Integrated Vehicle Camera-Light Fixture for Interference-Free Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle cameras struggle with capturing image data due to light interference from vehicle lights, leading to inefficient maneuvering and reduced autonomy.
Innovation Solution
An integrated camera and light system with cameras positioned at predetermined locations relative to lights, using processing circuits to reduce or filter interference in the image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a camera is positioned near vehicle lights to capture image data, then the camera can be integrated into the vehicle's lighting fixture, but light interference from the lights degrades the quality of the captured image data
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the light emission function and image capture function into distinct temporal segments. The camera captures images during intervals when the lights are not emitting, thereby eliminating light interference while maintaining physical integration in the same fixture
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic alternation between light emission and image capture phases. The controller periodically activates the lights for illumination and then periodically activates the camera for imaging, creating a rhythmic cycle that prevents simultaneous operation and thus prevents interference
2Illumination intensity
If the camera captures images during light emission, then continuous illumination is provided, but the image data contains interference from the emitted light
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by alternating between light emission phases and image capture phases. The controller periodically turns on the lights to provide illumination, then periodically turns on the camera to capture images during intervals when lights are off, thus achieving both illumination and interference-free imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips the problematic period when both light and camera operate simultaneously. By rushing through the transition between light-only mode and camera-only mode, the system eliminates the interference window while maintaining overall continuous operation cycles
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light elements are added to the fixture, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the amount of interference in the image data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the operation of multiple light elements and the camera into separate temporal groups. During each capture cycle, the controller ensures all light elements are inactivated before activating the camera, thereby preventing any light from any element from interfering with the image capture
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic control scheme coordinates multiple light elements and the camera in alternating phases. All lights (first, second, and additional elements) operate together during illumination phases, then all are simultaneously inactivated during camera capture phases, creating a unified periodic cycle that manages interference from multiple sources
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
Enhances vehicle maneuverability and enables autonomous or semi-autonomous operation by minimizing light interference in image data, reducing maintenance time and increasing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a filter positioned between the light element and the camera. The filter is configured to filter the light emitted by the light element
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a chassis, a cab coupled to the chassis, a body coupled to the chassis, an integrated camera and light system, and one or more processing circuits. The integrated camera and light system includes a fixture, a light element disposed within the fixture, and a camera disposed within the fixture and positioned at a predetermined location relative to the light element. The light element is configured to emit a light. The camera is configured to emit a light. The image data includes interference corresponding to the light emitted by the light element. The one or more processing circuits are configured to acquire the image data and process the image data to reduce or filter the interference in the image data based on the camera being positioned at the predetermined location relative to the light element.