Integrated LiDAR Vehicle Lights for Space-Saving Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle LiDAR systems require additional space and can degrade the aesthetic and aerodynamic performance of vehicles, as they are typically mounted separately from vehicle lights, leading to a need for integration with light fixtures to maintain compactness and performance.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates LiDAR functionality with vehicle light fixtures, utilizing a light source to generate transmission light, an aperture window, and a steering mechanism to direct detection and illumination portions of the light for both LiDAR detection and vehicle lighting purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LiDAR systems are mounted separately from vehicle lights, then LiDAR detection function is achieved, but vehicle space is increased and aesthetic appearance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LiDAR detection components and vehicle lighting components into a single integrated fixture housing. The light source generates both illumination light for vehicle lighting and transmission light for LiDAR detection, while the housing accommodates both functions within the same physical space, eliminating the need for separate mounting locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source serves dual purposes: generating illumination light for vehicle lighting functions and generating transmission light for LiDAR detection functions. The single fixture housing provides both lighting and detection capabilities, making the system multi-functional and space-efficient.
2Reliability
If LiDAR systems are mounted separately from vehicle lights, then LiDAR detection function is achieved, but aerodynamic performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates LiDAR and vehicle lighting into a single fixture housing that is mounted on the vehicle. This consolidated mounting approach reduces the number of separate components protruding from the vehicle body, thereby minimizing aerodynamic drag and improving aerodynamic performance.
3Reliability
If LiDAR systems are mounted separately from vehicle lights, then LiDAR detection function is achieved, but aesthetic appearance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LiDAR detection components and vehicle lighting components into a single integrated fixture housing with a unified outer surface. This integration creates a cleaner, more streamlined appearance compared to separate mounting arrangements, thereby improving aesthetic appearance.
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
Enables both LiDAR detection and vehicle lighting functions within a compact form factor, minimizing impact on vehicle appearance and performance by using a single integrated system for LiDAR and light functions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light sources configured to generate transmission light; A non-detection portion of the transmission light is transmitted in a visible light spectrum to a field-of-illumination (FOI) via the aperture window
Implementation Method 2
When a transmitted light beam is scattered or reflected by an object, a portion of the scattered or reflected light returns to the LiDAR system to form a return light pulse
Implementation Method 3
Using the difference between the time that the return light pulse is detected and the time that a corresponding light pulse in the light beam is transmitted, the LiDAR system can determine the distance to the object based on the speed of light
Data Source
AI summary
A system for light ranging and detection (LiDAR) integrated with vehicle light fixtures is provided. The system includes one or more light sources configured to generate transmission light; a window; and a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism is controlled to: steer a detection portion of the transmission light toward a field-of-view (FOV) of the LiDAR via the window, and receive return light formed based on the detection portion of the transmission light in the FOV. A non-detection portion of the transmission light is transmitted in a visible light spectrum to a field-of-illumination (FOI) via the window.