Laser Emitter for Traffic Preemption with Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional traffic preemption systems rely on large infrared emitters to achieve appropriate beam width for signal detection, which results in bulky equipment and limited flexibility in signal emission patterns, hindering efficient priority indication and vehicle preemption.
Innovation Solution
A laser emitter system comprising a laser diode or array, optics for beam shaping, and a control module that triggers emission of a laser beam with a predetermined frequency and duration, optionally using LED's for increased range and angle, and a visible light filter for selective infrared emission, allowing for compact design and flexible priority indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional infrared emitters are used to achieve appropriate beam width for signal detection, then the beam width requirement is met, but the equipment size becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the light source from conventional infrared LEDs to laser diodes, which inherently emit collimated beams with much smaller divergence angles. This parameter change allows achieving the required beam width at the detection point using a compact emitter, eliminating the need for large optical components while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of large collimating lenses and reflectors traditionally used with infrared LEDs with a laser diode system that inherently provides the desired beam characteristics. The laser's natural collimation property substitutes for complex mechanical optical systems, reducing equipment size while maintaining signal integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional infrared emitters are used, then the system is simple, but the flexibility in signal emission patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the laser emitter through electronic modulation capabilities, allowing the emission pattern, intensity, and duration to be dynamically adjusted based on vehicle type, priority level, and traffic conditions. This dynamic control provides flexibility in signal emission patterns without requiring multiple physical emitters or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal laser emitter system that can serve multiple functions: different vehicle types (emergency, public transportation, private), different priority levels, and various signal patterns (steady, flashing, variable frequency). A single laser emitter with electronic control replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized emitters, reducing device complexity while increasing adaptability.
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 laser emitter system provides a compact, high-power, and flexible solution for traffic preemption, enabling efficient priority indication and vehicle preemption with reduced equipment size and enhanced safety features, such as automatic beam width adjustment and selective emission modes.
Implementation Method 1
a laser emitting diode or array configured to emit a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
one or more optics coupled to the laser emitting diode or array and configured to shape the laser beam
Implementation Method 3
a visible light filter configured to be remotely activated such that only infrared radiation is emitted by the laser emitter when the visible light filter is active
Implementation Method 4
a collimating lens configured to narrow the laser beam when the laser beam passes through the collimating lens
Data Source
AI summary
A laser emitter for a traffic control preemption system, the laser emitter comprising a laser emitting diode or array configured to emit a laser beam, one or more optics coupled to the laser emitting diode and configured to shape the laser beam, and a control module configured to trigger emission of the laser beam at a predetermined frequency and for a predetermined duration in accordance with one or more requirements of the traffic control preemption system.