Camera Mirror IR Lighting for Trailer-End Night Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera monitor systems in commercial vehicles fail to provide sufficient infrared illumination at night, particularly at the end of the trailer, due to the use of IR LEDs that generate excessive heat and have limitations in beam angle and intensity, leaving the driver blind during critical maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A camera monitor system utilizing both scattered and focused IR LEDs with different beam angles to illuminate specific target areas around the vehicle, including a scattered IR LED for diffused light alongside the vehicle and a focused IR LED for targeted illumination at the trailer end, controlled by a controller responsive to various inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a single IR LED is used in the CMS, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination coverage and intensity distribution are insufficient for different target areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination function into two separate IR LEDs: a scattered IR LED for providing diffused illumination alongside the trailer, and a focused IR LED for providing concentrated illumination at the trailer end. This segmentation allows each LED to be optimized for its specific function, achieving adequate IR lighting intensity at the trailer end while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If a focused IR LED with small beam angle is used, then the IR lighting intensity at the trailer end is improved, but the illumination coverage alongside the trailer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different beam characteristics to different LEDs based on their functional requirements. The scattered IR LED uses a wide beam angle (e.g., 120 degrees) to provide diffused illumination over a large area alongside the trailer, while the focused IR LED uses a narrow beam angle (e.g., 15 degrees) to concentrate light intensity at the specific target area at the trailer end. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing illumination quality for each local requirement.
3Area of stationary object
If the IR LED beam angle is increased to cover more area, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the IR lighting intensity at the trailer end is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination task into two distinct functions performed by two separate IR LEDs. The scattered IR LED with wide beam angle handles the area coverage requirement alongside the trailer, while the focused IR LED with narrow beam angle handles the intensity requirement at the trailer end. This segmentation allows both wide coverage and high intensity to be achieved simultaneously without the trade-off that would exist with a single LED.
4Illumination intensity
If the IR LED is positioned to illuminate the trailer end, then the visibility at the trailer end is improved, but the visibility alongside the trailer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by positioning and configuring two IR LEDs with different beam characteristics at different locations on the camera arm. The scattered IR LED is positioned and oriented to provide diffused illumination covering the area alongside the trailer, while the focused IR LED is positioned and oriented to concentrate illumination at the trailer end. This resolves the spatial contradiction by providing appropriate illumination quality for each local area.
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
Provides enhanced nighttime visibility by ensuring adequate infrared light intensity at the trailer end, improving safety during nighttime driving and docking maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
operating the scattered IR LED in a first condition to provide a diffused IR light alongside the commercial vehicle
Implementation Method 2
operating the focused IR LED in a second condition that is different than the first condition to provide a focused IR light to an end of the commercial vehicle
Implementation Method 3
The use of infrared light emitting diodes (IR LEDs) has been proposed for CMS systems to increase visibility at night
Data Source
AI summary
A method of illuminating a commercial vehicle in low-light conditions includes providing a camera monitor system that includes a scattered IR LED with a first beam angle and a focused IR LED with a second beam angle smaller than the first beam angle. The method includes operating the scattered IR LED in a first condition to provide a diffused IR light alongside the commercial vehicle, and operating the focused IR LED in a second condition that is different than the first condition to provide a focused IR light to an end of the commercial vehicle.