Blue Laser Headlight Integrating LIDAR and Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headlight systems face challenges in implementing LIDAR technology in the blue spectral range due to limitations with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and phosphors, such as long pulse durations and low signal-to-noise ratios, which hinder efficient distance measurement and illumination.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a semiconductor laser emitting in the blue spectral range, capable of high pulse frequencies, as a LIDAR component within a headlight system, which can operate independently or supplement phosphor-based systems, ensuring efficient distance measurement and illumination with improved eye safety and signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LEDs are used for LIDAR in the blue spectral range, then the headlight can provide illumination, but the pulse duration is too long and the signal-to-noise ratio is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function and LIDAR measurement function into a single headlight system by integrating a blue laser diode that can operate in both continuous wave mode for illumination and pulsed mode for LIDAR measurements, eliminating the need for separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The blue laser diode operates with different parameters for different functions: continuous wave operation for illumination and short pulsed operation (pulse duration ≤ 10 ns) for LIDAR measurements, allowing optimization of both functions within the same device
2Illumination intensity
If phosphors are used to convert blue light to white light, then white light illumination is achieved, but the pulse duration becomes too long for LIDAR operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the LIDAR measurement function from the phosphor conversion path by using the blue laser diode directly for measurements before the light reaches the phosphor, avoiding the phosphor's long latency period that would otherwise extend the pulse duration
Solution Approach 2:
The headlight system is segmented into separate illumination path (through phosphor) and measurement path (direct blue laser), allowing independent optimization of each function without mutual interference
3Measurement precision
If conventional LIDAR systems operate in the infrared wavelength range, then distance measurement is achievable, but eye safety concerns arise and the system cannot be integrated with white light illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter from infrared to blue spectral range (430-460 nm) and adjusts the temporal parameter by using short pulsed operation, achieving both eye safety compliance and effective LIDAR functionality while enabling integration with white light illumination
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The blue-emitting semiconductor laser enables high-efficiency LIDAR functionality with shorter switching times, lower power requirements, and enhanced eye safety, offering improved distance detection and illumination capabilities, particularly in automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor laser is used which emits in the blue spectral range
Implementation Method 2
distance measurement can be realized by means of a transit time measurement of laser radiation
Implementation Method 3
the secondary radiation is yellow light
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a light source. The apparatus also includes a measuring laser, such as a semiconductor laser. The measuring laser is configured to generate pulses with a maximum pulse duration of 10 ns. A wavelength of maximum intensity of the measuring laser radiation generated by the measuring laser ranges from 400 nm to 485 nm inclusive. The measuring laser radiation is used for distance measurement by means of LIDAR, for example in a car headlight.