STA Screen Photometer System Fast, vehicle-based measurement of headlight light distribution

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Vehicle-based automotive headlamp testing with STA Screen Photometer

Developing headlights requires vehicle and headlight benchmarking, as well as very fast quantitative and qualitative comparative measurements of luminous flux and luminous intensity distribution. This is especially true for adaptive headlight functions. All of these tasks require camera-based 2D measurement technology with a calibrated projection screen.

Component-based benchmarking testing is often no longer an option, as the vehicle electronics of different vehicle manufacturers that control headlight functions use different communication protocols. The STA Stand-Alone Screen Photometer from Instrument Systems now makes such vehicle-based measurements possible.

System setup of the Stand-Alone Screen Photometer

The system consists of the latest generation of the LumiCam 4000B imaging luminance and colorimeter with 12 megapixel sensor resolution and the newly developed ACS 635 calibration source, consisting of a high-intensity, homogeneous light source specifically designed for very wide projection screens and a laser source for geometric calibration of the screen. 

Innovative calibration method specifically for large projection screens 

The ACS 635 calibration source is aligned on a custom-made frame equipped with a traversing system that allows the calibration source to be positioned in front of various points on the vehicle. In addition, the calibration source is hydraulically height-adjustable between 1100 mm and 1500 mm. The system can be customized to the user's requirements and installation location. An adapter is available to extend the height range to 1400–1800 mm. The system also features a swivel system for illuminating different horizontal sections of the screen. The entire calibration source, including the traversing system, can be moved using wheels if the space in the lab is needed for other purposes. 

Control, evaluation of measurements, visualization, and export of results 

Control and evaluation are carried out via STA Screen Photometer software, which supports the screen calibration process, the measurement of luminous intensity and illuminance distributions on the screen. It also facilitates the evaluation of discrete points on the screen and the export of data in IES and CSV formats. Additionally, it allows for the visualisation of light distribution in isocandela diagrams and the calculation of luminous flux.

llustration of the STA Stand-Alone Screen Photometer System for vehicle-based headlamp testing, showing car, projection screen, LumiCam 4000B camera, ACS 635 calibration source, traversing system, and control software.

Key Features:

  • High-resolution, fast, vehicle-based determination of the light distribution on the projection screen thanks to the LumiCam 4000B luminance camera
  • Good correlation with component-based measurements
  • Especially suitable for wide and tall projection screens; this allows for the measurement of the largest possible proportion of the luminous intensity distribution and luminous flux
  • ACS 635 calibration light source for customer-supplied geometric and photometric calibration of the entire system – even for large screens
  • Visualization, including isocandela diagrams

System configuration

A STA stand-alone screen photometer for determining the photometric and colorimetric properties of vehicle lights and headlights consists of:

ComponentDescription
LumiCam 4000BLatest generation of the proven LumiCam series of spatially resolving 2D imaging photometers with 12 and further increased measurement speeds
ACS 635Light source for geometric and photometric calibration of the entire system, consisting of a diffuse light source for the measurement screen and a laser device
Traverse for ACS 635Traverse system specifically adapted to the user's needs for moving and pivoting the calibration source relative to the projection screen
CAS 140DExtension color measurement with CAS 140D spectroradiometer with height-adjustable tripod for highly accurate color locus testing at the cut-off line / color shift measurement
STA Software 
 
Laboratory software for controlling all components. Graphical output of light distributions as isolux or isocandela diagrams. Export function for comparison with simulation programs

Customer advice on implementation

The Instrument Systems team of experts will advise you on the

  • preparation of the light channel,
  • choice of a suitable projection screen coating,
  • minimization of the influence of stray light by baffles,
  • Installing ramps or platforms/lifts,
  • setup of the measurement system in the customer’s lab,
  • training of users.

Our global service guarantees fast setup and the best possible support throughout the entire system lifecycle.

Examples of applications