Vehicle NIR LED Masking Layout for Visible Light Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near-Infrared (NIR) LEDs installed on vehicles emit visible light, violating regulations and impacting sensor sensitivity, as existing filtering solutions either block too much visible light or reduce sensitivity, making it difficult to distinguish NIR signals from noise.
Innovation Solution
A light masking system using a printed circuit board with IR and masking LEDs, where the masking LEDs emit a predetermined wavelength range of light to mask the visible emission of IR LEDs, adjusting intensity based on vehicle proximity and location to comply with regulations and enhance sensor sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If filtering films are used to block NIR LED emission, then visible light emission is reduced, but sensor sensitivity to NIR signals is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light emission control into two independent components: the NIR LED for sensing and the masking LED for visibility control. This allows each component to be optimized independently - the NIR LED for sensor sensitivity and the masking LED for regulating visible light emission, thereby resolving the contradiction between reducing visible light and maintaining sensor sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking LED acts as an intermediary element that addresses the harmful visible light emission from the NIR LED without interfering with the NIR sensing function. By introducing this third element, the system can control visible light emission independently while preserving the original NIR LED's sensitivity for obstacle detection.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If 940 nm NIR LEDs are used to reduce visible emission, then visible light below 780 nm is reduced, but sensor sensitivity drops to approximately half
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the NIR LED system by introducing a separate masking LED with adjustable intensity. This allows the NIR LED to operate at optimal sensitivity parameters (850 nm wavelength) while the masking LED's intensity is adjusted to compensate for visible light emission, thereby maintaining both sensitivity and regulatory compliance.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If masking light sources are added to block visible emission, then regulation compliance is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the masking function with the existing LED system by placing masking LEDs in close proximity to the NIR LEDs and controlling them through the same or integrated control circuitry. This integration approach minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving the required masking effect for regulation compliance.
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
Effectively masks visible light emission from NIR LEDs, ensuring compliance with regulations while maintaining or improving sensor sensitivity for NIR signal detection, allowing for more effective obstacle detection and safer vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one masking light source disposed on the first surface of the PCB proximal to the IR light source and configured to emit a second predetermined wavelength range of light
Implementation Method 2
the emitted second predetermined wavelength range of light of the at least one masking light source masks the emitted visible light from the first predetermined wavelength range of the at least one IR light source
Data Source
AI summary
A light masking system for a vehicle includes: a printed circuit board (PCB); at least one infrared (IR) light source disposed on a first surface of the PCB and configured to emit a first predetermined wavelength range of light; at least one masking light source disposed on the first surface of the PCB proximal to the IR light source and configured to emit a second predetermined wavelength range of light, wherein a portion of the emitted first predetermined wavelength range of light of the IR light source includes visible light; and the emitted second predetermined wavelength range of light of the at least one masking light source masks the emitted visible light from the first predetermined wavelength range of the at least one IR light source.