs in a segmented LED chip 1110 is directed toward an adjacent LED. . 14A and 14B show one example of a segmented LED chip 1400 that has been optimized to avoid such crosstalk. More specifically, FIG. 14A is a top view of a segmented LED chip 1400, while FIG. 14B is a side view of the segmented LED chip 1400. The segmented LED chip 1400 includes a plurality of LEDs 1410 separated by trenches 1420. Inside the trench 1420, a fence structure including a plurality of cells is formed. Inside each cell, a different LED 1410 is located as shown. The wall of each cell may be higher than the LED enclosed therein, thus preventing light emitted by that LED from traveling laterally toward adjacent LEDs. In some embodiments, the fence structure 1430 can be formed of any suitable material having a reflective coating (eg, glass, metal, etc.). For example, a metal (eg, silver), a dielectric distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), or a silicon-based light scattering matrix. In some embodiments, the fence structure 1430 may be formed by a combination of materials, for example, a dielectric fence coated with a reflective metal. In some implementations, the wall of each cell of the fence structure 1430 may be between 100% and 1000% of the height of the LED enclosed therein. The elements of the fence structure 1430 may be formed using any suitable type of process. For example, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, vapor deposition, sputtering deposition, or silicone molding.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of one example of a process 1500 for operating an LED matrix, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The LED matrix may be composed of a single segmented LED, or may include a plurality of segmented LED chips and / or include one or more non-segmented LED chips. Process 1500 may be performed by any suitable type of controller operably connected to the LED matrix.

  At step 1510, the LEDs in the matrix are arranged into groups. In some implementations, arranging the LEDs into groups may include connecting each of the LEDs to one of a plurality of driver circuits (see, eg, FIG. 6). Additionally or alternatively, placing the LEDs into groups may include creating a data structure that identifies the groups and storing them in memory. For example, the data structure may be such that the identifier of each group (eg, “Group 1 (“ Group 1 ”)”, “Group 2 (“ Group 2 ”)”, etc.) is the identifier (eg, address) of an LED that is part of the group Can be mapped against a list of.

For example, the data structure may be a table, as shown by Table 1 below.

  In the example of Table 1, each LED is identified by two (X, Y). Here, X is the row number of the LED position in the LED matrix, and Y is the column number. In this embodiment, XY coordinates are used to address the LEDs in the LED matrix, but alternative implementations are possible, where any corresponding LED location is provided. Any suitable type of alphanumeric identifier can be used instead. As described further below, in some implementations, addresses may be used to identify LEDs in a arranged matrix.

  In step 1520, the LEDs in each group are configured. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, configuring LEDs in a given group includes applying one of a forward bias or a reverse bias to each of the LEDs in the given group, effectively each of the LEDs. Operating as either a light emitter LED or a detector LED. In some implementations, the magnitude of the bias applied to the emitter LED and the detector LED may be the same, and only the polarity may change. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, the bias applied to the detector LED may differ in both magnitude and polarity from the bias of the emitter LED. Additionally or alternatively, the magnitude of the bias applied to different emitter LEDs in a given group may be different. Additionally or alternatively, the magnitude of the bias applied to different emitter LEDs in a given group may be the same. Additionally or alternatively, the magnitude of the bias applied to the different detector LEDs in a given group may be different. Additionally or alternatively, the magnitude of the bias applied to the different detector LEDs in a given group may be the same.

  Additionally or alternatively, configuring the LEDs in a given group includes identifying one or more LEDs in the group that are optimized to operate as detectors, and Applying a reverse bias thereto (see, for example, FIGS. 4 and 5). In some implementations, the optimized LED may be identified based on a data structure stored in a memory of the controller. The data structure identifies the LEDs that have been optimized as receivers in the group. In some implementations, the data structure may also identify the optimized bias magnitude for each LED. Differently doped LEDs may require different biases. In some implementations, each of the optimized LEDs may be biased according to the corresponding bias magnitude specified in the data structure.

Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, configuring the LEDs in a given group involves retrieving a data structure that identifies a particular operating pattern, and correspondingly, Convey the operating pattern in a given group by biasing the LEDs in the group. In some aspects, the data structure may include a different identifier for each LED in the group that specifies the polarity of the bias applied to that LED. For example, the data structure may be a table as shown below.

According to the example of Table 2, the data structure may be a 3x3 matrix containing binary values, where 0 indicates that a forward bias is applied for a given LED and "1" Indicates that a reverse bias should be applied. The data structure may be applied to any group of LEDs in which the LEDs are arranged in a 3 × 3 matrix, so that any value i _{row, column} in the data structure will have the LED _{row, column} bias. Is specified. In this example, the value of i _2,2 in the data structure is equal to 1, indicating that a reverse bias is applied to the LEDs located in row 2, column 2. Similarly, the value of i _{1,1 in} the data structure is equal to 0, indicating that a forward bias is applied to the LEDs located in row 1, column 1. In this example, the data structure identifies only the bias polarity, but further implementations are possible, where the data structure identifies a respective bias magnitude for each LED in the matrix, or identifies both.

  In step 1530, each group is operated to provide adaptive illumination for the area illuminated by the group. In some implementations, each group may be operated autonomously from others. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, each group may be operated according to process 1600. The following is described with reference to FIG.

  In step 1540, a detection is made as to whether a regrouping event has been generated. In some implementations, a regrouping event may be generated as a result of user input. If a regroup event is detected, process 1500 returns to step 1510 and the LEDs are regrouped. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the regrouping of the LEDs may include (i) combining all LEDs into a single group, combining at least two existing groups into one, and / or at least One or more of dividing an existing group into multiple groups may be included. In this regard, alternative embodiments are possible in which all LEDs in the LED matrix are assigned to the same group. Furthermore, alternative embodiments are possible, in which each group consists of all the LEDs found in different segmented LED chips.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of one example of a process 1600 for operating a given group of LEDs, as described with respect to step 1530 of process 1500, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In step 1610, a first signal is at least partially generated by one or more detector LEDs in a given group. In step 1620, the brightness of the light emitter LEDs in the group is changed based on the first signal. In step 1630, a second signal is detected that is at least partially generated by one or more light emitter LEDs in a given group. In step 1640, at least one mode of operation of the LEDs in the group is changed based on the second signal.

  In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, changing the mode of operation of a given LED may include changing the bias of that LED from reverse to forward or from forward to reverse. For example, if a reverse bias is applied to a light emitter LED, the result may be that the LED starts operating as a detector LED. As another example, if a forward bias is applied to a detector LED, that LED may start operating as a light emitter LED.

  In some implementations, step 1640 may be performed in response to a second signal having a property that meets a predetermined threshold. For example, if the dynamic range of the second signal is below the threshold, the bias of one or more emitter LEDs may be increased to increase the number of detector LEDs in the group and to achieve higher sensitivity. Can change. As another example, if the second signal indicates that the area to which the group of LEDs is directed is not fully illuminated, the detector LEDs may be biased to add additional emitter LEDs to the group. Can be changed.

  In some implementations, one or more detector LEDs in a group can operate so continuously. Alternatively, in some implementations, one or more detector LEDs are periodically switched from forward to reverse bias to take a reading, and then returned to forward bias. May be. Switching the bias polarity can be done very quickly to allow light collection (eg, <10 ns). In some implementations, the polarity of the bias of one or more detector LEDs in a given group may be switched at a higher frequency such that the switch is not perceptible to the human eye.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart of one example of a process 1700 for operating an LED matrix, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The LED matrix may be composed of a single segmented LED, or may include multiple segmented LED chips and / or include one or more non-segmented LED chips . Process 1700 may be performed by any suitable type of controller operably connected to the LED matrix.

  In step 1710, at least some of the LEDs are configured to operate as emitter LEDs by applying a forward bias to them. In step 1720, the remaining ones of the plurality of LEDs are configured to operate as detector LEDs by applying a reverse bias to them.

  In step 1730, the brightness of a given emitter LED in the matrix is changed based on a signal generated by one or more detector LEDs colocated with the given emitter LED. Is done. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, two LEDs may be co-located if they are in the same section of the LED matrix. The upper right quarter, the upper left quarter, the lower right quarter, or the lower left quarter, and so on.

  Additionally or alternatively, two LEDs may be co-located if they are within a predetermined distance of each other in the LED matrix. In some implementations, the distance between the first LED and the second LED may be equal to the number of other LEDs located along a straight line connecting the first LED and the second LED. For example, if the first LED and the second LED are arranged next to each other, the distance may be zero. As another example, if another LED is present between the first LED and the second LED, the distance between them may be one. In some implementations, the distance between two LEDs may be determined based on the addresses of those LEDs.

  Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, if two LEDs are aligned with the same optical element, they may be co-located (see, for example, FIGS. 11A-11B). Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, two LEDs may be co-located if they are part of the same LED group. In some embodiments, whether two LEDs can be co-located may be determined based on a data structure stored in the memory of the controller of the LED matrix. The data structure may include a plurality of lists, where each list includes the identifiers of the LEDs in a particular group. Additionally or alternatively, the data structure may include a plurality of lists, each list including an identifier of an LED that is aligned with a particular optical element in the larger optical unit (eg, optical unit 1120). 11A-11B showing the optical element 1122 in FIG.

  Although some of the concepts disclosed herein are presented in the context of adaptive automotive lighting, the disclosed implementation of segmented LED chips, the implementation of adaptive lighting systems, and the operation of adaptive lighting systems It will be appreciated that the process can be employed in any context. For example, they can be used in indoor lighting systems, street lighting systems, stage lighting systems, decorative lighting systems, and greenhouse lighting systems. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.

  Figures 1-17 are provided by way of example only. At least some of the elements described with respect to these figures may be arranged in different orders, combined, and / or omitted altogether. The examples provided herein are provided, as well as "such as", "eg", "including", "in some embodiments" Phrases such as "aspects"), "in some implementations", etc., limit the disclosed subject matter for a particular embodiment. Should not be interpreted as

  Having described the invention in detail, given the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit of the inventive concepts described herein. Would. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described.

Claims (22)

A vehicle headlight using a segmented LED chip including a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs);
Including a controller,
A headlight device for a vehicle,
The plurality of LEDs are separated by trenches formed on the segmented LED chips, and are arranged in a plurality of sections;
Each section includes at least one first LED and at least one second LED;
The controller is
Applying a forward bias to each of the first LEDs,
Applying a reverse bias to each of the second LEDs, and
Detecting oncoming light from headlights of an oncoming vehicle by the second LED in an arbitrary section, and changing the brightness of the first LED in the section based on a signal generated by the second LED;
It is configured to,
At least one of the second LEDs is configured to have a different absorption band than any of the first LEDs;
apparatus. At least one of the second LEDs is provided with a first filter, and an absorption band of the second LED is narrower than any absorption band of the first LED.
The device according to claim 1. In at least one of the second LEDs, an absorption band of the second LED is different from any of the first LEDs.
The device according to claim 1. The controller includes a first drive circuit connected to the first LED and the second LED in a first section of the segmented LED chip;
The controller includes, in a second section of the segmented LED chip, a second drive circuit connected to the first LED and the second LED;
The first drive circuit is configured to change a luminance of the first LED in the first section by a first amount based on a first signal generated by the second LED in the first section; And,
The second drive circuit is configured to change a luminance of the first LED in the second section by a second amount based on a second signal generated by the second LED in the second section,
The second signal is generated simultaneously with the first signal, and the second amount is different from the first amount.
The device according to claim 1. The vehicle headlight device further includes:
A lens unit aligned with the segmented LED chips,
The lens unit includes a plurality of optical elements, each optical element has a different center direction, and
Each section of the segmented LED chip is aligned with a different optical element of the lens unit;
Apparatus according to claim 3 . The controller further includes:
Configured to cycle a first LED in any section of the segmented LED chip between a first state and a second state;
Apparatus according to claim 3 . A vehicle headlight using a segmented LED chip including a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs);
Including a controller,
A headlight device for a vehicle,
The plurality of LEDs are separated by a trench formed on the segmented LED chip;
The controller is
Applying a forward bias to a first LED and a second LED in the segmented LED chip; and
Changing the brightness of each of the first LED and the second LED by a different amount;
It is configured as
Detecting the oncoming light from the headlights of the oncoming vehicle by the backward-biased LED in the segmented LED chip, and changing the brightness of the first LED based on a generated first signal; and
Detecting the opposite light by another reverse-biased LED in the segmented LED chip, wherein the brightness of the second LED is changed based on a second signal generated simultaneously with the first signal ;
Each of the first LED, the second LED, and the reverse-biased LED has a respective absorption band,
As a result of the processing performed on the segmented LED chips before or after the trench is formed, the reverse-biased LED may have a different absorption band than the first LED and the second LED. Is configured to
apparatus. The vehicle headlight device further includes:
A lens unit having a first optical element having a first central direction and a second optical element having a second central direction;
The first LED is aligned with the first optical element, and the first signal is generated by a reverse-biased LED aligned with the first optical element;
The second LED is aligned with the second optical element, and the second signal is generated by another reverse-biased LED aligned with the second optical element;
The device according to claim 7 . The controller includes a first drive circuit connected to the first LED and a second drive circuit connected to the second LED,
The first drive circuit and the second drive circuit are connected to different reverse-biased LEDs,
The first drive circuit is configured to change the brightness of the first LED based on the first signal, and
The second drive circuit is configured to change the brightness of the second LED based on the second signal.
The device according to claim 7 . The controller further includes:
Circulating the first LED between a first state and a second state, and detecting the first signal only when the first LED is in the second state;
Circulating the second LED between a third state and a fourth state, and detecting the second signal only when the second LED is in the fourth state;
It is configured,
The device according to claim 7 . In the reverse-biased LED, an absorption band of each of the reverse-biased LEDs is different from an absorption band of each of the first LED and the second LED.
The device according to claim 7 . A vehicle headlight using a segmented LED chip including a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs);
Including a controller,
A headlight device for a vehicle,
The plurality of LEDs are separated by a trench formed on the segmented LED chip;
The controller is
Applying a forward bias to one or more first LEDs of said plurality of LEDs;
Applying a reverse bias to one or more second LEDs in the plurality of LEDs; and
One or more given second LEDs co-located with a given first LED detect oncoming light from oncoming vehicle headlights and determine the brightness of the given first LED. Change based on the signal generated by the second LED of
It is configured to,
Each of the first LED and the second LED has a respective absorption band, and
As a result of the processing performed on the segmented LED chips after the formation of the trench, at least one of the second LEDs is configured to have a different absorption band than any of the first LEDs. Yes,
apparatus. The given first LED is co-located with the given second LED when the given first LED and the given second LED are located on the same portion of the segmented chip. Yes,
An apparatus according to claim 12 . The given first LED is co-located with the given second LED when the given second LED is located within a predetermined distance from the given first LED;
An apparatus according to claim 12 . The vehicle headlight device further includes:
An optical unit including a plurality of optical elements each having a different center direction,
The given first LED is co-located with the given second LED when the given first LED and the given second LED are aligned with the same optical element of the optical unit;
An apparatus according to claim 12 . The controller is
Circulating said given first LED between a first state and a second state; and
Detecting the signal generated by the given second LED when the given first LED is in the second state;
Is configured as
An apparatus according to claim 12 . In at least one of the second LEDs, an absorption band of the second LED is different from any of the first LEDs.
An apparatus according to claim 12 . Each LED of the plurality of LEDs is separated by a trench formed in the segmented LED chip;
The trenches expose the underlying substrate;
The device according to claim 1. Each LED of the plurality of LEDs is separated by a trench formed in the segmented LED chip;
The trenches expose the underlying substrate;
The device according to claim 7 . The plurality of LEDs are arranged in a plurality of sections;
Each section includes at least one first LED and at least one second LED;
The device according to claim 7 . Each LED of the plurality of LEDs is separated by a trench formed in the segmented LED chip;
The trenches expose the underlying substrate;
An apparatus according to claim 12 . The plurality of LEDs are arranged in a plurality of sections;
Each section includes at least one first LED and at least one second LED;
An apparatus according to claim 12 .

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