Rearview Mirror Dual-Mode Illumination for Ground Light and Camera Aid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle illumination systems fail to provide effective and safe ground illumination for both human visibility and camera-assisted driving systems, especially at night, as they either distract other drivers with visible light or are insufficient in low ambient lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dual mode ground illumination module that includes a visible light-emitting LED and an infrared/near-infrared LED, which can be independently controlled to provide visible light for human approach detection and non-visible light for camera-assisted systems, synchronized with camera operations to enhance image capture in low light conditions without distracting other drivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If visible light illumination is provided for human approach detection, then human visibility is improved, but other drivers may be distracted
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into two distinct modes: visible light mode for human approach detection and infrared mode for camera assistance. This segmentation allows the system to provide illumination only when necessary for each function, eliminating the problem of visible light distracting other drivers during camera operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the wavelength parameter of the illumination light between visible and infrared ranges based on operational requirements. By switching between these parameter states, the system achieves effective ground illumination for human detection while avoiding visible light interference with other drivers during automated camera-based operations.
2Measurement precision
If infrared illumination is provided for camera image capture, then image quality in low light is improved, but human visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into two distinct modes: visible light mode for human approach detection and infrared mode for camera assistance. This segmentation allows the system to provide illumination only when necessary for each function, eliminating the problem of visible light distracting other drivers during camera operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach by employing infrared illumination as a mediator between the camera system and the environment. The infrared light serves as an invisible bridge that enhances camera capture capability without interfering with human vision, allowing the camera to 'see' in low light conditions while humans remain unaffected.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single illumination source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operational modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two distinct illumination functions (visible light and infrared) into a single integrated ground illuminator module. This combining approach allows the system to achieve dual-mode adaptability while minimizing device complexity by using a unified structure rather than separate illumination systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground illuminator is designed with universal functionality to perform both visible light illumination and infrared illumination through a single device. This multi-functionality allows the same illumination module to adapt to different operational modes (human approach detection and camera assistance) without requiring separate dedicated 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 dual mode illumination module provides improved visibility for human approach and enhanced camera image capture in low light conditions, ensuring safety and functionality for both human interface and driving assist systems without causing distractions.
Implementation Method 1
a visible light-emitting LED
Implementation Method 2
an infrared/near-infrared LED
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a dual mode illumination module having a first light emitting diode (LED) operable to emit visible white light when electrically powered and a second LED operable to emit non-visible light when electrically powered. The first LED, when the vehicle is parked and the first LED is electrically powered, emits visible white light to provide visible ground illumination at a ground region at least partially along the side portion of the vehicle. Visible ground illumination by the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly at the ground region is locked-out during movement of the vehicle. The second LED, when the second LED is electrically powered, emits non-visible light to provide non-visible illumination for a camera viewing exterior and at least sideward of the vehicle. Non-visible light emission by the second LED is not locked-out during movement of the vehicle.