Vehicle Optical Projection with Shared Beam Path and Redundant Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices for motor vehicles have complex structures due to separate control of laser and infrared light beams, and fail to meet safety requirements if the infrared detector malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
The optical device integrates laser and infrared light paths with a shared beam path and uses a time-of-flight sensor to control the light distribution, allowing the laser light source and micromirror device to be controlled based on dual sensor signals, ensuring safe operation even if the infrared detector fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate control of laser and infrared light beams is used, then the optical device can independently control each light source, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser light path and infrared light path into a shared beam path. The light guiding device includes common optical elements (beam combination element, micromirror device, second deflection element) that handle both laser and infrared light, while maintaining separate control capabilities through independent light sources and detectors. This merging reduces structural complexity while preserving independent control functionality.
2Device complexity
If only an infrared detector is used for safety control, then the device structure is simpler, but safety requirements are not met if the detector fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a redundant sensor system with both an infrared detector and a time-of-flight sensor. This redundancy ensures that if one sensor fails, the other can still provide safety control functionality. The control device is configured to receive signals from both sensors and can switch between or combine their outputs, thereby cushioning against the failure of any single sensor and meeting safety requirements.
3Reliability
If a time-of-flight sensor is added for redundant detection, then safety control reliability is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The micromirror device serves multiple functions: it directs laser light to form the light distribution and also directs infrared light to the infrared detector for detection. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve redundant sensing with shared optical path components, reducing the overall structural complexity increase that would result from completely separate sensor systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate beam paths for laser and infrared light are used, then each light source can be optimized independently, but the optical device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser and infrared light paths into a shared beam path configuration. The light guiding device uses common optical elements including a beam combination element that receives both light sources, a shared micromirror device for beam direction, and a shared second deflection element. This merging significantly reduces the optical device volume while maintaining independent optimization capabilities through separate control interfaces for each light source.
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
This configuration ensures reliable and compact control of light distribution, enabling safe switching off of laser light and adjusting the projection to avoid illuminating detected objects, with a compact design and enhanced detection range.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source (2) for producing and emitting preferably visible laser light
Implementation Method 2
an infrared light source (3) for producing and emitting infrared light
Implementation Method 3
a first deflection element, for example a beam combination element (4a), a micromirror device (4b)
Implementation Method 4
the micromirror device (4b), which is configured to receive laser light directed or deflected by the first deflection element (4a) and to form the light distribution therefrom
Implementation Method 5
the laser light forming the light distribution is deflected by the micromirror device (4b) onto the second deflection element (4c), which is configured to deflect the light distribution in front of the optical device (1) into the laser light illumination area (2a)
Implementation Method 6
an infrared detector (5) for detecting infrared light
Implementation Method 7
a time-of-flight sensor device (6), which is configured to detect a measurement object in a sensor area (6a) in front of the optical device (1)
Implementation Method 8
the control device (7) is configured to receive the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, wherein the control device (7) is connected at least to the laser light source (2) and/or the micromirror device (4b) for control purposes such that depending on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, the control device (7) controls the laser light source (2) and/or the micromirror device (4b) in order to change the light distribution
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device (1) for a motor vehicle, for projecting a graphic element into a region in front of the optical device. The device includes a laser light source (2), an infrared light source (3), a light guiding device (4), an infrared detector (5), a time-of-flight sensor device (6), and a control device (7), wherein the light guiding device is configured to produce a light distribution with laser light from the laser light source and to form an infrared light beam from infrared light from the infrared light source, wherein the infrared detector is configured to detect reflected infrared light from a measurement object and send a first sensor signal, wherein the sensor device is configured to detect a measurement object and send a second sensor signal, wherein the control device is configured to change the light distribution depending on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal.