Drive Assist Device Lens Alignment for Detection Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drive assist devices for vehicles face challenges in increasing detectable distance while maintaining a compact size and avoiding interference with human vision, as increasing laser intensity or light receiving lens area can have adverse effects.

Innovation Solution

A drive assist device with a light source, a first lens for irradiated light, a second lens for reflected light, and a light receiving element, where the lens areas are aligned in the vehicle width direction to enhance detection range without increasing the device's overall size, and a vehicle controller to process detection information for safe vehicle operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the area of the light receiving lens is increased to increase detectable distance, then the detection range is improved, but the overall size of the drive assist device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging the first lens area and second lens area in different spatial dimensions (aligned in vehicle width direction rather than overlapping in the same plane). This allows the optical paths to be separated efficiently, improving detection range without requiring a proportional increase in the overall device footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If the intensity of laser light is increased to increase detectable distance, then the detection range is improved, but it may affect the human eye

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidhuman eye safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement parameter of the lens areas rather than increasing laser intensity. By optimizing the geometric configuration (aligning lens areas in vehicle width direction), the system achieves improved detection range through better optical path separation without modifying the laser intensity parameter, thus avoiding human eye safety issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the light receiving lens area is increased to improve detection capability, then the detection precision is improved, but it becomes harder for the driver to have a wide visual field

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoiddriver visual field
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the conflict between detection precision and driver visual field by utilizing spatial dimensionality change. The first and second lens areas are arranged in different positions along the vehicle width direction, allowing the optical system to achieve superior detection precision while maintaining a compact overall form factor that does not obstruct the driver's view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration allows for improved detection range and accuracy while maintaining a compact device size, enhancing safety by enabling quicker detection of targets and reducing operational errors, while adhering to safety standards for laser intensity.

Implementation Method 1

a first lens having a first area through which the irradiated light from the light source passes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission through lens: Lens

Implementation Method 2

a second lens having a second area through which reflected light reflected from the detection target passes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a light receiving element that receives the reflected light that passes the second lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2808700B1Drive assist device, and vehicle using drive assist device
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP2808700B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2808700B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2808700B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A drive assist device (100) includes a light source (6) that irradiates a detection target with light, a first lens (1) having a first area (F1) through which the irradiated light from the light source (6) passes, a second lens (2) having a second area (F2) through which reflected light reflected from the detection target passes, and a light receiving element (8) that receives the reflected light that passes the second lens (2). The first area (F1) and the second area (F2) are arranged to be in align with each other, in width direction of the drive assist device (100).