Movable Microslide Micro-Lens Projection for Road Condition Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environment monitoring systems in vehicles face challenges in precision and cost-effectiveness, particularly in determining road conditions, due to limitations in focus depth and complexity of light pattern generation using micro-lens array projectors.
Innovation Solution
A micro-lens array projection device with a movable microslide array between field and projection lens arrays, allowing for high focus depth and flexible light pattern generation, including actuation by piezo actuators and infra-red light emission, to enhance precision and adapt to driving situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a pixel headlight is used to generate the light pattern, then the light pattern can be projected into the environment, but the device structure becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the projection system into separate components: a light source, a microlens array for generating multiple light beams, and a movable pattern template with microslides. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precise focus depth control through the movable template mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern template with microslides is made movable between the field lens array and projection lens array, allowing dynamic adjustment of the light pattern. This dynamic capability enables flexible pattern generation without complex fixed structures, reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision through adjustable focus positions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the light pattern is cast briefly into the environment, then human perception is not disturbed, but the system requires synchronization between camera and light source
Solution Approach 1:
The light pattern is projected in brief periodic pulses rather than continuously, allowing the system to gather depth information quickly while minimizing visible disturbance to human drivers. The pulsed operation reduces the need for complex continuous synchronization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses infra-red light for projecting the light pattern, which is invisible to the human eye. This allows the system to operate without disturbing human perception while eliminating the need for synchronization with human visual perception, simplifying the control system.
3Measurement precision
If stereo cameras are used for environment monitoring, then depth information can be obtained, but the system is limited to daylight and has distance-dependent precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an active light source (infra-red projector) as an intermediary to illuminate the environment. This allows the camera to capture depth information actively rather than relying on passive daylight, enabling operation in darkness while maintaining precision independent of distance through the structured light pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive optical systems (stereo cameras relying on ambient light) with an active optical system using infra-red illumination. This substitution enables operation in all environmental conditions including darkness, while the active triangulation method provides consistent measurement precision regardless of distance.
4Measurement precision
If ground lidars are used to record road condition, then depth information can be acquired, but the system is expensive and has limited vertical angular resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera system that can serve multiple functions: capturing visible light for normal imaging and capturing infra-red light for active triangulation depth measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated expensive ground lidars while achieving superior vertical angular resolution through the structured light pattern and camera geometry.
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 provides high focus depth and adaptability to various driving conditions, ensuring precise road condition detection even in darkness and at varying distances, reducing complexity and cost while minimizing interference with human perception.
Implementation Method 1
A micro-lens array projection device with a movable microslide array between field and projection lens arrays, allowing for high focus depth
Implementation Method 2
including actuation by piezo actuators
Implementation Method 3
infra-red light emission
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-lens array projection device has at least one light source, a field lens array, a projection lens array, and a pattern template arranged in a light beam path coming from the light source between the field lens array and the projection lens array for generating a light pattern from the light emitted by the light source. The pattern template is formed by a microslide array having at least two microslides. At least one microslide can be moved by at least one actuator in a plane located perpendicular to an optical axis between the field lens array and the projection lens array.