DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MONITORING A SIGNAL EMITTER COMPRISING A LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE IN A LIGHT-SIGNAL SYSTEM

Abstract

An apparatus for monitoring a signal transmitter for a traffic control signal installation. The signal transmitter has a light-emitting diode. The monitoring apparatus includes: a two-channel measuring device for measuring an actual light intensity of the light which is emitted by the diode and for measuring at least one electrical characteristic variable of the diode, and a control device for operating the signal transmitter depending on the measured actual light intensity and the measured electrical characteristic variable. There is also described a corresponding method, a signal transmitter, a traffic control signal installation and a computer program.

Claims

1-24. (canceled)

25. A device for monitoring a signal emitter having a light-emitting diode for a light-signal system, the device comprising: a measuring unit disposed to measure an actual light intensity of light emitted by the diode and to measure at least one electrical parameter of the diode; a two-channel control unit configured to operate the signal emitter in dependence on a measured actual light intensity and a measured electrical parameter; said control unit including a first processor and a second processor, said first processor being configured to actuate a driver circuit of the diode on a basis of the measured actual light intensity and the measured electrical parameter, and said second processor being configured to monitor said first processor during operation for an error and, on detecting an error, to switch off the diode.

26. The device according to claim 25, wherein each of said first and second processors is provided with a respective voltage regulator for a respective electrical supply voltage for said first and second processors.

27. The device according to claim 25, wherein said second processor is configured to switch off the diode for a function test on said first processor, and wherein said second processor is configured, in an absence of an error message from the first processor indicating that the diode is not functioning, to prevent the diode from being switched back on.

28. The device according to claim 25, wherein said first processor is configured to send a data packet to said second processor and, in an absence of a response packet from said second processor, to switch off the diode and/or wherein said second processor is configured to send a data packet to said first processor and, in an absence of a response packet from said first processor, to switch off the diode.

29. The device according to claim 25, wherein said control unit is configured to regulate the actual light intensity to a predetermined greater desired light intensity if the measured actual light intensity lies below a predetermined light-intensity threshold.

30. The device according to claim 29, wherein said control unit is configured to switch off the signal emitter if the actual light intensity cannot be regulated to the predetermined desired light intensity.

31. The device according to claim 25, wherein: said measuring unit comprises a light sensor; and said control unit comprises a processing unit, said processing unit being configured to subtract a light signal measured by said light sensor when the diode is switched off from a light signal measured by said light sensor when the diode is switched on, in order to form a subtracted light signal representing the measured actual light intensity.

32. The device according to claim 31, wherein, in order to measure the light signals when the diode is switched off and switched on, respectively, said control unit is configured to switch the diode on and off periodically, with a period lying within a millisecond range.

33. The device according to claim 25, which comprises a temperature sensor disposed to measure an ambient temperature of an environment of the signal emitter, wherein said control unit is configured to operate the signal emitter as a function of the ambient temperature.

34. The device according to claim 25, wherein said measuring unit comprises a light sensor, and a fiber-optic conductor disposed to conduct a part of the emitted light to said light sensor.

35. A method for monitoring a signal emitter of a light-signal system, the signal emitter having a light-emitting diode, the method comprising: measuring an actual light intensity of light emitted by the diode and measuring at least one electrical parameter of the diode; operating the signal emitter in dependence on a measured actual light intensity and a measured electrical parameter; actuating a driver circuit of the diode with a first processor on a basis of the measured actual light intensity and the measured electrical parameter; and using a second processor for monitoring the first processor during operation for an error, and, on detecting an error, switching off the diode with the second processor.

36. The method according to claim 35, which comprises providing a respective electrical supply voltage for each of the first and second processors by its own voltage regulator.

37. The method according to claim 35, which comprises using the second processor to switch off the diode for a function test on the first processor and, in an absence of an error message from the first processor indicating that the diode is not functioning, to prevent the diode from being switched back on.

38. The method according to claim 35, which comprises performing one or both of the following steps: sending a data packet from the first processor to the second processor and, in an absence of a response packet from the second processor, switching off the diode with the first processor; and/or sending a data packet from the second processor to the first processor and, in an absence of a response packet from the first processor, switching off the diode with the second processor.

39. The method according to claim 35, wherein the operating step comprises regulating the actual light intensity to a predetermined greater desired light intensity if the measured actual light intensity lies below a predetermined light-intensity threshold.

40. The method according to claim 39, which comprises switching off the signal emitter if the actual light intensity cannot be regulated to the predetermined desired light intensity.

41. The method according to claim 35, which comprises measuring the light signal with a light sensor, and subtracting a light signal measured by the light sensor when the diode is switched off from a light signal measured by the light sensor when the diode is switched on in order to form a subtracted light signal corresponding to the measured actual light intensity.

42. The method according to claim 41, which comprises, for measuring the light signals with a switched-off and switched-on diode, respectively, switching the diode on and off periodically with a period lying within the millisecond range.

43. The method according to claim 35, which comprises measuring an ambient temperature of an environment at the signal emitter and operating the signal emitter in dependence on the measured ambient temperature.

44. The method according to claim 35, which comprises measuring the light with a light sensor and conducting a part of the light emitted to the light sensor by way of a fiber-optic conductor.

45. A signal emitter, comprising: a signal chamber including a light-emitting diode; and a device according to claim 25.

46. A computer program product, comprising: a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable program code configured to cause a computer to carry out the method according to claim 35 when the computer program code is executed on the computer.

Description

[0072] The above-described properties, features and advantages of this invention and manner in which these are achieved are explained more clearly and understandably in conjunction with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained with reference to the drawing, which shows

[0073] FIG. 1 a device for monitoring a signal emitter comprising a light-emitting diode in a light-signal system,

[0074] FIG. 2 a flow diagram of a method for monitoring a signal emitter comprising a light-emitting diode in a light-signal system,

[0075] FIG. 3 a signal emitter,

[0076] FIG. 4 an evaluation of a light signal measures by means of a photodiode and

[0077] FIG. 5 a further device for monitoring a signal emitter comprising a light-emitting diode in a light-signal system.

[0078] In the following, the same reference characters may be used for the same features.

[0079] FIG. 1 shows a device 101 for monitoring a signal emitter comprising a light-emitting diode in a light-signal system (not shown).

[0080] The device 101 comprises a measuring unit 103 in order to measure an actual light intensity of the light emitted by means of the diode and in order to measure at least one electrical parameter of the diode. For example, the measuring unit 103 comprises a light sensor, preferably a photodiode. The measuring unit 103 comprises, for example, a voltage sensor and/or a current sensor.

[0081] The device 101 also comprises a two-channel control unit 105 to operate the signal emitter as a function of the measured actual light intensity and as a function of the measured electrical parameter.

[0082] In an embodiment that is not shown, the device 101 comprises a fiber-optic conductor to conduct a part of the light emitted to the measuring unit 103, preferably to the light sensor.

[0083] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method for monitoring a signal emitter comprising a light-emitting diode in a light-signal system.

[0084] According to a step 201, an actual light intensity of the light emitted by means of the diode and at least one electrical parameter of the diode are measured. The measurement of the actual light intensity and the measurement of the at least one electrical parameter are, for example, performed simultaneously or preferably sequentially. In a step 203, the signal emitter is operated as a function of the measured actual light intensity and as a function of the measured electrical parameter.

[0085] The at least one electrical parameter comprises, for example, an electrical current and/or an electrical voltage. The measured parameters are used as a further basis for the operation of the signal emitter. Therefore, this means that, in addition to the measured actual light intensity, the signal emitter is operated on the basis of the measured electrical parameter or parameters.

[0086] FIG. 3 shows a signal emitter 301 (for, for example, a light-signal system).

[0087] The signal emitter 301 comprises three signal chambers 303, 305, 307 each comprising at least one, preferably more, light-emitting diode. The signal emitter 301 further comprises a device 101 according to FIG. 1 for each of the three signal chambers 303, 305, 307. For reasons of clarity, the measuring unit 103 and the control unit 105 are not shown in FIG. 3. The signal emitter 301 is, for example, included in a light-signal system.

[0088] The device 101 monitors the respective light-emitting diodes of the three signal chambers 303, 305 and 307 in that corresponding actual light intensities and electrical parameters are measured so that then the diodes of the individual signal chambers 303, 305, 307 are measured on the basis of the measured actual light intensities and the measured parameters.

[0089] FIG. 4 shows an evaluation of a light signal measured by means of a photodiode.

[0090] The intensity I of the measured light signal is plotted over the time t. From time t0 to t1, the diode of the signal emitter is switched on. A light intensity I1 is measured. This is usually made up of the light emitted by means of the diode and the diode's extraneous light. In order to be able to subtract the proportion of the extraneous light, i.e. the ambient light, it is provided that the diode is switched off in the time interval between t1 and t2. This time interval is within in the microsecond range. Therefore, a light intensity 12 is measured when the diode is switched off. The diode is switched back on after the time t2. It is preferably provided that the switching-on and switching-off is performed periodically. The time interval is identified with the reference number 401.

[0091] The actual light intensity, i.e. the light signal, which originates exclusively from the photodiode, is now obtained by subtracting 12 from I1. Here, the subtracted signal is represented symbolically means of a double arrow, wherein “I3” on this double arrow is an indication that this is the actual light intensity of the light of the diode.

[0092] FIG. 5 shows a further device 501 for monitoring a signal emitter comprising a light-emitting diode in a light-signal system.

[0093] The device 501 comprises a two-channel control unit 503. The two-channel control unit 503 comprises a first processor 505 and a second processor 507 embodied, for example, as microcontrollers (μC). The first processor 505 is, for example, responsible for the main tasks in the monitoring and can insofar be referred to as a master. The second processor 507 is, in particular, responsible for monitoring functions and can hence in particular be referred to as an “observer”, or monitor.

[0094] The first processor 505 is, for example, responsible for the actuation 509 of an LED driver 511 (driver circuit) of an LED 513 of a signal emitter, which is not shown in further detail here, of a light-signal system, which is also not shown in further detail here. The actuation 509 of the LED driver 511 uses, for example, pulse width modulation (PWM). Moreover, the first processor 505 measures an LED current 515 and an LED voltage 517. The second processor 507 can also be responsible for the aforementioned actuation. This is identified symbolically with an arrow with the reference number 510.

[0095] The device 501 further comprises a photodiode 519 connected to an amplifier 521, which, from the incident light on the photodiode 519, generates an electrical voltage equivalent to the light.

[0096] The photodiode 519 measures a light intensity of the light, which is emitted by means of the LED 513. The first processor 505 evaluates the electrical voltage signal of the amplifier 521. Therefore, here, the amplifier 521 transmits an electric voltage signal corresponding to the measured light intensity to the first processor 505. The voltage signal is identified symbolically with an arrow with the reference number 523.

[0097] The first processor 505 and the second processor 507 communicate with one another. In particular, the first processor 505 communicates with the second processor 507 in order to determine whether this is still working correctly. This takes place in particular as follows:

[0098] The first processor 505 for example induces the communication or initiates the communication by sending a data packet to the second processor 507. If the second processor 507 does not receive a valid data packet for initiating the communication from the first processor 505 within a specific time, it assumes that the first processor 505 is no longer working correctly. If the second processor 507 receives the data, it returns its data on this feedback channel. The valid data packet (the returned data) informs the first processor 505 that the second processor 507 is working correctly.

[0099] The communication between the two processors 505, 507 is identified symbolically with a double arrow with the reference number 525 and is, for example, performed via a serial peripheral interface (SPI), which is a bus system.

[0100] The first processor 505 is further embodied to switch off the signal emitter, in particular the light-signal system. In particular, the first processor 505 limits an input current for the LED 513. In particular, in an error scenario the first processor 505 switches off the signal emitter, in particular the light-signal system, irreversibly.

[0101] The tasks of the second processor 507 are for example the following:

[0102] communication with the first processor 505 in order to determine whether it is still working correctly. In particular, the second processor 507 checks a signal path of the light information to the first processor 505 by means of a “monitor validation test”. In an error scenario, the second processor 507 switches off the signal emitter, in particular the light-signal system, irreversibly.

[0103] The “monitor validation test” is in particular performed as follows:

[0104] The photodiode 519 is short-circuited by the second processor 507. As a result, the first processor 505 no longer measures voltage from the amplifier and has to notify this as an error to the observer (second processor 507). If no error is reported, the second processor 507 triggers an EOL signal (EOL=end of life: prevents the signal emitter being switched back on in an error scenario). If the error is reported, the second processor 507 causes the error to be cancelled by the first processor 505. This means, for example, that the first processor 505 is instructed by the second processor to discard the error.

[0105] The two processors 505, 507 have their own voltage regulator 527 or 529. Therefore, this means that the two processors 505, 507 are provided with their own voltage regulators 527, 529 so that the failure of one voltage regulator 527, 529 does not affect the two processors 505, 507 simultaneously.

[0106] The current-limiting on the part of the first processor 505 is controlled via a switch 531 switched in parallel to a resistance 533.

[0107] The current-limiting functions in particular as follows:

[0108] At the time of switching-on, there is a series resistance (resistance 533) in the supply line which limits the charging current for the capacitors of the photodiode 513. Following a certain time (in the millisecond range, preferably 1 ms to 10 ms), an electronic switch bridging the series resistance 533 is closed (i.e. with a low-impedance short-circuit).

[0109] In the event of an error, the two processors 505, 507 have, independently of one another, the possibility of using an respective EOL signal 535 and 537 (EOL=end of life: prevents the signal emitter being switched back on in an error scenario) to produce a short-circuit, which triggers an upstream fuse 539. This means that the first processor 505 is able to emit an EOL signal 535. The second processor 507 can send an EOL signal 537 in an error scenario.

[0110] The reference number 541 indicates a connector to which electrical supply line can be connected or attached.

[0111] For the sake of clarity, the individual function blocks according to the block diagram in FIG. 5 have been subdivided once again. The elements according the frame 545 are assigned to the diode. The elements according to the frame 547 are assigned to a voltage or current supply for the device 501.

[0112] Therefore, the invention in particular comprises the concept that monitoring of a signal emitter comprising a light-emitting diode is no longer solely based on voltage monitoring, but that the optical monitoring of the light and additionally in particular the electrical current through the LED also include a switch-off decision. This is because when, for example, only electrical current is monitored, there is a considerable hazard potential. This because, with increasing age and/or also thermal stress, with the same power consumption, LEDs lose brightness. This means that solely the monitoring of power consumption does not enable it to be ensured that the LED continues to emit light with the same brightness.

[0113] Therefore, according to the invention, in particular a part of the LED light is, for example, diverted via a fiber-optic conductor to a photodiode where it is evaluated.

[0114] In order reliably to determine that the detected light also actually originates from the LED and not, for example from light penetrating from outside (extraneous light), according to one embodiment, the LED is periodically switched off for a very short period (millisecond range). This transition from “light Phase” (switched-on LED) to “dark phase” (switched-off LED) is measured. The results provide information as to whether the light originates from the LED and how high the light flux (brightness) in the “light phase” is. The “dark phase” has the further advantage that the extraneous light signal can be measured in this time and hence the light flux of the LED can be measured by means of simple subtraction (see FIG. 4). And, the case of insufficient light flux, for example due to a high ambient temperature or ageing, it is provided according to one embodiment, that the brightness is re-adjusted.

[0115] In order to guarantee a high degree of safety, two microprocessors that monitor one another are used (see FIG. 5).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the two processors are supplied via their own voltage regulators so that a failure does not affect the two processors simultaneously. One of the processors is for example the master processor (master). The other is, for example, the observer processor (observer).

[0117] The master's tasks: [0118] actuation of the LED driver [0119] measurement of the LED current and the LED voltage [0120] evaluation of the light information via the amplifier [0121] communication with the observer microprocessor in order to determine whether this is still working correctly [0122] switching-off of the signal emitter, in particular the light-signal system [0123] acquisition of an ambient temperature [0124] input current limitation [0125] in an error scenario, the master switches off the signal emitter, in particular the light-signal system, irreversibly.

[0126] The observer's tasks: [0127] communication with the master in order to determine whether it is still working correctly [0128] checking the signal path of the light information to the master by means of a “monitor validation test” [0129] in an error scenario, the observer switches off the signal emitter, in particular the light-signal system, irreversibly.

[0130] In an error scenario, the two processors independently of one another have the possibility of producing a short-circuit that triggers an upstream fuse via an electronic switch.

[0131] Therefore, the inventive step in particular lies in the incorporation of optical monitoring of the light in the error monitoring of the signal emitter in addition to the monitoring of at least one electrical parameter and hence the achievement of higher reliability.

[0132] The advantage of this additional monitoring is in particular increased safety. Voltage alone does not provide any information as to whether enough light, or even any light at all, is being emitted.

[0133] The possibility of re-adjusting the brightness makes it possible for the signal emitter to remain in operation for longer.

[0134] An error is in particular present if the measured actual light intensity is lower than a predetermined light-intensity threshold, in particular when additionally the light intensity can no longer be regulated to a predetermined greater desired light intensity.

[0135] Although the invention was illustrated and described in more detail by the preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by the person skilled in the art without leaving the scope of protection of the invention.