Gated Night Vision Laser Illumination for Glare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current night imaging technologies for vehicles, such as thermal imaging and image intensification, face limitations in visibility range due to blooming from environmental light sources and radiation safety concerns, and fail to provide clear views of road signs and reflective elements under low visibility conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted night vision system utilizing a non-visible spectrum laser source and gated image intensifier, with programmable gain and dynamic pulse control, to enhance visibility range while minimizing blooming and ensuring eye safety, using techniques like spatial light modulation and polarization to filter out irrelevant light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high beam lights or alternative high powered lights are used to increase illumination range, then visibility range is improved, but glare causing blinding to other drivers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function by using multiple light sources with different characteristics (high beam headlights for long-range illumination and auxiliary lights for specific zones) rather than relying on a single high-powered source, thereby providing extended visibility without excessive glare to other drivers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using auxiliary lights positioned to illuminate specific zones (such as road edges, signage, or hazardous areas) with targeted intensity, rather than uniformly increasing illumination across all directions, thus improving local visibility without causing widespread glare
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low beam headlights are used to avoid glare, then safety to other drivers is maintained, but visibility range is reduced to approximately 100 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of low beam headlights (for avoiding glare) with auxiliary lighting systems (such as fog lights, spotlights, or LED arrays) to simultaneously maintain safety for other drivers and extend visibility range through combined illumination zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through sequential or alternating activation of different light sources based on driving conditions, such as activating auxiliary lights only when approaching hazardous zones or when sensors detect reduced visibility, thereby extending visibility range without continuous glare exposure
3Measurement precision
If night imaging systems are introduced to increase visibility range, then detection capability is improved, but blooming from environmental light sources occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing images to identify and mask potential blooming regions before they degrade image quality, using algorithms that detect light source positions and prevent their overflow effects from compromising detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful blooming effect into a beneficial feature by using the intense light from environmental sources to automatically adjust image processing parameters, such as enhancing contrast in surrounding areas or using the blooming regions themselves as reference points for detecting road features
4Illumination intensity
If thermal imaging technology is used for night vision, then operation in complete darkness is enabled, but ability to perceive colors and shades of gray is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by combining thermal imaging (for detecting heat signatures in complete darkness) with visible light imaging capabilities (for preserving color and shade information), allowing the system to adaptively switch between or fuse both modes depending on ambient lighting conditions
5Measurement precision
If remote infrared wavelength imaging is used, then thermal detection is achieved, but installation inside vehicle compartment is prevented due to window blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies another dimension by transitioning from remote infrared wavelengths (blocked by windows) to near-infrared wavelengths (transmitted by windows), enabling thermal detection functionality to be installed inside the vehicle compartment by exploiting a different spectral dimension that penetrates window materials
6Measurement precision
If image intensification technology is used to enhance visibility, then detection in very dark environments is improved, but blooming from visible and near IR light sources occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing wavelength-selective filters and spectral separation mechanisms between the image intensifier and environmental light sources, allowing the system to enhance detection in dark environments while blocking or redirecting visible and near-infrared light that would cause blooming
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 system provides a significantly expanded visibility range, overcoming blooming issues and ensuring eye safety by selectively illuminating and sensing reflections within the relevant range, allowing for clear imaging of road signs and reflective elements without causing glare or radiation hazards.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle-mounted night vision system utilizing a non-visible spectrum laser source
Implementation Method 2
gated image intensifier, with programmable gain and dynamic pulse control, to enhance visibility range
Implementation Method 3
using techniques like spatial light modulation and polarization to filter out irrelevant light
Implementation Method 4
A vehicle mounted imaging system is provided, according to some embodiments of the present invention, to enable nighttime imaging as well as imaging in poor visibility conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle mounted imaging system and method, enabling selective imaging of objects in a low-visibility environment. The system includes a light source providing non-visible light pulses and a camera having an image intensifier enabled to gate selected received images. The light source may be a laser generator, which may be enabled to generate a pulse width related to the depth of a field to be imaged. The gated image intensifier may determine gating time spans according to the depth of a field to be imaged.