Vehicle Light Source Lens Dimming for Halation Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Halation appears in images captured by imaging apparatuses due to excessive light reflection from the road surface, which is a common issue in light emitting apparatuses used in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The light emitting apparatus is designed with a lens that includes a dimmer or diffuser to reduce the amount of light emitted towards the support, preventing excessive reflection and halation in the imaging apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a laser beam is focused to a small spot size to achieve high processing precision, then the irradiated power density increases, but the depth of field becomes extremely short making it difficult to process 3D workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the problem from 2D plane processing to 3D volumetric processing by introducing a spatial light modulator that can dynamically adjust the focal depth. The system uses phase modulation to create focal points at different depths along the optical axis, enabling three-dimensional selective photopolymerization within the resin tank while maintaining a consistently small spot size at each focal plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and pre-positions multiple focal points along the depth axis before actual processing begins. The spatial light modulator is programmed with the complete 3D trajectory and focal depth sequence in advance, allowing the laser to efficiently navigate through the resin volume without real-time computational delays during the actual curing process.
2Length of moving object
If the laser beam is expanded to increase the depth of field, then the spot size increases reducing processing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic focusing system where the focal depth is continuously adjusted during processing. The spatial light modulator dynamically changes the phase profile of the laser beam in real-time based on the current processing depth, maintaining optimal focus at the target plane while scanning through different z-positions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve both deep penetration and sharp focus that static optical systems cannot provide.
3Productivity
If conventional DLP technology is used for 3D printing, then the entire layer is cured at once, but it is impossible to selectively cure only the necessary portions leading to material waste and inability to print hollow structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the curing process into two distinct stages: first, a preliminary exposure that creates a latent image or weakly cured regions only in the areas that will eventually require full curing; second, a selective final curing step that fully polymerizes only the necessary portions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high throughput while avoiding unnecessary curing of support structures or non-functional areas, enabling hollow and lattice structures that conventional DLP cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different curing intensities and durations to different spatial regions within the same layer. Areas requiring full structural integrity receive complete photopolymerization, while regions intended for hollow spaces or support removal receive minimal or no curing. This localized quality control is achieved through precise spatial modulation of the laser beam intensity and duration, allowing selective material properties within a single layer.
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 solution effectively prevents halation in images captured by the imaging apparatus, ensuring clearer road surface imaging without additional structures for light reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam is made to irradiate a photosensitive resin 130, thereby 3D-printing a three-dimensional (3D) object 100
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A light emitting apparatus (180) is supported by a second support supported by a first support laterally relative to the first support alongside an imaging apparatus (190), and emits light (300) to be detected by the imaging apparatus (190). The light emitting apparatus (180) includes a light source (120) that emits the light (300) and a lens (130) on which the light (300) emitted from the light source (120) is incident and that transmits the light (300) incident on the lens (130). The lens (130) includes a part provided with a dimmer (400) that at least partially reduces light (301) to be emitted to the first support out of the light (300) incident on the lens (130).