Automotive Lighting Wavelength Separation for Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automotive lighting devices interfere with the reception of luminous sensors due to the emission of light from other lighting functions, which can perturb the detection of surrounding objects.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing solid-state light sources emitting a specific wavelength, such as turquoise light (around 490 nm), which is safe for human eyes and does not interfere with luminous sensors, allowing the same lighting device to perform both lighting and object detection functions without additional sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lighting functions use the same light sources, then the lighting device is versatile and compact, but the light from other lighting functions interferes with the luminous sensor's detection of surrounding objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting device functionalityVSAvoidobject detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the first light source to emit in a specific range (475-500 nm) that does not interfere with the luminous sensor's detection capabilities, while other lighting functions use different wavelengths, thus resolving the interference issue while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through wavelength separation, where the luminous sensor is configured to detect only specific wavelength ranges, acting as a filter that allows the sensor to ignore light from other lighting functions while detecting reflected light from surrounding objects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If additional sensors are added for object detection, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing lighting device perform multiple functions by configuring the first light source and luminous sensor to operate in specific wavelength ranges that enable both lighting and object detection functions using the same hardware components, eliminating the need for separate detection sensors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the lighting function and object detection function into a single integrated system where the first light source serves both as an illumination source and a detection source, and the luminous sensor performs both lighting control and object detection, thereby reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 interference between lighting functions and object detection, enhancing the vehicle's ability to detect surrounding objects while ensuring eye safety and extending the lifespan of the illumination device.

Implementation Method 1

The first light source is a solid-state light source and emits light with a first peak wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

a luminous sensor configured to acquire a portion of a reflection of the light emitted by the first light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4201741B1Automotive lighting device and automotive vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP4201741B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention refers to an automotive lighting device comprising a first solid-state light source (2) configured to emit light in a first wavelength intended to contribute to a first luminous function, a second solid-state light source (5, 6) configured to emit light in a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, the second solid-state light source being intended to contribute a second luminous function, an optical element intended to project the light of the first solid-state light source, a luminous sensor (4) configured to acquire a portion of a reflection of the light projected by the optical element in the first wavelength and processing means (3) configured to control the operation of the light sources and to receive data from the luminous sensor (4).