Integrated Lightbar Camera Shielding for LED and IR Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency vehicles with integrated lightbars and cameras face issues of visual interference from flashing lights, compromised aerodynamics, and aesthetic detraction due to external camera placement, which affects fuel efficiency and visual appeal.
Innovation Solution
A lightbar design incorporating a camera within the dome, using a cylindrical tube to shield the lens from ambient and infrared light interference, and employing frequency filtering to mitigate flicker from LED lights, with adjustable camera settings for improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the camera is mounted above or on top of the lightbar, then the camera can be installed without interfering with the lightbar's internal components, but the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle are compromised and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is integrated within the lightbar dome structure, merging two separate components (camera and lightbar) into a single unified assembly. This eliminates the need for external camera mounting while maintaining both functions, thereby preserving aerodynamic properties and fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is nested inside the hollow space of the lightbar dome, with the camera housing positioned within the existing lightbar structure. This nesting approach allows the camera to be installed without adding external components, thus maintaining the vehicle's aerodynamic profile.
2Ease of manufacture
If the camera is mounted above or on top of the lightbar, then the camera can be installed externally, but the visual sleekness and aesthetic appeal of the vehicle are detracted
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is merged with the lightbar dome structure, creating a unified aesthetic appearance. The camera housing is integrated within the dome's hollow space, eliminating the need for separate external mounting that would compromise the vehicle's visual sleekness.
3Device complexity
If the camera is mounted within the lightbar without shielding, then the integrated design is achieved, but the flashing LED lights cause significant visual interference in the camera's recording
Solution Approach 1:
The lightbar dome interior is segmented into distinct zones: a shielded camera zone and an unshielded lighting zone. The cylindrical tube with opaque walls creates a physical barrier that separates the camera from the LED lights, allowing both components to function within the same integrated structure without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical tube with opaque walls acts as an intermediary barrier between the LED lights and the camera lens. This intermediate structure blocks the harmful light from reaching the camera while allowing the camera to remain integrated within the lightbar dome.
4Loss of energy
If the camera is mounted within the lightbar without shielding, then the aerodynamic and aesthetic properties are improved, but the IR emitter's infrared light reflects from the dome and interferes with image capture
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical tube with opaque walls serves as an intermediary barrier that blocks reflected infrared light from the dome from reaching the camera lens. This intermediate structure prevents the interference while maintaining the integrated design benefits.
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
Enhances aerodynamic and aesthetic appeal while maintaining functional capabilities by reducing visual interference and ensuring high-quality image capture under various lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The tube running continuously from the camera lens to the inside surface of the dome prevents direct interference from light from the flashing LEDs from entering the camera directly, from IR light from the IR emitter from entering the camera directly
Implementation Method 2
prevents direct interference from light from the flashing LEDs from entering the camera directly, from IR light from the IR emitter from entering the camera directly, and from IR light from the IR emitters that reflects from the inside surface of the lightbar dome from entering the camera
Data Source
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AI summary
A lightbar (10) for an emergency vehicle is provided. The lightbar (10) includes lights (16) and a camera (14) within the same unit. An opaque and hollow cylindrical tube (22) runs from the lens (15) of the camera to an inside surface of the lightbar (10). The tube (22) prevents IR light that reflects from the inside surface of the lightbar (10) from entering the lens (15). The tube (22) also prevents IR light and light from LED lights (16) within the lightbar (10) from entering the lens (15) directly. Settings on the camera (14) are set so that image capture is filtered at a frequency of 50 Hz and 60 Hz. By providing such a tube (22) and by filtering out image capture at 50 Hz and 60 Hz, images captured by the camera (14) are greatly improved in quality.