Vehicle Lighting Waveguide Camera Layout for Clean 360° Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for motor vehicles face challenges in positioning due to limited structural space, high risk of contamination, and optical restrictions, limiting their effective use in capturing the vehicle's surroundings.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a camera system into the external lighting device of a motor vehicle, utilizing a design screen with a capturing device that includes a holographic input and output coupling region, allowing for image data capture and processing while being inconspicuously integrated into the vehicle's lighting system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If camera sensors are positioned centrally in the front region, rear region, or on side mirrors, then the positioning is simplified and structural space requirements are reduced, but the capture quality and optical performance deteriorate due to limited viewing angles and restricted surroundings visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera system with the external lighting device, integrating the image capturing device into the lighting unit housing. This combination allows the camera to leverage the lighting device's strategic positioning on the vehicle exterior, achieving both easy installation and high capture quality through the lighting device's optimal location for surrounding visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The external lighting device is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides illumination while simultaneously housing an image capturing device. This multi-functionality allows the same structural component to fulfill both lighting and surveillance purposes, eliminating the need for separate mounting locations and reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If camera sensors are positioned in locations with high accessibility to surroundings, then the capture quality improves, but the risk of contamination from puddle water splashing and environmental factors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the lighting device housing as an intermediary structure that protects the camera sensor from direct exposure to contaminants. The housing acts as a barrier against puddle water splashing and environmental factors, while still allowing the camera to capture images of the surroundings through strategically positioned lenses or openings in the lighting device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The image capturing device is nested within the lighting device housing, placing the camera inside a protective enclosure. This nesting arrangement shields the sensitive sensor from contamination while maintaining its ability to observe the external environment, effectively protecting against harmful factors without compromising capture quality
3Device complexity
If the capturing device is integrated into the external lighting device, then the system becomes more inconspicuous and space utilization improves, but the device complexity increases due to the integration of multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting device and camera system into a single integrated unit, reducing the total number of separate components that need to be manufactured and installed. This merging approach simplifies the overall manufacturing process by reducing assembly steps, even though the integrated unit itself has multiple functions, as it can be produced as a unified module
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
This solution enables a 360-degree all-round view of the vehicle's surroundings, reduces contamination risks, and provides reliable image capture, even in challenging environmental conditions, while maintaining an inconspicuous design.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier medium is configured to transmit the coupled-in light from the input coupling region to the output coupling region by internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
light which impinges on such a holographic grating at an angle that is distinctly outside the angular range that satisfies the Bragg condition passes through the holographic grating without being diffracted. However if light impinges on the holographic grating from an angle so that the Bragg condition is at least approximately satisfied, the light is diffracted at an angle
Data Source
AI summary
A design screen and at least one detection device with an image capturing device and a carrier medium are provided in an external lighting device for a motor vehicle. The carrier medium is a flat waveguide on which a coupling region and a decoupling region are provided. The carrier medium is adapted to the surface shape of the design screen. The coupling region and the decoupling region are each a holographic element. Light incident on the external lighting device from the surroundings is coupled into the carrier medium via the coupling region, is transported to the decoupling region by internal reflection in the waveguide, and is decoupled at the decoupling region. The image capturing device detects the decoupled light and provides image data which correlates to the detected light.