Infrared-Emitting Street Light for Vehicle Object Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In low light conditions, vehicle computer systems fail to detect objects outside the vehicle due to insufficient data from camera sensors, leading to inadequate actuation of vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a light source emitting both visible and infrared wavelengths, an infrared camera with an optical path to pass infrared wavelengths, and a computer programmed to identify objects based on infrared images, with the ability to actuate vehicle propulsion, steering, or braking, and to control street lights to enhance object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vehicle uses camera sensors to detect objects in low light conditions, then the vehicle can operate basic vision-based functions, but the detection reliability deteriorates due to insufficient light data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary infrared light source (street light or vehicle-mounted) that mediates between the camera sensor and the object in low light conditions. This intermediary provides the necessary illumination in the infrared spectrum, enabling the camera sensor to detect objects reliably when visible light is insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light used for illumination from visible light to infrared light. By using infrared illumination that matches the camera sensor's detection range, the system overcomes the limitation of low visible light conditions while maintaining detection reliability.
2Reliability
If the vehicle equips infrared illumination to improve night detection, then the object detection capability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the street light serve multiple functions: its primary function of providing visible illumination for pedestrians is combined with a secondary function of providing infrared illumination for vehicle object detection. This multi-functionality improves night detection capability without adding dedicated infrared equipment to the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing infrastructure (street lights with infrared capability) to serve the vehicle's detection needs. The street light independently provides both visible and infrared illumination, eliminating the need for the vehicle to carry separate infrared illumination equipment, thus reducing overall system complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If the vehicle uses existing street lights for illumination, then the lighting function is provided, but the infrared detection capability is not enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the wavelength characteristics of the street light by enabling it to emit infrared light in addition to visible light. This parameter change allows the same street light infrastructure to provide both visible illumination for human vision and infrared illumination for enhanced camera-based object detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The street light is designed to perform dual functions: providing visible light for general illumination and emitting infrared light for improving camera sensor detection. This multi-functionality ensures that existing street light infrastructure can simultaneously serve both purposes without requiring separate systems.
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
Improves object detection in low light conditions by increasing the classification confidence and image quality, enabling the vehicle computer to accurately identify and respond to objects, even in the absence of infrared illumination from the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit light in a wavelength in a visible range and a wavelength in an infrared range
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a light source configured to emit light in a wavelength in a visible range and a wavelength in an infrared range, and a vehicle including an infrared camera, and a computer programmed to identify an object based at least in part on an infrared image from the camera.