Headlight-Integrated Object Detection Using Triangulation Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current object detection systems for motor vehicles, relying on lidars and radars, face challenges such as bulky equipment installation, aerodynamic issues, and inaccurate distance estimation due to the dependence on signal duration, which is not acceptable for safety standards.
Innovation Solution
An object detection system utilizing monolithic arrays of electroluminescent light sources and sensors integrated into vehicle headlights, employing triangulation for precise object positioning and distance calculation, independent of signal duration, and capable of being integrated without additional space-consuming hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lidars or radars are used for object detection, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but equipment bulk and aerodynamic problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source array and light sensor array into an integrated detection system that uses the vehicle's existing headlight structure. The electroluminescent light sources are arranged in a matrix pattern, allowing the system to function both as illumination and detection components, thereby eliminating the need for separate bulky lidar or radar units.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source array serves dual purposes: it acts as both the illumination source for the headlights and the active transmitter for object detection. Similarly, the light sensor array can detect both the reflected detection signals and provide lighting assistance, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for dedicated detection hardware.
2Measurement precision
If lidars are used for object detection, then distance measurement is achieved, but precision varies with object distance due to signal duration limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-of-flight measurement mechanism (which relies on precise timing of light peaks) with a triangulation-based geometric measurement system. By using multiple light sources and sensors arranged in arrays, the system calculates distance based on the geometric relationship between the emitting source, the reflecting object, and the receiving sensor, eliminating the need for nanosecond-level timing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional distance measurement (single source-sensor pair) to two-dimensional angular measurement by using arrays of light sources and sensors. The triangulation calculation uses the positions of multiple sources and sensors to determine both the distance and angular position of the object, providing more reliable measurements across varying distances.
3Measurement precision
If additional detection equipment is added to the vehicle, then object detection capability is improved, but vehicle clutter and aesthetic problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is merged with the vehicle's existing headlight assembly. The light source array and light sensor array are integrated into the headlight structure, allowing the detection functionality to be added without requiring separate mounting locations on the vehicle body, thus avoiding clutter and aesthetic issues.
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 detection precision and accuracy, reduces equipment bulk, and integrates seamlessly into vehicle design, improving safety by providing reliable distance and speed calculations of objects relative to the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
one or more arrays of electroluminescent light sources, one or more arrays of light sensors... at least one of the electroluminescent light sources is capable of emitting a signal, at least one of the sensors is capable of receiving the emitted signal which has been reflected by an object
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the sensors is capable of receiving the emitted signal which has been reflected by an object
Data Source
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AI summary
An object detection system for motor vehicles is proposed. The system (400) comprises an array (401) of electroluminescent light sources, an array (402) of light sensors, and a processing unit (413). At least one of the electroluminescent light sources (403) is capable of emitting a signal. At least one of the sensors (404) is capable of receiving the emitted signal that has been reflected by an object (405). The processing unit is capable of calculating, by triangulation, the position of the object based on the position of said at least one of the electroluminescent light sources capable of emitting a signal within one of the arrays of electroluminescent light sources, and based on the position of said at least one of the sensors capable of receiving the signal reflected by the object within one of the arrays of light sensors.