SECURING A LIGHT MODULE COMPRISING A LASER SOURCE

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module including a laser source capable of emitting a coherent light beam of given wavelength, a first sensor capable of picking up a first light signal of a wavelength lying in a first band of wavelengths centered around the given wavelength and a second sensor capable of picking up a second light signal of a wavelength lying in a second band of wavelengths centered around a wavelength distinct from the given wavelength. In particular, the light module includes a detection module capable of comparing at least one value that is a function of the signals to a threshold value and of commanding the stopping of the laser source as a function of the comparison.

Claims

1. Light module comprising: a laser source capable of emitting a coherent light beam of given wavelength; a first sensor capable of picking up a first light signal of a wavelength lying in a first band of wavelengths centered around said given wavelength; a second sensor capable of picking up a second light signal of a wavelength lying in a second band of wavelengths centered around a wavelength distinct from said given wavelength; wherein the light module comprises a detection device capable of comparing at least one value that is a function of said signals to a threshold value and of commanding the stopping of the laser source as a function of said comparison.

2. Light module according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sensors are included in a photodiode.

3. Light module according to claim 1, wherein at least one sensor emits a digital signal relating to the light signal picked up.

4. Light module according to claim 3, wherein the detection device further comprises: a filtering module arranged to perform a filtering of the digital signal over a predetermined interval, the value that is a function of said signals being determined as a function of said filtering.

5. Light module according to claim 1, wherein the value that is a function of said signals is a value characteristic of a light intensity of the first signal or of the second signal.

6. Light module according to claim 1, wherein the value that is a function of said signals is a value characteristic of a ratio between the second signal and the first signal.

7. Light module according to claim 1, wherein the detection device comprises: a self-diagnostic module arranged to compare said at least one value that is a function of said signals to an operating threshold value.

8. Method for processing signals generated by a laser source included in a light module, the laser source being capable of emitting a coherent light beam of given wavelength, the method comprising the steps of: acquisition of a first light signal of a wavelength lying in a first band of wavelengths centered around said given wavelength; acquisition of a second light signal of a wavelength lying in a second band of wavelengths centered around a wavelength distinct from said given wavelength; comparison by a detection module of at least one first value that is a function of said signals to a first threshold value (VS1); and stopping of the laser source as a function of said comparison.

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the laser source is stopped if said first value that is a function of said signals is above the first threshold value.

10. Method according to claim 8, further comprising, after the step of acquisition by the second sensor, the steps of: comparison of at least one second value that is a function of said signals to a second threshold value (V.sub.S2); detection of a malfunctioning of the detection module if said second value that is a function of said signals is below the second threshold value.

11. Method according to claim 8, wherein the first and/or the second value that is a function of said signals is a value characteristic of a light intensity of the first signal or of the second signal.

12. Method according to claim 8, wherein the first and/or the second value that is a function of said signals is a value characteristic of a ratio between the second signal and the first signal.

13. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to claim 8, when these instructions are executed by a processor.

14. Light module according to claim 2, wherein at least one sensor emits a digital signal relating to the light signal picked up.

15. Light module according to claim 2, wherein the value that is a function of said signals is a value characteristic of a light intensity of the first signal or of the second signal.

16. Light module according to claim 2, wherein the value that is a function of said signals is a value characteristic of a ratio between the second signal and the first signal.

17. Light module according to claim 2, wherein the detection device comprises: a self-diagnostic module arranged to compare said at least one value that is a function of said signals to an operating threshold value.

18. Method according to claim 9, further comprising, after the step of acquisition by the second sensor, the steps of: comparison of at least one second value that is a function of said signals to a second threshold value (V.sub.S2); detection of a malfunctioning of the detection module if said second value that is a function of said signals is below the second threshold value.

19. Method according to claim 9, wherein the first and/or the second value that is a function of said signals is a value characteristic of a light intensity of the first signal or of the second signal.

20. Method according to claim 9, wherein the first and/or the second value that is a function of said signals is a value characteristic of a ratio between the second signal and the first signal.

Description

[0060] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on studying the following detailed description, and the attached drawings in which:

[0061] FIG. 1 illustrates a known light module;

[0062] FIG. 2A illustrates a known processing module capable of filtering a dangerous laser beam:

[0063] FIG. 2B illustrates the known processing module when it has deteriorated;

[0064] FIG. 3 illustrates the light module according to the invention, in an embodiment;

[0065] FIG. 4 is a diagram of the method according to the invention, in an embodiment;

[0066] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the response of a laser source according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0067] FIG. 6 illustrates the response of a laser source according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates a microcontroller according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0069] The light module according to the invention is described hereinbelow in its nonlimiting application to a light-emitting device of a motor vehicle. Other applications such as a device according to the invention used as headlight or interior decoration of a motor vehicle, as Christmas tree lights or even as signaling panel can also be envisaged.

[0070] The module is for example configured to implement one or more photometric functions.

[0071] A photometric function is for example a lighting and/or signaling function visible to the human eye. Note that these photometric functions may be the subject of one or more regulations establishing requirements of colorimetry, of intensity, of spatial distribution according to a so-called photometric grid, or even of ranges of visibility of the light emitted.

[0072] A light-emitting device comprising the module according to the invention is for example a lighting device and then forms a vehicle headlight. It is then configured to implement one or more photometric functions for example chosen from a dipped beam function called “low beam function” (UNECE regulations 87 and 123), a position light function (UNECE regulation 007), a so-called “high beam function” (UNECE regulation 123), a fog light function (UNECE regulations 019 and 038).

[0073] Alternatively, the device is a signaling device intended to be arranged at the front or the rear of the vehicle.

[0074] When it is intended to be arranged at the front, these photometric functions include a direction change indication function (UNECE regulation 006), a daytime running light function known by the acronym DRL (UNECE regulation 087), a front light signature function.

[0075] When it is intended to be arranged at the rear, these photometric functions include a reversing indication function (UNECE regulation 023), a stop function (UNECE regulation 007), a fog light function (UNECE regulations 019 and 038), a direction change indication function (UNECE regulation 006), a rear light signature function.

[0076] Alternatively, the device is provided for lighting the interior of a vehicle and is then intended to emit light mainly in the interior of the vehicle.

[0077] There now follows a description, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the device and method for processing signals generated by a laser source included in a light module, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0078] The light module, here comparable to the light-emitting device, comprises an integrated circuit 22 on which there is a switch 24 controlled by a microcontroller 26 itself receiving data from a photodiode 28. The photodiode 28 can comprise an RGB (red, green, blue) sensor. One type of RGB sensor can comprise a sensor equipped with different filters, typically red, green and blue. A possible architecture of the microcontroller 26 is detailed hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 7.

[0079] The components 24, 26 and 28 can also be included in different integrated circuits, or not be included in integrated circuits.

[0080] The light module further comprises the source module 1 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2B. The module 1 is supplied with energy via the switch 24, so that the module 1 is not switched on if the switch 24 is open. The switch can take various forms and is not limited to a mechanical switch of an electrical circuit.

[0081] In particular, the switch can be incorporated in the microcontroller 26. In this situation, the operation of the switch can consist in the transmission of an operation or non-operation instruction from the microcontroller 26 to the module 1.

[0082] The source module 1 emits a beam 34 which is reflected on a reflector 32 to be directed toward the photodiode 28. The beam emitted at the output of the module 1 can typically be partially reflected by the reflector 32 for a part of the beam to be projected onto the photodiode and for the rest of the beam to be used to ensure the signaling and/or projection function of the light module. The photodiode 28 can also be placed at the output of the module 1 without there being a reflector provided.

[0083] Thus, the light module comprises a laser source, included in the module 1, capable of emitting a coherent light beam of given wavelength, a first sensor capable of picking up a first light signal of a wavelength lying in a first band of wavelengths centered around said given wavelength and a second sensor capable of picking up a second light signal of a wavelength lying in a second band of wavelengths centered around a wavelength distinct from said given wavelength. The first and the second sensor are typically included in the photodiode 28.

[0084] The light module comprises a detection device, typically included in or consisting of the microcontroller 26, capable of comparing at least one value that is a function of said signals to a threshold value and of commanding the stopping of the laser source as a function of said comparison.

[0085] The method is now described with reference to FIG. 4. In this figure, the steps of the method are schematically represented in the left-hand part and an example of modules/devices responsible for performing these steps is given in the right-hand part of the figure.

[0086] Thus, a beam FX of coherent light of given wavelength is generated by the source module 1 in the step 38.

[0087] In a step 40, a first light signal S.sub.BL of the wavelength lying in a first band of wavelengths centered around said given wavelength is acquired by the photodiode 28. For example, the given wavelength can correspond to the blue color, i.e. substantially between 470 and 490 nm. The first band centered around this wavelength is for example 450 to 500 nm.

[0088] In a step 42, a second light signal S.sub.YE of a wavelength lying in a second band of wavelengths centered around a wavelength distinct from said given wavelength is acquired. For example, the distinct wavelength can correspond to the yellow color, i.e. substantially between 574 and 582 nm. The second band centered around this wavelength is for example 555 to 586 nm.

[0089] The sensors can be configured to incorporate an analog-digital converter, or ADC, for the analog signals acquired to be directly converted into binary signals.

[0090] Furthermore, the sensors and/or the microcontroller 26 can comprise a filtering module arranged to perform an averaging or a weighting of the digital signals acquired by the sensors over a predetermined interval. The predetermined interval corresponds for example to the last ten values received from the sensors, in the case where discrete values are acquired.

[0091] A first value V(S.sub.BL; S.sub.YE) that is a function of the first and second signals, and/or of the abovementioned filtered value, is then calculated in the step 44. A second value, also a function of the first and second signals, can also be calculated in the step 44.

[0092] The first and/or the second value can be a value characteristic of a light intensity of the first signal or of the second signal. Calculation examples are given below:

V(S.sub.BL;S.sub.YE)=k.I.sub.MAX(S.sub.BL)

V(S.sub.BL;S.sub.YE)=k.I.sub.MOY(S.sub.BL)

V(S.sub.BL;S.sub.YE)=k.I.sub.MAX(S.sub.YE)

V(S.sub.BL;S.sub.YE)=k.I.sub.MOY(S.sub.YE)

V(S.sub.BL;S.sub.YE)=k.(I.sub.MOY(S.sub.BL)+I.sub.MOY(S.sub.YE))/2

[0093] In another embodiment, the first and/or the second value that is a function of said signals is a value characteristic of a ratio between the second signal and the first signal. Calculation examples are given below:

V(S.sub.BL;S.sub.YE)=k.I.sub.MAX(S.sub.YE)/I.sub.MAX(S.sub.BL)

V(S.sub.BL;S.sub.YE)=k.I.sub.MAX(S.sub.BL)/I.sub.MAX(S.sub.YE)

V(S.sub.BL;S.sub.YE)=k.I.sub.MOY(S.sub.YE)/I.sub.MOY(S.sub.BL)

V(S.sub.BL;S.sub.SE)=k.I.sub.MOY(S.sub.BL)/I.sub.MOY(S.sub.YE)

[0094] With I.sub.MAX and I.sub.MOY corresponding respectively to the maximum light intensity and to the average light intensity (for example over 1 second), and

[0095] k is a real number, k=1 in one embodiment.

[0096] These intensities can for example be expressed in candela. These intensities can also correspond to a power per unit of surface area on which the beam is received, they can then be expressed in μW/cm.sup.2.

[0097] Once V(S.sub.BL; S.sub.YE) is calculated, this value is compared to a threshold value V.sub.S1 in the step 46. The threshold value is determined for the situation where V(S.sub.BL; S.sub.YE)≧V.sub.S1 to reflect a malfunctioning of the source module 1, and in particular a deterioration of the processing module 8.

[0098] For example, and as is illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6, V.sub.S1 can be substantially equal to 1.35E-02 μW/cm.sup.2, as illustrated in reference 78.

[0099] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the curves representative of V(S.sub.BL; S.sub.GR; S.sub.RD). S.sub.GR corresponds to a light signal in the green and S.sub.RD to a light signal in the red in the case where the source module 1 is operating normally, on the left-hand part 62, and in the case where it has deteriorated, in the right-hand part 64. There are therefore, here, three different values of V(S.sub.BL; S.sub.GR; S.sub.RD) which are taken into account, each being compared with V.sub.S1. The values of V(S.sub.BL; S.sub.GR; S.sub.RD) are expressed in μW/cm.sup.2, on the y axis, versus the power supply current in amperes of the source module 1, on the x axis.

[0100] In this example, the curves 66, 68 and 70 respectively represent a light intensity characteristic of the signal in the green, the red and the blue. Similarly, on the right-hand part, the curves 74, 76 and 72 respectively represent a light intensity characteristic of the signal in the green, the red and the blue.

[0101] On the right-hand part 64, the value of V(S.sub.BL; S.sub.GR; S.sub.RD) corresponding to the blue increases greatly above 0.2 amperes so that it exceeds the threshold V.sub.S1. This situation corresponds to the case where a deterioration of the source module 1 has the effect of allowing coherent beams which are potentially dangerous to pass.

[0102] In the step 46, the value or values of V(S.sub.BL; S.sub.YE) can also be compared to a second threshold value S.sub.S2, reference 82 in FIG. 6. The reference 80 corresponds to V.sub.S1 in FIG. 6.

[0103] In particular, a malfunction is detected if V(S.sub.BL; S.sub.YE)≦V.sub.S2. This situation corresponds to the case where there is a fault in the detection device, typically at the level of the microcontroller 26, the photodiode 28 and/or the source module 1. In effect, if the value of V(S.sub.BL; S.sub.YE) is below a threshold, that means that the source module is no longer emitting correctly or that the first and/or second signals are no longer correctly acquired by the photodiode and/or processed by the microcontroller 26. These malfunction self-detection functionalities are typically included in a self-diagnostic module, for example incorporated in the microcontroller 26.

[0104] The case has been described above in which the same value V(S.sub.BL; S.sub.YE) is used for the comparison to V.sub.S1 and for the comparison to V.sub.S2. In one embodiment, different values of V(S.sub.BL; S.sub.YE) are used for each of the comparisons. For example, the value of V(S.sub.BL; S.sub.YE) used for the comparison to V.sub.S1 is k.I.sub.MAX(S.sub.YE)/I.sub.MAX(S.sub.BL) and the value of V(S.sub.BL; S.sub.YE) used for the comparison to V.sub.S2 is k.I.sub.MAX(S.sub.BL).

[0105] If, in the step 46, no overshoot of the thresholds V.sub.S1 and V.sub.S2 is detected, the method repeats the steps 40 and 42 for new signals to be picked up.

[0106] If, in the step 46, an overshoot of the thresholds V.sub.S1 and/or V.sub.S2 is detected, the method continues with the stop step 48. In this step 48, the microcontroller sends an instruction to stop emitting to the source module 1, either by opening the power supply switch 24, or by directly sending a stop instruction to the source module 1. The light module is secured and the source module 1 no longer sends damaging beams.

[0107] An alert message, detailing for example whether the alert has been generated because of a maximum or minimum threshold overshoot, can also be generated in the step 48.

[0108] The detail of a microcontroller 26, from which the steps are implemented the steps of the method described with reference to FIG. 3, notably, is here described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0109] This microcontroller 26 can take the form of a housing comprising printed circuits, an electronic chip, a programmable circuit such as an FPGA, for “field programmable gate array”, or any type of computer or of any type of subpart of the printed circuit 22.

[0110] The microcontroller 26 comprises a random access memory 56 for storing instructions for the implementation by a processor 54 of the steps of the method described with reference to FIG. 3, in particular. The device also comprises a mass memory 58 for the storage of data intended to be retained after the implementation of the method, for example for establishing statistics on the history of the detections.

[0111] The microcontroller 26 can also comprise a digital signal processor (DSP) 52. This DSP 52 for example receives the data from the photodiode to format, demodulate and amplify these data, as is known per se.

[0112] The microcontroller 26 also comprises an input interface 50 for the reception of data such as the data received from the photodiode 28, input signals received from a user, operating parameters, etc. The microcontroller 26 also comprises an output interface 60 in particular for transmitting data such as the stop instructions for the source module 1 or the alert messages.

[0113] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples; it extends to other variants.

[0114] Thus, the invention has been described above with examples of signals in the blue, the yellow, the red and the green. The invention can also be implemented with signals in all the colors of the visible spectrum. Furthermore, as mentioned in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6, it is possible to make the comparisons to the threshold values for several values of V(S.sub.BE; S.sub.YE). For example, the comparison can be performed with a value of V(S.sub.BL; S.sub.YE) for each signal acquired.

[0115] In addition, one possible architecture of components of the light module according to the invention has been described, in particular in FIG. 2. The invention can also be implemented with any other distribution of components. The light module can for example comprise several photodiodes, one photodiode incorporated in the microcontroller or even several source modules.