Movable Micro-Slide Lens Array for Adaptive Vehicle Light Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environmental monitoring systems for vehicles, such as those using stereo cameras or dedicated lidars, suffer from accuracy issues, particularly in low light conditions and at varying distances, and require complex and costly setups for generating structured light patterns.
Innovation Solution
A microlens array projection device with a movable micro-diagram array between field and projection lens arrays, allowing flexible generation of light patterns with high depth of field and adaptable to current environmental conditions, using conventional light sources like LEDs or lasers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a projection device is mounted on a vehicle to provide projection functions, then the vehicle's functionality is improved, but the vehicle's exterior design and aerodynamic performance deteriorate due to additional protruding structures
Solution Approach 1:
The projection device is integrated into the vehicle's existing exterior structure, specifically mounted within the front bumper or grille area. This merging approach allows the projection device to share space with structural or decorative elements of the bumper, eliminating the need for separate protruding housings while maintaining projection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The front bumper structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, aesthetic design, airflow management, and now also houses the projection device. By making the bumper a multi-functional component, the patent avoids adding dedicated projection structures that would compromise exterior design and aerodynamics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a projection device is mounted on a vehicle to provide projection functions, then the vehicle's functionality is improved, but the vehicle's aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to additional protruding structures
Solution Approach 1:
The projection device is embedded within the vehicle's front bumper or grille structure, merging it with aerodynamic surfaces. This integration ensures that the projection device does not create separate protruding elements that would disrupt airflow, thereby maintaining aerodynamic performance while adding projection functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projection devices are arranged in a matrix array, then projection coverage and functionality are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The projection device is divided into multiple independent projection elements arranged in a matrix array. Each element can be manufactured separately using standardized processes, and then assembled into the complete device. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity by allowing modular production while achieving comprehensive projection coverage through the array configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the matrix array can be configured with different projection characteristics to optimize for specific functions. For example, certain elements may be positioned or configured for daytime running light projections while others handle turn signal or lane change indicators, allowing each local region to have specialized properties tailored to its function.
4Illumination intensity
If a micro-lens array is used to collimate light from LED sources, then light directionality and projection quality are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-lens array is designed with specific optical parameters optimized for LED light sources, including lens curvature, focal length, and spacing. By carefully selecting and optimizing these parameters during the design phase, the system achieves effective light collimation and directionality control while accommodating the capabilities of current manufacturing processes.
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
Enables accurate and reliable detection of road conditions and surrounding objects in various lighting conditions and distances, simplifying the system by eliminating the need for synchronization and reducing costs through adaptable light patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-lens array is disposed over the LED and the micro-lens array is configured to collimate light emitted from the LED
Implementation Method 2
the projection device comprises a light source, a micro-lens array disposed over the light source and configured to collimate light emitted from the light source, and a projection element disposed over the micro-lens array
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a micro-lens array projection device (1) having at least one light source (2), a field lens array (3), a projection lens array (4) and a pattern template arranged in a light beam path (5) coming from the light source (2) between the field lens array (3) and projection lens array (4) in order to generate a light pattern (6) from the light emitted from the light source (2). The micro-lens array projection device according to the invention is characterised in that the pattern template is formed from a micro-slide array (7) which comprises at least two micro-slides (8), wherein at least one micro-slide (8) can be moved by means of at least one actuator (9) in a plane (E) perpendicular to an optical axis (OA) between the field lens array (3) and the projection lens array (4).