A car-grade dynamic polarization modulation optical system and method

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of car gauge level dynamic polarization modulation optical systems and methods.Belongs to the technical field of automobile lighting, system includes: light source module is used to emit unpolarized light;Polarization state modulation module is arranged on the light path of light source module, for dynamically modulating unpolarized light into the emergent light with arbitrary target polarization state according to driving voltage, target polarization state includes linearly polarized light, circularly polarized light and elliptically polarized light;Driving circuit is used to provide driving voltage;Environment perception module is used to collect environmental data and vehicle state data in real time;Master module is used to determine target polarization state according to environmental data and vehicle state data, and control driving circuit to output corresponding driving voltage.The application realizes the on-demand dynamic switching of car light beam polarization state, takes into account the glare suppression under bad weather and the road surface mark identification under sunny day, and can be matched with automatic driving sensor, and improves safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of automotive lighting technology, and specifically relates to an automotive-grade dynamic polarization modulation optical system and method. Background Technology

[0002] In autonomous driving technology, visual sensors such as onboard polarization imaging cameras place higher demands on the polarization characteristics of active lighting. The polarization state output by the lighting system must match the polarization characteristics of the sensor to fully leverage the advantages of polarization sensors in detecting object materials, eliminating glare from suspended particles, and recognizing road markings. Existing fixed polarization solutions cannot provide optimized active polarization lighting for sensors, failing to fully utilize the technical advantages of polarization sensors in detecting object materials and eliminating glare from suspended particles, thus seriously clashing with the trend of automotive intelligence development.

[0003] Furthermore, existing polarized headlight solutions all output in a fixed polarization state and lack dynamic adjustment capabilities. In adverse weather conditions (such as rain, fog, and snow), while fixed polarized light can suppress glare, on dry, clear nights, fixed circularly polarized light can weaken the reflectivity of road markings, reducing the driver's ability to recognize road signs and affecting driving safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides an automotive-grade dynamic polarization modulation optical system, comprising: The light source module is used to emit unpolarized light; The polarization state modulation module is set in the light output path of the light source module. It is used to dynamically modulate the incident unpolarized light into output light with arbitrary target polarization state according to the driving voltage. The target polarization state includes linearly polarized light, circularly polarized light and elliptically polarized light. The driving circuit, electrically connected to the polarization state modulation module, is used to provide the driving voltage; The environmental perception module is used to collect real-time data on the vehicle's driving environment and vehicle status. The main control module is connected to the drive circuit and the environmental perception module respectively. It is used to determine the target polarization state based on environmental data and vehicle status data, and control the drive circuit to output the drive voltage corresponding to the target polarization state.

[0005] Furthermore, the polarization state modulation module includes an electronically controlled liquid crystal polarization controller and a quarter-wave plate arranged in corresponding positions; the electronically controlled liquid crystal polarization controller is used to modulate the incident unpolarized light into linearly polarized light with a controllable vibration direction angle according to the driving voltage, and the quarter-wave plate is used to convert the linearly polarized light into outgoing light with a target polarization state.

[0006] Furthermore, the environmental perception module includes one or more of the following: a rain sensor, a forward-looking camera, a lidar, a visibility sensor, and an ambient temperature sensor.

[0007] Furthermore, the main control module has a built-in polarization mode mapping table, which defines the correspondence between different environmental data and vehicle state data and the target polarization state.

[0008] Furthermore, the polarization states defined in the mapping table include: left-handed circularly polarized light, right-handed circularly polarized light, 0° linearly polarized light, 90° linearly polarized light, and elliptically polarized light.

[0009] Furthermore, the main control module communicates with the vehicle domain controller or autonomous driving system through the vehicle bus interface, which is a CANFD interface and / or an Ethernet interface.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes an automotive-grade packaging shell, in which the light source module, polarization modulation module, drive circuit, main control module, and environmental perception module are all integrated.

[0011] This application also provides a dynamic polarization modulation control method, including the following steps: Real-time collection of environmental and vehicle status data; The target polarization state is determined based on environmental data and vehicle status data, and corresponding drive commands are generated based on the target polarization state. A driving voltage is applied to the polarization state modulation module according to the driving command, so that the polarization state modulation module outputs outgoing light corresponding to the target polarization state; Return to the steps of real-time acquisition of environmental and vehicle status data to continuously update the target polarization state.

[0012] Furthermore, it determines whether the currently collected environmental data and vehicle status data have changed significantly compared to the previous cycle, or whether new control commands have been received; if the determination result is yes, it queries the pre-stored polarization mode mapping table to determine the target polarization state; if the determination result is no, it maintains the current polarization illumination mode.

[0013] Furthermore, the corresponding driving voltage parameters are calculated based on the target polarization state, and a corresponding PWM driving signal is generated as a driving command.

[0014] Furthermore, before collecting environmental and vehicle status data, the system is powered on and initialized, performing a full module self-test. If any module malfunction is detected, a fault warning signal is sent through the vehicle bus.

[0015] Furthermore, data is collected in real time at a preset period, and the target polarization state is redefined after each collection.

[0016] Furthermore, the preset period is 100ms.

[0017] Furthermore, significant changes refer to changes in rainfall intensity levels, visibility levels, or vehicle driving mode switching.

[0018] Furthermore, the polarization mode mapping table determines the target polarization state based on a combination of weather conditions, visibility level, and vehicle driving mode.

[0019] Furthermore, the polarization mode mapping table pre-sets one or more of the following correspondences: Heavy rain with visibility less than 500m corresponds to left-handed circularly polarized light; Dense fog with visibility less than 200m corresponds to right-handed circularly polarized light; Sunny day and autopilot mode activated corresponds to 0° linearly polarized light; On cloudy days and during regular nighttime driving, the corresponding light is 45° elliptically polarized light. Snowy weather corresponds to 60° elliptically polarized light.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages: By incorporating a polarization modulation module, the system dynamically modulates incident unpolarized light into outgoing light with an arbitrary target polarization state, including linearly polarized, circularly polarized, and elliptically polarized light, based on the driving voltage. Simultaneously, an environmental perception module collects real-time environmental and vehicle status data. The main control module uses this data to determine the target polarization state and controls the drive circuit to output the corresponding driving voltage. Therefore, the system can automatically switch to linearly polarized or elliptically polarized light mode in clear weather, restoring the normal reflectivity of road markings and ensuring clear visibility of road signs in all weather conditions. Furthermore, in rainy or foggy weather, the system automatically switches to circularly polarized light mode, effectively suppressing backscattered glare, eliminating the "white curtain effect," and improving the driver's visibility and contrast of the road and obstacles, thereby comprehensively enhancing driving safety.

[0021] The main control module determines the target polarization state based on environmental and vehicle status data, and controls the drive circuit to output the corresponding drive voltage, causing the polarization modulation module to output emitted light corresponding to the target polarization state. Simultaneously, a closed-loop adaptive control is formed by returning to the acquisition step, continuously updating the target polarization state. Therefore, when autonomous driving mode is activated, the system can output specific linearly polarized or elliptically polarized light matching the requirements of the polarization sensor, providing optimal active polarization illumination conditions for the sensor. This enhances its ability to detect object materials, stress distribution, and eliminate glass reflections, strongly supporting the realization of high-level autonomous driving functions, promoting the integration of automotive lighting systems and autonomous driving technology, and avoiding a serious disconnect from the trend of automotive intelligence development.

[0022] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the application. The objectives and other advantages of this application may be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description, claims and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the overall structure of the automotive-grade dynamic polarization modulation optical system described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path modulation structure of the automotive-grade dynamic polarization modulation optical system described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated location structure of each component in the automotive-grade dynamic polarization modulation optical system described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a specific optical structure of the polarization state modulation module in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the overall dynamic polarization modulation control method described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the dynamic polarization modulation control method described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In the picture: 101. Light source module; 102. Polarization modulation module; 103. Drive circuit; 104. Main control module; 105. Environmental perception module; 106. Vehicle bus interface; 107. Automotive-grade packaging shell. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] Example 1, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the automotive-grade dynamic polarization modulation optical system disclosed in this embodiment is an integrated design, perfectly suited to the installation space of automotive headlights and the overall vehicle electrical architecture. Figure 2 As shown, the system mainly consists of a light source module 101, a polarization state modulation module 102, a driving circuit 103, and as shown in the figure. Figure 3 The system consists of seven core components: the main control module 104, the environmental perception module 105, the vehicle bus interface 106, and the automotive-grade packaging shell 107. These components work together to achieve intelligent control throughout the entire process, from environmental perception to polarization modulation.

[0033] All components are integrated within the automotive-grade package housing 107. This housing is made of a composite material of high-temperature resistant, vibration-resistant, waterproof, and moisture-proof engineering plastics and metal alloys, meeting the automotive-grade requirements for long-term stable operation of automotive components in a wide temperature range of -40℃ to 105℃, vibration frequency of 10-2000Hz, and humid heat environment with 95% humidity. The automotive-grade package housing 107 also contains thermally conductive silicone pads and micro heat sinks to achieve efficient heat dissipation for heat-generating components such as the light source module 101 and the drive circuit 103, preventing localized high temperatures from affecting the working accuracy of optical and electronic control components.

[0034] The light source module 101 uses a high-power LED array as the light source, with a luminous power of 50-80W. The emitted light is unpolarized white light with a color temperature adapted to the automotive headlight standard of 4300K-6000K, and can switch between low beam and high beam modes according to the overall vehicle lighting needs. This module is also equipped with an optical collimating lens, which can collimate the emitted unpolarized light to ensure that the light is incident on the polarization modulation module 102 as a parallel beam, thereby improving the uniformity and accuracy of polarization modulation.

[0035] The drive circuit 103 provides stable power supply and drive signals to the core electronic control components, and is connected to the light source module 101, the polarization modulation module 102, and the main control module 104, respectively. The drive circuit 103 can convert the vehicle's DC power supply into the precise voltage required by each module, and at the same time receive control commands from the main control module 104 to generate an adjustable drive voltage adapted to the liquid crystal polarization controller.

[0036] The vehicle bus interface 106 adopts a dual interface design of CANFD (Controller Area Network with Flexible Data-Rate) and Ethernet to realize high-speed data interaction between the main control module 104 and the vehicle domain controller, autonomous driving system and vehicle sensors. The data transmission rate can reach more than 500Mbps, which meets the needs of rapid transmission of real-time environmental data and vehicle commands.

[0037] The environmental perception module 105 is the core of the system's environmental information acquisition. It adopts a multi-sensor fusion scheme, integrating a rain sensor and a forward-looking camera. At the same time, it can reuse data from the vehicle's lidar, visibility sensor, and ambient temperature sensor through the vehicle bus to achieve comprehensive and high-precision perception of the driving environment.

[0038] The rain sensor, installed inside the car's windshield, uses infrared detection technology to identify rainfall intensity, classifying it into four levels: no rain, light rain, moderate rain, and heavy rain. The forward-facing camera is a high-definition polarized imaging camera with a resolution of 1920×1080, capable of acquiring real-time images of the road ahead. Image algorithms identify fog concentration, road conditions, and visibility levels, while also detecting pedestrians, obstacles, and other targets requiring special lighting. Data from each sensor is transmitted to the main control module 104 every 100ms, providing real-time and accurate environmental data for polarization-based decision-making.

[0039] The main control module 104 is the core control unit of this system, and it uses an automotive-grade microcontroller, model S32K344. This controller features high computing efficiency, low power consumption, and strong anti-interference capabilities, and can operate stably in a temperature range of -40℃ to 125℃.

[0040] The main control module 104 contains a polarization mode mapping table and intelligent control logic. The polarization mode mapping table is an environment-polarization state matching relationship calibrated through a large number of real vehicle tests and simulation experiments. It covers all weather scenarios such as sunny, cloudy, light rain, heavy rain, light fog, dense fog, and snow, as well as vehicle states such as autonomous driving mode, normal driving mode, and night driving mode.

[0041] Specifically, the mapping table has the following pre-defined correspondences: Heavy rain and visibility less than 500m correspond to left-hand circularly polarized light (strong glare suppression mode); Dense fog with visibility less than 200m corresponds to right-hand circularly polarized light (ultra-long-distance illumination mode); On a sunny day, with the autonomous driving mode activated, the corresponding 0° linearly polarized light (sensor-assisted mode) is displayed. On cloudy days and during normal nighttime driving, the appropriate lighting mode is 45° elliptically polarized light (combined lighting mode). Snowy weather corresponds to 60° elliptically polarized light (diffuse reflection suppression mode).

[0042] Meanwhile, the main control module 104 has a reserved parameter calibration interface, which can be used to personalize the mapping table parameters according to the usage needs of different vehicle models and regions.

[0043] Reference Figure 4As shown, the polarization modulation module 102 is the core component for realizing dynamic polarization modulation in this invention. It consists of an electronically controlled liquid crystal polarization controller and a quarter-wave plate. This module features an all-solid-state electronically controlled design with no moving mechanical parts, achieving millisecond-level response speeds. It is also vibration-resistant, fatigue-resistant, and fully compatible with automotive-grade applications.

[0044] The electro-hydraulic polarization controller uses a liquid crystal variable phase delay device, whose light-passing aperture matches the light-emitting aperture of the light source module 101. The electro-hydraulic polarization controller can receive an adjustable driving voltage of 0-10V from the driving circuit 103. By changing the applied voltage V, it can precisely control the vibration direction angle θ of its output linearly polarized light, achieving continuous, fast, and stepless adjustment from 0° to 180° with an adjustment accuracy of up to 0.1°, which can completely ensure the accuracy of polarization state modulation.

[0045] A quarter-wave plate is a fixed optical element with its fast axis fixed in the direction of the wave. It is made of high-transmittance quartz crystal material and has a light transmission efficiency of more than 95%. It can convert incident linearly polarized light into outgoing light with different polarization states.

[0046] The unpolarized light emitted by the light source module 101 is first incident on the electronically controlled liquid crystal polarization controller, and after modulation, it outputs linearly polarized light with a controllable vibration direction angle θ. This linearly polarized light continues to be incident on a quarter-wave plate, and the angle between its vibration direction and the fast axis of the quarter-wave plate directly determines the polarization state of the emitted light: when the angle is 45°, the emitted light is standard circularly polarized light; when the angle is 0° or 90°, the emitted light is still linearly polarized light; when the angle is any angle between 0° and 45° or between 45° and 90°, the emitted light is elliptically polarized light with different ellipticity.

[0047] The main control module 104 controls the output voltage V of the drive circuit 103 to change the vibration direction angle θ of the linearly polarized light, thereby realizing the on-demand and dynamic switching of linearly polarized light, circularly polarized light, and ellipticly polarized light with arbitrary ellipticity, to meet the polarization lighting needs in different scenarios.

[0048] Reference Figure 5 As shown, the workflow of the automotive-grade dynamic polarization modulation optics method corresponding to this system during actual driving is as follows: Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, after the vehicle starts, the system first performs system power-on initialization and completes a full module self-test. The main control module 104 sequentially checks the operating status of each component, including the light source module 101, polarization modulation module 102, and environmental perception module 105. If any module malfunctions, a fault warning signal is immediately sent to the vehicle's instrument panel via the vehicle bus. If all components are functioning normally, the system enters normal operating mode.

[0049] Subsequently, the environmental perception module 105 continuously collects environmental and vehicle data such as rainfall intensity, fog concentration, visibility, and vehicle driving mode at a preset period (100ms in this embodiment), and transmits them to the main control module 104 in real time through the vehicle bus interface 106.

[0050] The main control module 104 compares the real-time collected data with the most recent data to determine whether the currently collected environmental and vehicle status data have changed significantly compared to the previous period, or whether new control commands have been received from the vehicle (such as turning the autonomous driving mode on / off, or switching between high and low beams). Significant changes refer to changes in rainfall intensity level, visibility level, or vehicle driving mode switching.

[0051] If the judgment result is negative, the system maintains the current polarization illumination mode, that is, keeps the current driving voltage unchanged, and returns to the data acquisition step to continue monitoring.

[0052] If the judgment result is yes, the main control module 104 queries the internally fixed polarization mode mapping table based on the real-time collected environmental and vehicle data, and quickly determines the optimal target polarization state in the current scene.

[0053] After determining the target polarization state, the main control module 104 calculates the appropriate driving voltage parameters based on the vibration direction angle θ corresponding to the target polarization state, and generates a corresponding PWM driving signal, which is then sent to the driving circuit 103. The driving circuit 103 converts this signal into a precise adjustable voltage and applies it to the electro-hydraulic polarization controller of the polarization state modulation module 102.

[0054] The polarization modulation module 102 performs polarization modulation based on the driving voltage. The electronically controlled liquid crystal polarization controller outputs linearly polarized light corresponding to the vibration direction angle θ. After being converted by a quarter-wave plate, this light outputs an illumination beam that conforms to the target polarization state, realizing rapid switching of the illumination polarization state.

[0055] Finally, the system returns to the data acquisition step, forming a closed-loop adaptive control of "continuous perception - real-time judgment - dynamic adjustment - cyclic optimization" to ensure that the polarization state of the illumination beam is always highly matched with the real-time driving scene.

[0056] The following describes the working process of this system in a specific driving scenario.

[0057] For example, when a sudden downpour occurs while the vehicle is in motion, the rain sensor detects a rainfall intensity of "heavy rain," and the forward-facing camera identifies visibility as less than 500 meters. The environmental perception module 105 transmits this data to the main control module 104. The main control module 104 determines that the environment has changed significantly, queries the polarization mode mapping table, and decides that the target polarization state is "left-handed circularly polarized light." Subsequently, it generates a corresponding drive signal to control the electronically controlled liquid crystal polarization controller to output linearly polarized light at a 45° angle to the fast axis of the quarter-wave plate. After conversion by the quarter-wave plate, left-handed circularly polarized light is output. This polarized light, after scattering upon hitting raindrops, changes its rotation direction. The polarization filter at the driver's line of sight can effectively block backscattered stray light, significantly suppressing the "white curtain" effect and improving the driver's visual clarity and viewing distance.

[0058] For example, when a vehicle leaves a rainy area and the rain sensor detects "no rain," the main control module 104 immediately decides to switch to the polarization mode corresponding to sunny weather to avoid the problem of weak reflection of road markings caused by fixed circularly polarized light, thus taking into account the lighting safety of different scenarios.

[0059] In this embodiment, the system's polarization state switching response time is less than 50ms, enabling rapid and seamless switching of polarization states to meet the real-time control requirements during dynamic vehicle operation. Simultaneously, the all-solid-state electronically controlled polarization modulation module 102 exhibits no mechanical wear and has a service life exceeding 100,000 hours. Combined with automotive-grade packaging and component selection, this ensures the entire system possesses high reliability and stability, fully adapting to the long-term and complex driving scenarios of automobiles.

[0060] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0061] As an alternative, the electro-optical polarization controller can also employ other types of electro-optical polarization rotation devices, such as Faraday rotators and electro-optic crystals, as long as they can achieve the function of changing the polarization direction of the output light according to the driving voltage. For example, an electro-optic crystal (such as lithium niobate LiNbO3, potassium deuterium diphosphate DKDP, etc.) can be used instead of the electro-optical polarization controller. The electro-optic crystal exhibits birefringence under an applied electric field, changing the polarization state of the incident light. By applying electric fields of different intensities to the crystal, the polarization direction or polarization state type of the output light can be precisely controlled. The electro-optic crystal is placed in the output light path of the light source module 101. The driving circuit 103 applies an adjustable high-voltage electric field (e.g., 0-1000V) to the electro-optic crystal. By changing the electric field strength, the phase delay of the crystal is controlled, thereby achieving the rotation of the vibration direction of linearly polarized light or the conversion between linearly polarized light and circularly polarized light. The response speed is faster (nanosecond level), superior to the millisecond level of the liquid crystal solution. It is suitable for scenarios requiring extremely fast polarization switching, such as dynamic lighting during high-speed travel. For example, magneto-optical crystals (such as yttrium iron garnet (YIG) and terbium gallium garnet (TGG)) can be used to replace electronically controlled liquid crystal polarization controllers. Under the influence of an external magnetic field, the magneto-optical crystal exhibits the Faraday effect, causing the vibration direction of linearly polarized light passing through the crystal to rotate. The rotation angle is proportional to the magnetic field strength and the crystal length. The magneto-optical crystal is placed in the light output path of the light source module 101. An electromagnetic coil is arranged around the magneto-optical crystal, and the drive circuit 103 applies an adjustable current to the electromagnetic coil to generate a controllable magnetic field. By changing the current magnitude, the magnetic field strength is controlled, thereby precisely adjusting the rotation angle of the linearly polarized light. There are no moving mechanical parts, resulting in high reliability. The rotation angle has a linear relationship with the magnetic field, ensuring high control precision. It is suitable for high-power light source applications, and the magneto-optical crystal has good heat resistance.

[0062] As an alternative, a quarter-wave plate can also be a tunable waveplate, whose phase delay can be adjusted by changing the electric field or temperature applied to it, thereby enabling more flexible polarization state control in conjunction with a liquid crystal polarization controller. For example, a tunable waveplate (such as a liquid crystal variable delay device (LCVR) or a piezoelectric driven waveplate) can be used instead of a fixed quarter-wave plate to achieve polarization state modulation in conjunction with a fixed polarizer. By changing the phase delay of the waveplate, the polarization state type of the emitted light can be directly controlled. A fixed linear polarizer and a tunable waveplate are sequentially arranged in the light output path of the light source module 101. The fixed linear polarizer converts unpolarized light into linearly polarized light in a fixed direction. The tunable waveplate changes its phase delay according to the driving voltage (e.g., continuously adjustable from 0λ to 1λ). By controlling the phase delay, the incident linearly polarized light can be converted into linearly polarized light (delay of 0λ or 1λ), circularly polarized light (delay of 0.25λ or 0.75λ), or elliptically polarized light (other delays). This structure is simpler, requiring only two optical elements. The control method is intuitive, and the phase delay corresponds one-to-one with the polarization state type.

[0063] As another alternative, the sensor configuration of the environmental perception module 105 can be adjusted according to the vehicle model and application scenario. For example, for high-end autonomous driving vehicles, millimeter-wave radar or ultrasonic sensors can be added to obtain richer environmental information. It should be noted that the environmental perception module 105 not only relies on onboard sensors but also acquires information such as weather and road conditions ahead through V2X (vehicle-to-everything) technology as supplementary basis for polarization state decision-making. The environmental perception module 105 integrates a V2X communication unit, receiving weather warnings, road surface slippage information, etc., sent by vehicles ahead or roadside units via the V2X network. The main control module 104 fuses the V2X information with local sensor data to comprehensively determine the target polarization state. This achieves beyond-line-of-sight environmental perception, allowing for advance prediction of road conditions ahead. It can still acquire environmental information in scenarios where sensors are limited (such as fog obscuring the camera), improving the foresight and accuracy of polarization state switching. In addition, the environmental perception module 105 can combine in-vehicle navigation map data to predict the geographical environment of the road ahead (such as tunnels, mountains, coastal highways, etc.) and predict possible environmental changes accordingly, adjusting the polarization mode in advance. The main control module 104 reads navigation map data to obtain information such as altitude, terrain, and vegetation cover of the road ahead. Combined with weather forecast data, it predicts possible weather changes on the road ahead (such as fog in mountains, humidity in coastal areas, etc.). Before the vehicle reaches the road segment, it switches to the appropriate polarization mode in advance. This achieves predictive polarization control, avoiding response delays when environmental changes occur, and improving the smoothness and continuity of the driving experience.

[0064] As an alternative, the main control module 104 can also use other automotive-grade microcontrollers, as long as they possess sufficient computing power and automotive-grade reliability. A lightweight neural network model (such as a convolutional neural network (CNN) or a fully connected network) can also be deployed within the main control module 104, using a machine learning model to replace the traditional fixed mapping table. By training the neural network model, a nonlinear mapping relationship between environmental data and the optimal polarization state is established, achieving more intelligent and accurate polarization state decision-making. The model input consists of multi-dimensional environmental data (temperature, humidity, visibility, rainfall intensity, vehicle speed, light intensity, etc.). The model output is the target polarization state type and the corresponding control parameters. The model can be remotely upgraded via OTA to continuously optimize decision-making accuracy.

[0065] As another alternative, the light source module 101 can also employ a combination of multi-color-temperature or multi-wavelength LED arrays, switching the color temperature and spectral composition of the light source according to different scenarios, and working in conjunction with the polarization modulation module 102 to achieve more precise lighting control. The LED array contains two or more sets of LED chips with different color temperatures (such as 4300K ​​warm white light and 6000K cool white light). The main control module 104 controls not only the polarization state but also the color temperature of the light source based on environmental data and vehicle status data. For example, in foggy weather, it switches to warm white light + circularly polarized light to improve penetration; in clear nighttime weather, it switches to cool white light + linearly polarized light to improve the contrast of road signs. This achieves joint control of polarization state and color temperature, further improving lighting adaptability and meeting the different color temperature requirements under different weather conditions. Alternatively, a laser diode can be used as the light source to replace the LED array. Laser light sources have the characteristics of high brightness, good directionality, and narrow spectrum, providing a higher quality polarization modulation basis. The laser diode emits high-brightness laser light. The laser light is converted into white light through a diffuser or phosphor (or directly using RGB laser beam combining). After collimation, the light is incident on the polarization modulation module 102. This results in higher brightness, making it suitable for high beams and adaptive high beam illumination. It also offers good beam collimation and higher polarization modulation efficiency, enabling longer illumination distances.

[0066] As another alternative, a polarized illumination system is deeply integrated with a polarized imaging camera, enabling real-time synchronization between the illumination system's polarization state and the camera's polarization analysis channel, thus achieving a closed-loop system integrating illumination and perception. The polarized imaging camera incorporates a polarization analysis channel (e.g., four-directional linear polarization analysis + circular polarization analysis). The main control module 104 dynamically adjusts the illumination polarization state based on the camera's real-time imaging feedback. For example, if the camera detects reflections from puddles on the road ahead, the illumination system immediately switches to a polarization state orthogonal to the polarization direction of the reflected light, eliminating reflection interference. This achieves deep synergy between illumination and perception, improving perception quality. In autonomous driving scenarios, it provides optimal illumination conditions for the perception system, forming a closed loop of "illumination assisting perception, perception guiding illumination."

[0067] These alternative solutions should all fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0068] This invention utilizes an environmental perception module 105 to collect environmental and vehicle status data in real time. The main control module 104 determines the target polarization state based on this data and controls the drive circuit 103 to output a drive voltage. The polarization state modulation module 102 dynamically modulates the polarization state of the emitted light according to the drive voltage. Simultaneously, the method incorporates a step of returning real-time environmental and vehicle status data to form a closed-loop adaptive control, continuously updating the target polarization state. Thus, the system constructs a complete "perception-decision-execution" closed-loop intelligent control architecture, enabling the vehicle lighting strategy to deeply match complex and ever-changing driving scenarios. This achieves "on-demand polarization adjustment" adaptive lighting, accommodating differentiated lighting needs under different weather conditions and driving modes, significantly improving the vehicle's intelligence level.

[0069] In this invention, the polarization modulation module 102 employs a combination of an electronically controlled liquid crystal polarization controller and a quarter-wave plate, featuring an all-solid-state electronically controlled design with no moving mechanical parts. It boasts a millisecond-level response speed and is resistant to vibration and fatigue. Simultaneously, the system includes an automotive-grade encapsulation housing 107, integrating the light source module 101, polarization modulation module 102, drive circuit 103, main control module 104, and environmental sensing module 105 within the housing. The housing meets automotive-grade requirements for long-term stable operation within a temperature range of -40℃ to 105℃, a vibration frequency of 10-2000Hz, and 95% humidity. Therefore, the system possesses high reliability and stability, with a service life exceeding 100,000 hours, fully adaptable to the long-term and complex driving scenarios of automobiles.

[0070] Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An automotive-grade dynamic polarization modulation optical system, characterized in that, include: Light source module (101) is used to emit unpolarized light; A polarization state modulation module (102) is disposed on the light output path of the light source module (101) and is used to dynamically modulate the incident unpolarized light into an output light with an arbitrary target polarization state according to the driving voltage. The target polarization state includes linearly polarized light, circularly polarized light and elliptically polarized light. The driving circuit (103) is electrically connected to the polarization state modulation module (102) and is used to provide the driving voltage; The environmental perception module (105) is used to collect vehicle driving environment data and vehicle status data in real time. The main control module (104) is communicatively connected to the drive circuit (103) and the environment perception module (105) respectively, and is used to determine the target polarization state according to the environmental data and vehicle status data, and control the drive circuit (103) to output the drive voltage corresponding to the target polarization state.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The polarization modulation module (102) includes an electronically controlled liquid crystal polarization controller and a quarter-wave plate arranged in corresponding positions; the electronically controlled liquid crystal polarization controller is used to modulate the incident unpolarized light into linearly polarized light with controllable vibration direction angle according to the driving voltage, and the quarter-wave plate is used to convert the linearly polarized light into outgoing light with a target polarization state.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The environmental perception module (105) includes one or more of the following: a rain sensor, a forward-looking camera, a lidar, a visibility sensor, and an ambient temperature sensor.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main control module (104) has a polarization mode mapping table internally, which defines the correspondence between different environmental data and vehicle state data and the target polarization state.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The polarization states defined in the mapping table include: left-handed circularly polarized light, right-handed circularly polarized light, 0° linearly polarized light, 90° linearly polarized light, and elliptically polarized light.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main control module (104) is connected to the vehicle domain controller or the autonomous driving system via the vehicle bus interface (106), which is a CANFD interface and / or an Ethernet interface.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an automotive-grade packaged housing (107), in which the light source module (101), the polarization modulation module (102), the driving circuit (103), the main control module (104), and the environmental perception module (105) are all integrated.

8. A dynamic polarization modulation control method, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Real-time collection of environmental and vehicle status data; The target polarization state is determined based on the environmental data and vehicle status data, and corresponding driving commands are generated based on the target polarization state. According to the driving command, a driving voltage is applied to the polarization state modulation module (102) so that the polarization state modulation module (102) outputs outgoing light corresponding to the target polarization state; Return to the steps of real-time acquisition of environmental data and vehicle status data to continuously update the target polarization state.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Determine whether the currently collected environmental data and vehicle status data have changed significantly compared to the previous cycle, or whether new control commands have been received; If the judgment result is yes, then query the pre-stored polarization mode mapping table to determine the target polarization state; If the result is negative, the current polarized illumination mode will be maintained.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The corresponding driving voltage parameters are calculated based on the target polarization state, and a corresponding PWM driving signal is generated as the driving command.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Before collecting environmental and vehicle status data, the system is powered on and initialized, performing a full module self-test. If any module malfunction is detected, a fault warning signal is sent through the vehicle bus.

12. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Data is collected in real time at a preset period, and the target polarization state is redefined after each collection.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The preset period is 100ms.

14. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The significant changes refer to changes in rainfall intensity level, visibility level, or vehicle driving mode switching.

15. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The polarization mode mapping table determines the target polarization state based on a combination of weather conditions, visibility level, and vehicle driving mode.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The polarization mode mapping table has one or more of the following pre-defined correspondences: Heavy rain with visibility less than 500m corresponds to left-handed circularly polarized light; Dense fog with visibility less than 200m corresponds to right-handed circularly polarized light; Sunny day and autopilot mode activated corresponds to 0° linearly polarized light; On cloudy days and during regular nighttime driving, the corresponding light is 45° elliptically polarized light. Snowy weather corresponds to 60° elliptically polarized light.

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