Line Detector Optical Scanning Element for Vehicle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle detection systems face challenges in scanning a large field of view effectively while the vehicle is moving, leading to inaccurate image data due to changing object positions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle detection system utilizing a line camera in conjunction with an optical scanning element, which rotates to change the field of view, combined with a light transmitter and near-infrared filter to improve image capture accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera is used to obtain image data of the surrounding environment, then the detection system can capture environmental information, but the field of view is limited and the image data becomes inaccurate due to vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into two parts: a line detector that captures one-dimensional line scans and an optical scanning element that sweeps across the environment. This segmentation allows the system to achieve a wide field of view through the scanning motion while maintaining accurate line-by-line image data capture, resolving the contradiction between field of view and image accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical scanning element is rotated around an axis to dynamically change the field of view of the line detector. This dynamic scanning mechanism enables the system to cover a wide field of view while the line detector maintains accurate capture at each position, solving the contradiction between wide coverage and measurement precision.
2Productivity
If the camera scans the environment while the vehicle is moving, then the detection system can obtain environmental data, but the image data becomes inaccurate due to changing object positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the scanning function (performed by the rotating optical scanning element) from the capturing function (performed by the line detector). This segmentation allows continuous environmental scanning while maintaining accurate line-by-line data capture, resolving the contradiction between scanning productivity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical scanning element continuously rotates to sweep the field of view across the environment, enabling continuous scanning while the line detector continuously captures accurate line data. This continuous operation maintains both high productivity in environmental scanning and high measurement precision in image data capture.
3Area of stationary object
If a line detector is used to capture images in series of line scans, then the system can achieve wide field of view, but the image capture process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical scanning element acts as an intermediary between the line detector and the environment. It rotates to sweep the field of view across the environment, simplifying the overall system architecture by using a simple rotational mechanism rather than complex multi-camera arrays or other sophisticated imaging 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 captures accurate images of a wide field of view with reduced distortion, enhancing collision avoidance and self-driving capabilities while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The optical scanning element is configured to rotate around an axis to change a field of view of the line detector with respect to the environment
Implementation Method 2
The 90 degree reflector is configured to redirect the light beam from the light transmitter towards the optical scanning element
Implementation Method 3
The Powell lens is configured to expand light from the 90 degree reflector from a pencil beam into a fan beam, directing the fan beam towards the optical scanning element
Implementation Method 4
a near-infrared filter positioned between the optical scanning element and the line detector such that unwanted background light from the environment is filtered through the near-infrared filter before receipt by the optical receiver elements
Implementation Method 5
a line detector including a plurality of optical receiver elements arranged in a line, the optical receiver elements each configured to receive light from the environment
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system, and method of using the same, for a vehicle in an environment. The system includes a line detector with a plurality of optical receiver elements arranged in a line. The optical receiver elements receive light from the environment and the line detector captures an image of the environment in a series of line scans. An optical scanning element rotates around an axis to change a field of view of the line detector with respect to the environment. The optical scanning element has a glass body defined by four glass sides and a reflective member within the glass body.