TWI782084B - Optoelectronic device and adaptive illumination system using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed that includes a segmented light-emitting diode (LED) chip having a plurality of LEDs that are separated by trenches formed on the segmented LED chip and arranged in a plurality of sections. Each section may include at least one first LED and at least one second LED. A controller may be configured to apply a forward bias to each of the first LEDs and apply a reverse bias to each of the second LEDs. The controller may change a brightness of the first LEDs in any section based on a signal generated by the second LED in that section.

Description

Optoelectronic components and adaptive lighting systems using them

The present invention relates generally to light emitting elements, and more particularly to an optoelectronic element and adaptive lighting system using light emitting elements.

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

Accordingly, there is a need for improved solid-state lighting designs that take advantage of the advantages of LEDs over traditional light sources to achieve greater robustness and increased functionality.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a segmented light emitting diode (LED) wafer having a plurality of regions separated by trenches formed on the segmented LED wafer and arranged in a plurality of regions a plurality of LEDs in segments, each segment comprising at least one first LED and at least one second LED; and a controller configured to: apply a forward bias voltage to one of the first LEDs each; applying a reverse bias voltage to each of the second LEDs; and changing the first LEDs in any segment based on a signal generated by the second LED in that segment. The brightness of one of the LEDs.

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims U.S. Patent Application No. 15/699,573 filed on September 8, 2017 and published as U.S. Patent No. 9,974,135 on May 15, 2018, and No. 18151921.6 filed on January 16, 2018 Interest in EP Patent Application and US Patent Application No. 15/948,642 filed April 9, 2018, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

According to an aspect of the invention, a segmented light emitting diode (LED) chip comprising a plurality of LEDs is disclosed. Each LED on the segmented LED chip has a pair of contacts that allows that LED to be biased separately from the rest of the LEDs. Therefore, some of the LEDs in the segmented LED chip can be used as detectors for detecting ambient light while others can be used as emitters. When a forward bias voltage is applied to any given LED in the segmented LED chip, that LED can act as an emitter. Similarly, any LED in the segmented LED chip can function as a detector when a reverse bias voltage is applied to that LED.

According to aspects of the invention, some of the LEDs in the segmented LED chip can be optimized for use as detectors. For example, any of these optimized LEDs may be provided with a filter structure for narrowing its absorption band. As another example, any of the optimized LEDs can be further doped by ion implantation, for example, to shift and/or expand the absorption band of that LED. As yet another example, any of the optimized LEDs may have a filter structure and be additionally doped to fine tune the absorption band of that LED.

According to aspects of the invention, the segmented LED chip can be used to construct an improved adaptive lighting system. Traditional adaptive lighting systems include light emitters and light detectors on separate chips. However, since the segmented LED chip includes both light emitters and light detectors on the same die, the number of components that need to be included in the improved adaptive lighting system along with the sensor footprint of the system decrease together.

According to aspects of the invention, the segmented LED chip can allow the emitter and photodetector to share the same optical elements. Since the emitter and photodetector are placed in close proximity to each other on the die of the wafer, they can both be mounted under the same lens (or another type of optical unit) without requiring optical alignment. As can be readily appreciated, mounting the emitters and detectors under the same lens eliminates the need for periodic optical alignment that may be necessary if separate lenses were used for the emitters and photodetectors.

According to aspects of the present invention, the segmented LED chip can permit fine lighting control not present in conventional lighting systems. Since the emitters and photodetectors are placed in close proximity to each other on the die of the wafer, different emitter-detector pairs can be fitted under different lenses in a lens array. Each lens in the array can be configured to direct light emitted from its respective emitter in a different central direction. Additionally, each lens can be configured to pass light incident on the lens from a respective central direction of the lens to its respective light detector. Thus, each lens' individual light detectors can be efficiently configured to measure ambient lighting conditions primarily associated with that lens' individual emitters. This in turn may permit dimming of one emitter LED directed towards an over-illuminated area without changing the brightness of other LEDs in the segmented LED chip oriented towards a non-over-illuminated area.

According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus is disclosed that includes: a segmented light emitting diode (LED) die comprising a plurality of LEDs separated by trenches formed on the segmented LED die, each An LED has a respective emission band and a respective absorption band, wherein the plurality of LEDs comprises one or more first LEDs and one or more second LEDs, and at least one of the second LEDs is combined state to have a different absorption band than any of the first LEDs due to processing performed on the segmented LED wafer after forming the trenches.

According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus is disclosed that includes: a segmented light emitting diode (LED) die including a plurality of LEDs separated by trenches formed on the segmented LED die; and a controller configured to: apply a forward bias voltage to a first LED and a second LED in the segmented LED chip; and cause each of the first LED and the second LED to A brightness of one of the segmented LED chips is changed by different amounts, wherein the brightness of the first LED is changed based on a first signal generated by a reverse-biased LED in the segmented LED chip and simultaneously with the first signal The brightness of the second LED is changed by a second signal generated by another reverse-biased LED in the segmented LED chip.

According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus is disclosed that includes: a segmented light emitting diode (LED) die including a plurality of LEDs separated by trenches formed on the segmented LED die; and A controller configured to: apply a forward bias voltage to one or more first LEDs of the plurality of LEDs; apply a reverse bias voltage to one or more first LEDs of the plurality of LEDs two LEDs; and varying a brightness of a given first LED based on a signal generated by one or more given second LEDs co-located with the given first LED.

Examples of different adaptive lighting systems will be explained more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These examples are not mutually exclusive, and features present in one example can be combined with features present in one or more other examples to achieve additional implementations. Accordingly, it will be understood that the examples shown in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and that they are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region or substrate is referred to as being "on" or "extending to" another element, it can be directly on or directly extending to the other element. On one element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “extending directly onto” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of elements in addition to any orientation depicted in the figures.

Relative terms (such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical") may be used herein to describe an element as illustrated in the figures, One relationship of a layer or region to another element, layer or region. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of elements in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

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

In certain implementations, the segmented LED die 100 can be a similar or identical size to a standard LED, and each LED 110 (eg, a segment) can be smaller than a typical LED. For example, a standard 1mm x 1mm LED chip could consist of 5 x 5 LEDs (or segments) of 200um x 200um each. The size depends on the spacing between segments (eg, LEDs), which is dictated by manufacturing capabilities. According to the present example, the LEDs 110 are made by, for example, dry etching the die of the segmented LED die 100 down to an insulating substrate or submount to sever any electrical connection between the LEDs 110. 110 are electrically isolated from each other. Contacts would be individually deposited on each LED 110 in a well known manner.

Since LEDs can be individually biased, segmented LED chip 100 can be operated simultaneously as an emitter and detector by forward biasing some of the LEDs in LED 110 while reverse biasing the others. detector. As is well known in the art, when a forward bias voltage is applied to an LED, that LED emits light and is said to operate as an emitter (or in emitter mode) under the nomenclature of this specification. Similarly, when a reverse bias is applied to a given LED, that LED operates as a photodetector and is said to operate as a detector (or in detector mode) under the nomenclature of this specification. ). Furthermore, since each of the LEDs 110 in the segmented LED chip 100 can be independently biased, the emitters in the chip can be selectively set by any control circuit that drives the segmented LED chip 100 And the location and relative number of detectors. As discussed further below, a given configuration of emitters and detectors in a segmented LED chip may be referred to as an "operational profile" imparted to that segmented LED chip.

3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate examples of different operational patterns that can be imparted to a segmented LED chip in accordance with aspects of the present invention. More particularly, FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a segmented LED die 300a configured to operate according to a first operating profile. As illustrated in this model, LED 312a is reverse biased and configured to operate as a detector, while LED 314a is forward biased and configured to operate as an emitter. FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a segmented LED die 300b configured to operate according to a second mode of operation. As illustrated, according to this second mode of operation, LED 312b is reverse biased and configured to operate as a detector, while LED 314b is forward biased and configured to operate as an emitter . FIG. 3C illustrates an example of a segmented LED die 300c configured to operate according to a third operating profile. As illustrated, according to this third mode of operation, LED 312c is reverse biased and configured to operate as a detector, while LED 314c is forward biased and configured to operate as an emitter .

In some aspects, the number of LEDs operating as detectors may vary depending on the desired measure of sensitivity. The greater the sensitivity required, the more LEDs in a given segmented LED chip can be operated as detectors. In contrast, fewer LEDs can be used as detectors in a given segmented LED chip if reduced sensitivity is desired. Additionally or alternatively, in certain implementations, all LEDs in a segmented LED die can be configured to operate as emitters (eg, placed in forward bias). Additionally or alternatively, in certain implementations, all LEDs in a segmented LED chip can be configured to operate as detectors (eg, biased in reverse).

In certain implementations, the LEDs on a segmented LED chip can be configured to provide transient voltage suppression (TVS). In instances where it is desired to operate all LEDs in a segmented LED die as emitters, one LED can however be held in the opposite polarity (eg, biased in reverse) to provide TVS. In instances where it is desired to operate all LEDs in a segmented LED chip as detectors, one LED can however be held in the opposite polarity (eg, biased in the forward direction) to provide TVS .

In some aspects, some of the LEDs in a segmented LED chip can be optimized for use as detectors. 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 LEDs 410 and 420 has a respective absorption band and a respective emission band. However, the absorption band of any of LEDs 420 is different from the absorption band of each of LEDs 410 . For example, any of LEDs 420 may have an absorption band wider than that of each of LEDs 410 . As another example, any of LEDs 420 may have an absorption band shifted relative to the absorption band of any of LEDs 410 . In some aspects, the difference between the absorption bands of LEDs 410 and 420 may be the result of fine-tuning LED 420 for a particular application, such as detecting light emitted by a halogen light source. The detector may not be able to detect this light emitted by the halogen light source well.

Any of the LEDs 420 may start as a structure identical to any of the LEDs 410, which structure is further modified after the formation of the trenches 430 by means of ion implantation, for example, to produce LED 420. Additional atoms and/or defects (eg, vacancies, interstitials, substitutes, etc.) not present in the crystal lattice of LED 410 may be present in the crystal lattice of LED 420 as a result of ion implantation. These additional atoms and/or defects form deep level traps within the energy gap of the LED's active region, and these deep level traps act as lower energy (i.e., longer wavelength) absorption centers, which lower energy absorption centers The result is that LED 420 has a different absorption band than LED 410 . In certain implementations, any of LEDs 420 may include larger atoms or derived atoms of a given implanted element (e.g., iron, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth) than each of LEDs 410. One concentration of point defects (eg, vacancies, interstitials, etc.). For example, atoms of the given element may be present in LED 410 in lower concentrations or not present at all. Additionally or alternatively, any of LEDs 420 may include a greater concentration of point defects than each of LEDs 410 in certain implementations.

Although in this example all LEDs 420 have the same absorption band, in certain implementations at least some of the LEDs 420 may have different absorption bands. For example, segmented LED chip 400 may include a first LED 420 optimized to detect light emitted from a halogen headlamp, a first LED 420 optimized to detect light emitted from a xenon headlamp A second LED 420 and a third LED 420 optimized to detect light from incandescent headlights. In some aspects, each of the first LED 420, the second LED 420, and the third LED 420 (or at least two of them) can be doped with a different element and/or in different amounts to To achieve the change of the absorption band.

In certain implementations, the absorption band of the second LED can be altered by varying the magnitude of the applied reverse bias voltage when used as a detector. In III-nitride LEDs, for example, an increase in one of the reverse bias magnitudes first shifts the absorption band to shorter wavelengths as the quantum well band flattens, since the applied bias cancels the active region The polarization-induced electric field inside. As the reverse bias magnitude continues to increase, the absorption band shifts to longer wavelengths.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example of a segmented LED chip 500 including LEDs optimized for use as detectors in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Segmented LED chip 500 includes LEDs 510 and LEDs 520 separated by trenches 530 formed on the die of the chip. Each of LEDs 520 is provided with a filter structure formed on one or more of its respective light emitting surface(s). Any of the LEDs 520 may have a narrower absorption band than each of the LEDs 510 due to a filter structure. In some aspects, the difference between the absorption band of LED 510 and the absorption band of LED 520 may be the result of fine tuning LED 520 to suit a particular purpose.

In certain implementations, the individual filter structures of the LEDs 520 can be formed after the trenches of the segmented LED die 500 have been etched. Each of LEDs 520 may start as a base structure (e.g., an LED) that is substantially identical to LED 510, the base structure being further processed to include a respective filter on one or more of its surfaces. Light structure. The individual filter structures of LEDs 520 may be deposited using any suitable type of technique, such as plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, or sputtering, for example. The respective filter structures may be formed from any suitable type of material, such as a dielectric layer or stack of dielectric layers, used to form distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) that produce undesired radiation Specific wavelengths of light with high reflectivity on LEDs, for example. The present invention is not limited to any particular type of procedure for depositing filter structures and/or compositions.

As noted above, each of LEDs 520 may be formed by covering a base structure (eg, an LED) that is substantially identical to one of LEDs 510 with a respective filter structure. In certain aspects, the filter structure of a given LED 520 can be configured to have a transmission band that only partially overlaps the absorption band of the base structure of a given LED 520 . For example, the filter structure for a given LED 520 may have a transmission band with a respective lower limit and a respective upper limit. Similarly, the base structure of a given LED 520 (or any of the LEDs 510) can have an absorption band with a respective lower limit and a respective upper limit. In certain aspects, 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 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 an example of an adaptive lighting system 600 according to aspects of the present invention. Adaptive lighting system 600 includes a segmented LED chip 610 and a controller 620, as shown. The controller 620 includes driver circuits 622 a to 622 d and a control circuit 624 .

Each of driver circuits 622 a - 622 d is coupled to a different group of LEDs on segmented LED die 610 . Driver circuit 622a is coupled to LEDs 612a and 614a that are part of group A, for example. Driver circuit 622b is coupled to LEDs 612b and 614b that are part of Group B. FIG. Driver circuit 622c is coupled to LEDs 612c and 614c that are part of group C. FIG. Driver circuit 622d is coupled to LEDs 612d and 614d that are part of GroupD. According to the present example, each of LEDs 612a-612d is configured to operate as an emitter by applying a forward bias voltage thereto. Furthermore, according to the present example, each of LEDs 614a-614d is configured to operate as a detector by applying a reverse bias voltage thereto. Thus, each of the driver circuits 622a-622d is connected to an emitter LED and a detector LED. Although in this example each of Groups A to D contains only one emitter and one detector, any of Groups A to D contains multiple emitters and/or multiple detectors Alternative implementations of the device are possible. For example, any of groups A-D may include any number of transmitters (eg, 1, 5, 20, 30, etc.). Similarly, any of groups A-D may include any number of detectors (eg, 1, 5, 20, 30, etc.). For example, in certain implementations, any of groups A-D can include one detector and five emitters. Thus, in certain implementations, emitters and detectors need not be matched in pairs.

According to aspects of the invention, driver circuit 622a may be configured to vary the brightness of LED 612a based on a signal generated by LED 614b. In certain implementations, changing the brightness of the LED 612a can include increasing the brightness of the LED 612a, decreasing the brightness of the LED 612a (eg, dimming the LED 612a), turning the LED 612a on, and turning the LED 612a off. Alternatively, in certain implementations, changing the brightness of the LED 612a may simply include increasing the brightness of the LED 612a and decreasing the brightness of the LED 612a (eg, dimming the LED 612a). According to this example, if the LED 612a remains off for a period longer than the off period of the pulse width modulated (PWM) wave used to drive the LED 612a when powering the LED 612a, the LED 612a can be considered to be off. for a power outage. For example, LED 612a may be considered powered off if power is not supplied to LED 612a for a duration longer than the sum of the on period and the off period of the PWM wave. As another example, LED 612a may be considered powered off if power is not supplied to LED 612a for 1 second or more. In certain implementations, increasing the brightness of LED 612a can include increasing the current supplied 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 turning off LED 612a. Additionally or alternatively, turning on LED 612a may include commencing supplying current to LED 612a when energy is not being supplied to LED 612a.

In certain implementations, the driver circuit 622a can vary the brightness of the LEDs 612a according to the amount of light incident on the LEDs in group A. For example, driver circuit 622a may reduce the brightness of LED 612a when the signal generated by LED 614a indicates that a large amount of light is incident on the LEDs in group A. Alternatively, the driver circuit 622a may increase the brightness of the LED 612a when the signal generated by the LED 614a indicates that a low amount of light is incident on the LEDs in group A. Thus, according to the present example, the driver circuit 622a implements an adaptive lighting feature locally on a portion of an LED group and/or segmented LED die 610 .

In some embodiments, the driver circuit 622a may reduce the brightness of the LED 612a when the signal generated by the LED 614a exceeds a first threshold. Additionally or alternatively, driver 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 decreases or increases may be proportional to one of the changes in the value of the signal generated by LED 614a. Thus, in certain implementations, the brightness of LED 612a can be adjusted continuously rather than in discrete steps.

In some embodiments, LED 614a can operate continuously as a detector. Alternatively, in some implementations, LED 614a can operate as both a detector and an emitter. For example, the bias of LED 614a may be periodically switched by driver circuit 622a from forward to reverse to take a reading, and then back to forward. (See, eg, Figure 13). Switching of the bias voltage of LED 614a can occur very quickly (eg, <10 ns) to allow light collection. In some implementations, the bias voltage of the LED 614a can be switched at a very high frequency such that the change in state of the LED 614a is imperceptible to the human eye. According to the present example, LEDs 614b-614d can be operated in a similar manner by their respective driver circuits.

Each of driver circuits 622b-622c may operate in a manner similar to the one of driver circuits 622a. More particularly, driver circuit 622b may be any suitable type of circuit configured to vary the brightness of LED 612b based on a signal generated by LED 614b. Driver circuit 622c may be any suitable type of circuit configured to vary the brightness of LED 612c based on a signal generated by LED 614c. Also, driver circuit 622d may be any suitable type of circuit configured to vary the brightness of LED 612d based on a signal generated by LED 614d.

The control circuit 624 may comprise a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a processor, a memory, and/or be configured to change any of the driver circuits 622a-622d any other suitable type of circuit in the state of For example, changing the state of a given driver circuit may include causing the given driver circuit to increase or decrease the bias voltage applied to a particular detector LED. As another example, changing the state of a given driver circuit may include causing the driver circuit to increase or decrease the amount of current supplied to a particular emitter LED. Thus, in some embodiments, the control circuit 624 can be configured to set the signal produced by a given detector LED(s) to the light output of the associated emitter LED(s) (which is then controlled by the (etc.) a relationship between a given detector LED and its associated emitter LED(s) executed by a driver circuit).

In certain implementations, the control circuit 624 may be omitted from the controller 620 . In these examples, each of LED groups A-D can be controlled by a separate driver circuit completely independently of the remaining LED groups.

In this example, controller 620 is configured to control an LED matrix comprising a single segmented LED die. However, in certain implementations, the controller can be configured to control an LED matrix comprising a plurality of segmented LED chips and/or one or more non-segmented LED chips. For example, controller 620 may be configured to control an LED matrix comprising four segmented LED chips such that each of driver circuits 622a-622d is connected to a different one of the segmented LED chips.

In this example, the LEDs in groups A-D are hardwired to different driver circuits. However, in certain implementations, the controller 620 may be provided with a switching configuration that enables the control circuit 624 to selectively assign control of the LEDs in the segmented LED die 610 to any of the driver circuits. For example, the switching configuration may enable control circuit 624 to connect all LEDs in segmented LED die 610 to a particular driver circuit. Alternatively, the switching configuration may enable the control circuit 624 to connect one half of the LEDs in the segmented LED die 610 to one driver circuit while connecting the other half to the other driver circuit. Stated succinctly, the switching configuration may permit the control circuit 624 to dynamically group the LEDs in the segmented LED die 610 into any number of groups, and assign each group to a different driver circuit.

7 is a diagram of an example of an adaptive lighting system 700 according to aspects of the present invention. Adaptive lighting system 700 includes a segmented LED chip 710 coupled to a controller 720 . The controller 720 includes a processor 722 , a memory 724 and a driver 726 . Processor 722 may comprise any suitable type of processor, such as an application specific integrated processor (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a general purpose processor (e.g., an ARM-based processor, an one or more of an x86 processor, a MIPS processor, etc.). Memory 724 may include any suitable type of volatile and non-volatile memory, such as DRAM, EEPROM, flash memory, a solid state disk (SSD), and a hard disk 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 die 710 .

In certain implementations, the controller 720 can configure certain of the LEDs in the segmented LED die 710 to operate as emitters by applying a forward bias voltage to those LEDs. In addition, controller 720 may configure other of the LEDs in segmented LED die 710 to operate as detectors by reverse biasing those LEDs. Controller 720 may then vary the brightness of any of the emitter LEDs based on the signal(s) generated by one or more of the detector LEDs, as discussed below with respect to FIGS. 15-17 .

In certain implementations, the controller 720 can be configured to address each of the LEDs in the segmented LED die 710 individually. For example, controller 720 may be configured such that the magnitude and/or polarity of the bias voltage for any LED in segmented LED die 710 is changed independently of the remaining LEDs. As another example, controller 720 can be configured to increase or decrease the current supplied to any LED in segmented LED die 710 without changing to any of the other LEDs in segmented LED die 710 The current supply of those. As another example, controller 720 may be configured to detect a signal generated by one of the LEDs in segmented LED die 710 . Although in this example the controller 720 is used to control an LED matrix consisting of a single segmented LED chip, the controller 720 can be configured to control any suitable type of LED matrix, such as one comprising multiple segmented LEDs. Alternative implementations of a matrix of chips and/or a matrix comprising one or more non-segmented LED chips) are possible.

8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of an adaptive automotive lighting system using a segmented LED chip according to aspects of the invention. In this example, vehicles 810 and 830 are traveling in opposite directions on a road 800 . Each of vehicles 810 and 830 headlights includes a segmented LED chip (or another type of LED matrix) driven by a controller configured to respond to oncoming vehicles take an adaptive action.

According to the present example, a vehicle 810 includes headlamps 812 and 814 that are switched on to illuminate a space 822 and a space 824 , respectively. Space 822 may include a corresponding section of road 800 in front of vehicle 810 and a space above the corresponding section. Similarly, space 824 may include another corresponding section of road 800 ahead of vehicle 810 and a space above the other corresponding section. Vehicle 830 includes headlights 832 and 834 that are switched on to illuminate a space 842 and a space 844, respectively. Space 842 includes a corresponding section of road 800 in front of vehicle 830 and the space above the corresponding section. Similarly, space 844 may include another corresponding section of road 800 ahead of vehicle 830 and a space above the other corresponding section.

In certain implementations, the headlights 812 and 814 may be operated by the same controller configured to take various adaptive actions on behalf of the vehicle 810, as discussed further below. Additionally or alternatively, headlamps 812 and 814 may be operated by different respective controllers. Accordingly, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular system topology of the adaptive lighting systems of vehicles 810 and 830 .

9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an adaptive action that may be taken by the adaptive automotive lighting system of FIG. 8 when encountering oncoming vehicles in accordance with aspects of the invention. More specifically, when the vehicle 830 enters the space 822, the headlight 812 detects the emission from the headlight 832 of the vehicle 830 by using one or more detector LEDs in the segmented LED chip of the headlight. Light. In response, headlights 812 and 814 are turned off to avoid blinding the driver of vehicle 830 . As vehicles 810 and 830 pass by each other, the light emitted from headlight 834 no longer illuminates the detector LED in headlight 812 and turns on vehicle 830 headlights 812 and 814 again. Although in this example only one of the vehicles 810 and 830 has its headlights turned off, in certain implementations both vehicles may have their headlights turned off (or dimmed). Additionally or alternatively, in certain implementations, either of the vehicles 810 and 830 may only turn off (or dim) some of the LEDs in each headlamp.

According to an aspect of the invention, when both vehicles 810 and 830 enter a circle in which vehicles 810 and 830 see an oncoming light source and turn off their headlights (or simply dim them) A flickering condition can occur when both vehicles thereafter recognize that the light is no longer shining on them and turn their headlights back on. In certain implementations, the vehicles 810 and 830 can prevent the flicker condition from occurring by exchanging communications to determine which of the vehicles 810 and 830 will turn off (or simply dim) its headlights. For example, each of vehicles 810 and 830 may transmit a message to the other vehicle instructing its headlights to remain off (or dimmed) for a predetermined period of time (eg, 30 seconds). The information may be transmitted using vehicle headlights, a radio transceiver and/or any other suitable type of component.

In some aspects, the vehicle 810 may use a segmented LED chip that is part of the headlight 812 as a transceiver for exchanging communications with the vehicle 830 to determine which vehicle is to turn off its headlights. Similarly, the vehicle 830 may use a segmented LED die that is part of the headlight 832 as a transceiver for exchanging communications with the vehicle 830 to determine which vehicle is to turn off its headlights. Communications may be exchanged using any suitable type of visible light communication (VLC) protocol. Stated succinctly, according to the present example, either of vehicles 810 and 830 can use a segmented LED chip that is part of its headlights to illuminate the road ahead of the vehicle and exchange communications with oncoming vehicles.

In some aspects, each of vehicles 810 and 830 may include separate vehicle headlights but still use a segmented LED chip (such as segmented LED chip 100 ) to operate in a visible or invisible light band. A transceiver for transmitting communications. Using segmented LED chips in this way can be advantageous because the emitter LEDs and detector LEDs in a segmented LED chip can be in close proximity due to the close spatial proximity between the LEDs in a segmented LED chip. actually self-aligning. It can be placed in a very tight beam without the expense of (periodic) alignment.

10A is a diagram illustrating an example of another adaptive action that may be taken by the adaptive automotive lighting system of FIG. 8 when encountering oncoming vehicles in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In this example, vehicle 810 headlights 812 use at least one segmented LED chip to illuminate the roadway in front of vehicle 810 such that different LEDs in the segmented LED chip are configured to illuminate different portions of space 822 . The use of segmented LED chips allows the vehicle 810 to dim down the brightness of only those LEDs that illuminate the space occupied by the vehicle 830 (eg, LEDs that may interface with the driver's field of view of the vehicle 830 ). As illustrated, the vehicle 810 may dim the brightness of the LEDs illuminating a portion 1010 of the space 822 to 30% of the maximum brightness it is capable of providing. Similarly, the vehicle 810 may dim the brightness of the LEDs illuminating a portion 1020 of the space 822 to 50% of their maximum brightness. Meanwhile, the vehicle 810 can continue to operate the remaining emitter LEDs in the headlights 814 at their full capacity, as shown. Additionally, the vehicle 830 may completely turn off the LEDs in the headlights 832 of a portion 1030 of the illuminated space 842 .

Although the LEDs in the headlights 812 and 832 are dimmed side-to-side in the example of FIG. 10A , in certain implementations the LEDs in the headlights 812 and 832 may alternatively be dimmed from top to bottom. As illustrated in FIG. 10B , the vehicle 810 can dim the brightness of the LEDs in the headlights 812 of a portion 1040 of the illuminated space 822 to 30% of the maximum brightness it can provide. Similarly, the vehicle 810 may dim down the brightness of the LEDs in the headlights 812 of a portion 1050 of the illuminated space 822 to 50% of their maximum brightness. Meanwhile, the vehicle 810 can continue to operate the remaining emitter LEDs in the headlights 812 at their full capacity, as shown. Additionally, the vehicle 830 may completely turn off the LEDs in the headlights 832 of a portion 1060 of the illuminated space 842 .

Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, vehicle 810 and 820 headlights may be dimmed both from left to right and from top to bottom. As noted above, spaces 822 and 842 are three-dimensional. Thus, the brightness of the LEDs in the headlight 812 illuminating any particular three-dimensional portion of the space 822 can be varied independently. Similarly, the brightness of the LEDs in the headlamp 832 illuminating any particular three-dimensional portion of the space 842 may also be independently varied. As discussed further below, this type of highly granular adaptive lighting adjustment is enabled by the spatial proximity between the emitter and detector LEDs on the segmented LED chip, which allows them to be aligned with the same optical element. possible.

FIG. 11A is an exploded view of an example of an aspect headlamp 812 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The headlight 812 includes a segmented LED chip 1110 and an optical unit 1120 . Segmented LED die 1110 includes a plurality of segments 1112, each of which includes at least one LED configured to operate as an emitter and at least one LED configured to operate as a detector. one other LED. In certain implementations, any segment of the segmented LED die 1110 can include a plurality of detector LEDs. Additionally or alternatively, any section of LED die 1110 may include detector LEDs having different respective absorption bands. For example, one or more segments of a segmented LED chip may include a first detector LED optimized to detect light emitted from a halogen headlight, A second detector LED for light emitted by xenon headlamps and a third LED optimized to detect light from incandescent headlamps.

Each of the segments 1112 is aligned with a different optical element 1122 of the optical unit 1120 . Each optical element 1122 can have a different central direction 1130, as shown in Figure 1 IB. In certain implementations, the optical unit 1120 can include an array of lenses, and each of the optical elements 1122 can include a lens that is part of the array. Additionally or alternatively, the optical unit may include a plurality of apertures (eg, barrels or lens barrels). Each aperture can be configured to direct 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. Stated succinctly, each optical element of optical unit 1220 may be any suitable type of element configured to direct light to/from a particular direction.

As discussed above, during operation of the headlights 812, light from oncoming vehicle headlights is directed by the optics 1122 to shine on the precise emitter LEDs whose illumination is occupied by the oncoming vehicle. on the detector LEDs in the same segment 1112 as the portion of the road. The detector LED will absorb wavelengths of incoming light with energy greater than the energy gap within the detector LED's active region. The absorbed light in the detector LED will be converted into a current that is passed to the electrical terminals of the detector LED. When biased in an appropriate manner, the amount of current is related to the amount of light incident on the detector LED, which can be related to the distance of an oncoming car. Thus, the emitter LEDs in a given segment of the segmented LED die 1110 can be dimmed proportionally to the amount of light sensed by the detector LEDs in that segment. If a greater amount of light is detected, the LED can be dimmed to a lower brightness level than if a lesser amount of light is detected. In some aspects, the transmitter LEDs may be gradually dimmed as oncoming vehicles get closer to the headlights 812 .

As mentioned above, the detector LEDs that sense the light emitted from the headlights of oncoming vehicles are embedded in the same die as the LEDs that emit the light. Thus, the angle and/or area illuminated by a given emitter LED can be made comparable by the optical unit 1120 to the angle/area to which a given detector LED located in the same segment of the segmented LED die 1110 is sensitive. same. More specifically, according to aspects of the invention, only light incident from certain angles and/or regions will be incident on any given segment of the segmented LED die 1110 . For any given segment 1112 of the segmented LED die 1110, light from the central direction 1130 of the aligned optical elements 1122 of the given segment may be primarily passed through the aligned optical elements of the given segment 1122 to reach the given section. Similarly, light emitted by the emitter LEDs in any given section 1112 of the segmented LED die 1110 can be directed in the central direction 1130 of the optical elements by the aligned optical elements of that given section.

As illustrated in FIG. 11B , an optical element 1122a is configured to direct light emitted from segments 1112a of segmented LED die 1110 in a central direction 1130a. Similarly, optical element 1122a is configured to direct light incident on optical element 1122a from central direction 1130a and to (primarily) reflect and/or absorb light incident on optical element 1122a from other directions. Thus, segment 1112a of segmented LED chip 1110 is configured to receive light primarily from central direction 1130 due to alignment with optical element 1122a. Similarly, segments 1112a of segmented LED die 1110 are configured to emit light primarily in a central direction 1130 due to alignment with optical element 1122a.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 11B , an optical element 1122b is configured to direct light emitted from segments 1112b of segmented LED die 1110 in a central direction 1130b. Similarly, optical element 1122b is configured to direct light incident on optical element 1122b from central direction 1130b and to (primarily) reflect and/or absorb light incident on optical element 1122b from other directions. Thus, due to alignment with optical element 1122b, segment 1112b of segmented LED chip 1110 is configured to receive light primarily from central direction 1130b. Similarly, segments 1112b of segmented LED die 1110 are configured to emit light primarily in a central direction 1130b due to alignment with optical element 1122b.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 11B , an optical element 1122c is configured to direct light emitted from segments 1112c of segmented LED die 1110 in a central direction 1130c. Similarly, optical element 1122c is configured to direct light incident on optical element 1122c from central direction 1130c and to (primarily) reflect and/or absorb light incident on optical element 1122c from other directions. Thus, due to alignment with optical element 1122c, segment 1112c of segmented LED chip 1110 is configured to receive light primarily from central direction 1130c. Similarly, segment 1112c of segmented LED die 1110 is configured to emit light primarily in a central direction 1130c due to alignment with optical element 1122b.

Stated succinctly, each of the optical elements 1122 can have a different central direction 1130 , and each segment 1112 of the segmented LED chip 1110 can be aligned with a different optical element 1122 . Thus, each segment of segmented LED chip 1110 may be associated with a different portion of the space illuminated by segmented LED chip 1110 .

12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the manner in which light emitted from different segments of segmented LED chip 1110 is directed by optical unit 1120 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. As illustrated, optical element 1122a causes light emitted from segment 1112a to be directed to portion 1210a of space 822 . Similarly, optical element 1122a causes light from portion 1210a to be directed to section 1112a. Optical element 1122b causes light emitted from segment 1112b to be directed to portion 1210b of space 822 . Similarly, optical element 1122b causes light from portion 1210b to be directed to section 1112b. Optical element 1122c causes light emitted from segment 1112c to be directed to portion 1210c of space 822 . Similarly, optical element 1122c causes light from portion 1210c to be directed to section 1112c. Optical element 1122d causes light emitted from segment 1112d to be directed to portion 1210d of space 822 . Similarly, optical element 1122d causes light from portion 121Od to be directed to section 1112d. Optical element 1122e causes light emitted from segment 1112e to be directed to portion 1210e of space 822 . Similarly, optical element 1122e causes light from portion 1210e to be directed to section 1112e. Optical element 1122f causes light emitted from segment 1112f to be directed to portion 1210f of space 822 . Similarly, optical element 1122f causes light from portion 121 Of to be directed to section 1112f. Optical element 1122g causes light emitted from segment 1112g to be directed to portion 1210g of space 822 . Similarly, optical element 1122g causes light from portion 1210g to be directed to section 1112g. Optical element 1122h causes light emitted from segment 1112h to be directed to portion 1210h of space 822 . Similarly, optical element 1122h causes light from portion 1210h to be directed to section 1112h. Optical element 1122i causes light emitted from segment 1112i to be directed to portion 1210i of space 822 . Similarly, optical element 1122i causes light from portion 1210i to be directed to section 1112i.

According to aspects of the invention, the emitter LEDs in any segment of the segmented LED chip 1110 may be controlled only (or primarily) based on the signals generated by the detector LEDs in that segment. This in turn can cause the brightness of the LEDs in any given section of the segmented LED chip 1110 to be controlled based on the lighting conditions in the particular area (or space) illuminated by those LEDs. As discussed with respect to FIG. 10 , this type of granular control over different portions of the segmented LED die 1110 permits adjustments only against those LEDs in the headlights 812 on oncoming vehicles.

Although in the present example the headlamp 812 includes a single segmented LED die, alternative implementations are possible in which multiple segmented LED dies are used. In such instances, each segmented LED die can be aligned with a different one of the optical elements 1122 of the optical unit 1120 . Furthermore, although optical unit 1120 includes nine optical elements in the present example, alternative implementations in which a different number of optical elements (e.g., 2 optical elements, 4 optical elements, 5 optical elements, etc.) are included in the optical unit Solutions are possible. Additionally, the headlight 812 may include any suitable type of controller for driving the segmented LED die 1110 or multiple LED chips that are a portion of the headlight 812 . For example, headlamp 812 may include a controller such as controller 620 or controller 720 .

According to aspects of the invention, the detector LEDs in the segmented LED chip 1110 may be susceptible to crosstalk. Crosstalk can occur when light emitted from segmented LED die 1110 is reflected back by optical unit 1120 (or another element of headlight 812 ) to detector LEDs in segmented LED die 1110 . The occurrence of crosstalk can impair the sensitivity of the detector LEDs. Therefore, to improve the sensitivity of the detector LEDs to incoming light, the emitter LED(s) can be cycled dimmed or turned off during the short period in which the detector LED(s) are read. The period of dimming or turning off the emitter LED can be shorter than the time response of the human eye, making the dimming (or turning off) imperceptible.

13 is a flowchart of an example of a procedure 1300 for avoiding crosstalk between emitter LEDs and reflector LEDs in a segmented LED chip 1110 in accordance with aspects of the invention. As illustrated, according to the procedure 1300, one of the emitter LEDs in the segmented LED chip 1110 is cycled between a first state (step 1310) and a second state (step 1320), and only the emitter LED While in the second state, readings are taken from one or more designated detector LEDs located in the same segment (or group) of the segmented LED die 1110 (step 1330).

In certain implementations, designated detector LEDs may be operated continuously as such. Additionally or alternatively, in certain implementations, one or more designated detector LEDs are operable as emitters when the emitter LED is in the first state, and wherein the emitter LED is in the second state Switch to detector mode by changing the polarity of their respective bias voltages during the period.

In certain implementations, the second state of the emitter LED can coincide with an off-period of the PWM wave used to drive the emitter LED. Additionally or alternatively, the second state may correspond to both the on-period and the off-period of the PWM wave. For example, the transmitter LED may be in the first state when the PWM wave driving the transmitter LED has a first duty cycle. Furthermore, the emitter LED may be in the second state when the PWM wave driving the emitter LED has a second duty cycle shorter than the first duty cycle. Stated briefly, in certain implementations, an emitter LED can be transitioned between a first state and a second state by varying the duty cycle (and/or amount of current) of the PWM wave driving the emitter LED. According to aspects of the invention, the first state of the emitter LED may be wherein the emitter LED operates at a first brightness level (e.g., 100% of the emitter's maximum brightness, 80% of the emitter's maximum brightness, etc.) state. The second state of the emitter LED may be a state in which the emitter LED operates at a second brightness level lower than the first brightness level. For example, the second state may be a state in which the transmitter LED is completely powered off or a state in which the transmitter LED is dimmed (eg, operating at 40% of its maximum brightness). In some aspects, all of the emitter LEDs in segmented LED die 1110 (or another type of LED matrix) can be cycled between the first state and the second state simultaneously, as discussed, but at the The respective first states and/or respective second states of the emitter LEDs in different segments (or groups) of segmented LED die 1110 may be different. For example, the emitter LEDs in one group (and/or die section) may cycle between 80% brightness and 40% brightness, while the emitter LEDs in another group (and/or die section) The LEDs can cycle between 70% brightness and 40% brightness.

Another type of crosstalk can occur when light emitted by one or more emitter LEDs in segmented LED die 1110 is directed toward adjacent LEDs in accordance with aspects of the invention. 14A and 14B illustrate one example of a segmented LED die 1400 optimized to avoid such crosstalk. More specifically, FIG. 14A is a top view of a segmented LED chip 1400 , and FIG. 14B is a side view of a segmented LED chip 1400 . Segmented LED die 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 unit is placed a different LED 1410, as shown. The walls of each cell may be taller than the LEDs enclosed within it, thus preventing light emitted by that LED from traveling sideways towards adjacent LEDs. In some aspects, the barrier structure 1430 can be made of any suitable material (e.g., glass, metal, etc.) with a reflective coating such as a metal (e.g., silver), a dielectric distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), or based on Optical scattering matrices of polysiloxane, for example, form. In some aspects, the barrier structure 1430 may be formed from a combination of materials such as a dielectric barrier coated with a reflective metal, for example. In certain implementations, the walls of each cell of the fence structure 1430 can be between 100% and 1000% of the height of the LEDs enclosed therein. The elements of the fence structure 1430 may be formed using any suitable type of process, such as plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, vapor deposition, sputter deposition, or silicone molding, for example.

15 is a flowchart of an example of a procedure 1500 for operating an LED matrix in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The LED matrix can consist of a single segmented LED, or include multiple segmented LED chips, and/or include one or more non-segmented LED chips. Process 1500 may be performed by any suitable type of controller operatively coupled to the LED matrix.

At step 1510, the plurality of LEDs in the matrix are arranged into groups. In certain implementations, configuring the LEDs into groups can include connecting each of the LEDs to one of a plurality of driver circuits. (See, eg, Figure 6). Additionally or alternatively, arranging the LEDs into groups may include generating a data structure identifying the groups and storing the data structure in a memory. For example, the data structure may map an identifier for each group (e.g., "Group 1," "Group 2," etc.) to an identifier for the LEDs that are part of that group (e.g., bit address) list.

表 1 ：識別複數個 LED 群組之資料結構 For example, the data structure may be a table as illustrated below by Table 1:

Table 1 : Data structure for identifying multiple LED groups

In the example of Table 1, each LED is identified by a double value (X,Y), where X is the row number and Y is the column number of the LED's position in an LED matrix. Although in this example an X-Y coordinate is used to address the LEDs in the LED matrix, alternative implementations are possible in which any suitable type of alphanumeric identifier corresponding to the respective positions of the LEDs could alternatively be used. As discussed further below, in certain implementations, addresses can be used to identify co-located LEDs in a matrix.

At step 1520, the LEDs in each group are configured. According to aspects of the invention, configuring the LEDs in a given group may include applying one of a forward bias voltage or a reverse bias voltage to each of the LEDs in the given group, thereby Effectively causing each of the LEDs to operate as either an emitter LED or a detector LED. In certain implementations, the magnitude of the bias voltage applied to the emitter and detector LEDs can be the same, and only the polarity can be varied. Additionally or alternatively, in certain implementations, the bias voltage applied to the detector LEDs can differ from that of the emitter LEDs, both in magnitude and polarity. Additionally or alternatively, the magnitude of the bias voltage applied to different emitter LEDs in a given group may be different. Additionally or alternatively, the magnitude of the bias voltage applied to different emitter LEDs in a given group may be the same. Additionally or alternatively, the magnitude of the bias voltage applied to different detector LEDs in a given group may be different. Additionally or alternatively, the magnitude of the bias voltage applied to different detector LEDs in a given group may be the same.

Additionally or alternatively, configuring the LEDs in a given group may include identifying one or more LEDs in the group that are optimized to operate as detectors and applying a reverse bias to the one or more LEDs in the group. or multiple LEDs. (See, eg, Figures 4 and 5.) In certain embodiments, the optimized LEDs can be identified based on a data structure stored in the controller's memory that identifies LEDs in optimized groups. In certain implementations, the data structure may also identify a bias voltage magnitude for each optimized LED, since LEDs that are doped in different ways may require different bias voltages. In certain implementations, each of the optimized LEDs can be biased according to a corresponding bias magnitude specified in the data structure.

表 2 ：表示一 3 × 3 LED 矩陣之一操作型樣之一資料結構 Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, configuring the LEDs in a given group may include retrieving a data structure that identifies a particular pattern of operation and thus by biasing the given group LEDs in a group assign that operational profile to that given group. In certain aspects, the data structure may include a different identifier for each LED in the group, the different identifier specifying the polarity of the bias voltage to be applied to that LED. For example, the data structure could be a table as shown below:

Table 2 : A data structure representing an operation model of a 3 × 3 LED matrix

According to the example in Table 2, the data structure may contain a 3x3 matrix of binary values, where 0 indicates that a forward bias is to be applied to a given LED, and "1" indicates that a reverse bias is to be applied. The data structure can be applied to any group of LEDs, where the LEDs are arranged in a 3×3 matrix such that any value of i _{row, column} in the data structure specifies the bias voltage of the LED _{row, column} . In this example, the value of i _2,2 in the data structure is equal to 1, which indicates that the LED located in column 2, row 2 is to be placed in a reverse bias. Similarly, the value of i _1,1 in the data structure is equal to 0, which indicates that the LED located in column 1, row 1 is to be placed in a forward bias. Although in this example the data structure only identifies bias polarity, additional implementations are possible where the data structure identifies an individual bias magnitude for each LED in a matrix, or identifies both bias polarity and Bias magnitude.

At step 1530, each of the groups is operated to provide adaptive lighting to the area illuminated by that group. In certain implementations, each of the groups can operate independently of the remaining groups. Additionally or alternatively, in certain implementations, each group may be operated according to procedure 1600 discussed below with respect to FIG. 16 .

At step 1540, a detection of whether a repacket event is generated is performed. In some implementations, a regroup event may be generated as a result of a user input. If a regrouping event is detected, the process 1500 returns to step 1510 and the LEDs are regrouped. According to aspects of the invention, regrouping LEDs may include one or more of: merging all LEDs into a single group, merging at least two existing groups into one group, and/or combining at least one Existing groups are divided into groups. In this regard, alternative implementations are possible in which all LEDs in an LED matrix are assigned to the same group. Furthermore, alternative implementations are possible in which each of the groups consists of all LEDs present in a different segmented LED die.

16 is a flow diagram of an example of a procedure 1600 for operating a given group of LEDs (as discussed with respect to step 1530 of procedure 1500) according to aspects of the invention. At step 1610, a first signal is generated at least in part by one or more detector LEDs in a given group. At step 1620, the brightness of the emitter LEDs in the group is changed based on the first signal. At step 1630, a second signal generated at least in part by one or more emitter LEDs in the given group is detected. At step 1640, the mode of operation of at least one of the LEDs in the group is changed based on the second signal.

According to aspects of the invention, changing the mode of operation of a given LED may include changing the bias voltage of that LED from reverse to forward or from forward to reverse. For example, if a reverse bias voltage is applied to an emitter LED, that LED can thus start operating as a detector LED. As another example, if a forward bias voltage is applied to a detector LED, that LED can begin to operate as an emitter LED.

In some implementations, step 1640 may be performed in response to the second signal having a characteristic that satisfies a predetermined threshold. For example, if the dynamic range of the second signal falls below a threshold, the bias voltage of one or more emitter LEDs can be changed to increase the number of detector LEDs in the group and obtain greater sensitivity . As another example, if the second signal indicates that the area targeted by the group of LEDs is not sufficiently illuminated, the bias of a detector LED can be changed to add an additional emitter LED to the group.

In some implementations, one or more detector LEDs in a group may be so continuously operated. Alternatively, in some implementations, one or more detector LEDs may be periodically switched from forward bias to reverse bias to take a reading, and then back to forward bias. Switching of bias polarity can occur very rapidly (eg <10 ns) to allow light collection. In certain implementations, the polarity of the bias voltage for one or more detector LEDs in a given group can be switched at such a high frequency that the switching is imperceptible to the human eye.

17 is a flowchart of an example of a procedure 1700 for operating an LED matrix in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The LED matrix can consist of a single segmented LED, or 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 operatively coupled to the LED matrix.

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

At step 1730, the brightness of a given emitter LED in the matrix is varied based on a signal generated by one or more detector LEDs co-located with the given emitter LED. According to aspects of the invention, two LEDs may be in the same section of the LED matrix (such as an upper right quarter, upper left quarter, lower right quarter, or a lower left quarter, etc.) The time and the classics are co-located.

Additionally or alternatively, two LEDs may be co-located when they do not exceed a predetermined distance from each other in the LED matrix. In some implementations, the distance between a first LED and a second LED may be equal to the count of other LEDs disposed along a straight line connecting the first LED and the second LED. For example, if the first LED and the second LED are positioned next to each other, the distance may be zero. As another example, the distance between the first LED and the second LED may be 1 if there is one other LED between them. In certain implementations, the distance between two LEDs can be determined based on the addresses of those LEDs.

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

Although some of the concepts disclosed herein are presented in the context of adaptive automotive lighting, it will be understood that the disclosed segmented LED chip implementations, adaptive lighting system implementations, and applications can be employed in any context. Procedures for operating the adaptive lighting system. For example, the concepts can be used in interior lighting systems, street lighting systems, stage lighting systems, decorative lighting systems and greenhouse lighting systems. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the examples presented herein.

1 to 17 are provided as an example only. At least some of the elements discussed with respect to these figures may be arranged in a different order, combined, and/or omitted altogether. It will be understood that the provision of examples set forth herein and clauses such as "such as", "for example", "comprising", "in some aspects", "in certain embodiments" and the like are not to be interpreted It is intended to limit the disclosed subject matter to specific examples.

Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, given the present disclosure, modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit of the inventive concepts set forth herein. Therefore, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated and described.

100‧‧‧Segmented LED chips 110‧‧‧LED 120‧‧‧groove 130‧‧‧contact 300a‧‧‧Segmented LED chip 300b‧‧‧Segmented LED chip 300c‧‧‧Segmented LED chip 312a‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes 312b‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes 312c‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes 314a‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes 314b‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes 314c‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes 400‧‧‧Segmented LED chips 410‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes 420‧‧‧Light-emitting diode/first light-emitting diode/second light-emitting diode/third light-emitting diode 430‧‧‧groove 500‧‧‧Segmented LED chips 510‧‧‧LED 520‧‧‧LED 530‧‧‧groove 600‧‧‧Adaptive lighting system 610‧‧‧Segmented Light Emitting Diode Chip 612a‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes 612b‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes 612c‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes 612d‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes 614a‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes 614b‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes 614c‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes 614d‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes 620‧‧‧Controller 622a‧‧‧Driver Circuit 622b‧‧‧Driver Circuit 622c‧‧‧Driver Circuit 622d‧‧‧Driver Circuit 624‧‧‧Control circuit 700‧‧‧Adaptive lighting system 710‧‧‧Segmented Light Emitting Diode Chip 720‧‧‧Controller 722‧‧‧processor 724‧‧‧memory 726‧‧‧Driver 800‧‧‧road 810‧‧‧vehicle 812‧‧‧Headlamp 814‧‧‧Headlamp 822‧‧‧Space/Lighting Space 824‧‧‧space 830‧‧‧vehicle 832‧‧‧Headlamp 834‧‧‧Headlamps 842‧‧‧Space/Lighting Space 844‧‧‧space Section 1010‧‧‧ Section 1020‧‧‧ Section 1030‧‧‧ Section 1040‧‧‧ Section 1050‧‧‧ Section 1060‧‧‧ 1110‧‧‧Segmented Light-Emitting Diode Chip/Light-Emitting Diode Chip Section 1112a-i‧‧‧ 1120‧‧‧optical unit 1122a-i‧‧‧Optical components 1130a‧‧‧central direction 1130b‧‧‧central direction 1130c‧‧‧central direction Part 1210a-1210i‧‧‧ 1300‧‧‧procedure 1310‧‧‧step 1320‧‧‧step 1330‧‧‧step 1400‧‧‧Segmented LED chip 1410‧‧‧Light-emitting diode 1420‧‧‧groove 1430‧‧‧Fence structure 1500‧‧‧Procedure 1510‧‧‧step 1520‧‧‧step 1530‧‧‧step 1540‧‧‧step 1600‧‧‧procedure 1610‧‧‧step 1620‧‧‧step 1630‧‧‧step 1640‧‧‧step 1700‧‧‧procedure 1710‧‧‧step 1720‧‧‧step 1730‧‧‧step A‧‧‧group B‧‧‧group C‧‧‧group D‧‧‧group

The drawings set forth below are for illustration purposes only. These drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Like reference symbols shown in the figures designate the same components in various embodiments.

1 is a schematic top view of an example of a segmented light emitting diode (LED) chip according to an aspect of the present invention;

2 is a schematic side view of one example of the segmented LED chip of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

3A is a diagram illustrating an example of an operational pattern that can be imparted to a segmented LED chip in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

3B is a diagram illustrating another example of an operational pattern that can be imparted to a segmented LED chip in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

3C is a diagram illustrating yet another example of an operational pattern that can be imparted to a segmented LED chip in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

4 is a schematic top view of another example of a segmented LED chip according to an aspect of the present invention;

5 is a schematic top view of another example of a segmented LED chip according to an aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of an example of an adaptive lighting system according to an aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of another example of an adaptive lighting system according to aspects of the present invention;

8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of an adaptive automotive lighting system using a segmented LED chip in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an adaptive action that may be taken by the adaptive automotive lighting system of FIG. 8 in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

10A is a diagram illustrating an example of another adaptive action that may be taken by the adaptive automotive lighting system of FIG. 8 in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

10B is a diagram illustrating an example of another adaptive action that may be taken by the adaptive automotive lighting system of FIG. 8 in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

11A is a schematic exploded view of a headlamp that may be used in the adaptive automotive lighting system of FIG. 8 in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

11B is a schematic side view of the headlamp of FIG. 11A according to aspects of the present invention;

12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the headlamp of FIG. 11A in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

13 is a flowchart of one example of a procedure for avoiding crosstalk between emitter LEDs and reflector LEDs in a segmented LED chip in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

14A is a schematic top view of an example of a segmented LED chip optimized to avoid crosstalk between emitter LEDs and detector LEDs disposed on dies of the chip in accordance with aspects of the present invention. ;

14B is a schematic side view of the segmented LED chip of FIG. 14A in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

15 is a flowchart of an example of a procedure for operating an LED matrix in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

16 is a flowchart of an example of a procedure for operating a group of LEDs in an LED matrix according to aspects of the invention; and

17 is a flowchart of an example of a procedure for operating an LED matrix in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

600‧‧‧Adaptive lighting system

610‧‧‧Segmented Light Emitting Diode Chip

612a‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes

612b‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes

612c‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes

612d‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes

614a‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes

614b‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes

614c‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes

614d‧‧‧Light-emitting diodes

620‧‧‧Controller

622a‧‧‧Driver Circuit

622b‧‧‧Driver Circuit

622c‧‧‧Driver Circuit

622d‧‧‧Driver Circuit

624‧‧‧Control circuit

A‧‧‧group

B‧‧‧group

C‧‧‧group

D‧‧‧group

Claims (20)

A light emitting device comprising: a segmented light emitting diode (LED) chip comprising a plurality of LEDs separated by grooves formed on the segmented LED chip and arranged in a plurality of segments, each A segment includes at least one first LED and at least one second LED; and a controller configured to: apply a forward bias voltage to each of the first LEDs; apply a reverse bias voltage to each of the first LEDs; applying voltage to each of the second LEDs; and changing the brightness of the first LEDs in any segment based on a signal generated by the second LED in that segment. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the second LEDs is configured to have an absorption band different from any of the first LEDs. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the second LEDs is provided with a filter structure configured such that an absorption band of the second LED becomes wider than that of the second LEDs Any one of an LED has a narrow absorption band. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein at least one second LED is implanted with atoms of a predetermined element such that the absorption band of the second LED is different from any one of the first LEDs. Such as the lighting device of claim 1, wherein: The controller includes a first driver circuit coupled to the first LED and the second LED in a first segment of the segmented LED chip; the controller includes a first driver circuit coupled to one of the segmented LED chips a second driver circuit for the first LED and the second LED in the second segment; the first driver circuit configured to be based on a first signal generated by the second LED in the first segment and the brightness of the first LED in the first segment is changed by a first amount; and the second driver circuit is configured based on a second LED generated by the second segment in the second segment. signal to change the brightness of the first LED in the second segment by a second amount, the second signal is generated simultaneously with the second signal, and the second amount is different from the first amount. The light emitting device according to claim 4, further comprising: a lens unit aligned with the segmented LED chip, wherein the lens unit includes a plurality of optical elements, each optical element has a different central direction, and wherein the Each segment of the segmented LED chip is aligned with a different optical element of the lens unit. The light emitting device of claim 4, wherein the controller is further configured to: cycle the first LED in any segment of the segmented LED chip between a first state and a second state; And the signal generated by the second LED in the segment is detected only when the first LED is in the second state. A light emitting device comprising: a segmented light emitting diode (LED) chip comprising a plurality of LEDs separated by trenches formed on the segmented LED chip; and a controller configured to to: apply a forward bias voltage to a first LED and a second LED in the segmented LED chip; and change the brightness of each of the first LED and the second LED by different amounts , wherein the brightness of the first LED is changed based on a first signal generated by a reverse-biased LED in the segmented LED chip, and based on the first signal generated by the segmented LED simultaneously with the first signal Another reverse biased LED in the chip generates a second signal to change the brightness of the second LED. The light emitting device according to claim 8, further comprising a lens unit having a first optical element with a first central direction and a second optical element with a second central direction, wherein: the first LED and the The first optical element is aligned, and the first signal is generated by a reverse biased LED aligned with the first optical element, and the second LED is aligned with the second optical element, and the second signal Generated by another reverse biased LED aligned with the second optical element. The light emitting device of claim 8, wherein: the controller includes a first driver circuit coupled to the first LED and a second driver circuit coupled to the second LED, the first driver circuit and the second driver The circuit is coupled to different reverse biased LED, the first driver circuit is configured to change the brightness of the first LED based on the first signal, and the second driver circuit is configured to change the brightness of the second LED based on the second signal . The light emitting device of claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured to: cycle the first LED between a first state and a second state, and only when the first LED is in the second state detecting the first signal; and cycling 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. The light emitting device of claim 8, wherein: each of the first LED, the second LED, and the reverse-biased LEDs has a respective absorption band, and the reverse-biased LEDs The LEDs are configured to have a different absorption band than the first LED and the second LED due to processing performed on the segmented LED wafer before or after forming the trenches. The light-emitting device of claim 12, wherein the reverse-biased LEDs are implanted with atoms of a predetermined element so that the respective absorption bands of the reverse-biased LEDs are different from the first LED and The respective absorption band of any one of the second LEDs. A light emitting device comprising: a segmented light emitting diode (LED) chip comprising a plurality of LEDs separated by trenches formed on the segmented LED chip; and a controller configured to to: apply a forward bias voltage to one or more first LEDs in the plurality of LEDs; apply a reverse bias voltage to one or more second LEDs in the plurality of LEDs; A given first LED is co-located with one or more given second LEDs to generate a signal to change a brightness of the given first LED. The light emitting device of claim 14, wherein when the given first LED and the given second LEDs are located in the same portion of the segmented LED chip, the given first LED and the given second LEDs Two LEDs are co-located. The light emitting device of claim 14, wherein the given first LED is co-located with the given second LEDs when the given second LEDs are located within a predetermined distance from the given first LED. The light emitting device according to claim 14, further comprising an optical unit, the optical unit comprising a plurality of optical elements having different respective central directions, wherein; when the given first LED and the given second LEDs are in contact with the given second LED The given first LED is co-located with the given second LEDs when the same optical element of one of the optical units is aligned. The light emitting device of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to: cycle the given first LED between a first state and a second state; and The signal generated by the given second LEDs is detected when the given first LED is in the second state. The light emitting device of claim 14, wherein each of the first LEDs and the second LEDs has a respective absorption band, and at least one of the second LEDs is configured to be formed due to Subsequent processing of the trenches to the segmented LED wafer has an absorption band different from that of any of the first LEDs. The light emitting device according to claim 19, wherein at least one second LED is implanted with atoms of a predetermined element such that the absorption band of the second LED is different from any one of the first LEDs.

Images