Externally Augmented Camera Using LiDAR Illumination for Low-Light Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated and semiautomated vehicles face challenges in obtaining accurate imaging in low-light conditions due to the limitations of conventional camera systems, while other sensors like LiDAR remain operational, leading to incomplete environmental perception.
Innovation Solution
An externally augmented camera system that utilizes external light sources, such as LiDAR, to actively illuminate the scene, allowing the camera system to capture high dynamic range images by varying intensity levels over time, enabling accurate image generation even in low-light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional camera systems are used in low-light conditions, then the system structure remains simple, but the imaging accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor systems (cameras, LiDAR, radar) into an integrated sensing system. The LiDAR system provides active illumination and depth information, while cameras capture visual data. By merging these systems and coordinating their operation, the patent achieves accurate imaging in low-light conditions without relying solely on complex camera systems, thus improving imaging accuracy while managing system complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the LiDAR system serve multiple functions: it acts as both a distance measurement device and an active light source for illumination. The same LiDAR emitter that measures time-of-flight also provides the illumination needed for camera operation in low-light conditions. This multi-functionality improves imaging capability without proportionally increasing system complexity, as one component serves multiple purposes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor systems are integrated to improve environmental perception, then the imaging accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensor types (cameras, LiDAR, radar) into a unified sensing system with shared processing architecture. The sensors are coordinated to work together, with the LiDAR providing illumination and depth data that complements camera visual information. This merging approach improves environmental perception accuracy by combining complementary sensor data while managing complexity through integrated processing and coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordination mechanism that acts as an intermediary between different sensor systems. The system coordinates the operation of LiDAR and cameras, synchronizing their timing and processing their data together. This intermediary coordination layer enables multiple sensors to work harmoniously, improving overall perception accuracy while avoiding the complexity of completely independent sensor systems through centralized coordination.
3Measurement precision
If active illumination is used to improve low-light imaging, then the imaging accuracy improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the LiDAR system serve dual purposes: distance measurement and active illumination. The same LiDAR emitter that performs time-of-flight measurements also provides the illumination needed for camera operation in low-light conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve improved low-light imaging accuracy without adding separate illumination components, thereby managing energy consumption more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the illumination parameters of the LiDAR system to optimize energy consumption. By controlling the pulse duration, intensity, and timing of the LiDAR emissions, the system provides sufficient illumination for camera operation while minimizing energy usage. The illumination is activated only when needed (in low-light conditions detected by ambient sensors), reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous illumination 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
The system effectively generates accurate images by coordinating light emission and detection, overcoming the limitations of conventional camera systems in low-light environments, providing enhanced environmental perception for vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the emitted light may be a laser or laser pulse
Implementation Method 2
external light sources, such as LiDAR, to actively illuminate the scene
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices, methods, and systems for providing an externally augmented camera that may utilize external light sources of a separate sensor to emit light toward a scene so as to provide accurate imaging of the scene, even in dark or low-light situations or where the scene has a high dynamic range of brightness. The externally augmented camera system may include a sensor with a light source capable of emitting light toward a scene, a camera separate from the light source, where the camera includes a detector capable of detecting emitted light from the light source. The externally augmented camera system also causes the sensor to emit light toward the scene via the light source, causes the camera to capture image data of the scene that has been illuminated by emitted light from the light source, and generates an image of the scene based on the image data.